Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Book: Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Acquired: Borders Books before it closed down

Retail Price: $16.99

Sale Price: $12.30

Number of Pages: 344

Synopsis:  The land is her comfort, yet it can't satisfy her. The ocean is dark and dangerous, yet it beckons her home. Her heart is torn in two, yet it pulses stronger  than ever. Better take cover. A tempest is brewing...

On land...
Tempest Maguire loves her California coastline home. Surfing the killer waves. taking care of her brothers and dad. Loving her longtime boyfriend, Mark. But the weight of her secret is pulling her under, toward the ocean's ever-growing call.

Among the waves...
Tempest's secret? She is half mermaid, a legacy left by her absent mother, who returned to the ocean many years ago. And now Tempest has her own choice to make. Complicating matters is Kona, an enigmatic newcomer whose otherwordly abilities hint at a shared passion and common secrets.

Beyond the sea...
but there is more at stake besides Tempest's heart and her identity-her life may be in danger too. Because the waters hide a mysterious and dark secret world of their own, one full of sweeping romance and thrilling adventure-but one where nobody, least of all Tempest, is safe.


Stars: ★★★★★

Review: Sooooo.... I loved this book. Really loved this book. I didn't like this book at first... I feel like I say that about a lot of books. It's rare when I like a book right off. It needs to be intriguing and beautifully written from the first word for me to absolutely love it from the beginning. Lately there is only one book that I have read that qualifies, however books can redeem themselves. It just means I have to read a couple of pages before I can get into it. I diverted. :) Well, to say the least once I read a few pages in, I loved it. Now, with that said, there were a few things that irritated me about the book.

Tempest's character is very interesting, but I did not think they would just come right out with that little mermaid bit. I thought they would drag it out a little while before anything was explained. I guess I was wrong. I was actually prepared for a little of a build up before that scene came to play. I think it kind of took away a little from the plot. I know it was something in the synopsis, but it's something that I think is important to build up for. It's the main part of the story line and it was like "Poof".

Secondly, I hate Mark. I really do. I think he's a jerk and I don't like how the book attempts to down play the jerkiness. Yes, jerkiness. There is something about his aloofness and possessiveness that just irritates me. Now let me be clear. A man being possessive over the one he loves, I find adorable, but when he gets animalistic about it? That's just irritating.

With that said, you can probably guess what team I root for. Kona! I love Kona. He's special. Literally. He has a secret to him similar to Tempest's. He does get possessive like Mark, but he's a little more suave about it.

Now let me tell you a story of while I was reading this book. So I had been reading for a few hours on a pretty quite Saturday, when I got to page 159. Now in the book, nothing special about this page, unless your reading my book. HALF OF THE PAGE WAS RIPPED OUT!!! Do you know how much I freaked out. It went from silent to my yelling on the top of my lungs. To top it off this is where everything is starting to build up to the big scene. I wasn't happy. This would mean I bought the book ripped. Moral of the story is check your books before buying them. Learn from my mistakes please!

"Bathed in shades of violet, she comes in the dark.

Power unrecognized, half human, half mar.

Born in lightning, anointed in tears,

Magic abounds, while its painful heat sears.

The battle draws ever closer and one side will fall.

Good and evil collide, once and for all,

The victor uncertain, as fate evens the scales.

A winter storm's coming, a dark night's tale-

A Tempest rising, without fail."

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Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

Book: Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

Acquired: Goodreads First Reads

Retail Price: Retails between $17.00 to $35.00

Sale Price: N/A

Number of Pages: 579


Synopsis: The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure young German princess who traveled to Russia at fourteen and rose to become one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history.

Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into Empress of Russia by sheer determination. Possessing a brilliant mind and an insatiable curiosity as a young woman, she devoured the works of Enlightenment philosophers and, when she reached the throne, attempted to use their principles to guide her rule of the vast and backward Russian empire. She knew or corresponded with the preeminent historical figures of her time: Voltaire, Diderot, Frederick the Great, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Marie Antoinette, and, surprisingly, the American naval hero, John Paul Jones.

Reaching the throne fired by Enlightenment philosophy and determined to become the embodiment of the “benevolent despot” idealized by Montesquieu, she found herself always contending with the deeply ingrained realities of Russian life, including serfdom. She persevered, and for thirty-four years the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution that swept across Europe. Her reputation depended entirely on the perspective of the speaker. She was praised by Voltaire as the equal of the greatest of classical philosophers; she was condemned by her enemies, mostly foreign, as “the Messalina of the north.”

