Review: Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

**If you haven't read The Demon Trapper's Daughter -- Turn back while you still can but GO READ IT!**

Did you read it? Okay then. Now we can talk...

Soul Thief
Book 2 of the Demon Trappers Series
Jana Oliver
St. Martin's Griffin
August 30, 2011
US Kindle Edition

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon. And love is just one of them… 

Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.

But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever… -Goodreads.com

After reading this book I'm not sure I can write a non-spoiler review. I shall attempt to do so...blindfolded. Just kidding, but seriously... 

I waited six months to read this sequel and let me tell you: it was WORTH the WAIT!  
 

In The Demon Trapper's Daughter (DTD), we met apprentice Demon Trapper Riley Blackthorne and the long cast of characters on both the good side and the bad side. Riley had it pretty rough in the first book: she loses her dad in more ways than one, almost lost her Demon Trapper boyfriend, the demons know her name...Let's just say if it could go wrong with the flick of Murphy's Law wand, it went WRONG. Riley just could not catch a break!

At the end of book one there is no doubt that Riley's soul is highly sought after from the good guys and the bad. Everything snow balled into an epic throw-down-knock-out battle at the end and now Riley has some pieces of her life to reassemble and a HUGE promise to keep.

This is where we find Riley at the beginning of the second book. The girl literally has the weight of the world on her shoulders. What I still love about Riley (besides that fact that she kicks ass) but also find frustrating is her need to try and solve all of her problems herself. She is learning to reach out and accept help...from everyone but Denver Beck. That is something that I hope will eventually change.

As far as second books in a series goes, I was not disappointed in the content. This time around we get the story from both Riley AND Beck (which lemme tell ya = fan girl SQUEEE!!!!). We get more of Mr. Denver Beck and I LOVED IT. He is so complex but simple at the same time. But maybe I just think that because it is not often that you get the male POV in YA books but I disgress...

Was I happy with the choices the characters made? No. They went in every direction but the one I was hoping for. Oh sure, I wanted to strangle Riley & Beck. A LOT. But was everything necessary for story progression and character development? Hell to the Yes.

Fair warning: You may not like where the story goes in this second book. I had my doubts. ~~~HOWEVER!~~~ I am placing my FULL faith in Jana Oliver's storytelling ability to take this story where it needs to go.

I started taking notes while I read Soul Thief and I wish I could share them with you, but alas they would be SPOILER-ISH TO THE MAX. Looking back at my notes I'm glad I was questioning things about characters, motivations and events from the very beginning. Twists and turns await you my friends.

If you thought the story was complicated in DTD, is just got even MORE complicated.  At this point it could be anyone's guess what we will find in book three. I, for one, will be squirming until that release date!

Waiting on Wednesday (5): Carrier of the Mark by

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Carrier of the Mark

Leigh Fallon

Harper Teen

Expected publication October 4, 2011

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction. -Goodreads.com

Look at that cover:  It's gorgeous!  I know, I know.  Don't judge a book by its cover -- and I'm not.  However, that blue color just draws me in.  Immediately I am wondering, "Who is this girl and what is her story?"

Just by the description alone I am intrigued.  Fate, romance, and Ireland.  I love books set in foreign locales.  I have always wanted to go to Ireland and I like living vicariously through characters since it may be a long time before I make it to the Emerald Isle myself.  

I haven't read any ARC reviews because I am looking forward to reading it for myself.  

Top 10 Tuesday (3): Sequels I'm Dying to Read

Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Fairly certain that to anyone who reads and doesn't live under a rock knows about these series.  Yes, they are all pretty dang popular and I was late to the starting gate on some of them but I love love love them and can't wait to read the next books in the series...

1. Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready (Shade #3):  Zach & Aura and the whole Shift ideology just fascinates me and has me hooked.  This series is sure to be one I will re-read multiple times.
2. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines #2):  Yes.  I realize Bloodlines was just released last week but I love Richelle's writing and this spin-off of Vampire Academy series just tickles me pink.
3. Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton (Angelfire #2): Ellie & Will captivated me in Angelfire.  I love their relationship but at the same time they give me heartache.  Courtney is an awesome storyteller and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.
4. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #4):  Ash, the Ice Prince.  He might be frosty but he melts my heart.  A book about Ash?  Yes, please!
5. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices #2):  This might be blasphemous to the TMI world, but I think I *might* just love the TID side a bit more.  Shadowhunters in period clothing in England!  Sullen, broody Will and violin-playing, tender Jem.  What isn't there to love?       
6. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter (Gallagher Girls #5):  A school for spies, teenage antics, romance, mystery, Double-Oh-Seven type stuff...I devoured books 1-4 and cannot wait to see my favorite characters again.
7. Insurgent by Veronica Roth (Divergent #2):  After reading The Hunger Games, I developed a taste for dystopian books and Divergent was spot-on AMAZING.  After the ending of Divergent, I am dying to know what happens next.
8. Immortal Beloved by Katie M. John (The Knight Trilogy #2):  Arthurian Legend stories rip me to pieces but in a good way I suppose.  What girl doesn't love reading about knights in shining armor performing chivalrous deeds and love stories destine to be?  
9. Bad to the Bone & Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready (WVMP 2 & 3):  Vampires + radio station = Adult series about vampire disc jockeys.  These vamps don't sparkle!  Humor, action, violence, and vampires
10. Cascade & Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren (Rive of Time 2 & 3):  Chivalrous hot Italian boys in ancient Tuscany.  This is a series that was meant for me!

What sequels are you simply hurting to read? :)  

100 Popular YA Novels

Now this list isn't exactly accurate considering there are tons of books missing from it.  Lots of familiar names and titles and surprisingly lacking others that are popular.


My friend Teri over at Dreaming Dreams No Mortal Ever Dared saw this on a blog and that blogger saw it on another blogger's blog and...well you get the idea.  The farthest I tracked it back was on a blog that is done in Swedish (here's the post).  Thanks to Google Translate, this is roughly what the blog post said:

They where 100 youth books                                                                                                Yep, I jump on this as well and devotes a post to the 100 most popular juvenile books. Saw the list for the first time in Boktycke and since I have seen it on lots of blogs. Make the most of the other and select the ones I read in bold. Those in italics are the ones I own but have not read yet.

I told Teri I would post my list today so here it is!  I obviously have a lot of reading to do.  My blog and Twitter buddies constantly see me complaining about my TBR list being a shambles.  Well, it just got worse thanks to this list!


Purple = Have Read
Pink = On my TBR


1. Alex Finn – Beastly
2. Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
3. Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Ally Condie – Matched
5. Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) - I forget how many I read but I didn't finish.
6. Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
7. Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
8. Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
9. Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
10. Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
11. Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
12. Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2) 

13. Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

14. Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
15. Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
16. Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)
17. Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3, 4)
18. Christopher Paolini – Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
19. Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
20. Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
21. Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
22. Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
23. Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
24. Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
25. Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
26. Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere

27. Gail Carson Levine – Fairest

28. Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)

29. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

30. James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
31. James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

32. Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why

33. Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
34. Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
35. John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
36. John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
37. John Green – Looking for Alaska
38. John Green – Paper Towns
39. Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
40. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
41. Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)

42. Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)

43. Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
44. Lemony Snicket – Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
45. Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
46. Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
47. Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
48. M.T. Anderson – Feed

49. Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)

50. Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

51. Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)

52. Markus Zusak – The Book Thief
53. Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
54. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
55. Mary Ting – Crossroads
56. Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
57. Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
58. Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
59. Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
60. Meg Rosoff – How I live now
61. Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
62. Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
63. Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road
64. Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
65. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
66. Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
67. Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
68. Neal Shusterman – Unwind
69. Neil Gaiman – Coraline 

