Monday, December 24, 2018

Happy Jolabokaflod!

Meet your favorite new holiday tradition!

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Last year, I wrote a post about Jolabokaflod, Iceland's "Christmas Book Flood." Sorry for the repetition, but I just had to share about this AWESOME tradition again this year! I wish everyone did this in the US.

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According to a decades-old Icelandic tradition, books are the standard Christmas gift. NPR reports:
"The culture of giving books as present is very deeply rooted in how families perceive Christmas as a holiday," says Kristjan B. Jonasson, president of the Iceland Publishers Association. "Normally, we give the presents on the night of the 24th and people spend the night reading. In many ways, it's the backbone of the publishing sector here in Iceland."

In the months before Christmas, publishers compete for the attention of Icelanders in a season known as Jolabokaflod, the "Christmas Book Flood." According to NPR, "The Flood begins with the release of Bokatidindi, a catalog of new publications from the Iceland Publishers Association distributed free to ever Icelandic home."

The tradition is especially fitting for Iceland, as it's famous for being a highly literary culture. As the BBC pointed out in 2013, "This island nation of just over 300,000 people has more writers, more books published and more books read, per head, than anywhere else in the world." Las month, the New York Times reported that "At least 90% of Icelanders age 16 or older read at least one book a year just for pleasure." In comparison, only 72% of American adults read a single book last year.

Check out this article by an Icelandic author to see what Jolabokaflod means to her.

You can also get these awesome Jolabokaflod pajama sets from Out of Print! I think they are sold out for the holidays though, because I can't find them any more. :( Maybe next year...



Happy holidays everyone!

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Tuesday, December 4, 2018

The Mortal Word (The Invisible Library #5) by Genevieve Cogman

The Mortal Word (The Invisible Library #5)  The Mortal Word (The Invisible Library, #5)
A corrupt countess
A spy in danger
And an assassin at large 
In the latest novel in Genevieve Cogman's historical fantasy series, the fate of worlds lies in the balance. When a dragon is murdered at a peace conference, time-traveling Librarian spy Irene must solve the case to keep the balance between order, chaos... and the Library. 
When Irene returns to London after a relatively straightforward book theft in Vienna, Bradamant informs her that there is a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference in progress that the Library is meditating, but that the second-in-command dragon has been stabbed to death. Tasked with solving the case, Vale and Irene immediately go to 1890s Paris.
Once they arrive, it seems that the murder victim had uncovered evidence suggesting that he may have found proof of treachery by one of more Librarians. But to ensure the peace of the conference, some Librarians are already hostages in the dragon and Fae courts. To save the captives, including her parents, Irene must get to the bottom of this murder-but was it dragon, Fae, or even a Librarian who committed the crime? 

Review

I ABSOLUTELY this series!

If you haven't read the rest of the series, check out my review of the first 3 books (I sped through them super fast and decided to do 1 review about all 3), HERE.

I will try not to include too many spoilers about the first 4 books, but it is kind of unavoidable.

SPOILER ALERT: I will try to keep them to a minimum though

This book picks up where book # 4, The Lost Plot, left off, with Kai no longer in service to the Library.

I'm sad that Kai wasn't in this book more! He is one of my favorite characters! I love him and Irene as a team! It sucks that they aren't working as one anymore!

I am glad he was in it, though, and of course, I am still in with Irene! She is a total badass!

This book, like the last, is set in the same world as the first 3 books, but since the original conflict with Alberich was resolved (we hope), this book follows a new main plot line. Irene and Vale are asked to go to 1890s Paris and solve a dragon murder.

While this book was a bit different than the rest of the series, I found it just as enjoyable. The author introduced some very interesting new characters that I really liked. Up until this book, I wasn't a fan of the fae, but I started to like a couple of them in this book.

If you liked the rest of the series, you will certainly like this book. It is mostly set at one time, in one city, unlike some of the other books in this series, but the author still continues to world build and share much more about the dragons, fae, and Librarians that we haven't learned yet. Also, the character development continues, but the new characters are my favorite part of this book.

I just read that Genevieve Cogman has been contracted for up to 8 books, so she plans to write at least 8 Invisible Library books! It makes me so happy that I do not have to say goodbye to Irene, her friends, and her world yet. However, a release date has not been announced for book #6, so I may have to wait a while to see what happens next.

Until then, I will be waiting not so patiently to see what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.


Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Iron Garland (Harbinger #3) by Jeff Wheeler


Iron Garland

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his majestic Harbinger series in a world where motivations are as mysterious as magic. 
For three years, Sera Fitzempress has been a pawn in a gilded prison - the floating manor of Pavenham Sky. Disgraced and exiled from society, she has been isolated from the downtrodden she's determined to liberate. But although Sera may seem subservient on the outside, the stubborn princess has only emboldened.
Now in charge of her family's estate, Cettie Pratt has grown into an independent young woman, although she continues to be tested by the high society of the clouds. Advancing in the magic of the Mysteries, Cettie is also a useful tool of defense during turbulent times. However, as more of Cettie's mysterious past comes to light, her greatest challenge may be a reckless stranger with a dark secret.
The fog of war is drawing in, and with it comes a startling new enemy who may unravel secrets that both women would prefer to stay hidden. But their secrets may be the only way to stop the coming darkness...

