A Perfection Called Books

ARC Review: Dark of the West

2019-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Joanna Hathaway
Series: Glass Alliance #1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 480 pages
Publication Date: February 5th, 2019
Publisher: Tor Teen
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Aurelia Isendare is a princess of a small kingdom in the North, raised in privilege but shielded from politics as her brother prepares to step up to the throne. Halfway around the world, Athan Dakar, the youngest son of a ruthless general, is a fighter pilot longing for a life away from the front lines. When Athan’s mother is shot and killed, his father is convinced it’s the work of his old rival, the Queen of Etania—Aurelia’s mother. Determined to avenge his wife’s murder, he devises a plot to overthrow the Queen, a plot which sends Athan undercover to Etania to gain intel from her children.

Athan’s mission becomes complicated when he finds himself falling for the girl he’s been tasked with spying upon. Aurelia feels the same attraction, all the while desperately seeking to stop the war threatening to break between the Southern territory and the old Northern kingdoms that control it—a war in which Athan’s father is determined to play a role. As diplomatic ties manage to just barely hold, the two teens struggle to remain loyal to their families and each other as they learn that war is not as black and white as they’ve been raised to believe.

"Dark of the West" immediately pulled my attention as it was pitched as a fantasy book set in a time of war, filled with espionage, fighter pilots, rebellion, and political intrigue. While I found all of this in the novel to varying degrees, I couldn't help but feel like I wanted more from this novel.

"Dark of the West" follows two protagonists: Athan and Aurelia. Athan is the youngest son of the ruthless general of Savient. Brought up during his father's rebellion that united three regions and set his family up as a military powerhouse leader, he feels obligated to serve as a pilot in the Savient army. I really liked Athan's point of view. He definitely seemed boyish at times - understandable as he is seventeen - and I liked his admirable loyalty, self-deprecating humor, and daring nature. Princess Aurelia hails from a small Northern kingdom. She is constantly underestimated and always shut out of council meetings that dictate the runnings of her kingdom much to her chagrin. While I felt Athan's character was stronger, I think Aurelia's character development in this book, especially near the end, is only for her (and our) betterment.

The seemingly doomed love that fosters between Athan and Aurelia in this book is both adorable and heartbreaking. They both have secrets they've held from each other and I cringe when I think about the fallout. But they've also sacrificed for one another so maybe there is hope for them yet. This book follows young love in its purest form. While I enjoy the cute moments this couple shares, it doesn't overshadow the rest of this war-ridden plot.

Speaking of war, the plot of this book really gave off world war vibes. The colluding, the rebellions, and talk of military strategy really fascinated me throughout this book and brought a unique twist to a classic fantasy setting. Athan's chapters where he flies his airplane into battle and trainings are my favorite parts. There is something so utterly fascinating to me about seemingly commanding the air and flying about through such a vast and open space.

I also really enjoyed learning more about the political landscape throughout the world as you learn of the refined Northern Kingdoms and the rebellion brewing in the untamed South, filled with resources and riches the Northerners desperately want to keep under rule. I do wish this advanced copy had come with a map as I started to get lost among the many mentioned cities and regions.

The secondary characters were also strong in this novel. Athan's entire family is a thorny enigma that I hope is explored to greater depths in the next book. Athan's conniving eldest brother, Commander Arrin, is heralded as a strategy genius, yet shows moments of mercy and protectiveness towards Athan. While his other brother, Captain Kalt aims only to please their father, no matter the cost. I really liked Athan's fellow pilots in this book, their camaraderie and manner remind me vaguely of "Top Gun". Aurelia's family, her brother Reni and mother Sinora are also complex characters I'd like to understand better. Both keeping secrets from Aurelia and each other, I wonder if they're doing what is best for their kingdom or what suits their personal interests and survival.

Joanna Hathaway's story was very engaging and kept my attention throughout. I just had to know how the story was going to end! The writing was addictive and easy to follow. I did feel that the plot took some complicated turns near the end, and I wish it all wasn't so rushed.

I think I'd set my expectations just a little too high for this one. This is a great first book in a series that I believe has a ton of potential though. "Dark of the West" definitely lad down the foundation and built up the characters and world, so I have high expectations for the next novel!

Rachel is a teenaged unapologetic fangirl and perfectionist.

She loves reading for the escape it gives from reality and enjoys crying over books, swooning over characters, and laughing out loud over funny lines. She is a semi-recovering Netflix addict and a middle child of three.

You can find her on Twitter @yaperfectionist & Goodreads.

Blog Tour: Dance of Thieves

2018-08-24T16:35:00.001-04:00

Author: Mary E. Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 508 pages
Publication Date: August 7th, 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

Mary E. Pearson is one of my favorite authors because she crafts such beautiful plots with a unique flair. I enjoyed The Kiss of Deception series and was excited when I heard that Dance of Thieves would be a spin-off duology taking place six years after the end of The Beauty of Darkness and following fresh characters.

Kazi is an elite guard for the Queen of Venda, tasked with a covert mission that involves exploring the northern reaches of the continent, a region that doesn't abide by the laws of the kingdoms. This region has been ruled for centuries by the Ballengers clan, a ruthless family with lucrative trade business that deals in coins and favors as much as in blood. After his father's sudden death, Jase assumes the role of patriarch, igniting a power struggle among the leaders in the region. Kazi and Jase's paths cross and as they both stand to gain by manipulating and using the other, they can't help but feel drawn to one another with their quick wit and sizzling dynamics.

This is easily my favorite book that Mary has written. I loved that we got to explore a new area within the Remnant world and learn about the history from a different region's perspective. Mary's writing is still so beautiful and easy to devour. The plotting of this book was excellent and brought out major twists and turns all over. The suspense in this book kept rising as both Kazi and Jase came closer to discovering what they both desperately seek to fulfill their duties all while stirring up emotional turmoil as they continue to lie to each other about their true intentions and feelings.

This book had a grittier edge to it, as Kazi and Jase can both be ruthless and sly. There is lots of death and mystery in this book as someone is stirring up mayhem in the area to unseat the Ballengers. There is plenty of fighting scenes and political intrigue to spare. I enjoyed seeing how the Ballengers dealt in business, it reminded me of Six of Crows in some ways.

The romance between Kazi and Jase is at the forefront of this book, and I am all for it! The romantic tone is captured so perfectly, yet I never felt that the romance overshadowed the initial plot, merely complicated it. There are so many swoon-worthy moments that will leave readers content and smiling. Kazi and Jase both think so similarly that this book truly does feel like a cat and mouse game filled with quick wit and easy banter.

Dance of Thieves also includes Jase's family and Kazi's friends. I thought the portrayal of family and friendship in this book was lovely, and I am excited that this wide cast of characters were included. There is still so much left open after the end of this book, and I am anxiously waiting to read the final book Vow of Thieves when it comes out next year. Overall, if you are looking for a new romantic fantasy novel to sweep you off your feet, Dance of Thieves is definitely for you!

Blog Tour: Star-Touched Stories

2018-08-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Roshani Chokshi
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 304 pages
Publication Date: August 7th, 2018
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Death and Night
He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes.

Poison and Gold
Now that her wish for a choice has come true, Aasha struggles to control her powers. But when an opportunity to help Gauri and Vikram's new reign presents itself, she will have to battle her insecurities and maybe, along the way, find love.

Rose and Sword
There is a tale whispered in the dark of the Empire of Bharat-Jain. A tale of a bride who loses her bridegroom on the eve of her wedding. But is it a tale or a truth?

Quick Q&A:

1. Out of all the characters in your novels, which one did you have the most fun writing about and who do you relate to the most personally? What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your characters?

In the world of the Star – Touched Queen, I think the one who I related to the most was also the one that I had the most fun writing: Kamala! There's just something about the demon horse that resonated a lot with me. I think it's because she does everything that I would do in a fantasy story, which is frantically derail the plot and whine to her friends about how hungry she is all the time.

Quick Review:

Roshani Chokshi is easily one of my favorite authors. Her debut novel, The Star-Touched Queen, enthralled me from the very beginning. Literary prose, beautiful settings, lovable characters, and humorous dialogue are sure to follow in any book that Roshani writes. And this collection of Star-Touched Stories was oh so romantic and lovely. Without giving too much away, this book gives readers one last chance to revisit some of our favorite characters and learn more of their backstories or what came next for them. This collection was a great farewell to this world, and I can only thank Roshani for crafting such exquisite tales.

Review: Ash Princess

2018-08-03T14:44:00.000-04:00

Author: Laura Sebastian
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 432 pages
Publication Date: April 24th, 2018
Publisher: Delacorte/Random House
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.

I am simply blown away by this book. There are no words to describe how utterly nerve-racking this book is nor how much I loved it.

I want to preface this review by saying that "Ash Princess" will definitely not be a book for everyone. Set in a harsh world, the downtrodden Astrean people have been enslaved by the Kalovaxian intruders who have usurped the crown and the highjacked the country for trade and resources. The Kalovaxians slaughtered the queen of Astrea and all of her loyal guardians but kept the beloved Princess Theodosia hostage, to publicly punish in retaliation each time the Astrean rebels fight back. This book definitely has some brutal scenes, and there are some triggers for abuse so take care. But overall this book is dark and deals with some heavy material, so once again this is not a light fantasy read.

