A Bond Through Time (Book I of the Wyrmborn Saga)

E.N. Griffin has officially published his debut novel, A Bond Through Time (Book I of the Wyrmborn Saga)!

This isn’t just any release—this is the result of two years of dedicated work, discipline, and pure creativity. At just 14 years old, E.N. has built an entire world from scratch, complete with maps, rich lore, and countless characters. 

It is officially available right now in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle formats on Amazon (link below)! 

How you can help support this young talent:

📖 Grab a copy via this link: https://amzn.to/3NdvJzy

📢 Share this post to help spread the word about a rising young author.

✍️ Leave an honest review on Amazon once you’ve read it—even a few sentences make a huge difference for new authors!

Book Synopsis 

Holdren Hisen is a stranger to war; the humans had warred with the vampires before he even walked the earth. Now, though, it increasingly seems likely he will get to experience the true scale of battle, of intricate plots, schemes, betrayal, conflict, and hidden motivations.

The vampires believe that what they are doing is of their own accord. However, Holdren Hisen and his fated partner soon realize that is not the case, revealing that the whole world is dancing to another one's tune, someone far more sinister and malevolent than anyone could imagine.

The Rule of All (The Rule of One #3) by Ashley & Leslie Saunders Book Review

As America's twenty-first-century revolution reaches its endgame, twin sisters must outrun, and outlive, the Common enemy. 

Outlaw twin sisters Ava and Mira Goodwin were born to defy Texas' tyrannical and oppressive Governor Roth. They inspired millions across the country to liberate themselves and fight to live free under the new Common rule. But an enemy still endangers their fragile vision for the future. Ava and Mira's mission: hunt the man down. 

The once-mighty Governor Roth has fled Dallas. Holding a hostage beloved by Ava and Mira, Roth has a mission, too: regroup his Loyalists, wreak havoc, and reclaim his power. 

With the help of a savvy programmer turned rebel warrior, Ava and Mira brave a journey more uncertain than they've ever attempted before. As they forge southward into foreign territory-- against a ruthless cartel, Roth's aggressive Texas Guard, and a formidable new foe--courage, alliances, and trust will be tested. Now, in the most unlikely and treacherous of places, the sisters must finish what they started. Before they--and the Common are erased from history forever. 

Review

If you have not read my review of The Rule of Many, read it here. 

It has been almost a year and a half since I read the first two books in this series. I probably should have re-read them before starting this book. 

I remember being sucked in by the first book and immediately speeding through the second book after finishing the first. It took me longer to get into this one. However, once I started getting back into the story, I sped through it, just like I did the first two books. 

The beginning of this story is a little slower, but about 1/3 of the way through the book, the action picks up, and it is just as action-packed as the first two books.

I think this was a great wrap up to the series! I was really impressed with the twists the authors threw into this book and the new characters. 

I would love to read another book or perhaps a book set after this one from someone else's POV. There are some questions they did not answer with the ending that could lead to another book! I would definitely read it! 

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book. 

The Mirror Man Blog Tour

The Mirror Man

by Jane Gilmartin

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Fiction/Science Fiction/Suspense

The offer is too tempting: be part of a scientific breakthrough, step out of his life for a year, and be paid hugely for it. When ViGen Pharmaceuticals asks Jeremiah to be part of an illegal cloning experiment, he sees it as a break from an existence he feels disconnected from. No one will know he's been replaced -- not the son who ignores him, not his increasingly distant wife--since a revolutionary drug called Meld can transfer his consciousness and memories to his copy.

From a luxurious apartment, he watches the clone navigate his day-to-day life. But soon, Jeremiah discovers that examining himself from an outsider's perspective isn't what he thought it would be, and he watches in horror as "his" life spirals out of control. ViGen needs the experiment to succeed - they won't cal it off, and are prepared to remove any obstacle. With his family in danger, Jeremiah needs to finally find the courage to face himself head-on.

About the Author

Jane Gilmartin has been a news reporter and editor for several small-town weekly papers and enjoyed a brief but exciting stint as a rock music journalist. A bucket list review just before she turned 50 set her on the path to writing fiction. Also checked off that list: an accidental singing career, attending a Star Trek convention, and getting a hug from David Bowie. She lives in her hometown of Hingham, Massachusetts.

Review

I've been looking to branch out a little and read some different things. 

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in about a day and a half. That is the quickest I have read a book in a while. 

