Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

7/15/2014

Check Out: Nova by A.J. Kane

Nova: Daughters of Darkness by A.J. Kane
Release Date: May 2014
Genre: Witches, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic
Buy it: Amazon
A prophecy, a dark lord who looks way too good in black, and, well, Ireland … the perfect ingredients for a dangerous brew.

Nova and her sisters are witches. They've always known about magic and their ability to use it, but never in their wildest dreams did they imagine the role it would play in their lives. It all begins with a trip to Ireland and then some haunting dreams. Nova is torn from her sisters and then her heart is torn in two when she begins to fall for the guy no girl should ever fall for. Will she make the right choices? And when the battle rages, who will be left standing?
About the Author:
A.J. Kane resides in beautiful southern Maine where she writes Paranormal, Fantasy and Romance. She is currently working on the second book in her new adult paranormal trilogy, Daughters of Darkness; due out in 2014. Her writing is fueled by chocolate, coffee and pasta, in no particular order. She has a life goal of traveling to Ireland at least once, and possibly never leaving. Her hobbies are reading, cursing (quite frequently), singing and listening to PINK obsessively, even though she is a rock chick at heart. Some of her favorite bands are mostly unknown, like Halestorm, Prospect Hill and Our Last Night. A.J. would love to hear from you! Contact her on Twitter @ajkaneauthor www.twitter.com/ajkaneauthor or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajkaneauthor.

Teaser:
Nova turned to see her parents and Kyna standing behind Branna. “Why are you out here in this? You should be in the circle, where you’ll be safe!” she reprimanded Niamh and Craven.
“And leave you three out here to fend for yourselves? Nova, you know we can’t do that.” The incredulous look on her father’s face would have been comical if the situation weren’t so serious.
Even though Nova understood their need to see for themselves that their children were safe, she still hated the fact that they were in danger.
“We were born for this and have the powers to defend ourselves.”
“Oh, we are not defenseless, Nova.” Her mother said. Joining hands with Craven, Niamh chanted a spell, causing plumes of smoke to billow in and swirl around them; hiding them from view.
“Cool” Kyna loved it when her parents performed magic.
Her mother grinned. “See, we did manage to keep some power to ourselves.” Their parents looked at each other, happy they could show their daughters they were here to fight, not to be protected.
The archers, now in the trees, began to rain arrows down on the demon swarm. That gave Nova, her sisters and their parents a chance to break through the throng. Spotting Felken, who had been missing since the king tossed him away, Nova and her sisters went after him.
Branna shot fire blasts at a cluster of demons in their way,
“Where is he?” Kyna yelled as she dodged a scaly arm swiping at her neck. She parried and stabbed through the arm with the knife in her left hand. Sweeping her right hand up, she glided the blade of that knife across the demon’s throat. Blood, black and thick, gurgled up out of its mouth, and she watched the life drain from his cold yellow eyes. It made her sick to think of how many lives she had taken so far and how many more she had yet to take. As if she sensed the struggle within her sister, Nova gave Kyna’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“We’ll get through this, Kyna. We won’t be the same people when it’s over, but we will get through it.”
“Ah, girls, you may want to get over here.” Niamh’s voice trembled with fear. Following her mother’s line of vision, Nova felt her heart stop. This can’t be real, she thought. Even with all the crazy shit she’d seen recently, this definitely took the cake.
“What the fuck is that!” Branna yelled, her hands engulfed in flames, ready to blast the shit out of the new arrival.

1/13/2013

Blog Tour: The Cadet of Tildor Review

 

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell
★★★★★
Release Date: January 10, 2013
Publisher: Penguin Publishing
Age: YA
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Magic,
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.


There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right. Alex Lidell (www.alexlidell.com) was a finalist in the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novelist Award competition and lives in New Jersey. This is her first novel.
I love fantasy books. The only thing with the fantasy genre is I've found it hard to find books that I love every aspect of, sometimes it's too much. Alex Lidell has made the perfect fantasy adventure book. She's taken everything I look for and then some. With a similar world building to books like Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and Graceling by Kristin Cashore; Lidell has proved to me that she can run with the greats!

Renee is training to be soldier for the Crown. She's working her butt off only to be second to every boy. Until a new instructor comes, one everyone has heard of, and he teaches her how to use what she has against an enemy. She starts training with him and his group of fighters and really starts believing in herself. Renee was an exceptional character, filled with spark and life destined to continue on this path that not many girls aspire too. Her personality exuded pure loyalty to her cause and her friends. My favorite attribute of Renee's was the fact that she wasn't perfect, she didn't get it right all the time, she messed up a lot, and did not win every fight. But, she got back up and tried again. That was exceptionally done on the authors part. It gave the reader a character to relate to, look up to, and not feel overshadowed by. We could all be Renees if we set our minds to something and gave it our all. Girls need great fictional role models and Renee is one of them.

The world of Tildor lived beneath my feet while reading. Alex Lidell is a fantastic writer and storyteller, who gets much praise from me. Her conversations and words were fluid, the language of the book fit perfectly, and I enjoyed the change in POVs between Alec, Renee, and Savoy. My only complaint, and a very small one, was when the POVs changed mid-chapter. Normally they would switch off chapter to chapter but when they did so mid-event it caused a second look for me. I was never lost and Lidell did a good job making sure we knew exactly when it changed but I felt like it made more send to do whole chapters in one POV. But, maybe she has a reason for doing it the way she did.

