Queen of Hearts (Queen of Hearts Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers.  Today I’d like to discuss with you a book I got for review and the original post is at No BS Book Reviews here, and that book is Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Queen of Hearts follows the Princess of Wonderland and future Queen of Hearts, Dinah, who spends her days trying to keep it together through the vicious humiliations and threats of the King of Hearts, her father.  Her one place of happiness is visiting her childhood friend, and love of her life, Wardley, the future Knave of Hearts.  The pretty horrid pattern of her life is upset as a stranger comes to the palace and her life and everything she’d been looking forward to starts to slip away.  Dinah is left to figure out the truth to the mysteries that lurk within the palace before she loses everything, including her head.  Its part fantasy and party fairy tale in the first book of a series that looks at familiar and new characters we remember.

                 Okay so I’m a little confused on this.  Maybe I should first say I really enjoyed it.  It’s the publication that confuses me a little but from what I gathered it is not a “new” book as it was originally published a couple years back along with book two in the series but that this ARC “new release” is the re-release with a new and larger publisher.  That’s awesome and I love the new cover!  Plus hopefully since I’ve seen the reviews for the original sequel on Goodreads that means we won’t have to wait as long to get our hands on it.  Here’s hoping anyways. 

                Back to the really enjoying it part.  I have always been a fan of fairy tales and all the retellings that have been happening and becoming more prevalent the last few years have been so much fun for me.  Seeing something classic that I love and seeing a new side of it.  The Queen of Hearts has always been this vicious and evil figure but seeing before that to when she was merely a princess is rather interesting.  I’m a firm believer that everyone has a backstory and the best stories always flush one out, especially villains. 

                Dinah isn’t perfect she is a bit spoiled and while intelligent she isn’t quick to look for answers; still she is feisty and has a big heart.  There are small hints of the Queen I know from different tales, a bit of a temper and snark.  Her adoration to her mad hat maker brother transposed from what we see of her and her father is what really pulls you into her corner.  Other characters of interest for me, her brother Charles, Cheshire the advisor (and not a cat), and Wardley.  The King is rather complex and intriguing like the world and the towers but because they are dark and evil yet still make you want to know more. 

                Throughout we start to see what Dinah has been dealing with and how the addition of a new guest starts to ring in a change for her, and not in a good way.   The mystery begins to unravel as the closer they come to her coronation, where Dinah is to rule beside her father until she weds and rules with her husband, and Dinah must start to make sense of it all before she loses more than her crown but her head.  There is also a very light touch of romance in the story.  She is in love with her best friend but while she dreams of more with everything going on Wardley is much more focused on keeping her safe.  Not much time for romance, their friendship managed to come across as true and solid having memories of playing together from a young age to their own little codes.  I hope to see more of their friendship and possibly more in the sequel. 

                 The world building is much what I expected of a Wonderland tale.  Full of lavish and out of the box fashions and scenes.  Still while it could be both vibrant and beautiful on one side the duality of the world is that it holds some dark secrets as well.  I enjoyed the ride and getting to dive into this unique world. 

                My only issue with it was that many things uncovered hint at something larger and while I think I have it figured out (early on too) it was never confirmed.  I understand it may be flushed out further in the next book of the saga but with some of the hints being dropped early on I was hoping to have at least one of my suspicions confirmed.  With the book not being very long it could have easily added more to this particular aspect instead of making me feel it was stretched into another book.  I’m still going to read the next book, I’d read it now if I could find it, and would recommend Queen of Hearts to anyone who enjoys a good retelling or just a “before they became what we know” type of story. 

                I’d love to hear your thoughts and fells in the comments below.

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

                “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:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child J.K. Rowling

Out: 7/31

From Goodreads:

               It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

                While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted.  As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth:  sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 Duh…It’s Harry Potter!

                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: Bookish delights

                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:  Bookish delights (things book lovers just LOVE)

A new bookshelf freshly assembled and waiting for books

A full bookshelf you can't fit anything else on

Book events- being surrounded by people who you can walk up to and talk about books without fear

Pretty naked books

A completed series with matching covers

 Finding a book you want on sale!

