Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2)

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so today I am super excited to share my thoughts on one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and an ARC I walked into a wall when I saw I got….should not check e-mail from NetGalley while walking.  That book is, Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller.  Now you may know I got the first book last year and it ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2017 so I was super excited for the sequel but you can check out my full review here.   Book two comes out tomorrow 2/27/18 but thanks to the publishers and NetGalley I was able to review it a bit early though my hardcover will be here this week!

Rating:  5 Stars

                When we left Alosa had one of the map pieces  but she set off after but she now had a more personal reason to find the final one and settle a score with the owner after his imprisonment of her forcing her to use her siren gift like a trick for him.  Riden is still recovering on her ship, because he's useful and not because she has undeniable feelings for him in the least, while his much lesser half of a brother is imprisoned at her father's keep.  Getting the final piece of the map is goal one and making sure Vordan pays is icing on the cake.  But when she is faced with Vordan again she is presented with a secret her father has kept from her for years.  A secret that puts Alosa and her crew at odds with the feared Pirate King himself.  With danger everywhere they know they have to reach the treasure first if they want to stand a chance against him.  After all, who better to sale to the island of sirens than a ship of women with the Siren Queens daughter as your captain?

                Book one was one of my favorite books I read last year.  I adored it.  I had this one on my most anticipated list for a long time because I needed more.  We made it a good chunk of the book before we even learned that Alosa is a siren she was just a kick-ass pirate with an awesome crew that ruled the seas and had devious plans using the fact that they were underestimated as females to their advantage.  A treasure hunt for the map piece with a cat and mouse between Alosa and Riden.  It was awesome and then you find out more and it's just mind blowing.  My favorite thing is that she didn't need her ability, she was top dog all on her own and that just made her even better.    So I was totally invested in her character and that of her crew from the start.  This merry band of females (and the occasional male) who hold their own and are just as any man and smarter.  Plus I was really wanting to see what would happen between Alosa and RIden given what was between them already.  Though they are both stubborn, Alosa even more so, so I knew it would be good.

                The action was there full of missions, chases, ship battles, sword fights, and more.  It was a fast fun read that really dived into the character and we got to see a softer side of Alosa we knew was there for her crew but being with them the whole time we see the depth of it.  There was the ups and downs that kept you entranced.  It’s a book about ruthless pirates and killer sirens so there is death and pain and some of it hurt my poor little heart.  There is a lot to be learned in this world still and I love how the siren aspect of things is explored.

                But most of all I loved Alosa and Riden.  They are on unsure footing and watching as they press each others buttons time and time again was amazing.  The sexual tension is so tough.  I wanted to shake them at times for being so pig headed but they were always fun to read and I was glued to the screen of my kindle when they were in the same scene!  I liked watching it play out and the development that went into it as they learned about one another and who they truly are.  It was a huge hit for me.  I can't wait to get my physical copy in the mail and convince my bestie she needs to read this next so I can discuss it in more detail with her.   This was by far one of my favorite books so far of 2018 and one of my favorite series I have read!  Highly recommend! 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #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:

Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller

Out:  2/27

From Goodreads:

                The capable, confident, and occasionally ruthless heroine of Daughter of the Pirate King is back in this action-packed sequel that promises rousing high seas adventures and the perfect dash of magic.

                Alosa’s mission is finally complete.  Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship.  Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he’s under her orders.  And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father’s justice.

                When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King.  Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first…after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

                In Daughter of the Siren Queen, Tricia Levenseller brings together the perfect mix of thrilling action, tense battle scenes, and a heart-pounding romance.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I LOVED the first book (review).  One of my favorite reads this year by far.  I am so ready to see what more comes out of this author and this series as I see such potential. 

                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.

Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2)

                Hello happy readers!  So this Saturday my latest giveaway closed and before I start todays review I’d like to congratulate, Maria V, for winning!  I’m super excited and will be heading to the post office later today I hope you enjoy the book!  Now still exciting my review for today, Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman.  I loved and reviewed Blachhearts here when it came out and I have been eagerly awaiting more since finishing it so when I got an early copy at ApollyCon I was so excited!  Due to an untimely sinus infection I didn’t get to go to the launch party (I seriously cried a little at missing it) but I’m still thrilled to share my thoughts on a fabulous sequel.

Rating:  5 Stars

                So if you know from my review of Blackhearts I went in thinking it was a stand-alone but then as it ended KNEW I couldn’t handle that I needed more.  So when I then went to the end and found out there was more to the story I was thrilled and have been waiting ever since for Blacksouls.  I am so beyond happy this story was more than a stand-alone because there is so much story left to work with.  We left Teach and Anne separated.  Anne was put on a ship to Nassau, not even the ship she was supposed to be sent on, and she knows things are not sunshine and rainbows.  Teach, knows Anne was sent away and is on his way to go after her, even bribing his way onto his father’s own ship as first mate willing to do anything to find his Anne.  Things are never easy for these two and finding one another might be the easiest part of the journey. 