70. Neil Gaiman – Stardust

71. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
72. P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 
73. Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
74. Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
75. Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist I read "Dash & Lily's Book of Dares" instead
76. Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
77. Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
78. Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
79. S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
80. Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
81. Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
82. Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
83. Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
84. Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
85. Scott Westerfeld – Leviathan (1, 2)
86. Scott Westerfeld – Uglies (1, 2, 3)
87. Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
88. Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
89. Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
90. Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
91. Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)

92. Stephanie Meyer – The Host

93. Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)

94. Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
95. Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)

96. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)

97. Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
98. Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
99. Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
100. Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped

TGIF (1): Making a Difference

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads.  Each Friday Ginger poses a question for us to share our thoughts on.  If you'd like to participate, head on over to her awesome blog and link up!

This week's topic:

Making a Difference: Which book(s) would you put in the hands of today's teenagers in hopes of making a difference in their lives?

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, & Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins            In order to get the full effect of the series, I think teens should have to read all three.  There are so many great themes and room for discussion.  Dystopian world, politics, radical government, class system, family issues, morality, mortality, love, relationships, revolution...I could go on and on.  


Back when I was in high school, I had to suffer through reading 1984  by George Orwell.  Please don't get me wrong.  I respect that it is a classic and has been on required readings lists forever.  But it was hard for me to relate to as a sophomore in high school.  In my very humble opinion, I think The Hunger Games series could easily replace the idea of Big Brother watching and a corrupt, heavy handed government.  Not to mention, the story is written through the eyes of a teen-age girl, not some middle aged man.  It brings the story down to a teen's level and makes it more accessible. 

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
This story is about the touchy subject of teenage sex.  (I'm not here to preach against it or for it.  That is your own view and I'm not writing this to change it).  But teen age sex does happen.  Sex complicates lives and relationships.  As we grow older we realize this.  However, teens don't often think of the complications and consequences.  They do it because they think everyone else is doing it or for all the wrong reasons (Yes, I realize this is a generalization but more because it is a majority and not an exception).  


Not That Kind of Girl is a story that talks just about reputations and connotations that can come along with losing your virginity for both boys and girls.  The main character feels that she has to hide the fact that she is no longer a virgin to avoid being "that type of girl".  The journey she makes through the book is a pretty typical story with ordinary events but the end message is truly strong and meaningful.  Something I wish I would have realized for myself when I was growing up or that someone had explained to me.  I can see why it wouldn't necessarily be required reading but I think it is something every young woman should read on their own.  The boys could benefit as well.  Labels are a horrible thing and it effects both of the sexes.  

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber 
This book is rated for the mature teen reader based on the content of sexual situations, language, and drinking but I don't think it should stop someone from reading it.  Honestly, it's no worse than the reality crap on TV right now (that I avoid like the plague).  Teens in the public eye being idolized for things such as teen pregnancy, under-age drinking, etc.  But I digress...
  
Another book about complicated teen relationships, Between the Lines is really about growing up, making decisions, making mistakes, making good decisions, and how you handle the cause and effect of your actions molds your life (in my humble opinion again).  You can royally screw up BUT it's whether you take responsibility for that mistake or whether blow it off and let someone else handle it that makes you grow as a person.  I fell in love with this book and there are so many characters that anyone that reads it will be able to identify with one and really get into the story.  Life with all its highs, lows, and inbetweens.  (Read my review here).   


Which book(s) do you think could make a difference?

WVMP Series Read-Along, Starting October 1st

To further celebrate our love for Jeri Smith-Ready, What's on the Bookshelf, Fictitious Delicious, Living Fictitiously and  And many to read before I sleep (that's me!) are happy to co-host an event you can really sink your teeth into.  Introducing...

