Killing Time by Ingrid Nickelsen

Title: Killing Time

Author: Ingrid Nickelsen 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars 

Online Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 Stars 

*I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

NO SPOILERS! 

Summary from Goodreads: 

Death is the ultimate heartbreak. Evangeline never expected it to break hers after she died. No one should have to choose between their husband and their first love, but it is that choice that shatters her spirit. 

She makes her choice, choosing not to transition, and finds that death can be vengeful too.

The world of the dead is far more complex that she ever knew, and facing the consequences of her actions might be the hardest obstacle yet. Fighting to survive in a world she doesn't understand, she seeks the help of the wanderers. Time is running out as winter grips the land and her companions help her search for Will. Perhaps, if she keeps her eyes open and believes in her love enough, she will make her way back to him before the Hunters find her first.

Unexpected reunions, impossible choices, and long-hidden secrets will fill her journey with joy and sadness. It is Hunting season and Evangeline will have to fight for those she loves while remembering that cheating death always has a price.

Told from a dual perspective, Killing Time brings the For Better or for Worse series to a heart-stopping continuation in every sense of the word.

My Opinion: 

Killing Time by Ingrid Nickelsen, a phenomenal, outstanding sequel to the For Better or For Worse series. This novel lived up to my high expectations that I set after reading the first novel, For Better or For Worse. 

The ideas introduced and explored in Killing Time deserves a standing ovation as Ingrid Nickelsen took this novel a step further than the last one by adding more fantasy aspects. I absolutely adored the dual perspective as it gave us a glimpse into both Will's and Evangeline's story. Nickelsen has a beautiful, elegant writing style which made it easy to adapt to the different point of views in each chapter. 

The character development in this novel was truly outstanding. Evangeline definitely had a huge character development from the first novel. She was more independent and made choices by herself. Evangeline was headstrong, thought logically and was courageous, a perspective readers didn't see in the last novel.  

Josh proved to be a loyal husband when he didn't complete his transition and came back to Evangeline. His undying love to her was proved throughout this entire novel when he risked his life, many times, to get Will and Evangeline together. 

Will faced the most pain throughout this entire novel and readers felt, emotionally, really connected to him. I found myself crying during most of the scenes where he was being tortured. Will faced many of his issues intelligently and courageously, he never gave up and always protected those he loved- even in the most difficult times. 

While I am not a huge fan of love triangles, the love triangle in this novel was an exception as Nickelsen wrote the relationship between Josh, Evangeline and Will beautifully. This extraordinary, passionate, love triangle made the readers root for both Will and Josh.  

I definitely recommend the For Better or For Worse series for young adults as it is a beautiful, heartbreaking series that really captures your attention and interest. 

Thank you Ingrid Nickelsen for sending me a copy of Killing Time to read and review, it truly was a pleasure. 

- Erisha <4 

Brothers in Crime by K.M. Rockwood

Title: Brothers in Crime

Author: K.M. Rockwood 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

Online Ratings: 4 out of stars 

*I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

NO SPOILERS! 

Summary from Goodreads:

The cops say surveillance video doesn't lie. But could they be mistaken? 

After nearly twenty years in prison, Jesse Damon is just trying to make it on parole. But nothing comes easy. The cops say they have a video of him breaking into an ATM. He’s in trouble at work over a toxic chemical spill. A runaway wife shows up on his doorstep, dead broke and needing somewhere to stay. And his sometimes-girlfriend Kelly seems to have met someone new. Sydney. At an AA meeting, of all places. When Jesse goes to Sydney's office and finds his dead body, he’s pretty sure the guy has been murdered. And that he will be the prime suspect.

My Opinion: 

K.M. Rockwood is back with our favourite character, Jesse Damon, and a heart-stopping, intense, electrifying conclusion to a phenomenal series. Brothers in Crime doesn't fail to disappoint and it definitely lived up to the high standards I set before reading this novel.

This novel went straight into the action with new mysterious events and situations. Brothers in Crime had to right amount of comedy and mystery making it a fast, quick page turner but an interesting read. There was never a dull point in this novel- K.M. Rockwood kept you on the edge of your seat, curious to know more. 

This captivating read reintroduced the famous character, Jesse Damon, the main protagonist, who somehow always seems to be a 'magnet' for trouble. In this novel, after a huge amount of character development, the readers finally get to see Jesse in a new light. Jesse is finally portrayed as an intelligent young man who is quick-witted. In this novel, Jesse is no longer portrayed as an introvert and has found the ability to stand up for himself and his rights, understanding his place in society. 

I felt as if Kelly's personality in this novel was quite different from the first novel. Kelly seemed to be more dependant on Jesse and sort of used him to take care of her children. Her dependency in this novel really portrayed a lack of confidence and character underdevelopment. Kelly's extrovert personality didn't mask her weaknesses in the novel, which was one aspect I didn't exceptionally like in the novel. 

The conclusion and the last few chapters of this novel was not very descriptive and ended almost abruptly. All the solutions, to the issues introduced in the novel, were 'thrown' at the reader in one stage, which was another aspect I wasn't a very big fan of. 

But an aspect I extremely enjoyed in the novel was Rockwood's ability to entwine and interconnect all the various scenarios and situations. Rockwood wrote beautifully and really helped readers experience Jesse's everyday life and emotions. 

Overall, Brothers in Crime was a fantastic conclusion to the series and I recommend for everyone who loves mystery to pick up this series, you won't regret it. Thank you so much K.M. Rockwood for allowing me to review and read your novel. 

- Erisha <4