Books with maps or other pretties inside

Putting new books on your shelf (after stamping them into your library)

  

Talking for hours with your book buddies!

Finding bookish swag (pillows, art, jewelry, mugs, etc) even if you're bank account can't afford it all! Like at Evie Seo 

                  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!

Challenge Wrap-Up: April

                So today is the 25th which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up; Month 4.  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:  53

Threats ofSky & Sea (review) / Queen of Hearts (review) / The Vengeful Half (review) / The Shadow Queen (review) / Blood of Hydra (review) / Firstlife (review) / The Last Time We Were Us / Rebel’s Honor (review)

2016 Debut Authors:

Goal: 12

At: 4

My Kind ofCrazy by Robin Reul (review)

Rock My TBR:

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 22

What I've Read:

Whispers atMoonrise by C. C. Hunter

Chosen atNightfall by C. C. Hunter

Ice LikeFire by Sara Raasch (review)

FireFalling by Elise Kova (review)

Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 5

What I've Finished:

Shadow Falls with Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter (review)

                 Could have done better in some of the categories but oh so many new and pretty books!  Or new to my shelf a couple came out previously but were sent to me this year so I didn't count them in the other lists.  And a couple new releases I thought were debut books until after I read them lol.  Still a pretty successful month.  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

Rebel's Honor (Crown of Blood #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was spent sleeping and working but I did get some reading done as well.  Oh and the season premiere of Game of Thrones!  I’m also stoked because the next couple of weeks are going to have some amazing books coming out and I think at least 4 or 5 I’ve pre-ordered.  Score!  I’m also going to a signing even this Thursday for The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi and plan to do a giveaway for it as well.  I have a few of those planned actually so stay tuned.  For today I’ll be discussing Rebel’s Honor (Crown of Blood #1) by Gwynn White, a book sent to me for an honest review. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Rebel’s Honor is about Lynx, a warrior princess of Norin, who is bound by treaty of old to marry the crown prince of their conqueror, Lukan Avanov who she has been raised to hate.  Things aren't always what they see as a warrior is sent to the enemy for an arranged marriage neither wants.  She wants to do everything in her power to help bring them down.  Spy games, romance, curses, prophecies and more abound.

                I didn't know a whole lot about this book when I started it, just enough to be intrigued.  In it we get three different perspectives, Lynx, Lukan, and Axel.  All three are in this mess and trying to find the best way to deal with it.  I instantly loved Lynx.  Not going to lie the whole ostrich people and egg raids scared the crap out of me but then again known issue I don't like birds, especially HUGE angry ones who try to kill you.  She is loyal and dedicated to her family and her people.  Oh and she kicks ass.  Axel and Luken, I was not a fan of either of them for the longest time.  I thought they were both….shall we say delicately chauvinistic pigs but as we got to know them better I could see things about them I liked and one grew on me more than the other.  They both wanted something from Lynx and were willing to use her to their ends.

                The world is lush and beautiful (or horrifying see above egg raids).  I felt like I could be there.  There was something for everyone from the political/court suspense to the mysteries being uncovered with magic and curses and prophecies there is so much to keep you flipping the page.  And while there is romance in the book it is not the main focus and I didn't even see any romantic possibilities for over half the book.  Aside from the three main characters there is a vast crew and lots of wheels turning and things happening.  This is also a brutal world.  Threats and schemes galore!  I was caught in this book and flew through it.  I look forward to reading on and figuring out what happens next because that end….yes it needs more.  Bright side is this book two Warlord's Wager and book three Dragon's Fire are already out and ready to devour.  Please share your thoughts and feels in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

The Huntsman: Winter's War

                Hello happy readers, it's Friday.  Where does the time go?  I feel like the week just started and now it's over.  Sigh.  So I did end up getting up and dressed long enough to go out and see The Huntsman:  Winter's War during the advance day showing since I have to work this weekend.  Also I realized I haven't done a straight movie review other than book to movie ones in a long time and thought this would be fun.  So here goes.

