Review: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Awakening (Darkest Powers Bk 2)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main themes: Supernatural, Love, Family, Magic, Ghosts, Zombies, Werewolves
Pages: 360
Plot (from book jacket):
“If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl – someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment – not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends – a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch – and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group fins us first. Or die trying.”

I seriously love the Darkest Powers books! I’m not sure what it is about them: the characters, the supernatural elements, or the tension between Chloe and Derek, but I suspect it is all those amazing aspects.

I love the characters in The Summoning and The Awakening. Chloe is an awesome main character. I'm enjoying finding out more and more about her powers. I've read Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake novels, and Chloe is a bit like a younger version of Anita, which I love. Derek might be my favorite character though - I just love the brooding guys - plus I know that he's going to make it through puberty and be one of those guys that you wish you would have given a shot before the hotness kicked in! ;) The fact that he is smart just makes him even more appealing.

The awkward, yet trusting relationship Derek and Chloe have definitely keeps me turning pages! They are one of those relationships that, as a reader, I want so badly to turn into a relationship. They'd be so amazing together... !!

I'm liking the sinister Edison Group plot line that is starting to develop. The fact that the boys' father is missing reminds me of Supernatural, which is a definite PLUS (I know there are some Supernatural fans out there)! Kelley Armstrong found a way to weave all those different supernatural powers and creatures into one amazing story - there is never a boring moment and it all comes together perfectly!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

I'm totally sold on Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers books! I can't wait for The Reckoning, which comes out in 2010 from HarperCollins. I borrowed this book from the library, but now I want it on my shelf, right next to The Summoning and The Reckoning!

Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: March 16, 2010
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Murder, Serial Killers, Love, Friendship, Supernatural Abilities
Pages: 336
Plot (from back of ARC):
"A serial killer on the loose. A girl with a morbid ability. And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.

Violet Ambrose can find the dead. Or at least, those who have been murdered. She can sense the echoes they leave behind... and the imprints they leave on their killers. As if that weren't enough to deal with during junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.

Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town... and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him."

Okay, I realize that it is ridiculously early to be posting a review of this book, but really, with a book this good, who cares?

I am, quite simply, in love with this book! I read it three days ago and I'm still in love with it. I'm considering rereading it - I RARELY EVER reread books!

The Body Finder has so many elements that really appealed to me. Firstly, I found the serial killer and murder mystery aspect of the book really well done. I'm a big fan of shows like Criminal Minds, so I already had an interest in that type of plot line. Coupling that aspect of the plot with a supernatural ability and budding romance pretty much set this book over the top!

Violet's ability was, though creepy, very interesting. I really was a bit creeped out when some of the bodies were found. Violet dealt with her ability much better than I ever would - she is a very strong, resilient individual.

I really liked Violet as a main character. In books (and movies and television shows) where there is a female lead and a murder, the female lead generally does really foolish things that leave the reader or viewer freaking out about her stupidity. Violet wasn't like that, which was very refreshing. Yes, she makes a few bad choices, but overall, she was smart! I really like it when my main character has a brain, so I was very happy about that!

Now, on to one of my favorite aspects of The Body Finder: Violet and Jay! Kimberly Derting did an AMAZING job of writing Violet and Jay's romance. I loved their flitting and dialogue. I found the scenes filled with flirting and sexual tension to be very realistic and, in some cases adorable and/or romantic. I love those tension filled scenes and The Body Finder was full of them! The confusion and jealousy associated with falling in love with your best friend, who is suddenly very good looking and a bit of a stud, was spot on as well!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10!
Originality: 10

Total: 50/50 (A!)

I think Kimberly did an wonderful job blending the different aspects of The Body Finder. I loved every aspect: the mystery, Violet's ability, and the love story. The Body Finder was one of those books that I couldn't put down - until I forced myself. Seriously, I had about 30 pages left and I made myself go to bed (at 5 a.m.) because I didn't want it to end. Not surprisingly, I picked it up right when I got up the next morning and finished it! The Body Finder is definitely a must read for 2010!