L. A. Starkey

FROM AMAZON: The battle between the Titans and the gods of old did not end with them. The demand for revenge has dripped down into the next generation. Twins, Marcus and Nicolas, heirs to the throne of the gods and sons of the last remaining Titan, learn that the purpose of their existence is to fulfill a prophecy born of hate and despair.

They must battle for Pandora’s daughter’s heart, a girl lost to the human world and unaware of her hidden heritage. For four hundred years Marcus and Nicolas have only been allowed to touch the edge of their soul mate’s dreams, but the time of the prophecy has come.

For Samantha, life has been nothing more than a series of misfortunes and heartbreak. For years, she has kept her heart locked away, but change is rolling in like a tidal wave. Now Samantha must discern the thin line between love and lie, myth and reality, and it seems that time is running out …… (mer)

Echoes of Winter is a collection of stories from Young Adult authors. The stories range from the loosely Christmas themed technology thriller, Code X to Santa’s daughter trying to go to school incognito with a disgraced student witch, in Merry Chris Witch. There are a few Winter Solstice stories and many offer a tantalizing taste of a tale unfinished. A few are completely unique and original genre blending tales, such as The Darkest Night of The Year. Each story has a vivid cast of characters and is quite enjoyable to read, not a bad way to spend a few winter afternoons.… (mer)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful start to what I expect will be one of those epic young adult trilogies everyone inevitably winds up raving about. And in this case, I certainly think that is deserved. Even though I have a bit of a predisposition to paranormal young adult stories that involve mythology (see: my clamoring to read everything by Rick Riordan), I think this is one that would be enjoyable even for those who are not major fans of the genre.

The characters here are endearing and engaging. There are complicated dynamics here that are evident even before everyone's true nature and role are revealed. And the reveal is well-done, leaving the reader with just as many questions as answers. The story builds to an end that is unexpected and will leave readers wanting more.

I will definitely be picking up the second book. I need to know what happens next.… (mer)

2.5 Stars

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I feelt slightly 'deceived' as I was expecting something much more fantasy-like based on the cover. Instead, the story bottles down to two guys (who apparently share a soul) both fight for the favour of a girl, their soulmate, in order to become the sole possessor of said shared soul. So romantic, no?

It was a quick read, but I never really felt into it. Had I known the focus would be so much on the development of the romance, even though I think the motives of both guys are questionable, I would have maybe skipped it because that is really not something I usually like to read about. There is some immersion of Greek mythology, which will keep me reading into the second book, which I already have and will be reading soon.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!… (mer)