Kresley Cole's 'Endless Knight'

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2)
★★★
Published: October 1, 2013
Recommend it for: YA fans, Tarot readers, & Dystopian fans

BLURB:
In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and it's kill or be killed.

Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history- one the Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.


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I need to preface this review first:

Let me put this out there.

I (personally) do not like love triangles.

I find them tedious, often tacky, ridiculous, and mostly unrealistic.

That being said. WOW.

Kresley Cole's writing is absolutely phenomenal!

Her story is still new and refreshing and is one that definitely makes me shake my fist wanting to know *what happens next* !!

Evie, finally accepting her new powers and place in this tarot game of the end of days, is a heroine that makes readers *relate* to her. Especially if you can remember what it was like being a confused, head-strong, stubborn teenager yourself. (And that is without the apocalypse!)

Jack. oh, my lovely Cajun Jack.

My Bayou Beau. I adore him.

I miss him dearly- this book fell victim of pushing away the main love interest to focus on other players involved in the (dreaded) love triangle...

In this second book of Cole's Arcana Chronicles, we learn a lot more about the tarot cards, the players of the game, and about the game itself- like what has happened in the past.

Yes, that's right. That mystery surrounding Death, a past that hints to Death's connection with the Empress- it is all revealed in this book.

It is a testimony to Cole's writing ability that she was able to put the focus onto what was to be the main villian (*ahem* Death *ahem*) and make you understand, even *feel* for him. For me, it was amazing that Cole could make me see Evie and Death together.

Their vibe, his emotions, their past.

It was a love story that, in another time, would've been for the ages.

I loved Death's question to Evie:

"After the Flash, if I'd gone to Haven and protected you and your mother, would you have chosen me?"

His reaction to her answer- knowing that's what he had *wanted* to do, but couldn't look past betrayal, was heartbreaking.

"I should have gone to you! I should have looked past my hatred and protected you."

Unfortunately, like I said before, I just don't like love triangles. Plus, I just couldn't get over the fact that for a majority of the kidnapping "courtship" Death hated her.
For a good reason.
Then he crippled her powers and held her captive!
Again, for a good reason, but in the end I couldn't help but yelling insanely being "slightly" annoyed that Evie was willingly to just FORGET about Death's degrading and humiliating capture because of supposed "mistakes" she made IN A PAST LIFE.

I'm sorry. I don't bite.

It just felt a little stockholm for my tastes.

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Jack....*sigh* yes, there are conflicts ahead, and yes, he may have made decisions that weren't his to make, but like I said, this is the freaking apocalypse!
I was doubly annoyed that Evie seemed so eager to forget all that happened between them (which is A LOT) all because of a truth Death revealed, without wanting to talk to Jack!

It seemed hypocritical that she was forgiving everything Death did to her because of the "past mistakes" on her part (that she CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER!), yet didn't give Jack the same courtesy- that maybe he made mistakes in the past, but had changed. Like I said before: it's the apocalypse! EVERYTHING changes.

And this is JACK. The guy who had told her she was *everything* to him

"The first priest I find, I'm goan to marry you. I'm all in, peekon."

This is the boy who was going crazy not knowing where she was- knowing she was with Death.

Evie did redeem herself in my eyes at the end by acknowledging that by moving forward with Death she was making a decision about her life, about Jack, without all the information. Hence, why I am extremely anxious for the next book in the series.

A Book Lover's Wish

I was recently talking to my family when my mom mentioned that I had bought (yet another) bookshelf.
What count was I at now? Oh, that's right, 5. All crammed into my tiny bedroom.

My mom jokingly quipped that she hopes for the sake of her house that I'm not burying myself in books. (though I, of course don't see much wrong with that....) I quipped right back that when I got my own place an entire room would be dedicated as my own personal library- complete with floor to ceiling bookshelves (full!), a couch, a door to close (possible lock), and the only electronic device allowed in would be my nook... and a light, if that counts. :-)



My family does what they normally do when I go off on tangents- showing my inner fan girl, nerdy heart, which ever.... they just smile, nod, maybe pat my head- because they are at a loss of how to react to my, in their opinion, over-reaction.

This got me thinking: what are the wishes deep inside a book-lovers heart?

More books? (of course!)

Less waiting time between novels in series? (umm, I'd like the sequel now. right now. definitely not next year.)

SURE!

But for me, it's a place where I can go to read. To see all of my favorite books and series lined up, a place that could keep away daily stresses while I visit loved characters, exciting times, and brand new places.

My personal favorite!

A reading nook. A personal library.

And despite familial disbelief, I'm determined enough to see this happen.

Who needs a spare bedroom anyway?
pfft. No one is using that family room....

How-To...

This is for all the readers who hoard books with hot guys on the covers, who love the sappy (if a little cliche) dialogue, the dirty-little-secret books under the bed.

The Romance-Readers.

After all, we all love the Happily Ever After ending. The girl gets the guy, and life moves on as it should- < no girl left behind! > And the readers enjoy the post-reading glow while wishing something like that could happen in real life. To them. Is it to much to ask?

