Book Review: Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

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Cold Burn of Magic
Black Blade #1
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Young Adult
Release Date: April 28th 2015
Review Source: Kensington –Teen | Netgalley

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

Cold Burn of Magic made me fangirl. I loved it. Seriously guys, it's up there with my favourite first books in a series. Urban Fantasy is my go-to genre and I've finally found a enjoyable YA urban fantasy, because in my opinion they don't come around often. Here I was introduced to a world I fast learned to love, characters I admired and a plot I could really get in to.

Its one of those books where I want to gush to people and be like "oh, wasn't this part amazing?" I genuinely enjoyed it that much. And I pretty much devoured this novel in one sitting. No breaks, no distractions, just solid reading, and I didn't even realise how much time had passed until the end. If you're into urban fantasy type books with strong female characters then don't hesitate to add this book to your list. It's a book worth reading.

I don't know what it is, but strong, independent female characters just tick all the boxes for me. Lila was a character I loved to love and enjoyed her antics throughout the book. The action was exciting and mysterious, the characters likable and the world was one I liked following. The new, fresh feeling of this series was exciting and Cold Burn of Magic was only the beginning of this journey. And I can't wait to follow the story in book 2, Dark Heart of Magic.

It's funny, though, because I enjoyed this book so much, so you'd think I'd have loads to say, but I can't find anything else to add. I just loved it. Simple. And if Urban Fantasy is your thing, then I suggest you read it too!

Book Review: Touched by Corrine Jackson

Touched
A Sense Thieves Novel #1
Author: Corrine Jackson
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Supernatural
Released: November 27th 2012
Review Source: Kensington Teen
Available:Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.

Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll becoming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first.

This is Book One in the Touched trilogy.

Even though the book started off very slowly for me, Corrine Jackson did a wonderful job pulling me back into the book. This story is about a girl named Remy, was has the amazing super power of healing others just by her touch. By healing them, she brings the injuries and illnesses onto herself.

One night, Remy was beaten badly by her mother's boyfriend and she landed in the hospital. Step in her previously non-existent father, who demands that she now live with he and his family so that Remy has a safe place to live. The first night of being there, Remy sneaks out of the house and watches the waves come in on the beach. She sees a boy (Asher) who decides to start taking pictures of her, which she finds strange. The two come to know quite a bit about each other and become close - even though they are supposed to be "mortal enemies". The love, drama and romance between the two keeps the pages turning!

It's a feel good read in regards to Remy mending the relationship with her father and new step-mother. However, the new found relationship between Remy and her step sister Lucy, is even better. She definitely learns to trust again and discovers the meaning of love.

I would suggest this book to any of my fantasy reading friends as a must read. Packed full of adventure and never ending turns!!