Although part of that is because I haven't had time to sit and read a whole book that quickly in a while, the fact that this book immediately sucked me in and made me want to keep reading to see what happens next. 

This book's release also had really good timing. Lots of people are in quarantine right now, which made it a little easier to empathize with the main character, who was stuck in the apartment, watching his clone live his life on the television. 

The author did a great job of keeping things suspenseful. A couple of times, I thought I knew what was going to happen but ended up being wrong. I love it when authors are able to surprise me like that. 

Thank you to the author and the publishers for inviting me to participate in this blog tour! 

Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud Review & GIVEAWAY

Two identical girls, one a princess, the other ar rebel. Who will rule the empire? 

After being swept up into the brutal Vathek court, Amani, the ordinary girl forced to serve as the half-Vathek princess's body double, has been forced into complete isolation. The cruel but complex princess, Maram, with whom Amani had cultivated a tenuous friendship, discovered Amani's connection to the rebellion and has forced her into silence, and if Amani crosses Maram once move, her identity - and her betrayal - will be revealed to everyone in the court.

Amani is desperate to continue helping the rebellion, to fight for her people's freedom. But she must make a devastating decision: will she step aside, and watch her people suffer, or continue to aid them, and put herself and her family in mortal danger? And whatever she chooses, can she bear to remain separated from Maram's fiance, Idris? 

Review

I loved this book! It was just as good as the first book (if not better)! 

I love the author's writing, and I love the Moroccan influences. I have been trying to read more books by POC, and this was a GREAT one!

Although I am not a fan of poetry, anyone that likes poetry (or even just respects it as an artform) will appreciate the role that poetry plays in this story. 

The only issue I have is that there isn't more to this story, but I believe this is only a duology. I would love to see what happens with the characters after this book ends!

Thank you to the publishers for giving me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. Also, thank you for giving me a copy to give away!

Giveaway

Click below to enter for a chance to win a copy of Court of Lions! 

Mirage Twitter Read Along

I read Mirage last year and loved it! Check out my review of it here. 

In preparation for the release of the sequel, Court of Lions, on August 6th, I will be participating in a Read-Along of Mirage!

Join me next week, starting on July 20, for a two-week-long read along! 

After the Read-Along is complete, I will post my review of Court of Lions, plus a giveaway to win a copy of the book! 

See below for the Read-Along schedule. Throughout this time, @FlatironBooks will be posting discussion questions, quotes from the novel, and retweeting fans. 

July 20 - 26  Chapters 1 - 17

July 27 - July 31 Chapters 18 - 37

The Read-Along will come to a close on July 31st with a Twitter chat featuring the author Somaiya Daud!

Don't forget to join us for the Read-Along, starting July 20th, and remember to use #MirageReadAlong to join the fun!

Don't have a copy of Mirage, click here to enter a giveaway through the publisher for a paperback copy. 

Binti: The Complete Trilogy (Binti #1-3) by Nnedi Okorafor

Includes a brand-new Binti story!

Collected for the first time in an omnibus edition, the Hugo-and Nebula-award-winning Binti trilogy, the story of one extraordinary girl's journey from her home to distant Oomza University.

In her Hugo- and Nebula-winning novella, Nnedi Okorafor introduced us to Binti, a young Himba girl with the chance of a lifetime: to attend the prestigious Oomza University. Despote her family's concerns, Binti's talent for mathematics and her aptitude with astrolabes make her a prime candidate to undertake this interstellar journey.

But everything changes when the jellyfish-like Meduse attack Binti's spaceship, leaving her the only survivor. Now, Binti must fend for herself, alone on a ship full of the beings who murdered her crew, with five days until she reaches her destination.

There is more to the histroy of the Medusae--and their war with the Khoush--than first meets the eye. If Binti is to survive this voyage and save the inhabitants of the unsuspecting planet that houses Oomza Uni, it will take all of her knowledge and talents to broker the peace.

Collected now for the first time in omnibus form, follow Binti's story in this groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy.

Review

This book was like nothing else I've ever read!

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I saw it recommended several places, so when I saw it on Netgalley I had to read it, but I didn't know much about it. 

The Binti series is a trilogy of novellas. I read the omnibus edition, with all three novellas put in one book. While, as a whole, they were good, I think it would be better to review them separately. 

Book #1: Binti 

Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the starts among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.

Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. This world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach.

If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself - but first, she has to make it there, alive.

