Review:New England Witch Chronicles

New England Witch Chronicles

by Chelsea Bellingeri

Published by:Create Space

Released:Jun 25th,2011

Pages:356 Paperback

Buy here

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were an embarrassing stain on America’s revered past. Innocent people were persecuted at the hands of a few over-zealous puritans. But what if there were real witches during those colonial hunts? What if there are witches in present day New England? That is what Alexandria Ramsey’s crazy grandmother believes. Grandma Claudia claims Alex descends from a long line of New England witches.

Modern day witches in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts? Unlikely, but strange things are occurring in the weeks preceding Alex’s seventeenth birthday, which also coincides with her family’s annual Halloween party. Alex is haunted by bizarre reoccurring nightmares of a man chasing her through the Hazel Cove Cemetery. On a few occasions, when her emotions have spiraled out of control, inanimate objects have shattered around her. But that’s just a coincidence, right? Alex isn’t so sure, especially after a local girl, who supposedly dabbled in witchcraft, was killed in the nearby forest.

Alex knows something strange is happening to her. With the arrival of a new boy in town, the mischievous James Van Curen, who is making her life difficult and causing problems between Alex and her best friend, Peter, Alex feels like her entire world is on the verge of chaos. Could Alex really be a witch? Is it possible Hazel Cove will become a battleground for modern day witches and witch hunters?

*Thank you Ms.Bellingeri for the copy*


My Thoughts-

   The book takes place in modern day Massachusetts in a town very close to Salem, Massachusetts home of the 1692 Witch Trials. Alex's life has always been pretty normal she has a best friend named Peter who she's know since they were babies, supportive friends, but the one thing different is her family situation. She's never been close to her parents Emma and Victor Ramsey, in fact Victor and Alex almost hate each other. Her mother Emma is a drunk but the only supportive family member she has is her grandmother Claudia. Peter and Alex often visit her in Salem but lately things have been getting strange for Alex especially after her 17th birthday. Her Grandma Claudia tells her there's a family secret but can Alex really believe what Grandma Claudia tells her. After all weren't all witches in Salem persecuted.....?


   Overall this book was well written and was a definite page turner. Even though it took me a while to finish the book when I could sit down and read it I read a lot! I absolutely loved Peter and Alex's relationship. I think every girl needs a guy like Peter to watch out for them. Unfortunately when James Van Curen walks in the picture things change. Characters start to change and Alex is stuck in the middle with some of it. As the story progresses you can't help but gasp in awe at some of the outcomes. I am still in shock at the outcome of the book.


  My only problem with this book was the religious aspect I should have seen it coming but I really didn't. Anyways I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars you should check it out but just be aware that there are some religious points in there. The second book will be Conjured which should be ready December of this year for more information check out Chelsea Bellingeri's site.

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn

Top Ten Tuesday 8/23

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Every week there is a new top ten list. This weeks is Top Ten Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For (either books you loved and couldn't bring yourself to write a review for or books that you read long before blogging...time to give them a shout out!)Oh and this is in no particular order.

1. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan. I talk about this book constantly and yet I have never posted a review but don't worry I am planning to re-read the series and reviews will definitely be up!

2.Hate List by Jennifer Brown. This book was truly an eye opener and I just loved every second of it.

3.The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I read this in seventh grade for a unit in class and I LOVED IT!It's fun while also having a serious side to it.

4.Dark Secrets #1 by Elizabeth Chandler. This was my first paranormal young adult book and it was amazing. Not to scary but enough to get little goosebumps.

5.Night by Elie Wiesel. What can you say about this book?It's touching and absolutely heart breaking I think everyone should read this at least once in their lifetime.

6.For Keeps by Natasha Friend. I could not put this book down. It was funny and it is mainly a love story.

7.The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I read it....loved it...but never reviewed it!It's The Hunger Games what else do I need to say? :)

8.The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. Last book in Percy Jackson series, I loved all of the books but I think this one deserves credit!

9.Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Again loved the series but never actually wrote a review for this specific book and it was one of my favorites!

