Catching Fire Review

I guess I am like the majority of the book reading world in my love for The Hunger Games series. So of course I made it to opening day of the first movie, and as many of you know it was amazing. This time around I went in hoping for the next installment, Catching Fire, to at least live up to the initial movie, if not to the book itself. 

I have to tell you this one was an amazing movie. The entire first half was even more emotional than the book, if that is even possible. There were of course deviations from the book but that is to be expected and none really bothered me. Ok maybe all the kissing of Gale, but other than that nothing bothered me. 

The costumes and sets were fantastic, since I saw it in IMAX all of the explosions really rocked the theater. I was initially unsure about some of the casting for past Victors but all of the actors did an exceptional job and really owned their characters.

Even if you didn't read the books this was an excellent movie, although the ending may leave you a little surprised. This is one movie that worth the cash to see in the theater !

First Bite ~ Dani Harper

Have you ever had one of those moments where you right the completely wrong number down. Yup I did that. For some reason I wrote the 21st of Nov instead of the 11th for this post ! So here it is, a little late.

Summary:
Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

My Take: I think this one looks like it will be a good read and I just noticed that it is available to borrow for free for kindle prime members. Make sure you check it out :)

Once Upon a Time ~ Paula Guran

Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales by Paula Guran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great find on Netgalley!

Summary:Eighteen extraordinary authors devise all-new fairy tales: imaginative reinterpretations of the familiar, evocative new myths, speculations beyond the traditional realm of "once upon a time." Often dark, occasionally humorous, always enthralling, these stories find a certain Puss in a near-future New York, an empress bargaining with a dragon, a princess turned into a raven, a king's dancing daughters with powerful secrets, great heroism, terrible villainy, sparks of mischief, and a great deal more. Brilliant dreams and dazzling nightmares with meaning for today and tomorrow...

My Take:
Being a huge fan of these "new" fairy tales I loved this book. Anyone who likes to get away from it all and enjoy a little magic now and again will enjoy this series of stories. The world seems to be captivated with breathing new life into tales that for many generations were considered for children only. I especially enjoyed the intro because I felt the editor enjoyed putting the collection together as much as I did reading it. I also like these multi author anthologies. Its a nice way to sample new authors. As with any grouping there were stories I enjoyed a ton and some that were just so, so. Overall there were some well done stories with some great twists as well as a few tales I had never heard of before. Totally worth the look.

Warrior of The Nile ~ Veronica Scott

Warrior of the Nile by Veronica Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As soon as this one popped up on Netgalley I knew I needed to read it. I loved the first one in the series and this one did not disappoint.

Summary:
Lady Tiya is bound to the service of the goddess Nephthys, who plans to sacrifice Tiya’s body to protect Egypt from an ancient terror. She embarks to meet her grim fate alone but for the hardened warrior Khenet, who is fated to die at her side. Tiya’s dreams of love and family now seem impossible, and Khenet, who is the last of his line, knows his culture will die with him. Struggling with the high cost of Nephthys’s demands, both resolve to remain loyal.

My Take: The magic of egypt seems to jump off the page. As does the romance. The reader follows Lady Tiya and Nephthys as they travel down the nile in the search of their shared destiny. One that may seem bleak but full of purpose. Along the way they find love and even more reason to fight.
There is something romantic about old Egypt that flows easily through the story. I enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next installment in the series.

Darkness Rises ~ Dianne Duvall

Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked this one up as a netgalley and have just gotten around to reading it.

Summary: Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple--she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years--long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . 
My Take:
 This is the first of the series that I have read but I did not feel like I was being left behind at any point. The premise is an interesting one. The world is over run with Vampires the only problem is the humans don't know it! Lucky for the human race the Immortals are around to help out. This story is one part romance one part urban fantasy as we follow a human vampire hunter, Krysta, on her path to the truth and true love.
This was a nice change of pace from your regular vampire romance novel. The characters were interesting  and plentiful. It is easy to tell there is more to this story and make the reader want more.