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

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a fantastic weekend yet again.  For me I worked but I also had lots of time to read and drink some tea (I got a simple electric kettle for me and my co-worker to use) which I call a win.  Sinuses are starting to act up but I'm hopeful that will pass.  However, today what I'm thrilled to talk about is a new book that came out last week on Halloween, Wolves and Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1) by Christina Bauer.  I had previously gave a quick review on a sampler I got a few months back and then was lucky enough to get an ARC thanks to NetGalley and Monster House Books.  As the book came out last week my pre-ordered copy has also arrived so yay!  This is book one in a new series by an author I already adore.

Rating: 5 Stars

                Wolves and Roses is a fairy-tale retelling with a modern and unique twist.  Bryar Rose is almost eighteen and one of the Magicorum-part of three magical races of shifters, fairies, or witches and they follow a fairy tale life template.  Bryar's is Sleeping Beauty.  She isn't too fond of this and has no desire for it.  Some parts make sense but others couldn't be further from the truth.  Like the part where she can't stand her so call Prince Philpot but does have dreams of a hottie and a compulsion with finding ancient papyri from Egypt.  So  not the typical Sleeping Beauty she is supposed to be.  So when she meets the literal man of her dreams the powerful werewolf Knox her already interesting life takes an unexpected turn.

                I already adore this author and her other series but this one was something new and exciting.  I love how quickly her books fly by.  It's the style of writing that just go straight forward no holds barred where you are captivated in every second and don't realize where the last few hours went.  There is a beautiful middle between kick butt female characters, action, mystery, magic, romance, and drama!  It's a magical little bubble full of all the feelings you want in a story.  I was instantly intrigued with Bry and her life.  Anytime she got too excited or wound up she'd start to have an "episode" and could freeze like her SB counterpart if she didn't take her meds.  Kind of sucks.  But as we go on there is much more to the story and you just feel for her.  Who wouldn't want to live their own life and not have it pre-arranged for her?  Then her bestie Elle, whom I adore, and her constant cons were just amazing.  Had some White Collar and Leverage feels come up, what can I say I love a good con story. 

                And of course we have Knox, the second POV in the story.  I dig his story as well.  A reluctant leader type.  Powerful and flawed.  Broading and sexy.  He has his reasons to brood don't get me wrong and he makes some mishaps along the way but I loved his POVs and hearing him have internal debates with his wolf they had me cracking up.  His friendship with Alec is grounding.  It's the male version of Bry and Elle.  I love that while they do spend time together they still have their special bond between original friends.  That is important.  I love how the friendship is strong and plays an important part and not just to talk about boys (or girls for the guys) though there is some of that.

                As for the story itself there is a lot going on.  Not only did we get to know and love all of these characters as well as despise some others.  We have a larger hunt for a magical fountain going on and tons of little side plots afoot including Bry finding herself.  I can't say much more there because I don't want to give away any of the fun but with the Denarii and all the different types of magic in the world and how they interact with the modern world I just love it and can't wait to see more.  I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to Spring of 2018 for the next book Moonlight and Midtown so I can see what happens next.  I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of retellings, magic, or just an intense fast paced story!

                Until next time…

Geekerella

                Hello happy readers!  Happy Halloween!  Normally I would do a Top Ten Tuesday but I am drawing a blank for the Halloween freebie and I have a review and giveaway to post and thought what better time than to add a treat on Halloween!  To get into the spirit I spent the weekend doing Halloween items like a haunted corn maze, a haunted trail, and a Saw movie marathon to prepare to see the new Jigsaw movie.  All and all it was a good weekend.  I also spent Friday with family celebrating my moms’ birthday and then stayed up much too late one night finishing up a super cute audiobook, Geekerella by Ashley Poston, which was totally worth the lack of sleep.  I have been excited to dive into this book since I went to the signing for it a few months back and heard how much of a fangirl the author was.  While I was at the signing I also snagged a second copy that I got signed to use as a giveaway!  The details will be at the bottom of the post, but first my thoughts on this book.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Geekerella is a the story of Elle and Darien.  Elle is a huge geek/fangirl for her beloved Starfield which was something her parents loved, to the point of creating a con, ExcelsiCon which holds a coseplay contest for it.  Now the odd man out living with her step mother and her twin girls and treated like the help and working at the vegan pumpkin food truck she is beyond excited for the revamp and interest her favorite show is getting with the new movie coming up.  Only down side…Darien Freeman, teen heart throb and not who a fan wants playing the lead role of Carmindor.  Darien is thrilled for this role as his favorite character on a show he loved.  Before becoming the teen heart throb he lived for conventions and getting to see all the splendor they hold, now he’s on the other side of the table.  But to keep his image he has to keep his geek status hidden, making him feel more like a fake than ever before until a wrong number turns into something more.