Review

I loved this book! It introduces us to Binti, who has just decided to leave her home to travel through space to Oomza University, something unheard of for the Himba people, especially a girl.

I absolutely loved the story and the multicultural and self-exploration messages behind it. I sped through this book and was super excited to move on to the next.

I like the representation of PTSD in this book. Throughout the book, Binti continuously has flashbacks about being on the ship to Oomza Uni.

Book #2: Home

It's been a year since Binti and Okwu enrolled at Oomza University. A year since Binti was declared a hero for uniting two warring planets. A year since she abandoned her family in the dawn of a new day.

And now she must return home to her people, with her friend Okwu by her side, to face her family and face her elders. 

But Okwu will be the first of his race to set foot on Earth in over a hundred years, and the first ever to come in peace.

After generations of conflict, can human and Meduse ever learn to truly live in harmony?

Review

I loved the first book, but this book was a little slow for me. It was taking me a while to get through the first half of it, so I checked out the audiobook from the library. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook much more than I enjoyed reading this book.

As with the first book, the author did an excellent job of showing us Binti's culture. In this book, she faces the repercussions of leaving her family home to go to Oomza University. She also comes back a different person, something most of her family struggles to understand.

While I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, it was still good. I loved the ending and couldn't wait to see what happened next.

Book #3: The Night Masquerade

The concluding part of the highly-acclaimed science fiction trilogy that began with Nnedi Okorafor's Hugo-and Nebula Award-winning BINTI.

Binti has returned to her home planet, believing that the violence of the Meduse has been left behind. Unfortunately, although her people are peaceful on the whole, the same cannot be said for the Khoush, who fan the flames of their ancient rivalry with the Meduse.

Far from her village when the conflicts start, Binti hurries home, but anger and resentment has already claimed the lives many close to her. 

Once again, it is up to Binti, and her intriguing new friend, Mwinyi, to intervene--though the elders of her people do not entirely trust her motives--and try to prevent a war that could wipe out her people, once and for all.

Review

This book picked things back up a bit. However, I wasn't sure about the ending.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone, just because it is something so different, and I think everyone should try it out.

I listened to half of the 2nd book and the whole 3rd book as audiobooks, and I enjoyed that much more than reading them.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. 

I'm back!

Hi everyone! 

I wanted to write a post to explain my hiatus. 

TL;DR - I didn't have much time to read for a year, then the pandemic hit and all I wanted to read is old favorites. I'm back and ready to to start reading new books and posting to my blog again. What books should I read next?

Unfortunately, I was not able to read much for over a year, because I was finishing for my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which requires a year-long internship. 

For almost a year, I worked over 20 hours a week at my internship site, on top of my full-time job and doing homework. Unfortunately, this didn't leave much time for reading. 

I loved the experience I gained at my internship site, and I am super happy to finally have my master's degree! I interned as a therapist at a drug and alcohol treatment facility for homeless women, and I learned so much. It was so fulfilling that I planned to continue volunteering to counsel clients there one day a week. Then the pandemic happened...

I will say that I am SOOOOO thankful that I finished school by that point. Although my graduation ceremony was postponed or canceled (not sure which yet), if I had not been done with my internship, I would have had to take time off while the school was closed and would not have my degree yet.

Although I had to put my volunteer work there (and with the cat rescue I volunteer for) on hold, I am thankful that I am done with school and have a job that I can do from home. 

But back to reading... 

It really threw me off not being able to read much for almost a year. 

Then, once I graduated and got back to a point where I could start reading, the pandemic hit. Ugh!

For some reason, since the pandemic hit, I haven't wanted to read new books. I've tried to start a couple of new books but ended up picking up old favorites. 

I just got done reading the Throne of Glass series for the 3rd time. 

Side note: I read Tower of Dawn and Kingdom of Ash in chronological order this time, and it was awesome! Click below to see the guide I used. 

It's been too long, though! I'm ready to start reading new books again! There are tons of books on my TBR list, and I've got plenty of books on my kindle to read. 

I think Crescent City and Serpent & Dove are going to be my next reads. What books do you think I should read next? 

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed. 

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last- the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge-and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods. 

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were not accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who-or what-are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family-before it claims her next. 

Review

This book was awesome!

It was so much different from everything else I've read. 

At first, I was like, wait a minute, is this just a mystery? Then there is a fantasy twist. It was super unique.

