Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So I have been slacking again, though this is partly in that I lost my USB with all my reviews temporarily (it was in my wallet for some reason) but also storm related I mean can we be done with storms for a bit please?  So I have finally gotten around to the first book in this series, Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake.  I started it a while back but I couldn’t give it the attention it needed to learn all these new characters, powers, and overall world.  That and it was one of my “I’ll wait until close to the next book then read it….” Ones which sort of worked as the 3^rd book did recently come out.  So here are my thoughts on the first book in this new series.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Fennbirn is ruled by one queen.  Each generation is set of triplets are born, three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessing a particular magic.  When they are but small children they are pulled apart and raised by their own house:  elemental, naturalist, or poisoner.  When the time comes only one can live and be crowned, the others must die.  Each sister must try to learn her gift and how to defeat her sisters for the crown before the battle begins for the crown and life.

                This generation we have Mirabella the elemental, Katharine the poisoner, and Arsinoe the naturalist.  This book was a bit slower to start but if you can just hold out it is worth it.  Blake takes the time to introduce three separate main queens and their life thus far.  How they have been raised including the magic of and how each group and how it falls in the overall system of the world.  Three separate storylines that all meld into one as the sixteenth year approaches.  Each queens’ story is whole and developed with their own characters, motivations and problems. 

                Katherine doesn’t seem to have much of a gift despite the poisoners being at the top of the hierarchy, and every intention of staying there.  She is raised in a harsh life, constantly poisoned to build immunity and so on.  She is starved for not just for a good meal but real love.  Still and maybe partly despite what she went through she isn’t all doom and gloom and has an almost naivety to her.  Arsinoe also doesn’t seem to have much of a gift for nature but her best friend, Jules, is one of the most powerful and trying her best to help.  Arsinoe and Jules and the dynamic and loyalty there is really amazing and a feel of sisterhood that in a book about three sisters who are being raised to kill one another might lack.  Last but not least we have Mirabella who seems to be the strongest of the sisters and thus has a stronger hand trying to guide and shape her. 

"Every gift is light and dark."

                There are still some questions about the world I need to know.  Questions I think will come into play in book two.  I loved the dynamic of seeing each girl raised differently.  A real case of nature vs. nurture.  Still as you try to take all of this information in the first say quarter of the book can be a bit of a struggle.  You get to know one set of characters and life then move to someone else and have to start all over again with a new set and so on.  Still if you hang in there it’s worth it as the stories unfold and meld.  I found the audiobook helped tremendously here for me.  Personally I sometimes struggle when there are so many names/things I can’t pronounce that hit me all at once.  It messes with my flow. 

                As the story progresses and knowing the idea of this world I found myself tallying up who I liked more and who I wanted to win.  It gets harder with each section for sure.  There were some things I liked about each and some things I didn’t like as much.  Each is very real and human in this way with flaws as well as strengths.  Each queen was different and unique in her own story and I connected to each of them.  I still don’t know how I want things to turn out because there are twists and turns all over the place. Still my favorite part was the characters and their connections.  That is what made me ache for each of these girls, from the lives they lived sure, but the people in their lives.  I mean some of the side characters were my favorite to love/hate!  All I know is with how book one ended I can’t wait to dive into book two and have it on my phone ready to dive right back in. 

                Until next time…

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So I finished another debut book and I am so excited!  Bella is also doing well she is enjoying the backyard even more now that the grass got cut, but in my defense it rained on all my days off so when was its supposed to be done?   Anywho today I'm so happy to talk about this new debut Children ofBlood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi.  Now I am sorry in advance but I listened to this on audiobook and knew instantly spelling was going to be tricky so I've looked up what I could find without having a physical book to reference, but that aside this book was amazing.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Magic used to be.  Until it disappeared the night of the raid when Zelie watched her mother die and her father be beaten.  When the world changed.  Zelie is a diviner, meant to become a full maji.  She is meant to have magic but even though it is gone she and others like her still pay a heavy price for what they should have become.  After a chance encounter Zelie has one chance to bring magic back to Orisha and strike against the tyrannical monarchy with the help of her brother and a rogue princess.  Still the king and his crown prince are determined to hunt them down and destroy magic for good.  But with magic back in play even in a small part there is much more to see as characters struggle not only with the outside influences but with themselves.

