~Stacking the Shelves #39~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.

Audiobooks:

Everless by Sara Holland – I’m excited to start my first debut author book of the year!s

E-Books Review:

Duty Bound (Angelbound Origins #0.5) by Christina Bauer- Yeah I got the email this was available and it’s a novella so I read it the same day…

Secrets of Bennett Hall (Return to Amston #2) by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek- pitched as a technical sequel as it has a character from the previous book but is more a stand-alone and it sounded so good I’m breaking my normal rule of not reading any form of sequel out of order!

                Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  I have an open giveaway here for a SIGNED copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu up until 2/2 so make sure you give it a go because the book is amazing!  

Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all are feeling better than me, my sinuses have been making breathing a difficult thing the last few days and I am starting to think I should buy stock in tissues from how many I've gone through.  That said the positive side is I've been getting some reading done so that is always a plus.  Before I dive into that reminder that I have a giveaway going for a SIGNED Copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu open until 2/2 here.  That said I am excited to review today's title as it was one I was anticipating given the author and the subject matter.  Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1) by Lola Dodge which I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  5 Cherry Pies

                Deadly Sweet is about baking, witches, and everything in between.  Anise loves to bake and using her magic in it but being a witch is a bit hard outside of certain areas where you have to hide what you are.  So when Anise ends up with a chance to study under a long-lost relative who owns the only magic bakery in the US, she is more than excited for the chance.  Upon arriving for her dream apprenticeship she learns that it won't be as simple as she thought.  She has lots to learn from pastry school and oh yeah the last apprentice went missing under mysterious circumstances and there may or may not be a reason for her to have a full time security detail. But for a dream job what's a little danger?

                This book appealed to me on so many levels.  First witches and intrigue are always fun but when you add in baking….magical baking.  I'm all for it.  I love to bake and as I read I may or may not have wrote down some new treats I want to try in the near future.  Also the kitchens described may or may not have stirred up a lot of kitchen envy as well.  There is a clear love for baking in the writing which comes through vividly and made me connect to Anise.  She wants this with all that she is and is willing to go through hell to make it happen. 

My own creation!

                Aside from making me hungry and itch to bake (and seriously step up  my decorating game) I enjoyed the way magic was woven in.  There are different types and levels to work with.  I loved how the little things could impact the overall product.  There are still many questions to uncover in this world for sure but it is so full and vibrant.  I love the contrast from growing up moving around to keep their secret and the open town that everyone human and witch are out and about normal as breathing.  I loved seeing Anise adjust from one norm to another and what being open meant for her not only as a witch but as a teenager.  To be yourself and be able to make friends, honest friends, was amazing.  A little assassination attempt here or there is hardly worth giving that up.

                The characters really lit up the page.  I could see Wynn scowling even before I read it after a few encounters.  He is very…mysterious.  There is a lot more I want to know about Wynn and what drives him; more about Shields in general as the series continues but still as little as he said I totally feel I know him.  Same could be said for her new friends and the other ladies of the Syndicate.  It is a small town vibe to it and I enjoyed the way Anise was both welcomed in and accepted while on the same side thinking they know you based on the family name.  I found that very true of a small town.

                Overall this is a great start to a new series and I will be adding it to my auto-buy list for sure because I need to know what happens next.  So much has happened in one book but there are so many characters and stories to explore yet.  Power to be learned and many many more goodies to be baked!  I highly recommend this book…and maybe something for the sweet tooth this will activate!

                Until next time…

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up: January

                Hello happy readers!  This is the first check in / wrap-up for 2018 and I have high hopes for this year!  The challenges are pretty self-explanatory but for full details on the challenges themselves please visit the challenge tab.  Also please share your wrap-up!  Also as a side note I have an open giveaway here for a SIGNED copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu open until 2/2.

Goodreads Challenge:

Goal: 100

At: 5

  

2018 Debut Authors (#DebutAuthorChallenge):

Goal: 12

At: 0

Not a strong start but I have to give them a chance to come out right…

2018 Series Ender Challenge:

Goal: 15+

At: 0

What I’ve Read:

Haven't finished anything yet but I'm close and plan to finish something in the next day or so!

Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2018:

Goal: 48

At: 2

What I've Read:

Succubus Heat (Georgina Kincaid #4) by Richelle Mead

Wonder Woman:  Warbringer (DC Icons #1) by Leigh Bardugo

2018 New Releases Challenge:

Goal: 31-60

At: 3

What I've Read:

Busted by Gina Ciocca (review)

Batman: Nightwalker (DC Icons #2) by Marie Lu

Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1) by Lola Dodge (review)

2018 Audiobook Challenge:

Goal: 30

At: 3

What I've Listened:

Succubus Heat (Georgina Kincaid #4) by Richelle Mead

Wonder Woman:  Warbringer (DC Icons #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Batman:  Nightwalker (DC Icons #2) by Marie Lu

                 That is my month in reading.  I made some progress but still have lots to get to!  I'd love to hear how you're doing so link back to your wrap up!

Warcross (Warcross #1) & Signed Copy Giveaway

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know I did.  I got to go up and visit a fellow blogger friend, Bogdana the Booknerd, where we attended the Marie Lu event and then got to do out Christmas.  This is progress last year we didn't get to do Christmas until March so big steps!  We also got the chance to discuss our plans for revamping our reading group, Perpetual YA Bookworms and hope you will join us this year.  That said the Marie Lu event was one of the main reasons for the trip as she had the release of the new Batman:  Nightwalker (DC Icons #2) but also mid last year she also had the release of Warcross (Warcross #1) both of which I have read and very much enjoyed.  So having finished Warcross before the event and my Twitter poll on which one to get for a giveaway was at a tie I went with Warcross.  The giveaway will be at the bottom of the post with all the details.  First my thoughts on the book itself.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Warcross isn't just a game but a way of life.  The ten year obsession that spans the world is a place of escape from reality.  It's also a way to make a profit.  Hacker struggling to get by Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet illegally.  Like most things the world is competitive and not always easy.  Needing quick cash fast Emika risks a hack of the opening game of the international Warcross Championships, only she accidently glitches herself into the game and becomes an overnight sensation.  Not exactly subtle.  Convinced she's going to jail Emika is surprised when instead she gets a job offer and a wild card spot to this years tournament.  Warcross creator and young billionaire Hideo Tanaka wants her to play but also help discover a security problem, much like the one she exploited when she glitched in.  Swept up in the fame and fortune of this world she quickly uncovers much less glamorous plot that would have major consequences for all of Warcross. 

                Emika is in a difficult spot trying to make it in the world.  Things are not easy and despite how hard she tries her past has put a bit of a damper on her ability to make ends meet.  So after a series of disappointments she makes a split second decision to try and make a play to help herself.  And her anonymity goes out the window as everyone suddenly knows who she is.  So when the Warcross company contacts her….a lot….she isn't surprised.  What does surprise her is the offer to fly her to headquarters and offer her a job rather and punishment for her breach.  Even more amazing is that she gets to talk to, and is on the way to meet, Hideo Tanaka, Warcross creator and boy genius who she has had a crush on since she first started coding.  The job seems straight forward: she'll participate in the game and get all the perks of being a player in the tournament but she is also to work from within to try and find this security breach.  She is on a bounty hunt with much higher stakes and the prize is well over any bounty she's took on before.  But hunting in the shadows is a bit more difficult than she originally thought.

                Emika is really easy to like.  She has had a tough run at things and despite her less than legal actions at times she has a good heart.  But as amazing a character as I found her I say the biggest character in the book was Warcross.  It is not only a game but a way of life.  Glasses you wear all the time as everything comes up with a second layer.  This is so amazing and futuristic but at the same time something that we could end up with a version of in our lifetime which is kind of amazing.  The intricate world that is described just blew me away and for a book that isn't super long this is a huge thing.  One I think Lu manages so well in her books.  So yes all the different worlds within Warcross and what it is capable of just astounds me.  So it's almost like adding in fun and vivid characters like Emika and Hideo are just icing on the cake.  Hideo is a rather complex character himself as he is guarded and a bit closed off but we get to see more about him as we get deeper into the story.  He is very focused and likes to build and fix things. 

                Plus that doesn’t even mention her team in the game.  Because the game itself, her cover, is amazing.  All the press and parties sure but the games themselves.  Training to get up to the proper level with everyone being an unknown she is behind on many areas but while it is a cover she doesn't want to let her team down.  I loved that aspect.  That she was good at it but she did have to train, she wasn't just an instant know it all.  She had to learn the higher levels like others who have been playing on them have done.  Plus while I knew it was virtual and all it didn't take away a single moment of action in the games.  As the attacks happen I was just as invested and concerned if they were really injuring one another because the VR is that intense in the book and really pulls you into it.  Everything is very in the moment. 

