Cursed (Beholder #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have exciting news a new book for Christina Bauer starting a new series put out by InkMonster.  I’m so excited to share the news with you on this one as you may know with how much I mention it, I LOVE her other books in the Angelbound series.  That being said the new book is called Cursed and is book one in the new Beholder series that deals in magic.  I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Ink Monster.

               

Rating: 5 Stars

                There hasn’t been a book by Ink Monster that I haven’t completely loved and Cursed is no exception.  We follow Elea, a girl with necromancer magic, who doesn’t see the need to use it for much but helping in chores around the farm.  No formal training or anything.  Then one day her best friend returns to town with the news that the new Tsar has placed a curse and she will burn and burn as a ghost tortured for all eternity in five years to the day.  Elea knows the chances of her changing the curse are slim but she is determined.  Embracing her powers she goes to be trained, made into a Grand Mistress able to kill the Tsar and void his curse.  Five years of training and planning and then everything goes wonky when she runs into a handsome mage in Caster magic, Rowan.  He has new information that makes her rethink her entire strategy and consider a partnership with this man who brings her a lot of confusing feelings.

                Our MC Elea is a bit older, 18 when the curse is placed and then 5 years of training, so this story does contain a bit of adult material in way or violence and some language.  Nothing extreme just a friendly notice that the characters are a bit older.  Elea is a strong character who has had to fight for everything she holds dear and then when she is cursed she continues to fight, determined to fight the odds against her.  She is fiery and I liked her instantly.  She has magic but she isn’t controlled by it or reliant on it, just using it to help her with her normal life chores still doing work herself.  Sometimes we find people with magic become lazy, let’s be honest I would, but not Elea.  As she is trained they are taught to not show emotion, complete control of your emotions is a key to controlling the magic, but she’s a bit quick tempered and more in the speak/act then think part of the population; so 90% of us.  Then she is pushed back out into a world in which she has to interact with vast amounts of people that is so different from her life thus far it’s a challenge.  Rowan, our handsome Caster is guarded sure when he needs to be but he is also open and warm in ways that Elea isn’t used to.  Their dynamic is rather fun.  His type of magic is both similar and different and seeing them together was interesting for sure.  Plus, he’s a sexy and powerful mage who wants to help so even someone trying to keep emotions cut off is going to notice.

              There is a lot going on from planning and improvising to accomplish their goal.  Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.  There is always bumps along the way.  I really enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters as well like Nan, Ada, Sophie, Laurel, Orion, Jakob, even Marlene and Viktor were very interesting.  Plus we learn about the different types of magic and what they mean to Changed ones, cloisters, familiars and more.  Bauer was able to create a unique little world that was easy enough to pick up and understand and want to know more about.  There is action and suspense moving things along with just a touch of romance sprinkled in as we uncover the mysteries that are laid out before us. 

                I highly recommend this book for anyone enjoying a bit of magical adventure.  I mean there are some brutal moments that hit you square in the feels but that makes it better.  You connect with them and fall easily into the story.  I flew through it and am already look forward to the sequel and seeing if some of my pending theories are true.  Cursed is out now and I hope you will check it out because I need to discuss in spoiler-y detail with someone ASAP!  Only half kidding ;) Tell me your thoughts and feels in the comments below. 

                 Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4)

                “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:

Water’s Wrath (Air Walkers #4) by Elsie Kova

Out: 4/26

From Goodreads:

                Librarian turned sorcerer.  Sorcerer turned hero.  Hero turned puppet.

                The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom.  But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light.  Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe.  Or former lover.

Why I’m Waiting:

                Okay so I admit I’m a little behind in the series because OMG so many books to read and never enough time but OMG I flew through book one and loved it and from what I’ve read so in book two I’m loving it and only delayed due to other commitments and thinking it would be much longer between books which I was happily mistaken! 

                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: Most recent 5 Star reads!

                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 is: Most recent 5 Star Reads

                Okay so I do have lots of 5 Star books because to me if I really loved it then I’m not stingy on giving it the love! 

