~Waiting on Wednesday~ Zenith (The Androma Saga #1)

                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:

Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings

Out:  1/16

From Goodreads:

                Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy.  To those aboard her glass starship, Marauder, however, she’s just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.

                But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder’s all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation and at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter from Andi’s past.

                Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time to exact revenge for the destruction of her people.  The pieces of her deadly plan are about to  fall into place, unleashing a plot that will tear Mirabel in two.

                Andi and her crew embark on a dangerous, soul-testing journey that could restore order to their ship or just as easily start a war that will devour worlds.  As the Marauder hurtles toward the unknown, and Mirabel hands in the balance, the only certainty is that in galaxy fun on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I watch BookTube and I enjoy Sasha’s channel and have been hearing about this book since it’s inception so I have to give it a go to check it out!

                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 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…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Nirvana by J.R. Stewart

                “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:

Nirvana by J.R. Stewart

Out:  11/10

From Goodreads:

When the real world is emptied of all that you love how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?

Larissa Kenders lives in a world where the real and the virtual intermingle daily.  After the supposed death of her soulmate, Andrew Larissa is able to find solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world where anything is possible—even visits with Andrew.  Although Larissa is told that these meetings are not real, she cannot shake her suspicion that Andrew is indeed alive.  When she begins an investigation of Hexagon, the very institution that she has been taught to trust, Larissa uncovers much more than she ever expected and places herself in serious danger.  her biggest challenge, however, remains determining what is read—and what is virtual.

Nirvana is the first installment in the three-part Nirvana series, a fast-paced, page-turning young adult trilogy that combines elements of the romance, mystery, and science fiction genres.  The first novel introduces readers to the heroine who refuses to give up on the man she loves, even if it means taking on an entire government to do so.

  

Why I'm Waiting:

The cover caught my eye and the premise sounds interesting.  Even more interesting, the author has a hidden identity!  How Clark Kent is that?  Anywho the author has worked in the IT field for a long time and after working on advanced "VR" (virtual reality) technologies for over a decade, grew concerned about the implications of this work and the possible psychological effects that it may have on users.  How creepy is that?  Clearly this author knows about VR and a story about VR that might be bad…totally interested.

This Shattered World a strong sequel that leaves you wanting more

                Happy Hump Day!  It is currently super early (or late depending on your prospective) and I have here a new review to share with you.  But first I wanted to take a moment to announce the winner of the signed copy of ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas was Bogdana!  Thank you to all who participated and keep checking back for more giveaways in the future. 

                Now back to the reviewing, you may remember last month I reviewed These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (if not you can find it here) and today I want to discuss the second installment in the Starbound trilogy, ThisShattered World.  This book is a sequel and while it focuses on two different main characters, Jubilee "Lee" Chase and Flynn Cormac, in a different setting there are still some spoilers as to the first book in the series but I'll keep my review spoiler free.    

Rating: 4 Stars

                First thing you have to point out is another beautiful cover.  I love the continued theme but changing it to a brighter starry background and also changed the characters.  In This Shattered World we are a bit forward from book one and are on Avon, a terraformed planet that is having some issues with rebellious colonists.  Jubilee "Lee" is a captain and meant to crush the rebellion it’s a job but also a personal mission.  She has her reasons for hating the rebels.  Then we have Flynn, a leader of the rebellion.  He has issues with terraforming corporations who promised a better life for the children of the colonists when they were recruited to make inhospitable planets livable.  It's been decades and the colonists are sick of it and fighting back.  The two should never meet.  They are on polar opposite ends of the spectrum.  Snap decisions are made and put them on paths that push them to reevaluate their beliefs and try to find a way to end this senseless war. 

                I really liked this story.  It was pretty amazing to me that the story could be so similar and yet so different all at the same time.  There are still the same elements and everything flows together and blends with what we learned in the first book but at the same time we have a vast collection of characters to interact with in this one.  These Broken Stars focused the majority of the story on the two main characters and their journey and discoveries.  This Shattered World puts you right in the middle of a war full of actions and keeps up the mystery and suspense. 

                Again the tagline for the trilogy is: Three worlds.  Three love stories.  One enemy.  We see what that really means in This Shattered World.  The romance aspect you see is a real star crossed romance for sure.  I loved though it wasn't some instant defy everything I have ever believed in because of insta-love.  There is an initial attraction, yes, but the emotions and feelings come into play is steady and natural.  It progresses in a way that is believable and doesn’t subtract anything from the overall story. 

 

                Avon is so different from the setting of the first book that it's like discovering a new world all over again because we are.  I'm beyond excited to see where we go for book three.  Avon is suffering and is not prospering and there is a mystical element, leading many to become superstitious about the area.  The play between the military and the rebels was great fun.  Seeing from both characters perspectives was ideal because as a reader you are taken on both sides of the argument.  You can see the good and bad to both sides and see it more clearly.

