Review - Ravage (Deviants, Book 3) by Jeff Sampson (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Size: 400 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0061992803
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd (and final) book in the Deviants series
Source: Gift
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the third, and final, book in the Deviants series by Sampson. This was by far the strangest book of the three, it was still very engaging and very readable. I’ve enjoyed the interesting mesh of paranormal, aliens, and genetic engineering that takes place in this series.

Emily is the leader of the pack of Vespers who can now morph into their hybrid state which combines the best of their normal state, nighttime state, and werewolf personalities. In the last book parts of the puzzle as to how Emily and her pack were made like this were solved...this book looks at the why. Emily and crew have to figure out why their parents let BioZenith mutate them. She also needs to find a way to destroy BioZentih before the Shadowmen can start taking over.

This book gets a bit crazy. We find out things about other dimensions, high intelligence alien lifeforms, and there is even a bit of cult worship in here. The story is getting a bit convoluted and out there for me; at times it feels kind of contrived. Still it is a creative story and there are a number of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing.

Emily continues to be a character that is easy to engage with and entertaining to read about. The interactions between her and Spencer are sweet and respectful. I love watching them navigate their way through a relationship with all of the crazy complications they face.

In this book Emily and her fellow Deviants team up with the telekinetic cheerleaders to take on the BioZentith corporation. There are a number of unexpected twists and turns throughout the story and many crazy truths are revealed.

As with previous books in this series the book was very engaging and easy to read. I enjoyed the fast pace and the unexpected twists and turns the story took. The story is mostly a mystery that turns into a battle to save humanity from evil aliens.

The series wraps up in a way that isn’t super surprising but does an excellent job of tying up everything. Fans of the series should be pleased.

Overall this was a decent close to this series. I enjoyed the creative and different take on werewolves, but at times all the crazy twists and turns felt a bit contrived. I did really enjoy the fast pace of the book and the easy to engage with characters. This whole series is recommended to those who like action packed paranormal books featuring werewolves.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- 150+ Reading Challenge
- Paranormal Reading Challenge
- Young Adult Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - The Dragonslayer (Bone, Book 4) by Jeff Smith (5/5 stars)

Reading level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Size: 176 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: November 18, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0439706377
Stand Alone or Series: 4th book in the Bone series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the 4th book in the nine book Bone graphic novel series by Jeff Smith.  It was a spectacular addition to the series and probably the darkest book yet.  The story really deepens and the danger for our beloved characters really takes on an urgency.

Smiley Bone and Phoney Bone are competing in sales at the inn to see if they can pay of their debt; Phoney Bone has everyone convinced he is a dragon slayer which is causing problems.  Meanwhile Granny, Thorne, and Fone Phone have started a journey to leave the valley and get Thorne to safety.  When they are attacked by the rat creatures on their journey things take a turn for the worse.  Ends up Thorne has more truth to learn about her identity and the valley has worse enemies than rat creatures to worry about.

Thorne goes through some rough times in this book.  It is a dark book for her.  This is the first book where there is more violence, blood, and despair present throughout the story.  That is not to say everything is bleak; there are some pretty funny scenes with Phoney Bone, Smiley Bone, and the Dragon.  Still it is becoming clear that the residents of the valley are facing a peril worse than they ever could have imagined.

As with previous books the plot is well developed and the story continues to deepen.  There is humor throughout and the drawing continues to be wonderful.  This book was a bit scarier than some of the previous ones so take caution if reading this with young children.

Overall a great addition to the series.  Darker than previous books, but still some humor throughout.  The story expands and is wonderfully told.  I can't wait to read book 5, Rock Jaw, Master of the Eastern Border.  I am absolutely loving this series.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- 100+ Reading Challenge
- Fantasy Reading Challenge
- Graphic Novels Challenge List

 

Early Review - Vesper (Deviants, Book 1) by Jeff Sampson (4.5/5 stars)

Reading level: Young Adult

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Size: 304 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January 25, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0061992766
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in Deviants trilogy
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4.5/5 stars


I got an advanced reading copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program.  This is the first book in the Deviants trilogy by Jeff Sampson.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book, but I ended up liking it a lot.  It was a great read with some interesting plot twists and some interesting ideas.  Some of the concepts in this book are loosely related to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The night that Emily Cook dies weird things start happening to Emily Webb.  Emily Webb is a self-pronounced geek who prefers her books and her movies to any outside company but one night that all changes.  One night she changes into Nighttime Emily and sneaks out of her window and is running around town like a crazy woman.   This change becomes a nightly occurring leaving Daytime Emily confused and upset as Nighttime Emily slowly erodes Daytime Emily's relationships with her parents and friends.  Then things get weirded, Daytime Emily changes past Nighttime Emily into something other.  The thing is this is happening to other teens as well and on top of this there is a serial killer out there shooting teens in the head.  Could it all be tied together?  Can Emily figure out what is going on before Nighttime Emily either destroys Daytime Emily's life or is hunted and shot down by the killer?

I was surprised about how much I liked this book.  It was incredibly engaging and very easy to read.  Emily Webb is a very realistic and likable character.  The book is told from Emily's point of view but is broken up by interview bits taken at some lab where Emily is being held.  These interview clips give a glimpse into Emily's future and add mystery as she relates her story as her first week as a Deviant.

I really enjoyed the plot pace of this book, it starts out a bit slow and slowly builds tension...then the action comes at you non-stop.  I liked the ideas behind that book too, how Emily's personality changes but she is still Emily at the same time.

The only complaint I really have is that the side characters suffered from being underdeveloped.  Hopefully we will see more development in that area in the first book.

The story ties up well but really leaves you wanting to know more about the Deviants and what they are up to.  As a reader I really want to see the scope of the story broadened, it was pretty narrow in this book told strictly from Emily's point of view.

Overall and excellent book.  Creative and well-written and very engaging.  Emily was a very real character going through some crazy stuff, there is a lot of suspense and mystery that really keeps you hooked.  I am excited to read the next book in the series and see what happens with all of these Deviant characters.   This was one of the better young adult urban fantasy novels I have read in a while.

This goes towards the following reading challenges:

- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- The Debut Author Challenge
- 100+ Reading Challenge