The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

Title: The Hallowed Ones
Author: Laura Bickle
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Source: Read via Oyster.

Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning.

GOODREADS // AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE // KOBO

I absolutely loved The Hallowed Ones. Ms. Bickle did an amazing job with this story. It was the perfect blend of horror, gore and God.

Katie is a 16 year old Amish girl. She's happy with her life and her faith in God but she seeks more. She's excited about her upcoming Rumspringa. To experience the Outside world and see what life has to offer. She spends her days with her best friend, Elijah. She knows that he'll be her husband one day but she's focused on enjoying their lives in the present. I loved Katie. I thought that she was the perfect little rebellious Amish girl. She did her chores, respected her parents and cared for her little sister. I don't feel that her rebellions were that bad. She acted on her gut, what she felt in her heart. No one can be disliked for that. Elijah, on the other hand, I did not care for. He just seemed a little to good. He had that, "I'm to high and mighty for this petty stuff" attitude. 

Katie defies the Elders of her community by taking in Alex. He's hurt and she can't turn a blind eye to that. I like Alex. I like Alex and Katie together. And I loved how he defended her and took all the blame on himself. Selfless. That's admirable. I can't wait to find out how their relationship progresses in the next book!

That brings us to the vampires. I've always been a vampire fan. I was excited to see them depicted as vicious monsters instead of gorgeous creatures. Vampires are monsters. They should be scary! Ms. Bickle made them scary. From the red, glowing eyes to the blood soaked carnage they left behind them, They were terrifying. 

I don't think that I've read anything about the Amish before. It was intriguing. To learn about their lifestyle and their beliefs was just an added bonus to the story. I also really enjoyed Katie's struggle with her faith. It was realistic. We all struggle with our beliefs, especially in times of tragedy. It was something that I loved seeing her work out. 


I would recommend The Hallowed Ones to everyone. This has been one of my favorite books  that I've read so far this year! I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to dive into the next book! 

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Infinity Unleashed by Sedona Venez

Title: Infinity Unleashed (Valkyries: Soaring Raven #2)
Author: Sedona Venez
Publication Date: December 10, 2013
Source: Via the author in exchange for an honest review.

A new adult story of Betrayal. Sex. Addiction. Love. And Power...

Mason's diabolical plan had actually worked. 

In a matter of minutes he had kidnapped me, stripping me of everything...money, family, and freedom. It was humbling, depressing, and damn infuriating but I refuse to go down without a fight. I refuse to be defeated. 

Boulder will find me. I didn't know how, but I felt it deep in my soul. 

Boulder...the one man that made my body quake with just one look. It was madness. There was so much I didn't know about him. For that matter, there was so much that he didn't know about me…like the evil darkness lurking inside me, waiting to be unleashed. 

Could he accept me without judging? 

That's where most men failed. Accepting the real me. But after years of hardening my heart, and sealing it behind a steel cage, I was ready to give myself to him freely. Knowing, that he planned to take everything I offered with both hands, until all I thought of...and wanted...was him…

GOODREADS // AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE

Infinity Unleashed is the second book in the Valkyries: Soaring Raven series. If you read my review of the first book, Infinity, then you know I wasn't sold on it. Which means I wasn't excited to continue my reading. I must admit that Infinity Unleashed was much better than the first. Although, I still wouldn't consider myself a fan.

It's pretty action packed from page one. Infinity has been kidnapped by Mason and taken to the tiger-shifter compound. Her memories have been wiped due to being sedated and drugged. She's told that her friends and family are dead. She is to become Mason's mate and rule the tiger-shifter community. Or something, it's all quite confusing.

Boulder is determined to find Infinity. She is his true mate and he will do everything in his power to bring her home safely. I want to like Boulder, I really do. But he is so cave man. My woman. My mate. I protect you. You are mine. I am yours. Blah, blah, blah. The only sexual scene in the whole book is during Boulder and Infinity's mating claiming thing. I swear if I read the words, "I am yours and You are mine" one more time, I was gonna barf. I got it the first time it was said, you don't have to keep reminding me.

The cussing was right on par with the first book. Excessive. I reached the point where in my head, I completely skipped the bad words and the story sounds so much better! So much cussing is not sexy, it's trashy. I think this was the one thing that bothered me the most with Infinity and Infinity Unleashed.

Overall, the story line is fantastic. I really do love it! It's just not fun to read about when it's in such poor taste. I honestly don't think I will be continuing with this series. I still wouldn't recommend these but I also wouldn't say don't read them either. Try them out for yourself! Just because it didn't float my boat, doesn't mean it won't float yours.

*** This is a new adult paranormal novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers. ***

Review copy from the author via Xpresso Book Tours.