                The idea to focus on different characters in a different part of space was genius.  It just makes sense and it doesn't ruin the first story by dragging things out but instead gives you a fresh idea and continues with things you were left with questions about in the first one.  I enjoyed the way the two stories pulled together throughout the story but it waited long enough to let the reader really get invested in the current story.  Well done to both authors.  I admit that wasn't my first reaction.  I wanted more of my characters I knew.  Ones I was already invested in.  I think I even complained about that part to a friend.  But as I read I became attached to this new story and everything happening in the world.   I was also able to appreciate the more action packed pace that was set. 

                That's all I can really say without spoiling it for anyone.  Read them in order! That's the only real suggestion I have for you.  I chatted with someone who read This Shattered World first and was somewhat confused when the stories started to merge into a larger overall story.  I think this book was a good sequel and I can't wait for the next one to come out and see how it all plays out in the span of the trilogy.  That's all for today.  Comments make me happy!  Spread the love and tell me your thoughts I'd love to discuss!  Until next time…

These Broken Stars: Cover love and thoughts

                Welcome back book lovers for another fun review.  I hope you all are doing well.  First, I wanted to discuss my plans to try and be more punctual/regular with my posts.  I'm working on a redesign to make things cleaner and easier.  This would include a posting schedule and various items.  Feedback is always welcome, really I want to hear from you.  Let me know in the comments what you'd like, dislike or want to see more of. 

                Announcement over.  Today I want to share with you my thoughts on These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner.  I read this book a couple months back and have been wanting to do a review and now is the time.  First, I have to point out why I was first pulled to it, the beautiful cover.  Look at it.  Night sky with stars and this fetching image and a billowy dress.  I wanted to know more about such a pretty cover.  Then I heard Sasha (abookutopia) rave about it on Booktube and knew I had to have it on my shelf and in my life.  Book two in the series is already out (review coming soon) with another amazing cover and best news I recently saw the cover for book three which I assume is coming out soon, and it keeps to the theme meaning all my covers will match!  I just love it when I can finish a series and have the same cover design.  Moving on.

                These Broken Stars, book one in The Starbound Trilogy , focuses on two characters; one is Lilac LaRoux, the daughter of the richest man in the universe.  Yes, universe because this book takes place in space and other planets.  Our other character is Tarver Merendsen, a war hero who is pretty cynical about the way the system is set up.  They seem like complete opposites but they meet on the luxury spaceliner Icarus and are bound together when the spaceliner falls from hyperspace and begins to break apart.  They are the lone survivors, landing on an unknown planet without much in their favor.  They are stuck together as they search for help or a way off the planet, but things are not what they seem as the planet holds secrets that will push both Lilac and Tarver. 

                The bulk of the story takes place with only our two characters around but the planet itself is like it's own character.  Lilac isn't what you expect, she's different than the media portrays her, the perfect princess who does nothing but enjoy daddy's money.  She has a brain and thoughts of her own.  Best of all, she has a legit reason behind her actions, something the reader can understand.  Tarver has his own issues and struggles to deal with.  A war hero who is being paraded around like a performing monkey able to look at the fancy life but not good enough to really be more than a pet in it.  Watching as these two very different and yet similar characters struggle with their surroundings kept me turning the page as did the changing POV that let me see how one reacted to something the other did and seeing how each perceived the other and how perceptions morphed as the story progressed.

                 The tagline for the trilogy is: Three worlds.  Three love stories.  One enemy.  If you didn't figure it out yet there is a romantic element playing into this.  There wasn't any insta-love though.  Maybe some good old fashioned insta-attraction but insta-love, no way.  Far from it.  The story focuses less on the romance, letting anything happen naturally, and more on the plot.  A goal to survive and solve the mystery.  Because I'll tell you one thing this book has some serious mystery and creep factor to it.  I was not expecting it but wow was I surprised.  In a good way.  I won't spoil you or anything but yes the planet is interesting to say the least. 

                The last quarter of the book completely caught me off guard and was a tad bit confusing at first, and I wasn't sure how I felt about it,  but after reflecting on it I was okay with it.  There was also so things that occur that went against the past character development that I had a small issue with.  There were some 'conveniences' here and there that seemed a bit on the nose but otherwise I really enjoyed the book.  It was more about the journey and character growth and development, and you know how I love my characters.  It left me satisfied but still wanting more and made me with up book two, This Shattered World.  Overall I gave this book 4 stars. 

Rating: 4 Stars

                Have you already read this title?  Planning to?  Comments are love, share some below.  Until next time.