                 Another thing I found really compelling in this book is the play on right and wrong.  Lu is great at having characters who are on either side but she also has this amazing talent for walking the grey line.  This is something the characters play with yes, but also the idea of technology.  When one side is fighting to destroy it to understand their actions you learn a different side of things than you normally would have.  I liked this back and forth on if technology was good or bad.  Can we as flawed humans really be in charge of something so powerful?  At the signing Lu mentioned something along those lines as well and I found that to be something the resonated in the book and I have no doubt will continue to be a factor in the sequel. 

                I really enjoyed this book and I think it is my favorite book by the author yet and that is saying something since I haven't disliked a single thing.  Still I am super excited for the sequel which at the moment doesn't have a title, cover, or release date, though I do have my suspicions.  That said I am thrilled to have a SIGNED copy of Warcross to giveaway.  All the ways to enter are in the option below and I'll leave it open until Friday 2/2/18.  Good luck! 

                Until next time…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday: Leaders

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

I also have a giveaway going here for a SIGNED Copy of Geekerella open until the 14th so give it a look!  

The top today is:  Characters that would make great leaders!

So as I went through I went ahead and crossed out any already ruling (at least where I am in the books) or I would have a bunch of leaders already leading and I wanted to see who else I thought could lead.

Inej from Sixof Crows She is smart, thinks things through, and is willing to do what needs to be done but doesn't love bloodshed.

Magnus Bane from the Shadowhunter Universe Magnus is my favorite.  He is not only a powerful warlock but he is able to bring people together to work for greater threats.

Arianna from TheLoom Saga She doesn't take crap from anyone and is brutal.  She is also smart and while it may take some effort she does admit when she is wrong.  She can see many angles even if her anger may be a bit of an issue.

Mor from ACourt of Thrones and Roses series Mor is an awesome, all of the inner circle would be in their own way but I think Mor would be best suited for power as she has many aspects of the others in one.  She is a bad ass warrior, she is smart and methodical, and she is constantly underestimated.

Lysandra from Throneof Glass series I didn't like her in the start but in the last couple books she really grew to be one of my favorites and I love how she thinks of others more than herself as a leader should.  

Ganzey from TheRaven Boys series Ganzey just has this way about him that makes people want to follow him.  

McGonogall from Harry Potter She is EPIC!

Sydney from Bloodlines series Smart and objective.  Sydney has a connection to all the areas and is invested in everyone doing well and she is able to use all her different skills!

Thorne & Cress from The Lunar Chronicles Together.  I love Thorne he's a favorite of mine and I adore these two together from the start.  She is so sweet and innocent wanting to see the best in everything and push others to be their best which works out well in Thorne and while I like his swagger I think he could rule and Cress would keep him on the right path and not let him get distracted.

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

Geekerella

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

Rating:  5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 Book Events & a Giveaway!

                Hello happy readers!  So this week has been a bit of a hit on my sleep schedule shifting between work schedules and making another well worth it day trip to Atlanta (4 hr drive one day) for a book event.  I mean it was Stephanie Perkins so it was a must go type of thing.  So today since I slept for 14 hours last night I would do an event talk instead of  a review.  I will be ready next week though since I won't have any events to drag me away.  I was thrilled to be able to meet my good friend, Bo from Bogdana the Booknerd, before both events to hit up our favorite pre-event meal of Noodle just a block from the shop and even get some ice cream from the delightful shop around the corner Butter & Cream.  I kid you not I get as excited about getting to get our food as for the events.

                So last week I went to the Epic Reads event with Kendare Blake, Jessie Ann Foley, and Katharine McGee for the Epic Reads event.  Epic Reads was hosted at the beautiful little store, Little Shop of Stories where I go to most all of my events up there.  This time with the multiple authors they did something a little different and instead of having them up in front of all of us they split the chairs into three circles and each circle got an author to chat with for a time before they swapped speed dating style.  It was different but really fun.

                 We got there and were lucky enough to be the first ones upstairs for the event.  We saw the circles and got to pick our spots.  One of the employees was kind enough to explain the set up and the rules and jabber with us while everyone else trickled in.  She also provided sticky notes to get the books ready for the post "speed date" signing but as usual we had come prepared.  They did a little intro and each talked a bit about who they are, what books they wrote, and where they are from before being split up. 

