Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic. 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.



10/27/2012

The Raven Boys Review and Giveaway

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★★
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Age: YA
Genre: Ghosts, Supernatural, Magic, Mystery
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy it: Amazon
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”
It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
Maggie Stiefvater had me captivated with Shiver (and the whole Mercy Falls series). I freaking absolutely LOVE her confident writing and ability to create visually stimulating phrases. After Grace and Sam's story I just knew she was going to be an author that I followed religiously. I went out and purchased Lament and Ballad immediately after finishing the Mercy Falls books and have been all but stalking this wonderful writer since. I also happen to own a copy of The Scorpio Races and definitely am planning to get in gear and devour that one very soon! Hopefully by Thanksgiving!

Ok, so onto her newest endeavor, a well researched and beautifully written account of the supernatural variety. The Raven Boys follows an unlikely gang of misfits as they search for something that many don't know exists. Led by Gansey, these Raven Boys spend every waking second hunting down clues and information on the Ley Line, when they're not attending their posh and private feeder high school into Ivy League. The diverse make up of their group will appeal to many readers. Gansey is one of those people that everyone is friends with. He's kind of obnoxious, full of himself, and can convince pretty much anyone of anything. His vocabulary and the way he holds himself exudes confidence and he doesn't have any clue what a dollar is worth. He holds the power to the friendship of this close knit group and without him I felt like they wouldn't be as strong as they are. The other boys: Noah, Adam, and Ronan, add dimension to this story.

Blue Sargent meets these Raven Boys after a not so pleasant conversation and as chance would have it befriends them as their paths cross again. Shas grown up the daughter of a psychic, so who better to befriend a bunch of boys looking for magic. She's always been a powerful tool to her family, but left in the dark for a lot of things when it comes to her life, until she starts demanding answers. Especially when it comes to her father, or should I say Butternut. I loved Blue, from her quirkiness to her awesome clothing choices. Her relationship with her mother, Maura, is one that I love to find in YA books. She might just have the answers that the Raven Boys have been looking for.

It took me a very long time to finish The Raven Boys, not for lack of interest but for the sheer density of the book. There is a lot of information to absorb and I was afraid to do so quickly, I was savoring this one. It is a book 1 in a series and the wait for the following books will be brutal, thank goodness for the awesome people at Scholastic! hint hint.

Maggie gives it all to us. A beautiful world, amazing characters, and a story line that is unforgettable! This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway
The wonderful people at Scholastic provided me with an ARC of The Raven Boys to review and now that I've read it I'd like to pass it along!
This is a US only giveaway and it is for an Advanced Copy, the book is now available to buy and there may be changes between the final and this edition.

8/27/2012

Bound Review and Giveaway

Bound by Annie Oldham
★★★★☆
Release Date: March 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Fantasty, Action, Adventure, Magic, Drama
Format Reviewed: eBook
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
After her mother dies, Elowyn Challis would do anything to bury the pain, but being shipped off to boarding school isn't what she had in mind. Things could be worse. Wyn finds a place for herself in the academy and living in the capital is just sparkling. But under it all, her mother's death still haunts her. Then Wyn discovers a secret that changes everything she believes: the bedtime stories her mother told her as a child are real, the faerie realm exists, and she is the Binder—the one mortal on earth with the power to seal the gate to Fae. It's a power Wyn's not sure she wants or can even wield. But she must confront her nightmares and her grief, or two worlds will be torn apart.
Bound has a little bit of everything between the pages. It's a fantasy adventure story with the feel of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series mixed with Lesley Livingston's Wondrous Strange series. Once I started this book it was hard to put down, the story is fast paced and mysterious. In the beginning the reader is stuck guessing what is going on as events unfold and secrets are shared. Strange things begin happening as the main character Wyn leaves home for an all girls academy.

The boarding school/academy aspect is always appealing to me. Upon entering the academy Wyn befriends Becky who is a great counterpart for her. They are instantly great friends and share a lot in the span of the story. Their relationship is easy and one that many girls can relate to.

Annie's characters are easy to follow, not complex, but still very interesting. The fantasy element and use of Fairy knowledge goes well with this book that could be a historical non fiction if not for the fantastical parts. It's a fun and enchanting take on a story that I've read but not in this way. Bound begins as a light read and the reader is quickly taken on a journey that turns darker and more serious. Wyn is a loyal friend and I believe she is an excellent person to be given the power she has. As the Binder she has responsibilities and she's a capable heroine, especially with the help of her friends.

My favorite character in the book is a Brownie named Pip. He's a feisty and fiery little guy who stands up for but what he believes in and is a loyal servant and friend. He's just an adorable addition to the book and has some comical parts in the book.

The love story in the book is a little fast moving, but it fits in well with the story. It's a refreshing part of the story, developing in the middle of serious events. Wyn's life has recently been difficult and she's endured a lot and I think opening her heart, even at a time like this, is moving and thoughtful. She's a great character, strong and sure, and any guy would be lucky to have her.

Bound is a wonderful read, especially for fans of books about the Faery realm, but I think others will enjoy it too. It features a great group of characters, strong story line, and an action packed adventure. If you're looking for a magical read I definitely recommend this one!

Giveaway
Annie is ever so graciously offered to giveaway one ebook copy of Bound to a lucky winner!
Open Internationally, must be 13 or older.


