DNF Explanations: Path of Fate and Haven

Path of Fate by Diana Pharoah Francis
ARC from NetGalley
Goodreads

I originally added this series to my TBR because it was recommended for readers who like the Firekeeper series by Jane Lindskold. Mostly I'm guessing the link between the two is because they both have human main characters who are able to speak to animals. Maybe there's more of a connection?

What I do know is that the political system of the Firekeeper series is interesting, and the political system in Path of Fate was annoying. Firekeeper's felt like the world was created for the story. Path of Fate feels like the world and story were created for the author to send a thinly veiled message about the real world. And I don't want that. So, DNF.

Haven by Mary Lindsey
Finished copy from publisher
Goodreads

I feel guilty about DNF-ing this book. It came, unexpectedly, with a fancy package filled with confetti, a mug, candy, and other treats. So, in deference to materialism, of which I am always a sucker, I dropped everything and started reading Haven.

Unfortunately, Haven was written a few years too late for me. Had this been written during the Twilight craze, Haven would have been a smash hit. The characters are generally good people and it was easy to care about them. There's a heavy dose of "lost puppy, adoptive loving family" syndrome, and I'm a sucker for that. The paranormal aspects were typical, but in a good way. The teen angst was heavy, including a fairly prominent romance that would have likely had me swooning ten years ago.

Maybe I'm too old for this story. Maybe the Twilight craze is too far in the past. Whatever the reason, Haven seemed like a good book that I have generally positive feelings for and very little interest in actually reading at this point in my life. Readers who are still searching for the next Twilight should definitely check out Haven.


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Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.

I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one but that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The cute WoW button comes from Bewitched Bookworms.

Shattered Souls, by Mary Lindsey
Release Date: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Philomel/Penguin
Pages: n/a

(Above publication information from Goodreads)
Author's Page 
Goodreads Page

From Goodreads:

A dark and dangerous forbidden love story about a Speaker who helps lingering ghosts pass to the spirit world and the Protector who has pledged to server her.

Click here to watch the video trailer. 

That's a pretty short description, so I'm not really sure what to expect from this one. Still, how wrong can you go with a "dark and dangerous forbidden love story"? Except, actually, now that I think about it this sounds a lot like Amber Kizer's Meridian, which I actually didn't love. Oh well, I'm still interested. Plus, ahem, look at that cover.

I'm pretty sure this book would qualify for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge and the Morbid Romantica Challenge.

Voices of Dragons, by Carrie Vaughn
Release Date: March 1, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages:309

(Above publication information from Goodreads)
Author's Page 
Amazon Page
Goodreads Page

From Goodreads:

On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.
Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules.When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?

Honestly, I'm drawn to this one by the cover and the fact that there are dragons in it. I'm a little disappointed that there doesn't seem to be even a little bit of romance, and I'm a little wary at the idea of a more modern setting. Still, there's dragons. And that cover. I've also heard some pretty good things, so I would like to give it a try. As a bonus, this one will fit in well with the Wish I'd Read That Challenge (read books you wish you've read but haven't yet).

While you are waiting for your books, you can learn 

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