                This book is FILLED with fun references and Easter eggs from different fandoms.  I constantly found myself laughing at finding them.  The characters were fresh and fun.  I loved Elle and her story.  Her history with her father.  I felt for everything she has been and goes through.  She is someone you root for and instantly understand.  I wanted her to win at so many things in life and things to go well for her.  I wanted her as our Cinderella to have her dreams come true.  Then you add in Darien who is sweet and likeable being separated from life in a different way with people planning and marketing everything you do.  While I couldn’t relate to it personally, so few can, I felt for him.  I could see how your path in life could isolate you and how being anonymous could be the best release. 

                I also adore the idea of making a friend by accident of a wrong number.  It’s so random and fun.  As many of us make friends over the internet via blogs, forums, etc. it’s easy to see how you could start connecting with someone you’ve never seen before and just get along with them.  That is normal but the pure act of coincidence that you would get a wrong number and connect with them is special. Plus there is something to be said for the joy of having someone like you for only your wit and conversation having no idea what you look like. 

“I suck at being social.  I think one thing and my mouth says something completely different, like I’m possessed.  By a whole lot of stupid.”

                Overall the story has lots of cute moments, great characters, and life lessons all in a modern day retelling.  Yep this is a retelling and I love it.  It has elements but for most of the book I did forget that part.  This book flew by and the audiobook format was fantastic (score Audible daily deals) but the book itself has such pretty end pages full of fangirl stuff.  Among all the fan nods in the book I lost track but they will instantly bring a smile to any fans face when they find them peppered in the story.  I highly recommend this to any reader because you can enjoy it on every level!

                Now for the giveaway.  I had the pleasure of meeting the author at her event at Little Shop of Stories some months back.  I knew I would love this book after seeing the cover, title, and summary.  But hearing her talk about it I had to snag an extra copy to do a giveaway with because I wanted to spread the fangirl love!  So you can enter in the widget thingy below.  Open to anyone.  I will leave this open until November 14th/15th @12:00AM EST  Enjoy and fangirl on!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Girls Made of Snow and Glass

                Hello happy readers.  Don’t forget to check out my giveaway it is open until Saturday night.  I hope you all have fantastic plans this weekend.  I’m working so there is that, I’m also working day shift for the weekend which basically means I’ll be functioning on 99% caffeine and no sleep.  That said I hope to get some reading/reviewing done.  Today I’m excited to talk about a new release that I received an ARC of thanks to NetGalley, Girls Made of Snowand Glass by Melissa Bashardoust.  Originally I had planned to finish and review the week of Irma but it got pushed back but I am so happy to get to it now.  This is a stand-alone fantasy/retelling.

Rating:  5 Stars

                This is a story of two girls and how their lives are entwined.  Mina the beautiful daughter of the feared magician and a heart made of glass.  When she is moved to Whitespring Castle she meets the king and is eager to win his broken heart and finally know love from the king and the people as their queen.  This would also make her a step-mother to little Lynet the kings’ pride and joy and spitting image of the late queen.  That is by design as she was made by Mina’s father by order of the king.  Though she is supposed to be just like her dead mother she finds herself wanting to be more like Mina and when her father decides it is time for Lynet to take her place as queen.  They are destined to be rivals for the throne and as power starts to sway and secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested.  Who will rule and at what cost? 