Review

If you have not read the first book in the Harbinger series, click here to read my review of Storm Glass (book #1).

I will try not to include too many spoilers of Mirror Gate (book #2) in this review, but this book starts a few years after Mirror Gate ends.

Yet again, Jeff Wheeler kept me on the edge of my seat, speeding through this book because I couldn't wait to see what happened next!

My only issue with this series is that all of the books weren't released at the same time, so I have had to wait in between releases to see what happens next!

The author continued to do an excellent job of world-building and character development, as well as introducing us to some new characters that we will grow to love and/or hate. Many, you do not know whether you should love or hate them, and certainly not whether or not the characters should trust them. The author sucks you into this book with the amazing world he's built, and his characters keep you glued to the pages, determined to learn about what they do next.

The ending to this book was a bit anticlimactic. Yes, secrets were revealed and a bit plot point ramps up at the end. However, I found that it was a little lacking in excitement. It definitely sets up the scene for a super exciting beginning of book #4 though. In some ways, I am a little happy about this, if this book ended in a huge cliffhanger, I would be complaining even more about how long I have to wait to read the next book.

I haven't had time to read the Kingsfountain books yet, but this book just reinforced my need to get them and read them... like NOW.

However, I hope I find an ARC of Prism Cloud (book #4) soon so that I don't have to wait until March to read it!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Dark Arts & a Daiquiri Book Blitz & Giveaway


Dark Arts and a Daiquiri
Annette Marie
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #2)
Publication date: November 16th 2018
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
When I found myself facing down the scariest black-magic felon in the city, practically daring him to abduct me, I had to wonder exactly how I ended up here.
It all started when I accidentally landed a job as a bartender—but not at a bar. At aguild, populated by mages, sorcerers, alchemists, witches, and psychics. Good thing this lame-o human is adaptable, right?
Then my favorite guild members—three sexy, powerful, and intermittently charming mages—asked for my help. Did they want access to my encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails? Oh no. They wanted to wrap me up in a pretty ribbon and plunk me in the crosshairs of a murderous rogue to lure him out of hiding.
So that’s what we did. And that’s why I’m here. About to be kidnapped. Oh, and our grand plan for safely capturing said murderous rogue? Yeah, that completely fell apart about two minutes ago.
Why did I agree to this again?

Note: The three mages are definitely sexy, but this series isn’t a reverse harem. It’s 100% fun, sassy, fast-paced urban fantasy.
Tori has no problem getting herself into trouble in every book in the Guild Codex series, but each one is a complete adventure—no cliffhanger endings.

THE GUILD CODEX: SPELLBOUND
Three Mages and a Margarita (#1)
Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (#2)
Two Witches and a Whiskey (#3)
EXCERPT:
“This is really nice,” I gushed, unconcerned by the apartment’s lackluster finishes. Beggars couldn’t be choosers, and having spent the last ten months sleeping on my brother’s sofa, I was ready to overlook anything less than holes in the walls.
Which, unfortunately, had been included in all the apartments we’d viewed so far, along with complimentary mold, cockroaches, and suspicious odors. That wasn’t including the batshit crazy landlords. Did normal people not dabble in real estate investment, or did all the well-adjusted landlords have tenants already?
“It’s clean,” Sin observed. “Running water. Heat. Wait, does it have heat? It’s cold in here.”
“Well, it is a basement.” I flapped my printout. “It says all utilities are included in the rent. How sweet is that?”
Sin wrinkled her nose suspiciously. “It’s too cheap. There’s got to be something wrong with it.”
“Maybe there’s a hobo living in the crawlspace.” I pointed at a half-height door tucked in a corner of the living room. “That’s a crawlspace, right?”
We crossed the room and I crouched at the door, Sin leaning over my shoulder. I pulled it open. Inside was nothing but impenetrable darkness.
“Use your phone’s flashlight,” Sin suggested. “There must be a light switch or—”
Chill air whispered over my skin and all the hair on my body stood on end—then arctic wind blasted me in the face.
I recoiled, crashing into Sin’s legs. She landed on her ass as the wind howled out of the crawlspace, whipping dust through the room. My printouts went flying and we scrambled backward on our butts with the papers spiraling toward the ceiling.
The darkness in the crawlspace leaked out from the doorway and pooled on the floor like ink. Shadows writhed and something pale materialized in the threshold—a skeletal woman on her hands and knees, toothless mouth gaping, empty eye sockets dribbling black blood.
I took one look at the moaning specter and screamed like the sissy girl that I am.
Sin let out her own terrified shriek as the ghostly woman dragged herself out of the crawlspace, her long hair trailing on the floor. She stretched a hand toward us, blackened fingers curled like claws, and icy gusts lashed at our faces. Still screaming, Sin grabbed my arm, her fingernails digging into my skin. Sharp pain cut through my panic.
I jammed my hand into my pocket and whipped out my trump card—yes, a literal card.
My trusty Queen of Spades was more than it appeared: a sorcerer’s artifact embedded with a spell that reflected magic. Was there any magic here to rebound? I had no idea. Would it work on a ghost? Also no idea. I wasn’t a sorcerer. I was a crime-of-convenience thief and I had only the vaguest notion how to use the card.
But it was the lone magical defense I had, so I thrust it at the phantom and shouted, “Ori repercutio!”
The air rippled and the gale-force wind reversed direction. It slammed into the woman, flinging her back into the crawlspace. Her head hit the door frame with a whack.
“Ow!” she squeaked.
Sin’s scream cut off. In unison, we launched to our feet. We weren’t screaming anymore, but I for one was even more freaked out. The woman was too solid to be a ghost, but holy freaking shit, that body did not belong to a living being—papery skin clinging to bones, empty sockets for eyes, stringy hair down to her knees.
The ghost woman sprang up, raising her hands like claws. “Begone from this place,” she moaned. “Begooooone … or else!”
I tilted my head toward Sin, not daring to take my eyes off the not-a-ghost. “Hey, Sin. Is that … a vampire?”
“No.” She pulled a handful of vials with colorful liquid contents out of her purse. “Not even close.”
Selecting a bottle, she dropped the others back into her bag and unscrewed the top. A hideous smell like burnt iron singed my nose.
“No!” the woman shrieked—except she didn’t sound like a woman anymore. Her voice was two octaves higher and painfully nasal. “Don’t!”
Sin held out the bottle threateningly. “Show us your real form or I’ll drench you!”
“Noooo! Go away!” The woman stomped her foot. “Stupid humans! This is my house!”
Raising her hand higher, Sin started to tip the bottle.
“Uuuuugh. Fine.” The woman threw her hands up—and her body melted. It lost solidity and shrank, then reformed into something new.
The creature was dark green with skin the waxy texture of pine needles. Even with twigs sprouting off its large head in place of hair, it barely reached my waist, and a mixture of spruce branches and pine cones hid its torso. Thin arms and legs stuck out of the twiggy mess, its hands and feet comically oversized.
Its eyes, narrowed angrily, dominated its face, the crystalline green irises unnaturally bright and entirely lacking pupils—just giant green orbs.
The creature pointed an accusing finger at us. “This is my house! Leave or I’ll turn you into bean sprouts!”
I cleared my throat. “Okay, not a vampire,” I said to Sin. “What is it?” “This,” Sin replied grimly, “is a faery.”