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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1/25/2012

Book Tour: Embrace by Cherie Colyer Review


Embrace by Cherie Colyer
★★★★☆
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Magic, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Format: e-book
Source: Publisher for A Tale of Many Reviews Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
I do not receive any compensation for links
Sometimes you end up hurting the ones you love. You find you can't save them or yourself. Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.
Embrace is a young adult paranormal romance, that reads like a movie, I could see the events unfolding in my head thanks to Cherie's wonderfully written and easily flowing words. The story takes place in Massachusetts, but the setting could easily be any high school, until strange supernatural things start happening. It's about so much more than the description leads the reader to believe. With plot twists and suspense, once immersed in the story it's very hard to put down.

Madison is an easy going and likable character. Finally willing to move on with her life, after Kevin her long term boyfriend moves away, Madison opens up her heart to the new guy Isaac. When trouble finds Kayla, Madison's best friend, it is up to Madison, Kayla's boyfriend Josh, and Isaac to help her. They are an amazing group of friends and I really enjoyed the relationships that are built beautifully by Cherie. Kayla and Josh are my favorite couple in the book, their easy and intense relationship is cute and something every girl wants at their age.

The supernatural aspect of Embrace really tied into the problem of the story well. The author takes something so unbelievable as magic and makes it happen almost naturally. It's a well developed and engrossing read that fans of the paranormal genre are sure to enjoy.

Once the story got moving I was captured in this new world of power. Embracing change is a big theme in the book, many different changes occur in the story, and the title more than fits. It's a fun and thrilling book with an excellent group of characters some of which the reader has to be careful to trust. I really enjoyed Madison's story and can't wait to read more from Cherie.

Grand Prize- Comment on all of the stops on the blog tour for a chance to win an e-book copy of Embrace at the end of the tour!

12/14/2011

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Review

Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder
★★★★★
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Publisher: Mira, Harlequin
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Action, Adventure
Format: e-book
Source: Harlequin via Netgalley
Buy it: Paperback, Kindle, Nook
I am never compensated for any links on my blog.
 Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...
It's no secret that I love Maria V. Snyder's work. Poison Study is one of my top favorite books of all time, and Inside Out is up there as well (along with everyone of her other books). When I saw that Touch of Power was coming out I was giddy with glee. Thank goodness Netgalley had it and I didn't have to wait until release because I would have gone crazy with anticipation.

In the true fashion that is Maria's work, she creates some of the most beautiful and vividly captivating landscapes imaginable in Touch of Power. It's full of lush scenes and brilliant forestry that made me feel like I was with the characters throughout their journey. This book is set in the years following a plague that killed a lot of the population throughout the kingdoms. Famine is occurring, poverty, and on the brink of war no one knows who to trust.

Our main character, Avry, is incredibly powerful, smart, caring, and is also a healer, quite possibly the last. Healers were said to have caused the plague, which obviously didn't go over well. When Avry is captured by a group of men who need her to heal someone important, she doesn't go willingly even though they saved her from death. She can heal any illness with the touch of her hand, but there might be a catch, and is she willing to take the risk? She immediately clashes with their leader Kerrick, and puts up a fight throughout the story, she is strong willed and made me smile throughout the story with her banter and grievances, she never let her guard down. Avry, much like all of Maria's heroines (Yelena, Trella, and the others) is a very capable survivor. She stands up for herself, thinks for herself, and is over all one bad ass! I love it! Maria V. Snyder doesn't disappoint.

My favorite part of this book were Kerrick's "merry men". They bring comedy and love into this adventure tale, and they are all admiring in their own ways.

This book is action packed and there is something happening on every page, many many surprised take place, especially the love story that begins to unfold. It's now on the top of my favorites shelf and it's going to take a force of nature to bring it down!

So, was it as good as I was expecting? Better! Do I recommend it? Heck yes! I say it at least once a week it seems like but if you haven't read Poison Study, pick it up!! You don't have to read it to read this one, the two have nothing to do with each other, but it's an amazing book and worth a try!! Especially while waiting for the release of Touch of Power.

9/11/2011

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson Review

★★★★★
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, Some Romance
Format: E-Book
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess. And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake. Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young. Most of the chosen do.
What an amazing book! The Girl of Fire and Thorns is the journey of a young woman, Elisa, betrothed to a King. She feels she is not Queen material. And really, she's not.  She's a sheltered young princess who has never done anything spectacular or anything at all. While her older sister is much more accomplished, Elisa cannot see why she has to be the one to marry him. She doubts herself and her ability, often wondering how she can rule these people? Throughout the story she grows more than any main character I've read in awhile. By the end she is someone new completely.

At 16 Elisa is shooed off to the new kingdom and she soon finds out it may be to save her. She is the chosen one, who bears a God Stone. While the idea of the God Stone is a little strange it worked so well in this story. Completely original and fresh new tale for those of us that love Fantasy and Coming of Age stories but have read so many we want something new. It's a Magical Fantasy story told in such a wonderful way. Ms. Carson is a writer I will definitely be following and I can't wait to read more.

My favorite part of this book is the growth we see in Elisa. She goes from this young bride to this incredible warrior. She sees people for who they are and I never got the feeling that she thought she was better than anyone else. Throughout the book we are reminded that Elisa is not perfect, and I loved that because no one is perfect.

Being kidnapped from her new home she learns to defend herself and stands up for others. Without giving away too much I would compare her new found awesomeness to that of Yelena from The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder and Katsa from Graceling by Kristin Cashore. She can definitely hold her own by the end of the book. She was a born leader she just needed the chance to let that shine, and she gets her opportunity.

It's a book full of surprises, twists, and turns. I recommend it to everyone. Whether you like action, adventure, romance, fantasy, or magic this one is for you.