Ember (Death Collectors, Book 1) by Jessica Sorensen

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2012

What if you knew when someone was going to die?

For seventeen-year-old Ember, life is death. With a simple touch, she knows when someone will die. It’s her curse and the reason she secludes herself from the world. The only person who knows her secret is her best friend Raven.

Then she meets Asher Morgan. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and is the only person Ember can't sense death from. So when he pushes into her life, she doesn’t mind.

But when unexplained deaths start to haunt her town, Ember starts questioning why she can’t sense Asher's death and what he may be hiding.

My Review: 

The story revolves around 17 year old Ember. A girl who is from a small town and is cursed. It centers on Ember's ability to see more than the average eye and because of this she is an outcast. Writing a full review of this book would have to include spoilers and I don't want to do that. This book is worth reading. Sorensen gives angels and death a new twist making this story compelling, suspenseful, and romantic. It brings a new perspective to this genre making it unique. The fast pace and action scenes, as well as the mystery makes you want to continue reading. It has the right amount of romance without making it sappy like other YA paranormal romances, and it also has the right amount of lust without making it erotic and not suitable for minors. Like I said, I highly recommend this book. Jessica Sorensen has now climbed the list to one of my favorite writers. Her imagination and creativity are not lacking and demonstrate her talent in her stories. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out and find out what happens next.

The Vampire Queen by Jodie Pierce

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2011

A young woman awakes to find out not only is she an important Countess but she is also the very first or 'Ancient One' as she is called by her subjects. Her memories of being a vampire or anyone are gone so she must relearn everything (from spells to flying) from the people around her, but can they be trusted?

She learns her main objective as the old Countess was purifying the vampire race and wishes to continue with that work.

The 'Others', powerful and evil vampires, attempt to use her memory loss to their advantage. They had been trying to entice her to their side for centuries. Struggling to remember her past, battling the 'Others' and coping with her new life keep the Countess busy throughout this spellbinding and thrilling novel. Will she succeed in her goals or will the 'Others' win her over to their side this time around?

My Review:

The Vampire Queen by Jodie Pierce is the first installment of The Vampire Queen Trilogy. A must read for vampire fanatics who are looking for an interesting short story. The book centers around Countess Paulina de Lourdes, a vampire who has been awaken from a deep slumber by the Count, her benefactor. The Countess must learn who she is and who her allegiance lays with in a battle of good and evil. Along this journey she learns why her allegiance is so important in the vampire world. She finds friendship, love and betrayal in those who are close to her.

I recommend this book if you are looking for a fast-paced, elegantly written short story. Each character is unique and plays a role in the outcome of this story. The Countess is, strong, powerful and determined if a little juvenile and petulant at times. She allows no one to step on her; therefore you end up admiring her for this. While I enjoyed reading this book, I would have liked more character depth. The Countess, being the main character, was a little hard to like at first. I would also have liked to know more about the Count and the relationship between the two.  The ending leaves you with questions and well, I will certainly read the second book, and find out what adventure the Countess finds herself in next.

Jodie Pierce is an excellent writer, she lures you into her world with few words and unique characters. I will admit, this is the first book that I have read from this author and it will not be the last.