Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

                Hello everyone!  Today I'm taking part in a release tour for a new book, Elementals:  The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow.  I previously read and reviewed her title Remembrance (here) and enjoyed it and was looking forward to trying out this new series as well.  I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.  So check out some information on this title, the author, my full review, and then at the bottom a giveaway that is being hosted by Michelle herself! 

Title: Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

Author: Michelle Madow

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Series: Elementals #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: eBook and paperback

ISBN: 2940152448849

Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance, Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows is the first in a new series that fans of Percy Jackson and The Secret Circle will love!

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.

Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.

Buy Links:  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iBooks

Add to your TBR List:  Goodreads

About Michelle Madow:

Michelle Madow grew up in Baltimore, graduated Rollins College in Orlando, and now lives in Boca Raton, Florida. She wrote her first book in her junior year of college, and has been writing novels since. Some of her favorite things are: reading, pizza, traveling, shopping, time travel, Broadway musicals, and spending time with friends and family. Michelle has toured across America to promote her books and to encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. Someday, she hopes to travel the world for a year on a cruise ship.

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Connect with Michelle:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

Review:

Rating: 4 Stars

                I didn't know a whole lot about this story going in just the summary.  I have shamefully not yet read the Percy Jackson books, though I plan to correct that in 2016, I did read The Secret Circle (or at least the original three books) and enjoyed them.  Plus I did enjoy the Percy movies and love Greek mythology, probably the only part in history class I ever paid attention to.  So I was ready to dive in.  Our MC Nicole is moved from her home she knew and loved to a completely new place where she is alone.  That sucks and from the start you feel for her, I know as a Navy brat growing up and moving all the time it always sucked going someplace new and leaving all your friends and having to make new ones.  Day one new school going into class and something crazy happens, the teacher starts to do magic and tries to convince her she's a witch.  While she thinks everyone in the class has lost it there is nothing to do but sit through it.  Until she starts to feel the magic and starts to believe them. 

                Now the class is full of the usual suspects you find in every school and most welcome her into the coven, though Danielle is a bit hostile.  Though she doesn't like anyone whom looks at her man, Blake, and has been known to break the law using dark magic to mark her turf.  Still knowing this Blake and Nicole seem to pull together despite everything.  She is a bit cray, like mean girls on crack level crazy possessive.  While a large part of the story does seem to focus on the triangle there in our group we also have Chris and Kate whom I enjoyed.  Kate was more of the level by the book gal and Chris is fun and energetic and made me laugh several times.  I did find the insta-connection to be a bit on the nose but as this is a story with magic and prophecy you can get away with some things, magic is a crazy thing after all.  I did even enjoy that Nicole didn't want to get involved or even like him based on him having a girlfriend, not that she was scared but that she didn't want to be that girl that went after a taken guy. 

                The hormones were a bit amped up and I did feel maybe a bit too much Secret Circle vibe in some parts and it does have some clichés but overall I really enjoyed the story.  Everything is fast paced and constantly moving.  You fly right through from one thing to the next and while it was predictable it was still fun and that is what I wanted.  I did really enjoy the take on witches and how they have their powers.  I'm ready to continue on with the series and know more about where our group ends up and how things progress because the end got kind of dark with lots of things.  I have hopes that the sequel which already has a title, cover, and release date will improve on a good start. 

                I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.  Don't forget to take a moment and enter the giveaway as well!  

Rafflecopter for Release Week Blitz Giveaway:

Michelle is offering up a fabulous prize during her Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows Virtual Tour event. One (1) lucky winner will receive a Kindle Fire 7”! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

These Vicious Masks

                Hello everyone!  Before today's review I wanted to quickly mention that my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of The Rose Society by Marie Lu is coming to a close and ends tomorrow (the 29th) so don't forget to get your entries in here.  That said today I am reviewing a book I received as a digital ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  The book is, These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas and it is out February 9th.  I was first interested in this book because of the cover, come on it has a masquerade mask on it and I LOVE them.  I have a minor collection of them myself!  So that drew me in and the title combined I wanted to know more and was thrilled to be granted a copy for early review.

