~Can't Wait Wednesday: Wind Rider (Tales of a New World #3)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Wind Rider (Tales of a New World #3) by P.C. Cast

Out:  10/16

From Goodreads:

                Mari, Nik, and their newly formed Pack are being hunted.  Thaddeus and the God of Death will stop at nothing until they are obliterated from the earth.  But Mari and Nik have one goal, to reach the plains of the Wind Riders, in order to band together to stop Thaddeus from destroying all that Mari and Nik hold dear.

                But will the mysterious Wind Riders accept the Pack, or will Mari and Nik and their people be rejected by the mighty Riders and be forced to flee for their lives?  And what happens when a rogue Lead Stallion gets too close to the Pack, rejecting all Wind Riders and turning to a stranger for companionship instead?

                In the next installment of the Tales of a New World series love and goodness are put to the ultimate test.  Will the Wind Riders and the Pack be strong enough to withstand the God of Death?  Will the Great Goddess of Life awaken to join the battle, and if so, will it be as Death’s consort, or will the Goddess stand with Mari and her people against the great love of her eternal life?

Why I’m Waiting:

                So I am really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see the Wind Riders and see what happens to my Pack.   

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

Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2)

                 Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I am way behind on some of my regular shows but I did get something new that I hope will work as intended and allow me to see more movies and let me start including new movie reviews in here as well.  More on that once I've tried it out.  Mostly this weekend I spent more time listening to my current audiobook to finish it, because it was hard to stop, than I did sleeping .  Today I'm going to discuss my thoughts and feels on the new release Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2) by P.C. Cast which is the amazing sequel to Moon Chosen which I reviewed here.  I did receive an advanced digital ARC from NetGalley (thank you) but as I listened to book one and enjoyed the experience I waited to listen until I could get the audiobook on release day.  So this book picks up exactly where the first one left off so spoilers for book one ahead. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                Things pick up right where we left off.  Mari and Nik and their canines are fleeing in a boat from the angry Thaddeus and his followers who murdered Nik's father and blame Mari for that and the raging fire that fell down upon the tribe and is currently burning its way through the forest.  They freed the slaved Earth Walker women and now much fight to save more people.  The time for hiding is over, Mari is a moon woman, half companion, and fully herself.  She will do whatever she can to help her clan but she will not hide who and what she is anymore and wants to make something new and better.  Nik is right there with her in creating something new and while it won't be easy and they have many difficulties to face along the way as long as they believe in one another there is always hope. 

                First and foremost I loved the characters.  Each one was different and unique and I really enjoyed the different voices they had to offer the story.  We saw things from many different sides, creating a larger whole.  The Earth Walkers, the Tribe of the Trees, and the Skin Stealers.  Each group only has a small bit of knowledge of the other never fully understanding or knowing them.  They each have made assumptions on them with that limited knowledge and never bothered to learn more.  It's hard to change ingrained ways.  Its even harder to admit your ways were wrong.  I love how related everything is.  How coming together, like Mari and Nik, and sharing different experiences and information how similar they are.

                We get to spend time with way more companions as well which I adored because come on dogs and an amazing lynx what could go wrong there?  I admit freely to growling while listening at times when something happened and it was felt by one of the animals, maybe it's the audiobook or maybe I'm strange but yep I growled.  I'm going to go with being really into the story.  Bast may be my favorite new addition.  Getting to know the lynx was fun as her personality is very different than the pups we are used to but so is her dynamic with her companion.  I can't say enough how much I enjoyed getting to see the different types of people in this world as it continues to grow.  I'm especially excited to meet the next group that should be in the next book! 

                The story and plot both keep things moving along as there is always something happening.  I was invested in the characters both good and bad and seeing what would happen and how things would meet up or relate as it continued on.  I my feelings for some shifted through the book on both sides, characters I didn't care for I started to enjoy and root for while some I did like started to lose their affection.  I love how everything is fluid as with nature and personalities when confronted with new experiences.  It's not a constant action packed extravaganza but that isn't the type of story it needed to be.  There is a lot happening behind the scenes, plotting, planning, and emotional conflict, discoveries, and more to keep the story moving along as it grows.  Plus as with everything I have read by Cast I love her humor.  She finds a way to infuse some hilarious moments throughout.  I would randomly find myself bursting out with a fit of laughter at some parts and then having to go back because I couldn't hear the next part I was too loud.   

                "Hey, I'm muddling an enormous amount of poppy tea to drug a bunch of people.  Partially to alleviate their pain and partially to shut them up."

