Horizon by Alyson Noel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 336pgs

The Story

Fate has bound them together—and torn them apart.  Now Daire and Dace face one final fight that will seal their destiny forever.

Daire Santos is the last of the Soul Seekers, and the only thing standing between the Richters and the destruction of everyone she loves. With her grandmother gone and Cade back in Enchantment, Daire must finally step into her destiny and lead the fight against the Richters. But what if that means sacrificing the person she loves most?

Bound to the Richters by blood, Dace struggles against the darkness growing inside him that threatens to claim Daire too. Though Daire refuses to give up on him, the choice may not be hers. An epic battle is on the horizon and the end of the world looms near. With such insurmountable odds stacked against them, is their love really enough to conquer all?


The Review

A big thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy of this book!

After reading the Immortals series, even though that particular series didn't work out so well for me after six books or so, but I was so glad that Noel's other Soul Seekers series did work out in the end. It was very entertaining to say the least (more so the mythology side of it) and even the final book offered a nice - but an also unexpected - ending, which was much better than the Immortals series ending ever was. So I was rather glad for that.

While Daire, the main character, had her ups and downs in this book, but soon as the last half of the book came to a head, she soon grew back into her own once more and made all of the right decisions. Dace, her love interest, on the other hand, was still an alright kind of character and I always liked him as Daire's love interest, but he was probably the only disappointing factor of the book and that's probably because I expected so much more from him in this particular book. But regardless of that, everything in the end worked out the best for everyone . . . mostly.

Overall, HORIZON was a very entertaining book and while the ending (even for a final book) did end with a small plot-twist, but it was still a great read.

The Rating

4/5 stars

Mystic by Alyson Noel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

After experiencing terrifying visions, Daire Santos goes to live with her grandmother in the dusty New Mexico town of Enchantment. There she discovers that she's a Soul Seeker - a person who can navigate between the living and the dead.

Guided by her grandmother, Daire has learned how to harness her powers - just in time. Enchantment is controlled by the evil Richter family, who are determined to rule over the Lowerworld, Middleworld and Upperworld - upsetting the natural balance and causing chaos. 

Daire is the only person who can stop the Richters, but there's one problem: she's in love with Dace, whose twin brother Cade is a shape-shifter, out to steal Daire's powers.

And both boys belong to the Richter clan. Can Daire fulfill her destiny without destroying her one true love?

The Review

A big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

What more can I say? I loved this book and I love this series. Alyson Noel has a great knack for writing and I'm glad to discover this now because I wasn't a huge fan of her previous series, The Immortals. When I first picked up this series I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it and even though the sequel had let me down compared to that first amazing book that I had read, but I'm happy to admit the author has made me fall back in love with the series again and I can't wait to read more of it.

I can't point towards what exactly had made me love this book even more than the sequel, but if I had to guess it would probably be the the relationship between our main character and her love interest, that being Daire and Dace. I found, at least this time round, their relationship was much more focused and I felt their relationship was developing into something much more stronger which I always like to see with my characters, especially for a couple. It's something that feels more realistic, you know? And I like it more that way.

Another thing too, Daire is a really cool heroine. Sure she makes mistakes from time to time and knows sometimes her actions will have many consequences because of those 'certain' actions (this was proven in the previous sequel), but now Daire has become so confident within her own powers and has love to push her further to the limits than she has ever gone before, and she is now willing to fight for her loved ones no matter the costs. She's a fiery little one in this book . . . I can tell you that. Dace as well, Daire's boyfriend, was a stronger character too in this book. Plus it was really nice to see him not always being the golden 'good' brother all the time. It's nice to see the darkness inside of him grow (mostly because of his brother who causes him to act this certain way) and I thought it sort of balances him out as a character and I do like a bit of darkness in a boy from time to time hehe.

Overall, MYSTIC was a great third installment to the Soul Seekers series and offers so many things to keep you entertained (and shocked) until the very end of the book. So right now I'm patiently waiting around and looking forward to the fourth installment of the series because I NEED more of this story asap!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Echo by Alyson Noel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

Daire Santos has already saved her grandmother's life and her soul. But at a cost: the Richter family has been let loose in the Lowerworld. Daire and her boyfriend Dace Richter must work together to find them before chaos ensues and the balance between good and evil is destroyed. As their relationship deepens, Dace's evil brother Cade grows stronger than ever, building his power and forcing Daire and Dace to confront the horrifying prophecy that has brought them all together. It will leave Daire no choice but to claim her true destiny as Seeker, but only by making an unthinkable sacrifice.

The Review

A big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

After loving Alyson Noel's Fated so much more than her other young adult series Immortals, which had fell quite short for me, there was still this great and sudden excitement swooping in when I began reading this second installment of Noel's newest series!