                So this book was amazing.  I was interested to start but once I got into it a small bit I was completely hooked.  Zelie is strong willed, impulsive, determined, and strong headed.  I love her.  She is so fierce and determined and sometimes that gets her into trouble.  Tzain is a loving brother willing to do anything to protect his sister, usually from herself.  But he has a kinder more open heart and softens her.  Amari is completely out of her element but comes into her own as she progresses through the story.  She is a beautiful contrast that just because you live in "luxury" doesn't mean you are worry or problem free.  The palace is a dark place too.  Inan…..he had an interesting story as well and his internal struggle was captivating as the paths connected and crossed.  Everyone was so beautifully written. 

"I won't let your ignorance silence my pain."

                The story of Orisha and what has happened to it.  What is common place just rocked me to my core.  As some of the things happened I just wanted to jump into the book and make them stop or help in some way.  After the book finishes there is an authors note where she brings up similarities to things in our current and very real world that I didn't see at the time because I was so entranced in the world of magic with these characters on this journey but it really pulled the fantasy into reality.  I love that this story is more than just an amazing fantasy story you can enjoy but it has a much deeper meaning which gives it even more depth.

"Courage does not always roar.  Valor does not always shine."

                I can't wait for the next book because we did leave off on a bit of a cliff hanger.  I know there was a lot of stuff happening and we have so much more to do.   There was some twists and turns and I did some serious character swaps throughout the story if that tells you anything.  Everyone is changed in this.  Every character grows in this story and being along for the ride, seeing what shapes them into who they become was amazing.  I loved seeing how one event in particular could put people on such different paths.  I did cry some in this and that made listening at work a bit difficult but yeah I did so have a tissue around just saying.  Adeyemi really crafted an amazing world with characters that make you feel for and with them.  You will be dragged right in there with them on this quest.

                Until next time…

Legendary (Caraval #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  I’m a day late, sorry, but I spent most of yesterday running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to sort out some phone issues and jazz but they are resolved for now at least.  My weekend wasn’t as reading productive as I would have liked but I did get to spend more time with a good friend who is moving several states away tomorrow so that is even better!  Still today I am sharing my thoughts on a very highly anticipated sequel for me, Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber.  I loved Caraval (review) and was thrilled there was going to be more in the world.  I went in thinking this was a duology but then happily after finishing and being very upset thinking this was the end, I found out it is really a trilogy so I have one more book to look forward to!  So yay!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Tella made a bargain with a mysterious criminal that lead to freedom form her father for both her and her sister.  She even got Scarlett out from an arranged marriage.  Still the game is over and she got her part of the bargain now she has to deliver what was promised:  Caraval Master Legend’s true name.  She has one chance to uncover the identity, win the next special Caraval.  Tella throws herself into the game and her mission even as it puts her on a very dangerous path, because this Caraval is different from the rest where you lose yourself to what is only a game, this year is real!  Secrets, doomed love, heirs to the throne, fates, and more press Tella to be as cunning and brave as ever, risking everything she cares about including her life.  Winning Caraval will change the world forever.

                A Caraval doesn’t typically happen this close to end of the last but with Empress Elantine’s 75^th birthday she gets what she wants.  Now we follow Tella as she and her sister are free of their father.  Tella though has a different mission, to gain Legends true name and gain the information she has been searching for.  Tella has been on this path for some time and there is a method to the way she acts, where as I found her a bit harder to love in the last book her were see her side of things and see the reasons behind her antics.  She has a good heart though she feels she is never meant for love, based on a drawing of the cards of destiny in her childhood.  This has lead her every step and it all comes down to playing another game of Caraval.

“If you can convince yourself it’s true you can convince anyone.”

