~Can't Wait Wednesday: Evermore (Everless #2)~

                So yesterdays Top Ten sent me down the internet rabbit hole and instead of finishing it and posting I spent hours adding tons of bookish merch to my wish list.....but it was fun even if I need to win the lotto to get it all ;)  Moving on, Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Evermore (Everless #2) by Sara Holland

Out:  12/31

From Goodreads:

                Jules Ember was raised hearing legends of the ancient magic of the wicked Alchemist and the good Sorceress.  But she has just learned the truth:  not only are the stories true, but she herself is the Alchemist, and Caro—a woman who single-handedly murdered the Queen and Jules’s first love, Roan, in cold blood—is the Sorceress.

                The whole kingdom believes that Jules is responsible for the murders, and a hefty bounty has been placed on her head.  And Caro is intent on destroying Jules, who stole her heart twelve lifetimes ago.  Jules must delve into the stories that she now recognizes are accounts of her own past.  For it is only by piecing together the mysteries of her lives that Jules will be able to save the person who has captured her own heart in this one.       

Why I’m Waiting:

                So this is the sequel to Everless which I reviewed here.  I really enjoyed it and of course with it ending as it did I have been ready to dive deeper since it ended.  I already have this sequel on pre-order and look forward to starting the audiobook shortly after it becomes available as it might be the first book I listen to in 2019!         

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

Shifters & Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2)

                Hello happy readers!  Well it has been a crazy weekend to be sure.  Three days of all day adopt-a-thon action which will leave you surprisingly sore each day and a double birthday party for my bestie ad her smallest mini-me.  That said while I sit in my comfy robe and sit on ice I am finally able to type and post my review of a recent release for you!  That book in question is Shifter and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer.  I previously reviewed the first book Wolves and Roses and the following novella Moonlight and Midtown which I highly recommend as this is a series I really enjoy and look forward to continuing on in but even more the author is one of my auto-buy authors!

Rating:  5 Stars

                Bry is about to start school, real school for the first time and it's all she has dreamed of for so long, but the dreams she has had her whole life of pyramids and papyri have turned much darker.  It should be enough to worry about with three different types of magic to work on and an inner wolf who wants to chomp on a 1/3 of your classmates but that's not enough pressure for Bry.  As the equinox approaches and those she love most seem to be in danger Bry must step away from her dream of school life and solve the mystery of her life and the attraction to the pyramids or face untold consequences for herself and the world.

                So Bry has her un-shredable outfit to help ease her modesty should she have to shift and her best friend, her mate, and her newest friend all with her in this endeavor that is school.  And the search for the fountain of course.  Things should go well.  But Knox has been looking rather unwell as of late and the nightmares Bry has and can't remember are only making things worse.  The sense of time running out and the search is kicked up into high gear.  Everyone's magic is acting a bit wonky as the equinox approaches.

                Things move quickly as we have fights of will, power, and kick butt action.  Still the characters are why we really care as much as we do.  I love Bry for sure but I think I love the best friend dynamic between Bry and Elle above most else.  They are friendship goals and remind me of some of the stuff my bestie and I would say and/or do though less magically, like make fun of people in horror movies doing the stupidest things….yep that's us.  Then you have Knox because you can't forget the sexy werewolf mate!  Speaking of mate the inner conversations Bry has with her wolf had me rolling most of the time.  Like she has a literally voice in her head trying to convince her to do things, like chowing down on your mates ex, when they pop up.  Knox and Bry the story is sweet and amazing as always, he could save me anytime!  And Alec who is basically Knox's Elle.  Their brotherly dynamic is on point and adorable.  Plus no matter how hard they try to play as friends Elle and Alec are super cute and impossible not to ship. 

                We dig deeper as we approach the conclusion to the fountain search.  Things that are translated always have multiple meanings as anyone well knows but in this care old papyri is no exception.  Mysteries are solved, truths revealed, and life templates are put to the test.  I was so excited to go on this ride for the search for the fountain and the hope to fix magic.  And maybe get a little bit of normal high school time if you're lucky!  So I can't say much else without spoiling things and that will not do.  The book flies by so pick it up and give it a go!