10.Wanted by Sara Shepard. Last book in the series(not anymore!) but it was amazing!

So that was my Top Ten List!I hope you all enjoyed and tell me your Top Ten List as well!:)
Happy Reading,
Ashlinn

Waiting on Wednesday #7!

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights an upcoming release that I am eagerly awaiting. This week's is Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf.

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

I am so excited for this one!It's a mystery of course and I love mysteries!This is set to release April 24,2012 so quite a while now. One more thing I am so sorry I haven't posted in a while school just resumed and I'm in high school now so more work....boo!But I am trying to finish my review books so if I promised to review one of your books I am so sorry it is taking a while!

Have a wonderful week,

Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #3

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren 

sharing what books we have either received, bought or from the library.

I just got one book this week...and it's from *sob* Borders. D: It's just to sad. But anyways I got Wildfire by Karsten Knight for like $12. *Sigh*

Every flame begins with a spark.
Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.
This book has and is being talked about all over the blogging community so I decided what the heck I might as well read it because it does involve mythology. Another awesome thing is the main characters name Ashline, my name is Ashlinn so  we have very similar names, but what I'm wondering is her name pronounced Ash-Leen or Ash-Lynn like mine?Anyone know?

Author Interview: Karl Fields

 Please welcome Karl Fields author of The Odd Job Squad!






 goodreads | Blog | twitter
_______________________________________________

Did you incorporate any personal experiences in your book?

Ander, the story’s main character, and I share a fondness for fortune cookies. When most people go out for Chinese food, they might have one fortune cookie and that’s mainly to get the fortune inside. I’m the opposite; I like the cookies. It’s not uncommon for me to grab a small handful (if no one’s looking, that is).

How did you come up with the idea for a "revenge business?"

It started with a news article I read a couple years ago about a school that had instituted a program to cut down on bullying. That got me to thinking, how might kids solve this problem if left to their own device?

If you could meet one of your characters who would it be?

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say Joe. I love the combination of his laid-back, “What, me worry?” attitude and his knowledge of all things tech.

 I also have to tell you that last year I was in a bookstore and saw a girl who looked exactly what I imagine Shooter looks like. That was weird. I had to resist the urge to start talking to her like I knew her.

What are your future projects and do you plan on making a sequel?

This fall, I’m hoping to release my second book, “Instant Preplay,” the story of a boy who discovers that his DVR records TV shows before they air. It’s also for mid-grade readers, but with a different set of characters. And yes, I’m kicking around ideas for a sequel to “The Odd Job Squad.” I’m going to be very busy!

Lastly, what are you reading right now?

“The Throne of Fire” by Rick Riordan

Great answers Karl and thank you for the interview!

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn

 

Review: The Odd Job Squad

The Odd Job Squad 

by Karl Fields

Published by:Self Published

Released:June 14th,2011

Pages:205 Kindle

Buy here

The best way to get even is to get Odd.

Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback.

Especially payback.

When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Email Ander’s crew and, if your case if legit, they’ll get even on your behalf.

It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to help him and his friends from blowing their cover.

But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention-dodging skill the guys can muster to keep a lid on their secret.

*Thank you Karl for the book*

My Thoughts-

   The Odd Job Squad is about 4 best friends who run an underground revenge business. Their business started when a mean girl was going to far with Shooter(One of the main characters.) After that they continued to get revenge for the underdogs. But when a series of events happens, the best friends secret business starts to unfold and if anyone did find out who was really behind all those pranks; it would be the end for The Odd Job Squad.

 There wasn't anything in the story that I disliked. There's a little bit of romance in there but not enough to make a boy hurl or something and I give Karl props for that. The book is just perfect for both boys and girls.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it wasn't confusing at all.Although it was face paced I found myself never confused. It's defiantly one of those books where when you sit down to read it you get sucked into it because it's a light and fun read.All of the characters were wonderful and I loved them all!