I asked the crucial question:

So how do they do it?

How To: Get the Guy

(According to romance novels)

Here's the thing, we all know that the romance books we read are fiction. It's not real_ & the paranormal-fantasy-sci/fi genres get that twice over_ We are able to get lost in a different reality where being quirky gets you noticed, the guys are tall, dark, and brooding, the sex is always fantastic, and above all, there is always a Happily Ever After.
Sure, we know it's fake, but we LOVE it. We can't get enough, perhaps *because* it doesn't parallel reality.
Yet, every once in a while I find myself thinking; 'what makes *her* so special?' : 'what is *she* doing right that I'm apparently not?' :and lastly: 'where can I find a guy. like. him?'

Of course, these thoughts aren't fair. Reality doesn't work like a romance novel, and if it did no one would want to read it! But it got me thinking... how did it happen in the very beginning?
How did the hero notice the heroine?
What was the situation that shoved the arrogant hero and the stubborn heroine together until they formed that ever-lasting love bond?

Well... our first heroine we look to for inspiration is the infamous Blair Mallory, from Linda Howard's To Die For.

Blair Mallory: 30 year old divorcee, former cheerleader & current owner of 'Great Bods' gym.
Blair's rule: walk out & crawl back- if a man does the first, then he has to do the second to get back in good graces.

Have you ever gone on three dates with a guy who made all your hormones stand up and take notice? For Blair that was the one and only Lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth, before he up & ran, never to be heard from again.

How she got the guy:

1. Find some HOTT guy and go on three dates with him.
2. Don't go "all the way" on the first/second date because it's 'tacky'
3. Pod-people (not really- he's just being a jerk) will make your guy act aloof and then never call you after the third date.

< now the waiting part! >

4. Go to the gym (or OWN a gym in this case)
5. Have a crazy gym patron start copying you: the clothes you wear, the color of your hair. (Because you are FANTASTIC)
6. When she gets murdered in your gym parking lot at night (in a car that looks exactly like yours), the guy in question will panic, thinking the victim is you, and rush to your side.

Don't worry, he has realized that he never got over you and uses your safety as a way to make sure he gets the time he needs to win you over.

7. Throw in amazing (make-up) sex and an obsessed stalker hell-bent on killing you to ensure he sticks around for longer than a week you give him the chance to prove himself.
8. Use your smart-ass wit to challenge him into bringing his A-game, so to speak
9. When you solve the murder mystery, you will have a ring on your finger and a love strong enough to weather all the wildfires in life!

< My take from this: I need to start going to the gym! >

**For those of you who haven't read To Die For  ... I strongly suggest you do! It was a fun, dramatic, (slightly) relatable 5✩ read!

#3. Take the Praxis II

When I was a kid, I was never able to answer the question 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' I didn't know. Sometimes I find myself asking kids today that same question in an attempt to get ideas because, honestly, I *still* don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

If I could get paid to read, that would be phenomenal!

So, when it came time to pick a major at school, I went with elementary education because it was something I could do. Besides- I just watched the movie 'Rise of the Guardians' (yay Jack Frost!!!.... if you've seen it, then you know what I mean...) & apparently I'm still an 8 yo little girl, because it has joined the ranks of 'Tangled' and 'How to Train your Dragon' as my favorite movies. Ever.

What better job than one where you understand the students you are working with?

So, if you are in the field of teaching, you know that to get certified you need to graduate, and then take the Praxis. --->Basically this *big* test that proves your ability to understand the subjects you are trying to teach young kids. And despite some rough starts & stops on my way of getting that degree, I passed my early childhood education (grades pre-k through 3) praxis just last month!! (I even managed to score slightly above average in the math section. Who knew??)

So, it's time for me to: Celebrate, Focus on my NEW JOB, and (basically) Keep Surviving this crazy time called "adult" <yay!>

#18. Apply for full time jobs

Along with my epiphany [that I shouldn't wait around while life passes me by] earlier in the month- brought on by a slight panic over turning 25- came the realization that before anything can get better, I have to take the risk of putting myself out there.

*aka*

If I wanted a better, full-time job in the field I am educated in, I would have to...

APPLY.

Ok, doesn't sound scary- and certainly not enough to draw out such a paralyzing fear, but to a slightly introverted book worm like me- it can take a whole morning to build up enough confidence just to drop off a resume.

After all, I may be stubborn- but I also get nervous in many social situations.

[what can I say? I'm an enigma.]

Trust me. Applying for jobs is a ★big deal★

So when a friend I have in the field let on to a possible opening at her center I pulled on my big-girl panties, painted my nails, printed out my resume and drove over to talk to the center's director.

Much less drama than I envisioned.

Maybe the key to getting through these stressful facts-of-life is less about preparation and more about just doing it.

Who knows?

Now it's a waiting game for my current job to come to an end and an interview can be set up for this new place (hopefully!).