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Resistance (The Queen's Rising #2)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Queen’s Resistance (The Queen’s Rising #2) by Rebecca Ross

Out:  3/5/19

From Goodreads:

                At long last, Briena is a mistress of knowledge and is beginning to settle into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house.  Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to throne, she faces yet another challenge:  Proving herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns.  But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country.  And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

                Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Evariste, is adjusting to the start contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house.  During the castle’s restoration, he discovers a young boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery.  So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

                As the Lannon trial swiftly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their love aside and stay focused on the most vital task at hand—forging alliances, executing justice and ensuring that no man, woman, or child halts the queen’s coronation.  But resistance is rumbling in the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebel’s forces.  And what makes one more vulnerable than deep-seated love?

Why I’m Waiting:

                 So book one was a huge hit with me this year. One of my favorite debut books for sure.  I loved everything about it.  I was happy with it as a stand-alone but I was thrilled to hear we’d see more in this world.  And now I see we even have a new cover!  Though I admit I’m partial to book one with the blue cloak and all but this keeps the same design and as most sequels these days are changing the scheme on me I appreciate that!  But I just want more Brienna and Cartier if I’m honest!!!!!

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

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Wildcard (Warcross #2)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Wildcard (Warcross #2) by Marie Lu

Out:  9/18

From Goodreads:

                Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive.  Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo’s new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she’s always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

                Determined to put a stop to Hideo’s grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.  Someone’s put a bounty on Emika’s head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew.  But Emika soon learns that Zero isn’t all that he seems—and his protection comes at a price.

                Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?

Why I’m Waiting:

                 So I really loved Warcross (review).  The way it ended….I just need to know more.  I need to know what will happen next.  I have some theories but mostly just some wild hopes.  I honestly don’t know what to expect and that has me both anxious, nervous and excited! 

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

Legendary (Caraval #2)

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

Rating: 5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                Until next time…

               

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2)~

                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:

Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2) by Laini Taylor

Out:  10/2  

From Goodreads:

                Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old.

                She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise.

                She was wrong.

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before.  One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.

                Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice—save the woman he loves, or everyone else?—while Sarai feels more helpless than ever.  But is she?  Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths,  and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she’s capable of.

                As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel’s near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected:  Where did the gods come from, and why?  What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery?  And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed:  Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

                Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in the gorgeous sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I didn’t read Strange the Dreamer (review)when it first came out and I am so glad because having only finished it at the end of March in a read along I am already anxious for the sequel.  I mean that ending…it just about broke me.  I didn’t even remember the prologue literally said what was happening at the end but I didn’t remember I had been too caught up in the story.  So that said I need book two to be out NOW!  I need to know what is to come of Lazlo and Sarai and I need Minya to be put down. 

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

~Can't Wait Wednesday: Circle of Ashes (Wish Quartet #2)~

                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:

Circle of Ashes (Wish Quartet #2) by Elise Kova & Lynn Larsh

Out:  4/9

From Goodreads:

                Every wish has a cost but will the society be willing to pay it?

                Once a hacker-for-hire living in the shadows, Josephina “Jo” Espinosa is the newest member of a magical Society.  Their mandate?  To grant the wishes of mortals.  A simple enough task until Jo is faced with an impossible wish – and her inability to grant it might spell disaster for her entire team, if not the Society itself.

                Jo is used to high-pressure situations, but after a string of disasters, the last thing she needs is stakes of this magnitude.  Especially given that neither she nor the Society know quite what the consequences of failing to grant a wish might be.

                The only person with answers is the Society’s aloof and cryptic leader, Snow.  Yet while Jo is enigmatically drawn to the man, all their clandestine encounters leave her with only more questions about the true nature of the Society, her magic, and her own history.

                Time is running out for the Society, and an executioner will rise from among them to exact the price of failure.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I just finished book one in the read alone and I am super excited to see what happens next.  There are so many questions and I want to get to know the characters and this world of wishes better.  I love that the titles are coming out pretty close together too! 