Author Bio:
Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

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Friday, November 9, 2018

Rival (Fate of the Stars #2) Blog Tour and Giveaway for $50 Amazon (x2)


Rival
Arwen Paris
(Fate of the Stars, #2)
Publication date: November 1st 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
It’s a role she didn’t want…
One deadly week has passed since seventeen year old Allison Delaney realized she must save Earth from the parasitic race of Ma’tiok. But the task is even more complicated than Allison feared, and she’s being set up to fail. Blamed for a fatal blow to the Alliance fleet that killed dozens of soldiers, Allison must face judgment for their deaths. The High Priestess Kiobaan is Allison’s only hope. Kiobaan sees the warrior spirit in Allison, along with her potential both politically and physically and agrees to train her.
And a game she can’t afford to lose.
Meanwhile, though Allison is the human host of Eenoki, protector of life, she’s not yet ready to harness their combined energy. Their bond is unpredictable at best—volatile at worst. Time is running out for Eenoki and Allison to trust each other—all or nothing—or she’ll never gain the power she needs to defeat the Ma’tiok and save Earth. When Allison is marked for death by an unknown enemy, the High Priestess Kiobaan must step-up and fight. But in return Kiobaan extracts a pledge from Allison, one that will compromise her new status and make her a target.


Author Bio:
Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS releases September 1, 2017. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic

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Friday, November 2, 2018

Flynn Nightsider and the Edge of Evil Blog Tour & Giveaway


Flynn Nightsider and the Edge of Evil
Mary Fan
(Flynn Nightsider, #1)
Publication date: May 15th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Break the enchantments. Find the truth. Ignite the revolution.
A century ago, the Enchanters defeated the evil Lord of the Underworld, but not before he’d unleashed his monsters and ravaged the earth. The Enchanters built the Triumvirate out of what remained of the United States, demanding absolute obedience in exchange for protection from the lingering supernatural beasts.
Sixteen-year-old Flynn Nightsider, doomed to second-class life for being born without magic, knows the history as well as anyone. Fed up with the Triumvirate’s lies and secrecy, he longs for change. And when he stumbles across a clue that hints at something more – secrets in the dark, the undead, and buried histories – he takes matters into his own hands.
Before long, Flynn finds himself hunted not only by the government, but also by nightmarish monsters and a mysterious man with supernatural powers … all seeking him for reasons he cannot understand. Rescued by underground rebels, he’s soon swept up in their vision of a better world, guided by a girl as ferocious as the monsters she fights. But as the nation teeters on the brink of revolution, Flynn realizes three things.
The rebellion is not what it seems.
Flynn himself might be more than he seems.
And the fate of the world now rests in his hands.


