The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have for you a new release from the end of September and a new addition to a favorite series of mine, The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5) by Christina Bauer.   So this series is a bit out of order as I’ve already read some into the spin-off series as well as book 7 in the series, but that is just because the author is non-linear and wrote the original series with some time jumps between them and is now writing from those time jumps and all the adventures and shenanigans we missed out on.  I like to think this is because fans like myself wanted more, and that’s what I’m going to tell myself.  Anywho Goodreads makes things so easy for knowing the proper order as of now and here are my reviews leading up to this title: Duty Bound, Angelbound, Scala, Acca, & Thrax.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Myla’s life has changed for sure now a wife, mother, Great Scala, and Queen of the Thrax, she has her hands full.  Things seem to be going pretty well…until it hits the fan like always.  Her honorary brother Walker is being more secretive than usual and when he disappears into the Dark Lands leaving her a countdown and a promise to uphold they have another mission to complete, stopping Lucifer from escaping and all, and save not only Walker but all of the after realms.  So you know…no big deal.

                So in this we have another adventure with our favorite quasi, Myla.  She and Lincoln are always finding some trouble they have to stop.  They are trouble magnets.  This time it is Lucifer and someone trying to break him free to reign down all sorts of evil and honorary brother Walker’s disappearance is connected.  Meaning if they weren’t involved to begin with they are now for Walker.  I love these stories.  They are such fast paced books they fly on by.  You have a huge mystery and suspense and tons of action carrying you along.  Still no matter the seriousness of the matter Myla never loses her trademark sarcasm and I love her for it. 

                I will always read these books for more Myla and Lincoln.  They are relationship goals.  Plus added bonus baby Maxon time was just precious.  Seriously this kid is totally adorable and how he brings complete hard core kick butt characters to a panic is epic.  This is another fun adventure as we delve deeper into the world and make new discovers about the past.  I enjoyed getting to see more of how things used to be as well as learning about this whole new area and distant/reclusive House full of new characters you can love. 

               

                All in all this was a great addition to the world and I loved seeing Myla and Lincoln fight so hard for Walker.  He has done a lot for them over the years/series and they love him for sure and to see them go to bat for him like he always has for them was just epic.  This is a beautiful world I always look forward to getting lost in, magma demons and all if Myla and Lincoln are there too! 

                Until next time…

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So I finished another debut book and I am so excited!  Bella is also doing well she is enjoying the backyard even more now that the grass got cut, but in my defense it rained on all my days off so when was its supposed to be done?   Anywho today I'm so happy to talk about this new debut Children ofBlood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi.  Now I am sorry in advance but I listened to this on audiobook and knew instantly spelling was going to be tricky so I've looked up what I could find without having a physical book to reference, but that aside this book was amazing.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Magic used to be.  Until it disappeared the night of the raid when Zelie watched her mother die and her father be beaten.  When the world changed.  Zelie is a diviner, meant to become a full maji.  She is meant to have magic but even though it is gone she and others like her still pay a heavy price for what they should have become.  After a chance encounter Zelie has one chance to bring magic back to Orisha and strike against the tyrannical monarchy with the help of her brother and a rogue princess.  Still the king and his crown prince are determined to hunt them down and destroy magic for good.  But with magic back in play even in a small part there is much more to see as characters struggle not only with the outside influences but with themselves.

                So this book was amazing.  I was interested to start but once I got into it a small bit I was completely hooked.  Zelie is strong willed, impulsive, determined, and strong headed.  I love her.  She is so fierce and determined and sometimes that gets her into trouble.  Tzain is a loving brother willing to do anything to protect his sister, usually from herself.  But he has a kinder more open heart and softens her.  Amari is completely out of her element but comes into her own as she progresses through the story.  She is a beautiful contrast that just because you live in "luxury" doesn't mean you are worry or problem free.  The palace is a dark place too.  Inan…..he had an interesting story as well and his internal struggle was captivating as the paths connected and crossed.  Everyone was so beautifully written. 

"I won't let your ignorance silence my pain."

                The story of Orisha and what has happened to it.  What is common place just rocked me to my core.  As some of the things happened I just wanted to jump into the book and make them stop or help in some way.  After the book finishes there is an authors note where she brings up similarities to things in our current and very real world that I didn't see at the time because I was so entranced in the world of magic with these characters on this journey but it really pulled the fantasy into reality.  I love that this story is more than just an amazing fantasy story you can enjoy but it has a much deeper meaning which gives it even more depth.

"Courage does not always roar.  Valor does not always shine."

