MERRY CHRISTMAS! and here are my "Top 12 books of 2013"

First off,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I hope y'all have an absolutely wonderful holiday filled with love, family, and, of course, presents! I know the holidays can be hectic but just remember that even when family is crazy (and believe me when I say I know how this is), it's still a blessing to get to spend time with them. And, as always, please remember our soldiers overseas who are unable to spend time with their family while fighting for your right to spend time with yours. 

Now, onto my Top Twleve List. 

 Even though 2013 has been a bust for me blogging wise, I did read some amazing books this year. So, without further ado, here are my top 12 of 2013 (in no particular order):

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

by Cassandra Clare

OMGOMGOIMGFOAIJFOWIEJFOW!!!!!

Ok, now that that is out of my system, LSKDFJOWIJFOSDLKSF. Whoops, had a bit more in me :P

This book was amazing. Throughout this book my emotions were all over the place. Honestly, I didn't even want to read this book because I didn't want this series to end! This series was a pleasant surprise considering I didn't fall in love with her original series. But THIS series was phenomenal! Even months later I still haven't gotten my emotions together enough to write a review. In short: LOVEEEEE!

Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1)

by Morgan Rhodes (aka Michelle Rowan)

Fantasy = YESSSSSSS. 

I loved the diversity of the characters, the world, everything! Blood? Yes. Destruction? You bet. Rebellion? Absolutely. 

Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) 

by Kiersten White

Another fantastic end to a fantastic series. I hated to see this series full of magic, wit, and action come to an end, but what a wonderful end it was! 

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)

by Julie Kagawa 

AHHHHH!!! 

Just read my review and you'll understand. 

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) 

by Marissa Meyer 

First: A feisty and fiery heroine.

Second: Wolf - a hot street fighter. 

Third, and most importantly: Captain Thorne. DIBS!

While most sequels tend to fall short, this sequel did no such thing! Although this book is a sequel, it has it's own plot and set of characters that tie in with it's predecessor without being the same book. Meyers, I commend you. 

My Review

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)

by Robin LaFevers

THE EMOTIONS!!!!!

Again, this is another book that had my emotions running so high that I've yet to write a review! While I absolutely adored Grave Mercy, that book was more politically based while this one was more of a personal story (and a sad one at that). While I prefer Grave Mercy for it's plot line, I couldn't help but feel lots of feels for Sybella and her hardships.

Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)

by Susan Dennard

I thought I'd enjoy this book, but I didn't realize just how much! This book blew apart my expectations! 

First off, zombies. Add in a daring, caring, and risk-taking young woman, a dashing if not grumpy inventor, and action, you've got yourself a wonderful book.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

by Leigh Bardugo 

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with this book. But, wanna know who saved the day? Sturmhond.

Oh, you witty, charismatic, sarcasitic son-of-a-gun you. YOU made this book worth reading. Your wit and swagger made me swoon for you. See you in book 3.

Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1)

by Tara Lynn Childs 

Another book I was pleasantly surprised. Triplets who just happen to be the daughters of Medusa? Sounds fun. This book was chock full of fun with each daughter being unique and lovable in their own ways. Hoping to read book 2 soon!

Defiance (Defiance #1)

C.J. Redwine 

Rachel doesn't like the restrictions set upon her by the Commander all because she's a girl. Nope. She'd much rather track, hunt and get all fancy with the knives. My kinda gal. Add in Logan, a man who actually respects Rachel and is quiet, intelligent, loyal and kicks-butt and you've got yourself a fantastic set of protagonists. This book was a surprising roller coaster of emotions. And the Cursed One? I have a weird mix of confusion and intrigue when it comes to this creature and can't wait to read the second book!

The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)

by Rick Riordan

Oh, Riordan. You never fail to bring the wit and action. This book, like all of its predecessors, is fantastic. Even though I still have the last couple chapters left, I've already added it to this list because it's that good. And that part that just happened? WHAT?!?! 

Okay, so I did save the best for last....

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

by Sarah J. Maas 

ALDKSFOQWIEJFADKSFQOWEIFJOAWDFIJOWQIRHGEOIGJASKDFJOWQIERFJOSGHAOWIERFJOAWJEFSAWJEFOAWIHFGOIAWRGHIUWHRFGISADFHIWJEFHIAWSUGBHIAWHFAWEFHILAFA

MY EMOTIONS!!!!!!! 

