A Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

                My latest ARC from NetGalley and Strange Chemistry.  Here is a link to my review of the first book in the series The Assassin's Curse.  So yes this is a sequel, that means there are spoilers ahead from book 1.  You have been warned and should proceed at your own risk oh and if you haven't read book 1 check it out you scally wags!

 

That would be the manticore I assume!

                We left Ananna and Naji on the mysterious Island of the Skyes with no way off other than a promise from a good woman Marjani to return for them.  Recap, they went to this place to find a cure for the curse.  You see Ananna and Naji have to stay together, she sort of saved his life when he was trying to kill her (yep strange huh), and activated a curse put on him.  Now they have to find a way off of the island and a way to complete the 3 impossible tasks.  Naji feels the task is truly impossible, given one of the tasks, however, Ananna knows they aren't she already knows one is practically completed, 'experience true loves kiss'.  Some say cheesy, I say classic, especially with characters with such insecurities as these. 

                If you read my previous review you already know my thoughts on the main characters.  I like Ananna and Naji, the last book really set the stage but this book, in The Pirate's Wish we really get to see them grow and develop and gave you lots to devour.  We also get a more in depth look at Marjani who I really was sad we didn't get to know as well in the previous book.  We also get more action from pirates, and even new magical creatures like the manticore, a lion like creature with wings, a tale that shoots out poisonous spines, and a taste for human men.  I really enjoyed the balance, Naji and Ananna go back and forth many times, but with Marjani and Ananna it is always a strong bond of understanding and feminine strength that keeps them on the same page. 

             

Book 1 because it was also pretty!

   The world in this one is the same, we do get much more of life at sea and being a pirate, much to Naji's displeasure.  They are on a mission to break the curse and they make other discoveries along the way and fight battles on the sea and within themselves.  The book flew off the pages and I couldn't stop reading and then when it was over I was left both happy and sad.  Clarke does a wonderful job of building and expanding on what she already had created.  Sure I loved the plot, even when I was a bit leery of one small part, but it did lend a very interesting turn and interpretation which I am hoping will be used and expanded on more in the next book. 

                I am giving this book 5 Manticore Spines, because I liked it and the manticore.  The Pirate's Wish comes out tomorrow.  I suggest you check it out and get your dose of magic.  

The Holders by Julianna Scott

Celtic lore, special abilities, good vs. evil, and the beautiful castle on the Emerald Isle.  Sounds great right?  Then buckle in for The Holders.  This book comes out March 5th this is a review of the ARC as always thanks to NetGalley and Strange Chemistry.

                We follow Becca to St. Brigid's where she can help Ry settle in and make sure she approves of it.  Then there is the attraction to the handsome, sweet, man who convinced her to give this place a shot.  She is drawn to him and she doesn't know why, okay minus the obvious, she thinks it a silly crush, but he is a good man to give her answers. 

                I really liked Becca.  I frequently forgot how old she was as she is very mature.  It was refreshing to see a character like her, who is only 17 but is very well put together in a way that seems real.  Now she does have her moments, most of which involve her father, Jocelyn, who skipped out on them when Ry was born. Understandable daddy issues, but the rest of the book she is very engaging and takes things in stride but she is also vulnerable. Real.

                The rest of the cast are great as well and really play well with one another.  I loved the bickering between Mr. Reid and Mr. Anderson, the girlish fun with Chloe, the grandmotherly affection of Min, the aloof and abrasive Jocelyn, and so many others.  Alex, and his compassion and good heart, he is a central player and I fell for him.  Each play their own parts but they are each memorable and rounded. 

                This story has a little of everything really.  You have your drama, your adventure, your supernatural elements, some action, and oh my favorite a beautiful and believable romance angle.  The characters bring the story to life, which I admit is slightly predictable for the most part but done in such a way its more about seeing how they get to that point than what that point is.  The story does center around discovering a new reality, that there is a thing called Holders and everything that their world entails.

                Along with the new world of Holders we also get to visit the Emerald Isle.  Always been a place I've wanted to see and this sparked more ticket pricing on my end.  Now we don't get too see much of the country itself but the pieces we get as well as the school itself are amazing.  Must take this chance to mention I also have a thing for castles oh the history, the stories, and dare I say it the possibility of secret passages.  Sorry school girl moment.

                I honestly cannot think of anything I dislike about this book.  A little more explanation on certain areas sure, but as this is a series I figure some things were left vague on purpose.  Becca and the reader can only take so much at a time.  I will say this surprised me.  I admit I've been shocked on more than one occasion but I was expecting one thing and got something else, which was way better than I was thinking.  More like hours not being able to sleep dreading it was more accurate.  So happy I was wrong, though in hindsight the way it worked out, so much better the way it was.  Plus you know if I get that worked up over something that MIGHT happen then clearly I'm invested in the characters.

                The Holders will hold you, pun intended, and not let you go until the last page and then you want more.  I did just think of a dislike, I hate to wait as usual.  So if you like mystical powers in faraway lands with good characters fitting a great story check out The Holders, by Julianna Scott, March 5th.

               

                Already read it?  Tell me your thoughts.  Questions, comments on the book, me, life, castles, super heroes, anything, leave them below.