                I can't wait for the next book because we did leave off on a bit of a cliff hanger.  I know there was a lot of stuff happening and we have so much more to do.   There was some twists and turns and I did some serious character swaps throughout the story if that tells you anything.  Everyone is changed in this.  Every character grows in this story and being along for the ride, seeing what shapes them into who they become was amazing.  I loved seeing how one event in particular could put people on such different paths.  I did cry some in this and that made listening at work a bit difficult but yeah I did so have a tissue around just saying.  Adeyemi really crafted an amazing world with characters that make you feel for and with them.  You will be dragged right in there with them on this quest.

                Until next time…

Star-Touched Stories (The Star-Touched Queen #2.5)

                Hello happy readers!  My days are a bit off but it works out even better because yesterdays review actually comes out today so win!  Yes I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of Star-Touched Stories (The Star-Touched Queen #2.5) by Roshani Chokshi.  I had the pleasure of meeting her a few times at book events before she was published as just a fellow book lover and since her publication and she is so sweet and I have enjoyed this world, I reviewed the previous two books here:  The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Star-Touched Stories is a set of short stories or novellas.  There are three lush stories full of beauty and adventure. The three stories are : Death & Night, Poison & Gold, and Rose & Sword.  All three were brilliant and beautiful.  They each were a very decent size/length and just expanded the world we already knew.  I loved seeing characters I knew in a different and new way, and what has become of some.  There is such a beauty to the way Chokshi has written this world.  Everything is so vivid and jumps right off the page.  I can't really get into much more of these as I wouldn't want to spoil anything.  Just pull up a chair and enjoy these short stories as they pull you deeper into the rich and marvelous world of magic!  This is an enchanting addition to the series that anyone who has enjoyed the other books will devour instantly! 

                Until next time!

Cradled (Beholder #4.5)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are having a good Monday.  My weekend was not as productive as I would have hoped but the new season of Orange is the New Black dropped Friday so could I have done anything other than marathon it?   I think not.  That said I am happy to have a quick review of an epilogue novella.  Yes the Beholder series by Christina Bauer that I have enjoyed comes out with a quick novella, Cradled (Beholder #4.5).  It comes out tomorrow and I am excited to have gotten a chance to read it early before my pre-order as I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I reviewed the previous Beholder books here:  Cursed, Concealed, Cherished, and Crowned.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Elea and Rowan have been through a lot and still have lots more to do in complete unity between their peoples.  But given the family drama on both sides children were something they were going to forgo…..But sometimes fate has other options.

                So I went in not knowing much.  I hadn't even read the summary just that it was more Elea and Rowan and that was good enough for me.  The title kind of gave me some hint but yeah that was it.  I thought it'd be a quick little tale dealing with pregnancy or something but what I got was so much more.  There is an attack, kidnapping, crossovers, battle, redemption, and so much jam packed into this novella!  Seriously there is so much happening I loved it.  There was even a cross over with some other characters I just adore so having them all in one spot kind of made my day!

                There is a little of everything and again all of her books fly by for me but this was a novella that easily felt like a full on book with such an interesting story.  I highly recommend it to fans of the series it's a sweet treat!

                Until next time…

Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7)

                Hello happy readers!  Another weekend is here and I can’t believe July is almost over.  This is seriously insane.  Still that being said I have a review of a new book in a series I adore today, Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7) by Aileen Erin.  I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review but as with the other books in this series I already had that baby on pre-order, that arrived this Tuesday, I just get it a bit early this way ;)  This is the 7^th book in the series which might be intimidating but they are so good and super-fast reads.  I have reviewed all the books in the series if you’re interested or need a refresher:  Becoming Alpha, Avoiding Alpha, Alpha Divided, Bruja, Alpha Unleashed, and Shattered Pack.

Rating:  5 Stars

               

                In the last book we stepped away from Tessa for a bit and got to follow what was happening with Meredith and Donovan in Ireland.  After defeating the evil witch Luciana, Tessa and Dastien were able to go on vacation / honeymoon after seeing their friends’ full moon ceremony and it is glorious and much deserved.  But Tessa hasn’t been able to have a vision and there is a nagging feeling that something is amiss….oh and a magical attack that nearly kills her might have been a sign something is up.  Now they have to end their vacation and go back into the thick of things, because even with Luciana dead her mess isn’t over. 

                It is so nice to dive back in with Tessa and the gang well minus Mer in person as she’s back in Ireland but she was just a call away.  More it was nice to see Tessa and Dastien get some much needed time together.  They have been from one disaster to the next and this was no exception but at least they got a break in there for a little bit.  They are so cute and I love how they are adapting to the bond.  They have a real healthy relationship and I adore how they work together and balancing one another out.  It was fun to see how the different pairs worked together as well.  I like the unity they all show.  Many are Were and loyal by nature but even the others there is this great loyalty between them tried and true forged in battle.  Even when they don’t see eye to eye on things they still hear one another out.  This is friendship goals!

