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

*

*

*

*

*

*

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…

Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid #5)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you all had an amazing weekend.  I am approaching the end of this series and I have enjoyed each of the books and how they build on one another.  That said here are my thoughts on book 5 of the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead:  Succubus Shadows.  I have reviewed the previous titles:  Succubus Blues, Succubus on Top, City of Demons & Succubus Dreams, Succubus Heat.

Rating:  5 Stars

                So we left off with Georgina and Seth having been together for a brief bit while boss man was MIA and her powers were gone.  It was beautiful and painful all at once because of Maddie.  He was in a relationship and they both cared for her.  Still nothing could keep them apart.  Without her powers they thought he’d be safe but they both missed the most important part…years off his life were saved but his soul was darkened by his cheating which is even worse.  Feeling guilty over everything and after Georgina pushed him back towards Maddie Seth proposed and now Georgina is in a deeper pit of hell helping plan the wedding of the man she loves and her best friend.  Oh and a new succubus in town visiting has her eyes set on Seth as well.  But with Georgina all of that is never enough as she still has her roommate who she once kind of loved before she found out he was killing fellow immortals and a mysterious force visiting her thoughts draying her into another realm. Hell might not be the worst place one can go after all.

                Okay so I took some time between book 4 and this because I had some other books I needed to finish by deadlines and I know how all-consuming this would be.  I have been so invested and so into these books it is insane.  I feel like I am running a marathon at times my heart is racing so fast as I listen worried for people’s lives and souls and love.  Oh the emotional roller coaster.  I am all over the place.  As I type this review I am downloading the final book from the cloud onto my device so I can dive right back in and see how things end.  Because Succubus Shadows was amazing.  It was everything and more.  I don’t even know how to wrap this up in a coherent way.  But here I go.

                The whole dynamic between Georgina, Seth, and Maddie broke my heart at every page.  It was so hard because Maddie is such a good person.  I wanted her to have her happiness but I also want there to be a way for Seth and Georgina to be together but with them all being friends no matter what someone will be hurt.  It sucks.  The web woven and the despair felt was intense for me while listening.  When the dreams started both real and fake it was so emotional.  I was lost in this book for sure.  I was both fascinated with some of the past lives and stories and horrified at others.  The line between very thin.

                Of course the side characters were always there and fun to watch as they continue to develop from a crush and romance advice for fellow immortals to medical issues of mortals.  Everything was very grounded and developed for me and I can’t believe I listened to 90% of it in one sitting.  I hardly remembered to drink anything.  This series is addicting to me and I love it.  The end of this book had both hard points and happy ones.  Good and bad.  I did cry at work again because I have no control over my emotions apparently but it was worth it.  This series has really captured me and I am off now to start the final book in the series and hope that all of this emotion has a happy place in the end.

               

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday~ The Emerald Sea (The Glittering Court #3)

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The EmeraldSea (The Glittering Court #3) by Richelle Mead

Out: 6/26 

From Goodreads:

                The dazzling conclusion to #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead’s The Glittering Court series.

                Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court’s hard-angled emerald.  Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks.  But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course.

Why I’m Waiting:

                Auto-buy author.  I have enjoyed this series and I know where the tale starts and where it ends but there are so many questions about what happened between points A and B that need to be answered!  Plus another series ender and I'm feeling really confident with those right now!!!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Succubus Heat(Georgina Kincaid #4)

                Hello happy readers! So today I have the next book in the first series I finished this year, Succubus Heat (Georgina Kincaid #4) by Richelle Mead.  I have reviewed the previous titles:  Succubus Blues, Succubus on Top, City of Demons & Succubus Dreams.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Georgina had let love in and while it was difficult she still opened up and fell hard for Seth despite the difficulties of their relationship he was willing to work around them.  Until he broke things off by sleeping with her best friend.  She’s been in a foul mood since the heartbreak but on the plus side she’s been kicking butt at her job.  So much so that her demon boss Jerome outsources her to frozen Vancouver to spy.  Life is hard enough when Jerome is kidnapped and with that all those under him lose their powers.  Georgina no longer has to worry about her life-sucking ability and can finally be with Seth physically with nothing stopping them….accept he’s dating her best friend Maddie.  As demons circle the prime territory on the table Georgina must find Jerome before all hell breaks lose.     