Author Bio:
Mary Fan lives in New Jersey, where she is currently working in financial marketing. She has also resided in North Carolina, Hong Kong, and Beijing, China. She has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember and especially enjoys the infinite possibilities and out-of-this-world experiences of science fiction and fantasy.
Mary has a B.A. in Music, specializing in composition, from Princeton University and enjoys writing songs as much as writing stories. She also enjoys kickboxing, opera singing, and exploring new things–she’ll try almost anything once.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxed can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initally assmes is a Luxen.. but he is in fact something much  more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...
#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old. 

Review

I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first started it. BUT WOAH! This book was AH-MAY-ZING! I got sucked in really quickly and zoomed right through it!

The character development in this book was awesome! Luc reminded me of Rhysand from ACOTAR, who is my all-time-favorite book bf, so of course, I liked him almost immediately.
I also liked that even though this book is about ðŸ‘½, there are also many comparisons to today's society. People are arguing over and protesting ðŸ‘½rights sounds all too familiar. Also, the comparisons to mixed relationships being dangerous. Even though things have come a long way for biracial relationships, we still have so far to go.

I absolutely ♥ ♥ ♥ed this book! I was so mad when I got to the last page then looked on GoodReads and found out that I don't even know how long I will have to wait to see what happens next.

One thing that will make the wait a little better... This book is the first in a new series, based on the world from the author's Lux series. I started reading it immediately after finishing this book.

While you do not have to read the Lux series to understand or this book, I do recommend it. I am finding that reading this book before reading the Lux series gives some spoilers away.

However, I think the author did an awesome job world building in this book and in the Lux series. She did so in a way so that readers that started with this book could perfectly understand the world, while not being redundant for those that had already read Lux.

Again, if you have not read the Lux series yet and think you might want to at some point, I do recommend reading it first. However, if you don't ever plan to read it, dive on in to this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Three Mages and a Margarita Blog Tour and Giveaway


Three Mages and a Margarita
Annette Marie
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound #1)
Publication date: September 14th 2018
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Broke, almost homeless, and recently fired. Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig.
It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview—to see if I’d mesh with their “special” clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That’s the definition of fitting in, right?
I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they…offered me the job?
It turns out this place isn’t a bar. It’s aguild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I’m exactly the kind of takes-no-shit bartender this guild needs, or there’s a good reason no one else wants to work here.
So what’s a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course—with a pay raise.

Note: The three mages are definitely sexy, but this series isn’t a reverse harem. It’s 100% fun, sassy, fast-paced urban fantasy.


Author Bio:
Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

Review:
I wasn't really sure how I would like this book, mostly because of the title. I thought it might be corny. The description and the fact that it clarifies that it's definitely an urban fantasy book made me give it a chance.

Also, when I requested to join this blog tour, I didn't realize that the author also wrote the Red Winter series, which I ZOOMED through last summer and ABSOLUTELY LOVED! I didn't realize this until I went to add the book on Goodreads and got really excited. I figure the author couldn't write that awesome series then turn around a year later and release a sucky book.

I'm really glad that I gave this book a chance! It was awesome!

When I first started reading this book, I liked Tori, the main character, almost immediately. She's awesome!

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy and is up for a fun, quick read!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Xpresso book tours for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this blog tour!



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Friday, October 5, 2018

Broken Worlds (Jagged Scars #5) by Jo Schneider

Broken Worlds (Jagged Scars, #5)
Wendy has watched too many of her friends and family fall prey to the Primate. Thousands have died at his hands, simply because he deemed them unworthy of life. With her newfound allies, who possess more information on the Primate's vicious plans for domination, Wendy urges her weakened people to strike.
Outnumbered and outgunned, Wendy leads a group into the heart of the Primate's city. When they find technology that could wipe out what is left of the world to make room for the Primate's believers, they each must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to keep their friends safe. Even if that sacrifice means losing each other. 

Review

First of all, I would like to thank Jo Schneider for sending me a copy of this book!

If you have not read the rest of the Jagged Scars series, I recommend reading my review of the first book, Fractured Memories. I will try not to include too many spoilers from the rest of the series in this review, though.

I waited so long to read this book! I am really glad that I read Spoiled Gambit  (book #4.5) before reading this book. It was a great refresher on what happened in Crippled Hope (book #4), and I loved that it gave Cal a chance to continue his story.

However, you do not need to read the Spoiled Gambit novella to understand what happens in this book. I recommend it, though, as it will give you quite a bit of insight into what happens when Cal and Dennis go on a mission at the end of Crippled Hope. 

This is the last book in the Jagged Scars series. I have been dying to know how it ends!

This book, just like all the others in this series, didn't disappoint! This book was just as good as the rest of the series.

**SPOILER ALERT** 

At 92%, I started getting a little worried about the ending.  I get showing how much Dennis has changed, but I didn't like the way the ending was done.

I loved everything about this book and this series, until I got to the end. I feel like it could have been written better. I think the author tried to wrap things up a little too neatly at the end. Jo Schneider is excellent at writing cliffhangers, as she demonstrated in the rest of the series. I think I would have been upset if the series ended with too much of a cliffhanger, I just feel like it was wrapped up too quickly at the end.

Although I was a little disappointed with the way this book ended, I still loved it!

I'm really sad that the series is over, though! I wish I could see what happen next!

I definitely plan to check out more of Jo Schneider's work!