                This was a version of Snow White that I had never thought of before.  It gave me some Once Upon A Time feels which I adored.  I loved that while there is a small amount of romantic love in the story the real focus is on the two leads and who they are and develop into through their journey.  Mina is told with her glass heart she is incapable of giving or receiving love, that’s a hard thing to grow up with.  With Mina seeing both her past and her present really showed depth into who she was and how she came to be.  I love a well-developed character, especially a flawed one.  Lynet is treated as such a fragile thing, always expected to be the perfect copy of a mother she never knew and never really allowed to experience life.  I loved seeing her grow up, as like Mina it gave the reader insight into who they became and the choices they will have to make.  I really understood them and their motives.

                This story takes on many different aspects but I really enjoyed the magic.  The magic is there and ever present in the story, a driving force really, and it’s done beautifully.  Still it all comes down to the characters and their motives and emotions.  I enjoyed how the magic was there to enhance the story and give it a unique flare but it wasn’t the main element.  I loved how Mina struggled with herself and her actions.  She didn’t want to be evil or do harm she was just a girl who wanted nothing more than to be loved and when that is denied to you it takes a toll on the soul.  Lynet is naïve and unsure but she grows to have faith in herself by making her own mistakes. 

                Bashardoust managed to create an entire world for the reader to fall into that felt both familiar and completely new.  I love the turn on the characters and how each character had depth and not intrinsically evil.  You want Mina and Lynet to each have their own happy ending even if you know that would be at odds with one another.  I enjoyed the dual POV and getting to know them both so well the good and the bad.  The only tiny thing I could think to mention is the magic and how I wish I knew more about how it worked and what the limits were.  Nothing negative I really grasped the world and it didn’t hinder my reading experience just that it was fascinating and I would love to learn more.  While this functions perfectly as a stand-alone I would be open to reading more in the world and what other magic is there.  I really enjoyed the story and look forward to more by the author.

                Until next time.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Hunted (Hunted #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:

Hunted (Hunted #1) by Meagan Spooner

Out:  3/14

From Goodreads:

                Beauty knows the Beast's forest in her bones—and in her blood.  Though she grew up with the city's highest aristocrats, far from her father's old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who's ever come close to discovering them.

                So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved.  Out in the wilderness, there's no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman.  But Yeva's father's misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey:  the creature he'd been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

                Deaf to her sisters' protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley; a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva's only heard about in fairy tales.  A world that can bring her ruin or salvation.  Who will survive:  the Beauty, or the Beast?

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I really enjoyed another season the author co-wrote so I was intrigued to read more.  I'm also a huge Beauty & the Beast fan.  So combine them both and I'm going to check it out.  Spin things completely on their head where the Beast doesn't seem like a romantic prospect but a real beast and I'm more eager to give it a go.

                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.

The Carver: Review & Blog Tour!

                Hello happy readers!    So today I am participating in a fun blog tour for a book I was super excited to dive into.  I received an early copy to read for an honest review today so here goes.  The #roadtripwithpeterpan has begun!  THECARVER is a young adult fairy tale retelling that takes you on a road trip with an adult Peter Pan and the children of some of your favorite fairy tale characters.  Together, they must find out what happened to their missing family members as secrets of the old world and the new are revealed, with only Pinocchio’s carvings to guide the way.  You can get your copy of THE CARVER by Jacob Devlin on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:

THE GIRL IN THE RED HOOD has been looking for her mother for six months, searching from the depths of New York’s subways to the heights of its skyscrapers…

THE PRINCE looks like he’s from another time entirely, or maybe he’s just too good at his job at Ye Old Renaissance Faire…

THE ACTRESS is lighting up Hollywood Boulevard with her spellbinding and strikingly convincing portrayal of a famous fairy.  Her name may be big, but her secrets barely fit in one world…

Fifteen-year-old Crescenzo never would have believed his father’s carvings were anything more than “stupid toys.”  All he knows is a boring life in an ordinary Virginia suburb, from which his mother and best friend have been missing for years.  When his father disappears next, all Crescenzo has left is his goofy neighbor, Pietro, who believes he’s really Peter Pan and that Crescenzo is the son of Pinocchio.  What’s more:  Pietro insists that they can find their loves ones by looking to the strange collection of wood figurines Crescenzo’s father left behind.