                The way this world has expanded from not just the magic of Caraval which is amazing, but the way the mythology of fates was weaved in from the start.  They were mentioned in the past but as a fairytale sort, now it seems they may be very real….or is that the magic of Caraval?  The back and forth of what is real and can it be believed was captivating.  Winding in all the different elements expanding this world was amazing and seamless.  I was rooting for Tella but I wavered in what I wanted her to accomplish as many times she is at cross purposes.

                While this time we do focus on Tella rather than Scarlett we do get to see so many of our returning characters.  I enjoyed seeing Scarlett and Julian again though things aren’t perfect they are fun and many more including Dante.  The story is still that of the game and a large mystery there did feel there was a more romantic feeling in this sequel.  I was totally on board for it because it was so beautifully done and fit with what we know of the characters, unraveling new layers of them as we go.  Tella is not set for romance or love, something most assured the opposite of what she wants and some of the scenes she is in just makes me so happy. 

“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”

                Now when I first finished this book thinking it was a duology I was a bit upset.  There was so much more I needed.  So much left way way too open for me.  I mean we just found out who Legend was!!!  FYI I totally had it pegged for a long time, even had my suspicions in book one but confirmation is always appreciated.  Satisfaction after an adventure filled journey.  But upon finding out it was a trilogy and I had one more book to look forward to I was in love.  I can see how all of my questions and open things will lead into a thrilling final book in the trilogy.  I can’t wait to find out more! 

                Until next time…

               

Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all are feeling better than me, my sinuses have been making breathing a difficult thing the last few days and I am starting to think I should buy stock in tissues from how many I've gone through.  That said the positive side is I've been getting some reading done so that is always a plus.  Before I dive into that reminder that I have a giveaway going for a SIGNED Copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu open until 2/2 here.  That said I am excited to review today's title as it was one I was anticipating given the author and the subject matter.  Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1) by Lola Dodge which I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  5 Cherry Pies

                Deadly Sweet is about baking, witches, and everything in between.  Anise loves to bake and using her magic in it but being a witch is a bit hard outside of certain areas where you have to hide what you are.  So when Anise ends up with a chance to study under a long-lost relative who owns the only magic bakery in the US, she is more than excited for the chance.  Upon arriving for her dream apprenticeship she learns that it won't be as simple as she thought.  She has lots to learn from pastry school and oh yeah the last apprentice went missing under mysterious circumstances and there may or may not be a reason for her to have a full time security detail. But for a dream job what's a little danger?

                This book appealed to me on so many levels.  First witches and intrigue are always fun but when you add in baking….magical baking.  I'm all for it.  I love to bake and as I read I may or may not have wrote down some new treats I want to try in the near future.  Also the kitchens described may or may not have stirred up a lot of kitchen envy as well.  There is a clear love for baking in the writing which comes through vividly and made me connect to Anise.  She wants this with all that she is and is willing to go through hell to make it happen. 

My own creation!

                Aside from making me hungry and itch to bake (and seriously step up  my decorating game) I enjoyed the way magic was woven in.  There are different types and levels to work with.  I loved how the little things could impact the overall product.  There are still many questions to uncover in this world for sure but it is so full and vibrant.  I love the contrast from growing up moving around to keep their secret and the open town that everyone human and witch are out and about normal as breathing.  I loved seeing Anise adjust from one norm to another and what being open meant for her not only as a witch but as a teenager.  To be yourself and be able to make friends, honest friends, was amazing.  A little assassination attempt here or there is hardly worth giving that up.

                The characters really lit up the page.  I could see Wynn scowling even before I read it after a few encounters.  He is very…mysterious.  There is a lot more I want to know about Wynn and what drives him; more about Shields in general as the series continues but still as little as he said I totally feel I know him.  Same could be said for her new friends and the other ladies of the Syndicate.  It is a small town vibe to it and I enjoyed the way Anise was both welcomed in and accepted while on the same side thinking they know you based on the family name.  I found that very true of a small town.