Rating: 5 Stars

                These Vicious Masks is pitched as Jane Austen meets X-men in a paranormal romance adventure in Victorian London.  We follow Evelyn who isn't really interested in society and it's rules but instead wishes to travel.  Her sister Rose, vanishes one night under mysterious circumstances and against the wishes of her family she travels to London to find her.  She is accompanied by her good friend Mr. Kent but along the way realize the reclusive Mr. Braddock is as well, though he spins tales that they have healing powers.  She soon learns the man is not as insane as she thought as she discovers a new world around her full of people with extraordinary gifts, which means her sister is in even more danger than she thought. 

                I admit to never having read an Austen book myself but I do really enjoy the movies and I love the X-men so I think it seems like a fit.  I also felt like there was a bit of a Holmes vibe as well as the search for her sister played out as well.  I did enjoy Evelyn, and not just because of her name.  Evelyn is very candid with her dislike for the way of things much rather wanting to go travel and see the world than try to find a husband and be a perfect wife.  She and her sister started nursing, but only as a hobby as it was "unseemly" to have a true profession despite her sisters complete love of it.  I loved the bond between sisters.  Their bond was very clear from the start and the way they talked together it brought that bond out which was a real asset to the story as Evelyn goes in search of her.

                The other main characters, our two male leads as it were, Mr. Kent and Mr. Braddock were delightful.  From the start I enjoyed the friendship between Evelyn and Mr. Kent and I could see the possibility for more there.  More I enjoyed the way they acted around one another with such free banter allowing Evelyn to be herself.  Then you add in the mysterious and stand-offish Mr. Braddock.  He does not make the best impression several times over and seems a bit insane but he does help her not only in her search but in understanding her powers and getting to know him bit by hard won bit was fascinating and he shared a connection with Evelyn.  Yes while there was some romantic prospects about the story was more focused on the adventure and mystery of it all.  Finding Rose.  Finding her and discovering what it is the man who took her wants and how to stop him.

                These Vicious Masks was a thrilling tale and I didn't want to put it down when I started.  I wanted to know what would happen next not only in the search but between the characters and their adventures.  Oh and let us not forget trying to do all of this and not ruin any reputations in polite society.  I would not have survived in that era, because frankly I'm of the mind that I don't care what anyone thinks of me, I do me and you do you.  But I will admit the way for which people talked back then (from my limited knowledge of books and movies) was portrayed in a way that always makes me smile!  Just the right amount plus our modern and stubborn female ahead of her times.  The story was full of plot on its own but the powers added that extra push to make it awesome.  I thought they were pretty well thought out powers and I loved the diversity in them and how some were great while others were more of a curse, not all gumdrops.

                Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait for more.  It had its moments of predictability but also some twists you don't see coming keeping it nice and fresh.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story in the comments below.  I have already read it but have also pre-ordered myself a physical copy to have on my shelf!  Are you excited for this book to come out next month, what part intrigues you most?  Already read it, what did you think?  Let's discuss below!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Glass Sword

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Out:  2/9

Book 2

From Goodreads:

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling:  she is not the only one of her kind. 

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive kind, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion?  Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                I read the first book Red Queen (review) and enjoyed it.  I did really enjoy it and even gave it 5 stars but I do think for some it can be over hyped.  I read it rather soon after release only knowing a bit of the hype and it was what I expected and had a twist thrown in I wasn’t expecting so props for that.  I think it was a good first book and really set up for what I hope will be a wonderful series and after the ending I’m ready to see what happens next!               

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Top Ten Tuesday: Recommended Books I Loved!

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top today was a freebie so I choose:  Books I’m thankful someone recommended to me

The 5^th Wave by Rick Yancey

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Anna and the French Kiss by Steph Perkins

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

                Some of these books/series/authors are now among my top favorites and to think I might not have found them without others recommendations is horrifying!  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Which would you recommend so I know which ones to get first?  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

January: Challenge Wrap Up!

                So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up.  Basically I want to share my progress with you all and it helps me hold myself accountable.  With that in mind this is how I have started the year.  For all the details on each challenge check out the tab at the top of the page!