With Pietro’s help, Crescenzo sets off on an adventure to unite the real life counterparts to his figurines.  It’s enough of a shock that they’re actually real, but the night he meets the Girl in the Red Hood, dark truths burst from the past.  Suddenly, Crescenzo is tangled in a nightmare where magic mirrors and evil queens rule, and where everyone he loves is running out of time.

About the Author:

When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge about in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python names Jake the Snake.  Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down.  When not reading or writing, Jacob loves practicing his Italian, watching stand-up comedy, going deaf at rock concerts, and geeking out at comic book conventions.  He does most of these things in southern Arizona.

Website – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Goodreads - YouTube

Review:

 Rating: 4.5 Stars

                This book was calling to be I LOVE Once Upon a Time and the whole fairytale retellings and reimagineings and such but the combo of interacting different stories together is a favorite.  So to see some like Pinocchio who I don’t know much about was intriguing but to follow children of characters we know it creates a whole new level.  Plus I’ve kind of really been digging Peter Pan lately. 

                The POV shifts as we follow along Peter Pan, Enzo, and Rosana for the majority of the story but also with our villain of sorts and several others to really give you a feel for the story and the world.  The story also is told in different times, we see things in the present in both worlds, three years prior and even twenty five years prior.  Everything is weaved together nicely and really keeps you wondering and wanting to turn the page for what’s more.  What happened then that would lead to what you know of the present? So much fun.

                Enzo, the Carvers son, Pinocchio’s kid.  All your life is simple and normal then all of a sudden it’s one hit after another until you are left with the most insane possibility of them all.  Fairy tales are real and you’re on a road trip with a grown up Peter Pan to save everyone you love.  Why not?  Peter was also rather interesting in the story, seeing the way he is both grown up but also still the same character I remember from my childhood a true and literal version of a man child in many ways.  He has the heart of a child but he’s also an adult with a child of his own and a job and adulting happening.  We got a bit of backstory on most and with it shifting to their perspective at different points we “knew” how they felt and who they are.

                The overall story with the quests and missions to accomplish all while uncovering the facts.  It was a fun tale that had both light and dark moments mixed in.  I had a lot of fun reading this story and I look forward to more.  I don’t really want to give too much away because figuring out who people are at times is half the fun!  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

                Until next time…

                 Want to stay up to date on everything from Balze Publishing?  Become a member of the Blaze Pack by signing up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!  Joining the pack gives you access to exclusive news, teaser, prizes, and ARCs! 

Website – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube – Facebook – Tumblr – Google+

                Get ready to give up your time to THE SURRENDERED by Case Maynard—a young adult dystopian sure to suck you in further with ever page!  Want to be a part of this new release?  You can sign up for the Facebook parties, blog tours, or to review.  The #taxonkids is coming!

Giveaway:

And for extra fun...a Giveaway!

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Heartless

                “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:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Out: 11/8

From Goodreads:

                Long before she was the terror of Wonderland – the infamous Queen of Hearts – she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

                Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere.  A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections.  But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

                At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king’s marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker.  For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction.  At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

                Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms.  But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Why I’m Waiting:

                First it’s Marissa Meyer and a fairytale retelling, sold.  Second, I love the idea of her being a baker, maybe because I love baking, but it seems so different and I can’t think of many where the character is a baker.  Also who doesn’t love a good backstory on the Queen of Hearts? 

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Retellings Everyone Should Read!

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top today is:  Books every fan of retellings/reimagining's should read

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

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

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

Dorothy MustDie by Danielle Paige- Dorothy

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

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

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes- Alice in Wonderland

Asleep by Krystal Wade (review)- Sleeping Beauty

Thorn by Intisar Khanani (review)- Goose Girl

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

  

                 Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Which would you recommend so I know which ones to get first?  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) The Final Book!

