Neurotic Thoughts on Mark of the Seer

Author: Jenna Kay
Release Date: March 16, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published by: Crushing Heart and Black Butterfly
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Summary from Goodreads:


CLARITY MILLER always thought of her life as semi-normal. She had friends that would do anything for her, a boyfriend that was madly in love with her, and a roof over her head that she shared with her aunt.
Everything seemed to be falling into place. That is, until the day she met Sam.
When Sam informs her that he’s her guardian angel and that she has been given the gifts of a Seer, her life starts spiraling out of control. She wants nothing to do with the spiritual realm.
All she wants is to have a normal life as a teenager, but when a tragedy occurs that causes the whole town of Garlandton to fall to its knees she realizes that she has a very important decision to make.


Should she embrace the life of a Seer?
Only time will tell . . .

I think this may be one of my favorite angel books ever! I loved the fact that Clarity already had a love interest and that her romance wasn't with her guardian angel. Forbidden love is great and all but well, let's just say been there done that. This book is set in the south and I love that the author wrote the characters with a noticeable southern accent. The voices of these teens actually sounded like teens without being over the top dramatic. I also enjoyed the fact that Clarity wasn't even sure she believed in angels. She has been so mad at God for so long for the death of her parents that she doesn't even know if she believes in Him. While she struggles with her own faith she is thrown into a war between the angels and the demons and she has to decide quickly what her role in the war will be. (All of this happens without being preachy in any way.)

The characters in Mark of the Seer are great. They are gritty and definitely not perfect. They make lots of mistakes and act like real people, not perfect imaginary book characters. Clarity is loyal, witty, and a bit wild. Not quite as wild as her best friend Kora whom I loved. Kora has not had the easiest childhood and has had to take care of not only herself but also her alcoholic mother. The story doesn't go into Kora's past overly, the author gives you just enough information to understand why she is the way she is.

Boyfriend, Brenton is not only dreamy but also one of the sweetest book boyfriends ever. I love that the two of them have been friends forever before becoming "involved" and that they know each other so well. I also liked that there is no stress between them in the romance department. They love each other and they know it.

Sam the angel is also another wonderful character. He is supportive of Clarity even when she tries to deny his existence. He is loving in the way that you would expect a guardian angel to be. There is no romantic tension he is strictly doing his job as guardian angel.

The plot line is engaging and dramatic in all the right places. A story that holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages even when you know your favorite shows are on the dvr. A definite recommend for anyone who enjoys reading about angels versus demons. The fact that the Demons coerce humans to do the their bidding seemed more natural than Demons just running amuck and causing problems. As you can tell there wasn't much I didn't like about this book!  Over all a fantastic read!


Just so you know: There is some "language", and mentions of teen drinking and "hooking up" 

Neurotic Thoughts on Crossroads

Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Released: April 6, 2011
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 384
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1456888579
Target Age: Young Adult
Source: This was given to me by the fabulous and wonderful Mary Ting for my very honest review.
Summary from Goodreads: On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

With easy-to-love characters, a fantastical and unique story line, and a delightful romance, Crossroads will captivate readers of all ages. A heavenly debut!

This book put a wonderful spin on the angel/human romance and I loved it!! Michael is not only a dream boyfriend to Claudia but he would be a parent's dream as well. Of course, he is an angel. If Micheal is a dream boyfriend then Claudia would be a dream daughter. Claudia is a great character that I don't have to scream at constantly for making horrible choices. She actually thinks about things and talks to Micheal when she has doubts and worries. The romance between Claudia and Micheal is so lovely and innocent, but still forbidden. I'm not sure how Mary Ting plans to keep them together, I just hope she can find a way.

Don't think that just because the characters are so likable that there isn't any action in this book because you would be wrong. There is some great and terrible evil, and some great kick-butt scenes. As much as I love Micheal and Claudia, I loved Micheal's fellow angels just as much. This book is truly one of the best angel on earth books I've read this year. Enjoy!!!