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 100

At: 11

Currently it says I have read 15 but as 5 of them were the Grisha trilogy novellas I could them together as one putting my total to 11.

2016 Debut Authors:

Goal: 12

At:0

Rock My TBR:

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 8

What I've Read:

Deliverance by C.J. Redwine (review)

Rite ofRevelation by Sarah Negovetich (review)

The Wrathand the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (review)

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken (review)

The 5thWave by Rick Yancy (review)

SomethingStrange and Deadly (review), A Darkness Strange and Lovely, and Strange andEver After by Susan Dennard

Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 2

What I've Finished:

Defiance/Courier's Daughter trilogy by C.J. Redwine with Deliverance

Something Strange and Deadly trilogy by Susan Dennard with Strange and Ever After

                All in all I'd say it was a pretty successful month.  I didn't get to finish or review my debuts but that just means next month will be even better!  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

The 5th Wave Book & Movie!

                 Happy Monday!  I hope you all have had a good weekend.  Mind was rather fun I finally read The 5th Wave and then saw the movie.  See I planned that timing perfectly!  Okay so really I meant to read it earlier in the month but well…life happened.  But still managed to finish it in time.  So today I have some thoughts to share with you both a book review which I typed up prior to seeing the movie and then my thoughts on the movie.  So here we go starting with the book by Rick Yancey:

Book Rating:  5 Stars

                So we have an alien invasion but we don't start out at the beginning but after four waves of the invasion preparing for the unknown but sure to come 5th wave, hence the title.  At this point 7 billion of the population are gone.  That's serious numbers.  It's us verses the Others.  We have a couple different POV but the first is Cassie, a pretty kick ass girl.  She has been through some serious stuff and we see patches of it as we go along.  She is alone, and she believes the only way to stay alive is to stay alone.  Trust is no longer an option.  Until she meets Evan, the mysterious farm boy who saves her.  She made a promise to her brother that she would come for him and she has put it off unsure how to deal or how to move forward but she has to choose.  Give up or fight, defiance or surrender, life or death. 

                I was pulled in pretty quickly.  I had seen the movie trailer everywhere so I had images in my head for Cassie, Sammy, Ethan and the parents.  The others didn't really click until I saw the trailer again after reading then I could assign names to random characters.  I had a basic understanding of the story and plot but honestly I had no idea what to expect.  There is a scene right before the first POV change where I was completely shocked and then mad at the change because I wanted to go back to Cassie!  The first shift, before I knew it was a shift was a bit confusing for the first page or two for me when I realized we were now a male character and not Cassie, after that realization everything went rather smoothly.  I even figured out who the POV was.  We also see the POV from Sam and a Silencer which gave great depth and diversity but I'd still say the main POV was Cassie.  She was the focus, or at least it felt that way to me. 

                The whole story is like a mystery.  You have some things that are predictable and others that get you.  Then you have all this doubt and misdirection and you think one way but then start to question if you were wrong and paranoid but then something else happens and you still don't know what to think.  I am rather proud that I had it figured out, though I did have some moments of doubt creeping up on me at times.  I think that just shows the authors talent right there to invest you so deeply that you question your own thought process. 

                I really enjoyed that Cassie wasn't so much worried or focused on saving the planet, she doesn’t have any grand design to save what's left of civilization she just wants to save her brother and stay alive.  Her goal is challenging enough but it feels more attainable for one untrained girl to accomplish.  Cassie's POV was by far my favorite with the random and sometimes fractured line of thought it seemed so genuine and very much how I imagine myself should I somehow survive that long.  Also, OMG I just about died with the conversations with Bear!  Best stuff oh and let's not forget Howard!  Oh and Evan, he is a weird combination of awkward and sweet that works for me.  Plus not going to lie he still has chocolate in the end of the world so clearly he is living right! 