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Spoiled Gambit (Jagged Scars #4.5) by Jo Schneider

Spoiled Gambit
Cal screwed up. He trusted the wrong guy. Wendy almost died and Shelter fell. In an attempt to assuage his own guilt, Cal joined a dangerous mission to lead the Primate's people away from the survivors. 
While laying a false trail for the Primate's Skinnies, Cal discovers some old friends, but he also finds an enemy even more dangerous than the Primate. Now the group must decide if their objective has changed. Cal will do anything to prove to the others, and maybe himself, that he is not a traitor. But will it be enough to keep his friends safe?

Review

Before I say anything at all about this book, I just have to say - I did not expect Cal to be as attractive as he is depicted on the cover of this book. I was picturing someone way nerdier, but he is a total hottie on the cover.

If you haven't read the other books in the series, read my review of the first book, Fractured Memories.

This novella was a great way to get back into the series. It gave me a bit of a refresher on what happened in book # 4, Crippled Hope, since it had been a while since I read it. This short is just as good as the rest of the series, though. 

I really like Cal! I Am so happy that he was given a whole novella to try to make up for his mistakes. I don't want to give anything away, but I hope that what happens in this novella helps give Cal a second chance in the next book. 

This was a great intro to the last book in the series! I am super excited to read Broken World, now! I am just sad that the series is coming to an end. 

Thank you, Jo Schneider, for sending me a copy of this book! 



Monday, September 24, 2018

Threadwalkers by Joanna Volavka

Threadwalkers
After her father's death in a plane crash, Miranda Woodard's life begins to unravel. On her sixteenth birthday, Miranda receives a mysterious gift: a small wooden box containing a needle and a spool of gossamer golden thread, left behind by her father, which begins a chain of events that soon leave her life in chaos. Her pet cat is replaced with another, her teachers don't have her on their roll call at school, even her closest friends forgot who she is. When her mother vanishes into thin air, Miranda becomes desperate for answers. She follows clues to meet a man known only as the Tailor. With his help, she must find a way to fix her life before it's too late.

Review

First of all, I would like to thank the author, Joanna Volavka, for sending me a copy of this book!

This book started off a little bit slow, but it is definitely worth it to keep reading. Once the pace started picking up, I was completely sucked in.

I really like the way Miranda was written. Although the author wrote a realistic account of how a 16-year-old might react to such complex and scary situations, she didn't turn her into a whiner like some YA authors tend to do with teenagers in tough positions.

If you like, sci-fi, you'll love this book. If you don't like sci-fi, you should still totally read this book!

I loved this book! I hope the author writes more about Miranda's adventures! I really want to see what happens next!

About the Author

Joanna currently lives in southern California with her husband, two cats, and extensive book collection. She is on staff with the International Geek Girls Pen Pals Club and spends her time writing or traveling as often as possible. She loves national parks, wildlife conservation, geeky conventions, and weird roadside attractions. She knows that Han shot first. Joanna still hasn't decided what she wants to be when she grows up, though she suspects it will probably be herself.

Website: joannavolavka.com
Twitter: @joannavolavka
IG: @joannavolavka
FB: facebook.com/joannavolavkaauthor

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Ravencry (Raven's Mark #2) by Ed McDonald

Ravencry (Raven's Mark, #2)
Four years have passed since Nall's Engine drove the Deep Kings back across the Misery, but as they hurl fire from the sky, darker forces plot against the republic.
A  new power is rising: a ghost in the light known only as the Bright Lady manifests in visions across the city, and in the cult that worship her grasp for power even as the city burns around them. 
When Crowfoot's arcane vault is breached, an object of terrible power is stolen and Galharrow and his Blackwings must find out which of Valengrad's enemies is responsible before they have a chance to use it. 
To save Valengrad, Galharrow, Nenn and Tnota must venture to darker, more twisted and more dangerous places than any they've walked before: the very heart of the Misery.
Ravencry is the second book in the Raven's Mark series, continuing the story that began with the award-winning epic fantasy Blackwing. 
Review

First of all, if you haven't read Blackwing yet, you should do that. NOW. You can check out my review of it HERE. I will try not too put too many spoilers from book 1 in this review.

Book 1 really could have been a standalone, but I am glad the author kept going with this story.

This book was awesome! It has a different storyline than the first, but with the same (and some new) characters, and of course, new magic and monsters.

I loved the ending, but hated it at the same time. It was a great, epic ending, but I wasn't happy with where it left some of the characters. I want to go into more detail and rant, but I don't want to give away any spoilers.

I was a little upset that there wasn't more Nenn and Tnota in this book. They were my favorites from the first book. I fell in love with Amaira and Maldon in this book, though.

Ed McDonald exceeded my expectations again! The only issue I have is that I have to wait until next June to read the 3rd book in the series, Crowfall!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, in exchange for an honest review.


Friday, August 10, 2018

The Gathering Blog Tour and Giveaway


The Gathering
Bernadette Giacomazzo
(The Uprising, #1)
Publication date: March 31st 2018
Genres: Adult, Dystopian
The Uprising Series tells the story of three freedom fighters and their friends in high — and low — places that come together to overthrow a vainglorious Emperor and his militaristic Cabal to restore the city, and the way of life, they once knew and loved.
In The Gathering, Jamie Ryan has defected from the Cabal and has joined his former brothers-in-arms — Basile Perrinault and Kanoa Shinomura — to form a collective known as The Uprising. When an explosion leads to him crossing paths with Evanora Cunningham — a product of Jamie’s past — he discovers that The Uprising is bigger, and more important, than he thought.


