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

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

Rating:  5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

                Until next time…

Fall of Thrones & Thorns (Threats of Sky & Sea #3)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  I know I did.  I finished two books at work, yes it was that slow and dead.  The one I’ll be discussing today is Fall of Thrones andThorns, what a tongue twister, the final book in the Threats of Sky and Sea series by Jennifer Ellision.  I previous reviewed the first two books Threats of Sky and Sea and Riot of Storm and Smoke so check those out.  This one will have spoilers for the first two books.  Duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We left off the previous book right as Bree had come clean in a very visual way, her blood spilling into the sea showing her to be the true Queen.  A secret she had kept since end of book one having previously decided to keep it to herself and let Aleta be the queen as she had always believed she was.  Very shocking reveal but having just been called liars there to trick them she didn’t have much choice.  Truth out things are not easy.  This had been built up in her mind and heart as a safe haven, a place out of reach of the King Langdon.  Things though are not that simple or that safe as her and her friends grapple with changing of identities and the understanding that Langdon will never back down until he finds a way to conquer Nereidium.  Nowhere is safe so they decide to act first instead of waiting for further attacks.  They must go back, back to the place they just fled.  To bring this to an end once and for all. 

                I was excited to be able to marathon these two audiobooks back to back and finish out the series.  There is just something great about it.  No lag time in remembering who people were or what was happening I was in it and anxious to see how it would end.

                We are at war.  We have lost many characters over the series and there is still more fighting to do.  King Langdon is evil and there is no question he must go.  Bree is caught up in her newfound acceptance of her birthright and learning about her people, as she hasn't spent her life planning for this like Aleta.  Watching as she interacted with her Aunt was beautiful, both very eager to get to know the other but also a touch apprehensive.  It has been so long and getting to know long lost family is hard.  We also took some time for Aleta, who really grew on me in the second book, to deal with this mess.  She has spent her whole life focusing on the Nereidium people and how she would fight the king to get back to them and her people only to find out she's just a commoner.  That is a harsh blow.  Oh and your friend has been holding this truth back for a while.  I'm glad the book allowed Aleta to deal with that, to see what it was doing to her and how she could recover her new identity. 

                In my last review I mentioned the little pieces of romance in the story.  Little bits that make you want more but it's not the primary focus which was so refreshing and different for me to read.  I love me some romance heavy stories don't get me wrong but this was done so beautifully.  Bree and Caden have a romance and a connection but they both clearly admit that while they care for one another and would like to see what could happen if they ever manage to find peace, they are in a WAR and worrying about romance isn't really even on the top fifty things they need to focus on.  That was great.  The other romantic side we see again just has its moments that make you want more but again both parties have more important things to worry about.  Though thinking about the "what if" moments for a few moments here and there is nice and real. 

                This is a conclusion and a final battle of the war.  We see just what King Langdon has been up to and the danger that he brings.  He has truly lost his mind.  Our group is both pulled apart and pushed together in this crazy story each finding more solid footing on who they are and what they want for themselves in this life.  The battle is on and only one can win while many will lose. 

                Fall of Thrones and Thorns was a great ending.  It really managed to encompass the entire series and what the story had been building too and wrapping everything up (be it good or bad).  Still it managed to not just be a conclusion but a whole story in itself as these characters we watched from nothing come fully into themselves and battle the odds.  I loved getting to see the dynamic of the group, all of varying personalities and motivations coming together.  This was a great conclusion to the series and I don't want to say much more or I'd give more away.  I look forward to future books/series from this author for sure.

                Until next time…

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…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1)

                “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 Alchemist of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova

Out: 1/10

From Goodreads:

                Her vengeance.  His vision.

                Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guild’s resistance fell to the Dragon King.  Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market.  There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

                Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne.  His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragon’s society for far too long.  The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

                When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse.  But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

                He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse:  A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I’m behind in her other series because RL and all the books.  Still I really enjoyed the first couple and I am in desperate need to get on it and read the rest and catch up but even behind I’m excited for the new series and starting and staying caught up this time ;)

                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.