I absolutely loved this book and its high fantasy. There is a bit of romance, but that's not what this story is about. From beginning to end Renee, while still maintaining her witty attitude, changes and grows immensely. By the end of the book she is a true fighter. Such a strong character, strong story, and wonderful premise. Kick butt heroines are my thing, girls rock and are capable of so much! Thank you to the author and AToMR for the opportunity to read and review this book. I can't wait to recommend it to everyone I know!

Tour Wide Giveaway
$20 Amazon Gift Card, PLUS a copy of THE CADET OF TILDOR with swag – US
$20 Book Depository Gift Card – International


About the Author
facebook | goodreads | website | twitter
Alex Lidell is a YA fantasy writer and author of ABNA Finalist THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013).
Although English is Alex’s primary language, it wasn’t her first.  Coming from Russia, Alex learned english in elementary school and fell in love with reading when the school librarian put Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA into her hands.  Years later, in college, it was another book that re-united Alex with russian, which she had shunned in adolescence. The Three Musketeers.*  Alex thanks both books, and the writers who created them.
Beyond writing, Alex is also a photographer, a horseback rider, and a paramedic.  The latter two go hand in hand more often than one would like.  She is trying to self-teach herself and her horse to sword-fight.
Alex would love to see THE CADET OF TILDOR in the classroom and is working on developing teacher guides for the novel.  She enjoys “e-meeting” both students and educators.



12/02/2012

Betwixt Review

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl
★★★★★
Release Date: November 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Drama, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ghosts
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Beautiful, wild-child Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.
Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?
My favorite part of this book was the mystery element. It was the, who did it and what's going to happen-that made it an incredible journey. My second favorite part of the book is Dale. I'm pretty sure I love him, nope I'm positive.

So, Melissa Pearl is just brilliant. She weaves these fantastical tales from her very vivid imagination and her books are those that trap me and keep me up late into the night. Her Time Spirit Trilogy was awesome and Betwixt was even better. It's a book that I was dying to read through and finish but dreading the end because I hated for it to be over. I can't wait for more by Melissa!

The first thing I did when I started reading this book was look up the meaning to Betwixt, I was curious. According to the glorious dictionary I learned that Betwixt means Between. Fitting and makes sense. The premise drew me into this book well that paired with the fact that Melissa wrote it; and I'm very excited to share what I thought about it.

After a family tragedy Nicole's parents, trying to cope, have given her freedom to grieve in her way and in doing so have pretty much ignored her for the past few years. Suffering from an immense amount of guilt, Nicole loses herself and her way with the wrong crowd and begins making bad choices. Nicole has become this queen B and is really not a nice girl. She's immature and out of control; and her friends could care less that something has happened to her when she disappears (which isn't as much her fault, but it's her fault they're friends in the first place). Thinking she has just run away, everyone begins living life as normal hoping she'll come home soon (and some hoping she doesn't). When Dale finds out that-that isn't the case he's the one by her side risking everything he's worked hard for, for a girl who before everything was one of the meanest people to him.

Since no one else knows she's there, Dale can only hear and not see her, Nicole grows a lot in this time. She learns how much she's hurt her parents, she reflects on the decisions she's made and it is a very important time for her development (I mean, it is most of the book). As she uncovers the events that led up to her ghostly experience, learns Dale's past, and begins to fall in love, her life takes a new lead. Life I said, hard to put down and I never wanted it to end. The entire story is very well done and thought through. It's original and heartbreaking, soul searching and raw emotions behind a beautiful cover. It's one I recommend to contemporary romance fans that may not be paranormal fans, this one may change your mind.

Throughout the book Melissa Pearl had my emotions on overdrive. She uses these complex issues and isn't afraid to make her readers feel real pain and joy with the characters. I loved this book and the relationship between Dale and Nicole was built up perfectly, not too fast and not too slow. It is first and foremost a love story. A paranormal and out of this world love story, and it works. Overall an excellent read, one can easily get lost in.

I recommend this book to fans of:
The Time Spirit Trilogy by Melissa Pearl, Ever by Jessa Russo, Hereafter by Tara Hudson, Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

8/28/2012

Defiance Review

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
★★★★☆
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins: Balzer & Bray
Age: YA
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Friendship
Format Reviewed: ARC
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
I really enjoyed this story, it kept me up at all hours of the night to finish just one more page and I woke up each morning anxious to get back into the story. I was infatuated, enthralled, and I couldn't get enough.

Defiance is an adventure, it's a dystopian-esque, it's fantasy, and it's suspense. It has a frustrating love story, a mysterious premise, and characters that I would follow if given the choice. The slight political turn the book takes was enough to make me hooked and dying to read the next installment.
"I am a weapon, now. I embrace my rage." -Rachel
I did find Rachel's character to have a few screws loose. She seriously lost it a few times, even when losing it was warranted, she was still kind of scary and insane. She was raised to take care of herself in a world where women are inferior and must always be accompanied by men outside of their homes. The men in the story are shocked to find that Rachel can wield a weapon and they often underestimate her. But, she lets her emotions override her sensible side and was frequently left with regret and questions. She's a great character and a strong person, but she isn't my favorite female lead.
"One day soon the commander will realize just how strong he's made me." -Rachel
Logan is a conflicted and thoughtful character. Left with this massive responsibility and thoughts running wild in his mind about right and wrong he faces his obstacles analytically. Throughout the book he contemplates Best and Worst case scenarios in his head. I love that the POV switches from chapter to chapter, C.J. creates flawless transition from one mind to the next.
"I brush my lips against her ear and whisper promises I'll die to keep."- Logan
The world that C.J. Redwine builds in Defiance is a grueling and dark place where monsters live and terrorize the citizens. The desperate people of Baalboden look to a leader that is just as dark and menacing. He rules through fear and punishes those who stand up to him. He is ruthless and cruel and makes an excellent villain. The book does have a fantasy element and kept me hooked on the story and the multiple possible outcomes.