                Overall this is a great start to a new series and I will be adding it to my auto-buy list for sure because I need to know what happens next.  So much has happened in one book but there are so many characters and stories to explore yet.  Power to be learned and many many more goodies to be baked!  I highly recommend this book…and maybe something for the sweet tooth this will activate!

                Until next time…

Carry On

                Happy 4th of July readers!  I hope you all have a good day be it celebrating, working, or relaxing just stay safe.  I finished a book the other day I've been dying to read since before it even came out but sadly I was so far behind I just got to it but now I've read it and can discuss the all my feels.  More important I can stop avoiding all the reviews I've seen posted scared they would spoil anything for me.  That book is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell.  This took me back to Fangirl (review) in the best way with the characters we never got closure for and I am beyond thrilled to have finished it.

Rating: 5 Stars

                If you don't know by some miracle Carry On follows the characters we grew to love in Fangirl, the fictional series that Cath was obsessed with and wrote fanfic for centering around Simon Snow, the most powerful mage there is.  At the school for magicks he is surrounded by his best friend Penny, his girlfriend Agatha and his roommate and nemesis Baz.  The world is being tormented by the Humdrum who is sucking magic out of the world and it's up to Simon to figure it out.  No relaxing in your last day of school when you're the chosen one and savior.  This book is slammed full of everything from magic, ghosts, love and kissing (duh Rainbow Rowell book here), mystery and so much more.

                This book.  I can totally see the obsession behind it and how people would re-read as soon as they finish because it just evokes all the feels!  Seriously!  First it has a vague Harry Potter feel and that alone is enough to make one nostalgic.  Then add in Simon and Penny and Baz and you have a wonderful time.  The way it is written just makes you laugh so hard at times while 'awing' or worrying at others.   

                Carry On is told from several different POVs and it swaps throughout giving you insight from different perspectives.  From the start I loved Simon.  He is easy to love and while we only get to know Baz through him for the first part of the book it was so very different.  I was conflicted because in the Carry On sections of Fangirl I adored Baz and just hearing everyone talk I knew I would adore him but in the start I didn't much like him but I could tell things were fluid and easy to change in both Simons opinion and my own.  I also loved his relationship with Penny.  This is the perfect relationship for me they are friends no matter what but they never have romantic feelings for one another.  Grant it at one point I was wishing him with her over Agatha just because I never liked her character at all. 

                Baz…when Baz shows up in the story oh do I quickly love him.  I loved his perspective so much.  While I loved Simons questioning and random spacey thoughts I also equally loved Baz's rather darker at times view. He is so interesting from the start and he comes in with a bang for sure.  I don't even know when I or Simon went from disliking him to liking him it just happened so naturally that it's impossible to know.  Watching them bicker and banter as they room together forever being on opposite sides and finally having something to work towards together, a mystery to solve was perfect. 

It even has a map!

                 There is so much happening in this from the character dynamics to the war between the old families and the mage, the Humdrum and his threat to the world, and the mystery of a death  and how they all wind and blend together into one cohesive story is amazing.  I LOVED this book.  When I finished I was so filled with so many emotions it was insane.  I wanted to burst to tell people about this book so badly.  The romance involved in this book had all my favorite Rainbow Rowell trademarks that just make me jump with joy.  I also appreciated some aspects that could be drawn out and made a whole story on being easily resolved!  While there were a few lose ends left that have me dying to know more, I was so full finishing this I feel it had everything I could have wanted or needed to make it a beautiful and perfect book for me. 

                So basically I LOVED it.  I would love to hear your thoughts and feels on this down below in the comments.  Tell me what your favorite part of the story was?  Let's discuss it down below, please!  Now I'm off to enjoy the rest of the 4th and also to enjoy reading and watching reviews I've put off for this beauty.  Enjoy.