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

                “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:

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Out: 9/6

From Goodreads:

                The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius.  Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who posses magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

                As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world.  With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

                Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless.  Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                Hello it's Sarah J. Maas and a Throne of Glass book!  I haven't finished Queen of Shadows yet, but that is strategically planned.  I was so devastated at the end of Heir of Fire then having to wait a year to find out what happens….I didn't want to devour it in one day and be left so long to wait.  So I'm slowly reading it and hoping to finish closer to the release date of this one so there is no wait.  Though I did miss judge and there are planned to be six books not five so I could possibly do this again next time….for the finale.  Just saying it's an option.  But I will say reading and stopping is so hard!      

                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!

~Waiting on Wednesday~ A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2)

                “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:

A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir

Out:  8/30

From Goodreads:

                A Torch Against the Night takes readers into the heart of the Empire as Laia and Elias fight their way north to liberate Laia’s brother from the horrors of Kauf Prison.  Hunted by Empire soldiers, manipulated by the Commandant, and haunted by their pasts, Laia and Elias must outfox their enemies and confront the treacherousness of their own hearts.

                In the city of Serra, Helene Aquilla finds herself bound to the will of the Empire’s twisted new leader, Marcus.  When her loyalty is questioned, Helene finds herself taking on a mission to prove herself—a mission that might destroy her, instead.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                Because An Ember in the Ashes (review) was AMAZING and I have been dying to know what happens after that ending since finishing it!!! I want to see what blooms between Laia and Elias as they spend more time together and how they go about saving her brother when it seems the world is against them.  Also the new leader….NOOOOO!!!  Plus I rather liked Helene in the first book and it looks like she is going to get her own story line possibly POV in this which would be interesting. 

                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!

Fire Falling (Air Awakens #2)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you had a great weekend.  I managed to get some reading done and do a few productive things as well so I'm calling it a win!  That said last week I finally finished book two in the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova, Fire Falling.  I did a read along back in November last year for Air Awakens, which I reviewed here, when Fire Falling was set to come out.  I fell in love with this book and quickly purchased the sequel.  I also started it straight away but I sort of got a bit ahead of myself and had at one point like 12 books going at once most of which were fantasy so I had to put a hold on some to manage it.  That said I continued the ones I was farthest in and having only started this one it got put on hold.  I was super excited when I got my stuff together and had the chance to dive back into Fire Falling.  So I'm thrilled to share my thoughts and feels because there are LOTS.  Spoilers for the first book, duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Sometimes when I take a break from books I lose my place in the story and have to go back and start over or at least read a few past chapters which I why I try not to have to do it.  Trying to do better.  That said, I didn't have to do that with this one.  I picked up right where my kindle left me and I knew instantly what was happening and I was right back in the story.  Maybe because I know book three, Earth's End is already out and book four, Water's Wrath is set to release soon I'm staying super amped.  How can you not with the books coming out so close to one another it's every readers dream!  Picking up where we left off Vhalla no longer has the life she once knew but is now the only Windwalker and property of the crown and being sent to the war front despite her lack of training or skill after a farce of a trial. Her goal:  Stay alive and try to maintain her humanity and not be pushed past her breaking point.

                First, I don't recommend reading the last quarter of this book in public.  It's intense throughout for sure and had plenty of moments of talking to the device in my hand moments but the end….my co-workers have persisted teasing me about my reaction each day.  I have no shame and tell them vividly where they can shove said comments and we laugh because it's all well meaning but still.  There is a LOT happening and it just hits all over the place. 

                Now for the juicy parts.  Despite magic traveling to the war zone still takes lots of time.  I liked that we were on this journey and along the way in down time it was put to use training.  It was smart and fun.  Vhalla needs help in both physical components of battle and in using her newly found magic if she hopes to survive.  I was also giddy with excitement when Larel and Fritz joined her as well because they were just so much fun and some of my favorite scenes were of the three of them.  Their comradery was on point and the connection between Vhalla and Larel that started in book one grew so beautifully here.  I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other characters a bit better like Prince Baldair and Daniel though I am a bit conflicted about them, Elecia as well.   