The inner turmoil that Theo feels throughout "Ash Princess" is one of the greatest qualities of this novel. For the past ten years, Theo has been held captive. She has learned to play the part of a docile, repenting princess all while suffering through abuse and humiliation orchestrated by the cruel Kaiser who stole her thrown. Her only comfort has been her friendship with Cress, a young Kalovaxian whose father is the best Kalovaxian warrior. In the beginning, I was confused as to why Theo never stood up to her aggressors throughout the years of her captivity and her countrymen's slaughter. But, she was six when the takeover happened and essentially grew up under the Kaiser's threat of cruelty. Upon reflection, I understand why it could take her so long to decide to fight back, but I still don't completely buy the idea that it took her ten years to want to make a difference. But then again, she's sixteen and who knows what I'd even do at that age.

As Theo plots to take down the Kalovaxians from within, she makes the crown prince, Soren, fall in love with her to gain his trust so she can kill him and topple the Kalovaxian rule. But as she starts to fall for Soren, she starts to doubt everything. Stuck between feeling that not all Kalovaxians are evil and the Astrean people need her help, Theo is riddled with guilt and unease throughout the novel as she lies to everyone about her true feelings. The inner dialogue was fascinating. At times, Theo felt so unstable but other times her perceptive mind and strategic plotting lent an air of confidence and intensity to her character. I honestly felt so bad for Theo in this book because hardly anything inherently good happens to her. There are mini victories and joyful bursts of happiness, but it is always shrouded by the danger hanging over her head. I was a little peeved that she started to question the rebels' plans as her feelings for Soren grew, but it felt like such a flawed human weakness which I can't fault her for.

Speaking of drama, the romance in this book seems doomed from all sides. The romantic development in this novel was the only relatively light moment of the book, but even then it was sad knowing they had real feelings together and couldn't actually be together in any real setting. I'm anxious to see what happens next between these two, but there is definitely a lot of things they need to clear up with one another. While a love triangle looks like it could be forming, I'm hoping the author doesn't take it in that direction, and I believe Theo doesn't reciprocate the feelings.

I quite liked the variety secondary characters that complemented the plot. There are some fiery personalities, some sweeter characters, as well as the vicious ones with a vendetta out against Theo by the end of the story. It'll be interesting to see how these relationships shift and change in the coming novels, especially as new revelations come to light.

"Ash Princess" is made up of all the classic components that make up a solid fantasy novel (vengeful heir, falling for the enemy, rebellion, magic), but this book has a decidedly darker, heavier tone. I did like the magical element with the gems coupled with a specific faith as well as the many other uses of the gem that will undoubtedly place a larger part in subsequent books. The drama and high-stakes nature of this novel made it difficult for me to put down "Ash Princess". Laura Sebastian's writing built the suspense throughout and uncovered so many jaw-dropping twists. The plotting was impeccable, and although the pacing was slow, you could tell everything was building towards a blockbuster finish.

Overall, this book was a solid - albeit slightly depressing - fantasy novel. This book set the stage for some great developments in the next book, Lady Smoke, and I can't wait to read what happens next!

A Reaper at the Gates Campaign: Helene Appreciation Post

2018-05-23T20:27:00.001-04:00

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir was one of my favorite 2015 debut novels, and I enjoyed A Torch Against the Night even more! I'm anxiously waiting to read A Reaper at the Gates, so for the second leg of this tour I'm sharing a post on why Helene Aquilla is such a great character.!
Helene Aquilla is one of the best characters in the world of An Ember in the Ashes and we just does not deserve her. But why is Helene so amazing?
She's fierce. Helene is the only female of her generation to be chosen for The Academy, a military school that raises children to adulthood and trains them to be cunning, elite soldiers for The Empire. Imagine growing up around boys who treat you like you are inferior and want you to fail. The sexist jokes and barbs and innuendos throughout the years that Helene endured has shaped into a person with a strong mindset and tough exterior.
Helene had so much more to prove than the other people in the class, and reproachful eyes were always on her. But never mind, Helene slays! She rose to the near top of her class, became Blood Shrike, and brought her family honor.
Which brings me to my next point, Helene is loyal to her family. She has made her family proud and she makes many sacrifices in A Torch Against the Night all for the sake of her family. While Elias and Helene have some things to work through, she still feels strings of loyalty towards him and let's him slip past her fingers even after being mandated to capture him.
Helene's sense of duty is admirable. She knows what is expected of her and is a model soldier. But, she also listens to her heart and refuses to become the heartless killer The Academy tries to make her out to be.
Overall Helene is such a vibrant, admirable character in this book and I am so glad Sabaa Tahir created her! So next time you open up this book, remember how lucky we are to have Helene in our lives.
“His eyes are unfathomably sad as he lifts my chin. "Most people," Cain says, "are nothing but glimmers in the great darkness of time. But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night -- if you dare to let yourself burn.” - A Torch Against the Night
The Book:
Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.
Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.
But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.
Bound to Marcus’s will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own—one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape…and kill them both.
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Follow the Blog Tour:

AN EMBER IN THE ASHES

WEEK ONE

April 30 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

May 1 – My Friends are Fiction – Review

May 2 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

May 3 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Review + Creative Instagram Picture

May 4 – ButterMyBooks – Review

May 5 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

May 7 – PaperTrailYa – Reasons to Start Reading The Series

May 8 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

May 9 – A Perfection Called Books – Reasons to Start Reading The Series

May 10 – ABibliophilesbkm – Creative Instagram Picture + Observations Blog Post

May 11 – The Young Folks – Reasons to start reading the series with GIFS

May 12 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT

WEEK ONE

May 14 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

May 15 – My Friends are Fiction – Review

May 16 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

May 17 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Favorite Moments In The Series + Hopes For Book 3

May 18 – ButterMyBooks – Helene Aesthetic

May 19 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

May 21 – PaperTrailYa – Theories About Book Three

May 22 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

May 23 – A Perfection Called Books – Helene Appreciation Post

May 24 – ABibliophilesbkm – The character’s choices, consequences, and expectations

May 25 – The Young Folks – Author Interview

May 26 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK THREE

May 28 – Fiction Fare – Reasons Why You Should Be Reading The Series

May 29 – Book Is Glee – Creative Instagram Post

May 30 – That’s Normal – Catch Up + Book Three Predictions + Fan Art

May 31 – Bibliophile Gathering – Favorite Moments From Book 2

June 1 – The Fandom – Fan Casting

June 2 – The Eater of Books! – 100 Thoughts I had While Reading Book Two

A REAPER AT THE GATES

WEEK ONE

June 4 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

June 5 – My Friends are Fiction – Reasons to Read the Series

June 6 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

June 7 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Elias Appreciation Post

June 8 – ButterMyBooks – What to do after reading the book

June 9 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

June 11 – PaperTrailYa – Theories About Book Three

June 12 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

June 13 – A Perfection Called Books – How our lives will never be the same

June 14 – ABibliophilesbkm – Creative Instagram Post + Character’s Playlist

June 15 – The Young Folks – What to read after you’ve finished REAPER AT THE GATES

June 16 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK THREE

June 18 – Fiction Fare – Books To Tide You Over While You Wait For The Next Book

June 19 – Book Is Glee – Creative Instagram Post

June 20 – That’s Normal – Review + What To Read Next

June 21 – Bibliophile Gathering – Favorite Character Appreciation Post
June 22 – The Fandom – Top 5 Most Important Moments in the series so far

June 23 – The Eater of Books! – Top Ten Reasons to Stan Laia

A Reaper at the Gates Campaign: Why You Should Start the Series

2018-05-09T17:30:00.001-04:00

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir was one of my favorite 2015 debut novels, and I enjoyed A Torch Against the Night even more! I'm anxiously waiting to read A Reaper at the Gates, so in the meantime I'll share some reasons why you should start the series.
1. The WritingWhile An Ember in the Ashes is Sabaa's debut novel, it certainly doesn't read like one. Sabaa perfectly balances two points of views and gives two completely distinguishable voices. The writing is easy to devour and makes for the perfect binge read. There also a detached style to the writing that perfectly highlights the brutal nature of the Martial Empire.
2. Lots of RevelationsThis book is rife with plot twists and revelations that leave readers reeling and anxious to know more. Sabaa is an expert plotter and seamlessly drops hints and teases along the way until the stunning reveals. The
3. Character GrowthThroughout this book we see Laia go through tremendous growth as she shifts from her timid and cowardice nature towards a bold and fiercely brave side. Elias' character was most relatable as he struggled to determine where his loyalties laid and questioned the morality of his surroundings. His conflicting feelings felt very realistic. Readers are captivated by the issues these characters face and can't help but continue reading to see if the characters will rise to the challenge or admit defeat.
4. Empowering WomenHelene is easily my favorite character in this book. Her badass nature knows no boundaries. She shatters all expectations and overcomes nearly insurmountable prejudice and adversary to be one of the top students in her class.
5. High StakesHave you ever read a book where basically everything that could go wrong does go wrong? This book does just that and raises the stakes (and our heartbeats) after each and every setback.
6. Diversity This book effortless incorporates and celebrates diverse cultures and characters as well. Sabaa herself is a person of color. She has fought valiantly to bring WOC better representation within publishing.
7. Two books down, two more to go! The first two books in this quartet are out, and the third book comes out in June. Now is the perfect time to start the series!
The Book:
Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Follow the Blog Tour:

AN EMBER IN THE ASHES

WEEK ONE

April 30 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

May 1 – My Friends are Fiction – Review

May 2 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

May 3 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Review + Creative Instagram Picture

May 4 – ButterMyBooks – Review

May 5 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

May 7 – PaperTrailYa – Reasons to Start Reading The Series

May 8 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

May 9 – A Perfection Called Books – Reasons to Start Reading The Series

May 10 – ABibliophilesbkm – Creative Instagram Picture + Observations Blog Post

May 11 – The Young Folks – Reasons to start reading the series with GIFS

May 12 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT

WEEK ONE

May 14 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

May 15 – My Friends are Fiction – Review

May 16 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

May 17 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Favorite Moments In The Series + Hopes For Book 3

May 18 – ButterMyBooks – Helene Aesthetic

May 19 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

May 21 – PaperTrailYa – Theories About Book Three

May 22 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

May 23 – A Perfection Called Books – Helene Appreciation Post

May 24 – ABibliophilesbkm – The character’s choices, consequences, and expectations

May 25 – The Young Folks – Author Interview

May 26 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK THREE

May 28 – Fiction Fare – Reasons Why You Should Be Reading The Series

May 29 – Book Is Glee – Creative Instagram Post

May 30 – That’s Normal – Catch Up + Book Three Predictions + Fan Art

May 31 – Bibliophile Gathering – Favorite Moments From Book 2

June 1 – The Fandom – Fan Casting

June 2 – The Eater of Books! – 100 Thoughts I had While Reading Book Two

A REAPER AT THE GATES

WEEK ONE

June 4 – PageTravels – Creative Bookstagram Picture

June 5 – My Friends are Fiction – Reasons to Read the Series

June 6 – YA Books Central – Graphic Pictures

June 7 – Star-crossed Book Blog – Elias Appreciation Post

June 8 – ButterMyBooks – What to do after reading the book

June 9 – Icey Books – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK TWO

June 11 – PaperTrailYa – Theories About Book Three

June 12 – The Book Feels – Review + Creative Cover Instagram

June 13 – A Perfection Called Books – How our lives will never be the same

June 14 – ABibliophilesbkm – Creative Instagram Post + Character’s Playlist

June 15 – The Young Folks – What to read after you’ve finished REAPER AT THE GATES

June 16 – @DarkFaerieTales – Creative Instagram Picture

WEEK THREE

June 18 – Fiction Fare – Books To Tide You Over While You Wait For The Next Book

June 19 – Book Is Glee – Creative Instagram Post

June 20 – That’s Normal – Review + What To Read Next

June 21 – Bibliophile Gathering – Favorite Character Appreciation Post
June 22 – The Fandom – Top 5 Most Important Moments in the series so far

June 23 – The Eater of Books! – Top Ten Reasons to Stan Laia

Blog Tour: The Smoke Thieves

2018-04-26T14:03:00.000-04:00

Author: Sally Green
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Smoke Thieves #1
Page Length: 544 pages
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Publisher: Viking/Penguin
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

A princess, a traitor, a hunter and a thief. Four teenagers with the fate of the world in their hands. Four nations destined for conflict.

In Brigant, Princess Catherine prepares for a loveless political marriage arranged by her brutal and ambitious father. In Calidor, downtrodden servant March seeks revenge on the prince who betrayed his people. In Pitoria, feckless Edyon steals cheap baubles for cheaper thrills as he drifts from town to town. And in the barren northern territories, thirteen-year-old Tash is running for her life as she plays bait for the gruff demon hunter Gravell.

As alliances shift and shatter, and old certainties are overturned, our four heroes find their past lives transformed and their futures inextricably linked by the unpredictable tides of magic and war. Who will rise and who will fall? And who will claim the ultimate prize?

The Smoke Thieves is pitched as a more palatable version of Game of Thrones for the YA crowd, and I would tend to agree with that statement. Built with multiple points of view and intersecting story lines with just enough intrigue and suspense to keep you reading, this book was definitely a hit for me!

A betrothed Princess Catherine is pawned off to marry Prince Tzsayn of Pitoria yet lusts over her bodyguard Ambrose. Tzsayn's servant March, who is a survivor of a war-torn country after a brutal war fought by Calidor and Brigant, seeks revenge for his country's downfall. Tash, a 13-year old demon slayer, discovers a new demonic smokethat could be lethal. And finally, Catherine discovers her father's nefarious plans.

There is so much going on in this book and the points of view change so quickly, I felt that each story line was fast-paced and intriguing yet a little underdeveloped and left me wanting more. This book is also decisive about who the "good" and "bad" guys are, and while it really helps solidify the plot and tell readers the direction the story will take, I tend to like the ambiguous bad guys who could redeem themselves.

Catherine is such a strong female lead in this book and she really grows into her own. At times she's left with nothing but her brains, wit, and quick-thinking which I really respected. She's definitely much changed by the end of the story, and I definitely look forward to where the next book takes her. Tash also was a great spot of happiness in this tale. She's sassy and funny, and I really liked her plot development in this book.

While this book doesn't have the violence levels of Game of Thrones, the wide cast of characters, the plotting, political intrigue, and demonic smoke really help round out this tale to make it a solid start to the fantasy series. I will definitely be on the lookout for book two!

Blog Tour: To Kill a Kingdom

2018-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Alexandra Christo
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 342 pages
Publication Date: March 6th, 2018
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

I am thrilled to join the blog tour for To Kill a Kingdom, one of my favorite books of 2018! Today I am sharing a review.

To Kill a Kingdom is a book that I immediately was excited about as it is a loose retelling of the Little Mermaid, and it is written by a former YA blogger!

Rife with witty banter, vicious sirens, rich world building, dead pirates, and the ultimate forbidden romance, To Kill a Kingdom follows the siren princess, Lira, who is turned into a human as punishment by her mother and tasked with taking the heart of Prince Elias, the notorious siren-killing pirate. Along the way, she realizes that revenge may be best, but conflicts of the heart and mind challenge her.

If you're a fan of Daughter of the Pirate King, I highly recommend this book. While a decidedly darker tale than both DotPK and the Little Mermaid, the strong characters and hilarious banter more than even things out. I loved all the gory and vicious bits of this tale interlaced with lighthearted funny scenes.

The protagonist, Lira, has always struggled to be the vicious killer her Siren Queen mother has tried to shape her to be. When she becomes a human, it's funny to see her struggle to adapt to her new body while she lacks many of her siren talents. I spent the entire book curious to see how long she could keep up the charade without anyone figuring out she's really a siren. Lira is witty and sharp, and her sarcastic delivery really establishes a great rapport between her and Prince Elias, the more flirty and lighthearted of the two.

Oh and lets talk about Prince Elias. Sworn to protect humans from the deadly sirens, he has made it his mission to rid the world of the sea evil to build a more harmonious and peaceful future for all. He is optimistic and eager, yet too trusting. He's a fascinating blend of ruthless and deadly yet kind and fair when need be. Elias's crew is such a fun group as well, and I loved the dynamic. There's stoic Torik, lethal Madrid, and sarcastic Kye among a whole slew of other vivid secondary characters.

The world building fascinated me as well. Christo took the opportunity to craft a vast historical background of the fight between sirens and humans, full with magical objects and vengeful goddess. She took a fresh perspective on sirens and created an entire culture around them. I thought the pacing of the book definitely lagged in parts, but overall I was thoroughly engaged throughout. The writing was lovely, there were so many beautiful statements that I wanted to highlight and reread again and again. I also really liked all of the twists that this book took; I honestly had no idea what was going to happen.

And. That. Romance. Though..... Oh I loved it. Wholeheartedly in love with this couple. I loved their slow-burn, forbidden romance. They had such chemistry, and I loved their bickering and banter that carried throughout the entire book. It's such a crazy dynamic, two people hunting one another and then they fall in love. Honestly, the romance is what kept me so invested in this story; I kept reading because I just had to know what would happen!

I absolutely loved this book and will definitely be buying my finished copy

ARC Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen

2018-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Tricia Levenseller
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 352 pages
Publication Date: February 27th, 2018
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

In Daughter of the Siren Queen, Tricia Levenseller brings together the perfect mix of thrilling action, tense battle scenes, and a heart-pounding romance.

Daughter of the Pirate King was such a surprising delight that I was itching to read the next and final book Daughter of the Siren Queen. I raced through this book and the heartache set in really quickly once I realized I was at the end of the journey. This duology is such a fun pirate romp filled with swoony romance, female empowerment, action, high stakes plot, and strong characters.

What I love most about this duology and this book in particular is how it expertly balances between light, fun moments and the bloody, vicious life of a pirate. There are some funny scenes and lots of light banter and then there are some really gory scenes rife with pirate mischief and cruelty.

Alosa is such a badass main character. I love her quick mind and epic strategies, her obstinance and fearlessness, but most of all I love her devotion to her crew and sense of loyalty towards those she loves. I can tell in this book that she has definitely grown from the person she was in the previous book, and I love that she is more in tune with her emotions and less forgiving of those who don't deserve her trust and mercy.

In this book we also get to know Alosa's charming female-dominated crew. I loved getting to know these characters, especially Niridia (the first mate), Mandsy (the medic), and Sorinda (the assassin). I also loved learning more about Kalligan (Alosa's father) and his secret pirate headquarters.

