instinct

Let me start with the fact that I LOVE this series. Nick Gautier is one of my favorite characters. He is sarcastic, funny and Cajun-cher. He lives in New Orleans, is surrounded by friends who love him and a mother who would do anything for him. His is six foot four and good looking. So what's the problem you ask? Well, he is destined to become an all powerful evil that will destroy the world. He has spent the last six books trying to figure out how to stop himself and save the ones he loves. All that being said, this wasn't my favorite installment. Yes, Nick is his usual wonderful, self-deprecating teen self, but the story doesn't really get going until the end. There is a LOT of mythology and name changes and who is this demon and who is that demon and who is related to who and who is mad at who. Also, Caleb is sidelined for the entire book. Kyrian makes only a brief appearance (and he's my fave) and Ash is nowhere to be seen. Even Bubba is relegated to the background. There is a new cast of characters who take the forefront and while they are lovely and entertaining, I say dance with the one you came with. If you already love this series, you have to read it to keep up. If you haven't started, you must begin at the beginning and meet me when you are done. I won't give up on Nick and Co, I just hope the next adventure brings my favorite A team back. Happy reading mon chers! Laissez le bon temps rouler! And happy reading my friends!!

Golden Son

If you are looking for a book with 442 pages of non-stop action and intrigue, look no further. This sequel to Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a heart stopper. Darrow is still on his mission to take down society in honor of his dead wife Eo. He has worked his way into Gold society and he is on the rise. But his Arch Governor has turned on him and the plans of the Sons of Ares begin to falter so Darrow must create his own path. One that is fraught with danger and deception on so many levels. There is no one he can really trust because he is living a lie so devastating his world will end if it is revealed. He makes choices that put those who love him in danger and even though he could keep them safe, he must stay on mission. Sevro, Mustang, Ragnar, the Jackal, Roque, and Vitra become allies and enemies as Darrow makes his bid to take over the world all the while fighting the love he has for Mustang. Many truths are revealed, many die and many are betrayed as this novel barrels it's way to a crushing conclusion. This was a great bridge novel and the final part cannot come soon enough for me. It is not for young readers, but is a great next step for fans of dystopian fiction as well as adults as it doesn't read YA. Vacation is over, just got back from the bookstore and am about to dive into the next Nick Gauthier novel. There is never enough time for all the books I want to read and summer seems a long way off. Until then- Happy reading my friends!