ECHO, the second installment of the Soul Seekers series, is centered around the very intense and  sweet blossoming relationship between Daire and Dace, and how they must find a way to put a stop to Dace's evil twin brother, Cade, who wants nothing more than to destroy them both and take over the world like most evil villains like to do. In the beginning of the book Daire and Dace's relationship is finally beginning to go somewhere until Cade slowly bides his time in making sure their romance does not last long and with him getting stronger by the day - with his brother growing weaker also - there is this undeniable truth that Cade might just succeed so Daire must muster all of the strength and love she can to put a stop Cade once and for all. But the question is . . . is she able to do it? Even if it means losing Dace in the end.

To put it simply, I loved this sequel just as much as the first book. Whether it had a lot to do with the sharings of POVs between our two main characters, Daire and Dace, or because it was a much darker storyline than the first book, I think what did it for me the most was that ECHO just had a much clearer storyline and it certainly answered a lot of my questions from the previous book, Fated, which was a very nice surprise since most series continue to baffle me with the details. Another thing to point out and without spoiling, what I enjoyed about this book was how we got to know and understand Daire - not to mention her own destiny - and seeing how her relationship develops more with Dace. I can't deny that those two are super cute together. Even though Dace's perspective was interesting and perhaps a little too . . . hard to connect with from time to time but I do love those two together and I really hope everything works out for them both in the next book because there are a lot of complicated events happening in the book and that's just beyond cruel. So cruel indeed.

Overall, ECHO was a very surprising sequel and I'm glad it lived up to my expectations. With a plot that grows darker by the second and with love trying to conquer all, I think many readers will enjoy this book and it's definitely one of my favourites coming from this author . . . like ever!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Whisper by Alyson Noel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 215pgs

The Story

Twelve-year-old Riley Bloom - ace Soul Catcher - faces her toughest challenge yet. She must travel to ancient Rome and convince dead gladiator Theocoles to accept his fate and move on. Then she meets the charming Messalina, who gives Riley a dramatic makeover, transforming her into a beautiful teenager. Finally Riley experiences her first kiss . . . In a world this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

The Review

A big thanks to MacMillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

Ever since her death, twelve-year-old Riley Bloom has been a Soul Catcher and her next assignment will become her most challenging one of all. But how can an average twelve-year-old girl possibly face down the furious and strong Theocoles, a Roman gladiator who is also known as the Pillar of Doom? Well, many Soul Catchers before her time have tried to make Theocoles move on from his spiritual afterlife, but no one has ever actually succeeded and it's now up to Riley to seek help where necessary in order to bring this gladiator down once and for all. With more challenges, more dangers and even new love on the horizon, Riley will soon be caught up in a world where everything is possible, even when you're dead.

WHISPER, the fourth installment of Alyson Noel's Riley Bloom series, might not be my typical read since it's a middle-grade novel, but it's a very sweet novel regardless of that factor. The thing I love most about this little delightful series is Riley herself and as a character it's great to see her finally growing up and becoming the Soul Catcher she has always was meant to be. The same goes with the side characters too, including Bodhi, Riley's guardian and guide to the spiritual world, whom has also grown within this series but I kind of wished Bodhi played more of part in this book but I'll guess we'll see in the future.

Without revealing too much of the book since it's a quick read for me, I will say I was a bit wary of how Noel would tackle the whole gladiator aspect of the story. For once, I haven't read a single book about gladiators and secondly I didn't see how well everything would play out in this particular novel . . . but since I love Rome and since everything in this novel was solved in the end, like seen in the previous books, I'm still happy to have quickly read through this new chapter of the series and it was all so very cleverly written. So I applaud the author for writing such a great read even in the shortest amount of pages. It was very well done.

Overall, WHISPER was yet another great installment in the Riley Bloom series and while most of my readers may not like reading middle-grade novels, but I think if you're a fan of Alyson Noel's Immortals series then you'll like this series as well since our heroine Riley is Ever's younger sister and she's remains to be a fun character with a lot of feelings. So definitely give this one a shot if and when you can!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Fated by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 24th May, 2012

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 352pgs

The Story

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter's sanity, Daire's mother sends her to live with the grandmother she's never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are - the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker - one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it's when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the only guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

The Review

A big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me an ARC copy of this book!

