Mini Reviews: Radiant & A Killer First Date

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: December 4th 2012
My rating: 4 stars

 From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

Radiant was an amazing novella.  A lot of times novellas can be disappointing and short, but this isn’t the case here.  I highly recommend reading this before reading Boundless, as I think it will be an important piece in the story.

Don’t read this if you haven’t read Hallowed, as it would spoil major plot points. 
 

This takes place just a few short weeks after the events in Hallowed.  Clara and Angela are spending the summer in Italy, staying with Angela’s family.  Clara is still heartbroken over her mother’s death and Tucker, and can’t get him off of her mind.  Angela can’t get her mystery man out of her head, and we finally get some answers to this nagging bit of the puzzle. 
I didn’t trust Angela in Hallowed.  I always suspected she was hiding something, and this novella sets some things straight in my mind.  I want to smack Angela for something she does, because I think it’s going to come back and bite everyone in the behind later.  I know, cryptic.  Come back to me after you’ve read this and we’ll discuss. 

Christian’s presence is, surprisingly very sparse.  Hmm…wonder what that says about Clara’s final choice.  I guess we’ll all find out very soon!  I’m jumping up and down with anxious excitement over the release of Boundless.  I want to read it immediately, if not sooner!

Okay, you know I have to give you a swoony quote.  It wouldn’t be a “Rachel” review without one.  I won’t tell you who it involves.  You can try and figure it out on your own:

He kissed me so many times, more than I could count, but each time it was like this wonderful surprise.  He always got this I-want-to-kiss-you expression in his eyes, right before he’d draw me in.  My throat aches as I remember the agonizing joy of those few seconds before his lips touched mine. 

A Killer First Date by Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Walker Children's

Publication date: February 14th 2012

My rating: 3 stars

Nicholas and Lucy have known each other for most of their lives, but now that they've finally admitted their feelings for each other, Nicholas wants to take her on their official first date-away from all the life-and-death drama that has surrounded them lately. Is it too much to ask for just a fun double date at the local carnival with his older brother, Quinn, and Quinn's new girlfriend, Hunter?

A Killer First Date centered on my two favorites couple in the Drake Chronicles: Lucy and Nicholas, and Hunter and Quinn.  It was a cute short story with a little bit of oh-my-heart romance, humor, and fun action. 

Lucy and Nicholas are my favorite couple in the series.  Their relationship started out tension filled and antagonistic.  Here is Lucy’s first line about Nicholas in book one:

“He was gorgeous, there was no use in denying it, but he always knew how to make me want to poke him in the eye with a fork. “

Gradually, their relationship developed into a sweet romance.  Still snarky at times, but that’s what makes it so much fun!   Being in on their first “official date” was too cute.  Unfortunately, the Drakes can’t go anywhere without danger following.  So instead of riding the Ferris wheel, eating cotton candy and winning horrible stuffed prizes, they get: stakes, evil-smelly-vampires, and an out-of-control merry-go-round as part of the evening!  Don’t worry; there are some swoony scenes, too:

“I bet cotton candy tastes good on you.” I swallowed, reflexively licking my bottom lip.  He leaned in closer, his mouth just barely brushing mine when he spoke.  “Ready?”  I nodded, breathless despite myself.  He pulled back as if it was the most difficult thing he’d ever done.  Oh man, I was in real trouble with this new Nicholas.

Hunter and Quinn are in on the fun, making this a double first date.  They’re my second favorite couple of the series.  Hunter the vampire killer (only the bad ones), and Quinn the vampire.  Quinn was quite the ladies man until Hunter came along.  Now he only has eyes for Hunter. 

After finishing this, I’m totally excited to continue the Drake Vampire series with Bleeding Hearts.  If you haven’t picked up this series yet, you should!  It’s fast paced, action packed and full of witty humor!