Rating:  5 Stars

                The Huntsman:  Winter's War was one I knew I wanted to see even if I didn't know how it would work given how Snow White and the Huntsman ended.  Spoiler Alert:  Snow beats Ravenna.  But from the trailer it's the story we don't know, I was thinking a prequel story which after seeing the full trailer made sense.  Having come out of the movie I now see it as both a prequel and a sequel.  The story starts prior to the events in Snow White but then as events happy they jump forward in time to a point after the events in that one.  It was done very well and all flowed wonderfully for me so if anyone else had a slight concern on when it happens know it makes sense.

                 We get to meet Ravenna's sister Freya and how her heart is hardened and she becomes the Ice Queen wanting an army of Huntsman who harden their hearts.  She honestly thinks taking in children to train as warriors and teaching them love is an illusion and to be hardened is good.  She's the type of villain who you want to root against but at the same time you kind of understand given her history making her complex.  The love that blossomed between her two best Huntsmen Eric and Sara is not something that can be allowed.  I enjoyed Eric's character in the first movie and I enjoyed getting to know him better and see how he became the Huntsman I knew who helped Snow and the same on getting to meet his Sara.  The chemistry between them was pretty steamy, they are both amazingly good looking people for sure, but it was more.  They way they went back and forth and challenged one another I could see them as a perfect match for one another.  Plus Sara is bad ass! 

                 The plot really held my attention and there was lots of action happening from training, battles, ogres, a quest to find the mirror, and more.  There is also some comedic relief in there as well which I found myself laughing at, not just the dwarfs who did seem there for more laughs than much else, they were interesting and they seemed familiar in the best way.  There were other aspects of the first movie that we see in this as well from the settings in the woods and the mystical type creatures to the mirror itself which was the most unique way I ever saw the mirror portrayed.  The visuals in this are on point.  The magic and how both Freya and Ravenna's powers are portrayed to Freya's mask (love) and the world in general.  High points there for sure for the beauty of it all.    

Pretty!

                 Overall the movie was a fun time and I can't wait to see it again.  Plus the song from the trailer has been on my mind non-stop since first seeing it (Halsey – Castle) and the ending credits played a modified version which was pretty awesome.  I recommend giving it a try!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie down in the comments!

                Until next time….

Firstlife (Everlife#1)

                Hello happy readers!  Days off fly by so much faster than those for which we work, why is that?  If all goes according to plan I'll be seeing The Huntsman:  Winter's War tonight so I'm excited about that.  But in the mean time I do have a new release book I recently read for you, Firstlife by Gena Showalter.  I've never read anything by this author before but this cover really caught my eye and was an anticipated read after I read the synopsis. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                One choice.  Two realms.  No second chances.  That's the tagline!  Basically the life you live now is just a Firstlife and during it you make a choice as to where to spend your Everlife:  Troika or Myriad.  If you don't make a decision before your death and are unsigned you go to the Realm of Many Ends, a nasty place of bad things.  We follow Ten an unsigned seventeen year old girl who has spent the last year and change imprisoned in an asylum subjected to all forms of torture and persuasion at the request of her parents hoping to make her choose their way.  See the two after realms are at war.  Both realms want Ten, she is something special to them both and could sway the war.  Laborers, aka recruiters, from both are sent to try and convince her to come to their side.  Making such a decision is hard on a regular person and Ten isn't your regular girl. 

                This books  had me from the start with the whole concept of the first life being just a dress rehearsal for your next one where things really count.  Both Troika and Myriad have their pros and cons for me and I did enjoy hearing them pitched throughout the book.  One will offer deals and perks to sign with them, enticements, where as the other is equal everyone gets the same package, light vs. dark and so on.  Prynne Asylum is pretty horrific.  Seriously her parents were on my hit list the whole book.  I would have picked the other realm just so I would never have to see them again and oh yeah out of spite for what they did.  But Ten isn't me and she is more resilient she only wants to make her own choice and not one forced upon her out of pain or fear or anything.  I respected that.  I also enjoyed her play on numbers it was unique and something I don't think I've ever read before. This book also had one line that made me drop my book.  It was just something that was so me that I couldn't hold the book I was laughing so hard.  Took a while to start again because of tears of laughter.  There were funny moments here and there but that took the cake *pun intended* for me.  