Asleep by Krystal Wade (review)

You Were Here by Cori McCarthy (review)

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead (review)

Willowgrove by Kathleen Peacock (review)

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (review)

Don't Get Caught by Kurt Dinan (review)

Winter by Marissa Meyer (review)

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch (review)

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul 

Cursed by Christina Bauer 

                 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!

The Vengeful Half (The Hidden Lands Book #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a good weekend.  I worked the whole thing and had a tiny bit of a mishap with wet tile and flip flops that resulted in an interesting story and a few bruises.  I also made some cute cupcakes for my co-workers just because that’s how I roll!  Today I’m going to be discussing The Vengeful Half by Jaclyn Dolamore which I was provided a copy for an honest review. 

Rating:  4 Stars

                This book is a fantasy story about two worlds, our normal world, and the Hidden Lands, a parallel world.  Olivia has grown up knowing about the Hidden Lands and magic and such, her mom has always told her about it but she has never seen the other world or done magic aside from some light telepathy with her mom.  She yearns to see where she is from and not to live on the run constantly moving around, but her mom is a much desired potion-maker who fled before her birth.  Alfred is a blind young heir to the family business, and who is looking for Olivia’s mom.  When her mother is kidnapped by the people she’s been running from, Olivia has no choice but to trust Alfred in helping her.  As they get to know one another we see if Alfred is as cruel and conniving as her father or if he will risk it all to do the right thing and help Olivia as she uncovers secrets about her family and herself.  In a world full of magic, living dolls, reincarnation, and much more there is more to the story that first it seems.

                So something interesting about this book and it seeming to happen more and more I’m finding, there is art in the books. I hope it’s a trend that continues, it’s rather fun.  This book has little snippets of things the artist drew and inserted in, which was kind of a fun aspect and knowing the author did them herself added to the book.  From what I hear she also did her own cover art which was pretty awesome!

                The story moves along pretty quickly and the plot itself was interesting to be sure.  The world that seems similar in so many ways but vastly different in others, making the world building with different races and such fit easily.  Just enough of what we know to be familiar but enough new and magical stuff to be different.  The Fanarlem for one were fascinating.  Living dolls almost, brought into being or souls moved into them, how crazy right.  Seeing the different levels and how they are looked upon in society kept me intrigued.

                 The main characters we focus on are Olivia and Alfred.  We get the most development out of them, of course, but I found I rather enjoyed the other as well including George, Lester, Thessia and the parents.  Olivia seems to go into this a mix of apprehension and determination.  She’s always wanted to see where she is from and while the circumstances aren’t ideal she is still in awe of it all both good and bad.  Alfred is someone ruled by who has been bread to be, never show weakness always look for the advantage.  His life was set out on a certain path even if he has qualms about it.  Both strong contenders it’s easy to see the connection and the conflict their situations place them in. 

                Overall I enjoyed The Vengeful Half and thought it was something different that stood out for me.  I know the copy I had, originally an ARC, only had half the art in it and I look forward to getting the full copy from Amazon soon enough (aka payday) to see the rest of the art.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book, art in books, different worlds, or bookish thoughts down in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

Challenge Wrap-Up: March

                So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up; Month 3.  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’ve done this month.

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 100

At:  37

Truthwitch (review) / The Glittering Court (review)/ Cursed

2016 Debut Authors:

Goal: 12

At: 3

Don't GetCaught by Kurt Dinan (review)

Rock My TBR:

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 18

What I've Read:

Willowgrove by Kathleen Peacock (review)

Born AtMidnight by C.C. Hunter

Awake atDawn by C.C. Hunter

Taken atDusk by C.C. Hunter

Snow LikeAshes by Sara Raasch (review)

Winter by Marissa Meyer (review)

Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 4

What I've Finished:

Hemlock trilogy by Kathleen Peacock with Willowgrove

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer with Winter

                 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 Timekeeper's Daughter- A Geneva Project Prequel

The newest Short Story in The Geneva Project: Prequel series is here!!! And it’s $.99 for a limited time. 