                Until next time…

Threats of Sky and Sea

                Hello happy readers!  Happy April Fool’s Day!  I don’t have any pranks to pull but instead a review to offer up.  This book came onto my radar after I was contacted by the author and since then I have seen this book pop up in a few places and I can see why having now read it myself.  The book is Threats of Sky and Sea (Threats of Sky and Sea #1) by Jennifer Ellision and is the first book in the series that already has book two, Riot of Storm and Smoke, out.  I was provided a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Threats of Sky and Sea is a strong fantasy story.  I was told others compared the story to Throne of Glass so I was already hooked because I LOVE that series and I see the comparison.  We follow sixteen year old Breena “Bree”, small town barmaid working to keep the inn running with her Da.  Everything is going pretty good until the past comes knocking.  Her father’s past to be specific.  See anyone with Elemental gifts, control over fire, air, earth, or water are required to serve the king and her father ran away from his service sixteen years prior with some secrets.  Taken to the king Bree is desperate to escape before the somewhat mad and vicious king is able to use them further.  Time is short and lives are on the line as the past must be unraveled and more.

                One of my favorite parts of this book was the main character.  She’s sassy, strong, compassionate, and also uses her brain and common sense more often than not.  Wanting to help others in need even if instinct may say run and hide, but still knowing you can’t rush into everything.  It’s a balance and I liked it in Bree.  She is trying to play along and gain information to use in the end rather than making rash decisions.  She’s multi-dimensional and sassy.  There is this picture that shows up on my Facebook all the time that makes me think of her and it makes me relate to her all the more. 

                Ellision also developed some interesting relationships.  First between Bree and her Da which I think anyone can root for and adore.  They are so at ease with one another and even when she is confronted with the truth and knows he’s lied to her for so long, she still instinctively believes and loves him and still hears his voice in her head when she is doing things.  Then you as she moves through the story making both allies and enemies.  From Tregle a Torcher whom I kind of liked a lot though he wasn’t seen as much to the very bitchy and aloof Princess Aleta that kind of grows on you as you read.  Lady Kat and the King whom you love you hate, seriously both were pretty evil but Lady Kat…wow she just popped off the page for me as a psycho.  Let’s not forget Caden, our Prince and heir to the thrown so conflicted and caught between his roles.  He doesn’t agree with his father’s politics he had been a good father making it hard to think of him fully as an enemy. 

                We also see the always, for me anyways, amusing side of someone of common/humble begins brought into the proper society and struggling to play by the new rules.  As someone who is clumsy as can be and horrid at proper etiquette in anything I always understand the struggle.  There are some aspects that seem familiar and I did see some things coming, but I enjoyed getting there.  Funny enough I saw one thing coming but only as I started to type my review did I process one scene and its significance.  I had it based off my awesome deductive powers and small hints here and there but nope the bigger signs went over my head.  Still the world was unique and the control of the elements and the rules of magic were different and added their own flare to things.

                There wasn’t a ton in the way of romance happening.  There were the start of some feels rolling in slowly, building up.  I can appreciate it.  I was hoping to see more of one part of it but in a way it fit for who the specific character had been developed (yes I’m being vague on purpose).  Another aspect went from slow thought to something more quickly but again circumstances being what they are it gives a sense of urgency.  Still I hope to see more being built up in the next book, which again it already out so I don’t have to wait accept for on my schedule. 

                I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others, especially anyone who did enjoy the Throne of Glass series or similar books like the Air Awakens series (still only finished book one but it’s great).  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.  What element would you like to control? Personally it’s a touch call but I think I would lean towards air just so I could keep cool all the time, though given my luck with getting burned maybe fire would save me some pain.  One of those for sure! 

