Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So I have been slacking again, though this is partly in that I lost my USB with all my reviews temporarily (it was in my wallet for some reason) but also storm related I mean can we be done with storms for a bit please?  So I have finally gotten around to the first book in this series, Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake.  I started it a while back but I couldn’t give it the attention it needed to learn all these new characters, powers, and overall world.  That and it was one of my “I’ll wait until close to the next book then read it….” Ones which sort of worked as the 3^rd book did recently come out.  So here are my thoughts on the first book in this new series.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Fennbirn is ruled by one queen.  Each generation is set of triplets are born, three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessing a particular magic.  When they are but small children they are pulled apart and raised by their own house:  elemental, naturalist, or poisoner.  When the time comes only one can live and be crowned, the others must die.  Each sister must try to learn her gift and how to defeat her sisters for the crown before the battle begins for the crown and life.

                This generation we have Mirabella the elemental, Katharine the poisoner, and Arsinoe the naturalist.  This book was a bit slower to start but if you can just hold out it is worth it.  Blake takes the time to introduce three separate main queens and their life thus far.  How they have been raised including the magic of and how each group and how it falls in the overall system of the world.  Three separate storylines that all meld into one as the sixteenth year approaches.  Each queens’ story is whole and developed with their own characters, motivations and problems. 

                Katherine doesn’t seem to have much of a gift despite the poisoners being at the top of the hierarchy, and every intention of staying there.  She is raised in a harsh life, constantly poisoned to build immunity and so on.  She is starved for not just for a good meal but real love.  Still and maybe partly despite what she went through she isn’t all doom and gloom and has an almost naivety to her.  Arsinoe also doesn’t seem to have much of a gift for nature but her best friend, Jules, is one of the most powerful and trying her best to help.  Arsinoe and Jules and the dynamic and loyalty there is really amazing and a feel of sisterhood that in a book about three sisters who are being raised to kill one another might lack.  Last but not least we have Mirabella who seems to be the strongest of the sisters and thus has a stronger hand trying to guide and shape her. 

"Every gift is light and dark."

                There are still some questions about the world I need to know.  Questions I think will come into play in book two.  I loved the dynamic of seeing each girl raised differently.  A real case of nature vs. nurture.  Still as you try to take all of this information in the first say quarter of the book can be a bit of a struggle.  You get to know one set of characters and life then move to someone else and have to start all over again with a new set and so on.  Still if you hang in there it’s worth it as the stories unfold and meld.  I found the audiobook helped tremendously here for me.  Personally I sometimes struggle when there are so many names/things I can’t pronounce that hit me all at once.  It messes with my flow. 

                As the story progresses and knowing the idea of this world I found myself tallying up who I liked more and who I wanted to win.  It gets harder with each section for sure.  There were some things I liked about each and some things I didn’t like as much.  Each is very real and human in this way with flaws as well as strengths.  Each queen was different and unique in her own story and I connected to each of them.  I still don’t know how I want things to turn out because there are twists and turns all over the place. Still my favorite part was the characters and their connections.  That is what made me ache for each of these girls, from the lives they lived sure, but the people in their lives.  I mean some of the side characters were my favorite to love/hate!  All I know is with how book one ended I can’t wait to dive into book two and have it on my phone ready to dive right back in. 

                Until next time…

War Storm (Red Queen #4)

                Hello happy readers!  So I finally finished the final book in the Red Queen series War Storm by Victoria Aveyard.  Now you may remember that I went to a signing for this book last month and got to meet so many amazing people, including Beth Crowley who writes original music based on books she read and this one for Freysand of ACOMAF is stuck in my head!  Anywho at the event Victoria mentioned that people seemed to be split down the middle about her final book they either love it or hate it.  I was a bit concerned by that but now having read it I kind of get it.  I took a bit of time to process after finishing before I could sit down and articulate my thoughts.  But here they are fully digested and ready to share, spoilers for the previous books in the series.  Reviews to previous books:  Red Queen, Glass Sword, & King’s Cage. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                When we left  off things were not in a happy place.  Not like book two where Mare is taken captive bad but Cal just agreed to marry Evangeline and basically just broke Mare's heart choosing a crown over her.  So not a happy place.  Plus he messed up Evangeline's happiness which thanks to book three I now want.  But on more important news Cal's decision to fight for the crown has caused a hidden split with his Red allies as they don't plan to put another Silver in charge of them again.  But first they must remove the current king and go from there meaning Mare must continue to work with the boy who broke her heart.  Maven is a force but he is driven by an obsession deeper than any realize as he and his brother have more in common than they realize.  Allies that want to overthrow them.  It is all out war involving Silvers and Reds alike both on the same side and against one another.  Who will win?  Who will make it out the other side alive?  What will Norta end up?