                Happy Friday readers!  So today I am so excited to have finished a book I've been listening to for a while and dying to know how it ends.  Only downside is when I'm not going on a trip my daily commute is like 10 minutes round trip which is great for sleeping in and MPG but not so great for banking audiobook time.  Also I apparently need some new headphones since the little buds never stay in my ears and other things I could do while listening always seem louder than my phone without them so….its a learning process.  Plus as much as I just wanted to read the end of the book I couldn't after listening so long I was attached to the way the it was narrated.  This book is the Winter by Marissa Meyer, the final book in The Lunar Chronicles.  Being the final book there will be spoilers through the first three books (Cinder, Scarlet, & Cress), duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                OMG can I just take a moment to say how much I completely adored this book!  Because I did!

                So we pick up where we left off in Cress.  Scarlet is held on Luna in a cage, a pet for Winter, our new POV and Levana's step daughter whom is a bit off her rocker.  Cinder and the rest of the crew are working out their plan to take her throne from Levana and end the war  Having last kidnapped Kai before his wedding, Captain Thorne healing from loss of sight and Wolf completely desperate to find Scarlet they have a lot of disadvantages in their way.  Jacin had previously been helping them but turned on them and now he is back on Lunar, back to where he needs to be by Winter's side.  Despite her marred face and her refusal to use a glamour she is still the most beautiful around and her childhood friend, Jacin, will do anything to keep her safe. 

                I liked getting the new perspective of Winter, each book I feel the new story line/POV has really added to the plot and I like Winter.  Her mental instability is clear and as she struggles with it you get a sense for her.  That she would let this happen to herself just by refusing to use her gift, by refusing to do what others Lunars do so easily and without thought or care really shows her strength.  Winter also has this eternal sweetness about her.  She is truly kind, not in trying to be good she simply is by default.  That translates throughout and her random little 'crazy talk' was enduring.  I also enjoyed the dynamic of her and Jacin and his protective instinct towards her.  He was a bit gruff and hard to trust in the previous book, with good reason, but he was doing what he did for a good reason. 

                 Winter pretty much takes all the awesome things from the previous books and combines that and then some in this stunning conclusion that just had me completely captivated.  So much was happening and so many different moving parts in the plan as well as with our characters.  I loved seeing the couples we've come to know and root for as they dealt with everything thrown at them.   I love all of the characters deeply and they only improve on it with each book but I think my favorites just for pure hilarity of some of their lines are Iko and Captain Thorne.  There is so much tension and even when he was the cause of the tension he was able to bring some levity in with his signature charm. 

                We also get to meet a bunch of new characters on Lunar.  This is the first time we get to really take place there, the majority of the story revolves in Luna.  This involves dealing with Lunars who have the gift and when most of your crew can be manipulated this only amps up the danger.  They take on impossible odds but even when they aren't together they are all working towards one main goal:  End Levana. 

                There were parts I cried in.  I squealed with excitement in others.  Gasped in shock.  Or even groaned loudly about some things that frustrated me.  Parts where so much was happening both action wise and intricate plot wise that I was ready to strangle the next person who interrupted me.  Seriously.  We also had more nods to the fairytales which rounded it all out.  Everything was so beautifully wrapped up and kept going until the last moment, I kept thinking there weren't nearly enough minutes of the audiobook or pages (as I kept following by chapters at the end) to do everything that needs to be done.  Still Meyer was able to do just that, keep me stuck in the world and still wrap things up in a fitting way.  I'm not saying I don't want more, because let's be honest I do.  I always want more but I am so happy.  I don't think anyone could be disappointed with this. 

                I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below on this wrap up or series as a whole.  It is for sure one of my favorite series of all times.  I think my favorite ship in this was Thorne and Cress, while I shipped all the pairs they edged ahead, probably because of Thorne and my crush on him but then again I adored Cress and her sweet naïve yet determined attitude, but yeah Thorne.  Tell me your favorite ship!  Or moment…or just tell me all the feels! 