               

                This book…I went in having been told it was emotionally easier to read than the previous book that made me cry.  I felt lied to.  It was not emotionally easier.  At least not for me.  I was still not over the break up.  Or her turning to Dante.  He’s not 100% horrible in that he did help in the last book but he isn’t someone I wanted front and center for Georgina but when you’re hurt you don’t make the best choices.  Following this story at first was hard to be in Georgina’s head being stuck in such a horrible spot.  While I understood the reason he broke things off the how….I don’t know if I can forgive it.  Maddie didn’t know about them so she’s on cloud nine with her new great guy and has no idea all her gushing to her bestie is causing her pain.  I mean he picked the worst person ever to end things with her.  So yes lots of pain felt. 

                As the story progresses and she loses her ability I was so conflicted.  I was torn between wanting them to take the moment and reconnect but I was also still ticked off at him.  I also genuinely like Maddie.  I relate to her more than I’d like to admit.  So while the personal emotional upheavals kept coming I was like Georgina and tried to focus on the tangible like solving another demonic mystery to save her boss.  He may not be boss of the year but he is the demon she knows ….and likes on occasion.  I loved the spy/thriller aspect as she searched for clues.  More importantly I enjoyed the way she handled being without her shifting power.  That is something she has relied on for so long it shows just how much easier it made life..frizz! 

                Everything was moving quickly and I didn't want to pause my audiobook for even a second.  I was on a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish and the ending just blew me away.  I have some serious thoughts, hopes, and prayers for the next two books. 

                Until next time…

City of Demons & Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid #2.5 & 3)

                Hello happy readers!  So I am continuing on with my reviews for this series that I finally finished and LOVED.  This installment though is my thoughts on both the novella,City of Demons, that takes place after Succubus on Top as well as some clearly marked spoilers before diving into my thoughts on book three, Succubus Dreams.  I think the novella plays a huge part in the characters overall and how I personally reacted to the next book but it or the events in it were never mentioned again in the series so it could be skipped.  I don't discuss spoilers for book three but my thoughts on the novella needed to be discussed and have been clearly marked for spoilers. There are spoilers for the first two books though and in case you are behind I have reviewed the previous titles;  Succubus Blues, and Succubus on Top.

City of Demons (Georgina Kincaid #2.5)

Rating:  4 Stars

                So I was about 20% into book three when I started this.  I was in a spot where I couldn’t listen to anything but I could read so this seemed like the perfect fit when I found out about it.  Short and sweet this novella isn’t necessary to the development of the story but it really does set the stage for some things in book three.  It also broke my heart a bit. This novella isn’t necessary to the overall story thus far as I can tell but it really added some insight into not only the world but Georgina and Seth.

                Georgina is sent to the demonic version of jury duty to stand in for her boss.  An immortal was murdered and they are to have a tribunal where its not really about truth and justice but bribes and power plays.  Since he pulled her away from her vacation away with Seth her boss did decide to send Seth with her which may be more trouble than help as Georgina begins to think Seth is up to something.

                The trial itself was rather fun.  I loved the idea of the one bribe and what it would mean.  The whole concept was interesting for sure to see the inner workings of demon court.  Still the happy fun times I was expecting for my couple broke my heart a bit.  Some things are done and it left me rather upset at Seth, though I do acknowledge both made mistakes. In the end the court case was a win for me and the other aspect not so much as it knocked me off my happy place for my ship.

*****SPOILERS*****

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

                So the part that annoyed me with Seth was the cheating.  Not the physical.  He had the okay to do that and while it would have been hard to see it was acceptable.  But for me, given their circumstances, what he did was worse.  He emotionally cheated on her.  He can’t pull himself from his writing for her, the woman he loves for anything but he pulled himself away and engaged with Beth.  He opened up to her about things he wouldn’t tell Georgina.  He always says he doesn’t need the physical he loves her and what they have but then he goes and basically does that with someone else.  So he’s emotionally cheating on her and then makes her feel unwanted when she is trying with him sensing something is up.  He couldn’t hold to his own level of honesty and truth.  Now I give him props for not doing anything more later but it was the stuff that happened before she took the form that got me.  So that is it on my rant.  Oh and she did totally ruin their chance to finally be together though given everything it would have been hard to do.

