The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1)

                Hello happy readers!  Guess what?  I finished another audiobook?  I can't believe it took me until the end of last year to really get into them because they are so awesome!  I listened to this one in one day, 90% while at work so whoohoo talk about productive.  The book in question today is The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova.  She has several other books, she's like a book writing powerhouse, and I have read the first two books in her Air Awakens series and enjoyed them just got caught up and derailed from continuing on but plan to finish those this year.  I have reviewed Air Awakens & Fire Falling.  

Rating: 5 Stars

                So this is a new story and I didn't know a ton about it going in.  I remember reading the summary back when it was first announced and wanting to read it but that's it.  Like all her books the cover is very eye catching and I liked the unearlthy feel of it with the color contrasts and such.  Plus the chick on the cover looks pretty kick butt!  So we follow Ari, of Loom who lost everything when the Dragon King came down and took control of Loom.  She has turned her gift for machinery and her unique ability to thieving and making life as hard as possible for the Dragon oppressors.  Cvareh, a Dragon, has left Nova and come down to Loom, with others seeking his head, to try and align with Loom and help his family topple the Dragon King once and for all.  When Ari sees Cvareh she sees an opportunity for valuable parts while he sees a guide to get where he needs to go.  So he offers her the only thing that could stay her hand at trying to murder him, a boon.  Now they must travel together to get to the Alchemists Guild.

                This audiobook, it was only about ten hours and some change which doesn't seem long at all and it did fly by yet Kova still managed to get so much into this book.  It dives right into the action and we are literally introduced to the story as it is unfolding around us.  Oh and not just one but two worlds full of magic, rules, politics and the like but new creatures.  Dragons, who aren't what one normally things of Dragons or the people of Loom (the name of which I can't spell because audiobook) and chimera.  These different aspects alone make this a super unique type story but then you add in all the magic and the politics of the worlds both past and present and you have yourself a thrilling story.

                Let us not forget we also have fast paced action happening.  From heists and daring escapes, to straight out battles between different groups it was full on intense.  One of the reasons it flew by so quickly was that I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.  With the action and overall story you also have all the delicious tension from two enemies being forced together where they have problems trusting the other.  This is one full book of awesome stuff.  I can't think of too many things to say about the story itself without giving so much away so I really just have to recommend you dive in and enjoy.

One of my favorite lines ever!

                Something I can touch on without giving much away is that we also get multiple POVs that jump around and really broaden the horizon and give you more depth and understanding to each of our characters.  We also see from all the different sides and while you clearly are rooting for some less than others, having the insight into them really added to the story.  I finished this book and I wanted more right away.  Thankfully the next book, The Dragons of Nova, comes out next month 7/11 so I don't have to wait long.  There is no pre-order for the audiobook yet but I am hoping to continue in this format and maybe finish in another one day listen!  Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys intricate worlds and magical systems, high fantasy and complex characters!

                Until next time…

Temptation by Casey L. Bond

                Hello everyone!  So funny enough I posted my review of Sin by Casey L. Bond about a month ago here.  I really liked it and was sad that was all there was to the story and such a quick read.  Then I saw that there was a companion sequel following Brooklyn, called Temptation.  It was perfect timing.  Also it came out today!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Temptation again follows Sin, but could be read as a stand alone in my opinion, but why would you when they're both awesome and super fast fun reads.  Anywho focusing on Brooklyn or favorite burlesque dancer.  She's a good person, even if that one tiny misdemeanor on her record says otherwise.  Still it sucks if all the cops see is that incident and not the whole currently being stalked aspect.  Creepy stalker has been leaving presents at work and even in her home, escalating for sure.  Never a good sign as anyone who has watched a single episode of any crime show can tell you.  So with her best friend Sin they skip town to try and shake the stalker.  This leads Brooklyn into the small town of Swift Rapids, VA.  In town Brooklyn finds sexy small town cop Colt Stone is everywhere and constantly bumping into her.  Stalker on her tail or no, it has been a while and Colt is meant to serve and protect.  Laying low and staying out of sight might not be so bad in this small town.

                Just like Sin this Temptation is a super-fast fun read.  I finished it in one sitting and only a few hours.  It starts off with a bang.  Right in there with this stalker being all creeptastic and making your skin crawl.  I already loved Brook from Sin but in this we get to know even more about her and what it is that makes her tick.  It made me love her all the more.  I also liked that we got more of her and Sin’s friendship and back and forth.  It feels so natural and reminds me of conversations I’d have with my own friends.  They are there for each other no matter what and I like that loyalty shining through. 