WVMP Series Read-Along

October 1 – 30, 2011

October 1 - 8:  WICKED GAME (WVMP Book #1)

October 9 - 17:  BAD TO THE BONE (WVMP Book #2)

October 18 - 26:  BRING ON THE NIGHT (WVMP Book #3)

October 27 - 30: LET IT BLEED (WVMP Online Novella) 

This is by no means a "read the book then answer these questions" type of read-along.  It's more like a "let's read these books together and talk about the awesomeness/WTF-ness we just read."  We all know how important it is to have someone to gush to when you're reading a great book.  And that's EXACTLY what this is. We'll post discussion questions on Google + twice a week to help get the conversation going, but we want to be talking about what YOU want to.

Now, before you sign up for the read-along you need to know that the material contained in these books is geared toward an adult readership.  Explicit language, strong sexual content and fairly graphic violence are involved.  Please pass on this read-along if you are sensitive to any of these.

Oh, and get this!  Jeri is going to join us one evening in October to chat about the series.  See?  She really is the bee's knees. The cat's meow. The eel's ankle.  The elephant's instep.  The snake's hip.  She rocks.  As an added bonus, Ciara Griffin & Shane McAllister will also be visiting us and chatting us up from their Twitter accounts during the read-along. 

Participating is easy!  Just follow these easy steps:

1.       Signup for the Read-Along HERE.  Signup will close on Wednesday, September 28.
  

2.       If you don't have a Google + account, go signup for one.  (We can send you an invite if you need one.) And don't worry if you haven't used Google+ before.  We'll email detailed instructions to each participant at the end of September.

3.       Get the books.  If your library doesn't carry the books, tell them they should!  Here are some handy links for purchasing the books online. CONSTELLATION BOOKS*, AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, BOOK DEPOSITORY

Some of us are die-hard enough to own multiple copies of these books and if you'd like to borrow a set, let us know on the signup form.  (No guarantees that we'll have enough to go around.)

4.       Wait patiently for October and prepare for vampire greatness.

To kick off the event, each of our websites are giving away an entire set of the books!  Visit the links below for your chance to WIN the entire WVMP Series.  (4 Blogs, 4 Giveaways)

WHAT'S ON THE SHELF GIVEAWAY

FICTITIOUS DELICIOUS GIVEAWAY 

LIVING FICTITIOUSLY GIVEAWAY

And introducing my VERY FIRST giveaway...

And many to read before I sleep WVMP GIVEAWAY 

My contest will be open to INTERNATIONAL participants as long as Book Depository delivers to your country.  

Please let us know if you have any questions.  We look forward to chatting with you in October!

*Constellation Books is an Indie book store that Jeri supports.  If you order through them, you will be able to get signed copies of the books.  

WVMP Series Read-Along Giveaway

What's on the Bookshelf, Fictitious Delicious, Living Fictitiously and myself are hosting a Read-Along of the WVMP Series by the fabulous Jeri Smith-Ready.  


  

To kick off the WVMP Read-Along I will be giving away an entire set of the series:

WICKED GAME (WVMP Book #1)

BAD TO THE BONE (WVMP Book #2)

BRING ON THE NIGHT (WVMP Book #3)

My contest will close at Midnight EST on September 15th. 

I will be choosing the winner randomly from the entries below. One randomly chosen participant will then own the series so they can be sure to join us during the read-along event.

 To enter my giveaway you must:

1.      Follow my blog

2.     Signup for the WVMP Read-Along

      --Only WVMP Read-Along participants will be eligible.--

3.     Comment below telling me the following:

·        Confirm that you will be participating in the read-along  

·   Please be sure to leave your email

·        Tell me what you are looking forward to the most during the read-along

           
           4.      *Be at least 18 years of age due to the mature 

                  content of the series.* --This is on a good faith/trust system.--

This will be open to INTERNATIONAL participants as long as the Book Depository delivers to your country.

For the full details of the WVMP Read-Along - check the main page here.

I am so excited to be participating as a host for this awesome event!