Defiance is a great action packed read. It's hard to put down and easy to get lost in. C.J. Redwine does a miraculous job trapping the reader into her story that moves at a constant speed. I felt like it had a likeness to Marissa Meyer's Cinder, just the city set up felt familiar and I think fans of Cinder will enjoy this book! I also believe this is a book that will have a large following and fan base, I know I'm a fan!!

7/11/2012

Blog Tour: Pack of Lies Review and Giveaway

Pack of Lies (Red Ridge Pack #1) by Staci Weber and Sara Dailey
★★★★☆
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Age: YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Fantasy, Shapeshifters
Format: ebook
Source: Innovative Online Book Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago. Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate.
Pack of Lies is probably one of my new werewolf series and I'm dying for the next installment, I wasn't ready for the book to end! I go into every book hoping I will enjoy it and wishing I will love it, and I will say that Pack of Lies took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed this well written tale of discovering your life may be a little more complicated than you thought (and when you're a teenager that usually seems impossible). If you enjoyed Andrea Cremer's Nightshade, Shannon Delany's 13 to Life, and or Sophie Jordan's Firelight and really any shapeshifter or paranormal romance then definitely check out this one!

Alli has been shunned at school, constantly in the middle of every fight, with no friends to turn to she's in danger of being expelled. She's a tough girl who can take care of herself, but then a shocking revelation and huge move are thrown into her lap, I kept thinking to myself, "what would I do?" I know that I never would have taken these changes as well as Alli does. She's what I would call a survivor, she endures, fights back, and lives to tell about it. I love strong female characters and she is definitely one of the toughest I've encountered (which is saying something). Sara and Staci do a remarkable job making their characters stand out in my mind while also making them normal, like someone you could know in real life. My favorite character would be Aiden, Alli's older brother, but I have a lot of close seconds. He's just a great brother and guy, minus the one scene (you know) but he did apologize. The evil queen B Kendall would definitely be my least favorite, she is just down right nasty and easy to hate, which I'm sure was the point ;) I love these characters and would definitely say I'm hooked, which isn't that the purpose of a book 1, I'm coming back and I can't wait for book 2 of the Red Ridge Pack series.

The romance of this book is quite swoon worthy, as is Cade, our resident hottie (even if he did completely irk me sometimes with his wishy-washy-ness). The relationship between Cade and Alli happens extremely fast, but there are well explained reasons behind that and I definitely wouldn't call it Insta-Love. They make a pretty cute couple and they fight to stay together which just adds to the large (and I mean large) amount of drama and suspense thrown into this fantastic paranormal read.

These authors have a way of drawing out every one of the readers emotions and sometimes all on one page. Sara and Staci throw in quite a few dramatic twists throughout the story, some were easy to guess and some are still shocking to me. I really adored this book and can't wait for others to read it as well. One aspect that I love is the switch in narrators chapter to chapter. Mainly we follow Alli's story but it does alternate between Alli, Cade, and Kendall (thank goodness her chapters are short, haha) but really it makes for one well rounded story and it's easy to navigate.


About the Authors 
Facebook | Website

Both Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are avid readers, English teachers, friends, wives, and soccer moms. They have been teaching together for the past eight years, and writing together for four. Pack of Lies is the second young adult novel for this duo.
Follow on Twitter: @SRDailey80 and @WeberStaci 




Giveaway
I also have the privilege of hosting an international ebook giveaway!
Must be 13 years or older to enter.
Good luck!

5/21/2012

The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry Review

The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry
★★★☆☆
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Abrams: Amulet Books
Age: YA
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Adventure
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.
A young adult steampunk western fantasy highlighting some primitive and racist behavior and amongst it all, a heroine to be proud of, one who stands up for herself. This book has its fair share of endless adventure and mystery folded in its richly written pages.

The Peculiars caught my eye as being unique when I saw it on netgalley, unique for me is always a pick, as original stories are fun to read. This book, much like other steampunky tales, features a slew of technical advances and inventions, the details are nothing short of fabulous. The characters however were hard for me to relate to and enjoy. Lena Mattacascar, our main character, while lively and brave didn't keep me interested in her story as much as I would've liked.

Lena is our adventurer, a young woman in search of truth and a bit of excitement on the way. When her belongings are stolen on a train ride and she meets a curious man named Jimson on her travels her life takes an unexpected turn and she follows her need for experience deeper than she thought possible. Lena winds up working for a strange and mysterious man, Mr. Beasley, who collects amazing books and just may be collecting something other than priceless literature. Harboring her own secrets she is determined to find truth around her and aid in a countrywide fight against peculiars.

As the story takes flight, literally, it picks up pace and begins unraveling facts at full speed. If the entire novel moved as the ending did I feel like i would have enjoyed it more. While its a fascinating read, it was hard for me to keep picking it up to finish. I do recommend it, as it's one of those books I think a lot of people will love. I absolutely adore the cover!