                First in our circle was the lovely Jessie Ann who shared her inspiration for Neighborhood Girls.  We discussed the heart of the story, the very relevant catalyst, and more.  With her first book taking place in Ireland we talked about some travel and a little tidbit of fun that with the book she was able to get her husband, who has the accent, to read parts out loud to see how they sounded to make sure they flowed.  I loved that and it makes me so excited to dive in. 

                 Next Katharine McGee made her way into our circle looking the picture of graceful in tiny stilts of heels that defy gravity.  She discussed her first book The Thousandth Floor more than the sequel since she didn't want to spoil any good bits.  We discussed the craft of writing and the process of getting your book out there as she had a different experience working in publishing and already knowing everyone.  I also found out she worked on editing some of the books in several shows that I enjoy (The 100, The Vampire Diaries, and Pretty Little Liars) but gave advice for those who might not have her connections.

                Last but not least we got to sit down with Kendare Blake who is not only part of several anthologies but also was celebrating the release of the second Three Dark Crowns book that very day.  We talked about how the book series went from being set as a duology ending with One Dark Crown to a four book series.  Nothing changed in the book.  It still ended where it was supposed to end but not we will get to see the fall out and what happens next after the winner sits on the throne.  Funny enough she got the idea after learning about bees at a party.  Everyone was worried about the huge ball of bees but there was a beekeeper present who explained they were safe as the ball was to protect the queen as they moved and it spiked her curiosity and she asked the beekeeper questions for the rest of the party.  I love how this came to be getting ideas and writing in general.

                Overall the Epic Reads event was a success.  Everyone got to ask questions in smaller groups taking the pressure off and letting some who may be more nervous and intimidated speak up.  I give this even 5 Stars for sure! 

                Then one week later Little Shop of Stories was working with the library to host Stephanie Perkins for the release of her new book, Theres Someone in Your House at the library.  As Stephanie used t o be a librarian it was perfect.  She also used to live in the area and had some friends pop in, which totally distracted her mid sentence and is something we can all relate to I think. 

                She got there a bit early to talk with her moderator but with the driving in Atlanta there was a change in plans with a vehicle accident (no one was hurt thankfully just unable to make it) and her fill in was already familiar as they had spent the day discussing things so she came out to just sit/chat/ and pre-sign for us early birds.  Clearly that included Bo and myself.  She signed our books and we discussed things from how we ended up meeting and becoming friends at a book event and book covers/designs since I have the UK version of her anthologies with the colored page edges. 

                Stephanie was such a riot.  Seriously she was SO MUCH FUN!  She is so down to earth and loves some dark topics just as much as the cute fluffy stuff.  We could have spent all night just talking about random topics.  But once it hit time she sat up to discuss her book.  It was a departure from what she is known for writing with her Anna and the French Kiss series being a slasher horror story and all.  However, anyone on the fence rest assured there is still the feel of her voice and that beauty in there as well because she couldn’t help herself.  However, there is also a high body count and lots of great horror classics.  I can't wait!  I love horror movies, the cheesier the better. 

                 Apparently she gets the question about the change in genre ALL the time as some are shocked given how sweet and nice she is but to those who know her they get it.  I could connect when she related how she is nice and sweet but she also loves horror movies and true crime.  She had on this adorable dress with cute little deer which I complimented on pre-event and as she explained later "I'm wearing a dress with cute little deer but also have murder in my heart" in talking about her eclectic decorating style and her love of Halloween.  She also discussed her interest in many different genres and how she wouldn't mind trying more but would steer away from mermaid books, this brought the question of genitals and how/what that is seems to be a conundrum which we spent some time thinking on, and Amish romance which I didn’t know was a thing.  

                After the event she was signing books for everyone and even though we had ours signed we still waited in line because we wanted to grab a photo and because we wanted to say something more post event.  Knowing she loved Halloween and scary things Bo recommended she check out Halloween Horror Nights and discussed some particulars.  After finding out she did a lot of research to make things feel right in her story including the law enforcement side having to find people to give help in different areas I told her I was a dispatcher for a university currently but spent several years in a very small county doing 911 dispatch, you know if she ever needed further help.  Hey I would love to offer my services! 

