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! 

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!

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

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Otherword & Otherearth (Last Reality #1 & #2) by Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller

         

Otherworld (Last Reality #1)

The company says Otherworld is amazing - like nothing you've ever seen before. They say that it's addictive - that you'll want to stay forever. They promise Otherworld will make all your dreams come true. 

Simon thought Otherworld was a game. Turns out he knew nothing. Otherworld is the next phase of reality. It's everything you've ever wanted.

And it's about to change humanity forever.

Welcome to the Otherworld. No one could ever have seen it coming.

Otherearth (Last Reality #2)

Return to the series BuzzFeed compared to Ready Player One in the second book in a new fast-paced trilogy from New York Times bestselling authors Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller that's perfect for fans of HBO's Westworld.

Simon saved his best friend, Kat, from the clutches of the Company and their high-tech VR gamilng experience, Otherworld. But it was at a steep price. Now he, Kat, and their friend Busara are on the run. They know too much. About the Company's dark secrets.

About the real-life consequences of playing Otherworld. And about Kat's stepfather's involvement in everything. The group is headed to New Mexico to find Simon's old roomate, who is a tech genius and possibly the only person who can help them reveal the truth about the Company before it's too late and the line between what's real and what's fantasy is erased... forever.

Imagine a future in which you can leave reality behind and give in to your greatest desires. That future is now. And the future is terrifying. 

Review(s)

I am writing my reviews of Otherworld and Otherearth together, mostly because I rushed through them both super fast and didn't take any time in between to jot any notes down for a review like I normally do. I will make sure I do not give away any spoilers for Otherworld, for those of you that have not read book #1 yet. 

MIND BLOWN!!!

I must say, I was pretty intrigued when I learned that Jason Segel wrote thsi book. When the first book was released, I put it on my TBR but never read it. I saw him on The View (don't judge me, I just happened to land on that channel while it was on and stopped because he was talking, and he is funny) and found out that he wrote these books and the second had just been released. I 💓💓💓 Forgetting Sarah Marshall! I knew he wrote that, and everything else I've seen him in has been hilarious. I already wanted to read these books after reading about them when Otherworld was released, so this was the push I needed to bump them to the top of my TBR list and read them.

There are definitely some funny parts, and the book is very well-written and the world building is excellent. The authors were able to build an amazing realistic AI world within a world and bring both to life. 

The first book was really good. I sped through it and finished it within a couple of days. The second book was just as good, but the ending BLEW MY MIND! I totally did not see it coming.

I am so upset now! In the Kindle version, the page after you finish the book says Other____ coming Fall 2019" Seriously? It's like they're rubbing it in that we will have to wait a whole year to see what happens next.

So, I just recently started listening to audiobooks on my commute to work. Usually, I just want to keep reading (something that you shouldn't do while driving), so I get the audiobook of the book I am reading from the library so that I can SAFELY keep reading while I drive. 

I was expecting the audiobook to be super funny and entertaining because Jason Segal narrated it. He did a good job, and it wasn't boring, monotonous, or not entertaining, but it just wasn't' what I was expecting when I started it. He does well voicing some of the characters, but I was expecting a lot more theatrics and funny-making (yeah, that's totally a word). That was just my expectation though, not something that the audiobook is advertised as or anything. It is no way was a bad audiobook, and I will totally listen to book #3 on audiobook. I just wanted to mention this in case anyone else has the same expectation I had.

Definitely, do not let this deter you from listening to it, but just don't go into it expecting him to do voice work as if it were a cartoon or something. It is an audiobook, and we are adults (kind of). lol

I loved these books! I am happy that I waited until the 2nd book was released to read the first so that I didn't have to wait to read it, but I am upset that I have to wait to see what happens next! I'm not sure when book # 3 will be out. It isn't listed on GoodReads yet, so I assume it will not be anytime this year. 😥

The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxed can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initally assmes is a Luxen.. but he is in fact something much  more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old. 

Review

I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first started it. BUT WOAH! This book was AH-MAY-ZING! I got sucked in really quickly and zoomed right through it!

The character development in this book was awesome! Luc reminded me of Rhysand from ACOTAR, who is my all-time-favorite book bf, so of course, I liked him almost immediately.
I also liked that even though this book is about 👽, there are also many comparisons to today's society. People are arguing over and protesting 👽rights sounds all too familiar. Also, the comparisons to mixed relationships being dangerous. Even though things have come a long way for biracial relationships, we still have so far to go.