Catherine’s family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies—all are here, vividly described. These included her ambitious, perpetually scheming mother; her weak, bullying husband, Peter (who left her lying untouched beside him for nine years after their marriage); her unhappy son and heir, Paul; her beloved grandchildren; and her “favorites”—the parade of young men from whom she sought companionship and the recapture of youth as well as sex. Here, too, is the giant figure of Gregory Potemkin, her most significant lover and possible husband, with whom she shared a passionate correspondence of love and separation, followed by seventeen years of unparalleled mutual achievement.

The story is superbly told. All the special qualities that Robert K. Massie brought to Nicholas and Alexandra and Peter the Great are present here: historical accuracy, depth of understanding, felicity of style, mastery of detail, ability to shatter myth, and a rare genius for finding and expressing the human drama in extraordinary lives.

History offers few stories richer in drama than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, this eternally fascinating woman is returned to life.
Stars: ★★★★★

Review: Catherine the Great has always been one of the most inspirational stories in history. This woman came to Russia very much disliked for her German roots and became Empress of all of Russia and beloved by all off her subjects. The book did go into the childhood of both Sophia and Peter, as well as the in depth relationships that Catherine had with her Favorites. I'm pretty sure that most people are aware of the story of Princess Sophia Augusta Fredericka, so I am mostly going to speak about how the book was written and my reaction to it.

Firstly, the book is so intimidating. It's a huge book. When I first received the book, I didn't even want to start reading it. The language on the first page was deterring. It's a bunch of really long names that I have never heard before. After a while, I was able to get into the style of the writing and could really enjoy the story. It's a lot more fact driven then I thought it would be. Now I didn't expect it to be historical fiction, but I thought it would be more about her memoirs. Now I should probably explain that I have never read a Robert Massie book before, so I wasn't used to his style.

I really loved the little bits of letters that were quoted from Catherine, Voltaire, Elizabeth, and many others. There was much more about her life that I was able to learn from this book. It wasn't boring like sitting in a history lecture can sometimes be. After getting used to reading the style of writing I was able to bust out the book in three days. I thought it would take me much more then that. I truly enjoyed this book, more so then most books in a very long time. If you really love history and learning more about it then you should really pick up this book.

DIYs with Books?

Have you ever been bummed when you find a few books have been water damaged? Or your favorite book is falling apart from the endless amounts of reading? What do you do with them then? I know if your like me I hate to get rid of any book, no matter the condition. So I went searching quite some time ago for DIY projects that would allow me to keep my beloved book, but give it some other purpose in life. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

I hope these gave you a few ideas. If you have any ideas for reusing and recycling books leave a comment with any pictures or explaining what you do. Have a wonderful night.

Until next time, happy reading.

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

I was going to post this yesterday, but in light of not only my birthday, but 9/11 I didn't find it fit to make a post.

Book:  The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Acquired: Walden Books

Retail Price: $9.95

Sale Price: $7.85

Number of Pages: 289

Synopsis: Cursed by a magical legacy

When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed Donna Underwood's father and drove her mother mad. Her own nearly fatal injuries were fixed by alchemy-the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. Now seventeen, Donna feels like a freak, doomed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. Only her relationship with her best friend, Navin, is keeping her sane.

But when vicious wood elves abduct Navin, Donna is forced to accept her role in the centuries-old war between human alchemists and these darkest outcasts of Faerie, Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous guy with faery blood running through his veins and secrets of his own. Donna races to save Navin-even if it means betraying everything her parents fought to the death.


Summary: The Iron Witch is about Donna, the daughter of two of the strongest alchemists in her clan. After her father was killed and her mother was institutionalized, Donna was sent to live with her aunt. She is home schooled by the clan ever since a particularly bad indecent of being bullied at her old school. The only friend she's had since that horrible day is her best friend Navin, who has a tendency of pushing her to do things out of her comfort zone.

Donna knows what the fey look like and has seen them once upon a time in her past, but since then she hasn't had a run in with the horrid creatures. When she realizes that Navin and Maker have been taken by the Fey, she sets out to find the old path leading to the Wood Queen. She is prepared to make a deal that could break every code that she has learned in her training with the Alchemists. However, people don't just simply slip in to the Elflands. She needs the help of a born Fey to get her in. Lucky for her, Xan, a charismatic guy just happens to have the information that she is looking for.