Author Bio:
With an impressive list of credentials earned over the course of two decades, Bernadette R. Giacomazzo is a multi-hyphenate in the truest sense of the word: an editor, writer, photographer, publicist, and digital marketing specialist who has demonstrated an uncanny ability to thrive in each industry with equal aplomb. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, People, Us Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, and many, many more. She served as the news editor of Go! NYC Magazine for nearly a decade, the executive editor of LatinTRENDS Magazine for five years, the eye candy editor of XXL Magazine for two years, and the editor-at-large at iOne/Zona de Sabor for two years. As a publicist, she has worked with the likes of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his G-Unit record label, rapper Kool G. Rap, and various photographers, artists, and models. As a digital marketing specialist, Bernadette is Google Adwords certified, has an advanced knowledge of SEO, PPC, link-building, and other digital marketing techniques, and has worked for a variety of clients in the legal, medical, and real estate industries.
Based in New York City, Bernadette is the co-author of Swimming with Sharks: A Real World, How-To Guide to Success (and Failure) in the Business of Music (for the 21st Century), and the author of the forthcoming dystopian fiction series, The Uprising. She also contributed a story to the upcoming Beyonce Knowles tribute anthology, The King Bey Bible, which will be available in bookstores nationwide in the summer of 2018.

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Monday, August 6, 2018

Nyxia Unleashed (The Nyxia Triad #2) by Scott Reintgen

Nyxia Unleashed (The Nyxia Triad #2)
Getting to Eden brought Emmett and his crewmates one step closer to their promised fortune. But surviving Eden may be the biggest reward of all. Discover book two in the trilogy Marie Lu called, "a high-octane thriller."
Emmett Atwater thought Babel's game sounded easy. Get points. Get paid. Go home. But it didn't take long for him to learn that Babel's competition was full of broken promises, none darker or more damaging than the last one. 
Now Emmett and the rest of the Genesis survivors must rally and forge their own path through a new world. Their mission from Babel is simple: extract nyxia, the most valuable material in the universe, and play nice with the indigenous Adamite population.
But Emmett and the others quickly realize that they are caught between two powerful forces - Babel and the Adamites - with clashing desires. Will the Genesis team make it out alive before it's too late? 

Review

I have been waiting not so patiently for almost a whole year to read this book, so you can bet that as soon as it popped up on NetGalley, I requested it. 

The first book more than exceeded my expectations, so I had much higher expectations when I started reading this book.

I almost forgot how much I ♥ ♥ ♥ these characters!!! Morning is EVERYTHING! She is a genius and a total badass, and I absolutely love Emmett! 

The character development was great in the first book, and it just goes deeper and deeper with the characters we know (and some we love), as well as some new ones. The world building was amazing, yet again. In the first book, the author introduced us to Babel and their space travel capabilities and technology. In this book, he introduces us to a whole other world. 

I promise I'm not going to gush over every character, but I also forgot how much I love Kitsu and how funny he is. I also gained a new appreciation for Anton in this book. I don't want to give away any spoilers, though. 

My thoughts after finishing this book: HOLY CRAP!

Scott Reintgen certainly knows how to write a cliffhanger. I don't know why I was expecting anything different after the ending to book #1. 

Again, I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I kept guessing at Babel's and the Adamites' true intentions for bringing a bunch of kids to the Eden. One of my guesses was pretty close, but there was a HUGE twist, actually several huge twists at the climax, that I never saw coming.

If you haven't read book # 1, I recommend do ing that now so that you can read this book ASAP!

I can't wait to see what happens in book # 3, Nyxia Uprising. I'm so sad that it's not scheduled to be released until April 2019! That is way too long!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Friday, July 27, 2018

Mirror Gate (Harbinger #2) by Jeff Wheeler

Mirror Gate
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his wondrous Harbinger series in which two young women unite as two worlds approach the brink of war...
Though relations between Princess Seraphin Fitzempress and her father have been strained, Sera's royal position has remained unchallenged. Filled with self-doubt, she struggles to grasp the Mysteries- her greatest trial yet.
An education in the enigmatic magic is a necessary one, should Sera plan to rise in her station and invoke her powers during war. But the emperor's death now leaves both Sera and her ambitios father eligible for the throne- a contest the prince regent intends to win. Even if it means an alliance with a rival empire.
Sera's hope lies in Cettie, a waif raised in the world below, whose life has intertwined with sera's in the most unexpected ways. The Mysteries come easily ot Cettie, and her studies have begun to yield new insight into her growing powers. But those same powers put Cettie in the path of those who would destroy her. 
Now as the threat of war ignites and an insidious sickness spreads throughout the kingdom, Sera and Cettie will need to gather their courage and fight for each other's lives... and for the future of their endangered world.

Review

This book picks up several years after the first book in the series, Storm Glass, left off. 

WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK AHEAD. If you have not read Storm Glass, it's review instead by clicking here: Review of Storm Glass

When the book begins, Cettie and Sera have been at Muirwood Abbey for the past 4 years, learning the Mysteries. 

I would love for Jeff Wheeler to write a novella telling more about what happened in the 4 years between Storm Glass and Mirror Gate

As we learned in Storm Glass, Cettie has an affinity for the Mysteries, and they come to her easily. Sera, on the other hand, sucks at it, and not mastering the Mysteries may put her destiny at risk.

One thing that frustrated me in this book is how everyone kept explaining that all Cettie's problems would be solved once she learns the Mysteries, even though some of those problems were life threatening, and no one ever recommended taking the test early or anything... Not even a couple of weeks earlier than planned... Smh

I read a retweet that said sometimes I want to hug Jeff Wheeler, and other times, I want to throw him off the edge of a sky manor. I had the same feelings several times while reading this series! I've been on a roller coaster of emotion throughout both books!

😘
😄
😲
😮


OMG! That is all I have to say after reading this book! I don't want to give away any spoilers about this book or it's ending, so please just go read it! 

This book was just as good, if not better than the first book! I am glad we finally learned a little more about the Mysteries, though! I was getting tired of everyone talking about them and not explaining anything. 

The only thing I'm not happy about is having to wait to see what happens next! I looked on Jeff Wheeler's website, and it looks like book #3, Iron Garden, will be released in November, which is waaaaay too long.  

This book was AH-MAY-ZING! Again, Jeff Wheeler blew my mind! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! If I can't find an ARC soon, I plan to read the Kingsfountain and the Legends of Muirwood series so that I understand more about Cettie's world. 

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Friday, July 20, 2018

Storm Glass (Harbinger #1) by Jeff Wheeler

Storm Glass (Harbinger #1)
Theirs is a world of opposites. The priviledged live in sky manors held aloft by a secretive magic known only as the Mysteries. Below, the earthbound poor are forced into factory work to maintain the engine of commerce. Only the wealthy can afford to learn the Mysteries, and they use their knowledget to further lock their hold on society.
Cettie Pratt is a waif doomed to the world below, until an admiral attempts to adopt her. But in her new home in the clouds, not everyone treats her as one of the family.
Sera Firempress is a princess born into power. She yearns to meet the orphan girl she has heard so much about, but her father deems the girl unworthy of his daughter's curiosity.
Neither girl feels that she belongs. Each seeks to break free of imposed rules. Now, as Cettie dreams of living above and Sera is drawn to the world below, they will follow in the paths of their own choosing. 
But both girls will be needed for the coming storm that threatens to overturn both their worlds.

Review

First, let me tell you something that I think is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Even though this book was just released on June 19th, the sequel, Mirror Gate, is going to be released on August 28th! How awesome is that? One of the things I hate most about reading a good series is having to wait a year or more for the next book to be released. Thank you so much, Jeff Wheeler, for taking your readers into consideration and not making us wait on the edge our seats for who knows how long to see what happens next!

Something else that is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING: THIS BOOK!

I wasn't aware that the author of this series also wrote the Legends of Muirwood series. I actually won one of the Muirwood books in a giveaway on GoodReads, and I just never got around to reading them. I will now! This book is based on some aspects of the world in the Muirwood series, just very far into the future.

To understand this series, you don't need to read the other series first. However, now that I've become so interested in Cettie and her world, I definitely want to read the Muirwood series. The author's other series, Kingfountain, also looks really good! 

Something that irked me a bit was that Cettie was so quick to leave the kids and Joses in the Fells. She was so concerned with their welfare but asked to leave She knew Joses was likely in jail and their guardian is a drunk who doesn't feed them, you would think that she would be more concerned about making sure that would be alright. This was just a little detail that made me scratch my head. It didn't detract from the story, though. 

The author did an excellent job at world building and character development! I really like Cettie and Sera, and of course, Fitzroy! Sera's dad really pissed me off, though! He is a total assbutt! (Sorry, I've been watching way too much Supernatural.)  

This book had so many twists and turns. I couldn't put it down, and I loved the ending! I am so happy that I have the sequel so that I can start reading it right now!

the author stated that this series will have 5 books. Since the first 2 are the only ones listed on GoodReads,  it might be a while before I get to see what happens next, so it's a great time to catch up on some of his other work. 

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Monday, July 9, 2018

Mayfly by Jeff Sweat

Mayfly
Jemma has spent her life scavenging tools and supplies for her tribe in their small enclave outside what used to be a big city. Now she's a teen, and old enough to become a Mama. Making babies is how her people survive - In Jemma's world, life ends at age seventeen.
Survival has eclipsed love ever since the Parents died of a mysterious plague. But Jemma's connection to a boy named Apple is stronger than her duty as a Mama. Forced to leave, Jemma and Apple are joined in exile by a mysterious boy who claims to know what is causing them to die. The world around them, and their time is running out. Is this truly the End? 

Review

This book was AWESOME! I loved it! 

It is set in a post apokoliptic world (yeah, I know that's not how you spell it. Read the book!), where there are no adults, and everyone dies when they turn 17. In Jemma's group, girls rule, boys are only kept around for necessities, and when a girl turns 15, she must become a Mama to help populate the next generation. 

