Review: Channeler's Choice by Heather McCorkle

Channeler's Choice
Heather McCorkle
Series: Channeler, #2
Release date: February 27th 2012
by Compass Press

Goodreads / Purchase

With her parents’ murderers dead, Eren can finally concentrate on fitting in at Spruce Knoll High, not to mention figuring out what it means to be a channeler. If only it were that easy. It turns out she isn’t normal even among channelers - she may be a legendary warrior meant to protect the earth in a last great battle.

But Mayan prophecies are the least of her worries as she involuntarily starts to gather her own Society, another girl moves in on Aiden, her powers rage out of control, and worst of all, someone is stalking her. To top it all off, Eren discovers she doesn’t have to be a channeler after all - she has a choice.

As an old threat closes in and she risks ending up like her parents, she is forced to decide. Be a normal teenager and leave the legendary warrior stuff to someone else, or embrace a dark destiny?

*A copy was provided by Heather McCorkle for review purposes*

The second book in the Channeler series continues to follow Erin and her discovery of her Channeler powers, and now, we're introduced to the notion of a society - her society. Even though I wasn't as immersed as in The Secret of Spruce Knoll, I certainly enjoyed finding out more about their powers, in addition to seeing her relationship with Aiden grow.

Passionate and sweet, the romance plays a big part in this sequel. Aiden and Erin are becoming accustomed to their connecting powers and I especially liked how that all works. As in the first book, I found their relationship very mature; it's not only filled with lust and angst, you can see how they simply click together. I also loved the addition of Caitlin in the story. As Erin's new best friend, it's great to finally have someone she can trust and turn to other than her boyfriend. Plus, we've got a secondary love story brewing which I found completely endearing. All the characters are truly wonderful; well-rendered and charismatic, they're easily my favorite part of this series.

We start to delve deeper into the paranormal elements of the story in Channeler's Choice. We learn a lot about the society that's quickly becoming a monumental part of the plot; I especially enjoyed the rules at the beginning of each chapter. I do find that Erin and Aidan's powers are maybe a bit too perfect, but it's interesting to learn the complexity behind it all. Along with the secluded town and detailed history, it's an incredibly imaginative world that Heather has given us.

A new society is forming, Erin is learning to control and fight, her relationship with Aiden is blooming, this doesn't leave a whole lot of time for actual plot development. We do have some action at times, but the pacing is a bit on the slower side. This is not necessarily bad since the time is spend reinforcing the world and setting up for this supposed upcoming epic battle, but I was craving for more details on this approaching war we keep hearing about. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens with this society and how it will all play out.  

3 Hot Espressos

The Channeler series so far:

Want to see what I thought of The Secret of Spruce Knoll?

Click here for my review!

Channeler's Choice Tour Stop

I really enjoyed The Secret of Spruce Knoll last year, so I was happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for its sequel, Channeler's Choice. If you haven't checked this series out yet you really should, it's great. I have Heather here today for a quick interview & giveaway, and you'll have a chance to check out the series!

Cover Reveal: Unfurl, Black Dawn, Channeler's Choice & Spark

Unfurl

(Ripple, #3)

Cidney Swanson

Release date: December 25th, 2011

by Williams Press

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Against all expectations, Samantha Ruiz has survived attacks by two of Helmann’s deadliest assassins. She’s alive, but she’s far from safe. Helmann is planning a second Holocaust and wants Sam to play a starring role. Will, meanwhile, separated from Sam by an ocean, seeks a way to prevent Helmann’s apocalypse. Along with Sir Walter and Mickie, Will plays a deadly game sneaking into Geneses’ facilities, discovering unsettling clues as to Helmann’s plans. The clock ticks down as Will and Sam discover just how much they must be willing to sacrifice to stop Helmann. UNFURL, the powerful conclusion to The Ripple Series, will leave fans breathless.

The Ripple series

Black Dawn
(The Mortganville Vampires, #12)
Rachel Caine
UK Cover
Release date: May 1st, 2012
by Allison and Busby

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Synopsis currently unavailable

US vs UK cover      

Channeler's Choice

(Channeler series, #2)

Heather McCorkle

Release date: February 27th, 2012

by Compass Press

Add it to your Goodreads

With her parents’ murderer’s dead, Eren can finally concentrate on fitting in at Spruce Knoll High, not to mention figuring out what it means to be a channeler. If only it were that easy. It turns out she isn’t normal even among channelers - she may be a legendary warrior meant to protect the earth in a last great battle.

But Mayan prophecies are the least of her worries as she involuntarily starts to gather her own Society, another girl moves in on Aiden, her powers rage out of control, and worst of all, someone is stalking her. To top it all off, Eren discovers she doesn’t have to be a channeler after all - she has a choice.

As an old threat closes in and she risks ending up like her parents, she is forced to decide. Be a normal teenager and leave the legendary warrior stuff to someone else, or embrace a dark destiny?

The Channeler series:

Spark

(Sky Chasers, #2)

Amy Kathleen Ryan

Release date: July 17th, 2012

by St. Martin's Griffin

Add it to your Goodreads

Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

The Sky Chasers series:

I'm definitely loving all of these. I especially like the new look of the Sky Chasers series since I wasn't a huge fan of the original design. What are your thoughts on these covers?

Review: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

The Secret of Spruce Knoll

Heather McCorkle
Released August 3rd, 2011
by Abbott Press

Goodreads / Purchase

It's hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt-and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with so-called "channelers"-a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they-and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charming tricks show her being a channeler isn't all bad; in fact, it's kind of cool. But is it Aiden's abilities or Aiden's looks that Eren finds so fascinating?

As Eren and Aiden's relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets-and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren's parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if young, inexperienced Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love.

*A copy was provided by Heather McCorkle for review purposes*

When I read this synopsis for this novel that talks of “channelers” and their fates being tied to the world, I wasn't really sure what to expect, and if I would really get it. I can now say that The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderfully written paranormal novel that is completely original and full of wonder, love and loss.

Shortly after opening it's pages, I was introduced to the town of Spruce Knoll - Erin's new hometown - where people are acting peculiar and not very accepting. Some of them are even blatantly rude. Eren doesn't know the reason behind this behavior, but once she finds out about her being a channeller, she soon uncovers why she will never really fit in with these people. Eren is a wonderful example of what it takes to overcome tough obstacles in life. The death of her parents, living in a new town where no one accepts her, and top that off with finding out about these strange powers - that can't be easy! But Eren goes through it with her head held high and she really made me love her completely. I admired how she dealt with it all, and how strong she was through it.

We also have Aiden who is a charmer like no other. But with no negative intentions; he's all sweets and good looks. I really enjoyed the way the romance in this book was formulated. Some reviewers have mentioned insta-love, but honestly I didn't find it so, especially that months can go by within a few chapters. The pace it evolves in feels steady, natural and is full of passion. It's not all easy, however. They go through a lot of distress that keeps us on our toes. Along with Aiden and Eren there is an abundance of secondary characters that all have a significance in the story and are all likeable - even the villains are fun to hate.

Heather doesn't go easy on the plot either. She has written a story with a ton of excitement and plenty of twists. The pacing is perfect with action spread throughout, along with great characterization and world building. I do have a small wonder of why Eren's true intentions towards the bad guys weren't being felt by them - since they're supposed to be able to feel emotions. I also wish we would have seen more of their powers in play; although there were still a few good spurts of it here and there. All in all, The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderful debut that is incredibly original and deeply entertaining. Don't hesitate to pick this one up!

4 Hot Espressos