The only thing I am not sure I liked was the ending. I am sure that many people do not agree with me and thought the ending was perfect, but for some reason, endings like that have been pissing me off lately. I will say that there was nothing wrong with the ending. I just thought it should have gone a different way.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Erin A. Craig!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley, for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Alchemist & an Amaretto Blitz & Giveaway

  

The Alchemist and an Amaretto
Annette Marie
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound #5)
Published by: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Publication date: October 11th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

As a guild bartender, I can handle pretty much anything—mages, sorcerers, witches, the occasional demon. But show me anything family-related and I’d rather run for the hills. It doesn’t even have to be my family.
So I have no idea why I thought spending the holidays with Aaron’s mom and pop was a good idea.
Meeting his famous parents is already terrifying enough, but I’ve got a bigger problem. Students of his family’s renowned mage academy are being attacked on the grounds—and somehow no one has seen a single assailant? Unexplained tracks litter the nearby woods, rumors of forbidden alchemy are circulating the campus…and Ezra has been acting strangely since we arrived.
Something deadly is brewing in the shadow of Sinclair Academy, and the longer we take to uncover it, the more dangerous it becomes. But no matter the risk, we’ll protect the students.
And Aaron’s parents too, I suppose. If we have to.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Ezra stopped, hands on his hips as he surveyed the lazy slope that swept up to the towering manor. “All right. Time for our final sprint.”

I snorted. “Yeah, uh-huh.”

“I’m serious. We always finish our workouts with something competitive.”

Like competitive pushups. I shivered at the reminder.

“This is the starting line. That tree is the finish. First one there wins.”

“What’s the prize?” I folded my arms, eyeing the distance. Not that far but not twenty yards either. “You, Aaron, and Kai always bet something.”

He rubbed the hint of shadow along his jaw. “Winner’s choice, I guess.”

Ooh, I liked the sound of that. Grinning, I got into a starting position. “You’re on.”

He took the same position. Clearing his throat, he deepened his voice to mimic a sports announcer. “On your mark. Get set. G—”

“What’s that?” I gasped, pointing behind him.

He snapped around to look—and I launched into a mad sprint, arms pumping. Ezra swore and took off after me, but I had a head start. I would reach the finish first and totally win this.

Right as I drew level with the target tree, hands caught my waist. Ezra swept me off the ground, still running—an impossible feat if not for his inhuman strength. He stopped just past the tree, laughing too hard to hold me up. My back slid down his chest and my feet landed in the grass.

“I can’t believe I fell for that,” he said breathlessly. “You’re such a cheater.”

Whirling to face him, I smirked. “I was manufacturing a combat advantage, not cheating. Kai’s been teaching me.”

“A race isn’t combat.”

“Maybe I was running for my life.”

“From me?” He arched a playful eyebrow. “Does that mean you don’t like being chased?” “Depends who’s doing the chasing,” I shot back teasingly.

“Oh? So is it the chase you prefer, or the catch?”

I tossed my hair with pretend haughtiness. “You think you could catch me?”

“Pretty sure I already did.”

My heart did a crazy tumble through my chest and a grin stretched my mouth. I couldn’t hold it back any more than I could stop the blush heating my cheeks.

“Well,” I began dramatically, spreading my arms as I stepped backward, “do I look—”

My heel caught on a tree root hidden in the grass. Squealing, I pitched over, arms wind-milling. My back hit the ground, the air punched from my chest, and I blinked dazedly at the overcast sky.

Damn it.

Ezra’s face appeared above mine. He crouched at my side, his expression drawn into grave concern. “Tori, are you still with me?”

I choked on a laugh and whispered, “Ezra? Is that you?”

“I’m here.” He took my hand and patted it gently. “Just hang in there.”

I fluttered my fingers. “Everything is growing dark.”

“Go toward the light, Tori.”

My eyebrows quirked. “Shouldn’t I go away from the light?”

“It doesn’t have the same ring,” he decided. “You’ll have to go toward the light.”

“Toward the light it is.” I waited a moment. “Now what?”

He took my hands and folded them on my chest in the classic body-in-casket pose—and I lost it. Cackling with laughter, I sat up and checked the grass stain on my elbow.

“Next time, I’ll make you laugh first,” I promised. He grinned as he stood. “You can try.”

Author Bio:
Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crowfall (Raven's Mark #3) by Ed McDonald

Crowfall is a gritty epic fantasy for fans of Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch, and Daniel Polansky.