Delve into the realm of fairies as Mother Nature, Father Time and Death battle over the powers of a very special family. This story gives us a glimpse into Mala's life.

Get to know her story before her important role in the 4^th and final book of The Geneva Project series is released. 

Blurb:

She could see the future; he could control time.

Their love was forbidden, seen as a crime.

The lovers knew they could not outrace,

Their future was doomed once Death gave chase.

No matter how swift or how clever,

The lovers knew happily ever after wouldn’t last forever.

Length: 5k Words (Kindle Short Reads 45 mins or less)

Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairytales & Folklore

Release Date: March 24, 2016

About the Author:

Award-winning young adult author Christina Benjamin fell in love with the magic of words at an early age. Benjamin’s writing hooks fans of mega-hit YA fiction like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, and offers a new series to obsess over.  She paints a vivid world, where magic and imagination run wild in her epic tale of adventure, courage and friendship.  

Christina lives in Florida with her husband, and character inspiring pets. She’s a proud Gryffindor and spends most of her time writing. Benjamin is dedicated to giving back to the community and speaking at schools to inspire creativity in young writers.

Review:

                This is a quick and short novella that goes into the Geneva Project series as a prequel.  It takes less than an hour to read and not mandatory for the enjoyment of the series itself but it is a nice addition.  It was nice to see more back story on someone I had been wanting to know more about and even better it was a nice snack to hold me over to til the next book.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Crown's Game

                “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:

The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye

Out: 5/17

From Goodreads:

                Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold.  Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air.  They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

                And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know.  The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser.  The defeated is sentenced to death. 

                Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg.  But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

                For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime.  But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

                And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love…or be killed himself.

                As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear…the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Why I’m Waiting:

                Come on it sounds AMAZING!  Competing for a spot where one lives and one dies already had me hooked but to have a connection with the other and know no matter what it ends badly just has so many levels of awesome!

                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 I Really LOVE but haven't talked about enough / in a while

                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 is: Books I really LOVE but haven’t talked about enough / in a while

Darkness Falls trilogy by Krystal Wade- This series I usually call the Wilde’s Fire series, is amazing and I fell in love with them from the start.  I remember being blown away in book one and then being beyond excited that I didn’t have to wait forever for the sequel!  Still one of my favorite series. (Reviews: Wilde's Fire, Wilde's Army, & Wilde's Meadow)

Goddess Summoning series by P.C. Cast- When I got back into reading I found the House of Night series and through them loved Cast’s humor and style so I checked all of her other series including the romance series.  These are so much fun there is lots of mythology to fall in love with as well as the romance in them because let’s be honest they are romance and it is swoon worthy. 

1st in each of the seriesRunes / Grimnirs / Eirik series by Ednah Walters- I am a bit behind on the last two books but I have adored each and everyone as so far as they build on Norse mythology and loveable characters with some awesome stories. (Reviews: Runes, Grimnirs, Souls, & Seeress 

The Holders series by Julianna Scott- Okay so these books take place in the Emerald Isle.  So win right there.  Second the characters and the story with magic in a society and how it works in the world is so fun.  Plus come on the love interest speaks Gaelic on occasion and even reading it I’m swooning over the accent, yes I know I’m helpless. (Reviews: The Holders & The Seers)

Dark Dawn series by Richelle Mead- Auto-buy author for me after the Vampire Academy for sure but this series I think I may like just a touch more.  It’s more adult in the content for sure but the world is so much fun.  Different pains and crossing over worlds battling evils that cross over and just the whole magic system and the fae are really rather good.  You go back and forth between loving and hating different characters in a way that feels so natural you don’t even realize your opinion has shifted until it’s too late. (Reviews: Storm Born & Thorn Queen / Iron Crowned & Shadow Heir)