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO WRITE! THIS SEQUEL EVEN BLEW IT'S PREDECESSOR OUT OF THE WATER! THE EMOTIONS! THE TURMOIL! THE ACTION! THE INTRIGUE!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

All the best and Merry Christmas ♥

Mackenzie 

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The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
by Julie Kagawa
Pages: 446
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Goodreads Synopsis:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike


My Review:

I've been on a roll with sequels lately. This almost never happens. Too often I'm disappointed by the lack of plot or characterization. Or the romance gets to, dare I say, angsty. No one likes angsty. Well, except angst-y teenage girls, of which I am not (angsty, still teenage). And what's even better? When the second book is just as great, if not better, than its predecessor. 

Enter The Eternity Cure. 

Lots of zombie(?) butt whooping? Check. Awesomely fantastic characters (including, but not limited to, a katana-wielding vamp)? Check. Psycho bad guy? Check. Refreshing comedic relief? Check. Forward moving plot? Check. Emotional thrill-ride? Double check. 

1. Lots of zombie butt whooping?
So, I'm actually not sure if the Rabids are "zombies" or not, but they eat people and are sorta dead so that's what I'm gonna go with. And if action and zombie killing is what you're looking for, you've come to the right place. Within the first few pages, Allison has fights under her belt. Cool.

2. Awesomely fantastic characters? 
Let's break this down:

Allison - Oh, how I admire you Ally. I really do. With the constant battle between her vampire instincts and her human nature, you'd think it'd be a bit melodramatic. I mean, I'm not a vampire who is battling her natural instincts so I shouldn't understand. But I do. All thanks to Kagawa. I totally understand Ally and what she is going through and my heart breaks for her. There is no denying that she is fierce, but the battle she fighters to keep her human side is undeniably both harsh and admirable. She knows who she is, but also knows who she wants to be. She doesn’t deny her animalistic instincts when it comes to her loyalty and protectiveness, but she doesn’t want to become blinded to the good in humanity, even though her vampire side is superior in many ways. This constant battle to better herself made me root for her and understand to her hard life. I wanted to give this girl a hug so badly! But, considering she's fictional, that's a bit hard...so a mental hug with suffice. And I can't forget to mention the Katana! That sword's got a special place in my heart. 

Kanin - Personally, I always loved Kanin. Sure, he pretty much started Rabidism, but it was an accident and he had good intentions. Maybe I'm just a sucker, but I totally feel bad for him. Sure, I understand why people hate him, but I also understand why characters, like Allison, love him. He made mistakes, but he's never stopped trying to right the wrong. I admire his determination and his heart. 

Jackal - However, the best part of this book had to be Jackal. Jackal was a great comic relief that was much needed in this emotionally wrought book. His snarky jibes and sarcastic wit always showed their face at the perfect times, allowing a bit of light to come to their otherwise dark situation. And the relationship between he and Allison was an interesting back and forth with a bit of restrained companionship popping up between them. Honestly, without him, I think I would have liked the book a little less. Even though he is an arrogant jerk and definitely doesn’t mind the predatory side of being a vampire, he’s got goodness to him. It just takes a little digging to find it.

Psycho bad guy?

Oh yeah. Definitely a psycho. And I totally understand why! Which makes me have a grudging understanding of the reasoning behind his actions. Not saying they're right! Just....I get it. But still bat-ass crazy. 

Forward moving plot?
YESSSSSS! This isn't a filler book!!! Everyone, JUMP FOR JOYYYYY!!! Okay, outta the system. So yeah. You learn a lot. Can't give it away. Read the book. And, pretty much just a lot happens (new virus?). Including new stuff. Crazy stuff. Stuff that's centered on Psycho bad vamp. Read it.

Emotional Thrill Ride?
Double check. My heart was filled with joy one second and thrown under a bus the next. I was laughing, gasping, shaking my head, yelling (inside my head. Not out loud. I don't want people to think I'm crazy), gaping like a fish, saying nononononono, all the while wanting to give everyone hugs. Yeah. Lots of emotions. And the ending.....I just....I don't know...what?! I....ughhhhhh I hate waiting.

Romance - don't want to give anything away.... ;) 

 Overall:

So, if you can't tell by my awesome review, I loved this book. It was emotionally intoxicating, gave me a triple dose of action-packed adventure and made me fall in love with all the characters even more. This is one sequel that will make your head spin and demand the third book. No matter the cost.....

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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