                Fire Falling also showed more of the divide between the regular soldiers and the legion.  The two princes and their two commands.  Also along for the journey is the Emperor who is not my favorite person.  Lots of strategy and such playing out in this one as we play politics you expect in times of war and it's always hard figuring out who you can and can't trust.  We also see more of a relationship of sorts building between Aldrik and Vhalla.  He's not the easiest person in the world to get to know both in who he acts in general always hot and cold but also the little trouble of his dad being the Emperor and again not a very nice guy.  Still seeing the back and forth on his side was hard at first until they are able to really talk, which they do.  They still have some fumbles about communication here and there but overall I have to say one of my favorite things about them is that they just say what they want/mean for the most part.  Neither is up for games.  I really enjoyed their scenes together and how no matter their station or title they were more of themselves with each other and as we see that with Vhalla and Larel and Fritz seeing the somewhat softer side to Aldrik around her is always nice. 

               There is so much happening at the end and I am dying to read the next book.  I already have it and I can read it any time but I'm a bit leery to start right away given I am reading a few books right now, and if I'm honest I'm still processing the end o the book.  Plus, can't give my co-workers any additional taunt material!  Still every time I pick up my kind I want to go to it so I doubt I'll be able to hold out long.  Maybe until book four is officially out next week so I will have that safety net of sorts.  Even though it put my poor heart through some feels or maybe because of it, I really loved this book.  I can't wait to see where the author is going but I'm going to be sticking around to find out.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.

                 Until next time…

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)

                Hello happy readers.  Another wonderful Friday!  This is my weekend off and despite the tons of things I need to accomplish to be a productive human being I don’t want to do much more than watch some shows, sleep, and read.  Hopefully, I’ll get some good reading time in because I have a million things to read and never enough time.  Today though I wanted to share my thoughts and feels on Ice Like Fire, book two in the Snow Like Ashes trilogy by Sara Raasch which I reviewed here.  There will be spoilers to the first book in this review.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We last left Meira, soldier turned queen of Winter, as she with the help of Cordell’s army freed her people from Spring and defeated their oppressor.  Or so they hope.  Because having learned things about magic no one else had learned, that she didn’t need a conduit but instead IS the conduit, destroying the Spring conduit might have created the same of Angra, though his disappearance is cause for hope that he was defeated.  Still while Winter might be free of chains from Spring she is not yet free.  Winter owes a debt to Cordell, and continues to incur debt as they start to rebuild their lost land.  Meira isn’t happy with the king of Cordell, Noam, and his constant press for more of her land than she wants to give.  He didn’t help out of the goodness of his heart, or because his son Theron cares for it’s queen, but because he wants access to their mines to try and locate the lost chasm of magic.  When the chasm found but secured sets Meira and Theron on a journey of opposing purposes and force Meira to make some tough decisions.

                We get a dual POV in this one both from Meira and Mather.  This is great because we get to see so much more of Mather and what he feels given that the last story one of his short comings in the romance department is he was too good at hiding his emotions but being in his head you see it all.  This also allowed us to see a different part of the new Winter now that Meira is the queen and expected to handle the political aspects, wheeling and dealing as it were, and Mather is down in the grit of it.  They’ve swapped roles in a way.  Also nice seeing the contrast in how she adapts to being a simple soldier to the queen and him from king to simple lord.  The dynamic was interesting to see.  Meira struggling to hold in her impulsive act first talk later kick ass self at bay and be more queenly was interesting.  She isn't used to thinking in terms of politics and her strategies had always been more of the physical kick butt kind.

                We also got a ton of new characters and traveled to different kingdoms.  We had the chance to see into Summer (not a fan), Yakim, and Ventralli as well as seeing Winter which we only saw in glimpses and at the end of the last book.  Ceridwen was a favorite new addition for sure, she is sassy and determined which I admire.  She reminded me a bit of the old Meira before she had such responsibilities edging in on her.  William in this took a bit of a turn for me, while I wasn't always his biggest fan I always respected his choices or the reasons behind them anyways.  He went a little weak to me in this and it was very sad to see, especially the relationship between him and his son. 

                Another character who lost some points for me in this one is Theron.  Now at the end of book one I was undecided on which ship I wanted to ship.  I liked Mather and their past history for sure but I had some issues with how some things were handled.  Then meeting Theron he seemed too good to be true and I genuinely liked him and was almost shipping for him after he came to rescue her.  In the end I wasn’t sold 100% on picking a ship though I swayed more towards Theron.  This book and having Mathers POV among other things swayed me to declare Team Mather!  Still Theron while I respect his hope and optimism he starts out the back irking me almost reverting on everything I loved about him before.  He's pushy and determined to have things his way and doesn't treat Meira as an equal which now technically she out ranked him.  Some things can be explained but the overall items that got to me seemed more in line with his true nature.

