Sampler Review: Wolves and Roses

                Hello happy readers!  Looks like the weekend is upon us.  Sadly it’s a working weekend for myself but provided my sinuses calm down some next week should be better.  Since I am a bit behind and foggy headed the timing for this short review is perfect.  One of the authors I adore, Christina Bauer who writes the Angelbound and Beholder series that I am in love with has a new book/series coming out towards the end of this year, Wolves and Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1).  So when a sampler was available I was all on board to get a taste. 

Rating:  EXCITED!!!

                So here’s the summary per Goodreads:

                Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem.  She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches.  That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template.  In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.

                  “Should” being the key word.

                  Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close.  She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures.  She can’t sing.  And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that he aunties want her to marry.  Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt.  What’s up with that?

                 All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her.  And she might be able to do just that—if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.

                  But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams.  Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O.  If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives…as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.

  

Thoughts thus far:

                So this was only a short, three chapters, sampler so I don’t have a ton to go on but those chapters really got me excited.  Of course I was ready to read it given the summary and the author but seeing Bryar, in only that short bit I really like her.  I’m curious about the growling Knox character and I love the friendship between Bryar and Elle that has been shown thus far.  I am intrigued about the Magicorum and these mysterious disappearances, dreams and the like.  I can’t wait to get my hands on the full and finished copy but for now I can say this sampler really has me anticipating the book even more.  Plus come on fairytale retellings/re-imaginings are always fun and exciting.  Taking characters/stories/templates we know and turning them all around and remolding them is fascinating but this whole take on the life templates, just from what I have seen might be the most creative way yet! 

                Basically I need it to be out now but sadly I have to wait until October. 

                

~Waiting on Wednesday~ There's Someone Inside Your House

                “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:

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Out:  9/26

From Goodreads:

                Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

                One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair.  As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

               

                International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I loved her other books so I can’t wait to see her take on a horror. 

                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: Best 2017 reads so far!

                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 ten today is:  Best 2017 Reads so far…

                I haven’t read as many books this year as I wish at this point but what I have read have been great making this hard.

A Court ofMist & Fury (review) & A Court of Wings & Ruin (review) by Sarah J. Maas

Queen ofShadows (review) & Empire ofStorms (review) also by Sarah J. Maas-basically I caught up with everything and LOVED them!!!!

Lady Midnight (review) & Lord of Shadows (review) by Cassandra Clare

Daughter ofthe Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)by Tricia Levenseller (review)

ShatteredPack (Alpha Girl #6) by Aileen Erin (review)

Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman (review)

TheAlchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova (review)

Everything,Everything by Nicola Yoon (review)

Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast (review)

                 Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Riot of Storm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a pretty awesome one attending the Laura Silverman and Becky Albertalli event and getting to see my friend and her little bean made the trip all the better.  This means I spent a little over eight hours or so in my vehicle driving this weekend so I got to squeeze in a whole new audiobook so win!  The book in question is a sequel to a title I read and review last year and was very interested in continuing on in but like most things I didn’t do it right away so I fell behind.  The book in question is Riot ofStorm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision, my review of book one Threats of Sky and Sea can be found here. Spoilers for book one ahead, duh.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                We pick up pretty much where the last one left off.  I did a double check and I read book one in April of last year which is a while.  I had been somewhat concerned I might have forgotten some things but I worried for nothing.  As soon as I started listening it all came back to me.  Bree, Aleta, and Tregle are on the run in the secret tunnels fleeing after Lady Kat had just killed Bree’s Da and in turn Bree had used her water throwing ability and killed her, just not in time to save her Da.  Not before she revealed that it is she not Aleta, who is the stolen Nereid Princess.  Now they must run and escape the kings clutches before he continues in his plans to use her and the Princess (whom he doesn’t realize are really one in the same) to try and conquer Nereid.  Caden stays behind to try and continue his work, try to influence his father from his side but he quickly realizes his father has become madder than he knew and he is no longer safe to play his heir.  He must build up his own forces and try to stop his father.