End Spoilers

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid #3)

Rating:  5 Stars (even though it made me cry at work)

                So Georgina and Seth are making the most of their relationship and the limits it holds.  But things are never that simple and the area gets a new succubus, a newbie that seems to struggle with seducing men, and Georgina is meant to mentor.  All of this while someone/thing is giving her weird vivid dreams and sucking her energy out.  This means she has to work twice as hard and give everything else happening in her life that is not a good idea.  So in search of answers she goes to a dream interpreter who has his own dark history and dedicated to flirting with her as though she doesn’t have enough issues. 

                As mentioned above I was about 20% into this one when I read the novella before it.  I was already anxious about my ship but then after I read City of Demons I was even more anxious about things happening in this one.  Every little thing had my heart racing and hoping for good things only.  Well I freely admit this book had me in tears.  I was so caught up in the story and the heart wrenching moments and I should not have been listening at work (I was alone but had anyone come in….I looked like a mess) and I admit to having never been more tempted to spoil myself on a series.  This series has tempted me each time but I have thus far held off.  Everything is emotional in this book and it is a hard read/listen.  There are many mistakes made and of course some things were bound to come to an end but having just finished the novella and then this I was in serious need of a pick me up. 

                I really liked the dream aspect to the story and the inclusion of the angels.  I always like getting to know more of the supernaturals and see how normal they can be so mundane in many aspects. I liked getting to know a couple new characters and hear their story and how it in part parallels and so on.  The dreams themselves were intriguing and I found myself both wanting her to sleep to continue on them and also to not lose her energy.  Dante was also interesting.  His personality was different than what we normally see, plus the curiosity of learning about his past was pretty fun.  Obviously I wasn’t thrilled with where this book ended and the things that happened but even though it made me ugly cry at work I love how invested I am and how deeply I have fallen for these characters. 

                I really enjoyed this installment in the series and quickly dove into the next book.  More tears may be ahead.  I must find out.

                Until next time…             

Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid #2)

                Hello happy readers!  First things first my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu is still active until 2/2 and can be found here so check it out!  Now I have had lots of good books recently and one book/series that has absorbed so much of my attention as of late is the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead.  I have at the present just finished the final book yesterday and have all of my reviews ready to go but don't want to overwhelm with the series so I'll spread them out some for a good variety, something I didn't have the will power to do when listening!  That said here are my thoughts on Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid #2) by Richelle Mead.  Spoilers for book one, Succubus Blues (review).

Rating: 5 Stars

                So when we left off our succubus Georgina and our favorite author Seth were trying to date.  This is made slightly more complicated by the fact that they can’t do much more than cuddle and briefly kiss or she’ll drain his life force.  Small complication….oh and she has to keep sleeping with other good men as part of her job.  Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe it.  That may be her eternal job but her real day job is at the best local bookstore that she loves and her co-worker and friend, Doug, has been acting very strange.  Given her knowledge and senses she feels there is something demonic afoot and is going to use all her ability to try and figure it out.  Oh and an Incubi friend is in town on a very serious job and he has enlisted her assistance adding just another pot to the fire.

                I was so invested in this book.  I listened to book one back at the start of 2017 but I fell easily back into this as soon as the audiobook started.  The narrator did a fantastic job adding to the story.  I was really invested in this book I don’t know what it was but I was on the edge of my seat through most of it not wanting anything to happen to Georgina on her investigation or more importantly every moment with her and Seth.  I was just in love with it.  I had been trying to think of some type of loophole since the beginning on how they could work out because of all the sexy hot fun times there are in the books, none is as wanted as for her and Seth to have their time!  So as things happen that cause problems for my ship I was not thrilled but was yelling at my phone like it could make it better.  I was very into it.  My heart was racing all the time from start to end and I finished it in a day I do believe. 

“For every bad thing in life, there are more good things to tip the balance.”