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Infinity by Sedona Venez

Title: Infinity (Valkyries: Soaring Raven #1)
Author: Sedona Venez
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

The first moment I saw Boulder... his helmet-covered head snapped in my direction and stared. 

My eyes greedily took in the hardness of his thighs encased in dark jeans, his kick ass motorcycle boots, and leather jacket. I licked my bottom lip, stifling the crazy urge to leap out of the car and climb him like a tree while burying my nose into the crook of his neck like a possessed woman.

I needed to see his face, and as if answering my request, he pulled off his helmet impatiently, and literally, something clicked in my head as his warm apple-green eyes locked onto me and he muttered, "All mine." 

Well, that's what I imagined he was saying as his lips moved silently. He could have been whispering, "Stalker girl," but hey, I was willing to stalk him into submission.

GOODREADS // AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE

Infinity is a rock star. Everyone loves her but someone hates her. She discovers supernatural secrets about her past and her future. She has fantastic friends. She has hot bodyguards who both draw her attention. Infinity seems to have everything she could want. But things quickly turn sour.  

Infinity has the story line to make for a great story. I'm just not sure that's what was achieved here. I don't read many books that's I don't care for. I just really love books! I think they are all great in their own way. But Infinity just felt, lacking. I feel like there was to much chitter chatter. Lots of useless, meaningless conversations. For example, Infinity and her 2 best friends had a chapter long conversation in the back of a limo about the party they were fixing to attend. 13 year old girl gossip at it's best. 

Once the threats on Infinity's life begin, a security team is hired to protect her. A werewolf security team. Which brings in Boulder & Torch. They march right into Infinity's world and take over. Boulder declares is undying love for her after about 10 minutes together. Torch treats her like an ugly stepsister but yet gives off sexual vibes towards her at the same time. It's all very confusing.

This is a new adult novel, so there is "adult" things happening. One of those is cussing. I have nothing against a good f-bomb drop where it's fitting but I felt that Infinity had an overabundance of them. As if were dropping bombs just to be dropping them. And for all this sex talk, we find out that Infinity is a virgin. She's scared to take that next step. And to be honest, after finishing Infinity, I'm not even sure who her love interest is intended to be. Boulder? Torch? The vampire guy who I can't even remember his name? Her "brother"? It's just to much.

I love the concept of this story, just not the execution. Would I recommend Infinity to you? It wouldn't be high on my list, but I would never tell someone to not read a book. Try Infinity for yourself. You may love it! You never know until you try!

Review copy from the author via Xpresso Book Tours!

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BLOG TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY: Deviation by Heather Hildenbrand

Welcome to my stop on the Deviation Blog Tour! I was so excited to be a part of this. Heather is one of my favorite authors, so of course I couldn't pass this up! Check out my review for Deviation, the second book in her Clone Chronicles Series. Also keep on scrolling down for a sweet giveaway!

Title: Deviation (The Clone Chronicles #2)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: March 12, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Protect. Obey. Sacrifice.

These words are the mantra of my existence. I’m not sure if it’s Titus Rogen inspiring my desire to go against what I am or my own DNA deviating. All I can think is how Titus will look when he meets his end. It trumps even my wish for freedom. In this moment, I want nothing more than to watch the life bleed from Titus’s body. And I want it at my own hands.

Titus. The Creator.

I stare at my palms. Strength aside, I wonder if I’m capable of taking a life. A human life; one with a soul. And I wonder if that isn’t easier than taking the life of an Imitation. At least humans have souls that live on. What do I have after this? Where will I go? Back into a syringe? Will Titus recycle me? Or will I be lost forever down a lab drain?

We don’t deserve that.

We don’t deserve him.

Deserving and receiving are so very different here. And I am beginning to understand, to beat someone in this world, I‘ll have to play in it.

GOODREADS // AMAZON // KOBO // BARNES & NOBLE

Fantastic! That should really be all you need to hear to entice you to pick up Deviation for yourself. But, I suppose, I'll elaborate..

If you've followed any of my reviews, you know by now that I am a huge HUGE fan of Heather's writing. I haven't read anything she wrote that I've disliked and Deviation is no different. 

We pick up right where Imitation leaves us hanging. Unlike the first book, we are thrown right into the action. How will Ven and Linc break free? Will they be able to save the others? What happened to Daniel and Melanie? Does Titus finally get what he deserves? So many questions going into Deviation and I can say that most of those are answered!

I'm still loving Ven and Linc's relationship. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite "book boyfriends". Aside from Wes. If you're a Heather fan, you'll understand! It's fun to learn how Ven handles all of her feeling. How she copes with understanding she's more human than she thinks. And Obadiah. What can I say about him except that I love him. He's quirky, loyal & a definate risk taker. Everything that Ven needs in a best friend. 