                The two Laborers, Killian and Archer, are both hilarious.  The e-mails between them and their realm were pretty great going between intense and hilarious.  Both have their own way of doing things, they are for their realm but each at times can see how some things are flawed in time.  The dynamic between Killian and Archer is great the seething hate for one another that we see explained piece by piece was nice.  I even liked the character of Sloan who developed nicely from when we first meet her.  Still have to respect Ten though and her determination to not be forced into a choice.  She was a bit indecisive but when the choice is so big I can understand that. 

                I was pushed through the story quickly and easily picking up things here and there and found myself surprised at some aspects of the story which is nice.  War is happening and both sides want her and if they can't have her then they would rather her be in the Realm of Many Ends.  So with so many people out to sign or kill you it's a huge mess but lots of things are uncovered and she keeps kicking challenging herself and moving forward.  The whole book was a great fantasy get away for me and I look forward to learning more about all of the realms and what started the war in them to begin with.  Also if she is so important how that will play out in the battles to come.  I would highly recommend this one and would love to hear your thoughts below in the comments about which realm you might go with.

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Marked Girl

                “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 Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele

Out: 6/21

From Goodreads:

                Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (Los Angeles)…

                When Cedric, crowned prince of Caelum, and his fellow royal friends (including his betrothed, Kat) find themselves stranded in modern-day L.A. via a magical portal and an evil traitor named Malquin, all they want is to do is get home to Caelum—soon.  Then they meet Liv, a filmmaker foster girl who just want to get out of the system and on with her life.  As she and Cedric bond, they’ll discover that she’s more connected to his world than they ever could’ve imagined…and that finding home is no easy task…

                Worlds collide in The Marked Girl, an exciting fantasy tale turned upside down.

Why I’m Waiting:

                The cover caught my eye at first and then as I read about it I was intrigued.  It sounded like something right my up alley.  First book in a new series so it sounds like it could have promise.  World displacement stories always seem to be fun as I enjoy watching the characters try to figure out the new world and I’d like to think I’d be the person who if I found said person I’d be open minded and help them, especially if they were super hot just saying. 

                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 that make you laugh

                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 that will make you laugh

So I’m a big fan of books that will make me laugh.  Some of my picks the comedy wasn’t the main aspect but when I laughed I was in pain from the laughing, others it was constant.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- need this be explained it’s HARRY POTTER!

Firstlife by Gena Showalter- I just finished it the other night and it had some moments of comedy but one scene in particular made me drop the book I was laughing so hard.

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul (review)- This one has a bit more of a dark feel to it but overall there was plenty that had me laughing throughout.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (review)- SO MUCH to love.  Thorne and Iko might be the ones duking it out for best comedic performance in this one with me.

Anything by P.C. Cast (House of Night series, Goddess Summoning series, Divine series, etc)- She just has a way of writing in some gut busting moments all through her books.

Simone Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (review)- A fun comedy of a book and it made me want some Oreos!

Don’t Get Caught by Kurt Dinan (review)- It’s a book about pranks what’s not to love!

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (review)- I could have went to anything but this one in particular had me in fits of giggles so often the way the girls e-mailed on another as I looked at my own correspondence with my gal pals!

The Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter (review)- So many great lines with all the characters and the banter between Holiday and Burnett or her roomies and let’s not forget Socks the skunk and a certain were!

Sin & Temptation by Casey L. Bond (review)- These two serials were so much fun and so quick to read.  Both tons of humor and sexiness!

  

                 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!

