Location: United States
Member Since: July 02, 2011

Andrea Coventry

Andrea Coventry's favorite authors on Smashwords

Taylor Dean
Visit their website
View their blog

Smashwords book reviews by Andrea Coventry

  • Semester Aboard: An Urban Fantasy Adventure on Nov. 30, 2012

    I was given the opportunity to read this book as a part of a book review club. I am so glad I had the chance! Yes, this book is another epic tale in which a girl comes of age, only to find out that she has special powers. Yes, it is another book in which a group of paranormal beings get together to fight off the evil ones. It is also another book that you should just go ahead and buy and enjoy. First, I love the idea of spending a semester on a ship, traveling around the world, while also taking college courses. Talk about life experience! There is just something romantic about traveling and meeting new people. Second, I love the relationships between the characters. They are all multifaceted and true to life. I have known people like them in real life, except, of course, for their paranormal powers. Jen doesn't randomly wake up one day with her powers; she has to study and learn how to use them. There is still a lot that she doesn't know. The reader is taken along for the ride, learning all about this supernatural world that exists within our own. The story unfolds in what feels like real time, which I also appreciated. I have heard that there is a sequel in the works, and I can't wait to read it!
  • Snow Bound on Sep. 03, 2013

    I loved this book just about as much as I loved the first book in the series. The characters are all a lot of fun as they play with their elements and powers. They enjoy topping each other and picking on each other, just like one big happy family. (I am also a New Yorker who is a Lions fan, so I get a kick out of all of the football banter!) Jen definitely feels the most comfortable when she is around them, because she can truly be herself. She seems to be growing into herself, but still has a really long way to go. In this installment, Jen has been away from everyone else for the past five months. I do wish we would have had more insight into what she did for those five months, because that seems like an awfully long time to go without seeing everyone. I'm waiting for more lessons about her powers and abilities. She does have the opportunity to learn much more about the history of magic and more about their magical world as the new dangers present themselves up on the mountain. She also seems to find herself in the new position of being somewhat of a teacher. Old friends rejoin the cast in this book, as well as a couple of new additions. I love Dani and Charlie. This time around, I didn't confuse TS and Thomas as much. (Their names are too close!) Marianna didn't play as much of a role in this book. Sometimes, I forgot she was even there. Ember is new and has a lot of spunk. Shannon is also new, in that she now has an active role instead of being just someone mentioned. She too smart for her own good and definitely keeps things spicy! I enjoyed the action in this book and still had a hard time putting it down. I shook my head, laughed out loud, and even got a little teary. I did feel like Jen was a bit more of a passive observer in this book, as opposed to being involved in a lot of the action. The story is told from her perspective, so she does get a lot into her thoughts and emotions. Her biggest change in life revolves around her love life and her cousin's visit. The dynamic of those relationships change drastically. I enjoy how the series holds true to its name. Yes, magic is involved in each book, but the stories are more about friendship and creating everlasting bonds with your loved ones. It's about finding your place in this world. I feel like something bigger is being set up in this book. Jen and her friends are working their way up to an epic battle of sorts in the future. I can't wait for the next installment!
  • Someone's Story on Sep. 18, 2020

    This is not an easy read. But Someone is not in an easy stage in life. He's had a rough childhood and some trauma and is struggling to find his way during his senior year after a move. He finds some kindred spirits at his new school who end up sort of assisting him on his journey to self discovery. I think a lot of us are trying to figure out who we really are during our teenage years. But Someone is really filtering through a lot between snippets of memories, dreams, and trying to deal with the sensory overload of being in the present. The way that the book is laid out on the paper really adds to the experience of understanding Someone. Locker girl was even giving me sensory overload. Sometimes it feels a little confusing, which makes sense as the story is being filtered through Someone's brain. It all comes together in the end and then it all makes sense. You're almost tempted to go back and reread it once you have all of the pieces. There's a lot going on here and I think a lot of young adult readers may recognize themselves in some parts of some of these kids, or at the very least, recognize other kids at their schools. I had little flickers of recognition within of myself, kids I have worked with, and other kids I have known over the years. And now I am craving a cup of blonde roast. Thank you to the author and YA Bound for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.