                While I do consider the personal development and the relationship between Georgina and Seth a main point of the novel for me I did also enjoy still getting to see my other cast as they worked through some of the issues.  Georgina has some interesting lesser-demon friends and I adore them.  The story is full of humor, action, intrigue, and of course the sexy fun times that she has given her job is literally sex.  Her day job at the book store and watching her balance everything is on point.  I like how this series manages to capture some pretty interesting issues in different ways.  The good and evil of everyone type thing as well as social issues.  Still the writing was on point and the way the narrator hit the witty quips and such had the time flying as I listened.  I could see each of the characters each of them having their own way of speaking and personalities that made it seem so real.  I highly enjoyed this book and dove right back into the world for the next book which I will discuss soon!

                Until next time…

Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid #1)

                Hello happy readers! So one series I am devouring and plan to finish this year if not this month is the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead.  She is an auto-buy author for me and I have loved all of her work thus far so it was high time I read or rather listen to these books.  These books have caught me by surprise and really tugged on my feels so here are my thoughts on the start Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid #1).  

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So we all know Richelle Mead is an auto-buy author for me because I LOVED Vampire Academy series, Rose & Dimitri forever, and I enjoyed the spin-off Bloodlines.  For her adult books I enjoyed the Dark Swan series and finally got all of these on my shelf at a good price waiting for me to dive into them.  My hold up I think was more that when I first got them I had just finished a Lost Girl marathon and didn’t want to read them on top of that.  Lost Girl is focused on a succubus if you didn’t know.  So then at the start of 2017 I decided it was time to start this series and I had the audiobook for Succubus Blues and figured it was a great time to start.  It had also been long enough since I heard about these books the only thing I knew about the book/series was that it focused on Georgina Kincaid a succubus.  That’s it. 

                Going in blind was all kinds of fun I admit.  We follow Georgina, a succubus who isn’t in love with the job.  She can have anything or any man she wants but the problem is the men usually end up paying for it with their soul.  Kind of puts a damper on real romance.  Her day job is at a local bookstore which feeds her love of books and coffee, so from the start I loved her.  Her night job is more about feeding her needs and working for the demon underground.  When her day job puts her in close proximity to her favorite author, Seth Mortensen, who happens to be sexy as hell things get interesting.

                I really enjoyed the story.  I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed how quick it seemed to go by.  I think it took only a couple nights listening for a bit before bed and I was finished.  I know it’s the start of 2018 and I’m talking about a book I listened to at the start of the previous year, why the delay.  Well the downside is that I enjoyed listening to the story so much and hearing Georgina’s quippy one-liners and such that I think I want to listen to the rest of the series.  So it took the year to convince myself I just had to splurge on them, waiting for a sale was taking too long.  I thought it had been too long to post but I realized as I started book two that I was instantly back into this world and I did a quick skim of book one  I plan to finish this series in 2018.  I am really enjoying this dynamic between Georgina and Seth and the balance between who she is as a person vs. what she has to do to stay alive. The balance between being a good person when your job is to corrupt men’s souls to hell.  But the characters were all fun to read and it was a fresh take that was quick and entertaining.  There is action, humor, sexy times (duh she’s a succubus), character development, and a real story at play.  I am really enjoying this series by Mead, though I’m not surprised as she is an auto-buy author for me.  I’ll share my thoughts on this series as I go.

                Until next time…

~Stacking the Shelves~

                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. So this is for the last two weeks, I have been on hiatus with the holiday. 

E-Books:

City of Demons (Georgina Kincaid #2.5) by Richelle Mead

Audiobook:

Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid #2) Richelle Mead

Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid #3) Richelle Mead

Succubus Heat (Georgina Kincaid #4) Richelle Mead

Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid #5) Richelle Mead

Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid #6) Richelle Mead

                That's if for the last two weeks and believe it or not I didn’t get a single book for Christmas (yet).  Still I got lots of goodies for my house which I am beyond thankful for.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  Tomorrow I plan to announce my challenges and bookish goals for 2018 so check back by then!

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2)

               So I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas last weekend.  I was swamped with baking for the holidays with my family, friends, co-workers, and my own party (had the whole family over to see the new place while everyone was off and in town) and yeah it was insane.  I kid you not I used over 10 lbs of butter, 20 lbs of flour and so on it was intense but so worth it everyone loved them.  Not done baking yet, have a birthday party and New Years baking to work on.  I am working on my 2016 wrap-up and my goals/challenges for 2017 so look for that Friday and Saturday but until then the last WoW of 2016!

