My Merlin Awakening (Review)

My Merlin Awakening  

        (My Merlin, #2)

By: Priya Ardis

Release Date: June 12th, 2012

Genre(s): YA Fantasy/Mythology/Romance

My Review: (5/5 stars*)

My Merlin Awakening is an incredibly thrilling sequel. It's full of adventure as well as tons of mythological creatures. Ryan DuLac is immersed deeper into Arthurian legend. Ryan's character grows even more into the warrior she was meant to be as the wielder of Excalibur. I could not for the life of me put this book down, I tried my best to finish it slowly so as to savor its exciting story but failed epically and devoured the book in two days time during every waking second I wasn't busy. This book will intrigue you from start to finish. The tone transforms from something light into something a bit darker ever so subtly which pushes the story into a whole different direction. Although there is a visible love-triangle yet again between the two wizarding brothers it does not diminish the overlaying story which is amazing. You also get to peek behind the curtain of Merlin and Vivane's past which is a satisfying aspect to see how it's affected both their future actions. Overall an extremely enjoyable read. A guilty pleasure for anyone who loves Merlin and enjoys a nice spin on things. Priya Ardis is amazing and has yet again outdone herself with this sequel.


SYNOPSIS:

Arriane "Ryan" DuLac is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of Merlin "Matt" coming out as the sword bearer of Excalibur and legendary wizard Merlin. Matt exposed himself to the world to protect her secret. But Ryan is still the chosen one who wields Excalibur whether she is in denial or not. Ryan returns to her home to try and lead a normal life after learning the truth but finds it difficult when Vivane returns with her. She's also still connected to Merlin which means she sees his visions-and they are not good. How can you ignore the future when its flashing before your eyes in what appears to be the end of the world? Ryan is forced into reuniting with her fellow candidates and venturing on a dangerous journey to help Matt and Vane stop what is yet to come. Vane's past catches up to him when they stumble into mermaid territory and must face the consequences of the Fisher King. She must make the most impossible choices and brave death or face destruction. She must prove to herself that she's a champion and not just a regular. Unexpected twists threaten to change everything. Ryan must choose between two brothers and deal with the repercussions.

My Boyfriend Merlin (Mini-Review)

My Boyfriend Merlin  

(My Merlin, #1)

By: Priya Ardis

Release Date: December 1st, 2011

Genre(s): YA Fantasy/Mythology/Romance

My Review: (4/5 stars*) 

 

My Boyfriend Merlin is incredibly engaging and fun. If you like the BBC television show Merlin you'll love reading this series (as this was the case for myself). Even if you just enjoy different spins on Arthurian Legend this is a fantastic read and the third and final book "Ever My Merlin" releases soon (TBA). Priya Ardis does an outstanding job creating and intertwining a modern world with mythological aspects. Merlin is swoon worthy and the heroine of the story Arriane DuLac doesn't lack for intrigue and wit. A fresh twist on an old Arthurian Legend. It's clear that with each book the writing only gets better.

SYNOPSIS:

Arriane "Ryan" DuLac is your typical 17-year-old until she finds out her ex boyfriend Matt has been lying about his age - by a few centuries. He's ancient and mythical - literally. Back then they called him Merlin the greatest wizard to ever live. Known by legend he helped Arthur become King. However, Ryan doesn't want anything to do with him or his past but apparently fate has other plans when Excalibur drops out of the sky and falls in the dead center of England fused to a rock. Still DuLac is uninterested until her family is attacked and her and her brother are forced into training to fight the enemies that threaten to destroy her life. Now she needs Matt's help more than ever.

Storm (Review)

Storm 

(Elemental, #1) 

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Genre(s): YA Paranormal/Fantasy/Romance

My Review: (5/5 stars*)

This book was not at all what I had expected which is a good thing because at first I thought it would be a giant cliché. Thankfully it exceeded all expectations destroying my first thought irrevocably. Storm is a very unique and engrossing read. Unlike most YA I expected dialed down dialogue and sappy fall-all-over-you characters that lacked any real backbone. Wrong. Each character is tough, yet charming, and full of many layers of depth that will just continue to intrigue you. Although the story starts out about a female protagonist whose been the victim more times than she'd like to admit it's not just her story it's about 4 brothers and there relationships with each other and the world and the ongoing struggle to fit into it. Becca is just one of the many people that play an important role in the brothers lives including themselves. Storm just keeps building page by page and sooner rather than later you find yourself enraptured. A lot of action, forward momentum, cool abilities, excellent character developments, tons of unexpected twists right until the end. Fantastic story can't wait for the next.

SYNOPSIS:

Becca Chandler manages to attract the student body's attention–unfortunately it's for the worst reasons. Her ex is a great storyteller and that's why she's become pronounced as the girl who likes to get around. Every day a letter of reminder is thrown on her desk with offensive vulgarities directed at her assumed promiscuity. Things start changing when she fatefully saves the life of her classmate Chris Merrick whose attacked by 2 kids from her school. Chris isn't ordinary he has the ability to control the water element. He's not the only one with this unique ability, his 3 brothers each control an element as well; fire, wind, and earth. The same people that want to hurt Chris and his family has also marked Becca too. Now the rumor mill seems like the least of her problems; between being victimized, her absentee father returning, and a mysterious new boy at school she's got her hands full and her trust radar on full alert.