The Shapeshifter’s Secret by Heather Ostler- I started this series before I had read many books involving shifters of any kind and it was so much fun.  Still this series stands out because instead of any form you have one form, a large cat.  My favorite animals are white tigers and wolves so come on how awesome is this! (Review:  The Shapeshifter's Secret & The Siren's Secret)

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley- This is a stand-alone and it was something completely different than anything I had read before.  The entire books takes place in the span of one day.  The journey of one night and all the characters was something I instantly liked. (Review) 

Not all of them...so many wonderful stories

Allie’s War series by J.C. Andrijeski- I first discovered this series and had the great pleasure of reading through the first 6 books before having to wait for more.  The world is so different from anything else and it is easy to immerse yourself in it. They are very adult though for content.  (Review)

Running on Empty by Collette Ballard- A fun tale of small towns and a look at what is right and what is truth and how sometimes things can get blurred. (Review)

Sin & Temptation by Casey L. Bond- They can be read as alone or together, I suggest together because they are awesome.  Super quick reads but each is steamy and intense. (Reviews: Sin & Temptation)

  

                 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!

Allegiant: The Movie

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend, I did.  Not very productive on the reading front but I blame Netflix and finding out that Daredevil Season 2 dropped so of course I had to marathon all 13 episodes.  That said I did take a break in there to go see the newest Divergent movie in theaters, Allegiant.  Now I wasn't 100% sure about the news of them splitting the last book into two unsure if there was enough to make it work but seeing it here we go.

Rating:  4 Stars

                Okay I should start by saying that Insurgent wasn't the best for me.  I felt they changed a bit too much and it got a bit weird but overall I was in the book to movie frenzy and was just happy to have it.  That said I didn't re-read Allegiant prior to the movie, figuring with all the changes and just how high tech the world of the movies are would only give me things to nitpick about.  So I haven't read Allegiant since the start of 2014 so the details on the book are a little fuzzy.  So by that I'm doing my review based more on the enjoyment of the movie as a movie rather than a book adaptation.  So that said I did have fun. 

                First thing to note is the acting was on point.  Tris and Four have some great chemistry going on which is important to the story as a whole and making you feel for them as we've seen their relationship develop as whole.  There was also a connection between the rest of the cast that shows the connections they've been though already, like the tension between Caleb and Tris or Peter and everyone.  Peter though, while I never liked him as a character overall I love him in the movies because he has some of the best lines.  OMG the timing and perfect execution of them were beyond what I could expect and had me rolling.  It was much needed to break up much of the seriousness of the other scenes.  Still while the characters I loved where there it felt like a couple, Christina for sure, were only there when it was necessary and while I feel everything we've learned about them up to that point would have made them more vocal than they were.  I feel like she would have been more vocal about the fringe for sure. 

                 The story builds on what we had in the previous movies and we get to know more about the world as a whole, what happened outside the walls of Chicago.  We learn their whole life has been an experiment controlled by people they never knew existed.  Everything they have been through could have been.  They now know there are people outside but the new people in control don't want anyone to go outside and is doing anything to stop it. One tyrant has taken over for another it seems.  Still Tris knows she has to go outside, she has to see what is out there and who can blame her.  Still what they find and what they learn changes everything they thought they knew accept who the one thing that stays true, who they are.

               There is plenty of action and such keeping it moving along and it didn't seem long at all.  It felt like it was over pretty quickly so no dragging moments which I appreciated.  While the sci-fi futuristic tech that keep with the previous movies remains and becomes even more in your face, which as a fan of the books I was not a fan of, some aspects were kind of neat.  The shower and the bubble??? Not so much more like a WTF moment for me.  And really the elevator?  That is just excessive and no wonder it took so long took to do anything lol.  Also I had to suspend my disbelief on a few things towards the end, just as it wasn't fully explained in the context, but in the end I could roll with it.  That and a few continuity issues had me feeling a bit less for it but as I went in with kind of low expectations I think they were exceeded. 