                That was my thoughts on the last couple events.  Sorry I didn’t get more photos of the events themselves.  However, I during the Epic Reads event I did get my paperback ARC of Three Dark Crowns signed by Kendare Blake and I was able to snag an extra tote bag from the event to use in a giveaway along with some other misc goodies I have been collecting to include ;) I'll leave this open for a two weeks so enter below!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers!  First don’t forget to head over and check out my GIVEAWAY for a SIGNED copy of Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman here.  It’s open for a few more days!  This weekend was super busy and only mildly productive.  Spent Friday doing yard work on my new place, and I reminded again how much I hate yard work.  So after taking down two huge overgrown bushes each about 12ft tall and some other trimmings I was rather sore which gave me a perfect excuse to chill the rest of the weekend and marathon the new season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix and finish finally catching up on The 100.  Now I’m waiting for more on both with everyone else! 

                Today though, I’m so excited to share with you a review of a book I read a little while back but have been eagerly anticipating the sequel, Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake.  Now I received a copy for review from No BS Reviews and the original review/post can be found over at No BS along with tons of other reviews.  But as I have been mentioning the sequel in my anticipated releases I wanted to share my review on here as well. 

Rating:  4 Stars

               

                I was excited to get my hands on this one.  It was a new series with a cool concept.  Yes, pun intended.  I also love the fantasy aspect of this where the MC is forced to hide themselves and what they are.  Some aspects reminded me of different parts of other series I enjoyed and while some may see this as a negative I didn’t.  I mean I clearly liked the other series and as long as it has it’s own story and isn’t completely like another and keeps me entertained I’m good.  I mean if you read enough of a specific genre you’re going to see something that reminds you of another book somewhere.  So I was ready to dive into it. 

                Ruby is a Fireblood and can control heat/flame.  Control might be a bit of a leap as she hasn’t learned control and mostly just has accidents.  When the king and people are hunting down all the Firebloods to be killed this is a very dangerous thing to not be able to control.  After being imprisoned and tortured, which made me cringe despite not being as brutal as other items I’ve read but the way it was written hit me.  Also being a fireblood, cold is not her friend and I may have been a bit cold while reading and agreeing with her here.  Ruby is offered a chance of escape, from frostbloods, Arcus and Brother Thistle, with the catch of helping them.  Their plans to take down the king are in line with her own goals of revenge and it is a chance of escape and thus she agrees.  Ruby is always thinking her options through, she doesn’t always make the best choice but she does put some thought into many of them which I liked.  So of her arguments with herself are ones I could see myself having. 

                She was a great vessel to tell the story from with all her swirling and conflicting emotions throughout.  From prisoner to alley to prisoner.  When trying to do the right thing means doing something wrong.  When fighting to survive means giving up a piece of your soul.  Finding reasons to keep moving forward when one thing after another is taken away from you.  What truly makes you a monster so many believe you to be?  I really liked Ruby.

                The abbey where she is taken and the brothers and sisters she meets while there show a full assortment of perspectives.  Being a fireblood she is feared by many but seeing some accept her for whom she is not what she is while showing contrast between those who dislike or fear her for what she was born versus those who fear what having an enemy of the king near them could bring down on them, I liked the variations.  Favorites were of course Brother Thistle and his kick ass self and healing Brother Gamut.  I would have liked to get to know more of the brothers and sisters and hope to go back over time.

Sequel cover is out!

                Then you have Arcus.  He is rude, abrupt, and threatening but still gentle.  He’s secretive and moody for sure but he also has this quality of something more.  I grew to like him and enjoyed getting to know more and more of him.  I wanted him to thaw to Ruby.  He also has a bit of a funny side.

                The world has lots of stories, tales of how people came into their powers gifts of the Gods.  I like the balance aspect of it as the tales were revealed.  Fire and Ice being the main focus but then discovering more about Eurus and the Minax, which were creepy as can be.  I can’t wait to see how we dive more into that in the sequel.  You have enough here for a complete story, one journey ends but there is clearly more story to tell.  This did more than bring you into the world it told a story.  I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more.  Would recommend for fans of fantasy and good vs. evil stories.

                Again don’t forget to head over and enter the giveaway!

                Until next time…

The Bane Chronicles & A Piratey Giveaway!