5/13/2012

Lightbringer Review and Giveaway

Lightbringer by K.D. McEntire
★★★★☆
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: Prometheus Books, Pyr
Age: YA
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Death, Paranormal Romance, Afterlife, Urban Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher for review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Wendy has the ability to see souls that have not moved on—but she does not seek them out. They seek her. They yearn for her . . . or what she can do for them. Without Wendy’s powers, the Lost, the souls that have died unnaturally young, are doomed to wander in the never forever, and Wendy knows she is the only one who can set them free by sending them into the light. Each soul costs Wendy, delivering too many souls would be deadly, and yet she is driven to patrol, dropping everyone in her life but her best friend, Eddie—who wants to be more than friends—until she meets Piotr. Piotr, the first Rider and guardian of the Lost, whose memory of his decades in the never, a world that the living never see, has faded away. With his old-fashioned charms, and haunted kindness, he understands Wendy in ways no one living ever could, yet Wendy is hiding that she can do more than exist in the never. Wendy is falling for a boy who she may have to send into the light. But there are darker forces looking for the Lost. Trying to regain the youth and power that the Lost possess, the dark ones feed on the Lost and only Wendy and Piotr can save them—but at what cost? Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/romance set in a world a breath away from our own. Similar in tone to Tithe and Unleashed, Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror as Wendy discovers herself and the darkest parts of the afterlife.
Lightbringer is one of those books that has a fantastic and original plot filled with great imagery and phenomenal world building. The setting that K.D. McEntire creates is filled with elements and characters that I think anyone could enjoy. The main character, Wendy, is truly a fighter. Overall this book is amazing, one I recommend!

Wendy spends her nights reaping ghosts and shades and leading them into the light. On top of that, her mother is in a coma and her father is never around. Left to take on the responsibilities at home in addition to her duties passed on from her mother, her life is pretty busy. She's an all around amazing character. And, bonus, she kicks major butt. Her sarcastic attitude makes the book enjoyable and fun to read, even with the dark nature of the story.

My favorite character is Eddie, Wendy's best friend, he's sweet and really cares about her. They have been through a lot together. Then there are Wendy's younger brother and sister, Michelle and Jon, freshman twins. The sibling relationship that K.D. shows is one that anyone with a brother or sister can relate to.

Wendy's reapings bring her into the Never. The Never is where she meets Piotr, for the second time. It's the place where souls go once a person has died, it's a limbo of sorts. Piotr is a Rider protecting the Lost children from the Walkers (a dark breed of ghost destroying the Lost). He's also Russian, way cool, reminded me of Pietr from Shannon Delany's 13 to Life series! It's an ever changing landscape and K.D. does an amazing job describing this fascinating world and not making it too complicated, as fantasy and science fiction can sometimes be.

It's a well written and very original story about love, loss, and growing up! It's an emotional ride and a journey that was well worth the ups and downs. The ending was great and definitely builds for a series. I'm looking forward to the next book featuring Wendy, Reaper, out in August! And, I also can't wait for more from this wonderful author!

GIVEAWAY
The lovely publisher sent me a hardcover copy to review and now I'd like to pass that copy onto someone new!
Must be 13 or older to enter.
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4/21/2012

Grave Mercy Review and Giveaway

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.L. LaFevers
★★★★☆
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Age: YA
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Assassins, Romance, Mystery, War
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Publisher
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
I was really excited to receive this one from the publisher, really excited (I'm pretty sure I screamed when I opened the mailbox). When I began reading it I found the story intriguing and the style diverse and new for me, but I had a hard time giving it my full attention. About a quarter way through the book I started to fly through pages. When the story gets going it is a remarkable and captivating read with a lively assassin to root for and villains to be discovered. Robin writes a fantastic historical fiction for readers of any genre and mixes in the perfect amount of fantasy and magic. My advice? Check it out for sure!

I haven't read any other books by Robin LaFevers, but I can't wait to start. I'm also anxious for the second book in this series, Dark Triumph, I'm sure it will be an epic follow up.
“Surely He does not give us hearts so we may spend our lives ignoring them.”
Ismae is a resilient character full of fire and a need for revenge. In the beginning of the story she is young and frail, unable to protect herself against the demons of her world. Her future is shaped when she is brought to the convent of death and trained to do his dirty work. Asking no questions she begins a new life killing traitors bearing marques by her god, Mortain. But, as she rises in her stance and unwillingly falls in love she begins to question all that she has been taught. The author's use of historical politics and days at court created a well rounded adventure story that I had a hard time being away from.

Ismae's story is one of death, love, mystery, challenge, vengeance, and above all trust. I am very impressed with the amount of personality and individuality the author is able to portray in her characters over the length of this novel. One of my favorites is Beast, you have to read it to see why.

Overall this book is a magical addition to any bookshelf and one I really recommend. I am impressed and awed at the fresh story implemented through smooth flowing language. It's a great read, not only for YA but anyone.
“When one consorts with assassins, one must expect to dance along the edge of a knife once or twice.”
Also check out...
            

Giveaway
As usual with most physical review copies I receive I am passing this one along to a new reader. 
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4/12/2012

Blog Tour: Friendly Fire Review


Friendly Fire (Thin Air #2) by Lynn Seresin
Age: YA
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Drama, Romance
Format: Ebook
Source: These Paper Worlds Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon
Though their love remains strong, the pressure of constant danger has taken its toll on Alice and Daniel’s relationship. Paralda’s assassins continue their murder spree in New York City, targeting girls who resemble Alice in an effort to fulfill the air king’s deadly directive. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, the couple must also fiercely guard the secret of Alice’s emergent powers and true identity from everyone--including their closest friends--to protect her safety.

Enter Ash and Terrance: two former elementals, each with their own set of reasons for transmuting to the human plane. For Ash, the material realm represents freedom and the possibility of fulfilling a forbidden wish. Terrance has only one aim in the mortal world: to win Alice’s heart. And it seems he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
When I read Lynn's novel Thin Air, the first book in this series, I was mesmerized by Lynn's poetic language and I was very glad to see more of it in Friendly Fire. See my Thin Air review here and since this book is a sequel, I recommend reading book 1 first!