                 That said it was a fun time for me and I'm excited to see where the story will go in the final installment.  I am curious about how some aspects of the book will play out and if changes will be made.  As there were some changes made already, it leaves a bit of hope for those who have read the book.  If you've read you know what I'm talking about.  If not…you should read.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the movie in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

The Glittering Court

                Hello happy readers!  It's another fun Friday, I'm posting later than usual because, frankly I got home this morning and went straight to bed and slept like the dead lol.  Still Well rested I still wanted to share a review with you.  My original review is posted over at No BSBook Reviews here where I'm a new guest reviewer (how exciting right!) so check out the site slam packed with tons of reviews and goodies.  Anywho here are my thoughts and feels on TheGlittering Court by Richelle Mead.

Rating:  5

                I have been highly anticipating this book since I heard about it.  Richelle Mead is an auto-buy author for me.  So when I got this I was doing my happy dance and let me tell you I was not disappointed.  I just LOVED this book.  It’s completely different from anything I have read and it built so many different layers into the story I was enthralled. 

                Adelaide is a strong character for me, not so much physically as some of her other lead heroines in the past, because of her strength of will.  She is willing to give up her title and position for one of less means, still marrying a ‘good match’ rather than for love but only wishes a choice in the matter.  She takes a huge leap in leaving everything behind and facing the dangers.  Then she keeps going despite trouble and trials that arise as the story progresses.  She cares deeply for others and only wants to help those she cares about not thinking of her own needs until after.  The way she cares and sticks up for Mira and how she helps Tamsin perfect her studies down to risking even more for Cedric is what spoke to me.

                Speaking of Cedric…that man is charming. 

                I had a moment while reading this at work where a man called about an issue and somehow I had it in my mind that their name was Cedric.  Man:  (explains what he needs) Me: Okay sir, I’ll send someone over.  You name was…Cedric correct?  Man: (pause) It’s Matthew.  Me: (smacks head with palm) Of course I’m sorry."  Yep, that happened.  Clearly this man was in my head.   He’s a good man and an interesting character I adored getting to know more about. 

                The story was pretty full.  It has something for everyone, romance, adventure, action, intrigue, social hierarchy and more.  You follow from the start as Adelaide takes the position at the Glittering Court, through her year of schooling where she learns much more than she expected and though the journey to Adoria and all that transpires there from the balls and parties to the rough and tumble way of the world.  There was never a dull moment for me, always something happening either in the plot or just learning more about the characters.  Everything seemed well thought out and as I finished I could see how little things here and there had been planted throughout to make it all flow beautifully. 

                The Glittering Court is only the first book in a new series but at the end I felt completely satisfied; it reads like it could be a standalone.  This is by design.  As the other two books in the series are described, by Mead herself, as not continuous stories but each being the same story told from different POVs and their own story throughout.  This means they can be read individually or out of order each one filling in aspects that were left open.  There are some things left unanswered and so much left in the world undiscovered I am excitedly awaiting it's release so I can start the countdown for the sequel in the series.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story and think Mead fans will be thrilled about the new series.

Willowgrove (Hemlock #3)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you’re having a great day, I’m so ready for the weekend myself.  Random facts, my vehicle accident from back mid-January that totaled my vehicle, still dealing with finger issues from the break but I’ve gotten good at adapting and most exciting…I finally got my replacement vehicle!  It’s a pre-owed vehicle and I got it within the replacement money the insurance gave and frankly I have my own vehicle again so I’m thrilled! Plus it’s pretty awesome, not super new but newer than what I had so moved up!  So personal news aside I wanted to share my thoughts on the final book in the Hemlock trilogy by Kathleen Peacock, Willowgrove.  I previously review Hemlock and Thornhill.  As this is the final book there will be spoilers for the first two books, duh.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The last book left off with our gang having escaped from the rehabilitation camp of Thornhill where horrible experimentations were being run.  But thankfully the crew along with Mac’s long lost dad and his were wolf pack managed to storm the compound and set everyone free.  This however has caused some serious panic around the nation and everyone is freaking out over the fear of infection.  Anyone with any type of scar is suspected.  Trackers and their fanatic followers are out in droves and Hemlock, their home town, is one major point of convergence.  Trying to stay safe while working to uncover how Thornhill was able to operate their experiments for so long trying to put an end to it and ensure no one is put through them again.  Down the rabbit hole.