                Hello happy readers!  Today I have a short review for you with my thoughts on The Bane Chronicles, the bind-up of novellas featuring Magnus Bane from the Shadowhunter universe.  He is my favorite character in the world so of course I loved more with him as the main focus.  However, I also have another goodie to share today: A new GIVEAWAY!  I had meant to post this with a review of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie but my schedule isn't looking like it will give me a chance to see it anytime in the next couple of weeks and I wanted to do this so changes have been made.  Full details will be at the bottom of the post.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Magnus is my favorite so of course it got a five star rating from me.  Some of the stories were better than others for me but each one gave me more Magnus and thus more insight into him as a character.  I think I adored the later stories, the ones that have Alec in them a bit more though that may simply be because I totally adore them and to see their first interactions from a new perspective was so dang cute.  Seriously the first date one….probably my favorite. 

                Still we see more depth into Magnus as a person and where he came from.  We know he has more depth to him than we sometimes see, more than extreme fashion and sparkle but to see him in different times going through different circumstances.  To really see his immortality in such a way was nice.  Seeing how connected he is to this world we know and love, really connected and not just through our different sets of Shadowhunters we see as the main focus in The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, and now The Dark Artifices, because these groups of kids are loveable but to the whole world.  Magnus is a warlock and such a personality so it makes sense that he has interacted with everyone in his time and to really see it was very nice. 

                Plus it was lots of fun because Magnus may be powerful but even he can fall pray to some bad choices.  Seeing the fun and playful side of him and more so the side that really deeply cares for all life really made me love him all the more.  I also enjoyed seeing more of his friends and such, getting some past encounters to them and giving them more depth.  You don't have to read these to enjoy or understand the main series but much like the Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy it would give more meaning and understanding to some things.   Plus more Magnus so of course I highly recommend!  I also highly recommend the audiobook because the different narrators give something special to the different times and mischief in his life.

                 Including him becoming a pirate.  See I totally made the pirate theme work to my advantage here.  So about my giveaway.  A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of going to an event for the talented and sweet Nicole Castroman for her new release Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) which I had previously reviewed here.  She had been gracious enough to give me an early copy at ApollyCon but when I saw her schedule for events I knew I wanted to go support her and pick up a copy to do a giveaway with!  It was great fun as always and I even won a game/challenge and got my own mini pirate chest!  Score!  This giveaway is open to US only at this time.  Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Review & Giveaway~ A Crown of Wishes

                Hello happy readers!  Another day late post, sorry but I didn’t have the pictures I needed on my flash drive and wanted to wait until I got home and had them.  Since I am after all hosting a much deserved giveaway for a signed copy of the book I’m reviewing!  All the details will be at the bottom.  The book in question is A Crown of Wishes (The Star Touched Queen #2) by Roshani Chokshi.  Now this isn’t a traditional sequel more of a companion book featuring another character, the little sister of our MC in the previous book.  Now there are some spoilers to the first book in here so I would still suggest reading in order but that may be my OCD talking.  I reviewed the first book here.  I received a digital ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  4 Rubies

                First can we just take a moment to really appreciate the beautiful cover?  It is beautiful.  And so is the writing in the world full of magic.  We follow Gauri princess of Bharata and Vikram prince of Ujijain a neighboring land.  Both want to lead their people but have their own road blocks.  Gauri starts out a prisoner of Ujijain and Vikram is to kill her but he has been invited to join the Tournament of Wishes and needs a partner.  Gauri doesn’t trust magic but she has no choice as things unfold.  The competition will last a month in the mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.  The tournament is anything but easy and will push them toward all sorts of dangers and trials testing both body and mind.

                I loved the whole idea of the story.  The tournament itself was amazing full of twists and turns always keeping you and the characters on their toes.  The author has a beautiful way of describing the world that just draws you in and makes you feel like this magical place could be real.  I think this would have been an even better in an audiobook because I had no idea how to pronounce many things but could imagine them none the less but having someone read it to me would have been even better.  Roshani read a small snippet at the launce and it was so beautiful. I have a video but it won't upload here I'll try adding it to social media though :( 

                Gauri and Vikram were so much fun.  They were so different in many ways like how Gauri is a weapon she is battle tested and ready for a fight and Vikram is less prepared for a physical altercation but is sharp as a whip and cunning as they come.  They both aspire to rule their respective lands, to be better for their people and stopping at nothing to make it happen.  They have the same drive and determination even if they go about things differently.  This made them a great pair for the tournament balancing out one another.  It's this same balance and chemistry that made the romantic tensions between them sizzle from the start.  I loved how they grew to know one another and was on edge wanting something to happen between them!  Then when you add in Aasha, a vishakanya, and her sisters really gave another level to the story.  I found myself rooting for her as well. 