The romance in this book is slightly frustrating at times, but I love all of the adorable moments the two share. Riden and Alosa are so perfect for each other, and I love how wholeheartedly they support one another when they have to make tough decisions. At the same time though, they push each other to be better and aren't afraid to tell one another when they they are wrong. Also the banter is beautiful!

Don't worry, this book is replete with pirate-y goodness too. Daughter of the Siren Queen should quench your thirst for swashbuckling pirates, sinking ships, deadly sea creatures, and good old fashioned sword fighting!

ARC Review: Beyond a Darkened Shore

2018-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Jessica Leake
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Page Length: 384 pages
Publication Date: April 10th, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, Princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.

The people of Mide have thankfully always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately, a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn, but the entire world.

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle the two might have a chance to save their world.

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

After reading so many glowing reviews for "Beyond a Darkened Shore" paired with the pitch of a Norse mythology, I eagerly started this book hoping to see a brutal clashing of two clans both struggling to survive. What I found instead was a heavy mythological plot that, while unexpected, managed to capture my attention early on.

"Beyond a Darkened Shore" follows the eldest daughter and heir to the Mide throne. Because of her unnatural mild control abilities, she is shunned by her people. Over time she receives cryptic messages and ominous feelings to prepare for a dangerous quest to protect her family and her people. Which leads her to pair with Leif, her sworn enemy from the North, to save their people.

My first impression upon finishing this book is thank gosh it is over. I really enjoyed the arc overall, but I felt the story dragged in places and was simply too long. I can think of quite a few insignificant scenes to be cut to tighten up this story to alleviate the pacing issues. Disclaimer: I read an Advanced Readers Copy, so there are many edits that were probably made to the final version.

I really loved the Norse mythology elements incorporated into the story, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the big role mythology had on this novel. Given the historical element of this story, there was plenty of gore and brutality to satisfy anyone's expectations of a Vikings novel. The action was exhilarating and with such a bloody tale, there were so many twists I didn't see coming. I thought the writing overall was polished and read very easily.

I thought the main character, Ciara, was a little underdeveloped. I loved her ruthless nature and loyalty to her family, but I felt like she was more of a vessel for the story than the one actually leading it. Leif was the much needed flirty, fun release to the dark tale. I thought they paired pretty well together and I liked their romantic arc.

Overall I really liked how the story ended, and I would definitely read a book two if there is one!

Blog Tour: Everless

2018-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Sara Holland
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Everless #1
Page Length: 368 pages
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.

No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.

But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.

Interview with Sara Holland

I absolutely loved Sara Holland's debut novel, Everless, a story where time is literally money! With such a captivating concept and stellar world-building, I couldn't help but fly through this novel. As such, I'm thrilled to join the blog tour. Thanks to Glasstown Entertainment for organizing. Today Sara Holland visits the blog to discuss her novel!

1. Describe your book in five words.

Twisty, magic, bloody, friendship, secrets.

2. "Everless" centers around such a unique and fascinating concept, time acting as currency. How did you come up with the idea of "Everless"?

Around when I first started drafting EVERLESS, I was just out of college, trying to make it in a new city and working two jobs to make ends meet. Every spare moment was precious, and I often found myself wishing I could magically procure more time. That got me thinking about what a world would be like where you could actually do that, and the cost it might have.

3. I absolutely love your book cover, can you talk about the design process?

I love it too, and had very little to do with it! But my publisher, Harper, designed a concept, and ran it by the whole team, including me, to make sure everyone was on board. Once they'd found a concept that everyone liked, they then found an illustrator to bring it to life. I was in love the moment I saw it.

4. If you lived in the world of Everless, would you ever consume a time coin? What would it taste like?

While I'd like to think that I would nobly abstain, if I really was in that world, I would probably consume blood-iron just because that's what people do. It would taste gross though, like iron and rust. There's a reason the characters always mask it with wine or honey...

5. Which shows would your book characters binge on Netflix?

I love this question! I think Jules would be drawn to feel-good shows to get a break from her life, like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Roan would watch whatever everyone else is watching, so he could chat up girls about it. Liam would watch something brainy and dark, like Hannibal or Westworld; and Ina would go for drama and romance, like Grey's Anatomy.

6. What has been the best moment in your publishing journey so far?

It's hard to choose--there have been so many amazing moments--but maybe when I went to the HarperCollins office for a publicity meeting and they surprised me with the very first ARC!

7. What other 2018 book releases are you looking forward to?

There are so many! The Hazel Wood, The Belles, Ash Princess, The Midnights, Down and Across, Legendary, Sky in the Deep... just to name a very few!

About the Author:

Sara Holland grew up in small-town Minnesota among hundreds of books. She graduated from Wesleyan University and worked in a tea shop, a dentist’s office, and a state capitol building before heading to New York to work in publishing. These days, she can be found exploring the city’s bookstores or finding new ways to put caffeine in her bloodstream. EVERLESS is her debut novel.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Tour Schedule:

Have you read Everless? What are some of your favorite time-related books? Share in the comments below!

Blog Tour: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

2017-10-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Julie C. Dao
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Rise of the Empress #1
Page Length: 384 pages
Publication Date: October 10, 2017
Publisher: Philomel Books/Penguin
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is a book that, by the time I picked it up, had gained hype as glowing reviews streamed in a seemingly endless flow. I had extremely high expectations and still this book managed to capture my attention from the very first pages. I’ve always been strangely fascinated by the backstories of famous evil villains, and Snow White’s evil queen stepmother definitely topped the list.

Xifeng is destined for greatness according to her magic-wielding aunt, who has seen Xifeng's future glory. Xifeng’s lover Wei threatens to hold her back from her destiny though. As she wrestles with this entanglement she uncovers something wicked and sinister within herself that pushes her towards a darker and darker self. Will she succumb to her dark fate or fight to remain true to herself?

First of all, this book was exceptional. I understand why this book has been getting so much (well-deserved) attention. It's distinctly different from so much of the mainstream YA fantasy being published today. Set in a wholly different fantasy setting and paired with a complicated character who isn't entirely all good (or bad), Forest of a Thousand Lanterns demands your attention.

I've never been so conflicted about a main character before. It was honestly frightening to see Xifeng's evolution into the eponymous evil queen. My heart just hurts for the innocent girl from the beginning of the book who is constantly underestimated and seen as nothing more than a pretty face that needs to be coddled. Dao found the perfect way to make us sympathize with the plights of the main character while also showing how each difficult decision she made during her journey altered her character. It was sickly fascinating to see Xifeng manipulate her way through the ranks of the court until she attained her "destiny".

The East-Asian setting really sets this book apart from others, and I loved having this diverse culture proudly represented in a YA novel. Can we please have more books set in Imperial Eastern Asia?! I also really liked the wide range of secondary characters in this book. While the cast is large, I felt they all had such strong personalities that contributed to richen this tale. Dao's writing is beautiful and so immersive.

The sheer darkness and brutality of this book really took me by surprise. This is not a book to put you in high spirits. This book will claw its way straight to your heart and you'll mourn so many actions, characters, and elements that occur in this book. This is no fairytale, but merely the struggles and sacrifices that a girl makes to acquire power amid manipulations.

Overall, while this book definitely lacked levity and cheer, the writing and story were simply stunning. I encourage you to check out this book!

ARC Review: Crystal Blade

2017-08-18T07:44:00.002-04:00

Title: CRYSTAL BLADE

Author: Kathryn Purdie

Pub. Date: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 368

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

The peace is unsustainable.

Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?

The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya's expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she's learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn't immune to dark temptations.

Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya's past has returned. And that someone won't be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she's made.

I was such a huge fan of Kathryn Purdie's debut novel, Burning Glass, that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read an early copy of Crystal Blade. Without giving too many spoilers, the characters in this book deal with the repercussions of their actions in the previous book. The kingdom is in such a delicate state that could lead to ruination or salvation depending on our main characters' leadership and decisions.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the sense of urgency and desperation. As I said before, the main characters are making life-changing decisions that will not only affect themselves but the kingdom as a whole. It was fascinating to see the grapples for power and influence and the extremes that people will go when they have an idea in mind.

This book also touched on prejudices among the rich, poor, and the nomadic tribe groups, and I hope to see this element explored more in the final book. I do love Tosya and everything he stands for (and I REALLY hope he gets his own book!).

I'll admit that I wasn't a huge fan of the characters in this book as I didn't agree with all of their decisions, but I know they only have the best intentions in mind. Sonya and Anton are at odds as they disagree a lot in this book, but I love that Sonya has fully embraced who she is and how her powers work. We are introduced to some new characters in this book and we see some old characters change irrevocably.

Kathryn's writing had more poetic phrases and flowery words than in her last book, which I enjoyed. I also really liked that she capitalized on political intrigue and drama in this book, although I do hope for more action and romance in this next book. Overall Crystal Blade was a solid sequel!

About Kathryn:

My love of storytelling began as a young girl when my dad told me, in his own words, the story of To Kill a Mockingbird while we listened to the film score together. Enchanted, I began my own attempts at storytelling, which usually led to home video productions featuring my younger sister as the nerd or maid, while I reserved the role of the glamorous movie star or princess.