                Bree is struggling.  She just learned everything she knew about her life is not true.  Losing her Da and finding out he wasn’t really her father at all, hard to take it all in.  Oh and try handling all of that while running for your life.  You really dive into the fray here and the tension is thick from the start. I like that she is struggling with everything.  She struggles with it throughout the book and that seemed so real and raw to me that I instantly wanted to hug her several times while reading.  Then on the flip side we have Caden’s POV who also loses a father in a sense.  His father, the King, is still alive yes but he has long since changed from the father he knew and is now completely focused on conquering no matter the cost, even his own son and heir.  That is hard to accept.  He’s not just fighting against a tyrannical ruler but his own father whom he has fond memories of. 

                We learn more about the different abilities and the world with politics and alliances.  I liked diving into the magic and seeing the limits and restrictions.  No one is all powerful.  While Bree’s gift is rare and powerful she struggles with it, understanding it and how to wield it.  War is on the brink and the King holds a sinister weapon that could wipe out the world.  She isn’t sure who she is or wants to be.  Not wanting to reveal herself as the true princess but also wanting to meet and connect with any possible family she may have left in Nereidium.  Still we learn that magic skill level and training can lead to all sorts of things that not many know about.  This lead to a character I never thought I’d ever care about finding a sort of redemption in a sense.   

                Being on the move and seeing more of the world as a whole was great but I think my favorite part was getting to meet some new characters.  While I enjoyed small group I instantly liked some of our new ones.  They banter and verbally (sometimes literally) spar with the characters we know while we watch them grow and develop.  There was some romance in this as well, not a huge part of the story but still a slight presence and one in particular you just want to make happen! 

                We are on two separate journeys through most of the book and it allows the story to widen its reach.  We see Caden try to rally troops to his side as he fights with the Underground.  Old friends forced to make a choice to friendship or safety for their home and people.  War is never easy and none of the decisions are as well.  Its messy and complicated and no good easy answers, everything has a price.  This book really shows that and while I secretly wanted everything to work out for my groups and my characters to not be hurt or worse war is tough.  So my poor heart was racing as the story ramped higher and tighter.  I got a bit teary at a certain part and it just hit me so suddenly. 

                I think this was a strong follow up and it leaves you hanging that’s for sure with the ending.  Thankfully I don’t have to wait and went ahead and got the audiobook to the third and final book in the series.  I hope to finish it soon, though no trips this week so might be a bit slower depending on work.  Still I would recommend this book and series.

                Until next time…

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: June

                Hello happy readers!  I’m a day behind as I was out of town this weekend and spent most of yesterday driving which isn’t so great for typing and posting.  But here is where I stand for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up.  Here is my standing but please don't forget to share your progress as well!

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 125

At: 42

Really behind!

2017 Debut Authors (#2017DebAuthC):

Goal: 12

At: 3

What I've Read:

I am so behind here but hope to rally!

2017 Rock My TBR (#RockMyTBR):

Goal: As many as possible!

At: 18

What I've Read:

Riot ofStorm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision

2017 Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 4

What I’ve Read:

Nothing new but I should have more next month about to start 2 different series enders!

2017 New Releases Challenge:

Goal: 31-60

At: 20

What I've Read:

Lord ofShadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare (review)

Flame inthe Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh (review)

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard (review)

TheAlchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova (review)

2017 Audiobook Challenge: (my best one)

Goal: 5-10

At: 17

What I've Listened:

Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova

Riot of Storm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision

                Not my best month but still pretty decent.  I have at least two series enders and a debut ready to read next month so I hope to rally and catch up.  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers!  Guess what?  I finished another audiobook?  I can't believe it took me until the end of last year to really get into them because they are so awesome!  I listened to this one in one day, 90% while at work so whoohoo talk about productive.  The book in question today is The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova.  She has several other books, she's like a book writing powerhouse, and I have read the first two books in her Air Awakens series and enjoyed them just got caught up and derailed from continuing on but plan to finish those this year.  I have reviewed Air Awakens & Fire Falling.  

