"The monsters we kill think we're the monsters. Villains never see themselves as villains. I think it just makes you feel better to think of the things we kill as monsters. As things different than us."

Dark Dreams and Dead Things was a fitting title, for multiple reasons. I felt like there was a little bit darker of a tone to this one than the first, in a really great way. The character development was well done and I really liked the inclusion of some fresh, interesting faces too. I continue to be impressed with how big of a world that McAtee created and how well she puppeteers each of the many inhabitants and the story lines! There was a lot going on in this one, a few new mysteries to solve, along with the progression of the main plot. The ending was especially good and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

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This book was AMAZING! I rarely give a first book in a series 5 stars, but if I could give this book a million stars I would!

The world building was TOP NOTCH. I kept telling my friend this was Ilona Andrews level world building. For those that don't know, that is like the be all end all of world building, in my book at least. It was so vast I kept thinking I could stay in this world forever. I can see where there would be no shortage of stories to be told in this world that McAtee has created. There was a supernatural POWERHOUSE in this book, with plenty of beings that are familiar, shifters, witches, demons, necromancers etc. and some new and fascinating beings I haven't read about before! I enjoyed the fact that Ember was new to this supernatural world too so you got to learn everything about this new mesmerizing place and all its colorful inhabitants side by side with her.

The characters were so diverse and plentiful. There were a lot of people in this story, and there wasn't one that didn't have me completely engrossed in their life. I could not get enough of them! We get a few different POVs in this story, and they are perfectly executed. I am so particular about multiple POVs. If they aren't clearly recognized each time, rather by each voice being distinguishable and unique enough to stand on their own obviously, or by marking it at the chapter changes, I tend to be disappointed. I had no problem with that here. I was honestly kind of blown away how seamlessly the shift was made each time, and even more impressively, how loveable each person was! I was always happy to spend time seeing things through any of their eyes and that is no easy task!

It also needs to be said that this cover is stunning as well! I really can't even do this book enough justice with a review. I loved everything about it, plain and simple. And if any of this sounds even remotely like something you may enjoy, pick this book up because I have a feeling you are going to fall in love with it too.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things
Author: Martina McAtee
Publisher: Martina McAtee
Pages: 450
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Cover:  Nathalia Suellen

MY REVIEW

The title and cover for Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things by Martina McAtee reached out and grabbed me by the short hairs and said , “READ ME!” So I did. I was captured from the opening pages and Martina McAtee never let me go.

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things is an adventure, some fun, some deadly. An amazing and gripping story. I was fully engulfed in Ember’s story, devouring the words, sometimes laughing, sometimes in sorrow, sometimes shocked and angry.

I LOVED this novel and hated for it to end and I will be looking for Book II in the Reanimator Series, His Soul To Take, coming in 2016. You can bet the house I will be snatching it up, and Martina, PLEASE WRITE FASTER.

I received a copy of Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things by Martina McAtee in return for an honest review.

To read my full review and enter the giveaway visit me at http://www.fundinmental.com