In high school, I focused on acting and won first place in monologues at a prestigious statewide Shakespearean competition. When I wasn’t on the stage, I spent my time composing sappy poetry and completing at least ten pages in my journal every night. My author dad edited my school papers and taught me the art of writing. I went on to study acting in college and at The Oxford School of Drama in England. (All that character analysis transferred nicely to writing!)

The writing bug bit me when I was in recovery from donating a kidney to my older brother. I found my old stash of short stories, and the inspiration for my first novel struck. I’ve been writing ever since.

A lover of art in all forms, I also enjoy singing and playing the guitar. My husband is equally artistic. We keep busy raising three rambunctious and creative children.

I am represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of CRYSTAL BLADE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper

2017-07-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
Page Length: 326 pages
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

It's been a while since I've read such a suspenseful and delightful crime novel. Perfectly balancing among the gore, mystery, and strong characters, stalking Jack the Ripper is an exceptional novel.

My favorite element of this book is by far our brave protagonist Audrey Rose Wadsworth. She's such a forward thinker and a brave feminist even by today's standards. She's even more impressive as she lives in late 19th century London, a time more oppressive and sexist to women. There are so many quotes I highlighted from Audrey Rose that just scream girl power, which I love! She constantly rages against double standards and pursues her interest in science no matter what high society says.

Characterization was such a strong part of this novel, especially with a fresh interpretation on Watson and Holmes. Now we have Wadsworth and Cresswell! The chemistry and banter in this book are both entertaining and beguiling. If you're looking for two sleuthing detectives to charm you with their quirkiness and feistiness and quick wit then look no further.

I've never been very good at solving mystery novels, and I admit the identity of the Ripper took me by surprise. I loved that Maniscalco really played up the suspense and drama by making everyone in Audrey Rose's life a near suspect. And she did not hold back on the ogre and bloodiness of the novel. I also really liked the inclusion of accompanying photographs and illustrations. The pacing of the novel was great and the writing had a distinct flair to it.

Overall I really liked this mystery novel and can't wait to see Wadsworth and Cresswell in the next installment!

Blog Tour: First We Were IV (Guest Post)

2017-07-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

Today I have the immense pleasure of joining the First We Were IV blog tour. Alexandra Sirowy's third novel, First We Were IV is a thriller novel that just came out this week. Fun Fact: Alexandra Sirowy participated in the first year of the Meet the Newbies blog event! Without further ado, Alexandra shares a guest post on rebellions and her favorite fictional rebels.

Author: Alexandra Sirowy
Genre: YA Thriller
Page Length: 448 pages
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

A group of friends start a secret society in this out-of-control thriller from the author of The Telling and The Creeping that examines the all-consuming love of lifelong friendship—and what someone is capable of when they’re afraid of losing it.

Izzie loves nothing more than her three best friends, Viv, Graham, and Harry, and the bond the four of them share. And she’s terrified of their friendship falling apart next year when they go off to college. To bind them together, she decides to create that will belong only to them, a special thing that they’ll always share between the four of them. And so they dream up the Order of IV, a secret society devoted to mischief that rights wrongs and pays back debts. At first, it works like a charm—but when the Order of IV’s escapades get recognition beyond their wildest expectations, other people start wanting in. And soon, what started as a game of friendship is spiraling into something dangerous and beyond their control—and before it’s over, they’ll pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Guest Post:

Four best friends invent a secret society devoted to vigilante-pranks. They call their pranks rebellions, and they are rebellions against authority and injustice and anyone who dares stand in Izzie, Viv, Graham, and Harry’s way. What could go wrong?

The title of First We Were IV should clue you in immediately. A lot can go wrong.

Opening with the arrival of the police, evidence of an accident or murder, and the statement “First we were four. Now we are three,” the story jumps back to relate how the four friends’ secret society ratchets dangerously out of control, leaving the mystery of what happens to one of them (and to which one) and the Order of IV’s rebellions to pull you through the book.

Part contemporary mystery, part dark, fantastical thriller, FWWIV is my rebel heart.

From books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, where heroines make waves by defying social norms and sexism, to epics like Hunger Games that have me whistling the mockingjay’s tune, I’ve always loved books with rebellion. Give me a one-girl revolution, where she’s defying the odds and what others think of her. Give me a thousand-person army out to defeat a tyrant king. I’m in.

If FWWIV were a person, its skeleton would be friendship, its muscles revenge, its skin mystery – this got graphic, but I’m rolling with it – and its heart rebellion. At its core, this is a book about rebellion. Those we fight to win. Those we fight knowing we’ll lose. And those we fight because fighting feels like living.

United as the Order of IV, the four protagonists of FWWIV conspire and act against the authority in their California coastal town – the police department that let a girl’s murder go unsolved, the mayor who wanted it all hushed up, and the grownups who stayed quiet. And each protagonist fights her or his own rebellion – some out in the open and others maneuvering in secret.

Read on for a few of my favorite fictional rebellions.

The Liars rebellion in E. Lockhart’s WE WERE LIARS. This was one of those underneath-the-current rebellions. It snuck up on you. The kids challenged the grownups, elitism, classicism, and events spiraling out of control. And you don’t find out until the very end that there was a steep price to pay.

The hero of V for Vendetta fights a neo-fascist regime and looks like a resurrected Guy Fawkes in his iconic mask. It screams rebellion. This mask got me thinking. All rebellions need a symbol of resistance. I won’t share any spoilers by clueing you in to what the symbol is in FWWIV, but it starts popping up, to the surprise of the Order of IV as their rebellion catches and spreads.

The students of Ancient Greek studies in The Secret History. I’m cheating a little here. The Secret History isn’t really a young adult book, but it’s a suspense novel with coming of age themes, hence young adult-ish. The five students majoring in Ancient Greek who the book follows aren’t revolutionaries bringing down a tyrant, but they are in a rebellion against reality, themselves, growing up, and history, all while covering up a murder. This book made me think about rebellion differently. It helped me come up with the dark and twisted rebellion of the Order of IV.

Feyre, Rhysand, and the dreamers in a Court of Ruins and Wings. I know everyone and their mother, literally, has read this series. I love the juxtaposition between power and rebellion in these books. I love that Sarah J. Maas somehow pulls off making the most powerful High Lord ever, the underdog and revolutionary. With a dose of magic and scheming she makes rebellion illusive, deadly, and sexy. Lessons I kept in mind while writing FWWIV.

I want to hear what your favorite fictional rebellions are! Tweet me @AlexandraSirowy

Author Bio:

Alexandra Sirowy is the author of the young adult thrillers THE CREEPING, the Bram Stoker Award® Nominated THE TELLING, and the upcoming FIRST WE WERE IV. Alexandra attended a women's college as an undergrad and received her graduate degree in International Studies. When she isn't writing, she loves to travel, read, eat, and get into mischief. She lives with her husband in Northern California.

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

1 signed hard cover copy of FIRST WE WERE IV Fujuifilm instax mini 9 Polaroid camera in smoky white (& film) like the one in the book! Strand of gold stars FIRST WE WERE IV swag (temporary tattoos & bookmarks) Evie Seo Designed Tote Bag
-US entires only. No purchase necessary to enter, giveaway items provided by Alexandra Sirowy.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week 1
July 10: Bookish Lifestyles - Tote Design
July 11: Brittany's Book Rambles - Guest Post
July 12: Emily Reads Everything - Review
July 13 Biscotto's Books - Moodboard
July 14: Forever Lost in Literature - Review

Week 2
July 17: My Friends Are Fiction - Guest Post
July 18: Literary Legionnaire - Review
July 19: The Reader and the Chef - Review
July 20: Novel Novice - Guest Post
July 21: Dark Faerie Tales - Interview

Week 3
July 24: YA and Wine - Review + Guest Post
July 25: YA Book Central - Spotlight
July 26: Tales of the Ravenous Reader - Review
July 27: A Perfection Called Books - Guest Post

What are some of your favorite fictional rebellions?

Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

2017-07-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Emma Donoghue
Genre: Adult Contemporary Fiction
Page Length: 321 pages
Publication Date: September 13, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Source: Borrowed via library
Goodreads

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

Recently, my reading tastes have been finicky. Although I want to read more, I find myself taking ages before I finally cease reading back covers, excerpts, and Goodreads reviews, and instead, sit down and settle on a book. Taking the recommendation of one of my school librarians, I checked out Emma Donoghue's "Room" and brought this novel home with me one afternoon.

"Room" is the story of a mother and son duo, Jack and Ma, and their journey from confinement in a small shed called "Room" to eventual freedom. Jack's mother, or simply "Ma" as he likes to call her, was kidnapped in her teens by her perpetrator referred to as "Old Nick"—and has been stuck in Room ever since. After a number of years into Ma's captivity, she gave birth to Jack. Our story begins a few more years down the road when Jack's five.

Fellow book reviewers have called this book everything from "boring" to "plotless," but I found the Donoghue's book to (mostly) be the opposite. Based off of the reviews and feedback I've read and heard, a significant amount of people seems to dislike the story being told from Jack's point of view, as he often goes off on tangents and talks about seemingly pointless topics. Told from young Jack's point of view, "Room" is a quick, easy-to-understand read.

To the contrary, I consider the story being told from Jack's POV to be a strong suit of the novel. I've never read a book told from a five-year-old's perspective, so it was interesting to get into the mind of a young boy in such a horrible situation. Readers have the privilege of seeing Room from Jack's eyes: to Jack, Room is not confinement or imprisonment. Room is Jack's home and his whole world.