Rating: 5 Stars

                So this is a new story and I didn't know a ton about it going in.  I remember reading the summary back when it was first announced and wanting to read it but that's it.  Like all her books the cover is very eye catching and I liked the unearlthy feel of it with the color contrasts and such.  Plus the chick on the cover looks pretty kick butt!  So we follow Ari, of Loom who lost everything when the Dragon King came down and took control of Loom.  She has turned her gift for machinery and her unique ability to thieving and making life as hard as possible for the Dragon oppressors.  Cvareh, a Dragon, has left Nova and come down to Loom, with others seeking his head, to try and align with Loom and help his family topple the Dragon King once and for all.  When Ari sees Cvareh she sees an opportunity for valuable parts while he sees a guide to get where he needs to go.  So he offers her the only thing that could stay her hand at trying to murder him, a boon.  Now they must travel together to get to the Alchemists Guild.

                This audiobook, it was only about ten hours and some change which doesn't seem long at all and it did fly by yet Kova still managed to get so much into this book.  It dives right into the action and we are literally introduced to the story as it is unfolding around us.  Oh and not just one but two worlds full of magic, rules, politics and the like but new creatures.  Dragons, who aren't what one normally things of Dragons or the people of Loom (the name of which I can't spell because audiobook) and chimera.  These different aspects alone make this a super unique type story but then you add in all the magic and the politics of the worlds both past and present and you have yourself a thrilling story.

                Let us not forget we also have fast paced action happening.  From heists and daring escapes, to straight out battles between different groups it was full on intense.  One of the reasons it flew by so quickly was that I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.  With the action and overall story you also have all the delicious tension from two enemies being forced together where they have problems trusting the other.  This is one full book of awesome stuff.  I can't think of too many things to say about the story itself without giving so much away so I really just have to recommend you dive in and enjoy.

One of my favorite lines ever!

                Something I can touch on without giving much away is that we also get multiple POVs that jump around and really broaden the horizon and give you more depth and understanding to each of our characters.  We also see from all the different sides and while you clearly are rooting for some less than others, having the insight into them really added to the story.  I finished this book and I wanted more right away.  Thankfully the next book, The Dragons of Nova, comes out next month 7/11 so I don't have to wait long.  There is no pre-order for the audiobook yet but I am hoping to continue in this format and maybe finish in another one day listen!  Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys intricate worlds and magical systems, high fantasy and complex characters!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)

                “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:

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

Out:  9/5

From Goodreads:

                Chaol Westfall has always defind himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his positon as the Captain of the Guard.  But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken. 

                His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent’s mighty empire.  And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

                But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I’m dying for the new Throne of Glass book here.  Seriously finish Empire of Storms (review) and tell me you aren’t counting the days for more!  I do think it will be a slow sweet torture though as it seems to be focused mostly on Chaol and his side of things so I don’t know if we will find out any answers as to post Empire of Storms side of things but I’m hoping for even a hint. Plus the cover just came out so even more excited though the OCD part of me is worried since it doesn't match but hopefully the spine will...

                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.

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend and  Happy Belated Fathers day to any fathers reading.  I'm currently waiting on my filling to cool before I finish up the cupcakes to take to my dad (I had to work the whole weekend) a bit late.  First order of business for today is to announce the winner of my Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) giveaway is Sabrina!  Congrats!  And it's Monday so I have another review to share with you and today that would be Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard.  This was an anticipated release for me this year because I enjoyed the first book and the authors other series as well.  I got it when it first came out but then like so many things as of late I didn't get to it right away and it sat.  But I got the audiobook at some point as well and I was ready to dive in and give it a go.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                This is pretty much picking up where the previous book left off.  Now I admit it has been a while, since I read Truthwitch (review) about a year and a half.  That said I did forget some of the details but as the story started to play out it all came back to me.  I also read book one but was listening to this book, which I really enjoyed, but it took a little bit to figure out who was who.  The narrator was great, it was more that I had been way off on the names so I had to readjust the names in my head.  After that things got good and the book flew by. 

