Supernaturally by Kiersten White

"Oh, bleep. I was going to die."

Paranormalcy, the first book in the series, was original and fun, so I was excited to pick up the second one.

Summary: Evie finally has the normal life she's always wanted. She's attending high school (which houses her very own locker), dating her spectacular boyfriend Lend (although away at college most of the time), and even holding down a part-time job at the [greasy] diner she lives over (with a vampire).

The only problem: normal life is kind of boring.

Enter Raquel, offering a freelance job back with IPCA, the life of excitement and danger without the whole "prisoner" angle (and unfortunately without the unlimited credit).  But it's not all that she remembers as things go wrong left and right, and with the lies to her boyfriend piling up and an annoying yet gifted boy popping in via fairy doors to whisk her away to spectacular places, it's not easy balancing both worlds. And then of course there's her fairy ex-boyfriend Reth, always appearing to remind her of what she is - and what she is supposed to be. As the mystery that is Evie begins to unravel, she must discover what she truly wants. And where she truly belongs.

Reality Check: Very well written, as can always be expected from Kiersten. Evie is a great character...or was, to a point. As much as it pains me to say (and it hurts, it really hurts), I wasn't too impressed with Supernaturally. Evie was just too whiny and "woe is me" for my tastes, and even with her inevitable self-discovery I didn't feel the resolution. Where Paranormalcy shone for its unique take and voice in the paranormal genre, Supernaturally was simply about Evie's desperation to be normal - and when she couldn't be, it broke her.

The actual plot was weak and there wasn't much too it. More like necessary revelations before the finale, not a stand-alone book with its own full story arc. It was basically bits of shocking info thrown in here and there - and they were more strangely random than shocking. The "new love interest" was anything but, and Evie's devotion (read: obsession) with her boyfriend never let up. Overall I had several problem points that almost caused me to put the book down, and it was only my love for Paranormalcy that kept me reading.

Conclusion: After saying all that, I adore Kiersten and it wasn't as bad as I make it sound. I think I was just so dazzled by Paranormalcy that Supernaturally was a letdown. Perhaps Book 3 will be better? I'll read it, but I'm not holding my breath for anything spectacular.

out of 4 Paws Up (only because I adore Kiersten)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal [Romance]

Heartless by Gail Carriger

"Five months! Five months you--dare I say it--gentlemen have been sitting on this little scheme of yours and only now you decide to inform me of it!"

This is Book 4 of the Parasol Protectorate Series, and THE book in which the Parasol Protectorate is officially created! I ADORED the first three books, and book 4 was no different.

Summary: Although Alexia is inconveniently with child, she doesn't let such a little thing stop her as she investigates a ghostly message that the Queen's life is in danger. And for the safety of the previously mentioned infant inconvenience, and herself, Alexia moves into the city, a decision far more complicated than it sounds - especially when werewolves are concerned. Luckily they acquire an understanding neighbor. Comedic peril ensues on all fronts, even as dark secrets are uncovered.

Reality Check: As with the first four books, Heartless is gloriously witty and monstrously hilarious. Gail's writing is "practically perfect in every way," and it is a true JOY to read her books. I recommend them to absolutely everyone (over the age of 16, of course). The only thing to note is that a few of the subjects in this book are a bit heavier than previous, but it only adds to the depth of the loveable characters.

Rated: PG-13 for some scandalous language, blush-worthy marital relations, destruction a la octopod, parasol violence, and, of course, porcupines.

Best Part: Realistically, the whole book is the best part. But I do love the more frequent attendance of Biffy and Lord Akeldama!

Conclusion: Read it. Read them all. There is only one more book in the Parasol Protectorate Series - Timeless, due out in March. Gail and Orbit Books are awesome that way - they don't make you wait an entire year or more for the next book. And then Gail has a new quad series coming out: The Finishing School Series, first book entitled Etiquette & Espionage. Needless to say, you will be hearing about all of these from me in the future.

Genre: Adult Paranormal Steampunk

"[End Quote omitted to avoid spoilers. =) I always despise them myself.]"

 out of 4 Paws Up!!!