                Zombie was pretty interesting as well.  I liked seeing the opposite kind of view where Cassie was alone he was not.  He was in the center of the fight.  Getting to know the others on the team from Dumbo, Flint, Poundcake, Oompa, Teacup, Ringer, and Nugget was fun.  The dynamic of the team and their goals was interesting getting to know them.  I love the relationship that is formed between Zombie and Nugget that just made me all warm and fuzzy inside.  Everything was harsh and cruel in this world and there is some serious things happening and tons of death but when you have so many 'children' they are forced to grow up quickly but to see that almost brotherly bond was great. 

                Now some questions I don't feel I had an answer for and hope it will be revealed later are how do the disks work on the bus?  Red or Green chosen then vs how they are played out later.  Okay I guess it was just the one question.  Any others are more to things I'm sure will play out in the series as a whole.  If anyone happens to know this, maybe I overlooked it in my excitement to keep reading I'd love to know.  That's all for the book discussion part.  

Movie Rating:  4.5 Stars

                As a movie and as an adaptation I did enjoy myself.  I did notice some changes, some things I went in knowing would be different, like no shrapnel removal, for obvious shooting reasons and others for time.  Still I did enjoy seeing things play out, from the opening shots where Cassie is at the store stealing her items, the items she mentioned in the book, which was a nice thing.  The majority of the book is there. 

                Casting wise I really enjoyed everyone, Chloe Grace Moretz did a great job as Cassie.  Not only did I picture her while reading but as the movie played out I could feel for her and relate to her.  I also thought the casting was on point for some of the others as well like Sammy, so adorable, and even Zombie and the team.  Ringer, played by Maika Monroe, was on point for sure she looked bad ass cut you in your sleep if you mess with her and the attitude came across the screen.   Evan was hot and totally could see having some moments with him and he played the part well both serious and loveable in a conflicted way.  Now one of the casting decisions was to combine the role of Reznik with that of Dr. Pam from the book and had Maria Bello play them which was a bit shocking.  Reznik wasn't nearly the hardass from the book so it seems pairing them down. 

                The plot of the story was still there and everything was pretty clear and understandable.  I think anyone can go in and enjoy this movie and not be confused.  Some of the changes on how certain things are discovered are made clearer and simpler in the movie which I almost like more than the book and given how much they were able to trim and make everything flow I was impressed.  I like that most of the conversation and getting to know one another with Cassie and Evan is done on the move it was a good way to keep things moving along and keep pacing up.  Now some things that I think could have been expanded on to give more depth was the training base.  They changed that up some and paired it down substantially but in doing so we didn't get to know any of the team and had I not read the book I don't think I would have known any of their names accept Zombie, Ringer, and Teacup.  The nicknames aren't mentioned but very seldom and quickly and never really assigned to a character in the film.  I also feel that took away a bit of the bond that develops between Zombie and Nugget.  Also it appears that the Others have some type of powers that I didn't pick up on in the book, which I'm on the fence about since it wasn't explained…yet.  And I missed the Bear talks!

                Overall I really loved both the book and the movie.  I am so glad I finally finished the book and that I did so in time to see the movie.  Now I look forward to reading the next book but with the final book coming out this year I think I'm going to hold off until closer to that date so I have less wait time!  Now I'd love to hear all of your thoughts down in the comments.  Did you read the book or watch the movie, or both?  Let's discuss.  Also stay tuned I'll be posting my monthly challenge wrap up in just a little while!

                Until next time…

Never Fade

                Another Friday!  So last Friday I talked about The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken here and this month I’m proud to have finally finished the sequel and hope to finish the trilogy by March if all goes well.  So today I’d like to discuss my thoughts on book 2, Never Fade.  This review will contain spoilers for the first book so if you haven’t read it be warned, seriously, it kind of left in a cliff hanger.

Rating: 5 Stars

                You’ve been warned.  We left off with Chubs being shot and the only option to save them Ruby brings the Children’s League to them to save him and offers herself for Chubs and Liam to be free.  Knowing Liam would never leave her in their hands she used her gift on him to wipe herself from his mind and keep him safe.  She now works for the League as a team leader using her powers and becoming the monster she’d feared she could become breaking the minds of enemies.  Now she is thrust into a new mission, one with a huge secret that could change everything.  The only problem is her mission will take her to the one person she thought she’d never see again, Liam.  Pushed back into a world of old friends and the promises she’s made she is torn.  One thing she will do is everything in her power to protect those she loves.