               

                First I have to say I love that we are at sea.  This is a story of how Teach became Blackbeard and while we were landlocked in the previous story the majority of this one takes place on the sea.  There are so many things that start to fall into place and you know they are not going to be easy to overcome but as a reader you are so invested in the characters you can’t help but think of ways for it to work out.  I was glued to the pages and finding out what would happen next.  I seriously think I read the first part without stopping to even have a sip of my water. 

                 Teach is such an amazing character.  He's got a different past than his crew but he is still one of them and never treats anyone as below him and given how he was raised and the time this is a wonderful trait.  He's also dedicated fully to Anne and his mission to find her and have a life with her.  The way he loves her so completely is beautiful and makes your heart flutter.  He also has a strong connection to his men and making sure they are all safe because he's a stand up guy, even as he starts to act like a pirate.  Anne is amazing and strong in this story.  It's great to see her as she breaks free of the life that she had and start working for one she wants and even more learning to take care of and defend herself.  She knows what she wants and she isn't shy about it as much as before because she knows how dangerous the world is and how close she came to losing it. 

                The story is a journey between our two loves but it's also full of pirating goodness with corrupt officials and a dangerous pirate.  New friends and enemies in different shapes and sizes and lots of juicy story points that just make you fly through the book.  I highly recommend this series.  Blacksouls left off in a way that it is clear there is more story to be had and I for one can't wait to read what Teach and Anne do next! 

                Until next time…

Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  I did some baking and house stuff, nothing glamorous but I am starting to get my books together for ApollyCon!  I've just checked a few of the titles really but I'm near giving up my dining room table to start stacking and such.  So excited.  Back to the post at hand, Friday I finished an ARC from NetGalley of Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by debut author Tricia Levenseller.  This book comes out February 28th and I highly recommend picking it up.

Rating:  5 Stars

                I was first drawn to this cover with the beautiful font and the red headed armed female at the bottom who looked ready to do some pirating.  Then once I learned more about the premises I was hooked and even more thrilled when my request to review it was answered!  Basically we follow 17 year-old pirate captain Alosa, daughter to the Pirate King, as she is captured by enemy pirates.  Though this was all part of the plan, see she isn't some captured victim but really using her "capture" to search the enemies ship undercover.  However, as with any well thought out plan there are bound to be some snags along the way like underestimating the first mate, Riden, who keeps her on her toes. 

                Doesn't that just scream interesting.  Let me say it is!  I was enthralled from the start and loved Alosa.  While I didn't always like how she did some things or her reasoning for others I understood her and her motives.  She is cruel when she has to be, this is a man's world after all, but she isn't cruel for the sake of enjoyment as others may be.  She has her own code.  I do enjoy people with codes (Dexter had a code, yes he was a serial killer but he had a code) and morals.  Plus what girl wouldn’t cheer for the daughter trying to make her way in this world of men and best them.  Alosa is able to get down and dirty when necessary though she is much more civilized and cultured.  She has to walk a fine balance and keep her real and full self and abilities from the crew while she plays the victim.  Though given her abilities and, yes pride, playing weak is a bit harder than she thought. 

                We get to know the crew that's taken her.  Like one would expect it's a miss-mash of personalities.  Some with honor and others more brutal.  Balancing between them while giving just enough away is a fine game and watching Alosa go toe to toe with Riden was amazing.  Riden from the start seems like an interesting character with a very complex personality.  He has so many conflicting opinions and actions it's impossible to nail him down.  The back and forth between them building as they try to figure one another out was enthralling.  Enemies who get closer are something I enjoy for sure but the best ones have to be able to go back and forth verbally at one another with witty zingers and Alosa and Riden have that in spades.  Sometimes more than verbal volleys because well they know how to keep it interesting. 

                 The overall plot of trying to find this hidden item and bring her captors to him was fascinating but also not even the half of it.  There is so much more happening that is just evolves so nicely into something much larger and expansive.  This book ties up in a way that you feel like you've reached a certain point but also where there is a ton more to learn in this world.  There were a few things that I saw coming and others that completely blew me away but when thinking back I could totally see the breadcrumbs.  It was beautifully written and an amazing debut for the author as well as for a series.  I can't wait to get a physical copy when it comes out next week!  I highly recommend this one.  It has something for everyone to enjoy and so many reveals and things that will just knock your socks off! 