In Alyson Noel's newest adventure FATED, the first book in The Soul Seekers series, it tells the story of Daire Santos whose life changes dramatically when she is branded by the world's celebrity magazines as a mentally unstable, crazy young girl after an unfortunate incident that occured on her sixteenth birthday. With crows flocking toward her, with glowing people calling out her name, with visions of a hot string and a gorgeous boy with most beautiful set of blue eyes that continue to plague her mind . . . she too wonders if she's crazy like everyone else believes she is. With no choice in the matter, Daire's mother sends her to live with her grandmother - someone she doesn't even know - in a place called Enchantment, New Mexico, where she soon learns that she is a Soul Seeker and must partake in this new destiny already set out for her, in order to fight all of the evils in this small town and find love in the most unexpected places.

I have to start off by saying I wasn't a hardcore fan of Noel's previous Immortals series. I mean, I liked a few of her books in that particular series but it was an up-and-down series for me, so I really hoped this new installment of books was going to impress me. And surprisingly, I really, really enjoyed this book and loved it far more than anything else Noel has ever written. Not only does the book offer a great amount of interest to me, but there was hardly anything - if nothing at all - that annoyed me about this book and again I'm thankful for that small detail.

As for the main character, Daire Santos, I thought she rocked as a heroine and while she may have had her emotions take over at the worst possible times, but I loved her much more as the novel's voice compared to Ever - a character from her Immortals series - which is a good sign for those who didn't like that series so much. For me, Daire was a refreshing character who had some good old spunk in her. She's strong, she's opinionated, she's a free spirit, and she likes to take control of her life which I admired most. Even her supporting characters - one including a possible love interest and a possible soul mate - of brothers, Cade and Dace, were a whole heap of fun to add on to the storyline and I'm game for anything to do with a good and evil brother. The whole ordeal between these brothers - and even with Daire - was fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from this series!

Overall, FATED was absolutely original in its own way! From the vivid descriptions to the spirtual world the author, Alyson Noel, has cleverly created, I was so intrigued and stunned that by this book that I can't wait to see where Noel takes this series to because she sure as hell has a winner right here! If you didn't love Noel's previous Immortals series like I did, then I sugguest you take a chance on this book . . . because who knows . . . you and this book could be fated to be together! A little cliche I know but hey . . . it could be destiny!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 1st August, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 208pgs

The Story

Riley Bloom's afterlife is about as good as it gets, except she'll never be a teenager. Riley desperately wants to speak to her older sister, Ever, and ask her advice. Ever is still alive and the only way Riley can reach her is to search for Dreamland a place where ghosts can jump into dreams and talk to their loved ones. But when she finally gets there Riley discovers Dreamland isn't as heavenly as it sounds. In fact, it's a total nightmare.

The Review

I wasn't sure what to expect in the third installment of the Riley Bloom series. I've read the first two books in this new spin-off series and they were nice, very light and entertaining reads, but I wasn't a huge fan of them since they're considered 'middle-grade' novels which I rarely read. But I still had a go with the third book and it was interesting enough.

First of all, it's easy to connect to the characters and Riley in particular is as sassy as ever, although her fiery attitude can get her into some deep trouble sometimes. She's probably one of the few reasons why I've continued with this series. And, of course, there's her dog, Buttercup, who is really cute. On the other hand you have this guy named Bodhi - Riley's hottie guide - who doesn't have a lot of spotlight this time round. Having the lack of Bodhi . . . it was pretty unfortunate because they're going their separate ways during the course of this book and I just want our Bodhi back to make the book interesting again. Sighs. Anyway aside from that small disappointment, it's still easy to see Riley crushing on Bodhi but she's completely oblivious to the fact of that . . . but then again which girl isn't oblivious to their boy crushes? Without going into too much detail, let's just say there's an adorable and very sweet scene between Riley and her older sister Ever, whom was our main heroine from Noel's previous Evermore series. That was great to read about and it's about time too!

Overall the plot is easy to follow and it kept me reading til the end - mostly because of the characters than the storyline itself. With a feel-good setting and likable characters, DREAMLAND is well worth the read if you're already a fan of Alyson Noel's novels or if you're looking for a read that won't take up too much of your time.

The Rating

3/5 stars

Shimmer by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 5th August, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 208pgs

The Story

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a little time-off. But then Riley encounters a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca's sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she's not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, Rebecca is furious about being murdered during the slave revolt of 1733. Her uncontrollable anger is keeping other ghosts, who also died in the revolt, trapped in a shimmering bubble. And when Bodhi and Buttercup inadvertently fall into Rebecca's trap, Riley is the only one who can save them.

The Review

A big thanks to Lauren from Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

If you haven't read my review on the first Riley Bloom's book, Radiance, you can read it here. For the second installment of Alyson Noel's spin-off series, SHIMMER, after a well deserved 'vacation', Riley runs into a vicious black dog and now she wants to help that dog cross over. But when she crosses over into a place controlled by the whims of another ghost . . . things are bound to get into more trouble than it's worth. This other ghost, Rebecca, seems sweet and trusting, but she lives off fear, hatred, and any other negative emotion. And now it's up to Riley to figure out how to help Rebecca cross over - at the bridge - as well as stopping other ghosts being trapped by Rebecca herself along the way.