Fire Falling (Air Awakens #2)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you had a great weekend.  I managed to get some reading done and do a few productive things as well so I'm calling it a win!  That said last week I finally finished book two in the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova, Fire Falling.  I did a read along back in November last year for Air Awakens, which I reviewed here, when Fire Falling was set to come out.  I fell in love with this book and quickly purchased the sequel.  I also started it straight away but I sort of got a bit ahead of myself and had at one point like 12 books going at once most of which were fantasy so I had to put a hold on some to manage it.  That said I continued the ones I was farthest in and having only started this one it got put on hold.  I was super excited when I got my stuff together and had the chance to dive back into Fire Falling.  So I'm thrilled to share my thoughts and feels because there are LOTS.  Spoilers for the first book, duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Sometimes when I take a break from books I lose my place in the story and have to go back and start over or at least read a few past chapters which I why I try not to have to do it.  Trying to do better.  That said, I didn't have to do that with this one.  I picked up right where my kindle left me and I knew instantly what was happening and I was right back in the story.  Maybe because I know book three, Earth's End is already out and book four, Water's Wrath is set to release soon I'm staying super amped.  How can you not with the books coming out so close to one another it's every readers dream!  Picking up where we left off Vhalla no longer has the life she once knew but is now the only Windwalker and property of the crown and being sent to the war front despite her lack of training or skill after a farce of a trial. Her goal:  Stay alive and try to maintain her humanity and not be pushed past her breaking point.

                First, I don't recommend reading the last quarter of this book in public.  It's intense throughout for sure and had plenty of moments of talking to the device in my hand moments but the end….my co-workers have persisted teasing me about my reaction each day.  I have no shame and tell them vividly where they can shove said comments and we laugh because it's all well meaning but still.  There is a LOT happening and it just hits all over the place. 

                Now for the juicy parts.  Despite magic traveling to the war zone still takes lots of time.  I liked that we were on this journey and along the way in down time it was put to use training.  It was smart and fun.  Vhalla needs help in both physical components of battle and in using her newly found magic if she hopes to survive.  I was also giddy with excitement when Larel and Fritz joined her as well because they were just so much fun and some of my favorite scenes were of the three of them.  Their comradery was on point and the connection between Vhalla and Larel that started in book one grew so beautifully here.  I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other characters a bit better like Prince Baldair and Daniel though I am a bit conflicted about them, Elecia as well.   

                Fire Falling also showed more of the divide between the regular soldiers and the legion.  The two princes and their two commands.  Also along for the journey is the Emperor who is not my favorite person.  Lots of strategy and such playing out in this one as we play politics you expect in times of war and it's always hard figuring out who you can and can't trust.  We also see more of a relationship of sorts building between Aldrik and Vhalla.  He's not the easiest person in the world to get to know both in who he acts in general always hot and cold but also the little trouble of his dad being the Emperor and again not a very nice guy.  Still seeing the back and forth on his side was hard at first until they are able to really talk, which they do.  They still have some fumbles about communication here and there but overall I have to say one of my favorite things about them is that they just say what they want/mean for the most part.  Neither is up for games.  I really enjoyed their scenes together and how no matter their station or title they were more of themselves with each other and as we see that with Vhalla and Larel and Fritz seeing the somewhat softer side to Aldrik around her is always nice. 

               There is so much happening at the end and I am dying to read the next book.  I already have it and I can read it any time but I'm a bit leery to start right away given I am reading a few books right now, and if I'm honest I'm still processing the end o the book.  Plus, can't give my co-workers any additional taunt material!  Still every time I pick up my kind I want to go to it so I doubt I'll be able to hold out long.  Maybe until book four is officially out next week so I will have that safety net of sorts.  Even though it put my poor heart through some feels or maybe because of it, I really loved this book.  I can't wait to see where the author is going but I'm going to be sticking around to find out.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.