                So this is a story of split war.  I loved that we got so many new POV's.  As I mentioned I was a bit leery of Evangeline getting a POV in the last book as I hated her but then I went and grew to like her.  I didn't full on love her like some of my others as she was still kind of a witch but I understood her so much better.  I even grew to want her to find a way to win, though only if she didn't mess with any of my others!  Which is huge progress from the first two books.  I looked forward to her story and seeing what was happening.  I felt bad for her and the whole love situation she was in, seriously I almost cried at some parts.  It was so messed up.  She ended up being one of my favorites of the series so huge kudos to the author for making that even possible!  We also got a new POV in Iris, the Lakelander princess / Maven's new wife.  That was very interesting to see how things are on her side, we got both the Lakelander perspective as well as one so close to Maven seeing him with a new outside light.  I liked getting to know more about the Lakelanders as they have been background for the first few books with new information constantly coming up.  She/they were also a villain different from Maven and seeing the pair side by side was very interesting. 

                And for other new surprising POV's that don't happen much and start late we do get a couple chapters from Maven himself!  I nearly swerved when the audiobook chapter stated "Maven" as the POV like what when did this happen???  The chapters while brief and limited are very enlightening.  His mind, warped as it has been from childhood is a very captivating place to me.  I can understand why the chapters are placed sparingly as too much from him would have taken away from him.  Small glimpses was a treat and more than enough to see just what has been hinted at.  On the flip side we also get to see a few chapters from Cal's POV which I enjoyed though as much as I enjoyed him, I didn't find them as fascinating as Mavens.  They didn't offer as much new insight for me.  I understood his reasons well enough as he is an open type of person who shares and is readable.  I already knew his reasons and motivations he was easier to read.  Still it was nice to have his own thoughts of his mother and brother that was a nice balm to the crazy going on.

                Of course we have Mare as the main POV.  I have some slightly mixed feelings on her.  I did feel at times she could be a bit wishy washy but she made a choice and she stuck with it.  She never wavered.  She hoped for a difference and took time for her when possible but she didn't waver in the overall choice.  I respect that.  She had some bad choices throughout the books sure but I think she held firm on the important parts.  I was with her in this, even as she struggled with her broken heart, her PTSD, and more she kept pushing forward.  That is impressive no matter what anyone says.  I enjoyed as she got to know more Newbloods like herself.  Knowing she wasn't the only one was a sweet moment not only in solidarity but in that they can teach her more of herself. 

                There are so many side characters who really came to life in this story.  Some stepped into new lights like Jullian.  We got to see more of Evangeline's family which again is crazy and Cal's granny.  We also got to see more from the Premiere and the world he lives in and wants to help spread.  The world we want!  The time spent there was beautifully written and impacted so much.  And of course General Farley was up front and center because she has come a long way since we first met her and she has struggled through so much on her own.  I really wished we had a few chapters from her.  Some of the others we spent so much time with in previous books were less focused in this one like Cameron and Kilorn to name a few. 

                Overall the story was well done for me.  There was action and intrigue as we expect and lots of political espionage happening in all corners.  The character building and even world building as we tear down one part.  It had a lot going for it in this book and series overall.  The end had parts I expected and parts that shocked me.  I was unsure how I felt at first having finished it just in shock of it all but it makes sense.  It won't be a perfect happily ever after for anyone there was just a massive war both internal and external so lots happening there.  That can't be solved or wrapped up in a little bow.  It gave the open ending we needed to believe it was possible.  Some relationships were broken but some have the possibility of rebuilding just like the world and I love that.  I love the parallels there.  At first I wanted a quick instant fix but then I realized that wouldn’t have fit with the epic journey we had just finished.  So I am very satisfied with the ending.  Even if I wanted more as soon as I finished!

                Until next time…

A Song of Summer Lost (The Magh Meall Chronicles #1)

                Hello happy readers.  Okay so first things first I am sorry for the lack of posting as of late.  As mentioned previously my bestie was in the hospital for a bit and then when she got out I spent my days off with her rather than reading or typing things on here which combined with my newest Netflix binge, trip, and sinus ick I got be well behind on things and scatter brained.  That said I am working on trying to catch back up and get back on track.  Now on a happier note I was thrilled to finally sit down and get to pick back up A Song of Summer Lost (The Magh Meall Chronicles #1) by Sarah Negovetich.  Now if you remember I reviewed her other Acceptance series:  Right of Rejection, Right of Revelation, and Right of Redemption, and I got to interview her on that series here, so when I found she was starting another series I had to jump on board and was lucky enough to snag an early copy even if I didn’t get to finish it until after it arrived out.

Rating:  4.5 Stars   

                Caolainn, the soon to be crowned princess of the Summer Court of Magh Meall, wanted was to be a princess.  She wanted to play her music not run a realm.  Knowing she can’t avoid her fate forever Caolainn begs her father to make her the temporary emissary to the human realm until her birthday when she is to be crowned and take on the responsibilities of the court.  A temporary freedom.  She is granted this request but soon she realizes there are sacrifices to be made no matter what world you live in.  Caolainn has many tough decisions to make for her people and her heart.