Alice and Daniel's relationship has become rocky with the ever present threat that looms over her, and they find themselves facing more danger to stay together. This book made me dislike Daniel, a lot. I found myself no longer rooting for them and their relationship (but not rooting for the other leg of this love triangle either). Daniel became an overbearing jerk, trying to control not only Alice's appearance but her as well. I loved him in the first book, but was very disappointed with his change in overall character. I'm sure there's reason to his madness, and it is explained, but I just don't see why she puts up with it.

I've enjoyed following these characters in their growth and getting reintroduced to their friends, especially Dante, and meeting Ash was interesting and heart breaking. I didn't know which direction Lynn planned on taking Ash's character, that was definitely a mystery.

The overall feel of this book is rather depressing, focusing on more and more drama as the pages unfold.

The ending of Friendly Fire was a pure shock to me, I'm still not completely over it. I enjoyed reading more of Alice's story and can't wait to see where Lynn takes the next installment. This book was a fast read for me, but I felt it lacking a little of the surprise element (no pun intended) that I found in book 1, being a second book it is much more than a filler book with quite a bit happening throughout the pages!


Grand Prize Giveaway
Lynn is giving away this gorgeous necklace to one lucky winner. 
To enter, comment on the blog tour stops (found here). 
Make sure to mention that your comment is an entry for the prize! 
Open to US/Canada only.

Make sure to check out the next blog tour stop tomorrow 
April 13th at The Fairytale Nerd

4/09/2012

Pure Blood by Melissa Pearl Review and Giveaway


★★★★★
Release Date: February 2012
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Time Travel, Love, Fantasy
Format: e-book
Source: Author
It is only a matter of time before Gemma's parents find out she traveled through time to bring Harrison back into existence. The fear of being found out is a heavy weight on her shoulders, but she refuses to give up on everything she's fought for. Harrison is worth the risk.

The couple draws closer together as they battle opposing forces from all sides. They stay strong until Gemma's parents welcome an exchange student into their home. Simeon, a gorgeous Californian, is as smooth as coffee and, supposedly, a fellow time spirit. Gemma's parents expect her to take him everywhere and, of course, fall in love with him. After all, he is the boy they have chosen for her.

No longer able to sneak off alone, Gemma must watch every step as she waits for the inevitable nightmare to catch up to her. Her parents ultimate goal is to get that last necklace and open the box hidden in their safe. If they do, Gemma knows her entire world will unravel.

As the danger mounts, Gemma must decide if she has the courage to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones she loves and stop to her parents' destructive plans.
Wow! Melissa Pearl is a mad genius, a master at her craft, and this remarkable author has successfully left me with my jaw on the ground. Oh the twists and turns and suspenseful journey that she has led her readers on. Pure Blood is one of the most thought provoking, emotional, and epic stories I've ever had the chance to experience. The shock that I am still in from the last few events of the book have left me awestruck. I'm at a loss for how to express how much The Time Spirit Books have meant to me and how sad I am to see this trilogy end (maybe I'm lucky and she will turn it into more than a trilogy). I know you're reading this Melissa, what do you say?

Ok, I'm done gushing, not really.

In all seriousness I think Pure Blood is the best ending for the series, it was perfect, more than perfect even. The events that lead up to the conclusion left only one possible ending, as heart wrenching as it was to read (I'm sure it was hard to write as well) it was beautifully done.

As this is a book 3 in the Time Spirit books I HIGHLY recommend reading Golden Blood and Black Blood first. It's not a series that can be read out of order, the build up to this book will be completely lost on anyone who doesn't experience the story in order.

The mounting suspense that has been featured throughout books 1 and 2 is met with closure in Pure Blood. We finally learn the events from Gemma's past and how she came to be with her family. The reader is faced with shocking truths and a hard to digest ending that still has me reeling. Melissa writes stories to be absorbed in, I am mesmerized when I read her prose and it makes it very hard to put her books down (which may be why I didn't until they were done).

I love the relationship of Gemma and Harrison, they are young but mature, independent and involved. It's fun to think back to where the series, and their relationship, started and where they have all ended up. My favorite line of the book comes from a conversation between Gabe and Harrison, "It takes a special kind of man to care for a strong woman. She needs you more than you know." And, I just love that. Gemma is strong, but in so many ways I see her as equally weak. She needs Harrison more than anything, I think he keeps her grounded.

Gabe is probably my favorite character in the books. He is vulnerable yet indestructible. I love when parents have positive roles in YA books, I think it's really important. Gemma and Gabe's relationship is a great one, and the relationship between Gabe and Harrison is wonderful as well.

I won't say anything else as to not give anything more away. Besides, if you've read Golden Blood and Black Blood chances are this one is already in your hands. :)

Thank you to Melissa for this amazing opportunity to read this fun and fascinating series of yours!

Giveaway Time
To spread the Pure Blood love and hosted by Miss Melissa, I am delighted to giveaway an ebook copy of Pure Blood to one random winner. 
Be sure to enter to win book 2, Black Blood, as well!!


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And if you haven't already checked them out. Make sure to read my reviews of the whole series!
   