                The story was intriguing and while there wasn't as much action, or at least it didn't feel like there was as much, there was so much happening plot wise that it moved along nicely for me.  Trying to figure out the best options alone with Meira while making a list of characters I wouldn't mind seeing killed.  Hey they list got kind of wrong.  There's one quote which kind of sums up so much.

 

                I finished this book excited and ready to go onto the next one but sadly I have to wait.  I'm itching to get my hands on Frost Like Night ASAP because the end of this one is definitely a cliffhanger and so much new stuff has come to light and others we have yet to scratch the surface of.  I wasn't sure where this book was going to go when the last one ended on freeing Winter but it has surpassed my expectations.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and feels down below.  What guy do you think is best for Meira?  Tell me in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

Snow Like Ashes

                Happy Monday readers.  I hope you all had a good weekend.  I know I had a pretty great one for reading myself.  Last week I finally read Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch.  I’ve had it on my shelf since shortly after it came out and a friend who was in total love with it and my own interest as well and then as book two came out I was still behind and now it’s just sad book three comes out this year, in September, I think and I want to be caught up dang it!  So when the read along came up I knew I had to do it.  Then of course I was excited to share my thoughts with you!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Snow Like Ashes is a high fantasy story about a world divided.  Four kingdoms know as the seasons where they eternally stay in that season, and four kingdoms who have normal seasons but all ruled by magic in the form of a conduit held by their ruler.  Sixteen years ago the Winter was conquered, their queen murdered, conduit broken, and people enslaved by the ruthless leader of Spring.  Few escaped capture and have spent these years trying to find the pieces of their conduit hoping to put it back together and take back their home with their king, Mather who was only a baby when his kingdom fell.  Meira, also raised on stories of her native home having been like Mather, a mere child at the time it was taken, trains alongside the others and tries to find her place and how she can prove herself to her kingdom and helping it rise to power.  With a piece of the conduit's location known Meira goes in search of it and will not stop until she has done so.  The mission doesn't go as expected and Meira soon learns more than she bargained for, thrown into a world of politics and magic.  Beliefs and convictions are tested in many ways. 

                We follow Meira as she is struggling to keep the faith in this quest the only thing she's ever known.  For her and Mather, they never knew the land they are fighting for, the land he is meant to be king of, only stories from the others.  Still even with this, where some might not feel as connected, they and each and every Winterian, are fighting for their people.  There may only be a small group free but they have tons of people in slavery waiting for them to save them.  It's such a cruel idea really to know that while you try and try to fight the odds spending your life doing so, the majority of your people, people you've never met but are connected with ice in your blood (they are from a land of eternal winter after all) have lived this time in much different conditions.  It's a struggle we see throughout and I enjoyed it.  The same for duty and honor, putting aside ones own needs for the good of Winter.  Such powerful themes and they are really brought out in different aspects throughout.

                Now can I take a moment to love that Winter everything is always cold and they are miserable and suffer in hotter climates.  Basically 98% of the year they'd hate where I live as much as I do.  I do prefer the cold to the heat but I don't know if I'd survive winter 24/7 though if I was built to do so maybe.  Judging by seasons only thinking Autumn would be more my speed.  Maybe not, we didn't get to see Autumn mostly just Spring, a non-season kingdom of Cordell, and the forests and plains between.  I really liked the dynamic of how the different kingdoms work and while it did take a little bit for me to fully grasp the concept of the magic in this realm, I was okay with it because the fact is no one is sure of it.  Still while some aspects of the story were predictable I didn't mind as I enjoyed the reveal. 

                While everything in this book comes from Meria's POV we do get to see as she deals with an out of reach crush with her childhood best friend and future king, so basically impossible.  Still as you get to see some sweet moments with Mather that make you want to root for him.  But we also get to meet another leading man, Theron Prince of Cordell.  He is a bit too good to be true, attractive and strong but also on the sweet side preferring art to war.  Still both Mather and Theron have one thing in common neither wished to be future kings with the responsibility and so many choices taken from them but still they will do anything for their people.  They have many similarities to be sure but I love their interactions with Meria.  She was the real star and I enjoyed seeing this world through her eyes. 