                The story was really beautifully written and such a joy to read.  I highly recommend both books and while I say read them in order you can read either as a stand-alone is a huge plus.  Someone will be getting a signed copy of A Crown of Wishes alone with some tattoos that the author was handing out at her signing.  So the giveaway will stay open for two weeks winner on the 24th.  This is open to the US only, sorry but international shipping is a beast!  I have some more giveaways coming up since I've had some pretty awesome signings happening so cheers and stay tuned.

        

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2)

                Hello happy readers to another Monday.  So this weekend wasn't as productive as I would have liked but it was good none the less and I was able to finish a book off my goal list to be prepared for the release of the final book tomorrow.  That's right I read The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.  I read The 5th Wave (review) pretty much the day before/day of seeing the movie opening weekend and was super stoked to dive into this one but I also knew the next book wouldn't be out for a few months and decided to hold off until closer to that time.  Though once I found out about the signing event at my favorite place, Little Shop of Stories, I knew I had to read before then so A) I wouldn't be spoiled and B) I could discuss and ask questions.  So that said I'll be getting a copy of TheLast Star signed tomorrow for one lucky reader all the details will be at the bottom of this post.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The Infinite Sea takes place where we left off in the 5th Wave.  Cassie has found her brother, and her old school crush who is now a surrogate type big brother to Sam, and his crew.  Her other boyfriend of sorts just risked everything to help and was going to blow the place up, hit the others where it hurts.  He promised he would find her again but with the explosion and all she isn't certain he made it out.  I know I was upset thinking the same thing.  The group is hold up trying to wait for Evan to keep his promise and find them but also to make another plan.  We focus this time on more POV's including Ringer, who had a large portion, and even some smaller sections from the silent Poundcake which were different.  We discover more the depths the others will sink to in order to eradicate humanity.  Many battles are fought with life and death, hope and despair, love and hate. 

                First let me say I really did enjoy this follow up and everything it had to offer.  I think for the most part it kept the pace and moved along while offering lots of action as well as psychological and emotional aspects.  There was a bit of slowness towards the beginning for me before it really kicked off but not enough that it really detracted.  I think the POV of Ringer was a bit off putting in the start.  I liked her and I enjoyed her sections for sure but I guess I was expecting to start off with Cassie again thinking her the main character of the series for me so starting with Ringer and not knowing it was her at first kind of threw me.  Ringer actually had a much larger POV than anyone else and the things she discovers and the emotion she brings into things was unique.  She comes off as a cold hard bitch but she has so much going on inside of her that to see this, having only see the outer shell before was refreshing.  With the vast majority of the population gone it is impossible to be unaffected by the world and what the others have done but her misery started before that.

                What I did really love was seeing the dynamic between all the characters.  So much of the last book was Cassie alone or her and Evan together then Ben and his unit.  To see them together and how personalities clash and people adjust is something fun.  When her brother was taken Sam was this small child who was scared and wanted his bear but now he's a soldier, a tiny one for sure, but he is more fierce than she is used to seeing him.  Also trying to explain Evan to the group is….hard.  He didn't make it easy by any means but yeah. 

                There is a lot happening as we discover more and more about the others and their plan for Earth.  It really does twist and turn and leaves you really messed up in the head by the end of it but in a good way.  There is A LOT happening.  It's hard to really explain but I did enjoy seeing it through Ringer's eyes. 

                That's all I can really share because it's an experience you have to experience for yourself.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and feels in the comments down below.  What did you think of the others plans?  Would you survive at this point?  Now for the giveaway I'm using a generic picture for the book because well I don't have the physical book in my hands yet and it won't be signed until tomorrow night ten I have a long drive home and work in the AM but I wanted to get this giveaway up and going early so as to get it to the winner that much sooner!  It is only open to the US only, sorry shipping is killer.  The giveaway will be open for 2 weeks (June 6th) so don't forget to keep getting in your entries!  Good luck!

Update: Picture of the giveaway goodies!  The book, a bag, and poster!

                Until next time… a Rafflecopter giveaway