                So there are many things happening in this story as we travel into the world of Magh Meall.  There is power, some more powerful than others, and a simple way of life protected from the human realm.  Still it is important to keep appraised of what happens there though most hate to be parted from the beauty of their world but Caolainn is all for it if it means a bit of freedom before her sentence.  I instantly liked Caolainn and her distaste for her future.  She has been held tight for so long it is hard to look forward to a future you get no say in, but at least she has her music.  She fully commits to the music and the pure love of it and it shows each time she is faced with music how deep her love goes and while I am not at all musically inclined, sadly, each time she played/talked about it I wanted to learn.  To feel that same feeling. 

                Aside from out MC we also have a very collective bunch.  Siobhan, the mother figure who has cared for her all her life and her only real friend in Magh Meall, who helps her keep her sanity when Ardan, her future advisor, drives her crazy, and her future husband the youngest Prince of the Winter Court, Mathol.  These we get to see in the beginning in the natural world they know but as we move into the human world Siobhan and Ardan tag along, like it or not, and we get to see them interact with others: Kit, May, and David to name a few.  As Caolainn has to attend school in the human world while there she gets to attend a music school which is pretty much cloud nine for her.  I enjoyed watching her try to adapt to the different world, despite studying it can be a HUGE culture shock to anyone, let alone someone who is normally all to herself.  Friends and interactions with people her own age (whom she doesn’t want to punch constantly) were a real treat and fun to experience with her. 

                The story focuses on Caolainn and her journey and the sacrifices she is willing to make.  I enjoyed the character driven aspect and as we got to know bits more of the darkness and evil in the world.  And how music was a such a focus in the story, a character in its own right.  We aren't just told of the love of music but we see it, even someone as musically inept as myself could feel it while reading and that is always impressive!  There is so much being built in this book I am excited to see where the story will go from here.  Some things occur in this one that I didn't expect for sure and now that they have I am thinking of all the things it could mean.  I am curious to see the future interactions between the courts as well as the Magh Meall and the human realm.  There is lots more to be told for sure and I can't say more without giving away some serious bits so I will have to leave it there. 

                Until next time…

Clockmaker: A Gothic Steampunk Novel

                Hello happy readers! So today I have a review for a stand-alone sequel.  I know that sounds kind of strange but it’s legit.  I reviewed the Kristen Brand’s previous book Ghost Machine:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel and really enjoyed it as you can tell from my review.  So when the author messaged me about reviewing her newest title, Clockmaker:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel that focuses on a side character from the original book some time later of course I was interested.  So it technically takes place after the other book but can be read alone as well.  I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The crew of the Sultana is small but they have come through and rebuilt after past wows.  That has taken a toll and they are running on fumes.  Captain Melek knows this so when she gets a very generous offer from a reclusive gentleman who wears a golden mask for a quick transport job she can’t refuse.  Even if he is very mysterious about his cargo.  Now noises haunt her ship and warships fill the skies looking for her ship bringing an added danger to her ship and crew.  Despite the threats her passenger continues to be secretive and argumentative about his affairs but as the trip continues Captain Melek must have the truth if they have any chance of making it to Istanbul in one piece.

                This is a mysterious journey with all types of monsters to behold and secrets to uncover.  The back and forth with Captain Melek and Mr. Lesauvage was pretty entertaining even when I like her wanted to strange him and his secrecy.  The dangers of the journey and situations they end up in keep you on the edge of your seat.  This is a serious journey for our small but colorful crew.  I loved the way they interacted with one another both good and bad as things get dicer and sanity and loyalty are tested.  Emin, Ahmet, Ziska (who totally reminds me in small part of Kaylee from Firefly), Brocksby, and Mr. Moses.  Each one of them has a story and a purpose they are working towards as well an important job on the ship. 

                I don’t want to spoil anything but as we get closer to the destination with lots of dings and near misses along the way truths come out and it brings back old horrors and enemies.  Who can be trusted?  Is the risk too high?  Full of fantastical inventions like flying ships, recording spiders, and more it was a feast to the senses.  I really enjoyed this story and could see it being a stand-alone but having read the original introduction to the good Captain I really enjoyed seeing more of her as she had been a favorite character.

                Until next time…

Mirror Me

                Hello happy readers!  Happy Friday.  I'm thrilled for this weekend because I am supposed to do my second escape room with my group tomorrow and I am beyond thrilled to see if we can continue the success in the Mad Hatter room.  Today's review kind of follows along the lines, going down the rabbit hole in a tale of a girl and her adventure wondering if she is going mad.  The book is Mirror Me by Tara St. Pierre.  I reviewed another title by the author Just a Few Inches some time back and enjoyed the writing and message so I was more than ready to give this new one a read.  I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Mirror Me follows our MC Hannah who is currently under lock and key with strict rules and punishments in place while attending a private school.  It seems a bit harsh, the list of unapproved things but Hannah is trying to be better.  These are in place after a major screw up the previous year.  She is trying to get her life back on track and earn back trust.  So when she suddenly starts getting in trouble, accused of breaking the rules she has been so diligent to follow, no one believes she isn’t doing them.  She can’t even look at her own reflection, seeing a completely different person in there.  Are her past mistakes coming back to haunt her or is she losing her mind.