                I had a fun time in this world and would recommend it for anyone looking for a good fantasy with a unique world.  I'm ready to continue on in the series but I'm holding off on book two for a little while but will have it read before long and hope to check out the third book close to release!  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.  Which kingdom would you like to live in?

                Until next time…

Truthwitch

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you had a fantabulous weekend.  I worked through mine but I did get some reading done and one of the books I finished, like literally just a few minutes before typing this up, is Truthwitch by Susan Dennard.  Now I read and reviewed her other trilogy Something Strange and Deadly, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, and Strange and Ever After, earlier in the year.  I had been waiting for this book since I found out about it back when I attended a Sarah J. Maas signing that her BFF Dennard surprised her at which was boss for us attending we got an extra author plus together they are a hoot.  Anywho I learned about the story and had been craving it since.  Finally I read it with the Goodreads Group Perpetual YA Bookworms and finished it yesterday or this morning as I'm a few hours behind on night shift. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                Truthwitch centers around two female witches, Threadsisters, Safiya and Iseult.  They fall on opposite ends of the spectrum in the world of class and such but they are bound and best friends.  After a mishap they end up wanted and searching for them is the Bloodwitch, Aeduan, who can track anyone anywhere after he has their sent.  Worst of all he can sent the power in the blood and that means he knows the secret Safiya has fought to keep hidden, that she is a Truthwitch.  Merik the prince and admiral of the Nubrevna and only want to help his people but finds himself a reluctant ally in the mess Safiya and Iseult are part of running from the Bloodwitch and many others.  The girls only want freedom and to escape the danger lurking for them at every corner but with the twenty year truce coming to an end war is coming and no one is safe.  

                If I'm honest after being so excited for this book I was a bit worried in the beginning because I wasn't instantly in love.  It had a lot to take in and it starts with a bang for sure but with all the unfamiliar names, places, terms and world it was a bit much to take in at fist and the shifts in POV were a bit harder.  But then as I continued and I got a handle on the names everything just started to fall into place and I started to enjoy it more and more with each page. 

                The world is still growing as we spend most of the story on the run the scenery is constantly changing which was fun and I liked the world I was seeing so far.  Still more to learn and see.  The concept for magic in the world with each person having a witchery and how different elements could focus in on different specialties was pretty bad ass and some connections were made I never would have thought of but as I read it they made perfect sense.  Plus the action there was always something happening and I felt like I was right there in the action from fights, chases, pirates, creatures, and so much more you won't be bored. 

Who doesn't love a good map in a book?

                 But I think my favorite part was the characters.  There is still much to be flushed out on some of the characters for sure but I got a good sense of who Safiya, Iseult, and Merik were.  Safiya of Safi has hidden what she is for fear of being killed or used as a pawn her whole life with her rare gift of being able to tell lie and truth, oh and she's a Domna.  Iseult is a Nomatsi, an outcast of sorts that people are fine treating none to kindly.  Safi and Iseult are Threadsisters and their connection and love for one another is great.  No matter what they have one another's backs and that's that.  They know one another perfectly and balance one another out and bring out the best in each other while accepting the flaws and the mistakes they both make.  Then with Merik we know who he is and what he wants and while his pride sometimes gets the best of him he has a good heart and that shows through in his driving force.  There are some amazing side characters as well that I hope to learn more about in depth in following stories and I feel Aeduan has much more to him and we only scratched the surface of a very deep well there. 

                Overall this was a fantastic read for me and I am super excited to continue on in the series.  Truthwitch set things up nicely for more in the series with many things open and ready for more but still managing to be a complete story in itself.  I can't wait to learn more about the Puppeteer, Cahr Awen, Cleaving, the war, and so many other little tidbits that have been dangled in front of me.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below, tell me what witchery you'd like to have.  I'm undecided  there are so many awesome ones but to control air or metal seem like top picks to me.  I mean using air you basically fly and who hasn't always wanted to fly?

                Until next time…

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo ~The conclusion of a trilogy~

                Happy Monday!  So jumping right in today with another book review.  This one will wrap up a the Grisha Trilogy.  That's right, Ruinand Rising by Leigh Bardugo.  I've been reviewing this series for the last month and the links for the first two books are found at Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm.  As this is the wrap up of the series there will be some spoilers if you haven't read the first two books.  Be warned.