                 Until next time…

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)

                Hello happy readers.  Another wonderful Friday!  This is my weekend off and despite the tons of things I need to accomplish to be a productive human being I don’t want to do much more than watch some shows, sleep, and read.  Hopefully, I’ll get some good reading time in because I have a million things to read and never enough time.  Today though I wanted to share my thoughts and feels on Ice Like Fire, book two in the Snow Like Ashes trilogy by Sara Raasch which I reviewed here.  There will be spoilers to the first book in this review.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We last left Meira, soldier turned queen of Winter, as she with the help of Cordell’s army freed her people from Spring and defeated their oppressor.  Or so they hope.  Because having learned things about magic no one else had learned, that she didn’t need a conduit but instead IS the conduit, destroying the Spring conduit might have created the same of Angra, though his disappearance is cause for hope that he was defeated.  Still while Winter might be free of chains from Spring she is not yet free.  Winter owes a debt to Cordell, and continues to incur debt as they start to rebuild their lost land.  Meira isn’t happy with the king of Cordell, Noam, and his constant press for more of her land than she wants to give.  He didn’t help out of the goodness of his heart, or because his son Theron cares for it’s queen, but because he wants access to their mines to try and locate the lost chasm of magic.  When the chasm found but secured sets Meira and Theron on a journey of opposing purposes and force Meira to make some tough decisions.

                We get a dual POV in this one both from Meira and Mather.  This is great because we get to see so much more of Mather and what he feels given that the last story one of his short comings in the romance department is he was too good at hiding his emotions but being in his head you see it all.  This also allowed us to see a different part of the new Winter now that Meira is the queen and expected to handle the political aspects, wheeling and dealing as it were, and Mather is down in the grit of it.  They’ve swapped roles in a way.  Also nice seeing the contrast in how she adapts to being a simple soldier to the queen and him from king to simple lord.  The dynamic was interesting to see.  Meira struggling to hold in her impulsive act first talk later kick ass self at bay and be more queenly was interesting.  She isn't used to thinking in terms of politics and her strategies had always been more of the physical kick butt kind.

                We also got a ton of new characters and traveled to different kingdoms.  We had the chance to see into Summer (not a fan), Yakim, and Ventralli as well as seeing Winter which we only saw in glimpses and at the end of the last book.  Ceridwen was a favorite new addition for sure, she is sassy and determined which I admire.  She reminded me a bit of the old Meira before she had such responsibilities edging in on her.  William in this took a bit of a turn for me, while I wasn't always his biggest fan I always respected his choices or the reasons behind them anyways.  He went a little weak to me in this and it was very sad to see, especially the relationship between him and his son. 

                Another character who lost some points for me in this one is Theron.  Now at the end of book one I was undecided on which ship I wanted to ship.  I liked Mather and their past history for sure but I had some issues with how some things were handled.  Then meeting Theron he seemed too good to be true and I genuinely liked him and was almost shipping for him after he came to rescue her.  In the end I wasn’t sold 100% on picking a ship though I swayed more towards Theron.  This book and having Mathers POV among other things swayed me to declare Team Mather!  Still Theron while I respect his hope and optimism he starts out the back irking me almost reverting on everything I loved about him before.  He's pushy and determined to have things his way and doesn't treat Meira as an equal which now technically she out ranked him.  Some things can be explained but the overall items that got to me seemed more in line with his true nature.

                The story was intriguing and while there wasn't as much action, or at least it didn't feel like there was as much, there was so much happening plot wise that it moved along nicely for me.  Trying to figure out the best options alone with Meira while making a list of characters I wouldn't mind seeing killed.  Hey they list got kind of wrong.  There's one quote which kind of sums up so much.

 

                I finished this book excited and ready to go onto the next one but sadly I have to wait.  I'm itching to get my hands on Frost Like Night ASAP because the end of this one is definitely a cliffhanger and so much new stuff has come to light and others we have yet to scratch the surface of.  I wasn't sure where this book was going to go when the last one ended on freeing Winter but it has surpassed my expectations.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and feels down below.  What guy do you think is best for Meira?  Tell me in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

Blood of Hydra (Elementals #2)

                Hello happy readers. Some pretty awesome reading is being done and I’m trying to maximize my reading time.  Today I’m reviewing Blood of Hydra (Elementals #2) by Michelle Madow.  I reviewed the first book, The Prophecy of Shadows, in this series earlier in the year here.  So being a sequel there will be some spoilers for the first book.  This is a fast turnaround for a new series.  This book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher and is available next week on April 18th. 