4/08/2012

Black Blood by Melissa Pearl Review and Giveaway

Black Blood (Time Spirit #2) by Melissa Pearl
★★★★★
Release Date: December 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Time Travel, Love
Format: e-book
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Gemma's parents have put enough rules around her relationship with Harrison that she feels like she's living on parole. But she wins one battle—a summer job working for Harrison's step-father. It is the perfect chance to spend the steamy, hot Florida days with her boyfriend. It's also a great distraction from the cellphone hiding in her underwear drawer—her only contact with Gabe, the mystery man who's stalking her.

When she confronts Gabe, he tells her that her parents are not who she thinks they are, and Harrison has the gall to believe him. Surrounded by conflict, Gemma doesn't know what to believe, and it takes a trip back in time for her to glimpse the sickening truth.

Thanks to her parents, she returns to the present to find the love of her life no longer exists. His family line was broken and now, so is she.

This betrayal forces her to seek out Gabe. Setting aside her fear of the truth, she must trust this man and learn what he can teach her... otherwise, she'll never get her boyfriend back.
Like most reviewers, I've found sequels to be the hardest books to review. It's difficult to explain why someone should read the second book in a series (or third), if they haven't read book one (especially when I may be giving aspects of book one away). And it's hard to say what I enjoyed about it, if the reader hasn't checked out the predecessor. Therefore, as I say with each of my sequel reviews read book one, Golden Blood, before reading this review or book.

And note, I HIGHLY recommend this series!!

At the end of Golden Blood Gemma was approached by a stranger, Gabe; and in Black Blood we learn just who he is and want he wants. And, truthfully I was taken by surprise with the change in events. But, so excited for the twist in plot (which Melissa does beautifully). With Gabe's confessions comes a whirlwind of drama for Gemma and her instinct is, like most, to not believe him. But, when her world is shattered he's the only one she knows to turn to.

Gemma is strong and capable, and an amazing female lead. I absolutely adore her, and the way she stands up for herself and goes after what she wants. In Black Blood Gemma and Harrison have the chance to let their relationship grow, but they are still bound by Gemma's parents' strict rules. Rules that, understandably, seem barbaric to the young couple. I began to really not like her parents in this book, for reasons that become obvious to any reader.

When Penelope and Alistair alter the life of their daughter and attempt to prove once and for all that they have the most control in their family I cried, really cried, in utter disbelief. Their lack of love and compassion is heartbreaking. But, Gemma does everything in her power to fight back, and finally seeks out Gabe. The relationship they create is fun to watch grow.

Once again Melissa has dazzled me with her ability to create and mold this world that her characters live in using only words, and make it feel so real. I became lost in her writing, their emotions became my emotions, and with each book this story gets better and better. The build up to book 3 is phenomenal and I know others, like myself, will not stop at book 1. The adventure that began in Golden Blood continues to burn bright throughout this second installment and this is one series I have to see through to the end.

Black Blood definitely doesn't suffer from second book syndrome, in fact, I may be so bold as to say I enjoyed it more than the first, but I did love the first. If you've read Golden Blood you must continue with the story, it's one of the best!

e-book Giveaway
Thanks to Melissa Pearl I am very excited to offer a giveaway for an ebook copy of Black Blood! 
Check back soon for my review of Pure Blood and a giveaway of that one as well!


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4/03/2012

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe Review

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe
★★★★☆
Release Date: April 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Format: e-book
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day!

High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game all on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a popular pretty boy who's never had to face a day looking anything but perfect.

All Cameron wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a mysterious young woman, however, he realizes his only hope for survival might be with the one person who started his condition in the first place...
I'm starting to really love reading books from the male perspective, this one was so much fun; in a John Green meets Alex Flinn kind of way. Brian Rowe creates a character, Cameron, that is so easy to hate. He's egotistical and kind of a mindless jock. From the very beginning I was rolling my eyes and wondering what I had started reading. After an unfortunate turn of events Brian Rowe turns this mess of a boy into a well developed character that I began cheering on and crying over. I cried a lot in the end of the book, well, through the whole book.

The premise is magical, figuratively and in all actuality. Cameron begins rapidly aging, each day is a year. What happens to Cameron is awful, but it's just what he needs to realize how precious life is and how much the people around us need to matter. It opens his eyes, and the Cameron we meet at the end of the book is so much more grounded than that pest of a teenager from the beginning. The book begins at the end and then goes back to the beginning, I probably just confused everyone but it will make sense when you read it (which you should). It's done very well, in a very believable way.

All of the characters, big and small, in the book are very important to the story. The way Brian Rowe builds on Cameron's character is my favorite part, to watch him grow is all the fun. My least favorite character is his flighty girlfriend Charisma (for obvious reasons) but I really detested her as well as Cameron's plastic surgeon father.

Brian is an excellent story teller, he had me hooked throughout the book, and I can't wait to finish this series.

Also, check out:



3/20/2012

Goddess Interrupted Review

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, #2) by Aimee Carter
★★★★★
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Greek Mythology, Fantasy, Persephone,
Format: e-book
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry’s first wife, Persephone.
Unfortunately Goddess Interrupted is another Holy Freaking Cliffhanger of a book. Fortunately it's worth the torture. It will leave the reader pining for the next installment. My advice, wait until book 3 is due to release to check this one out. No, really, wait. You'll be thanking me later. Since this is the second book in the series I do not recommend reading this book or review until you have read book 1, The Goddess Test (see my review). The Goddess Test was one of my favorite reads last year and well, Goddess Interrupted may take the cake this year!

In The Goddess Test we met Kate, and her journey to the underworld and the world that belongs to Henry is a battle of wits. She succeeded in her quest for immortality and book 2 is all about her new life. We get to know the Gods and Goddesses we were introduced to in book 1, and learn more about this immortal world. When an enemy returns threatening to destroy this world and the mortal world, the reader follows the events with the characters.