                Tessa has grown so much since we got to know her in the first book.  She continues to grow as she comes to terms with what she has become.  She is powerful in both respects plus she was raised a human so she can see things from different angles.  She is ready to jump in and help anyone and takes on more than her fair share of responsibility but still she doubts herself as ever being a true alpha.  I love the character development for her and others as they grow from being teens to something more with what they have been forced to endure and adapt too. 

                In books past, and this one as well we always have lots of evils to fight with but in this we had another different battle to win as well.  A super powerful demon is trying to take Tessa and she has to battle not just physically but with her mind and soul which was different and fun.  I loved seeing the different tethers between the characters was cool.  We also got to see how a new generation may be young have a different set of priorities and willingness to work together and break down walls and bound together.  Unity is a real theme and I really enjoyed that and of course the combination of Weres’, witches, and fey.  The different levels of power between the factions and inside them was present.  This book sent shivers down my arms in many moments and had me laughing so hard it hurt at others.  Tessa is for sure one of a kind and I love her inner thoughts because I was right there with her.

“I didn’t look to see who followed me as I raced out the door.  The ones that trusted me would come.  The rest could f&@k themselves, because I wasn’t waiting.”

                The story in here is intriguing mixing all the different supernaturals and we even got introduced to some new ones I can’t wait to learn more about.  Samantha and Eli both seem like huge stories for the telling and oh yeah the whole quick pop over to the Lunar Court….yeah totally have to explore that more in time because that looks amazing!  I love that this is seven books deep and we still have so much we can explore and do.  Each chapter as you read pulls you in and flies by, the pacing is really on point, add that with amazing characters and fun story and it is gone in a blink leaving you needing more.  I’m excited for the next book in the series, and like in books past we are jumping to different characters.  I like that the series does that as well as it gives the reader a deeper insight into characters we already know and love and it also provides a break and a way to explore new worlds!

                Bottom line = I LOVE this installment and this series is an autobuy for me.  I already have book 8 on preorder!  Come on 2019!

                Until next time…

Legendary (Caraval #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  I’m a day late, sorry, but I spent most of yesterday running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to sort out some phone issues and jazz but they are resolved for now at least.  My weekend wasn’t as reading productive as I would have liked but I did get to spend more time with a good friend who is moving several states away tomorrow so that is even better!  Still today I am sharing my thoughts on a very highly anticipated sequel for me, Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber.  I loved Caraval (review) and was thrilled there was going to be more in the world.  I went in thinking this was a duology but then happily after finishing and being very upset thinking this was the end, I found out it is really a trilogy so I have one more book to look forward to!  So yay!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Tella made a bargain with a mysterious criminal that lead to freedom form her father for both her and her sister.  She even got Scarlett out from an arranged marriage.  Still the game is over and she got her part of the bargain now she has to deliver what was promised:  Caraval Master Legend’s true name.  She has one chance to uncover the identity, win the next special Caraval.  Tella throws herself into the game and her mission even as it puts her on a very dangerous path, because this Caraval is different from the rest where you lose yourself to what is only a game, this year is real!  Secrets, doomed love, heirs to the throne, fates, and more press Tella to be as cunning and brave as ever, risking everything she cares about including her life.  Winning Caraval will change the world forever.

                A Caraval doesn’t typically happen this close to end of the last but with Empress Elantine’s 75^th birthday she gets what she wants.  Now we follow Tella as she and her sister are free of their father.  Tella though has a different mission, to gain Legends true name and gain the information she has been searching for.  Tella has been on this path for some time and there is a method to the way she acts, where as I found her a bit harder to love in the last book her were see her side of things and see the reasons behind her antics.  She has a good heart though she feels she is never meant for love, based on a drawing of the cards of destiny in her childhood.  This has lead her every step and it all comes down to playing another game of Caraval.

“If you can convince yourself it’s true you can convince anyone.”

                The way this world has expanded from not just the magic of Caraval which is amazing, but the way the mythology of fates was weaved in from the start.  They were mentioned in the past but as a fairytale sort, now it seems they may be very real….or is that the magic of Caraval?  The back and forth of what is real and can it be believed was captivating.  Winding in all the different elements expanding this world was amazing and seamless.  I was rooting for Tella but I wavered in what I wanted her to accomplish as many times she is at cross purposes.

                While this time we do focus on Tella rather than Scarlett we do get to see so many of our returning characters.  I enjoyed seeing Scarlett and Julian again though things aren’t perfect they are fun and many more including Dante.  The story is still that of the game and a large mystery there did feel there was a more romantic feeling in this sequel.  I was totally on board for it because it was so beautifully done and fit with what we know of the characters, unraveling new layers of them as we go.  Tella is not set for romance or love, something most assured the opposite of what she wants and some of the scenes she is in just makes me so happy. 