                Until next time…

Time travel treasure hunt! Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

And can we just appreciate this cover!

                I can hardly believe Christmas is in four days!  I hope everyone is enjoying their time and staying safe.  I will be posting my normally scheduled Top Ten Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday post this week but for the holiday I will not be posting Thursday or Friday as I’m sure you understand.  I just wanted to make it official and also wish you all a wonderful, safe, and Merry Christmas!  In the mean time I had to get my thoughts out on Passenger by Alexandra Bracken after finishing it Saturday night.  This book was provided to me as an ARC by NetGalley  and Disney-Hyperion/Disney Book Group for an honest review.  Thank you so much!  I was jumping up and down to get my hands on this beauty.  Passenger comes out January 5th.

Rating: 5 Stars

                Can I just say how thankful and happy I am to have received an ARC of this book?  Well I am!  My only pitfall of the ARC of a series anyways is that you then have an even longer time to wait for more!  That is where I am craving the next book and more of this whole world as possible.  I had one expectation of where the story was going to go, and what I thought would happen but then….nope it went a different route.  I was hooked in from the start.  From the description of time travel and a treasure hunt I was on board.  Etta is thrust into a world she never knew existed and Nicholas is pulled back into the Ironwoods orbit, one where they demand servitude.  They must work together and travel through time to find the prize, crossing times and continents, to figure out the clues and riddles left behind. 

                Etta is thrown into this world without any knowledge and is forced to learn quickly the way of the traveler.  Still she is only given half-truths on some things while being insulted and ordered around.  I love how strong willed she is despite her limited information and understanding.  She stands up for what she believes is right and reacts like an enlightened person of her era.  She has that fire and passion in her that I enjoy.  Full of schemes and running options for her next move and not waiting for others to guide her along blindly.  Still she is a sweet soul.  Nicholas has been through a lot in his life, the life he lives never an easy one.  He has had his trials but he is content in his current life on the ship, his own little paradise where he is judged by what matters: his ability and character not the color of his skin.  He has distanced himself from his past but is pulled back in by the lure of a payday and clearing his slate of a past wrong.  Hard to pass up.

                We see the story from both perspectives which I really enjoyed.  They both have their own secrets, fears, and reactions to different stimuli.  Traveling, while new for Etta is full of wonder and horror.  I love how she put it, to read about things in history books and know they were wrong is one thing but to see them in action is something all-together different.  Her adapting to and trying to blend into the past she clearly doesn’t fit into with her modern sensibilities; and him, while partially trained, seeing more modern technologies and feats that seem so far past his natural time it’s unsettling.  Their connection is slow and builds.  They become friends with a cause, partners on the journey.  They interact in a way that flows naturally.  They are alike and equally opposite which made for a good read. 

                The world itself was fully developed.  I was never confused with the worlds, well not after it was explained naturally.  The rules are in place.  The passages open to a specific year not day, the day is that of which you left still moving forward which makes keeping track of time moving through time much easier to process.  At least it was for me.  Time zones still suck but they do with any travel.  Most important with time travel everything flowed naturally without confusing me with technical babble.  Each time and place we are taken to have unique elements to set it apart.  I’m not a huge fan of history and normally stray from historical fiction but this had the authenticity but it also focused on the story as a whole and the hunt for the prize. 

                Passenger also deals with real issues that would arise in historical periods.  Being a woman or being a black man were not always pleasant things.  The reactions and views of people, the laws and overall feel dealt with that head on and didn’t shy away from it.  There is never one easy solution to the story; one little thing and it’d all be perfect and work itself out.  This story is beyond complex and weaved beautifully.  Now aside from the whole family lineage stuff, everything was easy to follow.  Which let’s be honest I don’t even follow my own family past the immediate, then it’s ‘we’re related somehow’ and I go with it I don’t have time for 2^nd or 3^rd this on this side by blah blah blah.  I was enticed through the whole book wanting to know more. 

                Overall I want more.  I need the sequel now.  I’m currently trying to figure out how many books are intended for the series and how long I’ll have to wait to find out what happens next.  It left a mark on me and I will eagerly count the days.  I look forward to learning even more about characters we only get a brief glimpse into with Passenger, paths crossed shortly and all.  I hope some return in the sequel because I would love to know more about Sophie, Hall, Chase, Julian, Alice, and Rose.  After everything that happened I just want more.  I’d also like to learn more about the Thorns as well.  So much going through my head after finishing this book.  Let’s discuss it below.  I would love to hear your thoughts about this book, characters, the concept, time travel in general in the comments. 

                Until next time…Merry Christmas!