                 At the start we know Hannah got into some trouble and has since moved and started over but with no trust built with her mother and some serious rules.  I wanted to know just what happened to inspire these rules from the start and getting little bits along the way made me even more curious as I tried to figure it out.  Her mom, while I really appreciated her taking an active role in her life unlike some parents in YA who are never around, I think she was a bit harsh.  The whole dynamic works well within the story and really plays out over the length of the story.  There are also moments where I felt honest empathy for several of the characters.

                Hannah is very hard on herself and is punishing herself for what happened.  I liked that she was remorseful for what happened, even before we knew what that was.  She was the kind of person who knows she was making mistakes and is trying to learn from them and change.  Which is why I thought her mom was too harsh most of the time.  You can sympathize with her and what she is going through in trying to atone.  Hannah has her friends that she is close with and you can feel the bonds there even through ups and downs.  With friends you don't always have to agree with each other or approve of things they do to be friends.  Not every friendship is perfect but I enjoyed that they were able to work through difficult times.  Still they have plenty of hilarious moments and real sincerity. 

                The romance in this was rather cute and a bit different.  I liked the overall twist and the fall out of that twist.  I think everyone took it so much better than I think I would have.  The book has many great and positive messages that I really enjoyed.  They weren't shoved at you to make a point but woven into a fast and engaging story.  A girl with a past has things start happening that she can't explain.  Is she losing her mind?  Is her past coming back for her?  The play in binding just a touch of magical/fantasy elements was perfect.  Anything is possible.

                This was a quick read for me and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had I not been out of town at the time squeezing in family visits and the like.  It was easy to pick back up and fall right back into the story.  I would easily recommend this story to anyone for the plot and the way it makes you think and take stock.  Plus any book where you seriously doubt the sanity of the character is something I want to read.  I'm happy this book fell into my radar because it was an enjoyable read for me and that is always a positive!

                Until next time…

The Wood

                Hello happy readers!  Internet issues aside, seriously I’m about ready to just cancel my service since I spend more time on hold with customer service and trying to fix it than I do being able to use it, I had a great weekend.  While I didn’t get to post my Friday review as planned or share my one new book I did a pirate themed escape room with some friends and we rocked it and escaped with time to spare!  Plus I can do my review today so it works out.  But before I get to my review I have a small bit of news.  I am going out of town for a family reunion and won’t have my computer since I’ll be spending 36 hours in a vehicle and the rest with family who don’t believe in having wifi. So I will be taking off tomorrow until next Wednesday.  Bright side is car time should be read/listen time!  Now for todays review I received a copy of The Wood by Chelsea Bobulski in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                The Wood is a suspenseful supernatural debut book.  Winter is a guardian redirecting any travelers back to their portal when they accidentally step from their time and place into the wood.  She is the only one after her father went missing.  He stepped off the path.  That is impossible for a guardian leading Winter to suspect there is something off about his disappearance than she is told.  One day she comes across a boy in the wood who is not there by accident and is determined to pass through.  It’s her job to keep him in his time.  But when he believes his mission may be connected to her father’s disappearance and why the wood has started to change, Winter determines it may be worth the risk to work with him.

                Going into this book I was intrigued by the cover and the summary but I didn’t know fully what to expect.  It had so many elements woven together into this story with the Old Ones, guardians, the wood and all that fill it, time travel, and more.  The wood managed to play both an eerie and dangerous backdrop to the story but also a character itself.  Always changing and evolving almost as if it has its own personality.  I enjoyed the way we learned about the wood and this world.  Everything seems normal on the outside but inside the wood things are very different.  I understood it and it made perfect sense to me.

                Winter is easy to relate with.  She has this huge responsibility on her shoulders.  She didn’t choose this life but was born into it.  She is just trying to make the most of her life as she tries to balance normal things like school and friends with running off to take care of travelers.  She has a complicated relationship with her mother that has ups and downs.  Henry is likable from the start.  He’s cute and sweet trying to find those he loves.  He is a man out of time (and I admit to having some Kate & Leopold flash backs) and has the childlike amazement of seeing the world and things we take for granted as the miracles they are (showers and electricity).  He was determined on his journey but he is also very protective. 

“What is this infernal contraption?”

“It’s an alarm clock,” I say, my voice deep and sleep-scratchy.  “It wakes you up.”

“Evidently not.”

                This is one complete story that manages to bring an entire little world to life and wrap things up in the end.  It was a neat standalone that I could easily see having more books with different parts of the world. While most things did wrap up nicely there was one specific part I had been hoping for a bit more on, though I have since come up with my own little epilogue in my head to resolve that.  Aside from that little thing, that may be in part to my selfishness I loved this book.  I loved all the different layers wrapped inside this one story of the wood. 

                That’s all for me for the next week.  I’m going home after work to pack (yes I waited until less than 12 hours) and have some wine because packing deserves it and get ready to head out.  When I come back I have an author interview with Hannah Bucchin and more.  Wish me luck. 