“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”

                Now when I first finished this book thinking it was a duology I was a bit upset.  There was so much more I needed.  So much left way way too open for me.  I mean we just found out who Legend was!!!  FYI I totally had it pegged for a long time, even had my suspicions in book one but confirmation is always appreciated.  Satisfaction after an adventure filled journey.  But upon finding out it was a trilogy and I had one more book to look forward to I was in love.  I can see how all of my questions and open things will lead into a thrilling final book in the trilogy.  I can’t wait to find out more! 

                Until next time…

               

Always and Forever, Lara Jean

                Hello happy readers!  I am excited for the weekend, mostly because I'm off and don't have to work.  I also no longer have to worry about mowing or vacuuming which were on my to-do list because my chiropractor said don't do it and I have to listen to his orders.  Which means he wants me to rest and relax so I hope to get some reading/listening down and that is always a win!  Last weekend was very fruitful as I was able to finish up two audiobooks.  One of which is the final book in a series I have read this year, Always and Forever, Lara Jean (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3) by Jenny Han.  I reviewed the previous books here:  To All the Boys I've Loved Before  and P.S. I Still Love You. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                We left off Lara Jean and things are good.  She is in her senior year with everything going great from school, prom, trips, her father finally found someone who makes him happy again, and oh yeah her boyfriend Peter is amazing.  She has plans to go to her dream college which is close enough she'll be home on weekends never going far from the family.  She has everything planned out.  Until the unexpected happens and the girl who doesn't like change has to rethink her future plans that cause her head and her heart to go in different directions. 

                So Lara Jean and Peter found their way back to one another and now they are stronger than ever.  Peter is so amazing.  Seriously I had my doubts at one point but he gets Lara Jean in a way others don't.  He can tell when she needs an out or just needs some support.  He knows how much her family means to her and works to be there for them too and to me that just makes him for me.  They are so normal and sweet.  High school sweet hearts who have so much going for them and wanting to make it work but as life starts to pull them in different directions they have to work harder to keep to their plans.  So many couples in high school face the option of doing long distance or ending things and it felt so normal to have this struggle. 

                The struggle of course is only compounded by their own unique circumstances.  Lara Jean never saw herself leaving home.  She loved her family and wants to continue to be super close with them and be there for her youngest sisters firsts as she grows up.  I loved that the idea of going to a college further away was a struggle but not just over a boy.  While love can make it a tough decision it had more going for it.  She has her family to think about and her own levels of comfort.  She would be somewhere completely new all alone and that can be scary for anyone.  Lara Jean is a lover for sure but she has much more going for her and considers everything.

                The in and out of the sisters and how they are dealing as life continues on with Margo coming to visit and seeing all that has changed.  Family dynamics change as new people come and go from our lives.  I think this was a beautifully rounded story about the every changing moments of our lives and the choices we make giving the risks, struggles, and rewards of it all.  It was so full of love, heart break, friendship, excitement, and growth.  Lara Jean and Peter have come a long way.  He has really been a catalyst for her to grow into the woman she was meant to become.  Seeing the world through her eyes was so much fun and experiencing all the huge senior moments with her was icing on the cake!

                This was a wonderful heartfelt series I just adore.  I was so happy I could listen to all of them pretty quickly without waiting.  I was happy to connect with Lara Jean and her crazy passionate life!  I am even more thrilled that I finished them before the movie comes out as I keep seeing trailers for it pop up on all my social media!  Now I can sit back and enjoy in a different format!

                Until next time…

Juniper Skies (Juniper Series #3)

                Hello happy readers.  So diving right into it here this book is the 3^rd book in the companion series, Juniper Skies by Lora Richardson.  I have reviewed the previous books here:  The Edge of Juniper & Juniper Limits as well as her other stand-alone title Outspoken.  I was lucky enough to be provided a copy in exchange for an honest review but honestly as soon as I found out little Abe was getting his own story as he grew up I knew I had to read it!  Again this is a companion series so the other books are necessary but this will spoil those for you and they are great so start from the beginning!

Rating:  5 Quarts Rocks

                As I said I read the previous books about the other characters in this small town and I really enjoyed them.  I knew Abe as he was young going through some things that no child should have to deal with but still grabbing hold of your heart.  Now we have seen the stories from his cousin and sister but now it’s his turn, years after the last book when he is working hard in the summer before his senior year.    We also meet Delphine, who has spent her whole life on the road traveling with her gram from place to plan in an RV.  It's an interesting life for sure but she has a desire to settle down in one place for at least a little while and so her gram decides Juniper will be her home for all of her senior year.