There isn't much world building in Deviation. But that's understandable, considering all of that was done for us in Imitation. We do get a look inside the infamous Twig City. And it will make your skin crawl. On one side, it's cool. I mean, clones? That's cool. But on the other, it's lifeless. A horrible place that cooks up a terrible mans experments.


I don't want to give to much away! Reviewing series books always makes me nervous because I'm afraid I'll say to much. And I'm also afraid I'll be to vague. So I'll just say this. Read it. Read Imitation. Read Deviation. Then read every single Heather Hildenbrand book you can get your hands on. You can thank me later. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Imitation (The Clone Chronicles #1)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: March 12, 2013
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Everyone is exactly like me. 
There is no one like me. 
The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing? 
My entire life is an imitation. 
I am an Imitation. 
I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.
And now I have a letter.
My assignment has begun. 
I am a prisoner.
                                                                           I am not Raven Rogen.
                                                                           I am here to die.

GOODREADS // AMAZON // KOBO

Imitation is a fantastic story of genetic cloning & world domination. Well, kind of. Ven is an imitation. She is asked (forced) to step in for her Authentic due to death threats. Her mission? Help find out who is trying to kill "her" and save her Authentic. Imitation is a fast paced, exciting read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

I haven't read many books on cloning. So Imitation was a nice story to start out with. It was an interesting dynamic. You start out learning about the lives of the hundreds of Imitations within Twig City. Their daily routine, their friendships, their fears & expectations of the outside world. You quickly make a connection with Ven and I loved her through out the whole story.

There are a good many characters to learn in Imitation. Our main ones being Ven, Linc (her love interest) and Titus Rogen (her "fake" father). I loved the relationship between her & Linc. It was sweet & special without being "gag me with a spoon" sappy. I loved Linc's character & hope to learn more about him in books to come! Titus Rogen is demanding, controlling & violent. His mission in life? Take over the world. As much as I hated Titus, I liked him for the role he is playing. He makes a good villain. Of course you face many more faces in Imitation & I was happy with them all!

The world Ven lives in, I would describe as dystopian. Slightly, as in it's headed there fast. I enjoyed how Heather painted the scenes as they travel through out the city. You can really imagine yourself being there with them. From high society social events to the slums outside the inner city, you can easily immerse yourself into Ven's world.

Overall, I loved Imitation! I would definitely recommend this as a quick read to anyone who enjoys a strong female character. I highly doubt you will be disappointed.

*Heather recently released a NA version of Imitation called The Girl Who Wasn't. While it is the same story, she's added in the nitty gritty for those who prefer a more adult version. I haven't decided if I'm going to do a review on The Girl Who Wasn't just because it's the same! But I might do a quickie review just to give my two cents on the added extras! Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing that!

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REVIEW: Stella Steiner: A New Star is Born (Stella Steiner #2) by T. Anderson

Title: Stella Nova: A New Star is Born (Stella Steiner #2)
Author: T. Anderson
Publication Date: September 30, 2013
Source: Via the author for review.

Stella has awakened. Following a risky surgery and months in a coma she is grateful to have narrowly escaped death but struggles to accept that it was all a dream. Full of opposition, Stella’s life after waking is nothing like it used to be. 
To keep her sanity she vows to put the past behind her and begin again. Stella decides to put college on hold and find adventure through travel. On the anniversary of her original departure she’s destined for Oslo but takes an unexpected detour—California! With proof of her birth family at her fingertips, Stella is forced to confront all she has worked so hard to forget.
Teaming up with those she believed were imaginary characters from her dreams, Stella is whisked into a mysterious and transformational quest to protect an ancient secret—immortality. Faced with obstacles, she wonders what is true and who to trust. 
Relying on clues from past lives and Scandinavian lore, Stella uncovers more about herself and a purpose greater than she ever would have believed. To fulfill her destiny Stella must embrace change, sacrifice much, and risk everything. She becomes something new, someone powerful and unearthly. 
Stella Nova. Defender of the One.

AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE 

Stella Nova is the second book in the Stella Steiner series. It's so hard for me to review series books because I don't want to give anything away. But I'm going to do my best, so here goes..

In Stella Nova, we open to find that Stella has been in a coma because of the brain tumor she developed in book one. She is still having dreams of past lives, but is told that it's all her imagination. After her recovery, she sets out on a world journey to discover who she really is.

Stella Nova started off kind of slow for me. It was mostly because of me and not the story itself. It's been over a year since I've read Monad (the first book) and I was confused. I felt like this story did not pick up where the first one ended. But I pushed on. I must say that it all came together nicely.

Once Stella stepped off that airplane, the story really drew me in. No lie, I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. We meet all the characters from Monad plus a few more. I loved that we finally got some background stories on all of them as well. That was the one thing I thought Monad was missing, but Stella Nova fills in all the gaps.