                In Truthwitch I loved the sisterly connection between Safi and Iseult.  I loved the other characters as well don't get me wrong but I loved their connection how they knew one another so well and balanced the other out.  I still love that, but in Windwitch our duo is separated.  Safi, our Truthwitch, is with the Empress of Marstok while Iseult is out on her own at the start.  Though she quickly finds herself in the surprising company of Aeduan, the Bloodwitch that hunted them earlier, as allies of a sort.  Seeing both Iseult and Safi working on their own but constantly thinking about the other and how they would react or get out of situations kept their connection strong and present.  While I wanted them to find one another I did enjoy seeing them on their own where they shone a bit brighter, unable to rely on the other. 

                Merik, who was a favorite last book.  He nearly died and instead is badly burned and disfigured.  People who see him think of him as the Fury, a justice seeking demigod, and as he is on a mission he rolls with it.  I understood why he was so upset and convinced about certain things, though as the story builds I loved seeing the parallel and how things were in fact different for every person.  It's a tale as old as time, one persons truth is another persons fiction.  You can't know the full story until you have all the sides not just one.  I also enjoyed getting to see things from his sisters POV.  So many different stories weaving into one another, all connected in the big scheme of things.

                This book was a bit slower and more building than book one and while I could find fault with it there I kind of enjoyed it.  I liked building up the world and the stories as a whole as we got to know more about Merik's sister and her foxes, Marstok's Empress, Hellbards, and of course Aeduan.  I felt like a lot was built up and will be important to future installments but I also enjoyed the story this book told.  Iseult really had her own journey, not just physical but she has come so far as a character.  Her connection with Aeduan is really special as well and I see I'm not the only one secretly shipping them in book one but fully opening shipping them in this one.  They both have a darkness to them but truly have a good heart.  Safi is trying to find her own ground and a way to live her life and not be imprisoned or killed because of her ability.  She has found an ally of sorts and watching her fight for her own way is empowering.  And I loved seeing the dark shadows coming into play both with Iseult and her dream visitor that cleaves and binds and just what is happening with Nubrevna court both from inside and out.  I liked how in depth this took me into the world and opened up so many more story lines.  It also have lots of different action and suspense throughout while again building up something much larger.

                I really enjoyed this book and it had plenty of twists and turns and such that have me on the edge of my seat and ready for book three.  I have some theories and such on some things but for the most part I'm just happy to be along for the ride and watch the story play out before me.

                Until next time…

~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.  So I'm trying to really hunker down on my spending money so I won't always have new items to share but score for Audible credits!

Audiobooks:

TheAlchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  Also don't forget my giveaway ends tonight so get in your last entries here to win a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman!

Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you are excited for the weekend to start, I’m working this one so no big plans here just hope to get some reading in!  First a quick reminder there my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman ends tomorrow night so don’t forget to enter while you can here.  Technical stuff aside I am excited to discuss my latest audiobook read, Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh, the first in a new series of the same name. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                I didn’t know a ton about this book going.  I had been anticipating it because I enjoyed the authors other works and was ready to read more.  I also LOVED the cover with the phoenix and flowers.  Yes I realized they are in fact throwing stars now but at first glance I thought they were flowers, totally made it even better when I realized the truth.  Anywho, we follow Mariko, daughter of a prominent samurai and raised for the purpose to marry despite her desire to be equal to her twin brother, Kenshin.  She is an accomplished alchemist and is even more cunning than her brother but she is a female and thus unable to be equal.  While en route to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed for the first time her convoy is attacked by the Black Clan, the dangerous bandits hired to kill her.  They fail and she escapes into the woods o plot her revenge.  To move around she disguises herself as a boy and works to infiltrate the Black Clan to find out who wanted her dead and why.  Though once inside she never planned on enjoying her time, let alone falling for any of these bandits.