I admit, I was a 'little' disappointed by the first book in the spin-off series, however SHIMMER manages to pull off another great Riley adventure. Plus there were many underlying messages throughout the book - including forgiveness - that a lot of younger readers will take away and really think about. The only reason why I'm giving this book three stars is mainly because of it being a middle grade novel. I rarely read middle grade novels as they tend to be too young in 'feeling' if you get what I mean. Other than that, this book was enjoyable. Riley especially was a fun character to read about and it's great to see that she's coming into her own . . . which is why readers love her a lot.

So if you're a fan of Noel's previous Immortals series or have read the first book Radiance, then be sure to check out this book. However, it might not be for everyone. Unless of course you enjoy a quick and fun-paced light adventure!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 4th February, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan Childrens Books

Pages: 183pgs

The Story

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife - a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she's summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn't an eternity of leisure. She's been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who's definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley's first assignment, a Radiant Boy who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

The Review

The main reason why I picked up this book is because I received book two from the publishers, so it makes sense to start with the first one of the series.

RADIANCE is the spin-off to Alyson Noel's Immortals series and unlike that series, this one is told through the perspective of Ever's dead younger sister, Riley. Right from the start readers will get to see how Riley is dealing with her own death as well as how she really feels about walking away from Ever, then venturing into the afterlife of Here and Now. Now here's the thing: I loved Riley in Evermore and I'm glad we finally get to read her story, seeing exactly what she's up to. In this book, Riley has a lot of spunk about her - which I love her for - however there were times where I found her quite annoying. I don't know whether it's because this is a middle grade novel or because the main character is a 12-year-old girl, which seems unappealing to me since I'm way older, but either way, this book is recommended more for younger readers. But that doesn't mean it's wasn't a good read, because it was . . . in a fun and quick sort of way.

I admit, I rarely read short books. Very rarely. The issue with shorter books - at least for me - is that they lack in character and story development. For Noel's spin-off RADIANCE, it was a shame in novel length especially when the author here had great potential in making this spin-off series a real kicker. But despite some 'little' things that I didn't like, I was still invested in the unique take on the afterlife. Anyway without getting into too much detail since it's a pretty quick-paced story and since I read this book under a half hour, I will say this book will most likely be enjoyed by a younger audience. However, if you're like me who'd read the Immortals series, then RADIANCE is a nice addition to Noel's writing.

The Rating

3/5 stars

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Release Date: 1st July, 2011

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fear-all in hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united - or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion.

The Review

A big thanks to Lauren from Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!

It's the end . . . hallelujah it's the end! I've never been so happy in my life and I'm so very, very glad this book series has ended. Now where is the confetti when I need it? Okay, so, if you haven't read the first 5 books in the Immortals series, then please go back and read them or else you won't - at all - truly understand this book. Sometimes it will get a tad bit confusing. Even if you have read all of the series, then this one I'm afraid is going to be a little I-know-this-already kind of plot. But not to worry readers, you'll be glad to have the series conclusion sealed and delivered. What we know from the previous books (slight spoiler here) is that all the baddies are gone and now it's up to Ever and Damen to decide how to stop Shadowland from eating up the glorious heaven of Summerland. Oh and the fact that Ever is allergic to Damen, a real kicker for their sexual hormones, well that too needs to be solved as well. The antidote thing that is.

It comes no surprise that Ever and Damen's relationship and love for one another was doomed from the beginning. The book quickly goes into their first life together, one before the elixir juice happened, and while it was interesting how it all turned out . . . it lacked the drama I craved for. Like the other books in the series. So, some of you maybe thinking, "What's the difference in this life then the rest?" Well, that my dears . . . in the first lives of Ever and Damen they were NOT immortal. *insert gasp here* From then on you'll connect the dots which will lead you to the conclusion of the series.

One thing let me down: Damen. I always admired him. Maybe not for his choice of girls, but for his way of hoping for the future. This time round he was a complete pansy. The kind to run off when things get too tough for him to deal with. *sigh* Not good my man. As for Ever, while she was . . . let's say a pretty little daisy in a field of anything-is-possible . . . I admit, I was suprised that she took the lead in this novel and made decisions that were good for once in her life. Or should I say "lives." Anyway, when the drama is all over and the pages come to an end, I'm left with a smiley face and completely overjoyed that this is the TRUE END. *finds confetti and sprinkles it on everyone* The end. The end. The end. *sighs and smiles*

The Rating

3/5 stars