My one complaint in the book, I still give it 5 stars because I seriously love this world and its characters, is the codependent issue and lack of self confidence we begin to see in Kate. She wants Henry so much, even though he acts like he could care less about her. She was so strong and amazing in The Goddess Test that this new Kate was sometimes disappointing. I know Henry has his issues, we all do, but his character was like stone in this book only once or twice showing any real emotion. With that said, I still loved the story and the twist in plot that Aimee creates, this small issue was simply in the background for me, but I feel like I need to make it known.

My favorite part of this book is learning more about the past of Henry and Persephone. I also loved watching Kate rise up as the Queen she is and take charge, becoming more of the girl I loved from book 1.

Fans of The Goddess Test will not be disappointed with the way Goddess Interrupted takes the story. It's an amazing book 2, and a fierce plot that is even more in-depth than the first book. And, the ending is to die for!

3/12/2012

The Dragonfly Prophecy Review and Giveaway

The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle
★★★★☆
Publisher: Class Act Books
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Abilities
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy it: Amazon | Class Act Books
Seventeen-year-old Lexi Blane believed she was the creator of her own destiny. With a brilliant mind, a flawless boyfriend, and parents who would stop the earth from spinning for her, all was going according to plan. But when her perfect world unravels into one she doesn’t know, it reveals the painful truth of her love, trust, and entire being. In the struggle to find her true self, Lexi learns she didn’t create her destiny – it created her.
On a trip to the Bahamas with her mother, father, and boyfriend William, Lexi Blane drifts in and out of consciousness. And eventually wakes up in a hospital bed, with no idea how she got there.

Lexi survived a horrific accident that took the lives of her mother and father. When she wakes up from a coma she finds out that parts of her life have been merely a dream, but have they? Nothing is as it seems for Lexi and things just keep getting more complicated. Not being able to remember certain things has left her mind fuzzy, but she's sure of one thing, William is real, no matter what anyone wants her to believe. It's a book filled with puzzling secrets and mysteries to solve. The reader never knows who to trust and is definitely kept on high alert. It begins as a contemporary romance and quickly evolves into an amazing scifi/supernatural story, one of the best I've ever read.

Jacquelyn Castle has me anxiously awaiting to join Lexi again in the following books. Her writing is easy to follow, even in a pretty complex plot, and her characters are very real. The Dragonfly Prophecy is a mind bending, paranormal fantasy that is filled with awesome gadgets and secret spy type tools. Think the TV show Fringe, the X-Men movies , and the book Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, all rolled into one amazing YA Paranormal Romance.

This story is so original, fast paced, and all around intriguing from the moment I picked it up to the second Jacquelyn switched the story up I knew I was in it for the duration of the series (no matter how it plays out). It's one of those books that has an awe inspiring love triangle that the reader really has no idea how it will play out, and Jacquelyn has even left a lot more up to the readers imagination. Like I said, I am anxiously awaiting the sequel.

Giveaway
I was provided a paperback copy for review, and will now pass this great adventure story onto a new reader (in hopes that they too will keep it circulating!). 
13+ and US Only.


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3/07/2012

Scorpion Shards by Neal Shusterman Guest Review

Today I have the pleasure of hosting Nadia Jones, an extremely talented writer, for a guest review of Scorpion Shards by Neal Shusterman. A book that after reading her review I must get my hands on!

Scorpion Shards by Neal Shusterman Review
Release Date: November 1995

Age: Middle School, Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Format: Paperback

Buy it: Amazon
“In like a flash and out in the blink of an eye.

The boy called Dillon Cole was in the street in an instant and vanished into the foggy morning. The streets were not crowded, but there were enough people for Dillon to lose himself among unknown faces. He wove through them, brushing past their shoulders, leaving a wake of chaos behind him. The souls he bumped into lost their concentration and sense of direction--a woman stopped short, forgetting where she was going; a man lost his train of thought in the middle of a conversation; a girl, just for a moment, forgot who she was, and why she was even there.…but then Dillon passed, and their thoughts returned to normal. They would never know that their confusion was caused by Dillon's mere touch. But Dillon knew. He wondered if believing such a thing was enough to send him to the nuthouse. If that wasn't enough to have him locked away, certainly the other things would do the job.
Things like that business with the piano. For all the commotion it had caused, it had been an easy enough stunt. It was a simple thing to get into the deserted top-floor lounge on a Sunday morning. Since the grand piano was on wheels, it hadn't been that hard to ease across the floor, out onto the patio. As he moved the piano, his fury had grown along with the burning, screaming need to finish this act of destruction--a need that ate at his gut like an uncontrollable hunger.


A wrecking-hunger.”
A veritable bookworm in primary and middle school, I happened across Neal Shusterman’s The Scorpion Shards in my school’s library and was (admittedly) intrigued by the cover and the book’s tagline, which appealed to my fifth-grade mind’s obsession with epic battles between good and evil. Plus, the main characters, of which there were six, were all roughly my age, making it easier to plant myself in their shoes and imagine myself in the midst of the fantasy.

There were epic battles between good and evil, there was fantasy, some romance, but the book turned out to be far better than I could have ever imagined, and still stands out in my memory as one of my favorite childhood books.

Which is why I read it again as an adult, about a week ago.

