Finding the Power with Who Holds the Power by Furious

I have never really read a book where there was a lot of kung fu in it so I didn't know how I would respond.  Going in I worried that it might not be my cup of tea but I found I am a true eclectic at heart and I read this book with an open mind and ready to learn something new.  

So the setting is in Chicago.  I love that Furious describes exactly where everything takes place giving the names and descriptions of the schools in a way that gives a vivid picture of what it's like to be there.  I also really liked that he didn't only describe the great things about the city but also the dark alleys and what happened within them.  It made the setting so much more realistic.  

The characters are wonderful.  Again, Furious describes them in such detail that you know exactly what they look like.  You are given bits of their past that give them more depth and each has their own personality.  He made them diverse.  From the beginning, I was impressed with how he described Ivan and Nikki or even Mrs. Holmes and Curtis.  He makes sure you know the characters well.  

In short, the plot is about a boy (Ivan) who stands up to his bullies but it is also about his fight for success.  Ivan is an amazing strong character who speaks to your heart and makes you root for him.  He's his own hero.  Honestly, we need more stories where people are their own heros.  

The only complaint I have is not the story itself.  It is the formatting and the quotation placements.  That threw me off but not enough to ruin the story.  Besides, those things are easily fixed.  

I truly think that this book is a good read for anyone who wants to feel empowered.  Who doesn't, right?  So, if you are reading this and need a little push pick up this book.  

Cover Rating:  4

Book Rating: 4.8

Falling in Love With Fallen by Lauren Kate

I admit I was a little afraid that I would be disappointed in this book as I started.  All of the hype surrounding it made me a bit worried.  So, I opened this book with the lowest expectations imaginable. 
I'll start with the scenery.  I was in love with the scenery.  As a girl from Tennessee and someone who has once lived in Georgia, I was familiar with the beauty in these places hidden behind marshes and dark forests.  The vivid detail when she saw the lake made me homesick.  The broken down elements of the school were also familiar and though she was depressed and found it oppressive, I could immediately see the beauty in the darkness.  I absolutely loved the setting. 
The characters are interesting and different.  I was happy to find the differences that made them each individuals.  Arriane and Penn were different but lovable in their total differences from each other.  I also must say that though you know from the beginning that Luce is supposed to be with Daniel, Cam's charm makes you wish otherwise at the right moments in the story.  Luce is wonderful and unlike other heroines where they are weepy and sad for no reason, she certainly had reasons to be but she seemed more to live in the moment with her emotions.  This made her more real to me.  By the way, I loved Gabbe's strength and contrasts between personality and looks.  Never judge a book by their cover. 
The plot spun a tale that was both dark and romantic...a tale of life and death and kept me guessing.  I love the twists and turns and though the reveal of the true evil of the story was heartbreaking, it was also a surprise.  The story resonated as it should and I enjoyed it thoroughly. 
As a side note:  I bought the movie on Vudu and I enjoyed it.  As with every movie, there were some changes to the plot and setting, but it still managed to captured the essence of the book.  I truly hope the next book will be captured in this way.
I suppose you know by now that I am giving this book five plus stars.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romance or angels. 

Book Cover Rating: 5+ stars
Book Rating: 5+ stars
Movie Rating 4.5 Stars