Besides being told from Jack's perspective, I also liked that the story wasn't solely about Jack and Ma's escape. Although Jack and Ma's journey to freedom is an important aspect of the novel, I don't consider it to be the main purpose of the book. Rather, Room is about Jack and Ma's special mother and son connection and how their bond is tested yet strengthened throughout their difficult life experiences.

Honestly, Room won't appeal to everyone, but if you don't go into this book hoping for an action-packed plot centering around the main storyline of escape, I don't think you'll be disappointed either.

Julia's a dreamer. She often zones off periodically throughout the day thinking up plans for the future, pining over fictional characters, and concocting up possible plot lines for stories.

You can find Julia on her main blog, Peach Print, on Twitter @peachprint, on Instagram @yapeach, and of course, right here on the APCB blog.

Zodiac Books: My Dream House Design

2017-07-10T07:48:00.000-04:00

I am such a huge fan of Romina Russell's Zodiac series. These books keep getting better and better! I can't believe Thirteen Rising - the final book - will be out this August. Side note: Zodiac was the first ARC I ever got from Penguin! I know, I'm so sentimental... You can check out my reviews for Zodiac, Wandering Star, and Black Moon by clicking on the hyperlinks in the book title text!

Although it's been awhile since I read Zodiac, I do recall that the main character, Rho, had an awesome house near the ocean on her Cancerian planet. So below I've included my own design for a hut by the sea!

I would most definitely want something palatial with lots of windows. This would be such an awesome inspiration for my Cancerian house.

Next I would definitely keep up some sort of nautical theme (I know it's cheesy, but I love navy blue and white. Penn State colors!) Alternately I'd go for some lighter yellows and whites to bring out the sunshine.
Margarita maker is ESSENTIAL in this house.

I love snorkeling, so I'd definitely be sure to include plenty of water gear and floats for me to laze in the water.
Honestly this just looks so fun! I could do with a different color scheme though...
And that's what I'd have in my abode in House Cancer!

Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway for the first three books in the series!
GIVEAWAY LEGAL COPY:
Enter for a chance to win either one (1) grand prize set of Romina Russell’s Zodiac Series in paperback, including Zodiac, Wandering Star, and Black Moon (32.97) or to be one (1) of five (5) second place winners to receive a copy of Zodiac by Romina Russell (ARV: $10.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on June 26th, 2017 and 12:00 AM on July 17, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about July 21, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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How would you design your dream hut or beach house?

Blog Tour: Midnight Jewel (Review)

2017-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy was one of the first YA books I ever read and loved. I've been a huge fan of Richelle ever since, and I'm avidly following her newest trilogy, The Glittering Court. I am thrilled to join the blog tour for Midnight Jewel, the second book in the series.
Author: Richelle Mead
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 416 pages
Publication Date: June 27th, 2017
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

A refugee of war, Mira was cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where the conditions were inhospitable at best. In a life-altering twist of fate, she is given the chance to escape once more, and she takes it, joining the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. There, Mira finds herself subjected to persecution, not only from her fellow Glittering Court jewels, but from her suitors, as well—men she would potentially be expected to give her life to.

By day, she goes through the motions, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity, even making a couple true friends in the process, the forthright ladies’ maid Adelaide and the ambitious laundress Tamsin. But by night, Mira hatches a different plan entirely—one that, if exposed, could get her hanged in the highest court of Adoria.

I didn't realize until recently that each Glittering Court book would be from a different girl's point of view, but from the start I was most interested in Mira's story. In this book, Mira struggles to find her brother in the new colonies and find a way to free him from this work contract. Yet as crimes mount in the colony's Cape Triumph, Mira can't help but try to assist the targeted, poor.

While there is some overlap in scenes between this book and the Glittering Court, I am relieved that the plot and direction of this book is decidedly different. I really liked to see some of the prominent scenes from the previous book rewritten from Mira's point of view. Midnight Jewel predominantly takes place in Adoria (the new colonies still in the developmental stages) though. I really liked that we got to see the workings and hierarchy system of the Adoria as well as the dark underbelly of the city.

This book has a vigilante and espionage twist that made this story really addictive once the plot took off. I loved all of the missions and the trickery and fighting. Throw in some social justice fighters and a charming crew, and readers are in for a fun time.

Mira was such an admirable character, and she really made this book enjoyable for me. Her unfailing loyalty to her friends and her brother are touching. She was such a strong lead. So many people and obstacles came in the way of her goals and her future, yet she still prevailed and never let the stress get to her. I also really like her inexhaustible sense of morality and right and wrong. She has a line that she never dares cross no matter the reward or desire. But her compassion does give her a bit of wild streak, recklessly throwing herself into danger for those she cares about and those who can't defend themselves.

Unfortunately I wasn't onboard with the romance for most of this book, mainly because I wasn't a huge fan of the love interest, Grant. He is a spy with a harsh background, but his unemotional countenance and behavior and scathing words were so infuriating. Mira deserved better! Near the end of the book though, I developed a begrudging respect for the guy...

Overall I really enjoyed the second book in the Glittering Court series, and I can't wait for Tamsin's book!

Moodboard:

Follow Rachel's board Midnight Jewel on Pinterest.

About the Author:

RICHELLE MEAD is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series and its spin-off series, Bloodlines. Originally from Michigan, she now lives in Seattle, Washington.

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead (ARV: $19.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on June 26th, 2017 and 12:00 AM on July 17, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about July 21, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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Schedule:

Week One:

June 26 – Tales of the Ravenous Reader – Top 5 Reasons to Read Glittering Court Before Midnight Jewel

June 27 – Mundie Moms – Favorite Quotes from Midnight Jewel

June 28 – Love Is Not A Triangle – Review

June 29 – A Perfection Called Books – Midnight Jewel Mood Board & Review

June 30 – BookCrushin – Top Leading Ladies Who Escaped Their Fates

Week Two:

July 3 – ButterMyBooks – Midnight Jewel Inspired Drink

July 4 – Books, TV, & More… Oh My! – Female Royalty By Birthstone

July 5 – A Page With A View – Midnight Jewel Photos & Review

July 6 – Once Upon A Twilight – Top 5 Reasons to Read Midnight Jewel

July 7 – YA Wednesdays – Couture Cloak & Dagger

Week Three:

July 10 – The Fandom

July 11 – Ex Libris – Review

July 12 – Novel Knight Reviews – A Book in Quotes

July 13 – The Eater Of Books! – Midnight Jewel Swoon Thursday

July 14 – Fiction Fare – Review

Have you read any of Richelle's books? Are you excited for this one?

Rachel is a teenaged unapologetic fangirl and perfectionist.

She loves reading for the escape it gives from reality and enjoys crying over books, swooning over characters, and laughing out loud over funny lines. She is a semi-recovering Netflix addict and a middle child of three.

You can find her on Twitter @yaperfectionist & Goodreads.

ARC Review: Song of the Current

2017-06-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Sarah Tolcser
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 373 pages
Publication Date: June 6th, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

A book that will set your heart racing with its high stakes, seafaring adventure! Reading this pirate romp was so much fun, and I think fans of Daughter of the Pirate King will enjoy this book.

Caro has spent her entire life on the river with her wherryman father, transporting and smuggling things throughout the interconnecting waterways. When her father is captured for smuggling, Caro bargains for his freedom by agreeing to deliver mysterious cargo. When she discovers pirates are after this cargo and will stop at nothing to retrieve it, she embarks on a cat-and-mouse chase along the river and uncovers dangerous secrets about herself and others.

I love the nonstop action of this book. There is never a dull moment, and I love the pacing of the story. Tolcser's writing is fair, but her true strengthen lies in her main character. She does such a great job building a strong, female main character while also clearly baring her insecurities and fears to us in such a humane fashion. You can't help but love Caro, her stubbornness and bravery while also sympathizing for her and her self doubt. I loved the growth we saw in Caro throughout this book, and I love her attitude and demeanor and how it shifts to the end of the book.

I also really liked the world that Tolcser created. An empire past its former glory, chipped apart as cities and regions secede. Waterways cutting through the land mass like ribbons. Trade and smuggling, both booming industries. The introduction of gods that speak to chosen people. There is so much potential here, and Tolcser did a great job describing and introducing these concepts into her fictional world.

This book includes a classic hate-to-love relationship, and I am so here for it! The banter is hilarious, and I already like where this ship is going. I'm also a fan of the parental relationship with Caro in this book. It's different from most books that I've read, but I love Caro's parents devotion to her and how they constantly surprise her in this book.

I did have some problems with Song of the Current though. So much of this book is so easy to guess. I hated the predictability because it really spoiled my enjoyment over some of the revelation scenes. I can thinking of at least three significant moments off the top of my head that I correctly guessed ahead of time. It really diminished parts of the plot for me. I also got lost in the ship terminology, and I felt like maybe a tad too much time was spent wrapped up in the world of ship vernacular.

Overall I did like this book, and I will most likely read the second book in this two-book series.

APCB Adds #8

2017-06-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

I love learning about the latest book deals, and APCB Adds is a feature where I share my latest Goodreads book additions. These posts will introduce you to books coming out in the future, ones you can look forward to!