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

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend.  Mine was a bit chaotic but good.  I finally got to watch Netflix The Punisher, which I really enjoyed and see Bad Mom's Christmas.  That said I didn't get a ton of reading done, though I did get an hour or two into my current car audiobook driving to and from my parents place so that's a win.  That said last week I reviewed To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han here and as soon as I reviewed it I started on book two P.S. I Still Love You right away and finished it that same day and as I am eager to get to book three I have to review this one first so here we go.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                When we left off Lara Jean had realized she still loved Peter and wanted to fix things.  She had written five love letters and had received word from all but one.  As she starts something real with Peter it becomes a bit more complicated as her other love and letter come into her life as Peter makes some decisions that don't sit well with Lara Jean.  We see everything for the first time through the very distinct and quirky Lara Jean.

                Now this story has me hooked.  I want to know what will happen next for Lara Jean so badly.  She is such a sweet and innocent girl who has all these dreams and ideas but is also happy in her comfort zone and afraid to really step outside of it.  This story really makes her step forward in a lot of ways.  She is forced to be bolder than she has and take charge of her life.  She is experiences many different emotions all at once and for the first time which for anyone would be confusing.  The way it is written is just so sweet and enduring that you get caught up in the whole of it and feel it all like it was happening to you.  Also can I just say how much I adore that she’s a baker because I do love that aspect of her character.  She has mentioned so many ideas that have now been added to my list to try.

                There were times when I was back and forth on what I wanted to happen.  I admit to wavering at points given the information available at the given time.  I wanted Lara Jean to find happiness and was caught up in every moment of this heartfelt story.  I enjoyed this story so much that as I lay listening to this story around 80% through I had to go and buy the third book right then.  Yep no waiting for an extra credit to be available or anything I just knew that when I finished this one I was going to want to continue ASAP.  And while things did resolve in the story enough that I had to start the next one right away I still am looking forward to starting it this week.  There is just so much going on with Lara Jean between her love life, family, and friends I am excited to see where things go for her. 

                I can’t really discuss too much about the story because you should enjoy it as it progresses but the characters were there.  I got to see more with the sisters, the always late coffee spilling neighbor, the boys, and my favorite to learn more about were the residents at the retirement community. They had such diverse backgrounds and fun stories to explore plus being at their age they are set in their ways and able to say/do whatever they want because why not.  I loved the play off of them.  I can’t wait to see how Lara Jean’s journey ends in the next book. 

                Until next time…

Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2)

                 Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I am way behind on some of my regular shows but I did get something new that I hope will work as intended and allow me to see more movies and let me start including new movie reviews in here as well.  More on that once I've tried it out.  Mostly this weekend I spent more time listening to my current audiobook to finish it, because it was hard to stop, than I did sleeping .  Today I'm going to discuss my thoughts and feels on the new release Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2) by P.C. Cast which is the amazing sequel to Moon Chosen which I reviewed here.  I did receive an advanced digital ARC from NetGalley (thank you) but as I listened to book one and enjoyed the experience I waited to listen until I could get the audiobook on release day.  So this book picks up exactly where the first one left off so spoilers for book one ahead. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                Things pick up right where we left off.  Mari and Nik and their canines are fleeing in a boat from the angry Thaddeus and his followers who murdered Nik's father and blame Mari for that and the raging fire that fell down upon the tribe and is currently burning its way through the forest.  They freed the slaved Earth Walker women and now much fight to save more people.  The time for hiding is over, Mari is a moon woman, half companion, and fully herself.  She will do whatever she can to help her clan but she will not hide who and what she is anymore and wants to make something new and better.  Nik is right there with her in creating something new and while it won't be easy and they have many difficulties to face along the way as long as they believe in one another there is always hope. 

                First and foremost I loved the characters.  Each one was different and unique and I really enjoyed the different voices they had to offer the story.  We saw things from many different sides, creating a larger whole.  The Earth Walkers, the Tribe of the Trees, and the Skin Stealers.  Each group only has a small bit of knowledge of the other never fully understanding or knowing them.  They each have made assumptions on them with that limited knowledge and never bothered to learn more.  It's hard to change ingrained ways.  Its even harder to admit your ways were wrong.  I love how related everything is.  How coming together, like Mari and Nik, and sharing different experiences and information how similar they are.