Stars: ★★★★

Review: This book was a little different than most of the books I've read recently. It was wonderful, however it took me a little bit before I was able to get into the concept of not only what was happening, but the writing style of the book. The book skips back and forth between the present, Donna's journal, and flashbacks. The flashbacks slow down towards the end of the book, which I was personally thankful for since they only seemed to slow down the pace of the book and weren't entirely necessary to the plot line.

I have mixed feelings about the way Donna was written as the main character. She seems to find he backbone after a while, however it seems she content just costing by in life. It isn't until her best friend is kidnapped that she starts to question if the alchemists are doing what they claim to be doing and are they really "good people". The book seems to jump back and forth in this concept; are alchemists good or bad? Reflecting on the stories of alchemists I don't think it's that straight forward of a concept. They are a little of both. They are people who contribute to modern chemistry and science, however they are greedy and greed can cloud judgement. To me, it's not as black and white as the book presents it.

The one thing that really frustrated me in regards to the plot line was how long it took to explain the characters and their relationships. Not to mention, the tension building to the final even in the book. It was finally mere pages from the end that they are confronting the main issue, and to me by the time it got there everything in the peak of the book was rushed. In books, a lot can be assumed in relationships and appearances. That's the lovely thing about books. When I read a book it's a completely if my husband was to also read it. That's because so much in a book is supposed to be left to the imaginations of readers. When you take an entire book explaining how a person reacts to one situation in their life, it become dull and draws a lot of the magic out of the story. I feel that the book could have been used better to delve more into the events of the actual big issue that the book left twenty pages to actually delve into. There was only a few paragraphs of Donna confronting the Skriker. I figured since that was a huge part of Donna's problems and would be a larger part of the book, but I guess I was mistaken.

Now after all I have explained, you probably think I didn't like the book. Although I find there was a lot of problems with the writing of the book, I did like the concept. I was able to put my feelings aside in regards to the way it was written enough to enjoy the book and I'm glad I was. It's much different then many books i have read lately. Most books these days are about vampires, werewolves, and yes about good fey. But not much is written about alchemy and the long battle that has been existing in myths for years. I enjoyed myself lots and plan on reading the sequel The Wood Queen.

Choosing a quote was difficult, but I decided the quote explaining the beautiful marks that mar Donna's arms:

"From mid-forearm to the tips of her fingers, Donna's arms and 

hands were covered with swirling silver artwork. It was as if a

tattoo artist had created a spectacular silver pigment and used

it to ink her arms with intricate whorls and curves; curls that 

extend down to her wrists, and then across the backs of her 

hands and down each finger. If you looked quickly, there

was an illusion that her hands and arms were made of metal-

it was only when you looked properly that you realized a

delicate pattern enclosed her flesh."

ABCs and 123s

So in honor of Sean and I being new foster parents I have a list of some of our favorite books that we read to the kids. It's a combination of our personal favorites and the boys personal favorites. We have been trying to teach the kids the importance of reading. Dom just started kindergarten and so far he loves it. So far he has come home and told me all about the books he reads at school. I'm so happy they love the books so much.

1. Eric Carle is a wonderful children's book writer. I have always loved him. Most people love his Hungry Caterpillar, however my personal favorite is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. For those of you who have never read the book, its about this little girl who wants to play with the moon and asks her father to get her the moon. Most adorable part is how her father gets the moon for her. I have always loved the book and it shows a good father would do anything for his little ones.

2. In Maine, we have a program called Raising Readers. The program was designed to encourage parents and children to read at least 20 minutes a day. At every doctor's visit from the time they are born till five years old they are given books. Now I know this may not be something all states provide. I know this program is just in Maine and hopefully one day will reach out to other states. This was one of the books Markus brought home from his wellness visit and he looooves it. He had us read it right away and periodically he will pull it out and request it to be read. Pouch! by David Ezra Stein has an adorable story line and and the pictures are wonderful. The book is about a little kangaroo who explores outside the pouch and occasionally gets sacred. It's just so cute.

3. When I graduated my older sister presented me with a book. Now it wasn't Oh the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss like most graduates receive. Yay, You!: Moving Out, Moving Up, Moving On by Sandra Boynton is such an adorable little book about life's changes. The illustrations are so funny. It's more of an adult way of looking at the changes that come when one is approaching life. It talks about where you might live as well as when you get older weight may become an issue for you. However, most importantly the boys love the book. It's still appropriate for kids and its simply silly.