I absolutely ♥ ♥ ♥ed this book! I was so mad when I got to the last page then looked on GoodReads and found out that I don't even know how long I will have to wait to see what happens next.

One thing that will make the wait a little better... This book is the first in a new series, based on the world from the author's Lux series. I started reading it immediately after finishing this book.

While you do not have to read the Lux series to understand or ♥ this book, I do recommend it. I am finding that reading this book before reading the Lux series gives some spoilers away.

However, I think the author did an awesome job world building in this book and in the Lux series. She did so in a way so that readers that started with this book could perfectly understand the world, while not being redundant for those that had already read Lux.

Again, if you have not read the Lux series yet and think you might want to at some point, I do recommend reading it first. However, if you don't ever plan to read it, dive on in to this series!

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

Broken Worlds (Jagged Scars #5) by Jo Schneider

Wendy has watched too many of her friends and family fall prey to the Primate. Thousands have died at his hands, simply because he deemed them unworthy of life. With her newfound allies, who possess more information on the Primate's vicious plans for domination, Wendy urges her weakened people to strike.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Wendy leads a group into the heart of the Primate's city. When they find technology that could wipe out what is left of the world to make room for the Primate's believers, they each must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to keep their friends safe. Even if that sacrifice means losing each other. 

Review

First of all, I would like to thank Jo Schneider for sending me a copy of this book!

If you have not read the rest of the Jagged Scars series, I recommend reading my review of the first book, Fractured Memories. I will try not to include too many spoilers from the rest of the series in this review, though.

I waited so long to read this book! I am really glad that I read Spoiled Gambit  (book #4.5) before reading this book. It was a great refresher on what happened in Crippled Hope (book #4), and I loved that it gave Cal a chance to continue his story.

However, you do not need to read the Spoiled Gambit novella to understand what happens in this book. I recommend it, though, as it will give you quite a bit of insight into what happens when Cal and Dennis go on a mission at the end of Crippled Hope. 

This is the last book in the Jagged Scars series. I have been dying to know how it ends!

This book, just like all the others in this series, didn't disappoint! This book was just as good as the rest of the series.

**SPOILER ALERT** 

At 92%, I started getting a little worried about the ending.  I get showing how much Dennis has changed, but I didn't like the way the ending was done.

I loved everything about this book and this series, until I got to the end. I feel like it could have been written better. I think the author tried to wrap things up a little too neatly at the end. Jo Schneider is excellent at writing cliffhangers, as she demonstrated in the rest of the series. I think I would have been upset if the series ended with too much of a cliffhanger, I just feel like it was wrapped up too quickly at the end.

Although I was a little disappointed with the way this book ended, I still loved it!

I'm really sad that the series is over, though! I wish I could see what happen next!

I definitely plan to check out more of Jo Schneider's work!

Threadwalkers by Joanna Volavka

After her father's death in a plane crash, Miranda Woodard's life begins to unravel. On her sixteenth birthday, Miranda receives a mysterious gift: a small wooden box containing a needle and a spool of gossamer golden thread, left behind by her father, which begins a chain of events that soon leave her life in chaos. Her pet cat is replaced with another, her teachers don't have her on their roll call at school, even her closest friends forgot who she is. When her mother vanishes into thin air, Miranda becomes desperate for answers. She follows clues to meet a man known only as the Tailor. With his help, she must find a way to fix her life before it's too late.

Review

First of all, I would like to thank the author, Joanna Volavka, for sending me a copy of this book!

This book started off a little bit slow, but it is definitely worth it to keep reading. Once the pace started picking up, I was completely sucked in.

I really like the way Miranda was written. Although the author wrote a realistic account of how a 16-year-old might react to such complex and scary situations, she didn't turn her into a whiner like some YA authors tend to do with teenagers in tough positions.

If you like, sci-fi, you'll love this book. If you don't like sci-fi, you should still totally read this book!

I loved this book! I hope the author writes more about Miranda's adventures! I really want to see what happens next!

About the Author

Joanna currently lives in southern California with her husband, two cats, and extensive book collection. She is on staff with the International Geek Girls Pen Pals Club and spends her time writing or traveling as often as possible. She loves national parks, wildlife conservation, geeky conventions, and weird roadside attractions. She knows that Han shot first. Joanna still hasn't decided what she wants to be when she grows up, though she suspects it will probably be herself.

Website: joannavolavka.com
Twitter: @joannavolavka
IG: @joannavolavka
FB: facebook.com/joannavolavkaauthor