                We get to spend time with way more companions as well which I adored because come on dogs and an amazing lynx what could go wrong there?  I admit freely to growling while listening at times when something happened and it was felt by one of the animals, maybe it's the audiobook or maybe I'm strange but yep I growled.  I'm going to go with being really into the story.  Bast may be my favorite new addition.  Getting to know the lynx was fun as her personality is very different than the pups we are used to but so is her dynamic with her companion.  I can't say enough how much I enjoyed getting to see the different types of people in this world as it continues to grow.  I'm especially excited to meet the next group that should be in the next book! 

                The story and plot both keep things moving along as there is always something happening.  I was invested in the characters both good and bad and seeing what would happen and how things would meet up or relate as it continued on.  I my feelings for some shifted through the book on both sides, characters I didn't care for I started to enjoy and root for while some I did like started to lose their affection.  I love how everything is fluid as with nature and personalities when confronted with new experiences.  It's not a constant action packed extravaganza but that isn't the type of story it needed to be.  There is a lot happening behind the scenes, plotting, planning, and emotional conflict, discoveries, and more to keep the story moving along as it grows.  Plus as with everything I have read by Cast I love her humor.  She finds a way to infuse some hilarious moments throughout.  I would randomly find myself bursting out with a fit of laughter at some parts and then having to go back because I couldn't hear the next part I was too loud.   

                "Hey, I'm muddling an enormous amount of poppy tea to drug a bunch of people.  Partially to alleviate their pain and partially to shut them up."

                I really enjoyed this book.  I even enjoyed it more than the first one as I was familiar with the world and I fell right back in.  My only problem with having finished it within a week is that I don't know when the next book will come out and I am beyond excited to learn more.  As with the first book we left off right at the end of a pretty HUGE thing that had us eager to find out what would happen next.  We again leave with so much anticipation for more it's almost painful to have to sit and wait for the next installment, but wait I shall because I am hooked!  As a  side note as much as I loved the audiobook I also enjoyed following along with the end of chapter sketches in the physical/digital book too!

                Until next time…

Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope all has been going well on your end.  The weather has taken a turn, finally, to not sweating just stepping foot outside and was actually cool for a couple of days. I'm excited though the 90 to 60 sudden drop wrecked havoc on my sinuses.  I also tried a new recipe, Caramel Apple Bread which seems to be a hit!  I have been able to finish a book from my TBR I’ve had for some time, Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard.  I reviewed book one back in March of 2015 here so it had been a while but when I started the audiobook of the sequel it all came back as I listened.  It picks up where Red Queen left off so spoilers.

Rating: 5 Stars

                So it has been some time since I read Red Queen.  I dove right in.  Mare and Cal are on the run with the Red Guard but being a silver, Cal is not treated with the best care.  Mare is a red with silver abilities, the lightning girl.  She thought she was an anomaly but finds there are others like her, new bloods.  The king is dead at Cal’s hand.  His hand forced by the Queen, using her ability against him to dispute him and put her traitors son Maven on the throne.  He is not the man either of them thought him to be, just a puppet playing the part that would make them both care for him.  Now Mare must fight but the cost is high and all of the treachery and betrayal have taken their toll and changed her.

               

                The action and intrigue of this series picks up at the first page and doesn't let you down.  There is so much happening from escaping without dying and oh yeah convincing the people you're with Cal isn't just an evil silver but an ally.  I loved throughout the book there is always more than one thing happening.  The constant struggle between the reds and silvers and now new bloods, never knowing where one stands as we are constantly reminded that anyone can betray you at any time.  Oh and the political issues of being on the run as Maven takes over as king.  It's one hit after another and we just keep rolling with the momentum never slowing down.

                The pacing of the book keeps it moving along for sure.  Still there is lots of character development with all out characters.  There is no clear right and wrong anymore everything seems to be shades of grey.  Mare, everyone really but her especially, has to deal with so much.  Blaming herself.  Wanting to save people like her, save everyone and fix the world into something better.  She wasn't trained to be a leader, she never wanted to be one but despite everything people keep looking to her to lead.  Watching her struggle with all of her issues throughout the book was grounding.  There was one part in which case I was so glad I was parked when it happened because I just stared at my car display in shock.  You go through the emotional ringer with these characters that's for sure.

