Raised by Wolves

Title: Raised by Wolves
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes  
Pages: 418

Blurb: "Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.  

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?" - from goodreads.com

Rachael's Recap

Book Rating: 4.7 chocolate bars

Cover Rating: 4.2 chocolate bars 

When Bryn's parents are viciously murdered by a rouge werewolf, she is taken in by the alpha of a werewolf pack. Years later she meets a boy, who was recently attacked by the same rouge wolf that killed her parents. But even though her pack is less than helpful when it comes to giving her answers, she in not deterred. In her search for who attacked her parents and the newly turned werewolf Chase, she goes to extreme lengths. But, the question she really needs to answer is, what is she willing to risk to get her answers and is it worth the consequences that come?

This book was one of the few that draws you in and never let's go. I was so reveled that this was not another love triangle werewolf story. Bryn is actual a human in this story. How cool is that!? I loved her character, she was definitely not like most teen girl heroines. She kicked butt and took names. I mean, being raised by wolves has to make you tough. Another kick butt girl character in this book was Lake.  She was an amazing friend, and an amazing marksman who likes to name her weapons (again really cool). Two other characters in this book were Chase and Damon. Damon is Bryn's amazing show tune singing friend who would do almost anything for her, while Chase is the mysterious boy who was recently turned werewolf by a rouge.

This book was a fresh new view of werewolves. I loved how she was not a werewolf, and I absolutely loved that it had no vampires in it! Jennifer Lynn Barnes has an amazing way of painting Bryn's world out clearly for her readers. It had twists I didn't see coming and always had my attention. Something though that I was not totally excited about included Chase and, well yeah, Chase.  When I first "meet" Chase, I was super excited, but that soon ended. I felt like through the whole book you never got to really know Chase or understand him. Also, Bryn and Chase's relationship happened a little too fast for me. All in all though, I loved this book and definitely think it is worth the read. 

What I loved

• Bryn is not a werewolf
• Bryn was not a crazy love sick teenager
• Awesome ending (no I am not telling so don't ask)

What I wished were different

• I wished Chase had more personality
• The connection between Bryn and Chase was very sudden

If you are looking for a new amazing book about werewolves to read, then I suggest you rush to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Hunting Lila

Book: Hunting Lila
Author: Sarah Alderson
Pages: 306

Blurb: "17-year-old Lila has two secrets she’s prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she’s been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alex, since forever.

After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust—her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them.

In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realizes that she is not alone—there are others out there just like her—people with special powers—and her mother’s killer is one of them…" - from goodreads.com

Rachael's Recap

Book Rating: 4 chocolate bars

Cover Rating:  3.9 chocolate bars 

Ever had a secret? Well, this book is over flowing with them. Lila is seventeen, and has a huge secret, she can control things with her mind. Lila has never told anyone, but when someone tries to mug her, she reveals her abilities. So, she goes to the one place she knows will be safe, with her brother. Okay, maybe not just her brother, her brother and his best friend Alex. But she soon finds out that with them may not be the safest place for someone like her. Someone with a "special" ability. 

I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced from the very start, which I loved. Lila was an easy character to understand and follow.  She was a very determined and strong headed character, but also seemed very innocent and insecure. Just like his sister, Jack was a very determined and head strong. He was protective of Lila, but he was also keeping his own secrets from her. Again, so many secrets! And then there was Alex. Alex was Jack's best friend (and the one Lila has been in love with for years). Alex was kind, caring and a great guy. In other words  perfect boyfriend material.

I read this book in almost one sitting. It was a nice easy read for a YA novel. It had a good story line and was never slow. I loved how during the book you never knew who really was the "good guys" and who really was the "bad guys". Either way both groups were pretty awesome. I didn't like though how Lila was so over dramatic and obsessed with Alex though. I felt that she needed to grow up in some ways. 

What I loved

• Fast paced (but not too fast)
• Lots of twists and turns
• Unpredictable 

What I wished were different 

• Lila was too much bit obsessed with Alex for my liking 
• Lila was insecure and insecure 

This book had countless unpredictable twist and turns that kept my attention focused on the story.  It was a great quick read. If you are in the mood for a light fast paced story Hunting Lila is the book you need to read.

Mind Games

Book:  Mind Games

Author: Kiersten White 

Pages: 237

Blurb:      "Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey." - from goodreads.com 

Rachael's Recap

Book Rating: 4 chocolate bars

Cover Rating: 5 chocolate bars (it is soooo pretty!! (Says while drooling over book))

I have read Kiersten White's earlier series Paranormalcy, and I was expecting a light fun book about "spies". But, was I wrong. This book blew me away! I will start by telling you about the characters. Fia has perfect instincts, they are never wrong, but even though she is very powerful she is broken. Her parents died in a car crash leaving her and her sister alone. Enter Annie. Annie is Fia's older sister and she is blind, but still strong. Like her sister, she has a unique ability - she is a Seer and can see glimpses of the future. Both of the girls are sent to a "school" for special girls. But, Fia quickly learns the truth.

Now, I know everyone is supposed to hate the bad guy. But I really can't in this book. James...sigh....... He is the new person in charge of the school, and he is also the son of the notorious Keane. All these characters put together make an amazing book.

What I loved:

• Strong female main character who kicks serious butt
• Swoon worthy bad guy
• Twists and turn I didn't see

What I wished were different

• At points in the book it kept switching times and that confused me.
• I wish the "good guy" had a stronger personality 

If you are looking for a book with a kick-butt heroine with lots of amazing things happening to her, then this is the book to read!!!