4. When the boys first came to us, we were so overwhelmed. Sean and I were scared. I was the sole provider for the household, we haven't had our own children yet, and our little place was barely big enough for us let alone two children. It was terrifying and we were scared there was a possibility that they boys would be taken from us once Child Services saw what we had to provide. Thankfully they were very supportive and have been wonderful about making it known they aren't taking the boys. Two days after the boys moved in I realized we didn't have enough books for the kids. I had plenty of kids books because I was an aunt, but I felt not enough. So I went out that day and came home with three giant bags filled to the top with books. This became a family favorite. ABC by Dr. Seuss. The book is just a jumble of nonsense but I think that's the best part. The illustrations are of course wonderful. The only downside to the book is after every reading I feel like I'm out of breath. :)


5. This book was so different . It was one of those books I had picked up when I went book shopping for the boys. What made me zone in on the book was how different the illustrations were. It was truly amazing. The book, Mole's Hill by Lois Ehlert is just wonderful. The boys love to pick out the shapes in the book that make up the beautiful pictures. We absolutely love it. The book is about Mole and one day she is told by Fox that she must move her home. From there Mole tries to save her beloved home. I adore the way she saves it too. It makes me smile.

6. Another wonderful program called Maine Reads, provided books to all the kindergartners at the open house for school. The program itself is devoted to encouraging More of the residents of Maine to read. They provide programs like The Maine Book Festival, Read With ME, and Maine Community Literacy Project. The Literacy Project provides grants to all ages in Maine and run lots of interesting competitions for people to compete in. When Dominick came home with Shape Capers By Catheryn Falwell, I was pretty excited. The book itself is written and illustrated by a Maine resident and who doesn't love to support locals in their endeavors. The book is geared to teach children about their shapes and what shapes can make if you use your imagination. It's a pretty adorable book and I love how colorful it is.


7. Jan Brett has always been loved in our family. My siblings and I grew up with her beautiful books. They are so simple yet the illustrations bring a lovely complexity to the story. The one book I have carried with me since my childhood was he Beauty and the Beast. The retelling of the beloved fairy tale is not the wonderful part. It's the illustrations. I can't help but treasure this book. There are so many stains on it at this point that it makes me sad. It's been with me through childhood, high school, college, and lastly adulthood. The boys love to look at the pictures and I'm happy the love it as much as I do.


8. My boys absolutely adore this next book. We have always kept a pretty large amount of Berenstain Bears Books in our house. They are extremely educational, age appropriate, and timeless. I love them and so doesn't the men in my life. No Girls Allowed by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a funny little story following Brother Bear and Sister Bear and the rivalry between not only siblings but boys verses girls. I always loved how Papa gets so upset when the boys make the clubhouse an all boys club excluding little sister bear.



9. Another Seuss classic happens to be Oh, the Things You Can Think. Now back in high school, I was part of the drama club and one of the plays we put on was Seussical the Musical. It was probably one of the best experiences I ever had from back then. I have a whole lot of memories from those three months. From the play there was one song that I loved the Oh the Things You Can Think the most. Book is another one of those come of age books that depicts troubles as you get older, but also how wonderful life can be. The drawings as always are wonderful. It's one of the books that I adore.

10. There is one book that I think every household should have this one book if any at all. It's the one book my mother used to read to us growing up and the one that I love to read to the boys. There has been movie after movie based off of the one family classic and is loved by all. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Miline is one of the most iconic children books. Our boys love this book just like any child does. The story is a long but we read a few pages a night and it's great for bed times. Just like the book, they love the movies. It's really cool after reading certain parts in the book being able to watch a movie that depicts it for them. All in all I think if your going to read any book with your kids, it should be this book.

Happiness Is Everywhere

So let me explain myself firstly. I am so sorry for neglecting you all. However there has been some big changes in my life. Sean and I were married just recently. It was a beautifully small wedding. Last October we moved into our own place that we own. It's wonderful. In the middle of our renovations we had a very big surprise. Last May we became foster parents for two little boys. So to say the least everything has gone a little loopy, but I wouldn't change anything for the world. However, I am back with a vengeance now. I have a lot of books lined up as well a lot of book lists. I'm really excited to be back and I am really excited to get everything rolling again.