  Like I stated above, this book is just perfect for boys and girls. But I would have to say this is more of a middle school type book instead of YA. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars! It's a fun and easy read so I defiantly recommended to check it out! And don't forget to read my interview with Karl himself!

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn 

Review: Reckless Magic

Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson(#1 Star-Crossed Series)

Published by:

Released:March 14,2011

Pages:

Buy here

16 year old Eden Matthews has been in and out of private schools for the last two years. She can't seem to stop herself from closing them down. Kingsley is her last chance to finish high school and the last private school willing to accept her. She is focused on just getting through graduation until she realizes Kingsley is not like the other private schools she's been to. The students may be different, but so is she. And after meeting Kiran Kendrick, the boy who won't leave her alone and seems to be the source of all of her problems, she is suddenly in a world that seems more make-believe than reality. To top it off, she is being hunted by men who want to kill Kiran and her best friend Lilly is taken away to a foreign prison. Eden finds herself right in the middle of an ancient war, threatening everything she loves. She alone has to find a way to save her best friend and the boy who has captivated her heart. Reckless is an intricate story about mystery, adventure, magic and forbidden love. Eden Matthews is an unlikely heroine determined to save the world and be with her one, true love before its too late.

*Thank you Ms.Higginson for a copy* Her blog

 My Thoughts:
   The book follows Eden, a 16 year old who lives with her Aunt. She always thought she was a normal girl living a normal life. But a series of events reveals that she is a witch with of course magical powers. Now she doesn't just have to worry about passing the next exam or getting her driver's license. She has to worry about keeping her magic under control and staying away from the insanely good looking so called "celebrity" named Kiran. Besides that there are secrets being kept from her.....secrets that could change the magical world.


    Eden, was a really enjoyable character. She's gorgeous, sassy, and smart. Besides that she can really hold her own and knows how to be independent. She was really confused and lost when she was told that she was witch as I assume anyone else would have been. But she didn't let her new abilities affect her ego which I thought was really great.


   Then we meet, Kiran Kendrick a bad boy, who is rude and arrogant. When he was first introduced I disliked him instantly, but as the story progressed as well as Eden and Kirans relationship; I felt myself liking him more and more. He's one of those characters you love him one moment and the next you feel a deep hatred for.

  I wish I could tell you guys more about the other characters but then that would probably ruin the book. Bottom line I rate this 5 out of 5 stars! It was awesome and you all should check it out!The second book is called Hopeless Magic and will be available to purchase August 9th on Amazon Kindle and smashwords!

 

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn 

Review: Quest of the Demon

Quest of the Demon by M L Sawyer

Published by: M L Sawyer via Smashwords

Released:January 28th,2011

Pages:277 e-book

Buy here

Darci is a popular sixteen-year-old girl who plays basketball and lives in an ordinary country town. But her life is changed forever when she is accidentally transported to the land of Nahaba by a young apprentice wizard called Taslessian.

Within hours of her unexpected arrival, both teens are thrust into a dangerous journey to the cave of Grisham the Great in the hope that he would be able to send her home.

Upon reaching the cave, however, Darci quickly discovers that there is no such thing as accidents, and that their journey is only just beginning.
The Quest of the Demon has begun.

*Thank you Ms.Sawyer for sending me a copy.*


My thoughts-
 The book starts out when Darci is brought to another world by an inexperienced wizard named Taslessian. They quickly figure out that she is in a lot of danger because an evil wizard wants to capture her so he can become stronger and do more evil things. The classic evil wizard trying to take over the world. Along the way they run into trouble and then they meet the powerful dragon Grisham who tells the two that a war is going on between the North and South and they will have to participate in it.


Overall I thought the book was pretty good. Some parts kind of drug on especially the parts leading up to the battles. I liked the relationship between Darci and Taslessian, and I'm interested in how it will progress. If you are looking for a fantasy novel with interesting characters and quite a bit of action you have found your book. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars!

If you are interested in trying out the book I have a coupon code for smashwords that reduces the price to $0.99 email me at bbbbooks@yahoo.com if you are interested!

Happy Reading,

<3 Ashlinn