Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

#5 in the Vampire Academy Series
Published May 18, 2010 by Razorbill
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.

Review:   After reading this book I had to breath a huge sigh of relief.  I'm glad to see the series back on track. For anyone who is like me and hated Blood Promise, trust me when I say that was a hiccup in an otherwise excellent series. Spirit Bound is as full of awesome as the first three books. This is a difficult review to write because I don't want to spoil any of the crazy things that happen.  Let's just say that I really like what happened to Dimitri.  It's a really cool idea, even if it was presented in a rather convenient way.  I also really liked Abe and I'm very curious to see what he will do in the next book (turns out he's awesome lol). 

On the whole romance thing, I'm very anxious to see what will happen with the Rose-Dimitri-Adrian love triangle, but I have a few ideas.  I'll write this part like I haven't read the series and say that I never was team Adrian, and I don't really get the people who are on his team.  I mean, if you had the choice between a 6'7" awesome ninja fighter with respect and morals AND a super sexy Russian accent or a scrawny chain smoking alcoholic who is mentally unstable and makes thinly veiled sexual innuendos, who would you pick? 

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

#4 in the Vampire Academy Series
Published August 25, 2009 by Razorbill
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa the one she has sworn to protect no matter what and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Review:   I have to admit that after the awesomeness that was Shadow Kiss my expectations where VERY high for Blood Promise.  Sadly, I was disappointed.  Blood Promise was the only weak point in the entire series and it was very weak for 75% of the book.  With that said, there are still some really great parts of the book (mostly the ending, very awesome) and the introduction of some cool new characters (Sydney is super great as is Abe), but the book as a whole is far below the bar the rest of the series sets.

So, let's review the positives first.  Sydney is introduced in this book, and she becomes a pretty cool character in the rest of the series and in the spin off series Bloodlines.  However, in this book she's not that awesome, it's mostly just a way to put her in Rose's life.  I also really enjoyed the ending.  The final "battle" is exciting and really made me interested in the next book.  I don't want to give any spoilers, but trust me that the last 100ish pages are totally awesome.

However, there are 300 pages of BORING before you get to the awesome.  This book really takes a hit with the separation of Lissa and Rose.  Mead tries to have both their story lines run congruently, but neither are very interesting.  I found myself not really caring about Lissa when Rose wasn't around.  I didn't think the information revealed about spirit was that great, and most of Lissa's plot was just filler to give her something to do while Rose was away.  Also while Rose is in Siberia, we meet a lot of character that (with the exception of Sydney and Abe) serve no purpose to the main storyline and are basically just filler.  Which is very obvious.  Not to mention the way over use of flashbacks.  There was just TMI.  I don't care about the conversations that Rose had with Dimitri a couple months ago, I want to know what they're doing now.  This entire book (with the exception of the last 100ish pages) is just filler that doesn't do anything to push the main story along.

OK, even with all of that said, this is still an enjoyable read, just not as TOTALLY FREAKING AWESOME OMG! as the rest of the series.  Don't let this book stop you from the final two books.  They are super excellent, especially Last Sacrifice.  Overall Blood Promise is a bit of a hiccup in an otherwise enthralling series.

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: A Midsummer's Nightmare

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat.  Usually this meme focuses on different cover designs for the same book and decides which is better for the story.  I wanted to take this meme and add a little twist to it today by discussing a cover reveal!  

I haven't read any of Kody Keplinger's books, but I am really interested in them largely due to their covers.  A Midsummer's Nightmare is coming out June 5th, and it sounds really good.  I also really like this cover!

I love how the model is wearing a floppy sun hat and bathing suit - happy fun time vacation wear - but looks supremely pissed off.  I think it fits the tone of the book really well and also goes with the cover themes of her other books.  Looks like a great read!

These are Kody's other books.  I think they fit the themes of the books well.  I really love the colors used on the DUFF and even though you can't see it, the spine is totally eye catching.  I also love Shut Out's cover.  It fits the book perfectly, and I love the varsity font used in the title.  (and is it just me or does this model look a hella lot like Liv Tyler??)