                 “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2) by Richelle Mead

Out: 4/25

From Goodreads:

                In Midnight Jewel, Richelle Mead goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the Glittering Court, delving into the dark, political underbelly of Cape Triumph through the eyes of one girl who dares to fight for her freedom.

                A refugee of war, Mira was cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where the conditions were inhospitable at best.  In a life-altering twist of fate, she is given the chance to escape once more, and she takes it, joining the Glittering Court.

                Both a school and business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World.  There, Mira finds herself subjected to persecution, not only from her fellow Glittering Court jewels, but from her suitors, as well—men she would potentially be expected to give her life to.

                By day, she goes through the motions, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity, even making a couple true friends in the process, the forthright ladies’ maid Adelaide and the ambitious laundress Tamsin.  But by night, Mira hatches a different plan entirely—one that, if exposed, could get her hanged in the highest court of Adoria.

                Midnight Jewel is the extraordinary story of a girl with few options who courageously forges a new path, finding love, passion, lifelong friendships, and maybe even a way to freedom.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                 Richelle Mead.  Auto-buy author.  Enough said.  But if you need more, I really enjoyed The Glittering Court (review) and seeing everything from Adelaide but there was a lot happening with Mira and Tamsin that we still don’t know and to see what Mira was up to in that same span of time should be rather interesting she was always sneakings off and I’ll finally get to figure out to where.

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

The Glittering Court

                Hello happy readers!  It's another fun Friday, I'm posting later than usual because, frankly I got home this morning and went straight to bed and slept like the dead lol.  Still Well rested I still wanted to share a review with you.  My original review is posted over at No BSBook Reviews here where I'm a new guest reviewer (how exciting right!) so check out the site slam packed with tons of reviews and goodies.  Anywho here are my thoughts and feels on TheGlittering Court by Richelle Mead.

Rating:  5

                I have been highly anticipating this book since I heard about it.  Richelle Mead is an auto-buy author for me.  So when I got this I was doing my happy dance and let me tell you I was not disappointed.  I just LOVED this book.  It’s completely different from anything I have read and it built so many different layers into the story I was enthralled. 

                Adelaide is a strong character for me, not so much physically as some of her other lead heroines in the past, because of her strength of will.  She is willing to give up her title and position for one of less means, still marrying a ‘good match’ rather than for love but only wishes a choice in the matter.  She takes a huge leap in leaving everything behind and facing the dangers.  Then she keeps going despite trouble and trials that arise as the story progresses.  She cares deeply for others and only wants to help those she cares about not thinking of her own needs until after.  The way she cares and sticks up for Mira and how she helps Tamsin perfect her studies down to risking even more for Cedric is what spoke to me.

                Speaking of Cedric…that man is charming. 

                I had a moment while reading this at work where a man called about an issue and somehow I had it in my mind that their name was Cedric.  Man:  (explains what he needs) Me: Okay sir, I’ll send someone over.  You name was…Cedric correct?  Man: (pause) It’s Matthew.  Me: (smacks head with palm) Of course I’m sorry."  Yep, that happened.  Clearly this man was in my head.   He’s a good man and an interesting character I adored getting to know more about. 

                The story was pretty full.  It has something for everyone, romance, adventure, action, intrigue, social hierarchy and more.  You follow from the start as Adelaide takes the position at the Glittering Court, through her year of schooling where she learns much more than she expected and though the journey to Adoria and all that transpires there from the balls and parties to the rough and tumble way of the world.  There was never a dull moment for me, always something happening either in the plot or just learning more about the characters.  Everything seemed well thought out and as I finished I could see how little things here and there had been planted throughout to make it all flow beautifully. 