Rating: 5 Stars

                I really liked this entire series. I have seen where some people lost the plot at points or had other issues throughout but for me it was a quick and enjoyable read.  I also had the benefit of reading all three back to back and didn't have to take the time to dive back into the world between books, which from experience can make some books lose a bit of love.  We left things in a bit of a precarious spot.  Alina almost died and her people are beaten down and also they are living with the creepy Apparat and the zealots who worship her as their Saint.  Still even as their Saint she has no power.  She still needs to find the last amplifier, the elusive firebird to have a hope of finally defeating the Darkling once and for all.  Oh and she still hopes everyones favorite outlaw Prince Nikolai survived the attack and got away.  She has to make new alliances and put aside her issues with some to find the amplifier.  Still as she gets closer to the bird she comes closer to understanding why she and the Darkling are connects and as she gets closer to claiming the last amplifier she understands she could save the world for everyone but lose her own future.

                Okay I will say right off the back, I did have part of it pegged from the start.  I'd had suspicions from the first book.  Things did play out differently in the way it happens but overall I was on point.  Still I enjoyed the journey.  I enjoyed the battles that took a lot out of everyone and pushed our group to their limits.  I liked getting to know more about the past and how the amplifiers came to be.  We also finally got some of the answers to things we had been waiting for since book one.  Everything came full circle. 

                Ruin and Rising kept everything going, from the action and adventure on their quest while also fighting a war to the internal conflict and drama of our main characters.  Even the romance was in there, and for me I liked the way it was there but not the most important aspect when the world is on the line.  Mal and Alina had a job to do.  We also got to have some much needed cute moments, as the book is rather dark.  Genya was one of those.  I was upset with her through most of the previous book.  I wasn't sure even reading this if I trusted her 100% given her betrayal but I loved that Alina made herself clear that she was not to be mocked still standing up for her.  Then when she had to face the king, and she stood up to him and told him that she used her body against him just as he did.  I just loved that and it cleared up any lingering doubt I had about her.  And David!  OMG I just adore that man, he is so cute.  Nik also really shows his stuff there and shows he will be a good and true leader one day.

                For me Ruin and Rising really took everything from the first two books and just rounded it all out into a great adventure.  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how broken I would feel at the end but still I couldn’t look away.  I wanted to know more.  I had to know.  Bardugo has a way of weaving everything together and making no character truly white or black but all shades of grey.  Everyone has evil inside of them, it's life.  But what you do and how you choose to live your life is another beast all together.  That really came through.  And the world of the Grisha was simply so flushed out, even the dark and evil bits that are creepy as hell, you don't want to leave it.  Though thankfully Six of Crows is out tomorrow and it apparently takes place in the same world so I'm excited to have more of the world to live in. 

                 That's all I have for this one.  I recommend anyone who enjoys a good journey/quest story, or just a high fantasy read.  Also any who started the series but might have doubted it to give it a try and see how it all wraps up.  How can you not know?  Share with me below in the comments your thoughts and feels?  Did you see the ending coming?  Were you satisfied?  What was your favorite part?    Let's discuss like the book nerds we are! 

                Until next time…

Such pretty covers!  And the all match!

Throne of Glass by the wonderful Sarah J Maas

                Hello again my fellow book lovers.  Today I’m going to share my thoughts and feels for a book I’m sure most of you have if not read heard of, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.  I have finished the series up to the newest release Queen of Shadows which came out Tuesday September 1st.  I held off on reviewing this series for a while so I could do them through the next couple weeks as I work my way through this monster of a new book.  It’s over 600 pages and while I'd love to sit and marathon it my back still isn't 100% and not sure I'll be able to sit for that long but I'm going to try!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Anyways let's talk about where this all started, Throne of Glass.  For those of you living under a rock, Throne of Glass is about Celaena Sardothien 18-year-old assassin.  Once top of her profession now pulled from a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes and put before Crown Prince Dorian.  He makes her an offer, fight for him as his champion in a competition to be the royal assassin in exchange for being free of the mines and if she wins her freedom after her service term.  Seems like a no brainer.  Celaena has to fight past her opponents all men of different skill sets from across the empire each sponsored by a member of the kings council.  She was once the best, it should be easy but a year in the salt mines have taken their toll and she must train with the captain of the guard, Chaol.  Celaena must also face court life while competing.  Dull politics and ladies of court are livened up when the prince starts to show and interest in her even if Captain Chaol seems to understand her best. If that wasn't enough to keep a girl buys contestants start to turn up dead in vicious ways, leaving her to investigate the deaths and hope that by finding the killer she can keep herself alive.  Maybe even find her destiny along the way.