                I really liked this story.  I fell into it easily and was caught up in the story.  I didn’t want to turn it off.  I listened to the audiobook format and it was amazing.  The narrator was very easy to listen to and made each of the characters sound different in both pitch and voice which is always a treat.  The writing was beautiful and vivid but it kept up a fast pace and alternated POV here and there which gave more depth to the overall story.

                Mariko is easy to love.  She is a girl after my own heart, who doesn’t believe she should be treated as anything less than her brother just because she is a female rather than a male.  Like what’s between your legs is really what makes one worthy.  She is cunning and smart and determined to have control of her own life.  While she is willing to bend to the wills of her family as is expected of her, she still makes her own choices alone the way.  I liked that.  Stubborn and hard headed for sure but I still loved it.  Her desire to know what and why driving her instead of self-preservation.

                We also see things from her brother, Kenshin’s, POV and see his search for his sister.  He knows how she thinks and he loves her “oddness” and all which I do appreciate.  But the other real stars are the Black Clan.  They as a group and the individuals themselves are pretty awesome each with their own personality and attributes.  Some see them as evil and others as saviors so unweaving story from fact and getting to know them as Mariko does was nice.  The primary story is on the cunning moves, the mystery and intrigue of figuring out what happened and keeping secrets but it finds a way to have a little romance in there that not only fit well within the story but also really rang true and had you rooting for it.  Mostly because even when she is hiding who she is, as a female and betrothed, she is more herself within the Black Clan than anywhere else.

               Flame in the Mist manages to weave reality with a touch of romance and also the supernatural/magical elements into one amazing story.  I loved the magical elements and I really hope we get to see more of them in the rest of the series and even mind out how they came to be.  There is still so much story left to be told and with how it left off I know I need more and I would rather have it now.  I highly recommend this book.

                 Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Wonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons #1)

                “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:

Wonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Out:  8/29

From Goodreads:

                She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes:  WONDER WOMAN.  But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons.  And her fight is just beginning…

                Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters.  But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal.  Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

                Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea.  She doesn’t know she is being hunted.  When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth:  Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

                Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer.  If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I love my superhero movies and I’m excited for the Wonder Woman movie.  Now I see a book coming out from and author I love…..count me in!

                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.  Also don't forget to check out my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman open until Saturday evening!  

Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers!  First don’t forget to head over and check out my GIVEAWAY for a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman here.  It’s open for a few more days!  This weekend was super busy and only mildly productive.  Spent Friday doing yard work on my new place, and I reminded again how much I hate yard work.  So after taking down two huge overgrown bushes each about 12ft tall and some other trimmings I was rather sore which gave me a perfect excuse to chill the rest of the weekend and marathon the new season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix and finish finally catching up on The 100.  Now I’m waiting for more on both with everyone else! 

                Today though, I’m so excited to share with you a review of a book I read a little while back but have been eagerly anticipating the sequel, Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake.  Now I received a copy for review from No BS Reviews and the original review/post can be found over at No BS along with tons of other reviews.  But as I have been mentioning the sequel in my anticipated releases I wanted to share my review on here as well. 

Rating:  4 Stars

               

                I was excited to get my hands on this one.  It was a new series with a cool concept.  Yes, pun intended.  I also love the fantasy aspect of this where the MC is forced to hide themselves and what they are.  Some aspects reminded me of different parts of other series I enjoyed and while some may see this as a negative I didn’t.  I mean I clearly liked the other series and as long as it has it’s own story and isn’t completely like another and keeps me entertained I’m good.  I mean if you read enough of a specific genre you’re going to see something that reminds you of another book somewhere.  So I was ready to dive into it. 