73 Lessons Every Goddess Must Know by Goddess Leonie Dawson

Published August 17, 2011 by CreateSpace
5 stars


Goodreads Review
How would your world be different if you knew you were a Goddess? Join Goddess Leonie for the spiritual adventure of your life, as you discover just what it takes to become your very own goddess.


Review:  I discovered Leonie's Goddess Guidebook about a year ago and instantly fell in love with the turquoise mermaid magic that is her site.  There is so much wisdom in just her blog, let alone her amazing lessons and classes.  After a few months I decided to purchase a membership to the circle, and it was the best $99 I ever spent.  Hands down.  I have learned so much about my own spirituality and how to be a creative goddess, and I owe so much of that to Goddess Leonie.  Her classes, meditation, artwork, and writing are all beautiful and inspirational.  I am in total love.


73 Lessons Every Goddess Must Know is a lovely collection of some of Leonie's best work.  There are sections on creativity, motherhood, self confidence, and spirituality all peppered with beautiful photography and artwork.  My only wish is that this book was in full color.  I would have paid double for that :)


If you guys are interested in checking out her stuff, here are some links to some of my favorite stuff.  AND if you decide to buy something, please use the links below and I'll get a commission!  How totally awesome is that!  Please check it out! 

The 2012 Creating Your Goddess Year Workbook


The 2012 Creating your Goddess Year workbook, planner & calendar is an incredibly popular & useful tool to help you plan out & make happen your most incredible year yet. Over the last three years, thousands of women have used this workbook with the most amazing results. It’s the best planning tool available to help you make your year more inspiring than ever.

It’s filled with over 100 pages of worksheets & a printable calendar to help you dream, manifest, set your intentions, plan & cultivate your amazing new year. The workbook has been lovingly handwritten & rainbow illustrated… perfect for you to print out, soak up the rainbow colours of & get thoroughly inspired by!

You’ll get clarity on what you need 2012 to be. What you want to create during it. And most importantly, how to make it happen.  


This is one of the best things ever, if you only get one thing, make it this.  It's only $9.99!

Click here to buy your own copy!

Get it all.  Join the Goddess Circle!

The Goddess Circle is an online sacred space with e-courses, meditations & kits to help you discover the creative, wise, joyful Goddess in you! There are three e-courses you can enrol in to be a part of this amazing experience.

• The Radiant Goddess e-course: a 21 day journey to discovering the radiant goddess in you. This e-course comes with nutrition and movement plans, meditations, a recipe plan & soulful goddess projects to help you shine all over: mind, body and spirit!
• The Creative Goddess e-course: a six week path to discover the creative goddess inside you with sacred creativity, meditations & projects.
• The Creating your Goddess Haven e-course: six weeks to create a home that inspires you with spirited interior design, divine decluttering & magical space-clearing.

With each e-course, you’ll receive meditations, videos, guidance and projects. You also get access to a private online message board for you to share your journey with other Goddesses on the journey!

Over the last five years, Goddess Leonie has helped over a thousand women over the last five years discover the Goddess inside them.

Click here to buy your own membership!


Here's a video of my own 2012 workbook.  Definitely check it out, I love it!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

#4 in the Iron Fey series
Published October 26, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
egalley for review from netgalley
5 stars

Goodread Review
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul. 

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. 

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. 

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. 

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. 

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.


Review:  I have to admit that I was very skeptical going into this book, but I am so glad I read it!  I think this may be my favorite of the series.  The setting in this book is just fantastic.  It is so interesting and vivid, I wish it were a movie because I think I could sit and watch just the scenery for days.  I also really loved the overall story of the book (no spoilers!).  The quest that Ash goes on is really interesting and looks at the moral implications of being fey as well as what the future holds for the fey as humans move into a more technology driven society.