It really was a nonstop ride from about chapter 4 to the end. The bulk of this story is about only one day in the book. But because it's told from every character's point of view, it's constant action and learning.

I really don't want to give away to much, but if you read Monad, then you absolutely must continue! And if you haven't read either, then get on the ball! I don't think you will be disappointed.

I loved Stella Nova and I can't wait for the next in the series. I have to know how Stella's story is going to end! Special thanks fo the author, T. Anderson, for sending me a copy of Stella Nova and allowing me the chance to read her story! I loved it!

 *Be sure to check out my review of T. Anderson's first book in the Stella Steiner series. Monad: The Awakening of Stella Steiner.

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REVIEW: The Unseen by J.L. Bryan

Title: The Unseen
Author: J.L. Bryan
Publication Date: October 31, 2013
Source: Via the author for review.

Cassidy is a young tattoo artist living in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta. She’s always suffered terrible nightmares, and sometimes the hideous creatures seem to follow her out of her dreams and into her waking life, though she’s the only one who can see them. Drugs and alcohol can blot them out, but never entirely chase them away.
When a demonic cult begins to take control of the people in her life, including her younger brother, Cassidy discovers that the unseen world of monsters is very real. She can no longer avoid it. To protect those she loves, she must accept her own hidden supernatural talents and face the forces of evil before the sinister cult achieves its twisted goals and casts the world into darkness.

AMAZON // KOBO

This post is about The Unseen by J.L. Bryan and how wonderfully awesome it is! I have adored every one of Jeff's books that I have read so far & The Unseen is no different. He takes it back to the creepiness of his Jenny Pox series. The Unseen is a crazy mixture of good vs evil. Demons vs well, normal people. Throw in a few witches & you've got a great story!

The Unseen centers around Cassidy. After an incident in high school, she has been able to see all of the unseen things in the world. Monsters & demons that are invisible to the average person. Thinking she's just going crazy, Cassidy starts using drugs & alcohol heavily. When she's high or drunk, she doesn't see the monsters. But, of course, it isn't long before she has to face her fears & stop the demons once & for all.

The Unseen is a very dark story. There isn't many warm, fuzzy moments. I, personally, love that. Cassidy has to learn to trust herself & others in order to face her fears. Her best friend, Brenda, has stuck by her side since the incident in high school. Sometimes a good friendship beats romance any day. I love how they stick together no matter what. Brenda dabbles in the witchcraft scene, so she always believes the crazy things that Cassidy tells her. Through out this book, you will see relationships begin & end but Cassidy & Brenda always remain the same.

This story isn't for the faint of heart. It gets real disturbing at parts. It has some pretty heavy drug & alcohol use in several different scenes. It also has some strong language.  There is even a demon orgy that happens. My mind will never be the same. Jeff puts a really twisted spin on satanic worship. It's interesting & terrifying at the same time. But I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone under the age of 18.

If you don't mind blood, guts & demons getting it on, then you will love The Unseen. Your imagination will go places you didn't think it could. The Unseen is simply fascinating. I suggest you get to reading it, now!

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Project Home Introduction!

As much as I love books, I also have other things that I love just as much. So I'm going against the normal "book blogger" status and posting a mashup of things. One thing that I am very passionate about is all things DIY. I love to paint, sew, craft, crochet (still learning!) and read. So why not be able to share all of thses things in one space? This is my blog after all, I have that choice. Which is actually where my name came from. Geek for the book lover in me and Glitter for the crafty part. 

So I have decided to share our remodeling journey with you here on the blog. Every Thursday you will see a Project Home post. About 5 years ago, my husband and I bought a trailer. Neither of us had very good credit at the time, so our options were very limited. My parents own about 13 acres in the country, so we set up home next door to them. We couldn't be happier. I was raised here and I love being here. We have the freedom to do whatever we want! But after several years, we've decided to pretty much remodel every room in the house. Over the last year we've already done alot of work, so the first few posts will be playing catch up with the things done already. 

Anything that has to do with our remodel will be posted here, on the blog, on Thursdays. Anything else that I do (crafty, DIY, furniture, etc.) that doesn't have to do with our home will be shared on my Facebook Page. So if that is your cup of tea, be sure to like GeekGlitter on FB so you don't miss out! There will also be plenty of bookish things on FB too, but I don't want to be to repetitive. I'd like to keep a nice mix of different things going on in different places.

Basically this was just introducing you to my Project Home idea. Next week will be the first official post, with pictures and stuff. So be sure to stick around and check out what we've been up to! You can also check out the hashtag #ggprojecthome on Instagram to keep up as well. I've been trying to tag all of our home pictures with that tag for easy tracking.

Do you enjoy crafting as well? Tell me about some of your projects!

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