My and Sean's ring :)

Sean and I with our two foster children Markus and Dominick.

Happy Reading!

Entwined by Heather Dixon Complete Review

Book:  Entwined by Heather Dixon


Acquired: Walden Books

Retail Price: $17.99

Sale Price: $10.79

Number of Pages: 472

Synopsis: Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her...beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing...it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the  palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

"Entwined is a riveting read--a delectable fairy tale with everything a good story should have: breathtaking magic; a rich beautiful setting; and, of course, dancing!"
--APRILYNNE PIKE, nationally best-selling author of Wings


"Graceful and enthralling...a fully original world, brimming with romance, enchantment, even a healthy does of humor."
--EDITH PATTOU, author of the acclaimed East

"Fresh and lively... A thoroughly enjoyable read."
--ELIZABETH C. BUNCE, author of William C. Morris Award winner A Curse Dark as Gold

Summary: Entwined mostly takes place after the death of the Queen and mother of Azalea and her eleven younger sisters. Azalea and her sisters must enter mourning where all the windows are draped stifling every bit of light, the clothes dyed black, confinement is to the palace walls, and, worst of all, there are no balls and no dancing. Azalea is also forced out of royal duty to meet visiting suitors who are pinning more for the crown than for her, since she is the Princess Royal and will someday inherit the thrown.

After mistakenly finding a secret passage way, the princesses fancy themselves in a fairy world made of silver and pearls, guarded by a man named Keeper. Keeper invites the little princesses to return every night to dance as much as they wish where the King may never find them. But trouble, ensues when Azalea finds Mr. Keeper seems to not be everything he says himself to be.

With the help of her eleven little sisters and a few people along the way, can Azalea discover the truth behind the Keeper and the stories that haunt the castle of the Evil High King's Oath from so many centuries ago?


Stars:★★★★★

Review: I initially picked up this book because it was such nice eye candy. The cover is exquisite. I figured I'd at least check to see what the book was about. The sad part is, I wasn't even shopping for myself. No I was shopping for Sean's birthday present, but once I get into a book store good luck dragging me out without a book for me to begin reading immediately. Sometimes I can be quite impossible. After reading the inside cover I decided, "What the heck, one more book wont break the bank." After the end of my purchase, Entwined happened to be the least expensive book I bought. The second I got home, I began reading and was hooked instantly. I bought this book 48 hours ago, almost exactly. I haven't read as shraight through as I have wanted, because of work and what-not. I was truly captivated by this story. It reminded me so much of a classic fairy tale. The magical scenes are breathtaking and leave you dreaming of the princesses little world beyond the palace.

Azalea is easily related to and all of her younger sisters, so different from each other combine for a beautiful dynamic. Their sisterly bond and love for each other is truly inspirational and their passion for dance will make anyone smile. I especially love Clover, the third eldest of the twelve children. She's shy and enough care for the entire world, but deep down has the determination that can equal an entire army in the end. Each sister's personality is completely intriguing and they always seem to fit right in with each other like puzzle pieces.

The only real annoyance with this book was the abbreviations for Royal Business being R.B. and what I'm assuming is Member of Parliament as "M. P.". I'm not entirely sure why these are placed through out the book, but I find them very distracting sometimes, disrupting the flow of the book.

It's been quite sometime where I have read a book I loved so much that it consumes my life. I truly flew through this book and the second I put down the book I opened up the laptop to begin writing my review. I loved it and I do feel that it is worth 5 stars. The concept is different and fairy tale like. It's uplifting, but still holds enough darkness that you may dream about it at night. It looks like a long read, but is easy enough where most people could read it casually in free time between classes or on the beach this summer. I warn you though, once you pick it up you may not want to put it down.


A quote that sums the book quite well:

"How daintily the butterfly

Flits to the spider's lace

Entranced by glimm'ring silver strings

Entwined with glist'ning grace.

How craftily the spider speaks

And whispers, "All is well,"

Caresses it with poisn'd feet

And sucks it to a shell."

Well, until next time, happy reading.

:D

My essay article about Schools and their assigned reading.