               

                Until next time…

Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I worked but got to get some reading time in while there so cheers.  I was able to finish up an audiobook, Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by Alwyn Hamilton the sequel to Rebel of the Sands which I reviewed recently here.  After finishing book one I was so excited to be able to dive right into book two.  While I am thrilled to have read it I am sad I now have to wait until next year for the conclusion.  Sigh.  But in the mean time I can share my thoughts on this book.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                We pick up shortly after we left off.  Amani finds herself at the center of the revolution.  She wanted to find freedom for herself and found herself fighting for the freedom of the nation from the sultan.  She has been running missing and working with the crew for a little while and many battles have been fought.  Through a series of events Amani finds herself in the Sultan’s palace.  She is a prisioner but determined to uncover any secrets she can while there.  As she spends more time in the palace she begins to see another side to their war as well as the similarities and differences between the sultan and her two princes.  What is best for Miraji and the Blue-Eyes Bandit from the desert?

                When we left off I was so excited to see what would happen next.  For the rebellion and even more for Amani and Jin since I was seriously shipping them.  But Jin is gone.  He ran away when she was injured unable to be there for it.  I was upset, understandably like Amani was.  Then when he does reappear he leaves much to be desired.  My favorite thing about this is that Amani is upset about this and doesn’t just let it drop instantly. A personal pet peeve of mine is when someone, specifically those I’m supposed to root for or ship, does something to make me upset then never has to apologize/fix things.  So to have it addressed is huge plus for me.  Now for Amani she is pretty amazing.  She has really come into her own since discovering she is a Djinn. 

                We get to find out more about the politics of the world and even more about magic.  New concepts and ideas are shown that really blow you away.  New allies are made and new enemies discovered.  I love how twisty and turny it was.  There are so many people who have different loyalties and reasons to fight on both sides the story keeps you pulled in from the start.  The connections between characters, the different relationships both platonic and romantic are gripping and get you excited for more.  Even as we are hit with emotional loses, this is war.  I was watery at times not just because of the death but because of the reaction of those they loved.  That hit you in the feels hard.  Still there is so much hope in this story and I love it for that.  I can't wait for next year to see the conclusion to the series and what becomes of Amani and all of Miraji.

                Until next time… 

Riot of Storm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a pretty awesome one attending the Laura Silverman and Becky Albertalli event and getting to see my friend and her little bean made the trip all the better.  This means I spent a little over eight hours or so in my vehicle driving this weekend so I got to squeeze in a whole new audiobook so win!  The book in question is a sequel to a title I read and review last year and was very interested in continuing on in but like most things I didn’t do it right away so I fell behind.  The book in question is Riot ofStorm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision, my review of book one Threats of Sky and Sea can be found here. Spoilers for book one ahead, duh.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                We pick up pretty much where the last one left off.  I did a double check and I read book one in April of last year which is a while.  I had been somewhat concerned I might have forgotten some things but I worried for nothing.  As soon as I started listening it all came back to me.  Bree, Aleta, and Tregle are on the run in the secret tunnels fleeing after Lady Kat had just killed Bree’s Da and in turn Bree had used her water throwing ability and killed her, just not in time to save her Da.  Not before she revealed that it is she not Aleta, who is the stolen Nereid Princess.  Now they must run and escape the kings clutches before he continues in his plans to use her and the Princess (whom he doesn’t realize are really one in the same) to try and conquer Nereid.  Caden stays behind to try and continue his work, try to influence his father from his side but he quickly realizes his father has become madder than he knew and he is no longer safe to play his heir.  He must build up his own forces and try to stop his father.

                Bree is struggling.  She just learned everything she knew about her life is not true.  Losing her Da and finding out he wasn’t really her father at all, hard to take it all in.  Oh and try handling all of that while running for your life.  You really dive into the fray here and the tension is thick from the start. I like that she is struggling with everything.  She struggles with it throughout the book and that seemed so real and raw to me that I instantly wanted to hug her several times while reading.  Then on the flip side we have Caden’s POV who also loses a father in a sense.  His father, the King, is still alive yes but he has long since changed from the father he knew and is now completely focused on conquering no matter the cost, even his own son and heir.  That is hard to accept.  He’s not just fighting against a tyrannical ruler but his own father whom he has fond memories of. 

                We learn more about the different abilities and the world with politics and alliances.  I liked diving into the magic and seeing the limits and restrictions.  No one is all powerful.  While Bree’s gift is rare and powerful she struggles with it, understanding it and how to wield it.  War is on the brink and the King holds a sinister weapon that could wipe out the world.  She isn’t sure who she is or wants to be.  Not wanting to reveal herself as the true princess but also wanting to meet and connect with any possible family she may have left in Nereidium.  Still we learn that magic skill level and training can lead to all sorts of things that not many know about.  This lead to a character I never thought I’d ever care about finding a sort of redemption in a sense.   

                Being on the move and seeing more of the world as a whole was great but I think my favorite part was getting to meet some new characters.  While I enjoyed small group I instantly liked some of our new ones.  They banter and verbally (sometimes literally) spar with the characters we know while we watch them grow and develop.  There was some romance in this as well, not a huge part of the story but still a slight presence and one in particular you just want to make happen! 