                Never Fade, for me had lots happening in it.  There was the overall mission but also so much growth with the characters.  Ruby has really grown into her power and while that could make her a horrible monster thrilled on her power she hates having to use it and that keeps her very human and relatable even as she tries to shut out all emotion.  Her struggle doing what she does working with the League and her knowing that she feels she made the right call saving her friends even when she misses them.  We also get to know some new characters, some we just love from the start and others…let's say a bit less so.  Still the new dynamic of the League and getting to know more about them from the inside was great.  While they were one of the bad guys in the previous book, we learn there is more than one side to things. 

                When Ruby is reunited with Chubs I was just beside myself.  I missed him so much.  I was happy to have his huge brain full of facts and comments around.  He's grown some as well and we get to see more of him and how he's progressed on his own, both having been through some things since last they were together.  Then Liam.  I was so terrified of that moment because…well honestly just him not knowing her was hard.  To know how cute and sweet they were and how much love was between them before she took it away to save him expecting to never see him again and to see him look at her and not know who she is.  Heartbreaking.  And poor Chubs is in the middle of it all as well. 

                This book moves along pretty steady as there is never a shortage of things happening.  The world is not their friend and that leads to danger around most turns which keeps pace well with the emotional growth of our characters.  It also gives insight slowly into the overall big picture of things.  In book one we focused more on staying free and away from the government and the League, Never Fade focuses more on the bigger picture of the broken US and possible solutions, oh and staying alive of course.  I can't wait to see how the series wraps up because this one grew the story and I have high hopes for what will happen as it concludes. 

                Again my own negative really was the same in the other book and I expect it will be in the next, long chapters.  Just my personal preference is all and in no way detracted from the book.  I did take longer to read with life getting in the way but I was able to dive back in where ever I'd leave off without issue which I always think is a positive.  I'd love to know if you've read the series and what you thought of it in the comments below.  I'm excited for the last book and the novella bind-up.

                Until next time…

Something Strange & Deadly

                Hello everyone!  I’m back, sorry for missing my Monday review but it wasn’t completely typed at that point and I spent my day running around dealing with doctors and insurance and such for my accident last Friday.  It could have been much worse, I’m still waiting to hear about my vehicle but it’s looking like a total loss but my chiropractor has adjusted my neck and shoulder so that is back to normal, the bruising in my wrist has gone down and I’m getting better at functioning with my broken finger.  Yes I broke my first bone ever and let me tell you it might be a minor thing to some but I have a very low pain tolerance and it hurts.  Hence typing is a tad bit more difficult now but I’m working through it just having to remember not to hit it.  Anywho I’d like to share with you the review I didn’t have finished Monday, Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard.  This is the first book in the series by the same name and it is complete.  I am currently reading the final book in the series with Perpetual YA Bookworms Goodreads Group as we decided to do the whole series this month as we prepared for Truthwitch! 

Rating:  4 Stars

                This story is about the walking dead.  Seriously the dead are rising in Philadelphia back when young ladies wore gowns and proper confining attire and required a chaperone and ones brightest hope was to catch the eye of a ma well off.  Eleanor has a lot to worry about.  Her family has fallen on hard times so her mother is determined to marry her off to a rich man to save the family but with the dead rising and her brother missing Eleanor has other priorities.  When a letter from her brother is delivered, from the dead no less, she knows she must help him.  Luckily her city has hired the Spirit Hunters to protect the city and the exhibit from the dead.  As she spends more time with the hunters she learns more about them and how the world really works in the trenches aside from tea parties and the like.  Things on all fronts become more dire and everything is put at risk.