                Abe and his life has changed quite a bit since we last saw him.  He isn't the happy easy going kid.  He is a loner with a bit of a reputation.  He doesn't want to be around people but keeps to himself.  This books, series as a whole really, manages to tackle some really deep and real issues.  With his father in prison for the past few years about to get out and the emotional upheaval that brings up, to the way he has struggled with his fathers history as he grew into a young man.  I loved reading his parts as we saw what was going on for him and how everything impacted his life and his choices to this point.  I loved seeing him with his family both his mother and sister but more with the family he made with Faye/Malcolm and his mom.  He still has a support system and you are rooting for him to take their advise. 

                 Delphine has never really had any real friends.  Moving too often to make any lasting friendships.  She has a whole list of things she wants to accomplish in fact including kissing a boy.  She reminded me a lot of how Abe used to be with a special helping of determination.  She wants to make new friends and form her own opinions and not let others shape her view of someone.  I loved her chapters as she got to know others around town and even when she wanted to be liked and included she didn't succumb to the pressure and change who she is. 

                There are several foot in mouth moments as these town begin to know and understand one another.  It is slow burning and beautiful.  I was so in awe of this story and how it weaved such emotionally powerful moments dealing with real emotion and issues into such an overall sweet and uplifting story.  It amazed me from start to finish.    I loved the romance between them some of the moments written for them had me swooning something fierce.  Seriously this is where book boyfriends are made! This was a story all about Abe and Delphine but one added benefit is we also got to check in on our other couples from the previous books because of their closeness to Abe in this one big mixed up family!  I love it all.  I'm sad this is supposed to be the end of Juniper but thrilled to know they have each other.

                Until next time…

Goal Keeper: A Pearson Players Novel

                Hello happy readers!  It is thankfully the weekend but it is also the start of June.  Where did have of 2018 go?  Anywho today is the first day in weeks where it hasn't been raining here so I decided to be a good adult and mow….mind you mowing is not something I have done but once before and I'm horrible at it so very interesting.  Still I did it and now I'm hiding inside with the AC to work on my blog and some reading.  Today I have a YA author I have really enjoyed is dipping her toes into the NA pool, using the name Sarah Nego, and I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of this new title Goal Keeper: A Pearson Players Novel in exchange for an honest review.  This title came out on 5/21, I snagged it just after as I was super behind in all things but I was ready to dive right in and it's out so you don't have to wait to read it.  And you should read because I loved it!

Rating:  5 Stars

                Goal Keeper is a hilarious stand alone college romance that combines romance, big dreams, and finding ones path in the world.  Luci Ryder is a freshman with her days planned perfectly between school and soccer.  No time for anything else if she wants to keep her scholarships and stay on track.  Newly single junior, Ryan VanKamp, is just happy to be free of his crazy rich snobby ex who also happens to be a senior and captain of the girls soccer team.  Neither are looking for romance but despite the hurdles there is something there and it might be worth the risk. 

                Luci is easy to love.  She has her goals and lists and is determined to stick to them.  I make lists all the times and try to plan out my days to make them more productive and such but most of the time that never happens and I'm lucky to get even half the stuff done.  Luci has a much higher stakes than some with balancing two different scholarships needed to get her degree and follow her life dream.  When the captain makes  a rule forbidding partying and dating with the guys team she isn't too upset about it for herself though it clearly hurts everyone else.  Still Vanessa is not one you want to mess with or she will make your life miserable.  Ryan is happy to be free of Vanessa and her demands on him to fill her life goals in a life he didn't want rubbing elbows with all the big wigs and pushing his passions aside.  His only regret aside from taking so long to do it…that it hurt the guys on his team with her new rule.

                When Ryan meets Luci he is fascinated by her.  Luci is attracted to this sexy soccer player as well but he doesn't fit in her plan and it would not only break the rule but is pretty much the worst way to break it.  Still as they get to know one another in a shared class and unplanned encounters things start to smolder.  The story is a real slow yet steady burn that is beautifully written.  You get to see things from both sides as they come to terms with what they want out of life and each other and what they are willing to risk.  I felt like I was right there with them as I anxiously awaited each moment hoping things would work out.  This story is full of sexy slow burn that really ignites on the page with these down to earth and lovable characters.  The stakes felt real.  The story felt real.  It was steamy at times but each one was well deserved and so captivating.  I loved this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a steamy fun read. 

