Hope Collier

You may also read my review here: http://www.bookbybookreview.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-willows-haven.html

I am sad that I even have to write this review for the sole purpose that it means the book is done. Never did I want a story to continue more than I did this one.

From the very first word I was drawn into this story. The characters were so well formed that I felt I had known them forever. The mystery that surrounds Ashton's life, both before the story begins and as it is taking place, is so intriguing that you can't help but continue reading. As each new person makes him or her way into the story, it just gets better and better.

Not since Edward, in Twilight, have I felt more emotionally connected to a character than I did to Gabe. It became very clear that there was something different about Gabe, he wasn't 'normal' but instead, very special... in a good way. As Ashton and Gabe became closer and thoughts of the 'new life' became clearer, it was obvious that this was not just another love story - it was something much more.

Hope Collier used imagery that made everyday places sound enchanting; 'The Valley', like a dream. With such lush greenery, crystal clear waters, and a rich history, being lost in The Willows: Haven was more like a dream. I craved reading this book more than I care to admit.

The only downfall to this book, as far as I can see, is that I have to wait for the next one to come out... sigh.

Overall, a phenomenal book. Perfect in every sense and one that I am SO incredibly honoured to review for this Book Blog Tour. Now, Hope... GET WRITING!!… (plus d'informations)

Ashton has been a loner for a while. Her father was distant, and her mother is no longer living. Ashton is soon escaping it all. While on the road she meets Gabe, a handsome young man she is instantly drawn too. Gabe seems to know things about Ashton, and she soon finds herself in a world that she could not have possibly imagined. Ashton discovers she is a pawn in a long standing conflict, and she's not interested. Between this, new relationships, and new discoveries about herself, Ashton will have to discover just how strong she is just to survive it all.

There are so many things I want to say about this book, but I don't want to spoil anything. So I will just say do yourself a favor and read this book. It is a totally fresh take on your typical young adult paranormal romance. The characters are extremely interesting, and I never knew what was going to happen next. Twists and turns abounded. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I did not want to stop reading. I'm going to keep this review short mostly because I'm afraid I will spoil something by saying more, and this book definitely benefits by all the surprises in store.

I enjoyed this book so much. I love the world that was created here. There's romance, myths, and even strange politics all thrown in. It is so easy to get caught up in this world. I highly recommend this book. I hope to read much more in this world.

Book provided for review.… (plus d'informations)

My thoughts:
This was a marvelous read! Sat down to read a couple pages and then suddenly the book was ending! Read cover to cover in one sitting.
Fabulous characters!
Ashton - spoiled, selfish and rich. She is forced to rethink a great many things about her family, her life and herself. I was thrilled to watch as she grew tremendously throughout the course of the book. With the insight of some of the other wonderfully created characters, she was able to make great strides in an attempt to be the person she decided she wanted to be.
Gabe - mysterious, confident, caring and of course perfect! He has a job to do - you must read the book to get more about that - and my heart went out to him as he struggled to do the "right" thing.
Kevin - (Ashton's boyfriend) - obviously entitled, wealthy, and not used to having things NOT go his way. He is easy to dislike from the go.
Kyle - Ashton's best friend and Kevin's brother - he is the guy we all want to know!
The rest of the supporting characters are all just as well made and easy to invest in.

There is a little bit of love triangle going on as well as a little bit of the "it's all about what you want because everyone loves you" kind of thing - but none of it is over the top! I usually get unhappy about all the men in a book being willing to die for the main female character, but this is pretty well done and vital to the story as a whole.

Hope has created a world I haven't seen before. Fantasy is my favorite genre and I was thrilled with her creative, original world building.

The plot is thick with mystery, secrets, and twists. Who is really who and what they say they are was a phrase I found myself contemplating throughout the story.

This story is well written, smoothly paced, and action packed with a little adventure, a little romance, a little mystery, a little fear, and a bit of mythology all mixed together! I can't wait for the sequel!… (plus d'informations)