                Something Strange and Deadly was a fast paced action book.  There was constantly something happening and things going on.  It was a roller coaster ride.  Now it may be centered around the walking dead but it focuses on other aspects as well with the dead being here and there.  There are two types of dead, the slow moving type that are controlled by a necromancer and the fast and vicious hungry ones who are not.  Yes we have necromancy.  I was very interested when I learned this because…umm hello it sounds super interesting.  I was thinking walking dead like zombies which is more what the Hungry are the ones outside of the necromancers power but the others are just animated corpses under someone’s dark control.    Still this book while there is lots of action it has a lot to do with the story unraveling and mysteries being unearthed while we get to know our characters.

                Our MC Eleanor is a bit of a modern girl in the past.  She is out of time as it were in that she doesn’t understand many of the rules society live by and she is out of place with her thoughts and actions.  She slides back and forth sometimes with her attitude with what is acceptable and what is proper and that was just who she is.  She tries to do the right thing by her family and be a proper lady but that is what she normally has issues with snapping back when she realizes her misstep.  Then we have the Spirit Hunters, and the lead is Joseph.  Oh I do love Joseph he is so sweet and proper the perfect gentlemen even in difficult times.  Then Jie, the girl who shows Eleanor there is more to life than dresses and that how others see you can be turned against them.  She is just so fun and quirky I love her oh and she’s pretty kick ass!  Then there is Daniel or rogue inventor.  He’s a bit rough around the edges but I like him he’s such a fun character and I love the way he challenges Eleanor.  Her dynamic with all of the hunters is entertaining and a clear difference from her interactions with the proper meetings with the Wilcox siblings or other members of their society.  The play between the two was nice, seeing her interact with both and how each interaction added to her forming her own views.

                The plot of the story was fast moving and while some items were predictable others were a complete twist.  I really enjoyed the story and pacing overall and was excited to move onto the next story.  I was invested in the characters and that is what matters most when fighting dead. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, what did you think of this book/series?  What did you think of the characters, the romance, the walking dead and the steampunk like world?  Also don’t forget only 8 days left in the giveaway for a SIGNED copy of The Rose Society all details here.  That's it for today!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ These Vicious Masks

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas

Out:  2/9

From Goodreads:

Jane Austen meets X-Men in this gripping and adventure-filled paranormal romance set in Victorian London. 

England, 1882.  Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations.  So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent.  But they’re not the only ones looking for Rose.  The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers.  Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true—and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                I was sold on X-Men adventure-filled paranormal romance in Victorian London.  Now I’m not normally one for time/historical books in general (probably why I’ve never read Jane Austen) but I do love the paranormal aspect.  Also it makes me think of the Infernal Devices series so win/win there.  It sounds like a mystery, discovering powers and secrets and all but also finding her sister.  I look forward to it.  I also  received an ARC of this and plan to get to it this week all things permitting!  Plus the cover is awesome!  I love masquerade masks!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Recently Added to my TBR!

                Hello everyone!  *****UPDATE*****Before we dive into the usual Top Ten Tuesday, I have a bit of an announcement.  I was in a vehicle accident Friday evening that totaled out my vehicle and sent me to the ER.  I'm okay overall, could have been much worse but I did have some bruising and worst of all the airbag broke one of my fingers.  That is why I didn't post yesterday I was still dealing with insurance and jazz, still am today but I already had this post typed up.  Typing is a bit more difficult for me given the splint and pain if I move my hand the wrong way.  I'm figuring out ways to work around this, sorry and I hope to get some reviews typed soon even if it takes a little longer.  

               Now back to your regularly scheduled posting…Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top today is:  Books Recently Added to my TBR

The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

A Court of Mist and Furry by Sarah J. Maas Finally has a cover!!!!

Bluescreen by Dan Wells

Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell

The Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

&

Untitled YA Horror Standalone by Stephanie Perkins

                That is my Top Ten please leave a link below and share your own, I'm always looking for books to add to my TBR! Now for another Tuesday Teaser!

               Happy Teaser Tuesday!  Today is the 7th installment of ten teasers leading up the the release of Asleep by Krystal Wade.  Set to be the debut novel from Blaze publishing coming out February 16th.  A YA psychological thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat answering what would happen if Sleepy Beauty meets Freddy Kruger.  All teasers and content can be found on the Blaze Publishing blog.  You can pre-order from Amazon and add it to your Goodreads list now!