                I really enjoyed this book.  I even enjoyed it more than the first one as I was familiar with the world and I fell right back in.  My only problem with having finished it within a week is that I don't know when the next book will come out and I am beyond excited to learn more.  As with the first book we left off right at the end of a pretty HUGE thing that had us eager to find out what would happen next.  We again leave with so much anticipation for more it's almost painful to have to sit and wait for the next installment, but wait I shall because I am hooked!  As a  side note as much as I loved the audiobook I also enjoyed following along with the end of chapter sketches in the physical/digital book too!

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2)

                “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:

Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2) by P.C. Cast

Out:  10/17

From Goodreads:

                #1 New York Times bestselling author P.C. Cast, brings us a new epic fantasy set in a world where humans, their animal allies, and the earth itself has been drastically changed.

                The battle lines have been drawn and Mari, an Earth Walker and Nik, a Companion, who were once from rival clans now find themselves fighting to save each other and their people from destruction.

                Thaddeus betrayed his own people, killing Nik’s father and destroying their entire clan.  But he wants more.  He wants the power he believes Mari has stolen from him and his people and he will do anything he must to get them back, even if it means destroying everything in his path.  There is only one way to stop Thaddeus, but it means a harrowing journey for Mari and Nik into the heart of darkness.  But if they hope to survive the coming fight, they have no choice but to believe in each other.

Why I’m Waiting:

                So I added this to my TBR anticipated reads list as soon as I finished Moon Chosen (review).  Aside from being an auto-buy author I enjoyed the first book in this new world and I am eager to see how it continues on.  I want to see more between the Earth Walkers and Companions and of course Mari and Nik plus the pups in the book are so adorable!

                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.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Loved (House of Night Other World #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:

Loved (House of Night Other World #1) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Out:  7/11

From Goodreads:

                It’s Zoey’s eighteenth birthmas and the Nerd Herd has been scattered across the country busily adulting for almost a year when Stark calls them back to Tulsa to surprise Z.  But all is not well in T-town.  Strange, dark signs are appearing—could it be possible Neferet is stirring?  Not willing to chance disaster striking again, Zoey calls on her newly reunited friends to circle with her and add a layer of protection over Neferet’s grotto jail.  Easy-peasy, right?

                Wrong.  Nothing at the House of Night is ever as it seems.

                With rabid red vampyres closing in, Zoey and the Nerd Herd must come together again and battle evil.  But a year is a long time.  Have these old friends grown too far apart?

                When the world fractures and allies become enemies, will darkness devour friendships or will light save those she’s loved?

Why I’m Waiting:

                Auto-buy author.  This is one of those series that I first got into when I started reading again and the Nerd Herd will forever hold a place in my heart! 

                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.

Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I got had a bit of an internet problem yesterday and couldn't get this uploaded but better a day late than not at all.  So this weekend I was able to finish another audiobook, I have been really enjoying my listening time.  This book was none other than MoonChosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast.  I originally received a digital copy from NetGalley back as it was released, seriously I had requested it forever before but they approved me the week or so after release when I had given up hope and took on other reviews so it got pushed to the back burner. I like this author, the House of Night series was one of the series I first dove into when I started reading again and it lead me to her other series (Goddess Summoning and Partholon) which I adored even more making her an auto-buy author. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                I mentioned I had a digital copy, well I ended up using a credit and got the audiobook after my best friend couldn’t stop texting me about how she LOVED this book and stayed up all night to read it once she started.  This was high praise and I was down to start but my reading had been slow due to some headaches and travel so I figured audiobook was the way to go.  I am so glad I listened to this one as well if only for the comparisons with said friend in saying the names which had us laughing at one pups name in particular.  The narrator did a good job with the narration and distinguishing the voices of the characters.  

                I went into this story not knowing much just that it had a beautiful cover, an auto-buy author, and that it focused on a new world with a conflict between two different groups and that there was going to be a loveable pup in there somewhere.  This was all I needed to know.  I enjoyed the multiple POVs in general but even more so in that they were each from different characters in different clans/tribes and we were able to see how each one functioned from the inside as well as from the outside.  The Earth Walkers are kind people who have to be cleansed by their Moon Woman every few nights to keep the women from turning into deep depression and the men into something else but they as a whole work as a community nicely but to the Companions they are animals who can't care for themselves.  The Companions are tree living people who have these cities above the ground and bond with pups and have all these awesome things but to the Earth Walkers they are simply the evil ones who raid their lands and kidnap or kill their people.  Seeing from both Mari and Nik gave insights into both and showcased the highs and lows of each.  We also got to see some bits and pieces into the Skin Stealers as well and frankly those chapters were just creepy as can be but again insightful to the story.