Rating:  4 Stars

                Blood of Hydra picks up where we left off with our group of chosen witches and a demigod who have been gifted these elemental powers and a job to stop the Titans from escaping.  Gifted these powers they are set on training and trying to be ready for the next monster or threat they face after having such a close call with the harpy.  The harpy Nicole killed by using black magic which is against the law.  No one knows what she did and as much as she wants to trust everyone this is too big.  As monsters arise they must journey to Greece to locate the ingredients needed to help in their tasks.  The harder of the ingredients is the blood of a slain hydra.  Not an easy task. 

                So this one is much like the first as it was fast paced and a quick read, finishing it in one day.  We have our Greek mythology playing a big part as in the first part.  The cast grew more dynamic as we got to learn more about our core group, one of which showed much more depth than the previous book.  The interaction between Nicole and Blake still had the undeniable tension and while he is no longer with Danielle, Nicole still wants to deny what they could have to keep their group focused on their goal.  I could commend her on that decision.  Wanting to upset the group dynamic when their task is so important despite your personal desires.  Nicole is also struggling with her newfound power, the one she is afraid and ashamed to tell anyone about, and watching her struggle as the book went on helped her develop for me.  Blake understands her point but he is also determined to try and make her see they could be good together.  Got to love a man with determination.  Also side note surprise God visit was really fun though I won’t say who.

                The action scenes were well written and lots of fun.  Even at times when the tension was extremely high but there wasn’t action per say in that specific part it was amped up.  The start of the first task for instance, intense but kind of calm before all hell breaks loose!  The book also infuses plenty of laughs in at the right moments that flow naturally.  Though it doesn’t shy away from some darker choices and tasks, epic quests to save the world generally aren’t easy and without risk after all.  Neither are their tasks, all of which were well thought out and interesting from the act of completing them to simply managing plans when no matter what nothing ever goes according to plans.  The scenery described throughout the journey in Greece only makes me want to visit so much more.  Okay maybe not some of the spots but still, Greece seems so beautiful.

                I enjoyed this sequel and am again looking forward to know what our group is left to face next.  Looks like it won’t be too much of a wait so cheers to that.  Blood of Hydra was a fun continuation to the Elementals series.  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Last Star (The 5th Wave #3)

                “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 Last Star (The 5^th Wave #3) by Rick Yancey

Out: 5/24

From Goodreads:

                We’re here, then we’re gone, and that was true before they came.  That’s always been true.  The Others didn’t invent death; they just perfected it.  Gave death a face to put back in our face, because they knew that was the only way to crush us.  It won’t end on any continent or ocean, no mountain or plain, jungle or desert.  It will end where it began, where it had been from the beginning, on the battlefield of the last beating human heart.

                Master storyteller Rick Yancey invokes triumph, loss, and unrelenting action as the fate of the planet is decided in the conclusion to this epic series.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I read the first book only hours before watching the movie when it opened, year I was late to the party.  As it stands now I haven’t read the sequel yet because, well I’m behind on some other titles I want to get to and while I’m excited to continue on I figure waiting until closer to the release date of the conclusion means I won’t be stuck waiting….So basically I’m waiting for this to come out so I can marathon The Infinite Sea and The Last Star and know how it all ends.

                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: Retellings Everyone Should Read!

                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 every fan of retellings/reimagining's should read

The ShadowQueen by C.J. Redwine (review)- Snow White

A Court ofThorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (review)- Beauty & the Beast

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (reviews: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, & Winter)- Cinderella, Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White

Dorothy MustDie by Danielle Paige- Dorothy

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (review)- Beauty & the Beast

The Wrath &the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (review)- 1,001 Arabian Nights

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes- Alice in Wonderland

Asleep by Krystal Wade (review)- Sleeping Beauty

Thorn by Intisar Khanani (review)- Goose Girl

The Goddess andthe Rose by P.C. Cast- Beauty & the Beast

  

                 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!