Read it here:
http://bookstove.com/book-talk/the-books-we-loved-to-hate/

Darkest Mercy Complete Review

Book: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Acquired: Amazon.com

Retail Price: $16.99

Sale Price: $9.95

Number of Pages: 327

Synopsis: Aislinn took a steadying breath. "I need to find out where Keenan is. If he's not home, I'm going into war without him...which is not ideal. Someone knowns where he is."
"I do not, my queen. I give you my word that I will find out, though." Tavish's restrained facade slipped, and she saw the faery-cruel expression as he asked, "Are there limits to the methods?"
At that, she faltered, "Don't ask me to be a monster."
Affectionately, he reached out and squeezed her forearm. "You are a faery regent, Aislinn, and we are fast approaching war. Monstrosity will be called for. How far will you go to protect your court?"


The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win...and some will lose everything.


The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

Stars:★★★★

Review: Have you ever read a series you loved so much that by the last book you try to stretch the reading process for as long as you possibly can because you don't want it to end? Yeah, well...I definitely just had a cases of the never-ending-book because of that. I think I began reading this a month ago. I'd read ten or so pages and then find a reason to do something else. When I was asked why I was still carrying around the book I told them that it was a sacred book that could never leave the inside of my purse and whose pages would eventually flower into a tree if I was faithful to the god of books....needless to say they didn't appreciate my sarcasm. 


Darkest Mercy is the final book in the Wicked Lovely series. I remember when I read the first book. I had reread the first three pages, who knows how many times, over the course of a month. I was convinced that since the first couple of pages didn't catch my attention it was awful. After that initial introduction to the book, it sat on my book shelf for nearly a year before I picked it back up and forced myself to continue reading it. Two days later, I returned to the store to pick up Ink Exchange, the second installment. Ever since, I have loved the series. It's different and leaves you wishing you could walk right into the story to experience it first hand. 


There are a number of characters that are heavily focused on throughout the series, but the some characters already have their ending from the previous books. The main characters focused on are: Aislinn, Keenan, Seth, Irial, Niall, and Donia. Then there is the antaganist: Bananach. And who could forget out supporting characters: Sorcha, Gabriel, Chela, Tavish, Far Dorcha, and Evan. However, no matter how minor some of these characters are in this book, they are all important in some way. 


In Darkest Mercy, all the faery courts that haven't been closed off in faery are preparing for a battle against Bananach, the embodiment of war, that is destined to come; it's just a matter of when and will they be prepared. Keenan, the Summer King, is still missing and Aislinn, the Summer Queen, is trying to keep the court strong with the on coming changing of seasons with out her coregent or Seth, who returned to faery after a fight that lost many members of the Dark Court. With Irial, deathly injured, Niall is losing his sanity little by little, leaving a very weakened Dark Court with out anyone to balance him out since the High Court is now and forever sealed off with the new Shadow Court to balance it in Faery. 


The courts must work together against Bananach if they ever hope to fight her in the possible end of fey as they know it.


This book just screws with all the characters. We have the previous Dark King dying, and conflict with Aislinn and Seth's relationship because of Keenan. To top it all off Bananach is rallying faeries to her new "Dark Court" from all the different courts and anyone not open to leaving their court for her's, she kills. Left and right there are people dying, people fighting for love, and courts on the verge of extinction. This book flips around everything you knew from the previous book, and it keeps you hanging trying to figure out what in the hell is going to happen to resolve the conflicts, if it even were to be resolved. The characters are so well developed and complex, just like reality. People aren't just good or evil, black or white; they are all complex a little of good with a dash of bad. When you think you know how one character will react they complete flip on you and your left going, "How did that happen?" I think that's what is important about these books. People are never how they seem. They change depending on the situations and decisions they make in life. Each decision each character makes has consequences, good and bad.


I adored this book, really the entire series in general, but to see the outcome for everyone in the end, was great. I think the end couldn't have been any better. I highly recommend these books to anyone who loves fantasy. They are easy to read young adult books that are written incredibly well. I wouldn't rate them on the same level as Harry Potter or the Narnia series, both of which have become wonderful young adult fantasy books, but I think that if you loved those books you should at least give this series a chance.


Quote to love:

"There is a way to change that, my Queen."

"He's not even here, and he doesn't... Keenan and I don't..." Her words faded.

"I suspected the news would reach him if we were to let word be known you were still willing to consider being his queen in all ways--"

"If that's what it takes to get him back here, do it." She did not avert her gaze. "Perhaps it's time I was the one doing the manipulating."

 "As you will," Tavish said.

Aaron just GRADUATED!

I thought we should inform you all that Aaron had his High school graduation last night and is officially an alumni. We are so proud of Aaron and his accomplishments. :-)

Love you little Run Run.