One aspect of the story that I really liked was how it addressed where fairies go when people forget their names and stories.  What happens when you stop believing in them.  I've been a huge fan of Peter Pan ever since I was a little kid, so I know that if you want fairies to be healthy and strong, you have to clap your hands and believe!  


The characters were as fantastic as they always are.  I absolutely LOVED Ash as the narrator.  He has this sense of introspection that Meghan never had.  Meghan was basically just trying to stay alive, but Ash really contemplates stuff.  He's a deep guy, ya know?  He also goes through some MAJOR trials in this book, and I really enjoyed (even though it tore my heart up) reading about the different tests he had to face in order to reach his goal.  And of course the side cast of Puck, Grim, and the Big Bad Wolf (who we met in Winter's Passage, one of the short stories) are as hilarious as usual.  Grim really is just one of the coolest characters ever.  

This cat is Grim lol

Overall The Iron Knight is the satisfying ending that fans of the series craved.  I am completely in love with Ash as a narrator and I really wish there was more to the series.  (Though, there was some stuff with Puck at the very end that just has my praying there will be a 5th Puck book.  I WOULD DIE OF HAPPINESS.  Seriously, I liked Ash but I'm Team Ginger all the way!).

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

#3 in the Iron Fey series
Published January 25, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Review:  The Iron Queen is a gripping conclusion to the main trilogy of The Iron Fey series.  It's the final show down between fey, with the summer and winter courts teaming up to stand up against the full onslaught of the Iron Fey forces, and Meghan may be their only hope of winning.  

The best part of this book is what I've been saying is the best part for the entire series, the fey lore.  We learn even more about the iron fey and Meghan and the magic revealed in this book is awesome.   Kagawa is just an excellent world builder, as I have said before.  I kept thinking that there was no way that the setting could get any better or that the world could be more enriched with thoughtful detail, but man was I wrong.  I also have to commend Kagawa on her choices she made with the ending.  I won't post any spoilers, but I'm really glad she went in the direction she did, and I loved how the ending wasn't picture perfect, but realistic.  It fit the mythology she spent three books building and left me tearing up with a broken heart.  

I also have to say that after three books Meghan FINALLY because the awesome bad ass I knew she could be.  The growth from The Iron King to this book is just awesome.  I love it when characters find their inner  Chuck Norris and just start kicking ass.  I loved all of the characters in this book though, not just Meghan.  Puck and Grim are as awesome as ever, and we also got to meet more really funny and interesting iron fey.  I really liked the rebels, it showed that the iron fey aren't just heartless machines.  They're fey too with feelings and fears. I actually found myself liking Ash a lot in this book, unlike The Iron Daughter.  I found Meghan and Ash's relationship to be a lot more believable which was a total relief.  The character development for the entire cast was very well done.


Overall The Iron Queen is a fantastic finale to Meghan Chase's story.  We've seen her grow from a timid school girl to a kick ass faery queen, ready to fight for the people she has come to love.  The mythology set up in this series is superb.  It is a rich and detailed world that will stay in your imagination long after you've put the book down.  I cannot recommend this series enough. 

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Rebel Heart

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat.  Usually this meme focuses on different cover designs for the same book and decides which is better for the story.  I wanted to take this meme and add a little twist to it today by discussing a cover reveal!  

This is actually a double Friday Face Off because I'll be talking about a cover reveal and series cover change AND a series title change!  You guys may remember I reviewed Blood Red Road back in August, and one of the best parts of the book was the beautiful cover.

Excellent cover, no?  Well, with the release of Rebel Heart, the second in the series, the series has not only gotten a face life, they've also renamed the book to Dust Lands: Blood Red Road.  Here are the new covers.

I know I rarely think this, but I really like the new covers more.  I love the colors, and I think they look like totally awesome action movie posters!  I really love the re-do for Blood Red Road, I think it puts off a way more "this girl is bad ass" feel than the original, which has a more desolate and sad feeling.   So what do you think?  Let me know in the comments!