Until next time…  

Snow Like Ashes

                Happy Monday readers.  I hope you all had a good weekend.  I know I had a pretty great one for reading myself.  Last week I finally read Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch.  I’ve had it on my shelf since shortly after it came out and a friend who was in total love with it and my own interest as well and then as book two came out I was still behind and now it’s just sad book three comes out this year, in September, I think and I want to be caught up dang it!  So when the read along came up I knew I had to do it.  Then of course I was excited to share my thoughts with you!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Snow Like Ashes is a high fantasy story about a world divided.  Four kingdoms know as the seasons where they eternally stay in that season, and four kingdoms who have normal seasons but all ruled by magic in the form of a conduit held by their ruler.  Sixteen years ago the Winter was conquered, their queen murdered, conduit broken, and people enslaved by the ruthless leader of Spring.  Few escaped capture and have spent these years trying to find the pieces of their conduit hoping to put it back together and take back their home with their king, Mather who was only a baby when his kingdom fell.  Meira, also raised on stories of her native home having been like Mather, a mere child at the time it was taken, trains alongside the others and tries to find her place and how she can prove herself to her kingdom and helping it rise to power.  With a piece of the conduit's location known Meira goes in search of it and will not stop until she has done so.  The mission doesn't go as expected and Meira soon learns more than she bargained for, thrown into a world of politics and magic.  Beliefs and convictions are tested in many ways. 

                We follow Meira as she is struggling to keep the faith in this quest the only thing she's ever known.  For her and Mather, they never knew the land they are fighting for, the land he is meant to be king of, only stories from the others.  Still even with this, where some might not feel as connected, they and each and every Winterian, are fighting for their people.  There may only be a small group free but they have tons of people in slavery waiting for them to save them.  It's such a cruel idea really to know that while you try and try to fight the odds spending your life doing so, the majority of your people, people you've never met but are connected with ice in your blood (they are from a land of eternal winter after all) have lived this time in much different conditions.  It's a struggle we see throughout and I enjoyed it.  The same for duty and honor, putting aside ones own needs for the good of Winter.  Such powerful themes and they are really brought out in different aspects throughout.

                Now can I take a moment to love that Winter everything is always cold and they are miserable and suffer in hotter climates.  Basically 98% of the year they'd hate where I live as much as I do.  I do prefer the cold to the heat but I don't know if I'd survive winter 24/7 though if I was built to do so maybe.  Judging by seasons only thinking Autumn would be more my speed.  Maybe not, we didn't get to see Autumn mostly just Spring, a non-season kingdom of Cordell, and the forests and plains between.  I really liked the dynamic of how the different kingdoms work and while it did take a little bit for me to fully grasp the concept of the magic in this realm, I was okay with it because the fact is no one is sure of it.  Still while some aspects of the story were predictable I didn't mind as I enjoyed the reveal. 

                While everything in this book comes from Meria's POV we do get to see as she deals with an out of reach crush with her childhood best friend and future king, so basically impossible.  Still as you get to see some sweet moments with Mather that make you want to root for him.  But we also get to meet another leading man, Theron Prince of Cordell.  He is a bit too good to be true, attractive and strong but also on the sweet side preferring art to war.  Still both Mather and Theron have one thing in common neither wished to be future kings with the responsibility and so many choices taken from them but still they will do anything for their people.  They have many similarities to be sure but I love their interactions with Meria.  She was the real star and I enjoyed seeing this world through her eyes. 

                I had a fun time in this world and would recommend it for anyone looking for a good fantasy with a unique world.  I'm ready to continue on in the series but I'm holding off on book two for a little while but will have it read before long and hope to check out the third book close to release!  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.  Which kingdom would you like to live in?

                Until next time…

Cogling

                Happy belated Valentine’s Day!  I don’t normally care much for the holiday myself, though this year I did have fun doing some baking for the work crew with themed cupcakes.  Also best part, discount chocolate this week!  Also this weekend The Walking Dead returned (I haven’t watched yet I’ve been at work since 6pm last night and yes I’m still here but it’s waiting for me on my DVR) and this weekend Deadpool came out!  I saw it Thursday since I had to work the weekend.  Hilarious!  This weekend I also got to read a book that recently came out, Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek.  I previously reviewed another title by her, Escape From Witchwood Hollow and was excited to learn about her new title and receive a copy for an honest review. 