"If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter."

                One of my favorite parts was getting to meet all the new characters.  Some good and some bad.  I especially enjoyed our new bloods and learning all their new powers as some were so much fun to imagine.  I enjoyed the difficult position each one was in and how real everything felt.  Not everyone is saved all the time.  This is a war and they are rebels and that means they are the underdog.  Farley was by far a favorite for me, the accent the narrator did for her was spot on as well, I loved how she could be surrounded by people with special abilities and be severely out matched but still hold her own with her tricks and skills.

                There is some small pieces between Mare and Cal but given everything that has happened it is very small and sedate.  They both are struggling with Maven.  Yes he is a monster.  He has done and continues to do horrible things to people.  Still that is not the Maven they knew and loved and even knowing that their Maven was "real" is still a hard thing to reconcile with the monster that is out to get you.  I love that they both are struggling with that and their places in this new war.  They both have beliefs and hard wired instincts they have to work on with everything flipped around.  I thought the reactions to it all was rather true to the characters and I enjoyed it. 

                Overall I really enjoyed this story and am glad I don't have to wait long to start the next book and then even less time for the final book to come out.  As much as I want to dive right in given that ending…and yes that ending hurt me…I also want to be fresh for the final book to come out.  And I have a few other books I have to get to this month!  I am caught up in this story and even waiting close to 2 years between reading without any catch up I fell right back into things with no problem because the author wrote such a unique and interesting world it was transfixed in my head! 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #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:

Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller

Out:  2/27

From Goodreads:

                The capable, confident, and occasionally ruthless heroine of Daughter of the Pirate King is back in this action-packed sequel that promises rousing high seas adventures and the perfect dash of magic.

                Alosa’s mission is finally complete.  Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship.  Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he’s under her orders.  And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father’s justice.

                When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King.  Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first…after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

                In Daughter of the Siren Queen, Tricia Levenseller brings together the perfect mix of thrilling action, tense battle scenes, and a heart-pounding romance.

Why I’m Waiting:

                I LOVED the first book (review).  One of my favorite reads this year by far.  I am so ready to see what more comes out of this author and this series as I see such potential. 

                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.

Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I worked but got to get some reading time in while there so cheers.  I was able to finish up an audiobook, Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by Alwyn Hamilton the sequel to Rebel of the Sands which I reviewed recently here.  After finishing book one I was so excited to be able to dive right into book two.  While I am thrilled to have read it I am sad I now have to wait until next year for the conclusion.  Sigh.  But in the mean time I can share my thoughts on this book.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                We pick up shortly after we left off.  Amani finds herself at the center of the revolution.  She wanted to find freedom for herself and found herself fighting for the freedom of the nation from the sultan.  She has been running missing and working with the crew for a little while and many battles have been fought.  Through a series of events Amani finds herself in the Sultan’s palace.  She is a prisioner but determined to uncover any secrets she can while there.  As she spends more time in the palace she begins to see another side to their war as well as the similarities and differences between the sultan and her two princes.  What is best for Miraji and the Blue-Eyes Bandit from the desert?

                When we left off I was so excited to see what would happen next.  For the rebellion and even more for Amani and Jin since I was seriously shipping them.  But Jin is gone.  He ran away when she was injured unable to be there for it.  I was upset, understandably like Amani was.  Then when he does reappear he leaves much to be desired.  My favorite thing about this is that Amani is upset about this and doesn’t just let it drop instantly. A personal pet peeve of mine is when someone, specifically those I’m supposed to root for or ship, does something to make me upset then never has to apologize/fix things.  So to have it addressed is huge plus for me.  Now for Amani she is pretty amazing.  She has really come into her own since discovering she is a Djinn. 

                We get to find out more about the politics of the world and even more about magic.  New concepts and ideas are shown that really blow you away.  New allies are made and new enemies discovered.  I love how twisty and turny it was.  There are so many people who have different loyalties and reasons to fight on both sides the story keeps you pulled in from the start.  The connections between characters, the different relationships both platonic and romantic are gripping and get you excited for more.  Even as we are hit with emotional loses, this is war.  I was watery at times not just because of the death but because of the reaction of those they loved.  That hit you in the feels hard.  Still there is so much hope in this story and I love it for that.  I can't wait for next year to see the conclusion to the series and what becomes of Amani and all of Miraji.

