April E-Book Review!
Hello fellow readers! Another new segment/post heading your way. I’ve been trying to make more of an effort to read my e-books since my Kindle is overflowing with so many great titles. Every month (starting now) I’ll be compiling mini-reviews of a couple of e-books that I’ve read for that month.
Review #1: Lost Highlander by Cassidy Cayman (2013)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Synopsis:
Grad student and cocktail waitress Evelyn Merkholtz has plenty to deal with. Too much to deal with. So, when her runaway best friend calls with a mysterious and urgent request to join her in Scotland, she is secretly more than happy to drop everything and oblige.
She’s faced with an ancient curse, an adorably hunky villager, and a super hot (but possibly murderous), Highland warrior from the 18th century – and realizes that getting burned at the stake is a really bad way to get out of writing her thesis. (description from Goodreads)
Review:
A fun Highlander adventure! I thought time traveling aspect was interesting and made the story exciting. Although, it was probably more a realistic reaction, I was so confused to why everyone was freaked out at Lachlan’s (aka 18th century Highlander) appearance. Because knowing me, I would have been like “Cool!” and striked up a conversation (assuming he could speak English). Or maybe it’s just because I watch too many Doctor Who episodes.
I would definitely say that this story was fast paced, but left a lot of loose ends at the story. But majority of those questions at the end of the book are answered in the second novel (which I’ve read).
Rating: 
Review #2: The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson (2012)
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Thriller, Mystery
Synopsis:
16-year-old Clare can’t stop drawing the bizarre, winged skulls she calls “Sammies”. Her psychiatrist assumes the compulsive drawings are just expressions of Clare’s grief over her father abandoning her. But then Clare discovers that her Sammies are exact matches for the Death’s Head on the grave of Samantha Forsythe, a teen who reportedly fell to her death over two centuries ago.
Before long, Clare’s drawings morph into cryptic writings that urge her to uncover the truth behind Samantha’s death. Together with Neil — the friend she might be falling for — Clare scours the local history for clues. She finds that, although Samantha was engaged to a wealthy landowner, there were whispered rumors of her involvement with a younger, biracial man.
Soon, Clare is haunted by disturbing dream images — a mysterious eye, a broken chain — that point to someone Samantha called her “Dearest”. But who is Dearest? And why does Samantha need Clare to find him so badly?
Isolated and carrying hidden scars of her own, Clare fears her obsession with Samantha will threaten her sanity and safety. But it seems she has no choice in the matter . . . (description from Goodreads)
Review:
The Grave Artist is an intriguing thriller where the main character, Clare, has to solve a historical murder mystery in order to stop the eerie drawings that haunt her. The thriller aspect definitely keeps you on your toes as you try to unravel the weird circumstance surrounding Samantha’s death.
While the story equally focuses on the murder mystery we also focus on Clare’s transition after her parents divorce and how it has been affecting her life. The creepy drawings put a strain on her life as she tries to deal with her father’s departure and how to become a happier person. Art not only helps to heal her, but with the help of Neil (friend from art class) she learns to open and express some of the feelings she’s been bottling up inside.
The best thing about this book was the thriller aspect and the author’s attention to detail. It’s as if you could picture these creepy, but beautiful drawings before your eyes.
Rating:
