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!

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.

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Mimic (The Prodigy Chronicles #2) by C.L. Denault Book Blitz and Giveaway

Mimic
C.L. Denault
(The Prodigy Chronicles #2)
Publication date: March 22nd 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

In 2012, one cycle of an ancient calendar system came to a close. Humanity predicted its downfall, but it wasn’t the end of their evolutionary climb. It was the beginning.
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core’s game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there’s more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?

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Sequel to:

—

EXCERPT:

The blow shouldn’t have stunned me. I’d grown up in a tavern, defending myself, and had spent plenty of time training with Kane and Tem. I knew how to take a hit.

This was more than a hit. Kristoffe’s swing was fast and brutal, with a force behind it that rivaled my own—enough to knock me off my feet and send me flying down the hall.

Sensations took over. There was the feel of backward motion. Loss of control as my body hit the floor. More motion from sliding, and the hot sting of my flesh scraping tile.

Ceiling lights blurred into white lines. Pain throbbed in my cheek.

But it was the tightness in my throat that hurt most. The tiger clawed like mad as we slid.

Her screams pierced the fog in my brain, parting it, carving out a path. If I didn’t stop her, she would use it to climb up and take control.

Let me in!

I managed to shake my head.

You need me!

“No,” I whimpered, bumping into the limp body of an elevator guard. One of his arms stopped me, and I sat up quickly, recoiling. He was spread-eagled, face down among his comrades, his fingers wrapped around a retinal scanner. I cringed. Was he dead? Had the tiger killed them all? Then my eyes fell on the laser resting at his hip.

Take it.

I couldn’t. I’d never fired one before.

He’ll kill us!

Not sure who she meant, I jerked my head around. The man with the sabre was still gone. But Kristoffe and his patrol were marching in my direction, dragging Toby with them. He struggled violently until one of them drove a fist into his stomach. A savage tug tore through my belly. Gasping, I leaned over, fumbling for the guard’s laser.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Kristoffe signaled for his men to stop, but continued walking toward me. He didn’t waver, not even when I grasped the laser in both hands and aimed it at him.

“That’s far enough,” I said.

He kept coming.

“I’ll shoot.” My finger instinctively hugged the trigger. “I mean it.”

Spreading his arms, Kristoffe made a target out of his broad chest. His smile was icy.

“Go ahead, then. Shoot.”

Was he bluffing? I couldn’t tell. He might have a defensive shield. On the other hand, he might go down with one shot. There was no way to know. But somehow, he’d survived the tiger. This laser was my only hope.

Do it, the tiger spat.

My pulse spiked. “I will shoot.”

He kept coming.

Shoot him!

“Stop,” I cried, my hands shaking.

But he didn’t stop, and the closer he came, the harder I choked on the tiger’s fury. Her strength was more than I could handle. He was only a few feet away when her hissing cry forced me to pull the trigger. A matching cry left my lips. The laser clicked, shuddered—

—and died.

—

Author Bio:
C.L. Denault is a speculative fiction writer who loves dreaming up tales of adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst, she gave up her nerdy code-writing skills to care for her family (including a son with special needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of cornfields in Illinois.
Writing and working out are her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.
She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit her website or social media pages. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest.

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The Transhuman Project by Erin Rhew Blog Tour and $25 Amazon Giveaway

The Transhuman Project
Erin Rhew
Publication date: January 15th 2019
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

When a video of Molly Richards is taken out of context and goes viral, she’s thrust into the upper echelons of social media stardom and becomes an overnight success in a country where Life Channel ratings reign supreme. As Kadar’s fastest rising celebrity, her life becomes a media circus, a show put on for the shallow national audience salivating for the next new thing.
But in a world where image is king, danger and death hide among the shadows. In the nearby country of Pacifica, the brutal Caezar turns his citizens into robotic weapons who infiltrate Kadar as sleeper transhumans. They walk among the populace, unaware they are pawns in the madman’s personal arsenal.
Only Molly, her friends, and an elite group of Kadarian fighters known as the Cyber Knights fully understand the transhuman threat, and only they can break the Caezar’s terrorist grip on both Pacifica and Kadar. Battling Fire Bots and humanoid agents, they seek to put a stop to the Caezar’s tyranny by unraveling the secrets buried between layers of deception.And they have to do it all while smiling and waving for the cameras.
As Molly and her friends peer behind the glitz and glamour, they discover something more frightening and more sinister than anything they’ve encountered yet…the truth.

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Author Bio:
Erin Rhew is an editor, the operations manager for a small press, and a YA fantasy and sci-fi author. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police."
A Southern girl by blood and birth, Erin spent years in a rainy pocket of the Pacific Northwest before returning to her roots in the land of hushpuppies, sweet tea, and pig pickin’. She’s married to fellow author, the amazingly talented (and totally handsome) Deek Rhew, and spends her time writing side-by-side with him under the watchful eye of their patient-as-a-saint writing assistant, a tabby cat named Trinity. Erin and Deek enjoy taking long walks, drinking coffee, lifting, boxing, eating pizza, staying up late into the night talking, and adventuring together.

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Review

If you are looking for a quick, easy read, this is a good one!

I read this in between working on lots of homework and starting my internship, which is taking up most of my "spare time," since I also work full time. I was still able to get through this book in just a few days, though.

It is fun and fast-paced, and I loved the similarities it draws to today's society, with the Kadarans obsessed with their Life Channels and constantly streaming every second of their lives and watching every second of other people's lives. Thinking about just how similar Kadar's culture is to ours and how quickly our culture could become just like Kadar's is kind of scary.

But I digress...

This book was well written. The author did a great job with character development and world-building. I loved Molly! (And sometimes I also wanted to kick her).

I did get a little irritated with the love story in this book, though. However, I'm not a big fan of most romantic plots in stories.

This is the first book I've ever read by Erin Rhew, but I don't plan for it to be my last!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers to be a part of this blog tour, which was organized by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Mirage (Mirage #1) by Somaiya Daud

In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she too will have adventues, and travel beyond her isolated moon. 

But when adventure comes to Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.

As Amani is forced into her new role, she can't help but enjoy the palace's beauty - and her time with the princess' fiance, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection... because one wrong move could lead to her death. 

Review

I went in this book not quite knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! I loved it!

I listened to most of this book as an Audiobook, and I highly recommend it. This is one of those books where I know I would have pronounced the names and places much different if I read them first. I really enjoyed hearing the book read with the pronunciation the author intended for the characters and places.

I have only recently started listening to audiobooks. This was only the 3rd or 4th one I've listened to, and I enjoyed it very much. I especially love that I can read while driving now, something you should never do without an audiobook.

This book is really well written! The author did an excellent job at world building and character development, and the plot was very unique.

Although this book is set on a different planet, much of the book was inspired by Moroccan culture. This was awesome! I love when YA fantasy books incorporate different cultures, even if they are set on other planets!

The only thing that irked me just a little about this book was how easily Amani seems to settle into her new life and doesn't seem to be taking her situation as seriously as she should be. She is supposed to be in danger throughout the whole book, and it seems like she forgets that quite a bit. This could be a combination of her personality and how young she is, but I still expected her at several points during the book to stop and consider how much danger she is in.

I still really enjoyed reading this book, though! I definitely recommend it!

The ending left me asking a whole bunch of questions, so I will definitely check out book #2 when it comes out!

Book # 2, Court of Lions, is listed on GoodReads. It says it will be released sometime this year but doesn't say when. 

Rival (Fate of the Stars #2) Blog Tour and Giveaway for $50 Amazon (x2)

Rival
Arwen Paris
(Fate of the Stars, #2)
Publication date: November 1st 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

It’s a role she didn’t want…
One deadly week has passed since seventeen year old Allison Delaney realized she must save Earth from the parasitic race of Ma’tiok. But the task is even more complicated than Allison feared, and she’s being set up to fail. Blamed for a fatal blow to the Alliance fleet that killed dozens of soldiers, Allison must face judgment for their deaths. The High Priestess Kiobaan is Allison’s only hope. Kiobaan sees the warrior spirit in Allison, along with her potential both politically and physically and agrees to train her.
And a game she can’t afford to lose.
Meanwhile, though Allison is the human host of Eenoki, protector of life, she’s not yet ready to harness their combined energy. Their bond is unpredictable at best—volatile at worst. Time is running out for Eenoki and Allison to trust each other—all or nothing—or she’ll never gain the power she needs to defeat the Ma’tiok and save Earth. When Allison is marked for death by an unknown enemy, the High Priestess Kiobaan must step-up and fight. But in return Kiobaan extracts a pledge from Allison, one that will compromise her new status and make her a target.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:
Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS releases September 1, 2017. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic

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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. 

Spoiled Gambit (Jagged Scars #4.5) by Jo Schneider

Cal screwed up. He trusted the wrong guy. Wendy almost died and Shelter fell. In an attempt to assuage his own guilt, Cal joined a dangerous mission to lead the Primate's people away from the survivors. 

While laying a false trail for the Primate's Skinnies, Cal discovers some old friends, but he also finds an enemy even more dangerous than the Primate. Now the group must decide if their objective has changed. Cal will do anything to prove to the others, and maybe himself, that he is not a traitor. But will it be enough to keep his friends safe?

Review

Before I say anything at all about this book, I just have to say - I did not expect Cal to be as attractive as he is depicted on the cover of this book. I was picturing someone way nerdier, but he is a total hottie on the cover.

If you haven't read the other books in the series, read my review of the first book, Fractured Memories.

This novella was a great way to get back into the series. It gave me a bit of a refresher on what happened in book # 4, Crippled Hope, since it had been a while since I read it. This short is just as good as the rest of the series, though. 

I really like Cal! I Am so happy that he was given a whole novella to try to make up for his mistakes. I don't want to give anything away, but I hope that what happens in this novella helps give Cal a second chance in the next book. 

This was a great intro to the last book in the series! I am super excited to read Broken World, now! I am just sad that the series is coming to an end. 

Thank you, Jo Schneider, for sending me a copy of this book! 

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

Mirror Gate (Harbinger #2) by Jeff Wheeler

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his wondrous Harbinger series in which two young women unite as two worlds approach the brink of war...

Though relations between Princess Seraphin Fitzempress and her father have been strained, Sera's royal position has remained unchallenged. Filled with self-doubt, she struggles to grasp the Mysteries- her greatest trial yet.

An education in the enigmatic magic is a necessary one, should Sera plan to rise in her station and invoke her powers during war. But the emperor's death now leaves both Sera and her ambitios father eligible for the throne- a contest the prince regent intends to win. Even if it means an alliance with a rival empire.

Sera's hope lies in Cettie, a waif raised in the world below, whose life has intertwined with sera's in the most unexpected ways. The Mysteries come easily ot Cettie, and her studies have begun to yield new insight into her growing powers. But those same powers put Cettie in the path of those who would destroy her. 

Now as the threat of war ignites and an insidious sickness spreads throughout the kingdom, Sera and Cettie will need to gather their courage and fight for each other's lives... and for the future of their endangered world.

Review

This book picks up several years after the first book in the series, Storm Glass, left off. 

WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK AHEAD. If you have not read Storm Glass, it's review instead by clicking here: Review of Storm Glass

When the book begins, Cettie and Sera have been at Muirwood Abbey for the past 4 years, learning the Mysteries. 

I would love for Jeff Wheeler to write a novella telling more about what happened in the 4 years between Storm Glass and Mirror Gate. 

As we learned in Storm Glass, Cettie has an affinity for the Mysteries, and they come to her easily. Sera, on the other hand, sucks at it, and not mastering the Mysteries may put her destiny at risk.

One thing that frustrated me in this book is how everyone kept explaining that all Cettie's problems would be solved once she learns the Mysteries, even though some of those problems were life threatening, and no one ever recommended taking the test early or anything... Not even a couple of weeks earlier than planned... Smh

I read a retweet that said sometimes I want to hug Jeff Wheeler, and other times, I want to throw him off the edge of a sky manor. I had the same feelings several times while reading this series! I've been on a roller coaster of emotion throughout both books!

😘

😄

😲

😮

OMG! That is all I have to say after reading this book! I don't want to give away any spoilers about this book or it's ending, so please just go read it! 

This book was just as good, if not better than the first book! I am glad we finally learned a little more about the Mysteries, though! I was getting tired of everyone talking about them and not explaining anything. 

The only thing I'm not happy about is having to wait to see what happens next! I looked on Jeff Wheeler's website, and it looks like book #3, Iron Garden, will be released in November, which is waaaaay too long.  

This book was AH-MAY-ZING! Again, Jeff Wheeler blew my mind! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! If I can't find an ARC soon, I plan to read the Kingsfountain and the Legends of Muirwood series so that I understand more about Cettie's world. 

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

Storm Glass (Harbinger #1) by Jeff Wheeler

Theirs is a world of opposites. The priviledged live in sky manors held aloft by a secretive magic known only as the Mysteries. Below, the earthbound poor are forced into factory work to maintain the engine of commerce. Only the wealthy can afford to learn the Mysteries, and they use their knowledget to further lock their hold on society.

Cettie Pratt is a waif doomed to the world below, until an admiral attempts to adopt her. But in her new home in the clouds, not everyone treats her as one of the family.

Sera Firempress is a princess born into power. She yearns to meet the orphan girl she has heard so much about, but her father deems the girl unworthy of his daughter's curiosity.

Neither girl feels that she belongs. Each seeks to break free of imposed rules. Now, as Cettie dreams of living above and Sera is drawn to the world below, they will follow in the paths of their own choosing. 

But both girls will be needed for the coming storm that threatens to overturn both their worlds.

Review

First, let me tell you something that I think is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Even though this book was just released on June 19th, the sequel, Mirror Gate, is going to be released on August 28th! How awesome is that? One of the things I hate most about reading a good series is having to wait a year or more for the next book to be released. Thank you so much, Jeff Wheeler, for taking your readers into consideration and not making us wait on the edge our seats for who knows how long to see what happens next!

Something else that is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING: THIS BOOK!

I wasn't aware that the author of this series also wrote the Legends of Muirwood series. I actually won one of the Muirwood books in a giveaway on GoodReads, and I just never got around to reading them. I will now! This book is based on some aspects of the world in the Muirwood series, just very far into the future.

To understand this series, you don't need to read the other series first. However, now that I've become so interested in Cettie and her world, I definitely want to read the Muirwood series. The author's other series, Kingfountain, also looks really good! 

Something that irked me a bit was that Cettie was so quick to leave the kids and Joses in the Fells. She was so concerned with their welfare but asked to leave She knew Joses was likely in jail and their guardian is a drunk who doesn't feed them, you would think that she would be more concerned about making sure that would be alright. This was just a little detail that made me scratch my head. It didn't detract from the story, though. 

The author did an excellent job at world building and character development! I really like Cettie and Sera, and of course, Fitzroy! Sera's dad really pissed me off, though! He is a total assbutt! (Sorry, I've been watching way too much Supernatural.)  

This book had so many twists and turns. I couldn't put it down, and I loved the ending! I am so happy that I have the sequel so that I can start reading it right now!

the author stated that this series will have 5 books. Since the first 2 are the only ones listed on GoodReads,  it might be a while before I get to see what happens next, so it's a great time to catch up on some of his other work. 

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

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black

Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. 

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nnothingmore than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. 

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him-and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as a betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Review

HOLY CRAP!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

I have heard lots of good things about this book and have wanted to read it for a while. It totally exceeded my expectations! 

This was the first book I've read by Holly Black, but I definitely intend to read more.

I sped through this book! I couldn't put it down. I probably would have stayed up and finished it all in one night if I didn't have to get up and adult the next day. 😢 Adulting sucks!

The ending was EPIC, and totally not at all what I was expecting to happen!

The only thing that I'm upset about is how long I have to wait to read the sequel! Does anyone know where I can get an ARC of The Wicked King?

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. 

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated -- scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

Review

Let me start out by saying, I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews of this book. Sarah J. Maas is my FAVORITE author, and this is one of my all-time favorite series, so when I read some of the less-than-stellar reviews of this book, I was scared to ruin my love of the series with a book that is not up to SJM's high standards.

I should never have worried! However, it is best to go into this book with the mindset that this is a NOVELLA, it is not a full-length novel. You cannot expect this to be like the first 3 books in the series. Unlike the action-packed first 3 books, this is more of a transition into the 4th book. The war is over, and Feysand and the inner circle are settling into life in Velaris. 

I was missing Rhys and the gang! I am just glad SJM released something so that we don't have to wait so long to see what happens next! This was was a perfect little teaser of what's to come in the next book. It's super short, and I read it really quickly. It's just what you need to get your ACOTAR fix in since book #4 will not be released until next year, and Kingdom of Ash, the 7th book in the Throne of Glass series, will not be released until October. 

Plus, there is a sneak peak for book #4 in the back of this book, and that one ends with a cliffhanger! ☺

Here's some of my favorite fan art for the ACOTAR series! Please note: None of this artwork is mine. Click on the pics to go to the artist's site. 

The first few are from JoPainter. I ♥ ♥ ♥ her artwork. Here's a link to her website: http://jopainter.co.uk/ 

You can also go here to purchase her artwork: JoPainter on Etsy  

These 2 come from The Art of Jana Etsy store:

I found this one on Instagram: @taratjah

I couldn't find who did these, but I really like them!

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Shade (The Shade #1) by Marilyn Peake

Finalist in the 2015 National Indie Excellence Book Awards, Young Adult Fiction category. 

 Thanks to her offbeat mother, Shade's full name is Galactic Shade Griffin. Having a name like that while being the new girl in school is pretty much catnip for bullies. The summer before Shade's junior year of high school, her mother breaks up with yet another boyfriend and moves them once again to a new town.

This time, they move into a dilapidated old house where Shade has an entire attic bedroom to herself-at least until she discovers it's haunted by the ghost of a teenaged boy named Brando Yates. When Shade's best friend goes missing, her life becomes even more complicated. With the help of Brandon who's struggling with his own issues in the world beyond, Shade faces the question of whether or not she has what it takes to become a true hero.

Although this novel deals with a number of serious issues - drug and alcohol abuse, cutting, and disturbing world events - it's primarily a novel about a teenaged girl finding out who she really is and that she's capable of so much more than she ever thought possible. 

Shade is a Young Adult Paranormal Mystery novel. 

Review

I've been getting Marilyn Peake's emails for a while but had never read any of her books, so when I got an email about joining her ARC team, I jumped on the opportunity to check out some of her work.

This book is about Galactic Shade Griffin, aka Shade, a teenager with a drug and alcohol addicted mother who has just broken up with yet another boyfriend and moved her and her daughter yet again. This time, her mother moves them into a haunted house. When girls start going missing from Shade's school, the ghosts help solve the case.  

The amount of mature, potentially triggering topics in what I assumed was a light-hearted YA fantasy book was really surprising. Pretty quickly into the book, Shade starts cutting herself. She then sees a ghost, and the knife is flung from her hand and her arms are healed. The ghost tells her that she should do art instead of cutting herself. 

In some ways, I would think this book should be considered Middle Grade, because of the writing and the maturity of some of the characters. However, there were many topics that were completely inappropriate for MG books, like human trafficking and abortion.

I'm not sure what else to say about this book. It was kind of over the place, I am interested in checking out some of the author's other work, though. Next, I am going to try The Other, which is supposed to be a sci-fi book that features aliens. The reviews on GoodReads are much more positive than they are for this book, so I'm hopeful. I'll let you know what I think! 

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

Unraveled (Perfected #3) by Kate Jarvik Birch Blog Tour & Giveaway

Ella isn't anyone's pet anymore, but she's certainly not free. 

After exposing the dark secrets about NuPet's breeding program, forcing them to repeal the law that allowed genetically modified girls to be kept as pets, she thought girls like her would finally be free. She never dreamed that it would backfire. NuPet may have convinced the public of their intentions to assimilate pets back into society, but Ella knows it's a lie. 

They aren't planning mass rehabilitation... they're planning a mass extermination.

Now, with the help of a small group of rebels, Ella and Penn, the boy she'd give up her life for, set out to bring down NuPet for good. But when her group gets implicated in a string of bombings, no one is safe. If she can't untangle the web of blackmail and lies that extends far beyond NuPet's reach, she won't just lose her chance at freedom, she'll lose everyone she loves.

Buy links: https://entangledpublishing.com/unraveled.html

About Kate Jarvik Birch: 

Kate Jarvik Birch is a visual artist, author, playwright, daydreamer, and professional procrastinator. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be either a unicorn or mermaid. Luckily, being a writer turned out to be just as magical. Her essays and short stories have been published in literary journals including Indiana Review and Saint Ann's Review. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and three kids. 

Author Links:

Author Website: katejarvikbirch.com

Author Twitter: @katejarvikbirch

Author Facebook. www.facebook.com/KateJarvikBirchBooks/

Author Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/KateJarvikBirch

Author Instagram: instagram.com/kebirch

Review:

First of all, if you have not read Perfected or Tarnished yet, go out and get them right now! You'll want to read them before you start this book, and you will definitely want to start this book. 😸

I have been waiting to read this book for a long time, and it definitely did not disappoint!

This book was AWESOME! Kate Jarvik Birch definitely knows how to suck you in and keep you on the edge of your seat!

I liked this book just as much, if not more than the first 2 books in the series!

I am hoping to hear more from Ella and Penn, but I think this might be the last book in the series. If so, I can't wait to see what Kate Jarvik Birch comes up with next!

I received a copy of this book in order to participate in the blog tour.

                                

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shadow Rise (Shadow Fall #2) by Audrey Grey

Terrorist. Rebel. Traitor. 

One rash decision during the Shadow Trials led to unspeakable horrors that left innocents dead, friends injured and hunted by the Empire, and Maia Graystone imprisoned in the Toward at the Archduchess's mercy. 

Unsure if Riser Thornbrook survived, Maia must find a way to battle the Empire from within its own walls and escape so she can fulfill the promise to her father and stop the asteroid. But when she breaks free and joins Nicolai's Rebel army, she discovers she's been branded a traitor. With war between the Rebels and the Empire looming, old alliances shifting, and suspicion hanging over her head, she must fight in the Rebel Blood Courts - and win command - to regain their trust. 

Only problem is, first she has to defeat the reigning champion, someone she knows all too well. Will Maia's emotions lead to her defeat, or will she rise up and claim her victory?

Review

This book picks up where Shadow Fall left off. Maia had been captured after the botched attempt to murder the Emperor. 

There were little things that irked me about this book (mostly plot holes), but it still had me sucked in and I couldn't put it down.

I thought the surprise ending was a little odd, or maybe a bit rushed? I definitely wasn't expecting it, though!

This book was great! I think I liked this book better than the first, but there are certain things from the first book that I liked better.

As with the first book, Maia still bothered me at times, but I still ♥ ♥ ♥ Riser! (I know this is a small spoiler from the first book. Sorry!)

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

       

       

Shadow Fall (Shadow Fall #1) by Audrey Grey

The asteroid hurtling toward the earth will kill billions. 

The Emperor and his Gold Court will be safe in their space station, watching from the stars. The Silvers will be protected underground. But the Bronzes must fight it out at the Shadow Trials for the few remaining spots left on the space station. 

When an enigmatic benefactor hands Maia Graystone a spot in the Trials, she won't just get a chance at salvation for her and her baby brother, Max: She gets to confront the mother who abandoned her in prison, the mad Emperor who murdered her father, and the Gold prince who once loved her. But it's the dark bastard prince she's partnered with that will make her question everything, including her own heart. With the asteroid racing closer every day, Maia must trust someone to survive.

The question is who?

Review

I found Shadow Rise on NetGalley, and it looked so good that I decided to actually buy this book when I couldn't find it at the library or anywhere else online for free.

If you have read some of my previous posts, you may know how cheap I am. This is only the second book I've actually bought in years... like a lot of years.