Rating: 5 Stars

                Cogling is a different type of story involving hags and magic and coglings, clockwork changelings that replace children the hags steal, and one sister willing to risk anything to get her brother back.  Even rely on the help of a thief with secrets of his own.  Enduring several obstacles on their journey only to discover a much larger plan at play.

                I really like the idea of changelings.  So much material there to work with but adding in the added aspect of them being made of gears and parts, just a machine even more interesting.  Edna and her brother are really close and she is really worried about the change in him and quickly discovers he’s been taken by hags and replaced but no one will believe her outrageous tale.  The only clue she has to find Harrison is the watch that powered his cogling before it crumbled and when Ike sees it in her hand he is able to tell her more about it than anyone else.  So what if he’s a thief.  He’s willing to help and she can’t be picky. 

                There are some interesting characters in this.  We start with Edna and Ike.  Edna is driven by fear for her brother and you want her to succeed.  She is likable and relatable but still has this part of her that is unknown.  Then you have Ike, a thief living on the street but who has some secrets of his own and knows a lot about the hags and their plans.  He also seems to have his own motivations for helping Edna.  We also get to know in some form or fashion other characters like Mother Sambucus, Lady Rachel, Harrison, Hilda, and so many more. I feel we learn a bit about each of them and what drives them.  In this world we also get a variety of species and types.  I just love the world build with the automatrons, the Nix, foxkin, dragons, and tomtars everything was so enchanting.  I really enjoyed seeing and learning about each one and how they interacted in the world.  It was a great mix of magic and steampunk aspects.  I just adored Silver!

                There is constantly something happening, I’ve been really loving the fast pace of the books I’ve been reading as of late.  They really fly by.  Edna and Ike find themselves facing obstacle after obstacle trying to reach her brother and then to find a way to expose what has been happening to prevent it from happening again.  The constant will to keep going despite everything.  I was pulled in and really enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy or magical story. That’s all for now, share your thoughts below in the comments. What would you do if you found your sibling or loved on was replaced by a cogling?  Would you go after them? 

                Until next time…

Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

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

Title: Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

Author: Michelle Madow

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Series: Elementals #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: eBook and paperback

ISBN: 2940152448849

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

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

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

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

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

Add to your TBR List:  Goodreads

About Michelle Madow:

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

To get instant updates about Michelle's new books, subscribe to her newsletter and follow her on Amazon!

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

Review:

Rating: 4 Stars

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

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

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

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

Rafflecopter for Release Week Blitz Giveaway:

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

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

                “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:

Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow

Out:  1/26

From Goodreads:

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

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

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

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

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                So I haven’t read the Percy Jackson books just yet but I’m excited to do so as I love me some Greek mythology.  I also really enjoyed the original Secret Circle books, haven’t continued with the recent additions thus far.  So combining the things sounds like it could be interesting.  I’m curious.  I was recently gifted an ARC of this title and plan to start it this weekend if all goes well so looks like I won’t have to wait long!

                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!

Air Awakens by Elise Kova ~A beautiful new fantasy!

                Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend!  Back to the daily grind.  I am sad to say I got almost zero reading done during my weekend.  I was dead tired from shopping (nothing like the crazy people you see fighting) and doing some needed real life stuff.  I'm happy with my weekend either way.  Anywho after some time off I am ready to dive back in with another book review.  This one I read as part of the Facebook read-along party in anticipation for the release of book two in the series.  I was kind of bad at keeping up with the reading but did finish with the group and it was amazing so I'm counting it a win.  That book would be Air Awakens by Elise Kova and the sequel that is out and I am currently reading is Fire Falling.

Rating:  5 Stars

                AirAwakens is a high fantasy with all the best elements that pull the reading in instantly.  We follow Vhalla, a library apprentice, who finds out despite being brought up to fear the Tower of Sorcerers that she has magic in her when she saves the life of the sorcerer Crown Prince Aldrik.  She not just any power but the first of her kind in a very long time.  Now she is pulled into this world of magic and has to make a decision to embrace her power and give away the only life she's known or eradicate her magic and remain her normal plain self.  Taking time to make a decision sounds wise but indecision could cost a great price. 