               

                Until next time…

Cruel Beauty

                Hello and happy Friday!  I'm working this weekend but still plan to have a great time and hopefully do some good reading!  I've been trying to do really good about keeping up with reviews in a relatively close time to reading books but as I was discussing fairytale retellings with someone the other day and one mentioned was Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge and I realized I read it last year and really enjoyed it but never wrote a review.  That needs to be fixed so here it is.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Cruel Beauty is a loose Beauty & the Beast retelling that also deals in magic and mythology.  We follow Nyx who has been betrothed to an evil ruler of the kingdom since birth because of a deal her dad made.  Since she was old enough to understand she has been trained to kill her husband to be.  She is resentful that of the twins she was the chosen one and treated differently always for a choice made for her.  She has no choice and instead plans to seduce and destroy him and the curse put on her people for over 900 years.  But when Nyx meets Ignifex finally he is not what she expected.  He is charming, handsome, and seems giving and caring rather than the evil she knows him to be.  Even his magical castle captivates her.  Still she searches for a way to free her people by uncovering his secrets and trying to fight the attraction to him.  It is insane after all to fall for your sworn enemy. 

                So this was different that I expected.  Going in I knew mostly that it was a B&B retelling and as that is one of my all time favorite Disney movies that I watch at least once every couple of months while singing along to every word I had to read it.  Plus the cover was so beautiful!  I see the parallels to the classic but it isn't so strict that it's predictable.  Nyx was at times a bit rough around the edges and hard but she is a seventeen year old girl who was treated different than her twin her whole life and somehow picked to be married off to some dark lord by her father.  That is horrible parenting so yeah while her inner rants might seem a bit excessive at times I was okay with it knowing what she went through.  Plus come on who wouldn't be constantly thinking about the things that ended them in a certain position? 

                 There is a common edge to Ignifex and Shadow.  They seem similar in some aspects, handsome and charming in some respects but like opposites in others at first.  You also have our dark lord Ignifex who was much the beast I loved from the movies.  Not the beastly appearance, he's described as very handsome, but in that he is different than expected, kind but can have a cruel side and he gives her freedom to explore but keeps secrets from her.  Though he never pushes himself upon her for company or anything else.  He is rather the gentlemen at times.  Shade seems perfectly charming and friendly, open and honest without a single bad thing going for him, even a captive much like Nyx, but like Ignifex there is always more to a person than first glance or reputation.

                The story progresses in a way I enjoyed and Nyx is able to see more of him Ignifex and wavers back and forth on her duty.  He is the master of bargains and while some seem cruel she is able to understand some of his reasoning.  Everyone in her world knows he is the devil and he bargains always cost more than they are worth but yet they still come.  I love how her inner darkness, her hate and resentment end up making her a better match for him being able to understand things more easily.  Still while the heart might say one thing it is selfish to make a choice for only oneself when an entire kingdom is at stake.  But can you crush the one good thing you finally found to save those who never treated you nearly as well?  It's a touch call and being in her head while she rationed through it all was what made it for me. 

                Anywho that's really all there is to say without spoiling it.  I have not yet picked up the other books by Hodge yet though I do look forward to doing so.  I have a couple on my shelf or kindle ready to go.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below.  Also please share any other B&B retellings because I'm sure I've missed some. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

Out:  2/23

From Goodreads:

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission:  kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father.  To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic.  She'll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol's father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly giving the responsibility of saving his kingdom.  To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai's heart.

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king.  Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen.  But Irina isn't going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose. 

Why I’m Waiting:

                I am finding I just adore fairy tale retellings and I fell in love with the Defiance trilogy so it stands to reason I'd want to check out her other work.  Also the cover is rather stunning, dark and devious no doubt.  I had the chance to meet C.J. Redwine back in June and she was so much fun to talk to and we chatted for a good bit about her books as much as I could anyways as I hadn't finished the series and she had some amazing things to say in one of the panels she was on about world building.  

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige

                “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:

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige

Out:  2/16

From Goodreads:

A collection of three prequel novellas to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series!

Follow Dorothy’s iconic companions from the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as each of their gifts becomes key to the downfall of Oz.  After Dorothy Gale wished her way home and long before Amy Gumm found herself in Oz, Dorothy’s friends left the Road of Yellow Brick to go their separate ways.  But in a place like Oz, where magic and temptation lurk, the gifts from the Wizard begin to take on a life of their own.  The Tin Woodman becomes twisted with longing.  The Scarecrow develops a taste for plotting.  And doubt consumes the Cowardly Lion.