'Dark, twisty and excellent...Grimdark with heart' Mark Lawrence.

A sorceress cataclysm has hit the Range, the final defensive line between the Republic and the immortal Deep Kings. 

Tormenting red rains sweep the land, new monstrosities feed on fear in the darkness, and the power of the Nameless, the gods who protect the Republic, lies broken. The Blackwing captains who serve them are being picked off one by one, and even immortals have learned what it means to die. Meanwhile, the Deep Kinds have only grown stronger and are poised to deliver a blow that will finally end the war. 

Ryhalt Galharrow stands apart from it all.

He has been deeper into the wasteland known as the Misery than ever before. It has grown within him - changed him - but all power comes with a price, and now the ghosts of his past, formerly confined to the Misery, walk with him everywhere.

They will even follow him, and the few surviving Blackwing captains, on one final mission into the darkness.

Review

First of all, if you have not read the first two book in this series, please check out my reviews for Blackwing (book #1) and Ravencry (book #2) first! I will try not to give away too many spoilers from the first 2 books in this review, but it may happen. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. 

              

Too many endings right now! First this one, then Broken Veil, the last book in the Harbinger series, by Jeff Wheeler. I definitely wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters in either series. 

The first books in this series were awesome, so I had very high expectations going into this book. I truthfully was a little worried that it might not live up to my expectations, especially after certain characters died in the last book. I won't give up any spoilers though, in case you haven't read the first two books, year. However, again, if you haven't read the first two books, please stop reading this and go do that now, or at least check out my review of the first book HERE. 

I was impressed with how well the author did the last book in the series. Everything is pretty well wrapped up but still had the same all-around weirdness, just like the rest of the series. There was actually some crazy, new weirdness in this book that was pretty awesome. I wasn't sure how Ed McDonald was going to out-do the last ones, but he definitely did it.

Although some old friends were gone during this book, some other old friends reappeared, which made me really happy. I won't talk about that, though. Definitely don't want to spoil that! You should probably just go read the book!

I love Ed McDonald's humor! While this book does have some dark moments, and some gory moments, and some (a lot) of weird moments, there is also humor sprinkled in there, as well. 

Thank you to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Broken Veil (Harbinger #5) by Jeff Wheeler

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler's epic Harbinger series comes to a breathtaking conclusion as two women are swept into a battle that could easily destroy two worlds. 

Rescued from a world of poverty, Cettie Pratt has avoided a bleak destiny - until now. Deceived and manipulated, she has been groomed for the ultimate betrayal: to destroy her best friend and stop peace from uniting two war-torn worlds. Her path leads her to a mysterious underworld where appearances can be deceiving. 

Sera Fitxempress knows the value she has to her enemies. As heir to the empire, she must keep her foes at bay and prevent them from unleashing a being of unspeakable evil upon the world, while fighting a brutal war. But her enemies are more cunning than Sera expects, and the key to their plans is none other than her best friend. 

Neither woman knows what to believe. Neither one knows if she can trust the other. Both Cettie and Sera have made decisions that have irrevocably changed them. But the decision they have yet to make will determine the fate of their world...

Review

Let me first apologize! Sorry I have not been posting often. I have also not been reading nearly as much as I normally do, which has been terrible.

I work full-time, and I am also doing my internship for my master's degree right now. So, right now, I am usually either at work, at my internship, or sleeping. I haven't had time for much else. I am counting down the days until I am able to read more again, though!

Now on to the book...

If you have not read the first 4 books in the Harbinger series, check out my reviews for them first here:

Click each book cover to read my review for that book.

 
     

This was a great ending to the Harbinger series!

The first book had me hooked immediately, and Jeff Wheeler kept his hooks in me for all 4 books after that!

I was wondering how the author was going to try to wrap things up, considering how much happened in the third book. I was so happy with how he did it, although I kind of wish a couple of parts included a little more substance. I won't give away any spoilers, though.

However, overall, I am happy with how the series ended. The third book threw lots of twists and turns into the story, and this book ironed many of them out. This book wrapped everything up nicely.

I don't think there will be another book unless it follow a completely different plotline. However, I really hope the author decides to keep going with the characters from these books. I got attached to these characters and am not ready to let them go just yet.

Now that I have finished this series, I need to go back and read the Kingfountain and Legends of Muirwood books! Even if I can't read more about the same characters, at least I can read more stories set in the same world!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review!