The decades between reads gave me a new perspective while reading about the six archetypal young teens battling inner demons outwardly manifested as superhuman powers: Dillon Cole, “the destroyer,” whose touch scrambles minds and whose “wrecking hunger” can only be satisfied by wreaking havoc; Deanna Chang, hyper-sensitive and afraid of the world, whose contagious emotions change the weather; Winston (‘Stone) Pell, stuck in childhood like Peter Pan as he shrinks while the other kids grow, can paralyze with a touch; Victoria, a girl with disfiguring acne, can infect others like poison ivy; Lourdes, who is so obese she literally has her own gravity that pulls things toward her; and Michal Lipranski, an oversexed boy with a magnetic animal charm that makes girls desire him and boys hate him.

They are outcasts, freaks, and they are all tied together by their shared birthday and by pieces of a star-gone-supernova’s soul. Their powers reflect the extreme self-consciousness, frustration, and fears that come along with adolescence.

On one night, in different parts of the country, each teen is led by an unknown force toward each other until they finally form a group and begin to unravel the mystery of their powers. Once together, the teens discover that their powers don’t work on each other, and more importantly and urgently, that they are slowly dying, being consumed by the beasts within them.

As the group desperately searches for the answer to the riddle of how to defeat the parasites that live inside them, two of the teens surrender to their powers and become antagonistic forces, wanting instead to mature their powers instead of be rid of them.

Racing against the clock, all six ultimately are transported to another world where they must face not only the demons inside them, but each other, and their deepest fears, as well.

In broad strokes, the book might not sound like anything special, but I’ve discovered that it truly appeals to young students (especially to boys) on their own level, unlike so many other books that seem to be published for critics or parents, and that the book offers a truly profound message to students about facing fears and turning weaknesses into strengths.

The pages practically burn from turning them so quickly, and the plot twists and impressive imaginative turns the book takes are sure to entertain even the most stubborn readers. Even after almost twenty years, I still recommend this book to anyone whole-heartedly. It’s a wild ride, full of more inventiveness than most books today. Plus, I found out after re-reading the book that it is the first in the Star Shards trilogy by Shusterman, so I’ve got reading material for the next week or so!

Author Bio:
This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at online college about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.

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Thank you very much Nadia, for the wonderful review and guest post!

2/03/2012

BookTour: All's Fair in Vanities War Review and Giveaway


All's Fair in Vanities War by Elizabeth Marx
★★★★★
Release Date: October 24, 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Format: e-book
Source: Author via A Tale of Many Reviews Book Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Salem’s always held sinister secrets. No one understands this better than a sixteen-year-old girl who dies on Halloween night and is reborn a Seer. The Seer can’t imagine anything worse than being an invisible teenager with enormous black wings. Until she finds out she’s been sacrificed to watch over Locke’s new flame. Locke Cavanaugh is a Druid, and part of the Order, a clandestine organization entrusted with keeping its members cloaked in the Ordinary world. Physically scarred from the accident that took his girlfriends life, Locke is searching for the OtherWorldly magic that damaged him, because only those without blemish can rule the Order. And once at the helm of the Order he has every intention of finding those responsible for her death. On the West Coast, Keleigh Flaherty witnesses her parents’ murder by beasts that should only exist in nightmares. She is whisked off to the safety of Salem, where she learns how potent and dangerous her concealed Vate talents are. Keleigh wants to be Ordinary, but when her mother reaches out from the OtherWorld, and implores her to find a forgotten relic she’ll have to use all her ExtraOrdinary powers to locate it. As Locke and Keleigh join forces, they unravel the Order’s involvement in the witch hysteria and murmurs of a Celtic prophecy. While Locke’s affection for Keleigh blooms, The Seer is torn between her duty to protect Keleigh, and her desire to stop Locke from making the ultimate sacrifice in order to earn Keleigh’s love . . . But if they don’t find the witches bottle before the ShiningOnes do, someone stalking Keleigh from the shadows will take her instead and plunge all worlds into chaos.
New. Favorite. Series. I need the next book, now!

All's Fair in Vanities War is a magical story about all things ExtraOrdinary. It's a story about love and hate, and being what others need you to be even when it's hard. I felt a strong theme is the book is expectations, living up to them and tearing them down. Accompanied with great pacing, a writer who is well versed on the genre and characters who are incredibly real this book is destined for greatness. And I haven't even mentioned the magnificent cover!

All's Fair has a unique plot and some amazing characters. The Seer is our guide and narrator, and her story is one of heartbreak. It's a story that requires your full attention. The reader sees everything unfold through the Seers eyes and sometimes that can be confusing, but if you follow closely it's really well written and thought out. It's not the kind of book you can read quickly or skip around in, it requires thought and has many small details that are easily missed.

Locke is a disgruntled beast, he's scarred and feels undeserving of the role he should be playing in the story, but he still manages to be cocky and arrogant. Totally hot, right? I mean who doesn't love The Beast from Beauty and the Beast?

To complete our cast we have Keleigh she is our light in this journey and her story is one of hope, call her Belle if you need. A lot of the future is depending on her acceptance of this crazy OtherWorldly craft, which she has had no part of before coming into Locke's life. But, he's handsome when you put aside his attitude and the mystery surrounding him draws her near.

Along with the wonderful prose and an onslaught of mystical and witty characters there is an ever revolving plot that is intriguing and captivating. Battle scenes, witchcraft, healing, a murder mystery, secrets and lies, and so so so much more that I won't mention in fear of ruining something.

I loved this world that Miss Elizabeth Marx has created and managed to get myself completely lost in the power that emanates from her words. It's an amazing journey, nothing like I expected and completely full of surprises. Like I said, New Favorite Series, check it out!

GIVEAWAY!!
E-books are International, Bookmarks US only.
Good Luck!

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