R&R Review and Interview Sunday: The Awakening by D.J. Torres

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The Nature of Gods #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"When gods and goddesses abruptly overthrow Earth, humans are given two choices – worship or die. Desperate to survive, Olivia and her family devote their days to fulfilling the will of the gods. But the wrath of the gods is insatiable and unpredictable. With her hope crushed, Olivia is resigned to her bleak fate . . . until she meets Nature.

Immediately, Olivia knows this charismatic girl with color-changing eyes isn’t normal. Nature looks like a teenager yet she has the power to control the weather and converse with animals. Nature opens Olivia’s eyes to a hidden world that had always existed in harmony with her own. However, know-it-all butterflies and mystical creatures aren’t the only secrets revealed as Olivia discovers the dark plan of the gods.

When Nature decides to confront the gods, Olivia is catapulted to the forefront of humanity’s battle for survival. Olivia must rely on her courage, strength, and newfound gifts as she faces monster-infested pathways and ever-looming traps. But does she have enough courage or skill to battle brutal gods eager to rule the world and dole out punishment to anyone who defies them? Nature and the world depend on it."

Book Review: Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep

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Goodreads Blurb:

"I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.

Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am."

Review:

Overall, I was generally pleased by this book.  It had it's moments where it wasn't up to par but for the most part, it was an amazing end to the series.  I especially loved the ending - Jennifer Estep did a really amazing job tying up all the loose ends and keeping all the books in the series connected.  There was also excellent tension and buildup.

I'm actually glad this is the last book in the series.  Even though I'll miss all the characters, I was getting kind of annoyed with Gwen and her thoughts (it's just me...).  The same phrases would repeat over and over and OVER.  It just gets to you after a while.

I know I said I loved the ending... and I do... it just seemed rather abrupt to me.  Like it was the final awesome battle and then... peace for like a page or two and then it ends!  I would have liked a bit more falling action.

I can't decide how I feel about all the side romances and all that... Sometimes, they got really distracting and other times they were adorable!

I started out really liking the covers in the series but this one is definitely my least favorite.  It just seems thrown together like it wasn't even made to go with the story or it was an afterthought.

This was a decent book and a pretty good ending to an amazing series!

Quotes:

“Yeah, you're probably right,' I said, forcing myself to smile at him. Logan grinned back at me. 'Of course, I'm right. I'm always right.' I rolled my eyes, leaned over, and lightly punched him in the shoulder. 'And now you sound like Vic.' 'No, he doesn't,' Vic piped up from his spot in the chair I'd propped him up in. 'I am much more confident than the Spartan is.' He sniffed. 'And with good reason.”  

“Open sesame,' I joked. Silence. Apparently, the Reapers weren't in a joking mood.” 

“It's about time you guys got here,' Oliver quipped. 'Alexei and I were starting to think you'd gotten lost.' Daphne sniffed. 'Please. We weren't lost. We were shopping.' 'That doesn't make it any better,' Oliver retorted. In fact, I'd say that makes it worse.”  

“It's not my fault you left her all by herself,' Oliver teased. 'You know that's how Gwen gets into trouble.' 'I would stick my tongue out at you, but it's too cold,' I grumbled.” 

“Still, I couldn't help looking at Daphne in morbid satisfaction. 'What did I tell you? Our first double date? Officially ruined.” 

“You're mine," "Not his. Mine. Only mine. Always mine.”