Tiny but Mighty by Hannah Shaw (aka Kitten Lady)

From Kitten Lady, the professional kitten rescuer, humane educator, animal advocate, and owner of the popular Instagram @kittenxlady comes the definitive book on saving the most vulnerable--and adorable--feline population: newborn kittens.

Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady, has dedicated her life to saving the tiniest felines, but one doesn't have to be a professional kitten rescuer to change--and save--lives. In Tiny but Mighty, Hannah not only outlines the dangers newborn kittens face and how she combats them, but how you can help every step of the way, from fighting feline overpopulation on the streets to fostering unweaned kittens, from combating illness to combatting compassion fatifue, from finding a vet to finding the purrfect forever home. Filled with information on animal welfare, instructional guides, and personal rescue stories of kittens like Chloe, Tidbit, Hank, and Badger--not to mention hundreds of adorable kitten photos--Tiny but Mighty is the must-have kitten book for cat lovers, current-and-future rescuers, foster parents, activists, and advocates.

Review

Sorry, it's been a while! On top of my full-time job, I have been going to my internship site for 20 hours a week, plus class once a week, supervision once a week, homework, and way too much other stuff. Sounds exhausting, doesn't it? 

It is! Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to read. 😥😥😥

I just HAD to post a quick review about this book that comes out today, though! The author is one of the most inspiring people I can think of. 

So, this is quite a bit different from the other books that I usually review. Because cats.

I have been following the Kitten Lady on Instagram for a year or two now. Even though I don't foster kittens (yet), I have watched a bunch of her YouTube videos about taking care of kittens, because they are adorable (and educational). Even though I have always been a cat lover, she is a big part of why I started volunteering with a local rescue, and I have learned so much from her.

Although this book would be totally awesome if it only contained the adorable cat pictures that are in it, it also contains a ton of information about animal advocacy, taking care of tiny kittens, fostering, adoption, TNR, and tons of other topics related to kittens. There is even a section on self-care and compassion fatigue. My point, there is something for everyone... even if you don't li

I had already learned so much just by following the Kitten Lady's Instagram and watching her YouTube videos, so when I heard about this book, I knew I HAD to get a copy!

This book was everything I expected and more. It gives so much great information, as well as heartwarming stories of past foster babies, many of whom I follow on Instagram, and of course TONS of cute kitten pictures, many photographed by Hannah or her fiance, Andrew Marttila (aka @iamthecatphotographer).  

Whether you currently foster kittens, think you might like to try fostering at some point, current help with cat rescue in any way or are interested in learning more about it, or if you just like cats, this book is a must-read. I guarantee you will learn a lot and come away smiling (after laughing and crying a bunch).

Thank you to the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book!

About the Author

Hannah Shaw (aka Kitten Lady) is a kitten rescuer, humane educator, author, and unwavering animal advocate who has dedicated her life to finding innovative ways to protect animals. Her project, Kitten Lady, strives to create global change in a way we perceive and treat the tiniest and most vulnerable felines, orphan kittens.

Kitten Lady provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops and consulting services that help individuals and animal shelters learn how to save the lives of kittens-- in a fun and engaging format. 

Visit her website: http://www.kittenlady.org or the website for her and her fiance's non-profit dedicated to saving kittens: Orphan Kitten Club

I know you all want to see kitten pics, but how awesome is this artwork from IG done by @ArtByJuliet?

Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer Synopsis

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around - and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old, he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then, a stunning opportunity presents iself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. 

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help solving? 

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries - including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How sis he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep.

Review

This series was one of the best I've read in a long time! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

I fell in love with Laini Taylor after reading the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. I actually re-read the series this year, which is something that I hardly ever do. I can count on one hand the number of series that I have read more than once. I know this series will soon be added to that list, though. I already want to re-read it, and I just finished it a couple of hours ago!

I listened to most of the series as audiobooks, and these were by far the best audiobooks I've ever listened to! The narrator, Steve West, did an AMAZING job of bringing the characters to life.

Also, I must point out - I love the way he pronounces "belly!" I know that sounds weird, but I guarantee you will agree if you listen!

The only complaint I have about these books is that there is not another one in the series! As far as I know, Laini Taylor intended this to be a duology. However, she did end Muse of Nightmares in a way that would allow her to add more to the story. Can we all please beg her to write a third book?

If you haven't read this series, you should totally do go read it right now!