                The Glittering Court is only the first book in a new series but at the end I felt completely satisfied; it reads like it could be a standalone.  This is by design.  As the other two books in the series are described, by Mead herself, as not continuous stories but each being the same story told from different POVs and their own story throughout.  This means they can be read individually or out of order each one filling in aspects that were left open.  There are some things left unanswered and so much left in the world undiscovered I am excitedly awaiting it's release so I can start the countdown for the sequel in the series.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story and think Mead fans will be thrilled about the new series.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Glittering Court

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

Out:  4/5

From Goodreads:

                Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World.  But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

                Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies capable of arranging powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World.  Adelaide naturally excels in her training and even makes a few friends:  the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira.  She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one:  the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

                When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together, they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception.  Complications soon arise—first, as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and later when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

                But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric.  An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

Why I’m Waiting:

                Ummm….it’s Richelle Mead.  Do I need another reason?  She’s an auto-buy author for me.  But if you want more then how about the subterfuge and scheming that it promises.  Life on the run, arranged marriages, traveling to a new world, romance (which I adore her romances) and scandal!  I’ve been excited for this since it was first announced and loved the chapter sampler I got with my purchase of Soundless.   Okay so I got this post ready last week to be ahead of the game and all but since then somehow I managed to get an ARC and just started it yesterday!  So far I'm loving it but still need it to be out in the world ASAP!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Soundless by Richelle Mead

                Welcome back!  First, as it is officially December and I have the thought to make a note about it, I wanted to update my NaNoWriMo progress.  I failed.  Epically.  I didn't have anything ready when I decided to participate a couple days before the start which was a red flag but still I hoped something would come.  I didn't write more than 900 words through most of the month other priorities taking precedence and such.  Then with two days left in NaNoWriMo I get inspired and spend a day writing out my thoughts and get almost 7K words.  Not the goal of 50K but still I was proud with that and as it has given me an idea to go forward I want to take it. 

                Now onto another charming review for a book I was eagerly anticipating since I knew of it's existence in the world.  Soundless by Richelle Mead.  Her stand-alone fantasy story and first thing post finishing up the Bloodlines/Vampire Academy worlds, for the time being anyways. 

Rating:  4 Stars

                Soundless takes place in a mountain village where sound does not exist.  No one has been able to hear for generations but they have adapted.  Still living up on the mountain they are unable to sustain themselves and rely on the mercy of the zipline that brings food up as they send metals down the treacherous cliffs.  Things have been getting tighter with each passing day as the food sent up lessens and villagers start to lose their sight our main character Fei and her people are in a bit of a crisis.  All looks bleak until one night Fei is woken to a noise she doesn't understand.  Hearing has returned to her and while she tries to make sense of it she can use it to try and save her people.  She sets off down the suicide climb down the mountain with an old friend with one mission to save her people.  There are many challenges along the journey including old feelings that continue to press forward even if they are forbidden. 

                I didn't know much about the story before going in.  I just knew it was a stand-alone which made me happy and nervous as it was so short.  I really enjoyed the story and the way it was told.  I was unsure how there would be much conversation given no sound but of course the characters have lived with this forever so they sign.  Duh.  They have adjusted their lives made adjustments to communicate which are pretty interesting, signing and just the everyday life and how they function without sound was interesting.  It's frightening as well to think that anyone could just startle you from behind, anything could happen without warning.  It made me realize how much I take for granted being able to hear.  The system they have set up between the classes, artists and miners, was interesting.  Documenting life as it happened seemed a more coveted and powerful position than those who worked for the metals the brought food to the village.  It's a class system many can understand and throughout history makes no sense logistically. 

                Fei is an artists.  She and her sister are provided for and living the better life, even if it meant giving up something to obtain.  All is going okay until her sister starts to lose her vision like the others throughout the village.  With so little food being sent up, if you don't do your duty you don't eat.  This is hard for Fei to face, her sister headed in such a position.  With her new found ability and after talking to her old friend Li Wei they decide to try and make it down the mountain and speak to the keeper of the line who sends them food and make a case for more.  The journey is not easy but it didn't drag.  Fei is still adapting to new sounds and understanding their meaning while Li Wei continues to get under her skin as they talk about everything from their past to the very present danger and lack of a real plan.  They uncover terrible truths along the way that leave them unsure of much and in constant danger. 