                Until next time… 

Riot of Storm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a pretty awesome one attending the Laura Silverman and Becky Albertalli event and getting to see my friend and her little bean made the trip all the better.  This means I spent a little over eight hours or so in my vehicle driving this weekend so I got to squeeze in a whole new audiobook so win!  The book in question is a sequel to a title I read and review last year and was very interested in continuing on in but like most things I didn’t do it right away so I fell behind.  The book in question is Riot ofStorm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision, my review of book one Threats of Sky and Sea can be found here. Spoilers for book one ahead, duh.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                We pick up pretty much where the last one left off.  I did a double check and I read book one in April of last year which is a while.  I had been somewhat concerned I might have forgotten some things but I worried for nothing.  As soon as I started listening it all came back to me.  Bree, Aleta, and Tregle are on the run in the secret tunnels fleeing after Lady Kat had just killed Bree’s Da and in turn Bree had used her water throwing ability and killed her, just not in time to save her Da.  Not before she revealed that it is she not Aleta, who is the stolen Nereid Princess.  Now they must run and escape the kings clutches before he continues in his plans to use her and the Princess (whom he doesn’t realize are really one in the same) to try and conquer Nereid.  Caden stays behind to try and continue his work, try to influence his father from his side but he quickly realizes his father has become madder than he knew and he is no longer safe to play his heir.  He must build up his own forces and try to stop his father.

                Bree is struggling.  She just learned everything she knew about her life is not true.  Losing her Da and finding out he wasn’t really her father at all, hard to take it all in.  Oh and try handling all of that while running for your life.  You really dive into the fray here and the tension is thick from the start. I like that she is struggling with everything.  She struggles with it throughout the book and that seemed so real and raw to me that I instantly wanted to hug her several times while reading.  Then on the flip side we have Caden’s POV who also loses a father in a sense.  His father, the King, is still alive yes but he has long since changed from the father he knew and is now completely focused on conquering no matter the cost, even his own son and heir.  That is hard to accept.  He’s not just fighting against a tyrannical ruler but his own father whom he has fond memories of. 

                We learn more about the different abilities and the world with politics and alliances.  I liked diving into the magic and seeing the limits and restrictions.  No one is all powerful.  While Bree’s gift is rare and powerful she struggles with it, understanding it and how to wield it.  War is on the brink and the King holds a sinister weapon that could wipe out the world.  She isn’t sure who she is or wants to be.  Not wanting to reveal herself as the true princess but also wanting to meet and connect with any possible family she may have left in Nereidium.  Still we learn that magic skill level and training can lead to all sorts of things that not many know about.  This lead to a character I never thought I’d ever care about finding a sort of redemption in a sense.   

                Being on the move and seeing more of the world as a whole was great but I think my favorite part was getting to meet some new characters.  While I enjoyed small group I instantly liked some of our new ones.  They banter and verbally (sometimes literally) spar with the characters we know while we watch them grow and develop.  There was some romance in this as well, not a huge part of the story but still a slight presence and one in particular you just want to make happen! 

                We are on two separate journeys through most of the book and it allows the story to widen its reach.  We see Caden try to rally troops to his side as he fights with the Underground.  Old friends forced to make a choice to friendship or safety for their home and people.  War is never easy and none of the decisions are as well.  Its messy and complicated and no good easy answers, everything has a price.  This book really shows that and while I secretly wanted everything to work out for my groups and my characters to not be hurt or worse war is tough.  So my poor heart was racing as the story ramped higher and tighter.  I got a bit teary at a certain part and it just hit me so suddenly. 

                I think this was a strong follow up and it leaves you hanging that’s for sure with the ending.  Thankfully I don’t have to wait and went ahead and got the audiobook to the third and final book in the series.  I hope to finish it soon, though no trips this week so might be a bit slower depending on work.  Still I would recommend this book and series.