The Brilliant Death by Amy Rose Capetta - Viking/Penguin - Fall 2018

A YA fantasy set in a magical variation of 19th-century Italy.

Teodora DiSangro, daughter of a mafia-like family, must master her hidden powers to transform into a boy and plunge into the dangerous politics of her newly unified country, while her shape-shifting multi-gendered magic tutor pulls her heart —and her fate —in another direction.

I have such a huge crush on Italian history. So many inventions and so much arts and culture derived from Italian history. I can't wait to read this fantasy book set in that time period and setting!

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan - Little, Brown - 2018

Inspired by Asian mythology, it follows Lei, a girl who is taken from her remote village to serve in the Demon King's court. When Lei falls in love with another servant, putting both their lives in jeopardy, she must decide how far she's willing to go to fight for her love and her freedom.

Oooh I love Asian mythology, and I can't wait to see what happens in this book. Also a Demon King? Hellooo mercurial and fascinating villain.

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart - Delacorte Press - September 5, 2017

The story of a young woman whose diabolical smarts are her ticket into a charmed life. But how many times can someone reinvent themselves? You be the judge.

Imogen is a runaway heiress, an orphan, a cook, and a cheat.
Jule is a fighter, a social chameleon, and an athlete.
An intense friendship. A disappearance. A murder, or maybe two.
A bad romance, or maybe three.
Blunt objects, disguises, blood, and chocolate. The American dream, superheroes, spies, and villains.
A girl who refuses to give people what they want from her.
A girl who refuses to be the person she once was.

It's been years since I've read "We Were Liars" (wow, really aging myself here...) and I am STILL reeling from that plot twist. I can't wait to see if E. Lockhart knocks my proverbial socks off yet again.

The Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young - Wednesday Books - 2018

Set in a Viking Age-inspired world, the YA fantasy explores a young warrior's journey after her brother commits an act of betrayal.

VIKING AGE, HELLO. Side note: I'm so excited for the Wednesday Books imprint of SMP launching this fall! They've acquired some fascinating and exciting books for the future (peep Roshani Chokshi's next series THE GILDED WOVES comes out from them!!)

Seafire by Natalie C. Parker - Razorbill/Penguin - 2018

Seafire, a speculative trilogy by Natalie C. Parker, which follows the captain of an all-female ship intent on taking down a corrupt warlord's powerful fleet.

I love books that take place at sea, and this book will definitely fill that insatiable thirst in my life. Also an all-female ship? Can't wait to meet this strong, independent women!

A Poison Dark and Drowning by Jessica Cluess - Random House September 19, 2017

Henrietta doesn't need a prophecy to know that she's in danger. She came to London to be named the chosen one, the first female sorcerer in centuries, the one who would defeat the Ancients. Instead, she discovered a city ruled by secrets. And the biggest secret of all: Henrietta is not the chosen one.

Still, she must play the role in order to keep herself and Rook, her best friend and childhood love, safe. But can she truly save him? The poison in Rook's system is transforming him into something monstrous as he begins to master dark powers of his own. So when Henrietta finds a clue to the Ancients past that could turn the tide of the war, she persuades Blackwood, the mysterious Earl of Sorrow-Fell, to travel up the coast to seek out strange new weapons. And Magnus, the brave, reckless flirt who wants to win back her favor, is assigned to their mission. Together, they will face monsters, meet powerful new allies, and uncover the most devastating weapon of all: the truth.

Jess Cluess's debut fantasy novel A Shadow Bright and Burning was one of my favorite books of 2016. I can't wait to see what happens next in this sequel. Total Pride and Prejudice vibes too!!

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi - Henry Holt/Macmillan - 2018

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.

Although not many people have read this book yet, there is SO much hype surrounding it. I'm pretty sure the book deal and the movie deal were both seven figures. So you know this book must be crazy amazing. It's also a Black Lives Matter book set in a fantasy world. Fascinating!

Which book are you most looking forward to from the list?

What books have you recently added to your TBR?

Rachel is a teenaged unapologetic fangirl and perfectionist.

You can find her on Twitter @yaperfectionist & Goodreads.

Review: Bad Romance

2017-06-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Heather Demetrios
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 368 pages
Publication Date: June 13th, 2017
Publisher: Henry Holt/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape.

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

This book was so hard to rate. It feels reductive to give this book a rating because "Bad Romance" is about so much more than the stars it receives. It is not merely about a typical toxic relationship, it is about manipulative and abusive relationships and the heartbreaking effects it has on the main character.

I've been a huge fan of Heather Demetrios since I read her beautiful book "I'll Meet You There". I didn't love this book as much as that one, but this book isn't just meant to be enjoyed. It's meant to be heard and understood. This book is meant to teach us. Demetrios writes this book in such a perfect way to truly capture the full impact of this story and the raw emotions attached to every scene. This story is equal parts addictive, devastating, fun, somber, horrifying, and uplifting. There are so many tough scenes in this book. While this book did have its light moments, I would not say this is a light read.

Grace can't wait to move out of her house and get away from California suburbia Birch Grove. She finds her savior from her abusive household through drama student and rocker Gavin. They fall head over heels in love and everything is perfect. Until little by little Gavin reveals who he truly is and Grace starts to lose herself in the relationship.

Grace is a character I really sympathized for. With an unfair upbringing and nearly insurmountable pressure coming at her from all sides, she is desperate for a distraction, a savior. Anything to distract her from the troubles at home. She's compassionate and eloquent and a great leader. She's sweet and hardworking, and I felt for her throughout this book. I also loved the drama elements of this book! She is a huge fan of plays and poetry and literature and I love the scenes that has to do with music and theater.

She also has the best support system ever. I love her friendship with her friends Natalie and Alyssa, and I love that they stuck together throughout the highs and lows of this book. And onto Gavin... What an enigma. I obviously hate his character and his physical and emotional abuse towards Grace, but Demetrios did such a great job portraying him and showing readers how it is possible that Grace could fall for someone like him. It really opened my eyes to the nuances of toxic relationships and just how hard it can be to walk away from someone.

This book will hopefully open up conversations and help people in similar situations as Grace. Demetrios dealt with this subject in such a delicate yet firm manner. It's also doubly heartfelt as this book is loosely based off of Demetrios's own personal experiences. In the end I love the empowering message that Demetrios sends readers off with, and I am forever glad that I gave this book a chance. It has opened my eyes to a subject I never fully understood and has shown me what true strength and grace looks like.

Blog Tour: Bad Romance (Tips for Self Worth)

2017-06-08T09:58:00.000-04:00

Heather Demetrios is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and I absolutely love and respect her latest novel that centers on manipulative and abusive relationships. This book really taught me so much, and I hope people caught in a similar situation as Grace, the main character of Bad Romance, find their peace. I am thrilled to join the Bad Romance blog tour with some tips for self worth.

Author: Heather Demetrios
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 368 pages
Publication Date: June 13th, 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape.

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

Tips for Self Worth

1. Be selfish - I learned this one the hard way. I never could say "no" to others. I would put other people's priorities and desires before my own and spend all of my time helping others with tasks as opposed to doing what is best for myself. I learned that I need to be aggressive and assertive at times. There is nothing wrong with being selfish every once in awhile. You are your own greatest cheerleader, and you need to always be there to stand up for yourself and determine what is best for you.

2. Surround yourself with true friends - Grace has such amazing friends in Bad Romance that always look out for Grace's best interests. They always share their honest opinion and go to great lengths throughout Bad Romance to make sure Grace is safe. Do not stay with people who manipulate or insult you. These people will hold you back and don't have the best intentions.

3. Find a support system - Similar to the second tip, find a group of people that will support you, bolster your confidence, and cheer you up in times of need. Find someone (or someones) that you can talk to when things get tough or alternately find an outlet that helps calm you down when things get tough.

4. Be proud of your accomplishments - This is another tip I've found myself using whenever I start to doubt myself and my abilities. Look back on your accomplishments and be proud of what you've done so far.

5. Believe in yourself - This is the greatest tip I can give. Believe in yourself. You matter. You are amazing. Never forget that.

Bad Romance comes out next Tuesday!

Schedule:

5/30: Dark Faerie Tales
5/31: Swoony Boys Podcast
6/1: Tales of the Ravenous Reader
6/2: Pink Polka Dot Books
6/3: It Starts at Midnight
6/4: Paper Trail YA
6/6: Alexa Loves Books
6/7: The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
6/8: A Perfection Called Books <-- that's me!
6/10: Forever Young Adult
6/11: Book Loving Nut
6/12: Eater of Books
6/13: Here's to Happy Endings

Do you have any tips for self worth that you would like to share?

Books I Bought Then Forgot (to Read)

2017-06-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hey, APCB readers! It's been a minute since my last post.

Senior year has been absolutely crazy with all of my schoolwork, college apps, and other senior-specific activities, but crazy in a good way. Out of my four years in high school, I think senior year is my favorite. I feel like I've accomplished what I set out to do this year while making new friendships and strengthening old ones along the way.

With just about a month left to go, I hope I can finish off the year strong!

Source: Polly & Books

Unfortunately, the craziness of senior year hasn't allowed me to read as much as I wanted to and was able to in previous years. Here's a list of five books that I bought a while ago with the pure intention of reading, but then, well, life got in the way, and these books are now burning holes through my bookshelf.