                We are on two separate journeys through most of the book and it allows the story to widen its reach.  We see Caden try to rally troops to his side as he fights with the Underground.  Old friends forced to make a choice to friendship or safety for their home and people.  War is never easy and none of the decisions are as well.  Its messy and complicated and no good easy answers, everything has a price.  This book really shows that and while I secretly wanted everything to work out for my groups and my characters to not be hurt or worse war is tough.  So my poor heart was racing as the story ramped higher and tighter.  I got a bit teary at a certain part and it just hit me so suddenly. 

                I think this was a strong follow up and it leaves you hanging that’s for sure with the ending.  Thankfully I don’t have to wait and went ahead and got the audiobook to the third and final book in the series.  I hope to finish it soon, though no trips this week so might be a bit slower depending on work.  Still I would recommend this book and series.

                Until next time…

Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you are excited for the weekend to start, I’m working this one so no big plans here just hope to get some reading in!  First a quick reminder there my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman ends tomorrow night so don’t forget to enter while you can here.  Technical stuff aside I am excited to discuss my latest audiobook read, Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh, the first in a new series of the same name. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                I didn’t know a ton about this book going.  I had been anticipating it because I enjoyed the authors other works and was ready to read more.  I also LOVED the cover with the phoenix and flowers.  Yes I realized they are in fact throwing stars now but at first glance I thought they were flowers, totally made it even better when I realized the truth.  Anywho, we follow Mariko, daughter of a prominent samurai and raised for the purpose to marry despite her desire to be equal to her twin brother, Kenshin.  She is an accomplished alchemist and is even more cunning than her brother but she is a female and thus unable to be equal.  While en route to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed for the first time her convoy is attacked by the Black Clan, the dangerous bandits hired to kill her.  They fail and she escapes into the woods o plot her revenge.  To move around she disguises herself as a boy and works to infiltrate the Black Clan to find out who wanted her dead and why.  Though once inside she never planned on enjoying her time, let alone falling for any of these bandits.

                I really liked this story.  I fell into it easily and was caught up in the story.  I didn’t want to turn it off.  I listened to the audiobook format and it was amazing.  The narrator was very easy to listen to and made each of the characters sound different in both pitch and voice which is always a treat.  The writing was beautiful and vivid but it kept up a fast pace and alternated POV here and there which gave more depth to the overall story.

                Mariko is easy to love.  She is a girl after my own heart, who doesn’t believe she should be treated as anything less than her brother just because she is a female rather than a male.  Like what’s between your legs is really what makes one worthy.  She is cunning and smart and determined to have control of her own life.  While she is willing to bend to the wills of her family as is expected of her, she still makes her own choices alone the way.  I liked that.  Stubborn and hard headed for sure but I still loved it.  Her desire to know what and why driving her instead of self-preservation.

                We also see things from her brother, Kenshin’s, POV and see his search for his sister.  He knows how she thinks and he loves her “oddness” and all which I do appreciate.  But the other real stars are the Black Clan.  They as a group and the individuals themselves are pretty awesome each with their own personality and attributes.  Some see them as evil and others as saviors so unweaving story from fact and getting to know them as Mariko does was nice.  The primary story is on the cunning moves, the mystery and intrigue of figuring out what happened and keeping secrets but it finds a way to have a little romance in there that not only fit well within the story but also really rang true and had you rooting for it.  Mostly because even when she is hiding who she is, as a female and betrothed, she is more herself within the Black Clan than anywhere else.

               Flame in the Mist manages to weave reality with a touch of romance and also the supernatural/magical elements into one amazing story.  I loved the magical elements and I really hope we get to see more of them in the rest of the series and even mind out how they came to be.  There is still so much story left to be told and with how it left off I know I need more and I would rather have it now.  I highly recommend this book.

                 Until next time…

The Crown (Selection #5)

                Hello happy readers!  Last week I finished the Selection series with The Crown (Selection #5) as stated in my monthly challenge wrap-up but life has been in my way and I haven’t had a chance to type up my thoughts before now.  That’s right I have went from being super behind and having not read any to finishing the whole series the last couple of months!  Score!  So now I’m ready to share my thoughts on the final book as well as my thoughts on the series as a whole.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So if you remember from my review of The Heir (review) I didn’t really enjoy it as much as I did the first three books in the Selection series.  It wasn’t bad but Eadlyn just didn’t pull me in as much.  Plus while it was a gender reversal the selected guys didn’t have to go through nearly as much as the girls did to prove they could in fact handle it.  I went into The Crown a bit worried yet still optimistic as she had started to grow on me a bit more towards the end.  And it paid off because I did really enjoy this one. 

                Eadlyn started to make me feel for her struggle more and I saw her as more than a spoiled brat.  So huge plus there.  I could see in this more that she wanted more than to be powerful and stand on her own and not rely on a man, which I did respect from the start.  She wants to rule because she wants to help her people, even if she is a bit out of touch with them.  Also her harsh exterior has something soft and warm inside and some of the things that made her seem harsh were practical things designed to compensate for her being a female leader taken a bit too far.  Things came more into light.  Basically I’m saying I really came to enjoy Eadlyn and care for her. 

