Before I Wake

The cover:
I love the UK covers of this series. They're my favorite covers of all time. But this one I didn't like much when compared with the US one. Maybe because the US cover has a new font style, the model looks a lot like Kaylee and it has pink not to mention that sentence “Twilight fans will love it” is not on it, this series is nothing like Twilight (Thank God!).
The storyline:
What can I say? This book blew me away!!! Literally! I don't know what I was expecting or what I was not expecting, but it had definitely exceeded my expectations.
The turn of events and the way this book had a new storyline yet it was also a continuation of the previous one, I just didn't know what to expect.
First, as always, here's a summary of what happens in this book, it'll be probably short because I don't want to spoil anything, but as a warning, you should not be reading this review unless you've read If I Die, otherwise it'll feel like I'm throwing random information and surprises at you.
Summary:
The story continues a month after Kaylee's death, with her trying to understand what happened and act normal by going to school and “pretend” to be normal. Yet, her life has never been more abnormal than the first week of her school. Now that she's dead, training for her new job as an extractor, trying to build a new friendship with Nash, Sabine and Sophie, and being with Tod, they don't seem to save her from the Netherworld nor to stop Avari from playing one more game.
After thinking they got rid of him, he's back now stronger and deadlier than ever to strike one last time and do whatever it take to get what he wants, Kaylee's soul. This new event changes everything. It uncovers more secrets, strengthens the relationships and causes more death and destruction then ever before.
Now Kaylee must make decisions, ones that her friends and families' lives depend on them, and put her own afterlife at stake.
What I loved:
- The storyline itself was unique (again) and had so many twists and surprises. I couldn't keep up!
- The writing is wonderful, as usual and it was fast paced in a very good way. I didn't feel like anything was rushed or out of its place. It was clear, simple and direct to the point.
- The characters, and all of them (except Avari for the first time) are wonderful. The new friendships between them were very good to see and know it existed. How they became close and protective of each other. And especially the new Kaylee, in If I Die I didn't like her a lot. She kept acting as if in denial. In this book however, she matured a lot because of her death and because Tod is mature too. She fights better, thinks better, rationalize better and tries her best.
Also, we get to meet the old characters too. It was very refreshing and scary at the same time, because I could since the end coming.
- The twists, the action, the romance, the death, the gore all were present in Before I Wake. It was just awesome.
- The ending. What in the world just happened?! _
What I disliked:
Absolutely nothing! Well, after a second thought, maybe I dislike not having an excerpt from With All My Soul!!

The characters:
Kaylee: Our main character and new undead half bean sidhe and half extractor. From the beginning of the book until the few last chapters, it's very clear that Kay is not familiar with her undead status and that she's always lost, lonely and feeling numb and empty. However, when Avari shows up we get to see the strength she really has. She smarter, faster, stronger and more loyal to her loved ones determined on protecting them than ever. In this sequel, we get to see the kick-ass side of Kaylee, and it's very good :).
Tod: Okay, seriously, who doesn't or wouldn't like Tod? He's awesome! Each and every single funny moment in this book existed thanks to him. He's always there for Kaylee and both his mother and Nash and always shows support, directly or not. He's the voice in mind in this book since Kaylee is lost, she keeps wandering back to him to help her since he's been thru all of it. He's never been more emotional, serious and funny than this time. I was so glad to see him have a bigger role in this book, and not just because he's Kaylee's boyfriend now, but also because he's Nash's brother and a very important reaper who is dedicated to his job.
Nash: I really didn't know what to expect from him in this sequel. I knew he was devastated, sad, betrayed and heartbroken and didn't know whether he'd forgive either Tod or Kay. But he did! Somehow at least... He's been struggling a lot since My Soul to Steal and trying to understand and deal with what has been going on. But things caught up to him and he made some very important decisions. No need to say that he'd do anything to protect everyone he cares about with every power he has left.
I've been sad though to notice that his role is no longer as big as before, although from the first book it was obvious that he'd never have the biggest spot, but I think he fits perfectly for this small role as a friend and brother they all need.
Sabine: She's definitely my new favorite character in this series. I was hoping she could become a bit more friendly and less deadly than before, and I guess you don't get to expect that much from a mara! But well, she kept trying her best to keep her temper under control and be nice ( as nice as a nightmare can be) to others. But her strength, anger and fright are all in a good use when you're facing hellions.
Emma: Another character I was pleased to see more of in this book. It was really nice to know that Kaylee had someone like Emma who is her best friend and now knows everything about Kaylee and her supernatural life. Despite her fragile and cute looks, she's very strong and has strong beliefs in her friends, especially Kaylee, and would never doubt them.
Thane: Oh well, I had no idea he'd be back. I know I'm usually in favor of the bad guys, but Thane I hate. I just hate him for many reasons which I could count but then would spoil this review (more than it is already spoiled). But I can say that he has he's own twisted malicious ways of helping himself and with no intentions of doing so, helping others. He's just like an add-on.
Avari: I don't think I need to say anything about him, actually. He is my favorite hellion of all time. He's manipulative, smart, thinks fast, acts quickly and especially deceptive and likes to play games. This summarizes him very well, I guess. However, we get to know the reasons behind his obsession with Kaylee's soul and how far he will go to achieve his goals.
Luca: The new addition to the group of extreme supernatural teenagers. A necromancer who turns out to be Kaylee's partner in her job as an extractor. And Sophie's boyfriend. He's very nice, cute and friendly and he would die for Sophie.
Other characters worth mentioning are: Sophie, Kaylee's cousin and now ally. We get to see another side of her as well. Invidia, the hellion of jealousy. Belphegore, the hellion of vanity and the one who killed Sophie's mother and other four girls back in My Soul to Take. Madeline, Kaylee's boss at the reclamation department. She's very serious and hard to negotiate with and yet she's understanding and can tolerate some rules. Kaylee's father, who's trying to get over the fact that he's daughter is undead and that she hangs around with Tod. At night. Alone. Harmony, Nash's and Tod's mother whom I totally missed and yet didn't get to see a lot of her in this book. And finally, Sophie's father, Mr. Brendon, who wasn't present either.

Favorite quotes:
I WAS A virgin sacrifice. And yeah, it's just as creepy as it sounds. I died on a Thursday, at twenty-seven minutes after midnight, killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... . — Chapter 1.

Scott and I had never been close, but I wouldn't wish what he'd suffered on my worst enemy. Except maybe Avari. And Mr. Beck.

Okay, there were a couple of enemies I'd wish insanity, possession, and brain damage on, but Scott wasn't one of them and I was glad his suffering had ended, even if it ended in death. — Chapter 8.

“Why?” Snot dripped from Sophie's nose and she wiped it with the back of one hand. “He tried to lock me up in the Netherworld and now he's killing everyone I know. Why is this happening to me?” Sabine rolled her eyes. “Because you're the beautiful fairy princess and the evil Lord of Hell can't secure his kingdom until he's feasted from your flesh and slaked his thirst with tea brewed from the ashes of your incinerated bones.”

Nash groaned, and Tod laughed out loud.

Sophie hiccupped and turned to me, frowning. “Is she serious?” –— Chapter 14.

I could keep posting all of my favorite quotes but then I'll have to post the whole book to be done with it :D.

Conclusion:
I'm happy to say this is by far the most exquisite book I've read this year.
It just blew me away.
I'm sad that this series is coming to an end and at the same time I'm very excited for With All My Soul <3.
Note: Don't read Before I Wake before reading both If I Die and it's prequel Never to Sleep. Because there are references to both and especially If I Die.