Kiss the land where troubles melt like lemon drops good-bye.  Here there’s danger around every corner, and magical shoes won’t be able to save you.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I enjoyed the first two books and the first novella bind up and look forward to continuing the series and that includes the novellas and seeing how the characters I knew from TV turned into the creatures of nightmares when Amy comes to town.  

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Asleep by Krystal Wade

                “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:

Asleep by Krystal Wade

Out:  2/16

From Goodreads:

Rose Briar claims no responsibility for the act that led to her imprisonment in an asylum.  She wants to escape, until terrifying nightmares make her question her sanity and reach out to her doctor.  He’s understanding and caring in ways her parents never have been, but as her walls tumble down and Rose admits fault, a fellow patient warns her to stop the medications.  Phillip believes the doctor is evil and they’ll never make it out of the facility alive.  Trusting him might be just the thing to save her.  Or it might prove the asylum is exactly where she needs to be. 

Why I’m Waiting:

                I adore the author.  Aside from that I like the creepy spin on fairy tales.  Also I’m kind of a sucker for an asylum story and the whole questioning sanity thing, because let’s face it what is sane?  

The Lunar Chronicles Book 2 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

                Hello everyone!  I am super excited today because Mockingjay Pt. 2 comes out tonight, technically tomorrow is the release but almost every theatre is showing 'advanced night showings' for which I am thankful since I work tomorrow.  Yep a group of friends and myself will be going to see the movie and wrap up the series of book to movies.  I am beyond stoked, all the trailers and prep, I re-watched Pt. 1 last night (review here), and I am ready to go.  While I wait for the day to pass I wanted to focus on something else I love and that is The Lunar Chronicles.  I reviewed Cinder last week, here, and today I'd like to continue with book two Scarlet.  Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read Cinder yet get on it and come back.

Rating: 5 Stars

                In Scarlet we still have all the characters we loved from the first book but we get more characters that pull the story into another retelling of sorts all wrapped in the original.  I probably just sucked at explaining that but trust me it works.  Scarlet, if you haven't guessed, is Red Ridding Hood.  Cinder is still here of course, she's trying to break out of prison and make herself the most wanted fugitive in the world.  Still while Cinder works her magic and meets one of my favorite characters ever, Captain Thorne, halfway across the world Scarlet is trying to find her missing grandmother.  Turns out grandma had secrets.  In her search she meets a street fighter, Wolf, who may have the answers she needs but she doesn't trust the beast even if she is drawn to him as he seems to be to her.  Still as they work to recover her grandmother and unravel the secrets of the past they encounter more and more and meet Cinder.  Now all of them have to keep on their toes to stay ahead of Lunar Queen Levana and every guard in the Commonwealth while trying to stop Levana from forcing Prince Kai to become her husband and enslaving the world to Levana.

                There is a lot happening.  Seriously prison breaks, street fights, chases, mysteries, romance, and so much more.  I liked the way the new story with Scarlet was blended into Cinders story.  I liked the addition and he is pretty bad ass.  I like her.  I also really liked Wolf.  He was so awkward and cute at times it was just adorkable.  Plus he kept me on my toes with his…lets say complex nature.  But yes Scarlet keeps her head pretty much as she is suddenly faced with her whole life being changed and turned on end and that is always a sign of a badass heroine.  Cinder is her normal cyborg mechanic self we love from book one, if anything about her life is normal.  Really you just grow to love her more.  Oh and I still just adore Iko!  But yes back to another new character, Captain Thorne, oh I love that man.  To be he is a cross between Hook from Once Upon a Time and Captain Jack Sparrow!  The best of both and just sigh…his one liners and comments had me snorting with laughter as I read.

                There is constantly something happening, a new discovery and mystery to be revealed so there is not much down time.  I liked the continuation and learning more of what Lunar wanted and how both sides were working to achieve their own goals. I also enjoyed the emotional elements throughout the book as well and oh Prince Kai having a chance to see him dealing with Levana and see how torn he is between desire and duty to his people is on point.  Oh and Scarlet and her grandmother, made me tear up.