                Still as Sin went to a big city to escape into the sea of people, Brook is going the opposite route, small town hiding.  Swift Rapids, VA is a huge change for her but pleasant.  A deep rest from a normally chaotic life and just in time for her to contemplate her future.  Oh and the handsome cop who keeps showing up around her doesn’t hurt either.  He may uphold the law but he makes a girl want to break it just to get arrested by him.  Just saying, Colt is totally book boyfriend material.  And getting to see some chapters from his perspective just made him all the more enjoyable.  I really liked his conversations with Willy, okay I liked Willy in all his parts but his banter with Colt….the manther part just about had me in tears I was laughing so hard. 

                I can’t really say much more because again this is a fast read and part of the fun is experiencing it.  I really enjoyed the story and the tension playing throughout the book.  I highly recommend it to anyone. That’s all for today, share your thoughts and feels in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

As You Wish

                Trying to keep on pace with things even as real life is being stubborn, I have another review for you.  Also don’t forget to check my previous post, interview with author Sarah Negovetich and enter the giveaway that’s open until 4/29.  This post will also serve as a heads up of sorts if you live near the Atlanta, GA. area.  There is a cute book store called Little Shop of Stories; they are amazing for so many reasons, the best of which is that they usually host amazing authors there for talks and signings.  I live about 4 hours away but I’ve made the round trip drive for a few different events and have two planned for the start of May.  I’m mentioning this because, yes there is a point to my randomness sometimes, on May 12^th Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce are going to be at an event there!  I adore Maggie’s work and loved meeting her last year.  I am stoked to see her again but also to look up this new author, clearly cool in my book by association. 

 

                Turns out I had a book by Jackson Pearce.  I had bought it on sale because it looked cute but had not gotten around to reading it and as such the name didn’t click for me.  Looking up her books I saw a familiar cover and realized, “I have that.”  Then proceeded to read it.  So I’ll be discussing my thoughts on that book, AsYou Wish, with you today.

                As You Wish is a super-fast read.  I realize I can sometimes finish a book in a shift at work depending on how things are that day, grant it I do work 12 hour shifts, but this one was fast for anyone.  It doesn’t feel like the 304 pages it says it has.  I started it late in my shift thinking I wouldn’t be able to finish it but it only took a few hours, appx. 4-5 for me with work stuffs in between.  I found the whole thing captivating and engaging and I wanted to know what would happen next. 

                The basic storyline to give you a feeling for it focuses on Viola.  Her boyfriend broke up with her and she has spent her days since silently wishing to have someone love her again.  More than that she wants to feel she belongs again.  Then one day of mindless wishing she summons a young genie out of his world and into hers and he’s stuck there until she makes her three wishes. 

                Jinn is impatient to get back home to his world but he’s stuck with Viola, who is afraid she’ll wish for the wrong thing.  This forces them to spend time together.  After making her first wish she realizes that after two more wishes Jinn will disappear from her life forever.

                Doesn’t that just sound like a cute fun read?  It was!  First I’ve never read a genie book before and I like it.  I have always been caught up in the idea of the genie and being the one to grant wishes, I believe it’s all Robin Williams fault for being such an amazing Genie in Aladdin.  I just got a bit teary thinking about it now if I’m honest.  Like one of my childhood classics I still enjoy today, Viola and Jinn are special.  I respected Viola right off the back, even when she was down over a breakup.  The circumstance is worth being down over.  Plus the overall point of wanting somewhere to belong rings true to not only high school but in life.  We all want somewhere we can belong.  And Viola didn’t want to rush.  She wanted to think things through which is more than I can say for some people. 

 

                Overall the characters were interesting and though they had their moments, I overall loved them.  It was cute seeing Jinn spend more time on her world than he was used to and his freakish worry about aging by the minute.   The development between the characters grows as the story speeds along and while it was quick it wasn’t insta-love which would have detracted from it.  The whole journey through the story was really one of self-realization and to be with Viola as she discovers who she is and finds her place, even if it wasn’t what she expected, was sweet. 

                This book is not what I was expecting.  I went in expecting an average cute totally predictable book and I came out with a unique little tale witch characters I just adored.  This is my first Jackson Pearce book but I have a couple more on order now after enjoying this one so much and I can’t wait to meet her and hopefully discuss them with her in May.  I recommend this book for a super quick fun read. 

Rating: 4 Wishes

                You know the deal.  Please take a moment down below and share your thoughts.  What would you wish for if you had your own Jinn?  Also if you’re going to be at the Little Shop of Stories event let me know so we could maybe meet up, I know I’ll be meeting one book buddy there.  Enjoy.  Until next time; Keep Calm and Read On!