                Ruby is a Fireblood and can control heat/flame.  Control might be a bit of a leap as she hasn’t learned control and mostly just has accidents.  When the king and people are hunting down all the Firebloods to be killed this is a very dangerous thing to not be able to control.  After being imprisoned and tortured, which made me cringe despite not being as brutal as other items I’ve read but the way it was written hit me.  Also being a fireblood, cold is not her friend and I may have been a bit cold while reading and agreeing with her here.  Ruby is offered a chance of escape, from frostbloods, Arcus and Brother Thistle, with the catch of helping them.  Their plans to take down the king are in line with her own goals of revenge and it is a chance of escape and thus she agrees.  Ruby is always thinking her options through, she doesn’t always make the best choice but she does put some thought into many of them which I liked.  So of her arguments with herself are ones I could see myself having. 

                She was a great vessel to tell the story from with all her swirling and conflicting emotions throughout.  From prisoner to alley to prisoner.  When trying to do the right thing means doing something wrong.  When fighting to survive means giving up a piece of your soul.  Finding reasons to keep moving forward when one thing after another is taken away from you.  What truly makes you a monster so many believe you to be?  I really liked Ruby.

                The abbey where she is taken and the brothers and sisters she meets while there show a full assortment of perspectives.  Being a fireblood she is feared by many but seeing some accept her for whom she is not what she is while showing contrast between those who dislike or fear her for what she was born versus those who fear what having an enemy of the king near them could bring down on them, I liked the variations.  Favorites were of course Brother Thistle and his kick ass self and healing Brother Gamut.  I would have liked to get to know more of the brothers and sisters and hope to go back over time.

Sequel cover is out!

                Then you have Arcus.  He is rude, abrupt, and threatening but still gentle.  He’s secretive and moody for sure but he also has this quality of something more.  I grew to like him and enjoyed getting to know more and more of him.  I wanted him to thaw to Ruby.  He also has a bit of a funny side.

                The world has lots of stories, tales of how people came into their powers gifts of the Gods.  I like the balance aspect of it as the tales were revealed.  Fire and Ice being the main focus but then discovering more about Eurus and the Minax, which were creepy as can be.  I can’t wait to see how we dive more into that in the sequel.  You have enough here for a complete story, one journey ends but there is clearly more story to tell.  This did more than bring you into the world it told a story.  I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more.  Would recommend for fans of fantasy and good vs. evil stories.

                Again don’t forget to head over and enter the giveaway!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Thrax (Angelbound #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:

Thrax (Angelbound #4) by Christina Bauer

Out:  6/26

From Goodreads:

                Myla Lewis has marries Prince Lincoln, and now they’re expecting!  All the after-realms rejoice.  Myla should be happy too, but she has a serious problem.  The day after their honeymoon ended, Myla’s real husband disappeared.

                The man who’s sharing her bed is an imposter.

                Myla tries explaining about “Evil Lincoln,” but no one will listen.  The reason?  People think that Myla’s supernatural pregnancy is making her cray cray.  Mostly because that’s what Evil Lincoln is telling everyone, and that man’s a great liar.  What a creep.

                There’s no way Myla will take this lying down, though.  She’s going to rescue her man, and she has a pretty good idea where he’s being held.  With her best friend, Cissy, along to help, Myla sneaks off to Earth.  All she has to do is blend in with the humans, avoid Evil Lincoln, and find her real man before the baby arrives.  How hard can it be?

Why I’m Waiting:

                I love this series and this world and I can’t wait to read more about Myla and Lincoln!  I’ve reviewed all the other books, seriously they are my favorites! 

                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~ Recently TBR Additions

                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 ten today is:  Recently added to my TBR (no specific genre)

Girls Made ofSnow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Busted by Gina Ciocca

Before SheIgnites (Fallen Isles Trilogy #1) by Jodi Meadows

An Enchantmentof Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Top Ten by Katie Cotugno

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Thrax (Angelbound #4) by Christina Bauer

The Language ofThorns:  Midnight Tales of DangerousMagic by Leigh Bardugo

Wolves &Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1) by Christina Bauer

The Speaker (Sea of Ink & Gold #2) by Traci Chee

                 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!