                I don't really have much else to say because I'm worried I'd ruin it.  Just know I LOVED this book and highly recommend it to everyone!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the series through the first two books so leave them in the comments.  Did you see some things coming?  Who was your favorite character? I'd love to know.  

                Until next time…

The Lunar Chronicles Book 1 Cinder by Marissa Meyer!

                So I'm sure you all are well aware what came out Tuesday…well a few things came out but one of those beautiful books was Winter by Marissa Meyer.  The 823 page fourth and final book in TheLunar Chronicles.  I am caught up with the series and cannot wait to dive into the book.  I even read the novella featuring Queen Levana's story, Fairest, the other weekend.  So I am beyond ready to start this massive book.  I hope should all things in life work out to read this book rather quickly but I realized that I have yet to post reviews on the previous books and while that isn't necessary by any means I wanted to do them.  Plus writing them up from notes I made while reading will help further help get me in the groove for Winter!   So today I'll talk about book one in The Lunar Chronicles, Cinder.

Rating: 5 Stars

  

                First let us just appreciate the beautiful covers!  Plus they all match!  Technically Fairest is a bit off but spines all match!

                So in case you've lived under a rock and are unfamiliar Cinder is a sci-fi, fantasy, fairytale retelling.  Each book has a new main female character added but they all play into the main character of the series (that's what I'm going with) Cinder.  Oh and there are people, ruthless really, who live on the moon that have these creepy 'gifts' aka powers to glamour themselves and also some have the power of mind control, which is freaky!  Well with Queen Levana it is anyways!  Cinder is a gifted mechanic  and also a cyborg, that's part human and part machine.  Making her a second-class citizen in the plagued world living in New Beijing.  Her mother hates her and when one of her step sisters becomes ill with the plague she is blamed.  Throw in her run-ins with the handsome Prince Kai and Cinder is in the middle of a huge mess.  She is stuck trying to figure out her heart, her past and what it all means and choose between duty, freedom, and loyalty.  Somehow the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. 

                 Sounds awesome right?  It is.  I loved this book.  I was drawn in from the start and I couldn't believe it took me so long to start the series.  Grant it I was happy to have three books ready for me without waiting but WOW waiting for Winter has been killer.  Bright side if you haven't started the series yet…you can read all the way through now! 

                Seriously though I loved this series.  Cinder was so much fun to read about.  It was very familiar in the Cinderella aspect but at the same time so much is different, like she's a cyborg.  Yeah that is totally a thing.  Oh and the plague killing tons of people.  The Lunars, the ruthless moon people I mentioned above, are lead by Queen Levana who is a total piece of work.  She is vindictive and power drunk.  She plays sweet and innocent but it's clear by her actions she is nothing of the sort.  Back to Cinder, she is a mechanic and a damn good one at that.  Her life has never been easy but she has one step-sister who doesn't hate her and Iko!  Iko might be one of my favorite characters ever, oh and she is an android.  She is hilarious!  I love her!  She is Cinder's only real friend and when she meets Prince Kai and feels an instant attraction she knows it could never be more because not only is she a poor mechanic but she is also a cyborg.  You relate to her and the struggles she is put through. 

                There is constantly something happening from the intrigue around the Earth and Lunar treaty, the interactions of Cinder and Kai or further on as Cinder starts to discover who she really is and more about her past, pre-cyborg days, than she ever expected.  Then as things pick up she must decide on the best course of action and what is best for herself as well as the world she knows. 

                Lots happening.  I don't want to go through too much but we get some amazing characters and so many more turn out in the series.  Lots to do and uncover and just keeps you wanting more.  That's all for now.  I'm working on the reviews for the others and plan to post through the next couple weeks.  Tell me your thoughts below and feed my inner book lion.  What do you think of The Lunar Chronicles?  Cinder?  Have you already read Winter (no spoilers if you did please)?  What did you think of this type of fairytale retelling?

                Until next time…