                We learned a lot about both cultures in the story but I'm curious to learn more about both clans/tribes.  We also learn about another group towards the end, those who live in the mountains and bond with lynx like the companions do with pups.  I have to admit this whole idea was so fascinating because I love animals and the idea of bonding with one pup or what is so amazing.  The pups are generally Sheppard's or terriers and having had a couple of German Sheppards growing up this made me super nostalgic (I'm also looking at pups myself as I finally am finished with apartment living and have a place with a  yard) for my old babies.  Not all Companions have a pup but the pups that are mentioned they are totally characters in their own right and I was more nervous/upset if any danger befell them than anything else.  Though as they are characters and there are many in the story there is some animals that are injured in the story so I should say that is a warning for some. 

                As with many of her books Cast has a strong reliance on strong female characters and those whom lead their people.  I love this about her books.  I also love the different takes on their beliefs from taking power from the moon or the sun or some other things I won't mention each group has similarities but have somehow become so vastly different.  I loved seeing Nik and Mari trying to figure one another out and to break through the misconceptions they had of one another.  Nik isn't the most likeable at first he thinks a bit too highly of himself but that quickly changes as we get to know him better and he develops a new understanding for things.  Mari I instantly felt for with her situation.  Loving her mother and her people but being forced to hide her true self for so long and always feeling trapped.  Her journey was intense.  Rigel is my favorite character though if I'm honest.  Yes he is a pup and he doesn't speak but when he was in the chapters I would get all "awe what a sweetie" vibes and wish I could reach into the story to pet him.  They are the main characters for sure but I also adored some of the side characters like Sora whom if I'm honest I related to in many ways that my best friend and me discussed while I listened.  Even O'Bryan and his optimism and kindheartedness made him a favorite of mine when he was in scenes. 

                This new world is set before us and so many things have started with the potential for so much more.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next book because this one just really set the stage for the world, the characters, and what is at stake.  I can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy to go along with my audiobook because I know the one thing I missed out on were the beautiful images between chapters (I scanned my BFF's book after to see) so I highly recommend the listening experience but also the beautiful pictures in the physical copy!  I'd love to hear what you think of this new world and series and would you rather be a Earth Walker or  Companion (and if so to a terrier, sheppard, or lynx) or what?  Personally I would struggle between a sheppard and a lynx but would be happy with either!

                Until next time…

~Top Ten Tuesday~ Auto-buy Authors!

               Hello everyone!  It’s Top Ten Tuesday time.  If you don’t know 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 andthe Bookish.

The top today is a Freebie:  Top Ten Auto-buy Authors!

Richelle Mead - So many amazing series and one of the few on this list I haven't yet had the pleasure to me (hoping to change it at YALLfest this year!) I just love the different worlds she creates and brings to life.

P.C. Cast - I got into the HoN series when I got back into reading again and just couldn't stop the humor she weaves through her story where I just suddenly snort with laughter or have to put it down because wow that was just wow I need a tissue I'm cry laughing. I also adore the way she mixes the different gods and goddesses in her series.

Maggie Stiefvater - Can we just say cover love.  I fell in love with Shiver by the cover and then knew with the way she writes that I would read anything she put out.  She is also a fascinating person who wears so many different hats but is still totally down to earth and hilarious.  

Jennifer L. Armentrout (J Lynn) - I fell in love with the Lux series and just knew I had to read more by her.  I own several of her books, though I am still making my way through them because, seriously, this woman can put out some books.  Between two names I'm constantly buying a new book of hers and trying to catch up.  But they are all so different and fun I like the game!  

Sarah J. Maas - Do I really need to explain.  I jumped on the Throne of Glass bandwagon last year and OMG is all I can say.  It's amazing and then she came out with another series and it also blew me away so whatever she does I'll read. 

Cassandra Clare - The Shadowhunter world is amazing.  I'm so glad when she started this that she knew she had many different series to tell in the same world.  Each one is fun and I just love how some of the characters overlap.   

Ink Monster - Technically it's a publisher but the authors work together and have several series that are just amazing so anything they put out I buy!  Christina Bauer & Aileen Erin They are amazing.  I am so glad I found them on NetGalley because this series I have re-read a few times.  Just the best.  

Rainbow Rowell - I own all of her books, though I've only read two thus far but they were amazing and I've heard just as many good things about the others and I'm dying to see for myself.  