                Until next time…

Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands #3)

                Hello happy readers I'm posting to you from my friend's (Bogdana the Booknerd) place as I am spending a couple days with her since I came to town for a book signing event for War Storm (Red Queen #3) by Victoria Aveyard.  More on the event later as I'm typing this before going to make sure it's ready.  That said while I get ready to dive into one series ender it is only fitting that I talk about another series ender I just finished, Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands #3) by Alwyn Hamilton.  I previously reviewed the first books Rebel of the Sands and Traitor to the Throne and this review will have spoilers for the first couple as is the nature.  So let's dive in.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We left off with Amani, the blue eyed bandit, escaping from the Sultan's grasp but it comes with  great cost.  Many of the rebellion are captured including the Rebel Prince they aim to put on the throne, Ahmed.  Amani finds herself taking charge and leading the rebellion as they try to figure a way out of many difficult situations to save Ahmed and their friends and take the throne.  It's a lot to accomplish even for the Demdjii and their remarkable powers.  Her journey will take her to her past she thought she left behind, the mythical city of Eremot and more.  She never set out to be a leader and making hard calls that put those she loves in danger is not what she wants but she is determined to put this rebellion back into the hands of its rightful leader.

                This is the final book and it brings up lots of emotions as with war there is death.  There were times when I was prepared for it and others it just took me by storm and I was left crying at work yet again.  One death in particular got me going then as things continued even as I had an idea what would happen I was all boohooing and couldn't reason it out.   Super vague but if you've you read it you will understand.  I am a character reader and it is impossible to not love and respect Amani who has been through so much and really grown as a person through this incredible journey.  Same goes for Jinn they are there from the start and I just adore their connection as they build better together but strong on their own, never losing sight of their individuality.  Of course the same goes with our other rebels some of my favorites to name a few, Shazad, Sam, Maz, Izz, Delila, and Hala to name a few.  Seriously Shazad is amazing and just as kick butt awesome as Amani.  Sam reminds me of a charming rogue like Captain Jack Sparrow so of course I love him and the twins are always a delight to read as they normally bring some levity. 

"She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger."

                The story felt like it flew by as so much was accomplished in such a small time frame but it had been building up and things started to fall into place.  The end was coming.  There is doom and gloom on the horizon for some and they still continue on which I love.  Enemies and Allies.  A fight within and without with the foreigners ready to pounce next there are serious things stacked against our group.  Still no matter how bleak there is still hope and I love that about them.  The mix of magic and strategy really work well.  There is always something happening to make you wonder of the possibilities/repercussions which is always the case when dealing with the Djinni.    

"We would be stories long after we were gone.  Imperfect, inaccurate stories.  Stories that could never even come close to reality." 

                Speaking of we get to know more of the myths and culture that the world is built on.  In both nations.  From a mythical city, old languages, stories from before time remembers fully, and more.  Hamilton found a way to weave in things from book one that fit so perfectly and clicked together I can't wait to re-listen and see if I catch even more.  Overall, this book is a slammed packed series finale.  It covers everything from action, suspense, romance, magic, fantasy, beautiful writing, drama, all the feels, a kick butt female lead and more.  I was not disappointed in the least and I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy.

                Until next time… 

The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you all are having a good week, mine is so close to being back on a regular schedule again.  It's such a pain from knowing your schedule for the year set days then you have 2 weeks where you have to look at the schedule every day to remember what day it is and if you have to work.  Not cool.  But onto more important and much for fun things, Aprils book of the month with Perpetual YA Bookworms was The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1) by Rebecca Ross.  My thoughts on the book in the different sections can be found in spoilery detail on the discussion board.  In May we have 2 books A Court of Frost & Starlight (ACOTAR #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas which I already finished and reviewed here, and Renegades (Renegades #1) by Marissa Meyer which I hope everyone will join us for!  But onto my review of  The Queen's Rising.

Rating:  5 Stars

                So first off this cover when I first saw it made me want a cloak all the more.  Yes if and when my bestie finally makes us those cloaks she's been talking about making us for YEARS I will totally be the one rocking a cloak like a boss.  We follow Brienna who is put into the Magnalia House to master one of the passions:  art, music, dramatics, wit, or knowledge, and in the end gain her cloak and a patron I was ready.  I was a good student but I think a cloak would have motivated me more than a piece of paper…I'm just saying.  Struggling to find her place she chose to study knowledge much later than she many others and when her seventeenth summer solstice comes she finds herself without a patron.  Still things are not over for her as she discovers something different about herself aside from being of both Velenia and Maevana.  Brienna ends up taking many risks as she takes on an unexpected and unorthodox patron as she fights to restore the rightful queen to the Maevana throne.  War is building and sides are drawn as Brienna uses the gifts she was given and must choose her own side. 

                So right off the back we have the mystery of her parentage not knowing who her father is just that he is Maevana.  The rules are bent in order to allow her, a sixth girl into the program despite her not having an initial talent.  Brienna goes from passion to passion not finding her place right away like the others but they are all so supportive and really a great sisterly pack.  I do hope we get to see more of Ciri, Oriana, Abree, Sibylle, and Merei as the series continues on.  They were a nice part of the first part of the book and I loved their interactions as they worked with one another.  Honestly I think Brienna is the most unique not just by her parentage but because she has spent time with each passion she is a fuller individual for it drawing on a small thing learned from each one.  She wouldn't master them but she took something from each and I love that.  Then of course in Magnalia we have to talk about her Master of knowledge Cartier.  I enjoyed watching him build her up and encourage her. 