                As for her selected.  Well this is where things got real tricky.  I still with they had to preform like the girls did, tasks and such to prepare them and equality and all, but I enjoyed getting to know more of them.  I was conflicted in the first one because I was really liking a couple of different ones for different reasons.  I thought I knew which one I wanted her to end up with and I could see it playing out but at the same time I was kind of rooting a bit more for another.  Still as we get to know the guys was spot on.  Some you know while it wouldn’t work out you will always be able to count them friends which is a huge plus to have people leave on good terms.  Some not so much. 

                 Boy drama for sure.  Still we also have many things to deal with in way of the people, politics, family issues and lots of personal struggles.  The Crown gave us a wrap up to Eadlyns selection and figuring out her heart but more than that it worked out some more political issues.  The first trilogy set up some serious changes and for a long time things have been well and peaceful but as with life nothing is able to stay that way forever and changes must continue to be made.  While I liked the way the original books ended and could see and love the happily ever after feel, seeing years later how while it was like that it also had its hardships and such.  It brings it back into reality and shows there is more.

                 I enjoyed this final book and the selection series as a whole with a minor stumble in The Heir.  Still this one brought me back up and I’m so glad to have finally caught up and finished this series I have heard so much about over the years.  I do recommend anyone who hasn’t read the series yet but has been lingering to go ahead and give it a try.  

Ivory & Bone (Ivory & Bone #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So first things first I have an open giveaway here for a SIGNED copy of The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski, the final book in the trilogy along with a Fierce Reads tote and a couple other little swag items they handed out at the signing.  Now onto the other goodies I reviewed Ivoryand Bone, a prehistoric fantasy that I reviewed over at No BS Book Reviews here.  Check it out as part of the blog tour with other goodies including a giveaway open for 4 more days!

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So I went into this one very intrigued.  I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever read a prehistoric fantasy.  I was curious.

                Jumping ahead to having read it and I am so glad I picked this one up.  For me it did have it’s somewhat rough parts towards the start where it was a bit slower in pace, I understand hunting is a huge part of their life but the importance and spirit of felt a bit drawn out and over explained more so as it was addressed a few times throughout the story, but the concept kept me moving forward.  Also a huge chunk of the story is told in a story, like the MC Kol is telling someone a story and it reads like he is talking to you the reader which was different for me.  Lots of firsts for me with this book. 

                Way way back in a hunter/gatherer type of world where you lived in tribes and literally made your own everything, yes really prehistoric and a world my modern self would never survive in out MC Kol is the eldest son of the tribe elder and has several brothers and things for their tribe seem to be pretty good, minus the lack of females in their age groups.  At seventeen this is a bit of a serious thing to be thinking about.  I liked him from the start he’s the oldest but not the best at things one might assume he should be but he isn’t resentful.  He’s content with his life.  He’s also somewhat awkward, which is fun to see that as a trait of humans throughout the world. 

                Then one day they receive visitors from another tribe bringing girls and possibilities.  However, Mya isn’t one to trust easily and she has her own issues with his tribe which only add to her look of disdain and her harsh words/actions.  She was a bit rough around the edges but as the story progressed her actions and motives become clearer and we see more of who she is right along with Kol. 

                                Kol really cares for his family as evident with the way he talks about them, from his parents to his brothers whom also play a rather important part as slightly younger brother Pek has developed strong feelings for Mya's sister and is determined to fight for her which would link Kol and Mya's tribes together which given the shifting feelings with each interaction it could be good or bad.

                Along with Mya's clan making contact another clan comes near as well, also having girls in the tribe.  A tribe that has a difficult past with Mya's clan.  Tensions are high as Kol's people are placed in the middle of something they had no part in.  War is brewing and it's unclear who is the aggressor.  Violence ensues forcing sides to be drawn an bonds tested.

                People back then were much stronger than we seem to be today and that shows with how determined they are to fight and to live.  Injured and want to lay down and heal, nope suck it up you have to keep going and keep fighting you can rest when it's over or you're dead.  Minus a little bit of drag, it had it all.  It was new and different and introduced me to things I would never have thought about before.   Also this writing style made me feel like part of the book and had the added benefit of giving me an inside look at what Kol is thinking and by doing so giving Mya an insight into how he saw things up until this point.  I really enjoyed it and look forward to learning more about this world and seeing where the author goes from here.

Queen of Hearts (Queen of Hearts Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers.  Today I’d like to discuss with you a book I got for review and the original post is at No BS Book Reviews here, and that book is Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                Queen of Hearts follows the Princess of Wonderland and future Queen of Hearts, Dinah, who spends her days trying to keep it together through the vicious humiliations and threats of the King of Hearts, her father.  Her one place of happiness is visiting her childhood friend, and love of her life, Wardley, the future Knave of Hearts.  The pretty horrid pattern of her life is upset as a stranger comes to the palace and her life and everything she’d been looking forward to starts to slip away.  Dinah is left to figure out the truth to the mysteries that lurk within the palace before she loses everything, including her head.  Its part fantasy and party fairy tale in the first book of a series that looks at familiar and new characters we remember.