Marie Lu - I marathoned the Legend series after it took me a while to start them and I just loved the whole set up and world.  They were also rather short and quick reads.  Then when she had a new series coming out I knew I had to try it as well.  Now The Rose Society is one of my most anticipated books!

Krystal Wade - I discovered her on NetGalley with her first series and I was just in love.  Cover love.  Story love.  OMG the Wilde's Fire series is just...amazing!  She's also an amazing person as well and I finally got to meet her in person at UtopYA this year, kind of the reason I found out and went lol.  She also has other books along with a creepy take on a fairy-tale retelling and another in the works!

Book Events! My First experience and more to come!

                Today is about book events.  I am new to the world and have some things to share and some things to ask my fellow book lovers.  I had the pleasure of meeting P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast on Thursday on tour for Redeemed, the last book in the House of Night series.  I have been reading these books since 2009, after book 5 came out.  I was just getting back into the reading for pleasure game and a friend had them and loaned them to me.  I remember I was working that Friday-Sunday 12 hr shift nights and it was pretty dead so I finished all 5 in that time, then I wanted more and had to wait.  The story of a book lovers life, right?  When a new one comes out, I go and get it.  P.C. Cast is what I consider an auto-buy author.  I have all the HoN books with novellas and other books, her Divine/Parthalon series, and her romance series The Goddess Summoning series, and I love them all.  

               I have never been to any book event before, because, well honestly I live in South Georgia and no one comes around here and when I hear about them coming within a reasonable distance its either too late or something comes up.  So when I found out they were going to be in Atlanta I was excited.  Grant it, not the closest but 3.5 hours was doable.  I got the day off with work, had a dentist appointment in the first half of the day too, and drove up then back after it was over.  A long day in the vehicle but it was so worth it.

               My first book event was a huge success.  First and foremost, P.C. and Kristin were so amazingly sweet and funny to listen to.  They answered a ton of questions for the audience and made jokes but also kept the spoilers down for those who didn't read the new book yet, having had to purchase it there, I'm a fast reader but not that fast lol.  I got my book signed by both of them along with the poster I won.  Yes I totally won a poster, 1 of 3 and I got first dibs.  That was so hard, choosing which picture I wanted more.  I also got some photos of them and me with them while they were signing!  But even more fun than that, I made some new bookish friends!  Yes my normally shy self decided if I was going to go to these events I was going to be chatty and put myself out there and make friends, it’s the only way to go and I am so happy I did.         
     
              While discussing books with my new friends, I learned another favorite and auto-buy author of mine, Maggie Stiefvater is going to be in Atlanta this month.  I was beyond elated at the news.  The day is not so easy, work wise and I thought I wouldn't be able to do it but my wonderful shift partner said she'd be willing to swap days off with me for it!  Happy dance.  Now I'm planning to make the drive up once more in just over a week.  Bright side, trips so close, probably won't get lost.  Hopefully!

  

                Aside from Maggie Stiefvater coming to Atlanta and hopefully seeing her, I have another event I'm super stoked about: YALLfest.  I found out about YALLfest and I started planning right away to make sure I could have the money to make the trip and of course the time off to do it as well.  Everything is lined up and my good friend Sarah Leigh is even going with me!  If you guys don't know about YALLfest don't worry I didn’t know about it either until earlier this year.  It's a book lovers event.  It's 60 of the most popular YA authors coing together and doing signings, panels, presentations and such.  The best part, the event is FREE!  Yes the major event is free, there are a few things that have tickets, a few talks and jazz but that’s due to limitations on the space and such but they are like $7 tickets so totally affordable. This wonderful even will take place in Charleston, SC on Friday Nov. 7th- Saturday Nov. 8th.  It's going to be at Blue Bicycle Books and surrounding venues. 

                 How cool is that?  The list of authors, here, is insane.  I have read a bunch of these and so many others I have the books but haven't made it to them yet.  Now I'm motivated.  I want to have something to talk about when I get to meet them and ask them to sign my books!  Also, if any of you watch Team Epic Reads who do Tea Time on Wednesdays they will be there as well hosting the YA Smackdown I believe.  I'm stoked and have my ticket for that.  

                Anyways I don't know where everyone is from but if you are planning to be there send me a message in the comments or e-mail or whatever.  It'd be great to see everyone and make meet more friends!  I don't have everything planned out but we have our few tickets and hotel and everything else is going to be a new experience.  I'm currently deciding the best way to transport all of my books.  So yes if anyone is going or wishing they could go, which author going would you be most excited to meet?  Comment below, I may have a giveaway afterwards if I get some goodies!  Also if anyone has advice for me I'm all ears as well.  I'll update when I know more.