If We Told You, We'd Have To Kill You

"You stand there making a speech, talking about proper behavior and responsibility, about morality and what you think is right and what is wrong.
But you represent only the law, and it's not our law."
--Kai Meyer, Arcadia Falls

Genre: YA Paranormal

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 480 pages

Publication Date: February 11th, 2014

Source: ARC borrowed from Jaime and Erin at Fiction Fare!!! Thanks ladies!!
Goodreads
Previous Books in Series: Arcadia Awakens & Arcadia Burns

Goodreads Description

Mafia clan leader Rosa Alcantara's life is falling apart: everyone she loves is dead and everything she's ever known about her family is a lie. Even so, Rosa and her boyfriend, rival leader Alessandro Carnevare, refuse to give up on their love for each other. On the run from their adversaries and searching for answers, Rosa and Alessandro begin to unravel the secret behind the conspiracy to keep them apart: an ancient prophecy that predicted the destruction of all Arcadia.

As the clock ticks down to their own destruction, it's a race against time for the young lovers as they evade murderers, track down clues, and avoid a showdown with the man who wants them dead.

The pair must find out the truth behind Arcadia once and for all—but will it be the key to unlocking their freedom and future together, or the final step in bringing them to their knees?

Hi guys!! OK, so not to try and weasel birthday wishes out of you but I wanted to give you all a heads up that every post this week will feature something I LOVE. Arcadia Falls--the final book in the Arcadian series starts is off because 1. It comes out NEXT WEEK and is amazing and 2. This book takes place in Sicily, I am Sicilian, I still have family in Sicily, this book inspired me to actually commit to GOING to Sicily, and I take great pride in my Sicilian heritage...say Sicilian again...say crack again...haha. I also included some pics of my trip to Porticello, the small fishing village my family came from. 

Hope you enjoy!

The Belle

The Setting. I'm probably biased...no, I won't lie, I'm totally biased. This takes place in Sicily, where my family is from, it focuses on the Mafioso ties of the two main characters Rosa and Alessandro--I LOVE that name by the way--and I am obsessed with all things Sicilian. The first book in this series actually inspired me to make the commitment to go to Sicily and visit my family there. Best life choice ever. I digress. The setting is a character all in itself. The description of the island continues to be steeped in vivid imagery and gives you the feeling of being there. I could not get enough of the landscape and mental images it gave me.

The Paranormal. The history of the Arcadians and the story of their origin and drama is enthralling to say the least. Totally cray and a bit unbelievable at times but what is AWESOME is the characters themselves call out how crazy it all is. To quote Seinfeld, 'They're real and they're spectacular.' I LOOOOOVED finally getting the final pieces to the puzzle in regards to the lore of the Arcadians and how they came to be. It all felt so very etheral and mystical that I, again, felt transported into this story.

The Relationship. I LOVE Rosa and Alessandro. Rosa continues to be badass and unforgiving but with a conscience. Alessandro continues to be caring towards Rosa and ruthless to all others. I love the yin and yang that make up their relationship. They don't always agree with each other but they ALWAYS have each other's backs. Their entire dynamic felt very organic and realistic. They depend on each other and live for one another but not in a dependent unhealthy way. They just love each other that much.

The Beast

The Length. While I love living in this world, it felt a bit long overall. Most parts were super engaging and I couldn't read fast enough and then there were some lulls in the story that probably could have been culled. It was super obvious or super irritating but there could have been just a little more plot editing to situations that didn't fully enhance the story. 

Should You RSVP to this Ball? 

Yes!! If you haven't started this series yet and want a really unique paranormal story, grab these books!! The entire series as a whole is engaging and cohesive and concludes amazingly! Paranormal lovers will booking their ticket to Sicily...just make sure you take me with you :)

View from my family's home

The village Catholic church

The Maria de la Lume festival

Porticello, Sicily

Me and my cousin Katia (far right)