If you've read the Gone series by Michael Grant, which was also awesome, you might find a few similarities (minus all the talk about baby making).  However, in Gone, the adults disappear in the first book, and the kids have to figure out how to live without them. In Mayfly, the adults have been gone for quite some time, and the kids have their own culture and systems set in place, with jobs for everyine, starting from a very young age. Also, everyone dies at 17, which is a total bummer! It also, as you might expect, leads to some interesting plot lines.

I ❤Jemma and Apple, but Pico is my favorite! Also even though this book touches on some pretty heavy topics (like rape), there is also humor sprinkled throughout the book. 

This is Jeff Sweat's debut, and I can't wait to see what he does next. Hopefully, he writes a sequel, although there is no info on GoodReads about one, yet. 😞 

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 




Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Malice of Crows (The Shadow #3) by Lila Bowen

Malice of Crows (The Shadow, #3)
The sequel to Conspiracy of Ravens and third novel in Lila Bowen's widely-acclaimed Shadow series. 
The Ranger known as Rhett has shut down a terrible enterprise running on the blood of magical folk, but failed to catch the dark alchemist behind it. And now the Shadow refuses to let him rest. 
Rhett must make the ultimate transformation if he has any hope of stopping the alchemist or fulfilling his destiny; he must become the leader of a new Rangers outpost.
To save his friends, and the lives of countless others, he'll first have to lead them on a mission more dangerous than anything they've ever faced.
Review
First of all, if you have not read the first 2 books, Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens, you should do that. Now. 

Wake of Vultures (The Shadow, #1)        Conspiracy of Ravens (The Shadow, #2)

For those of you haven't read the first 2 books in The Shadow series, I will try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. 

This book is AWESOME, and it's absolutely HILARIOUS! It's not often that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud like that. I love the author's sense of humor. 

I didn't like the ending, but I won't talk about why and give up the book. 

This was such a unique concept, and it shed a light on how people who weren't white were treated during the gold rush and when the railroads were being built. 

It also explores the topics of gender identity and sexuality in a very unique way. 

I can't say enough good things about this book. The only bad thing I can say is that I am not happy with the way it ended. I was kind of freaking out because I thought this was a trilogy and that was it for Rhett and Sam and their little posse. 

However, I just found out that the author wrote 1 more book for this series, Treason of Hawks! I'm so excited that I get to see what happens next with them! I am just disappointed that I have to wait until October to read it!

Treason of Hawks (The Shadow, #4)


Thursday, June 14, 2018

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)

Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. 
Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nnothingmore than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. 
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him-and face the consequences.
As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as a betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Review

HOLY CRAP!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

I have heard lots of good things about this book and have wanted to read it for a while. It totally exceeded my expectations! 

This was the first book I've read by Holly Black, but I definitely intend to read more.

I sped through this book! I couldn't put it down. I probably would have stayed up and finished it all in one night if I didn't have to get up and adult the next day. 😢 Adulting sucks!

The ending was EPIC, and totally not at all what I was expecting to happen!

The only thing that I'm upset about is how long I have to wait to read the sequel! Does anyone know where I can get an ARC of The Wicked King?



Cruel Prince by Holly Black


Friday, June 1, 2018

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3.1)

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. 
Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated -- scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

Review

Let me start out by saying, I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews of this book. Sarah J. Maas is my FAVORITE author, and this is one of my all-time favorite series, so when I read some of the less-than-stellar reviews of this book, I was scared to ruin my love of the series with a book that is not up to SJM's high standards.

I should never have worried! However, it is best to go into this book with the mindset that this is a NOVELLA, it is not a full-length novel. You cannot expect this to be like the first 3 books in the series. Unlike the action-packed first 3 books, this is more of a transition into the 4th book. The war is over, and Feysand and the inner circle are settling into life in Velaris. 

I was missing Rhys and the gang! I am just glad SJM released something so that we don't have to wait so long to see what happens next! This was was a perfect little teaser of what's to come in the next book. It's super short, and I read it really quickly. It's just what you need to get your ACOTAR fix in since book #4 will not be released until next year, and Kingdom of Ash, the 7th book in the Throne of Glass series, will not be released until October. 

Plus, there is a sneak peak for book #4 in the back of this book, and that one ends with a cliffhanger! ☺

Here's some of my favorite fan art for the ACOTAR series! Please note: None of this artwork is mine. Click on the pics to go to the artist's site. 

The first few are from JoPainter. I ♥ ♥ ♥ her artwork. Here's a link to her website: http://jopainter.co.uk/ 

You can also go here to purchase her artwork: JoPainter on Etsy  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/597861028/the-night-court?ref=shop_home_active_3

Purchase print on Etsy

Jopainter Instagram

These 2 come from The Art of Jana Etsy store:


Purchase print on Etsy

Purchase Print on Etsy

I found this one on Instagram: @taratjah

Illyrian baby- ACOTAR/ACOMAF Rhysand fan art

I couldn't find who did these, but I really like them!


Embedded

Image result for ACOTAR art

By lilith-luxe: “When you spend so long trapped in darkness, Lucien, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.” Did anyone else get chills when they read this part?\