                 Okay so I’m a little confused on this.  Maybe I should first say I really enjoyed it.  It’s the publication that confuses me a little but from what I gathered it is not a “new” book as it was originally published a couple years back along with book two in the series but that this ARC “new release” is the re-release with a new and larger publisher.  That’s awesome and I love the new cover!  Plus hopefully since I’ve seen the reviews for the original sequel on Goodreads that means we won’t have to wait as long to get our hands on it.  Here’s hoping anyways. 

                Back to the really enjoying it part.  I have always been a fan of fairy tales and all the retellings that have been happening and becoming more prevalent the last few years have been so much fun for me.  Seeing something classic that I love and seeing a new side of it.  The Queen of Hearts has always been this vicious and evil figure but seeing before that to when she was merely a princess is rather interesting.  I’m a firm believer that everyone has a backstory and the best stories always flush one out, especially villains. 

                Dinah isn’t perfect she is a bit spoiled and while intelligent she isn’t quick to look for answers; still she is feisty and has a big heart.  There are small hints of the Queen I know from different tales, a bit of a temper and snark.  Her adoration to her mad hat maker brother transposed from what we see of her and her father is what really pulls you into her corner.  Other characters of interest for me, her brother Charles, Cheshire the advisor (and not a cat), and Wardley.  The King is rather complex and intriguing like the world and the towers but because they are dark and evil yet still make you want to know more. 

                Throughout we start to see what Dinah has been dealing with and how the addition of a new guest starts to ring in a change for her, and not in a good way.   The mystery begins to unravel as the closer they come to her coronation, where Dinah is to rule beside her father until she weds and rules with her husband, and Dinah must start to make sense of it all before she loses more than her crown but her head.  There is also a very light touch of romance in the story.  She is in love with her best friend but while she dreams of more with everything going on Wardley is much more focused on keeping her safe.  Not much time for romance, their friendship managed to come across as true and solid having memories of playing together from a young age to their own little codes.  I hope to see more of their friendship and possibly more in the sequel. 

                 The world building is much what I expected of a Wonderland tale.  Full of lavish and out of the box fashions and scenes.  Still while it could be both vibrant and beautiful on one side the duality of the world is that it holds some dark secrets as well.  I enjoyed the ride and getting to dive into this unique world. 

                My only issue with it was that many things uncovered hint at something larger and while I think I have it figured out (early on too) it was never confirmed.  I understand it may be flushed out further in the next book of the saga but with some of the hints being dropped early on I was hoping to have at least one of my suspicions confirmed.  With the book not being very long it could have easily added more to this particular aspect instead of making me feel it was stretched into another book.  I’m still going to read the next book, I’d read it now if I could find it, and would recommend Queen of Hearts to anyone who enjoys a good retelling or just a “before they became what we know” type of story. 

                I’d love to hear your thoughts and fells in the comments below.

                Until next time…

Rebel's Honor (Crown of Blood #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was spent sleeping and working but I did get some reading done as well.  Oh and the season premiere of Game of Thrones!  I’m also stoked because the next couple of weeks are going to have some amazing books coming out and I think at least 4 or 5 I’ve pre-ordered.  Score!  I’m also going to a signing even this Thursday for The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi and plan to do a giveaway for it as well.  I have a few of those planned actually so stay tuned.  For today I’ll be discussing Rebel’s Honor (Crown of Blood #1) by Gwynn White, a book sent to me for an honest review. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Rebel’s Honor is about Lynx, a warrior princess of Norin, who is bound by treaty of old to marry the crown prince of their conqueror, Lukan Avanov who she has been raised to hate.  Things aren't always what they see as a warrior is sent to the enemy for an arranged marriage neither wants.  She wants to do everything in her power to help bring them down.  Spy games, romance, curses, prophecies and more abound.

                I didn't know a whole lot about this book when I started it, just enough to be intrigued.  In it we get three different perspectives, Lynx, Lukan, and Axel.  All three are in this mess and trying to find the best way to deal with it.  I instantly loved Lynx.  Not going to lie the whole ostrich people and egg raids scared the crap out of me but then again known issue I don't like birds, especially HUGE angry ones who try to kill you.  She is loyal and dedicated to her family and her people.  Oh and she kicks ass.  Axel and Luken, I was not a fan of either of them for the longest time.  I thought they were both….shall we say delicately chauvinistic pigs but as we got to know them better I could see things about them I liked and one grew on me more than the other.  They both wanted something from Lynx and were willing to use her to their ends.

                The world is lush and beautiful (or horrifying see above egg raids).  I felt like I could be there.  There was something for everyone from the political/court suspense to the mysteries being uncovered with magic and curses and prophecies there is so much to keep you flipping the page.  And while there is romance in the book it is not the main focus and I didn't even see any romantic possibilities for over half the book.  Aside from the three main characters there is a vast crew and lots of wheels turning and things happening.  This is also a brutal world.  Threats and schemes galore!  I was caught in this book and flew through it.  I look forward to reading on and figuring out what happens next because that end….yes it needs more.  Bright side is this book two Warlord's Wager and book three Dragon's Fire are already out and ready to devour.  Please share your thoughts and feels in the comments below. 

                Until next time…