I will leave you with some awesome artwork of characters from the book that I found online.

Also, you can click here to take a quiz that will determine which Gosspawn you are!

I 💓 little Minya! 

Nocturna (A Forgery of Magic #1) by Maya Motayne

Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed. 

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her... and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. 

As a talented faceshifter, it's been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that's exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she's forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan's royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can't help but feel that he will never live up to his brother's legacy.

Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie's fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power-which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan's fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

Review

I have been reading quite the multicultural mix lately. Over the past few months, I've read books inspired by Russian fairytales, books based on Russian history (Romanov), books based on African culture (Children and Smoke and Bone and Binti - review coming soon). Plus, Mirage was based on Moroccan culture (how cool is that?).

I've been thinking that reading books that are based on or incorporate aspects from different cultures would make for a fun reading challenge. What do you think?

Of course, reading all of these other books that incorporate aspects from different cultures, I was super excited when I heard about this book. I have never read a YA fantasy book that was based on Latin culture. There are some that incorporate small aspects, but none with main characters or the main plot focusing on Hispanic culture.

One thing that I wish was different about this book was how they portrayed Alfie's drinking problem. Not many YA Fantasy books give any indication about the realities of substance abuse and how hard quitting can be. This book portrayed it as sheer will power that allowed him to stop drinking. While this was fine for the story, I wish that more YA fantasy books would give a more realistic glance at how prevalent substance abuse issues are and how hard quitting is, and that it cannot often be done by will power alone and usually requires seeking help. Prism Cloud, by Jeff Wheeler, was one book that did a good job at giving a glimpse at how hard it can be to stop using drugs, and most importantly, the character did not do it alone.

Can you tell that I am doing my counseling internship at a substance abuse treatment facility?

However, I do feel that although books like this are complete fiction, portraying characters a little more realistically when it comes to things like substance abuse might help someone struggling with something similar. For example, if someone with a drinking problem reads this book and cannot quit drinking by just using their will power, they may see that as a failure, think they cannot do it, and not try again another way or reach out for help.

I will get off my soapbox now, and don't let my little rant take away from the fact that I loved this book! I loved the magic. I loved the cultural aspects, but most of all, I loved the characters!

I especially 💓💓💓 Finn!

This book did an excellent job of introducing us to the characters and made us start to love them. I hope the next book allows us to get to know them better, watch them grow, and love them even more!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. 

Winging It (Destiny Rules #1) by Lisa Gail Green Book Blitz & $20 Amazon GiftCard Giveaway

Winging It
Lisa Gail Green
(Destiny Rules, #1)
Publication date: March 30th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Sixteen-year-old Zach discovers his mom is a fairy godmother. But what’s really freaking him out is the fact that he’s a fairy too. Now that his mom’s been injured, he must finish her assignments before the next full moon or they’re both grounded, meaning no wings, no wands, and no position in the Organization of Destiny Fulfillment (ODF). Sure it would suck to lose his newfound powers, but Zach quickly learns there’s far more at stake. Failure also means messing up the lives of the people he’s supposed to help.
Forever.
Between a fairy-trainee who happens to be the girl he’s been in love with since fifth grade, a boss he doesn’t trust, and a gremlin physics teacher that wants to eat him, Zach’s pretty sure even a magic wand can’t bail him out.
Winging It has been a featured book on WATTPAD and here are just a few of the comments from readers:
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! BRAVO BRAVO! I sincerely, really loved this book. What was funny is I went out on a wing from werewolf and tried out fantasy and I love it. Your book inspires me to read more fantasy. Excellent story telling.”
“Amazing, absolutely amazing. What a beautiful ending.”
“I love this ending! It leaves just enough loose ends that imagination can fill in the gaps. Whatever happens next, I’m glad I somehow found this amazing book!”
“This was one of the best books I’ve ever read please make a sequel!!”
“I really enjoyed the book! And i spent like two whole days reading it.. i couldnt put it down at all XD
And like everyone else if like to read a sequel… soo….SEQUEL!!”