                Things get much more interesting as the world continues to grow and build as we leave the Magnalia house and learn about Maevana and how some plot to take the kingdom back and put it back into the hands of the rightful queen as a king was never meant to rule.  I loved this aspect.  The uprising and espionage here but also that it is a woman's land to rule.  They are trying to find the two pieces they need to make their stand and Brienna is the key to finding one of them.  She begins to learn more about Maevana history and customs, learning the other half of herself.  I like the balance between the two, again making her a beautiful balance.  I also like that she is fighting to help the rightful queen, she is just a cog in the wheel rather than the main part which is different from most fantasy I have read as of late.  So that was neat. 

"If you offend a Valenian, you lose your reputation.  But if you offend a Maevan…then you lose your head."

                There is a really slow build romance happening that while I wanted more it wasn't the primary focus as higher priorities took president but it was still there in the background just simmering to a boil.  It was done with great care.  The world building really went all out.  I was enjoying all the different locations greatly as we dove deeper into things.  This is a beautiful world made more beautiful by the writing.  I look forward to seeing more in the world even though I could say this title could have easily been a stand-alone I am curious to see what more will happen.  This was an amazing book and even more amazing debut!

                Until next time…

Sky in the Deep

                Hello happy readers!  As you may have seen I already posted once today and now I am here with the promised second belated review.  Again I am very thankful that I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.  This book is also a new release that came out on 4/24 and an anticipated read for me of this year, Sky in the Deep by debut author Adrienne Young.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Raised as a Aska warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her clansmen each fighting season against the Riki clan.  Her life is simple and brutal.  Until the day she sees something impossible, her brother she watched die years ago fighting with the Riki.  She chases after him desperate to understand what is happening and finds herself trapped in the mountains with the Riki as a prisoner.  She comes to learn many truths she never wanted to know, that the Riki are not so different from her own people and the truth of what happened to her brother those years past.  Still he Riki and Aska are enemies as old as time.  Until one night when another ruthless class raids all of the villages Riki and Aska alike showing a common enemy may force an unlikely alliance.  Beliefs and loyalties are tested and formed as war blooms.

                I knew instantly from the summary and the cover I wanted to read this.  A new debut that sounded epic and it was a standalone so that was even more impressive as most books I was starting/reading seemed to be part of a series.  Plus it seemed like a pretty awesome story.  I wasn’t wrong.  I really enjoyed this debut.  Eelyn is a fierce warrior and won’t let anything slow her down.  We learn how the Aska live, believe, and fight.  Then as things progress we get to see the same things from the Riki side.  More we see the Riki side through the eyes of an Aska, one who is very upset about being there.  Still as she gets to know the people, one familiar in particular she is able to see them as people rather than simply enemies. 

                The story has some pretty well flushed out characters.  I of course loved Eelyn.  I enjoyed getting to know both Riki and Aska, though it does seem we get to know more of Riki.  This didn’t hit me until just now because I still felt while we spent less time with the Aska they were equally understood because our MC is Aska.  Each character from Myra, Iri, Runa, Inge, Fiske, and Halvard were all different and had their own qualities both good and bad.  I had some strong words for each at one time or another to be sure.  Both have their own prejudices and issues to be sure as any groups with contrasting opinions normally do.  More so in this regard as they have spent years past going to war with one another and that leads to a lot of bloodshed. 

                There is a lot of action and fighting in this one for sure but one of my favorite parts was the struggle for the characters.  Warring with their beliefs and history.  Trying to overcome so many years of prejudice and the like.  Reconciling everything you were raised with to what you see in front of you.  What is more important?  What can be forgiven?  I love all of that.  This book had a lot of deeper meaning and struggles inside of it.  It had its share of pain and loss but also hope and love.  It was a full and satisfying standalone.  I look forward to checking out the author’s next book.   

                Until next time…

Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid #6)

                Hello happy readers!  I finally finished reviewing the whole Georgina Kincaid series!  I literally finished books 5 and 6 in the same day forgoing sleep to finish.  Yes I was obsessed with finding out how it ended.  I'm excited to have them all up now and if you need a refresher here are my thoughts on Succubus Revealed the final book and overall thoughts on the series.  If you missed it I previously reviewed all the books:  SuccubusBlues, Succubus on Top, City of Demons & Succubus Dreams, Succubus Heat, and SuccubusShadows.