Wish me luck!!

On a further note:

I am fully aware that placing all my hopes on one, single, job opportunity is ... not the brightest.

I am dropping off my resume at another center on Monday!

☆This number on my list is one that, though officially checked off- should never be thought 'done' & should be continually pursued until such time that my goal [a full time job] is achieved!☆

#4. Get a Tattoo

Whew. #4 on my 25 Things list... DONE!

Wow.
So there's me. <25> and I've realized that waiting around for life to start is the quickest way to watch life pass you by! It's one of the main reasons I started my 25 things list- to remind me to take an active part in this thing that is my life, because it is mine to live.

Getting a tattoo (#4 on my list!) is something I've been putting off for quite some time. I knew what I wanted, of course- a literary quote, but it just never seemed like the right time or I didn't have someone to go with.

THEN I wondered why the HECK was I waiting for SOMEONE ELSE to tell me when it was the "right time" to get a tattoo?
After all, it was going on *my* body.

So on the first day of my Birthday Month- I set out to get the tattoo I wanted.

It was exhilarating and strangely anti-climatic, my trip.
Yes, the entire time [up to the moment the needle touched my skin] I was wondering: am I really going to do this? 
But I wouldn't change a thing!

I had so much fun! The place I went to was so accommodating and nice! It was relaxed, comfortable, not crowded, and definitely not intimidating. (Though honestly, I'm not one easily intimidated. I think I mentioned somewhere I can be stubborn as hell? hmm... sounds about right...)

The tattoo. Hurt. Like. Hell.

But SO worth it!!

I LOVE it! ❤

This experience gave me a much-needed jolt to the fact that I'm much more capable then some give me credit for.

So now it's a waiting game- for warmer weather to come so I can show it off!!
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Can you tell who the quote is by???
<Hint: it's by one of my favorite authors>
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It says:

They

who Dream

by Day are

Cognizant

of many things

which escape those

who Dream only

by Night

Happy [25th] Birthday!

It's APRIL & I turn 25 this month.

<I'm still keeping the exact date a secret ;-) >

Quarter of a century.
Mid-twenties.
An adult.
Yes- to all of the above.

This past year has been crazy & unfortunately, my idea to ✎write a blog has fallen by the wayside in place of more pressing issues (like working so I can pay those pesky student loans...apparently I'm and "adult" now and that's something adults "do") $$$

Anyway.

Like any self respecting book-obsessed, story-loving, get-lost-in-another-world reader, there are moments where I seem to suffer from an almost crippling case of social awkwardness that would send even the most charismatic stranger grappling for words. I blame it on years of not being able to read social cues. <Thank you ADD>

Seriously. I don't care how good your people skills are, I will find a way to misunderstand & sit there with a blank look on my face wondering why the heck I'm not at home reading a good book and instead trying to rack my brain for a half-decent way to communicate with you.   -_-

That being said- it explains why this past year I've read over one hundred books (112 to be exact, thank you Goodreads) instead of going out and facing the world.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy going out like any normal 25 year old. It's just that after a night of pounding music, flirty smiles, and free drinks I feel satisfied that I have met that imaginary 'time quota' for acceptable social behavior and interaction for my age.
I find myself thinking "That was great. I think I'm good for a couple months."
Anything extra & it starts to become an effort to smile, I wonder why in the HECK I ever liked going out in the first place...

So I'm faced with a dilemma. At 25 I find myself struggling to forge a path through this messed up, complicated, phase of life called the "recently graduated" and even though I'd love to just sit and read- I'm still subject to the can't-wait-for-my-real-life-to-begin frustration that drives most college graduates bonkers! Like an itch you can't scratch, sometimes I feel like I should being doing something MORE.

☆☆THE PLAN☆☆

The plan is simple.
25 things to do while I'm 25.

I'm determined to make the most of this year, so I've made a list of 25 things I want to do.
I plan on pushing my comfort zone in an attempt to fulfill that anxious need that drives me crazy thinking about things I could be doing.
This includes doing things I need to do in my next step in becoming an "adult".
Things I've wanted to do but felt I couldn't. Or shouldn't.
Things that I will look back on & think "I'm so glad I did that" even if it's just once.

25 Things To Do While I'm 25

1. (Re)Start blog! yay!


2. Visit my Bestie <Red> in Omaha
     [-also- get out of the State]


3. Take the Praxis II


4. Get a tattoo

5. Enroll in my certification class

6. Write a short story

7. Get involved in a club or activity

8. Paint my room

9. Kiss a guy <3


10. Go to a dance club


11. Take scuba lessons

12. Get a piercing

13. Find a reason & wear my corset

14. Go the the gym

15. Get my own car insurance

16. Go to AC & gamble

17. Get my certification!

18. Apply for full-time jobs



19. Read a classic book



20. Go on a blind date



21. Go to a music event [i.e. Concert!]


22. Go laser tagging

23. Go to a sports event

24. Contact an old friend

25. Take a self-defense class