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Slipping in a puddle under the broken water fountain should teach me to stop gawking at Jenna Macintyre, but I know it won’t. I fell for her when we were ten, and in the six years since, I’ve continued to fall. And stutter. And make an ass out of myself in general.
“Good one, Zachy,” she says, leaning down so that her golden hair swings in my face. She flicks my shoulder, sending shivers down all my nerve endings, straightens up, and heads off toward whatever her next class is. If I had any guts at all I’d call her on all the humiliating things she’s ever said to me, but I don’t. Instead, I wonder if she moves that way on purpose.
Her gaggle of wannabes follow in her wake, blocking the view. Their laughter bounces back down the hall even after I hear the door close behind them.
It’s only after the final bell rings that I realize I should probably breathe if I want to avoid passing out and drowning in an inch of water. So, I shake myself and stand up, leaning on Emmet. I almost forgot he was there. I groan when I feel the heavy material of my soaked jeans clinging to my legs. Nice.
“Loitering now I see, Mr. Slater.” My sixth period Physics teacher’s voice nearly makes me slip again.
“But-” I start.
“Save it for someone who cares. Get to your next class or I’ll be happy to send you to detention.” Mr. Crown slides his Coke bottle glasses up the bridge of his nose and curls his thin upper lip in distaste.
“I had an accident,” I say in a rush.
He raises his eyebrows, taking in my pants, and heat floods my face.
“Not that kind of accident. I slipped in the hall because of the broken fountain.” I ought to threaten to sue.
“That’s what happens when you run in the hallways.”
Is he serious? I draw my hands down over my face, trying to collect myself. “Fine. I’m going,” I say, slinging my backpack over my shoulder.
“Watch that attitude.” He slams the door to his room, and I flip him off before turning back to Emmet, the only other person left in the now deserted hall.
“Take good notes,” I say. “I’m out of here.”
“Thank God,” Emmet says. “I thought you were going to actually go to class like that for a minute.”

Author Bio:
Lisa Gail Green writes paranormal and fantasy because she loves to bring life to the stories in her head. WINGING IT, Book 1 of her new YA fantasy series, Destiny Rules, is NOW available. Sign up for her newsletter for more deals and info at LisaGailGreen.com. Oh -- and she would most definitely have a werewolf for a pet if she weren't allergic.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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The Rule of Many (The Rule of One #2) by Ashley & Leslie Saunders Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Rule of Many

Ashley & Leslie Saunders

(The Rule of One #2)

Published by: Skyscape

Publication date: May 7th 2019

Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Born to a death sentence in a near-future America, rebellious sisters herald a revolution—if they can survive.

Twins Ava and Mira Goodwin defy the Rule of One simply by existing. The single-child law, ruthlessly enforced by Texas’s Governor Roth, has made the sisters famous fugitives and inspirations for the resurgent rebellion known as the Common.

But the relentless governor and his implacable Texas State Guard threaten that fragile hope, as Roth consolidates his power in a bid for ultimate authority.

As Ava and Mira relinquish the relative safety of their Canadian haven to stand against Roth, new allies arise: Owen, a gifted young programmer, impulsively abandons his comfortable life in a moment of compassion, while Zee, an abused labor camp escapee, finds new purpose in resistance.

The four will converge on Dallas for a reckoning with Roth, with nothing less than their destinies—and the promise of a future free from oppression—on the line.

Disobedience means death. But a life worth living demands rebellion.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Hailing from the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, Ashley Saunders and Leslie Saunders are award-winning filmmakers and twin sisters who honed their love of storytelling at The University of Texas at Austin. While researching The Rule of One, they fell in love with America’s national parks, traveling the path of Ava and Mira. The sisters can currently be found with their Boston terriers in sunny Los Angeles, exploring hiking trails and drinking entirely too much yerba mate.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review

This book was AH-MAY-ZING! I LOVED it!!! 

I was planning to post about The Rule of One, but all I was worried about after finishing it was seeing what happened next, so instead of writing a review, I immediately started reading this book. 

These books were AWESOME! I would have read the first book in a day, if I didn't have to adult so much (ugh). I still zoomed through it in like 2 days. 

Until I read this book, I did not realize how long it has been since I last read a dystopian book. For a while, that's all I read, but lately, I've been reading mostly YA Fantasy. This was a great book to get back into the genre!

I didn't realize that this book was written by twins until after I got done reading both books and started writing this review. That makes it so much cooler! 

I don't have anything negative at all to say about this book! It was awesome, and you should go read it right now!

The only thing that I am upset about is that book #3 is not out yet, and I don't know how long I will have to wait for it. It is not listed on GoodReads or their website, so it will probably be a while. I will definitely be watching for it, though!

Thank you to the Saunders twins, the publishers, and Xpresso Blog Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour!

GIVEAWAY!

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