Just to emphasize how significant it is for me to BUY a book, here an excerpt from my post about the one other book I've bought in the past at least 7 to 10 years:

I have not actually purchased a book in years. Anything that I can't get from the library or request to read and review, I usually just wait until I can. To emphasize my point, let me give you an example, a few of the best series I've read in the past couple of years, I was literally DYING to read the next book in the series. Even after being super upset at having to wait 6 months to a year for the next book to be released, I waited until I could download a copy through the library, even though there were a ton of people that had it on hold in front of me, and it ended up taking at least another couple of months. 

Now that I have given you a little insight into just how cheap I am when it comes to reading, let me reiterate it for you: I BOUGHT this book!!

When I started this book, I still had a little bit of a book hangover after reading the Graceling series, and I was looking for another book that would help cure it. This was a good choice!

As some of the other reviews on GoodReads pointed out, this book does have some similarities to The Hunger Games. However, it is definitely not a complete replica.

This book has a very unique concept: there is an asteroid that is weeks away from destroying the world, which has turned into a dystopia in anticipation of Pandora (the asteroid), with an evil Emperor leading them all to their doom in "Uploaders" that look like caskets. In there, people will upload to the consciousness of the Chosen 100.

The Chosen and the Goles, the elite, or at least the ones that aren't suspected of sympathizing with the rebels or using banned technology, all get to ride out the end of the world on a space station.

I really liked this book, but I also felt like the author could have added more explanation into some places. It was still great, though!

I ♥ ♥ ♥ Riser! He was my favorite.

I'm glad I have the next book on hand (thanks again, NetGalley!) and don't have to wait to see what happens next!

I will post my review of the sequel to this book, Shadow Rise, in a few days. 

       

Gauntlet Fall (The Gauntlet Book 1) by Maddy Edwards

Gauntlet Fall

by Maddy Edwards

(The Gauntlet #1)

Publication Date: June 12th 2017

Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Blurb:

Samantha Berry lives in a world devastated by war. A fragile peace has allowed hopes for rebuilding to blossom, but they rest on the shoulders of those who run the Gauntlet, the lethal trail to the stronghold of the man whose strange creatures started the war many years ago. The stronghold lies deep in Torrent's Valley, protected by deadly weapons that defeat every attempt to penetrate it, and it holds information crucial to the survival of Samantha's world.

Samantha wants to go to Harknell School, where Gauntlet Runners are trained. The only trouble is, she's the wrong gender. Determined not to let a little thing like that stand in her way, she disguises herself, calls herself "Sam," and risks everything to learn the skills she needs. 

Fraught with unimagined dangers, Harknell shows Sam a whole new world and forces her to keep a cool head as she fights to maintain her place and become a Runner. Along the way, she'll make lifelong friends, watch loyalties crumble, and learn what it is to love. 

In this scorching world that no one saw coming... until it arrived. 

Review:

I like that at the beginning they don't specify the gender of the main character. I thought the main character was a boy at the beginning. I didn't like that almost immediately after her gender was revealed, it is emphasized how much weaker females are than males. However, the author proves that point incorrect throughout the rest of the book. 

Sam(antha) is stuck in Salt Landing with her cousin's family who treat her like crap. Her mother left her with her cousin when she went to look for her brother, after he left for Harknell Hall to try to run the Gauntlet. Six years later, Sam goes herself, to try to train to run the Gauntlet and find her brother, even though only males are allowed at Harknell Hall. 

I was impressed by this book! It sucked me in immediately, and I would have finished it in one night, if I didn't have to make myself go to bed at a (somewhat) decent hour so that I could go to work early the next day. Adulting sucks!

I will say that I figured out one of the twists at the end, but all of the other twists and turns thorughout the book, and especially the ending, I could have NEVER guessed any of that was going to happen! 

The author did an excellent job at world building and character development. Her character development was also very well timed, leaving some characters' mysteries a secret until the most powerful moment to reveal them. 

I absolutely ♥ed Sam! She was fearless and was hardly ever afraid of being found out as a girl, except in obvious situations. I think it would have taken away from the story if she was constantly worrying about it. 

This book was awesome! I'm just super upset that I don't have the next book in the series to keep reading! I can't wait to see what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.