                Awesome high fantasy full of action and intrigue.  Need I say more?  I will say I read about 25% of Throne of Glass then read started reading the novellas bind-up, The Assassin's Blade, alongside it, like 1 every other day or so while I continued the series since I had heard mixed things about when to read them.  The novellas are not necessary but they are the full stories of things alluded to in Throne of Glass that I knew how they would end I enjoyed reading more detail on.  So my personal suggestion is to read Throne of Glass first or start it and get a feel for Celaena before you read the novellas because while she is the same character she changes a lot and I was able to appreciate glimpses of her past better knowing her character better.

Back image (UK cover w/ white background)

                Now Celaena!  I just love her.  She is such a kick ass heroin.  She's equal bits deadly and girly.  She's a mix of stubborn, prideful, confident, determined, and still with all of that still has a fragility to her.  The cover at least I know for hardcover, has the image of our Celaena all bad ass and assassin like on them, but on the back it has the same pose and such, the back image but instead of her battle attire Celaena is decked out in a gorgeous dress looking a whole different kind of deadly.  I love this aspect because she is both parts.  She can be gritty and down to the bone no care for her appearance to take care of what needs to be done but she can also deeply appreciate a spa day and pampering one's self with the finest of beauty products and clothing.  So to have covers that fit our heroine so well was just starting off right.  She has so much to relate to, not the assassin part of course or hope not anyways, but that she struggles with many different things in her life and trying to move on and make the most of what she has. 

                One of the things that she has is some boy trouble.  You have probably already heard about the teams, Team Dorian and Team Chaol by now.  When I was reading book one I was conflicted on the matter.  Because when she does flirt and have a connection with Prince Dorian, let's not forget his title there, I also liked the banter and connection she had with his friend and Captain of the Guard Chaol.  They both seemed to like a different side of her and, like the covers, she is more than one or the other.  I found myself enjoying both sides and honestly I could have been happy if she ended up with either of them, though I admit to silently rooting for Chaol.  For me, he just seemed to get who she was a bit more.  Maas does not make it easy in any of her books when all of her male characters are just so yummy and amazing.  Why can we not make them real for us fangirls again?

I mean look at this quote!

                Now the story is about a whole lot more than some romance and sexual tension.   The meat of the story is not just characters but pushing them through the ringer with trials.  The competition was super interesting and it almost reminded me of a brutal and deadly version of the Apprentice (which I've never watched so I could be wrong) and an episode of CSI.  Watching as Celaena in the different trials and tasks was impressive and seeing the mystery unravel with each page flip was just magical.  There is literally so much to these books I couldn't even begin to scratch the surface without telling you everything blow for blow and ruining the discovering for you, but trust me it was awesome.  So much blended so well you don't realize the time passing as you immerse yourself. 

                Watching as Celaena deals with everything both physically and emotionally was such fun.  She has been through some serious stuff and she has to deal with it in her own way.  Part of that is with meeting a much needed girl friend, Nehemia.  While they might not always be on the same path they become fast friends and with everything else it was very nice to see Celaena have that small joy.  And it wouldn't be a complete review unless I mentioned Fleetfoot!  Oh I just adore that little pup, but then again who doesn't love dogs in books?

                 I highly recommend this series if you haven't started it yet.  Give it a go.  It's a high fantasy gold mine with royal intrigue and court drama, which is always fun.  Wars and rebellion, fae, magic, romance, action, adventure, mystery, basically everything you could want wrapped up with  pretty bow.  I'll be reviewing the other two books in the series the next two to three weeks and read Queen of Shadows to review it.  So stay turned.  