                I really enjoyed the story and it flew by for me.  I read it quickly and don't remember ever hitting a dull moment, which considering everything is told without spoken conversations I would sometimes forget that as the conversations seemed to flow naturally, and for them it would be.  Their interactions with one another warmed my heart.  I could feel my heart break for the situation they were in and caught between wanting several outcomes all at once.   The characters and the story were interesting for me and I would recommend it to anyone based on that alone. 

                Now for the things that got me a bit.  I didn't feel much of the Chinese or folklore aspects in the story.  There wasn't much of the Chinese influence through the story aside from names, nothing else that happened made me think this story was based in that world.  The folklore comes more into play towards the end, as does the fantasy part, the rest, while I enjoyed the story very much personally, didn't show some of the key aspects it promised until the end.  I was okay with this again having went in with very little information on it but if you are craving deep Chinese folklore from start to finish you might be disappointed.  That's the only thing I think people should know. 

                Overall I really enjoyed the story and was pleased with my reading.  It being a stand-alone is a bit bittersweet for me.  I was happy to see it all completed in one novel, everything is pretty much wrapped up but at the same time there was room I feel to tell more story if Mead ever chooses to do so.  I'd love to hear more on the pixiu.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below as always comments feed my blogging heart! 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Soundless by Richelle Mead

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Soundless by Richelle Mead

Out:  11/10

From Goodreads:

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining.  Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sigh, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry.  Fei's home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei's jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever…

Why I'm Waiting:

Richelle Mead.  Seriously, she's top of the Auto-Buy Author list.  Also it's a stand-alone fantasy book!  How many of those are there.  Plus it sounds amazing, steeped in Chinese folklore and this whole take on sound just seems interesting and I can't wait to see what happens.

~Top Ten Tuesday~ Auto-buy Authors!

               Hello everyone!  It’s Top Ten Tuesday time.  If you don’t know 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 andthe Bookish.

The top today is a Freebie:  Top Ten Auto-buy Authors!

Richelle Mead - So many amazing series and one of the few on this list I haven't yet had the pleasure to me (hoping to change it at YALLfest this year!) I just love the different worlds she creates and brings to life.

P.C. Cast - I got into the HoN series when I got back into reading again and just couldn't stop the humor she weaves through her story where I just suddenly snort with laughter or have to put it down because wow that was just wow I need a tissue I'm cry laughing. I also adore the way she mixes the different gods and goddesses in her series.

Maggie Stiefvater - Can we just say cover love.  I fell in love with Shiver by the cover and then knew with the way she writes that I would read anything she put out.  She is also a fascinating person who wears so many different hats but is still totally down to earth and hilarious.  

Jennifer L. Armentrout (J Lynn) - I fell in love with the Lux series and just knew I had to read more by her.  I own several of her books, though I am still making my way through them because, seriously, this woman can put out some books.  Between two names I'm constantly buying a new book of hers and trying to catch up.  But they are all so different and fun I like the game!  

Sarah J. Maas - Do I really need to explain.  I jumped on the Throne of Glass bandwagon last year and OMG is all I can say.  It's amazing and then she came out with another series and it also blew me away so whatever she does I'll read. 

Cassandra Clare - The Shadowhunter world is amazing.  I'm so glad when she started this that she knew she had many different series to tell in the same world.  Each one is fun and I just love how some of the characters overlap.   

Ink Monster - Technically it's a publisher but the authors work together and have several series that are just amazing so anything they put out I buy!  Christina Bauer & Aileen Erin They are amazing.  I am so glad I found them on NetGalley because this series I have re-read a few times.  Just the best.  

Rainbow Rowell - I own all of her books, though I've only read two thus far but they were amazing and I've heard just as many good things about the others and I'm dying to see for myself.  

Marie Lu - I marathoned the Legend series after it took me a while to start them and I just loved the whole set up and world.  They were also rather short and quick reads.  Then when she had a new series coming out I knew I had to try it as well.  Now The Rose Society is one of my most anticipated books!

Krystal Wade - I discovered her on NetGalley with her first series and I was just in love.  Cover love.  Story love.  OMG the Wilde's Fire series is just...amazing!  She's also an amazing person as well and I finally got to meet her in person at UtopYA this year, kind of the reason I found out and went lol.  She also has other books along with a creepy take on a fairy-tale retelling and another in the works!