1. "Empire of Storms" by Sarah J. Maas

Ok, so to have this first book on the list is pretty bad, and I don't know how I've gone on for so long without reading it: the fifth book in Sarah J. Maas' hit Throne of Glass series.

I saw this book in my local Barnes & Noble just about a week or so after the book first came out. As a fan of Maas' other works, I immediately purchased it.

I promise that I did begin reading the book, but not enough so that I reached a point where I was completely engrossed in the story and just had to finish the novel.

And that's the sad but true story of how I somehow still didn't read Sarah J. Maas' "Empire of Storms."

2. "Illuminae" by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This next book is almost as bad to have on my list as "Empire of Storms": Kaufman and Kristoff's "Illuminae."

When this book came out about a year and a half ago, I only heard great and wonderful praise about it, so of course I had to get myself a copy.

But when I began reading "Illuminae," I just couldn't get myself into the story.

Although I loved the uniqueness of the book including its diagrams, transcripts, and more, the story itself was slow-moving and confusing.

I guess I just didn't have the patience to make it through the whole novel.

3. "A Darker Shade of Magic" by V.E. Schwab

I actually did read quite a bit of this book. I'd say I read a little more than a half of the novel.

But honestly, truthfully, this story was so boring (to me, anyway). I know many other readers and reviewers just loved this book, but unfortunately, I can't claim the same.

And I don't have anything else to say about this book besides that.

4. "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King

This book is rather different from my usual fare, as it's nonfiction and a memoir.

Some time ago, I felt inspired to read these memoir-type books on writing in order to improve my own craft.

I never got around to reading this book, but I still have the intention of reading it when time allows.

5. "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

In all honesty, I'm just not a John Green fan. No matter how hard I try to like his writing, I can't and I don't.

I currently own three John Green books: "The Fault in Our Stars," "Paper Towns," and this one, "An Abundance of Katherines." I've only managed to fully make it through "The Fault in Our Stars," but only by pretty much forcing myself to do so.

So, like I said, I'm not a fan of John Green's writing. I attempted this book, and it wasn't my cup of tea, so I don't think I'll give it another go.

And that's my list of books I bought but never got around to reading/finishing.

Any strong opinions on the above mentioned? Which book should I tackle first or try to read again?

Thanks so much for reading!

Blog Tour: I Believe in a Thing Called Love (Listicle)

2017-05-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

I Believe in a Thing Called Love is a book I've been excited for since I read of the book deal on Publisher's Weekly. A book about a girl unlucky in love using k dramas as a guide to make her crush fall for her? Count me in! I raced through this hilarious, diverse contemporary novel in less than a day. I'm thrilled to join the blog tour with a listicle on the top reasons why you should buy and read this book. Author: Maurene Goo
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 336 pages
Publication Date: May 30th, 2017
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Macmillan
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

Desi Lee knows how carburetors work. She learned CPR at the age of five. As a high school senior, she has never missed a day of school and has never had a B in her entire life. She's for sure going to Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation-magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds her answer in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It's a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Rules for True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and fake car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

Five Reasons Why You Should Read I Believe in a Thing Called Love

1. Desi Lee - Desi is a protagonist who has - so far - been unlucky in love. She's one of those people that has embarrassing things happen all the time, and you can't help but good-naturedly groan and chuckle when you hear her past stories. She's also such a hard worker, and I love her nerdiness. I love that Desi embraces who she is and flawlessly owns her brains and drive. She doesn't come off as a snooty know-it-all, but it's so cute that she knows so much random knowledge about everything!

2. Father/Daughter Relationship - Her relationship with her father is the cutest thing ever! I love their support for one another. They watch k-dramas together and make food together, and it's absolutely the cutest thing ever.

3. Friendships - Desi has such great friends. Fiona and Wes back her up for all of her crazy ideas and build her up whenever her confidence is low and keep her in check when she spins out of control or doubts herself.

4. Korean Dramas - This book stood out to me mainly because of the k drama aspect. I've never actually seen a k drama before, but I know that there is a huge fanbase and culture surrounding them. Now because of this book I can't wait to watch my first k drama! I think k drama fans will love all of the references dropped in this story along with Desi's step-by-step guide to making a guy fall in love with you as seen on k dramas.

5. Romance - The romance in this book is the sweetest, most swoon-worthy thing I've read in awhile. I love the idea of first love, and to watch Desi recreate k drama elements to attract her love interest is equal parts hilarious and sweet. There are so many light-heated, fun scenes mixed with some deeper, more intense moments. Desi and Luca are so adorable together!

I hope you read and love this book just as much as I did! I Believe in a Thing Called Love comes out on Tuesday!

Schedule:

5/24 YABiBliophile
5/25 Love Is Not a Triangle
5/26 Gone Pecan
5/27 Live Love Read
5/28 A Perfection Called Books
5/29 YA Wednesdays
5/30 Avid Reader

Are you a fan of k-dramas? Which ones are your favorites? Have you read this book yet?

Blog Tour: Flame in the Mist (Review)

2017-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am stoked to join the Flame in the Mist blog tour with a review! Renée's Wrath was easily one of my favorite 2015 debuts, and I loved her latest book just as much. Many thanks to Penguin Teen for putting together this tour.Author: Renee Ahdieh
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 416 pages
Publication Date: May 16th, 2017
Publisher: Putnam/Penguin
Source: Publisher
Goodreads | Amazon

The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.

So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.

The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

What a suspenseful tale! Fans of Renee Ahdieh will surely enjoy this novel as well. It has her usual doses of beautiful writing, sexy romance, wicked twists, secrets, lies, meticulous plotting, and magic.

Set in feudal Japan,"Flame in the Mist" centers on Mariko, a powerful samurai's daughter who is against her wishes betrothed to the emperor's second son. En route to the imperial city, her convoy is ambushed by the deadly Black Clan. After narrowly escaping the attack with her life, Mariko seeks revenge and answers by disguising as a boy and infiltrating the Black Clan's ranks. But not all is as it seems, and she begins to question everything.

Renee continues to enchant readers with her beautiful and wholly unique writing style. I will forever love the way that she constructs her sentences. She adds a little flair and finesse to every sentence. The prose just meshed so well with the tale Renee crafted. There was plenty of action to keep readers enthralled, but Mariko's attempts to ingratiate herself to the Black Clan were equally mesmerizing. There was so much drama and suspense woven into this tale to keep readers turning the pages.

I loved the setting of feudal Japan. So much of this book centers around honor and duty, and it was fascinating to see these characters struggle through their decisions, heavily weighed down by the Japanese ideals. One of Renee's strengths is her use of setting in her stories. Just as in "The Wrath and The Dawn", Renee does an amazing job not only describing the surroundings but also incorporating it into her storyline. In this book you'll experience the deadly Jukai forest filled with magical creatures and bloodthirsty trees.

Mariko is an inquisitive and stubborn main character. Although this book is cast as a Mulan retelling, there are few similarities besides disguising oneself as a man and the idea of bringing honor to your family. I loved Mariko's tenacity. She longs to be free of the caged life her father has planned for her and proves to show her worth beyond an advantageous union. This book is also highly feminist, which I LOVED.

I was expecting a bit more romance in this book, but Renee provided the perfect amount. It's not as heavy as "The Wrath and The Dawn", but it is certainly steamy and intense. And that is all I will say!

Like her previous novels, Renee told this story in third-person point of view, and it worked out well. Perspectives from secondary characters including Okami, Ranmaru, the emperor, and Kenshin. The secondary characters in this book all possess interesting backstories and backgrounds that include more secrets and cause more conflicts for the characters.

The only thing I didn't really like was the lack of clarity. There is magic present in this book, but every time it was brought up I was left so confused. I wish the magic were better described and more fleshed out.

This book was decidedly different from my expectations, but I loved in nonetheless. Renee delivered a sumptuous story interwoven with so many secrets and lies and revelations to leave readers reeling and desperate for the second part in this duology.

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh (ARV: $17.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 8, 2017 and 12:00 AM on June 5, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 10, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Schedule:

Week One:

May 8 – Two Chicks on Books – Author Q&A

May 9 – The Eater of Books! – Mood Board

May 10 – Book Hounds YA – Guest Post

May 11 – YA Book Central – Excerpt

May 12 – A Page With A View – Review + Photos

Week Two:

May 15 – The Young Folks – Guest Post

May 16 – Once Upon a Twilight – Author Q&A

May 17 – The Fandom – Guest Post

May 18 – Alexa Loves Books – Bookish Style File

May 19 – Fiction Fare – Review

Week Three:

May 22 – Brittany’s Book Rambles – Review

May 23 – ButterMyBooks – Review + Photos

May 24 – Mundie Moms – Author Q&A

May 25 – A Perfection Called Books – Review <-- That's us!!

May 26 – Novel Novice – Flame Pinsperation

Week Four:

May 29 – Twirling Pages – Review + Photos

May 30 – Tales of the Ravenous Reader – Guest Post

May 31 – Oh the Book Feels – Review

June 1 – Dark Faerie Tales – Author Q&A

June 2 – The Book’s Buzz – Japanese Lesson

Have you read any of Renee's books? Are you excited for this one?

Rachel is a teenaged unapologetic fangirl and perfectionist.

You can find her on Twitter @yaperfectionist & Goodreads.