                This was a fantastic conclusion and a great series.  This last book really had it all.  I was emotional and attached.  Our core group of Mac, Kyle, and Jason easily includes Serena, Trey, and Eve without question.  They are the ones you are rooting for and most concerned about and considering all but two of them are werewolves in this nightmare of a time that’s a full time job.  Things start crazy and just keep going and going.  The escalation of the public tension is insane and if you take out the whole werewolf aspect and make it any number of highly volatile social issues we are dealing with today and you could see it really happening.  That made this book real in a way I never expected, to read these events and think to myself this could easily happen is rather frightening but also made the book that much better.

                Willowgrove also delivers on characters as well.  Mac has been growing and adjusting as the series progressed but she is such a strong character.  She is determined to find answers and protect those she cares about even if what is best for them will hurt her.  You know who else grows, Kyle and Jason.  Kyle still isn’t thrilled about what he is but he does come to accept it a bit more throughout which is huge progress.  Jason finally realizes that he can’t keep hating all things wolves and assuming his friends are the exception but they are all people too, some good and some bad like normal humans.  He makes large strides there.  Serena also got more time in the story and watching her struggle with what was done to her and what she has done even if in self-defense was beautiful. 

                There is already enough going on in the story with the “infection” and the public outcry and uprising of sorts but they added in even more to make sure the story was amped up.  As Mac is determined to figure out who is behind the experimentations and hold them accountable she dives deeper into a family she that seems at the center of their group, Amy’s family.  As with anything when you start digging for one thing everything around you that you know starts to unravel.  The mystery within the story was rather great and weaved together nicely.  I was all sorts of emotions at the end of this series and that made it.  It makes you think of a larger picture and contemplate moral ambiguity and what’s acceptable loss of life to save others? 

                I would recommend this series to fellow readers and say to drive into a unique story that blends the werewolf into a tale of social injustice and human rights with just enough mystery and lots of action to keep it rolling smoothly.  Please share your thoughts below on Willowgrove and the whole series in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Queen of Hearts

                “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:

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes

Out: 5/3

From Goodreads:

                As Princess of Wonderland Palace and the future Queen of Hearts, Dinah’s days are an endless monotony of tea, tarts, and a stream of vicious humiliations at the hands of her father, the King of Hearts.  The only highlight of her days is visiting Wardley, her childhood best friend, the future Knave of Hearts—and the love of her life.

                When an enchanting stranger arrives at the Palace, Dinah watches as everything she’s ever wanted threatens to crumble.  As her coronation date approaches, a series of suspicious and bloody events suggests that something sinister stirs in the whimsical halls of Wonderland.  It’s up to Dinah to unravel the mysteries that lurk both inside and under the Palace before she loses her own head to a cleaver and faceless foe.

                Part epic fantasy, part twisted fairy tale, this dazzling saga will have readers shivering as Dinahs furious nature sweeps Wonderland up in the maelstrom of her wrath.

                Familiar characters such as Cheshire, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter make their appearance, enchanting readers with this new, dark take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I have really enjoyed all the different fairy tale twists I’ve read so far so and I really love the Alice and Wonderland take on things the world is just so vibrant there is so much that can be done with it.  I’ve always hated the Queen of Hearts I mean she is vicious!  So a different take on her or at least before she was the Queen of Hearts and giving her depth sounds like fun.

               

                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: Spring TBR

                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 is:  Books on Spring TBR

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead (already read an ARC and LOVED it)

Water's Wrath by Elise Kova

The Last Star by Rick Yancey

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

                Those are some of my most anticipated reads set to release between today and June this year.  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!