Rating: 5 Stars

                This is what it all comes down to.  Georgina has been a succubus for a long time and lived many lives.  She finally has the man she loves and while there are complications things are on the up-swing.  Until she gets papers of transfer to what would normally be a desirable destination….Vegas.  While it might be a dream gig it pulls her away from her friends and life she has built, but most importantly Seth.  There is just something suspicious about everything and if there is every a snowballs chance in hell of getting out of this business she is going to try.

                This is it.  The culmination of all the other stories and what is to become of our favorite succubus and her favorite author.  We have been waiting for it through five previous books and I was glued in through it all.  I will say this one has more emotional action / drama rather than physical action but it was very rewarding for me.  I had a lot of the plot figured out early on, some I suspected from previous book and some hints but it became apparent to me very early in this book what took them much longer to figure out.  Still even when I knew watching them come up with it and then come to terms with what it meant was a roller coaster.  Ups and downs that had you unsure what way was up at points.  Georgina is always so strong and ready for anything but you see that there are times when even she is scared to face things.  I loved seeing the juxtaposition in her and how everything from the previous stories had been building to this moment.  Little bread crumbs along the way.  I love when a story is so well set up that you can look back to the first book and see certain things in a different light. 

                There is still the zanny and snazzy lines we love from our characters and their care free attitudes for many things to compliment the more emotional side of things.  I loved getting to see more with the Mortensen women because they were always so much fun.  The girls just touched your heart and I loved their interaction with Georgina.  I also enjoyed getting to see more with Peter, Cody, Hugh, Carter, and Roman.  Roman really turned a corner in the last book for me and I wasn’t sure if he was going to revert in this final installment or not but I am glad to see his character developed the way he did.  Of course Carter is amazing for me, I loved the idea of having an angel hanging out in the crew of hellish creatures.  We also got to meet some new lesser immortals in Vegas and the return of Bast, whom I was on the fence about. I really enjoyed the mystery of this story and how it has been building since book one and the payoff was everything to me in the end and I am happy.  That said I still have some questions about a few things that I would have liked more on just because I’m curious but overall the important things were there.  I think the book could have been a bit longer and the end had a bit of a rush to it for me mainly because I still have some questions.  None of this will detract any points because this story as a whole gave me so much more than I could have asked for I just wanted more.  But that seems to be the way with books we love.

                Now I have a few things I need to discuss that are total spoilers for the books and series.  So don’t continue on if you haven’t finished the series. 

SPOILERS

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Seriously this is you last warning!!!

                So he always thought they were connected.  Her past loves.  Seth and her first husband, the name I can’t spell since I listened to the audiobook.  But I knew from book one there was a connection stronger and as the series developed I saw hints all over the place.  When Seth got her a ring in style to her original wedding ring.  Him calling her his world.  The Maddie thing (she slept with his best friend in the first life and he slept with hers in this one) the parallel was real and while I hated it the parallel is what made me understand it better but more when he finally explained himself at the end of the last book in his note.  I just love it.  I love that they finally got to have their fresh start. 

                But now onto questions I still have.  I want to know what happened, for sure with Roman and Yasmine.  I want to wish for the best and until I hear otherwise they are okay.  Side note I loved that they brought Yasmine back.  What else…oh yeah what about Bast?  Did we ever find out if he was truly her friend who was lying under orders thinking it was no big deal or did he know the part he was playing?  What became of Jerome, did he get to keep his gig or did someone else take over Seattle?  If so who?  Also what about Niphon and his major screw up?  I hope he got blasted for all the torment, Jerome too.  And to think I liked him and she SAVED him.  Moving on, so she has leave Seattle which makes sense what Carter told her but the family is still there so they will make visits to see the girls and all so they could still be friends just on the down low right?  I am going with yes!  Because another big question is what about Kayla?  With them gone who is going to teach Kayla about her gift so she understands what she sees?  Also I would have LOVED a scene with them at the end with Georgina as a human and what difference Kayla sees in her.  I want to say that Carter keeps popping in and checking on them (and sending new pony toys for the stable) to keep his vow because what happens to him now.  He has been here this whole time to save her and that just made me feel amazing his final endearment “Daughter of man” just made my heart swell.  And last that I can think of at the moment:  Maddie and Doug.  I’m glad Georgina and Doug made up and we learned that Maddie ended up meeting someone which I’m happy about and it’s silly but we never find out if Doug got Georgina’s old job and I wanted to make sure the shop was in good hands!

END OF SPOILERS!!!

                Okay so that was the does it for my thoughts on the whole series. I don’t know if there was one thing that got me so deeply involved in this series, more so than I have been in one for some time but I love it.  This series is one I will forever look back on with affection and love and will re-read in the future for sure.  I can’t wait to get a few of my friends to read these so we can discus though it will be a struggle to keep my lips sealed!  I highly recommend this series!

                Until next time…