                I went into this story not knowing much about it other than seeing it mentioned on other blogs in the past and thinking then it sounded good, good enough to make a note to check out later.  And that the cover looked pretty awesome.  So when I was invited to join the read along I was down for it.  Wanted to read it, check.  Chatting with other readers while reading, check.  Knocking out another book towards my goal in a structured time line to keep me on track, check.  I was so in.  I started strong but then got a bit behind but finished strong and having the ability to comment my thoughts as I went so amazing.  Also having the author there as well commenting and sharing her thoughts about scenes that really stuck with you was great fun.  One in particular I stopped reading to comment about because it just made me so happy.  I have one particular pet peeve that can make or break a book for me and this one totally made my day.  I won’t go into much detail but let’s just say that when someone does something horrible they aren’t just let off the hook without an explanation and apology.

                I was drawn in instantly to Vhalla’s life.  She is low on the totem poll but she is an apprentice which sounds like one of the better jobs if I’m honest.  She gets to spend her time hiding away ‘working’ and read.  How does that not appear to the book loved in all of us?  Her thirst for knowledge and stories made me relate to her and then when things went crazy from the start I was still there just as attached.   I like the idea that magic is sort of taboo.  Even the crown prince has it but those who don’t have it know little of it and like anything unknown it scares people.  To find out something you feared is now inside of you, it rocks your world and coming to terms with it is hard.  Vhalla really did go through so much but she still held her stubborn and strong willed self.  Prince Aldrik was another one whom caught my attention.  He is confusing to me.  He has so many conflicting things going on and I’m skeptical so I was constantly on guard as to if I trusted him or not but that was half the fun that he was written in such a way.  He’s not some perfect handsome prince who you instantly swoon over, he has darkness in him but at the same time there is something in him that still makes you want to swoon even if it might not be a good idea!  So many other side characters that played a significant part in the story and each had their own personalities, and impossible to pronounce names *cough*, the story flew by. 

                There is a lot happening in the story.  Introducing many characters, building up the world we are in, understanding of magic, but you also have more going on in the background.  Lots of little wheels turning and things happening.  There are a few things I wish I had learned more about but even with questions I can see how they may have been left blank to be filled in later when they better fit the story and where it is going.  With politics and royalty there is always the draw of intrigue and treachery.  The writing was beautiful and compelling and made it

 

                I could talk about this book on and on but without ruining some of the best parts I’m finding it rather difficult.  So I will leave you with it was amazing.  I’m currently reading Fire Falling but I had to force myself to stop until I did this review so I wouldn’t lose myself and talk ahead!  I highly recommend this book to everyone because it has something for everyone!  I’d love to hear your thoughts as well down below. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

                So a brief note before the usual Wednesday post.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving so I will not be posting but working then shopping (AKA people watching because wow it's fun to watch crazy people).  Still while I won't be posting anything I would like to wish all of my wonderful readers a happy and safe holiday.  May you spend it with those who make you happiest and a good book when they start to drive you mad ;)

                “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:

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Out:  1/5

From Goodreads:

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie.  It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born.  So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires

Iseult, a Treadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart.  Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands.  With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Why I’m Waiting:

               So I had the chance to meet Susan when she surprised her friend Sarah J. Maas at her signing and together they were just hilarious.  I was reminded of my friends and I just wanted to go get some coffee or drinks with them and just jabber on about anything and everything because they seemed that awesome.  Now I already loved Sarah J. Maas but had only seen the covers of Susan’s books before didn’t know about them but I left wanting to read them.  The most prominent in my mind was Truthwitch because she was talking about it, and Sarah was raving about it as well, apparently being best friends with the authors means you get the book way before there is an ARC.  So that was enough for me right there plus it sounds pretty amazing with lots of fantasy elements and magic and even better girl power!  Gal pal friendships are the best and I realize there are not a ton that focus on that as a main element.