               That's all for today check back tomorrow for my Stacking Shelves post and find out what new goodies I've gotten in August.  Send some love in the comments below and let me know if you've read Throne of Glass or are reading it what your thoughts are.  Also if you have picked a team, which one are you

Review for Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

                Happy Friday!  The weekend is here!  Time for another review, I've been doing good in catching up with some series I wanted to read in 2014 but never had time to start many of which are already finished making them perfect for marathoning.  Today's book is one of those, Shadow and Bone, the first book in the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.  I've completed the trilogy as it stands, though I hear there is a short story or novella coming to e-book this month that focuses on one of the characters that intrigues me.  I'll be reviewing the books individually, I've gone back and forth and I like the idea of reviewing each one rather than lumping them all together and giving tons of spoilers for the first books to say anything about the last.

                This story is a fantasy world full of magic and creatures and lots of things and places I can't being to pronounce.  Oh and it has a map which are always so beautiful and fun to look at.  The nation of Ravka is torn in two by what is known as the Shadow Fold, a patch of total darkness that is crawling with monsters who devour people to step into it.  Our heroine is Alina, map maker apprentice in the regiment.  Not good at much herself she is best friends with Mal, another orphan like herself raised in the same orphanage and best friends since childhood.  She may also have a huge crush on him but then again who wouldn't.  They are set to cross the fold with their regiment, hoping to not lose too many.  However, when their ride is attacked Alina reveals a power that saves many, a power that could be the key to setting the war-ravaged country free.  She is pulled away from everything she knows and thrust into the world of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the Darkling.  She is forced to come to terms with her new powers and try to adapt to the new life she has before her and she discovers not everything in the lavish world of court is as it seems.  The whole kingdom is depending on her power to set them all free, yet she isn't sure she can be their savior. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                I didn't know much about this book going in.  I knew a bunch of people on BookTube and blogs I follow talked about it.  I heard about the Darkling, though nothing specific.  I only knew that people seemed to love this series.  I was late to the party but I bought all three last year and they sat waiting for me on my shelf. I bought several books and series before YALLfest last year hoping to get to them all before but let's be honest things never work out as you plan.  Still I missed my deadline but that only meant I could enjoy them later already waiting for me.  My friend at Bogdana The Booknerd told me about a Goodreads read along starting the book we both had talked about wanting to read.  It seemed like a good time to do it and reading only a couple chapters a day kept me on track for my other books as well.  It was hard only reading the allotted chapters.

                That was my general feel through the read along.  I always wanted to read ahead and fly through more chapters by the second day.  The first part has some world building and such, all well done and drew me in but it became hard to put down quickly as well it hits the fan pretty early on and just goes and goes from there.  I followed Alina through her journey and watched her deal with everything thrown at her from having a crush on her sexy and popular with the ladies best friend who is clueless to her feelings, to suddenly being looked at as more than an orphan in the regiment but the most important tool in ending the Shadow Fold.  Serious life upheaval.  She has her moments.  Sometimes I wanted to strangle Alina for some of her choices but all the while I could understand where she was coming from even if I didn't agree.

See the pretty map!

                Some of the other characters, Mal, The Darkling, Genya, etc. put me through the ringer with emotions and feelings.  I could never tell with them.  One minute I was convinced of one thing then a later I was completely thinking something else.  I loved that while I had some aspects pegged from the start I kept second guessing myself on some.  The characters were written that well.  Genya is such a free spirit and from the moment you first meet her you just kind of laugh reading scenes with her.  Mal, boy next door you want to hit on the head for not noticing our herorine and being an idiot at times.  The Darkling who has so much more to him and you see a side to him and think despite the fact that his name is the Darkling and your thinking he's going to be a bad guy by that alone might actually be searching for redemption.  Creepy priests and totally witches (Zoya) who act like the mean girl in school on a much higher scale and everything rounds out.  There are a lot of different characters and personalities in the first book alone. 

                With all the personalities you also get the aspect of royal court.  The good, bad, and ugly.  Politics are not a joy to be thrust into.  A new shinny toy to be played with and fought over.  The intrigue there as well, the whole system between royalty, Grisha, and common folk was well explained and done.  The overall story has a lot going for it with action, adventure, political intrigue, mystery, magic, and yes romance.  Overall I was addicted and I wanted more. 

                That's about all I can say right now without spoiling any of the good fun bits.  I thought this book was amazing full of everything you want in a good high fantasy book!  I'll share my thoughts on the rest of the series in the coming weeks so stay tuned.  Until then share your thoughts on Shadow and Bone in the comments.  What was your favorite part?  Until next time.