                Until next time…

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend and  Happy Belated Fathers day to any fathers reading.  I'm currently waiting on my filling to cool before I finish up the cupcakes to take to my dad (I had to work the whole weekend) a bit late.  First order of business for today is to announce the winner of my Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) giveaway is Sabrina!  Congrats!  And it's Monday so I have another review to share with you and today that would be Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard.  This was an anticipated release for me this year because I enjoyed the first book and the authors other series as well.  I got it when it first came out but then like so many things as of late I didn't get to it right away and it sat.  But I got the audiobook at some point as well and I was ready to dive in and give it a go.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                This is pretty much picking up where the previous book left off.  Now I admit it has been a while, since I read Truthwitch (review) about a year and a half.  That said I did forget some of the details but as the story started to play out it all came back to me.  I also read book one but was listening to this book, which I really enjoyed, but it took a little bit to figure out who was who.  The narrator was great, it was more that I had been way off on the names so I had to readjust the names in my head.  After that things got good and the book flew by. 

                In Truthwitch I loved the sisterly connection between Safi and Iseult.  I loved the other characters as well don't get me wrong but I loved their connection how they knew one another so well and balanced the other out.  I still love that, but in Windwitch our duo is separated.  Safi, our Truthwitch, is with the Empress of Marstok while Iseult is out on her own at the start.  Though she quickly finds herself in the surprising company of Aeduan, the Bloodwitch that hunted them earlier, as allies of a sort.  Seeing both Iseult and Safi working on their own but constantly thinking about the other and how they would react or get out of situations kept their connection strong and present.  While I wanted them to find one another I did enjoy seeing them on their own where they shone a bit brighter, unable to rely on the other. 

                Merik, who was a favorite last book.  He nearly died and instead is badly burned and disfigured.  People who see him think of him as the Fury, a justice seeking demigod, and as he is on a mission he rolls with it.  I understood why he was so upset and convinced about certain things, though as the story builds I loved seeing the parallel and how things were in fact different for every person.  It's a tale as old as time, one persons truth is another persons fiction.  You can't know the full story until you have all the sides not just one.  I also enjoyed getting to see things from his sisters POV.  So many different stories weaving into one another, all connected in the big scheme of things.

                This book was a bit slower and more building than book one and while I could find fault with it there I kind of enjoyed it.  I liked building up the world and the stories as a whole as we got to know more about Merik's sister and her foxes, Marstok's Empress, Hellbards, and of course Aeduan.  I felt like a lot was built up and will be important to future installments but I also enjoyed the story this book told.  Iseult really had her own journey, not just physical but she has come so far as a character.  Her connection with Aeduan is really special as well and I see I'm not the only one secretly shipping them in book one but fully opening shipping them in this one.  They both have a darkness to them but truly have a good heart.  Safi is trying to find her own ground and a way to live her life and not be imprisoned or killed because of her ability.  She has found an ally of sorts and watching her fight for her own way is empowering.  And I loved seeing the dark shadows coming into play both with Iseult and her dream visitor that cleaves and binds and just what is happening with Nubrevna court both from inside and out.  I liked how in depth this took me into the world and opened up so many more story lines.  It also have lots of different action and suspense throughout while again building up something much larger.

                I really enjoyed this book and it had plenty of twists and turns and such that have me on the edge of my seat and ready for book three.  I have some theories and such on some things but for the most part I'm just happy to be along for the ride and watch the story play out before me.

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Fireblood (Frostblood #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:

Fireblood (Frostblood #2) by Elly Blake

Out:  9/12

From Goodreads:

                In this action-packed sequel to Frostblood, the future of Ruby’s world and a court ruled by the love of her life depends on the uncovered secrets of her past.

                Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice.  But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves.  The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

                Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fireblood queen.  Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment.  But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, how can Ruby decide whom to trust?  The fate of both kingdoms is now in her hands.  

Why I’m Waiting:

                 I really enjoyed the Frostblood!  It was awesome and amazing and I wanted to know more.  I’m not loving the idea of what feels like a love-triangle type thing in this summary, more because I don’t know this Kai cat and I adore Ruby and Arcus but I’m still excited for this book.  I want to see the other side, see more of what Ruby is, more Fireblood.  Plus it comes out on my birthday!

                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.