Transcendence by C.J. Omololu

While on a visit to London, Nicole--who goes by Cole--experiences a strange vision and by chance, runs into Griffon at the Tower of London, a boy who knows exactly what Cole is going through. They meet again in San Francisco and when they do, romance will spark and Cole will learn much, much more about her former lives. Not only that, but a rogue Akhet (someone who remembers their past lives) is out for revenge and their target? It's Cole.

There's something about C.J. Omololu's writing style that I absolutely love. It flows so nicely and to be honest, I got swept up in Transcendence. I loved how Cole's visions of her past lives came on and how it's simply that some people can remember their past lives and those that can are known as Akhet. Actually, I have a feeling that it's much more complicated than that, but I feel like we didn't get too much of their (Akhet) background and I'm really hoping that the next book will elaborate on it--there's a society that's really only been mentioned briefly in Transcendence. I mean, it's mentioned, but I personally would've liked more of it.

As for Cole, I quite liked her. She'd rather figure things out for herself and she's not really willing to accept things automatically--okay, with one big exception, but to accept that particular thing makes sense. Not only that, but she feels bad about--er, I probably shouldn't tell you that. Let's just say that she feels like remembering her past lives is a bit like cheating. Then there's Griffon, who is half African American and half Caucasian (you'll meet his father early on), and I can't say that I'm in love with him just yet. I mean, I like him and he has Cole's best interests at heart, but, well, you'll see. Let's just say that the next book ought to be interesting. Veronique was also a very interesting character and as to why that was, well, you'll have to read Transcendence to find that out.

So in case you couldn't tell, I really did enjoy Transcendence and I'm so, so happy that there's going to be another book because Transcendence has left me with a ton of questions--and I'd like answers for them. If you enjoy books that involve reincarnation, then definitely pick up a copy of Transcendence!

Overall Rating: ★★★★ and a half.

Transcendence by C.J. Omololu

Publisher: Walker & Company

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Let me start by saying that I loved The Alchemy of Forever and that if you enjoy tales involving reincarnation/past lives, I feel that you'll be wanting to pick up a copy! (This, of course, is coming from a girl who thoroughly enjoyed The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller and Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.) I found it to be very, very difficult to put down and the ending? Let's just say that I'd like to get my hands on the next book!

Seraphina has lived for over six hundred years thanks to Cyrus' elixir which has made her an Incarnate, someone who can spend up to ten years in a body before having to switch to a new one. However, she's grown weary of living so long--and under Cyrus' possessive and watchful eye at that. Wishing to finally meet her end, she plans her escape and when death draws near, Seraphina finds herself taking on the body of a sixteen year old named Kailey. Thrust into Kailey's life, she finds a life worth living (and a new boy worth loving) but Cyrus is out there looking for her and when he finds her... there will be hell to pay.

I cannot stress enough just how bad of a guy Cyrus is. He's controlling, abusive, possessive, and he hates to lose. In short, he's not a good guy. Sure, at the beginning he was nice enough--I suppose--but as Seraphina puts it, he can be charismatic when it suits him. If anything, I can't believe she didn't run away from him sooner--although I can completely understand not wanting to leave Charlotte alone with Cyrus and the rest of the coven. Speaking of Charlotte, I really hope that we'll be seeing more of her in the next book--because although her role wasn't gigantic in The Alchemy of Forever, I still really enjoyed her character. What? She seems like a good friend! (In general I'd love to read more about the coven, but maybe that's just me.)

Then there are the new people in Seraphina's life like Leyla, Kailey's best friend. As far as I'm concerned, the verdict is still out on her--although she does seem like a good friend (and I'm secretly cheering her on as she--hopefully--goes after Bryan). And perhaps more importantly, there's Noah. Long time friend of Kailey's who would be more if the former Kailey had allowed it--or so I'm guessing. He's very into photography and also very into Kailey. Have I mentioned how adorably sweet I think he is? Because I definitely had a few moments of "Awww!" going on. And if you couldn't tell by now, I really like the pairing of Noah and Kailey/Seraphina.

As for Seraphina? She's an old soul and it definitely shows in the voice that Avery Williams has created in The Alchemy of Forever. Honestly, that's the simplest way for me to describe Seraphina to you--and I'll probably never think of her as simply Kailey because although she's in Kailey's body, she's definitely not Kailey. I really loved the little glimpses of Seraphina's past and although I wouldn't call The Alchemy of Forever fast paced, it definitely moves along and well, it definitely held my interest!

Now that I've gone on for several paragraphs telling you precisely why I've enjoyed The Alchemy of Forever, I'll end my review by telling you that if you've been thinking about picking up a copy you should definitely do so! It was a book that I knew was going to be something that I read in a single sitting and sure enough, I didn't put it down until I'd reached the end! With that said, I sincerely hope that you enjoy The Alchemy of Forever as much as I did and well, I can't wait for the next book.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Release Date: January 3, 2012

Edition: Hardcover. 

* Purchased on my own.