Rachel's Rambling Reviews

Review: The Study of Magic by Maria V Snyder

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Mon, 27 May 2024 16:37:00 +0000

Guys, I am so so so excited to be reviewing this book. The Study series by Maria V Snyder is one of my all time favourites, I have forgotten just how many times I've read it through the years - and as soon as I saw the announcement that Maria was going to be publishing a Valek POV I knew I had to get it, and the first book A Study of Poisons did not disappoint. This, however is about the second book because oh my word guys, it was even better than the first!!

Here's the book:

Frankly, I think death is the best cure for stupidity.

As Chief of Ixia’s Security, Valek’s work is never done. After rescuing Commander Ambrose with, Yelena, his heartmate’s, help and seeing her off to Sitia, Valek discovers the nefarious scheme to overthrow their country is far more complex and far reaching than anyone could have guessed.

Valek must discover who is continuing with Brazell and Mogkan’s conniving plans, all while dealing with a tense political situation. The Ixian generals are questioning his abilities to keep the Commander safe, and whispers of a possible coup are circulating.

Will Valek be able to survive a plot that seeks to sabotage all he and the Commander have worked for? Also, having opened his heart to love, will Yelena still wish to be with him when all is said and done?

A companion novel to Magic Study, The Study of Magic reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what hazards Valek encounters and survives before he and Yelena are reunited once more.

I just can't get over this book - Valek is one of my favourite characters in an all-time favourite series (I need to have yet another read of the originals after this I think!) so getting to see his POV in the series is amazing, and I am so glad Maria decided to let us all see this by publishing these companion novels. The first book was a nice dip back into the world, and it was good to see Valek again, but this second book just blows the first out of the water!

I think this second book sat in my heart a bit more because Magic Study, the original series book, is all about Yelena being away from Valek and exploring Sitia, the country she was born in. In this though, we get to see more about what exactly Valek was doing during his time away from Yelena! I love this, you get to see so much more of an insight into his thoughts, and his day-to-day life with the Commander. In fact, I think being able to see more of Valek and the Commander's relationship is so eye opening - it's so much closer than it seems in the original series as it gets fleshed out a lot more here.

Also, guys, if you've ever read the original series I'm sure you love Ari and Janco - I mean, who couldn't love them?! - in this book we get to see some more of them too, and learn a bit more about how they met (which I think was a great addition), so it's definitely worth a read purely for that! Plus, you have to love seeing Ari and Janco's antics in any of the books, seeing it from Valek's POV just makes it that much better!

I could probably talk about these books forever, so I won't go on, but just know if you ever wanted to see what the love interest's POV is in a series, this is exactly what you need - you can even tandem read the original and these Valek POVs if that's something that would interest you, I've seen a few people say that was really fun, I may have to try myself!

Overall, I give this book 5 cats - I would give it more if I could! I cannot wait to see what the next companion novel will be like, Fire Study is already such an action packed book, it will be so interesting to see that from Valek's POV!

The Study of Magic is out now, so go grab a copy, and if you haven't read the original Study series I would highly recommend them too! Just go pick up alllll the books, you wont be disappointed!

Review: Song of the Huntress by Lucy Holland

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:07:00 +0000

It's been a while since I posted, so I thought it was time a new post was made, and this time it's for Song of the Huntress!

I was on the blog tour for the first of Lucy Holland's books, Sistersong, previously (see that review HERE).... And when I went to the Goldsboro Fantasy in the Court event last year and had a chat with her about her new book I knew I HAD to read it, and I was definitely not disappointed!

Here's the book:

Britain, 60AD. Hoping to save her lover, land and her people from the Romans, Herla makes a desperate pact with the king of the Otherworld. But years pass unheeded in his realm, and she escapes to find everyone she loved long dead. Cursed to wield his blade, she becomes Lord of the Hunt. And for centuries, she rides, reaping wanderers’ souls. Until the night she meets a woman on a bloody battlefield – a Saxon queen with ice-blue eyes.

Queen Æthelburg of Wessex is a proven fighter. But when she leads her forces to disaster in battle, her husband’s court turns against her. Yet King Ine needs Æthel more than the dead kings of Wessex are waking, and his own brother seeks to usurp him. Ine’s only hope is to master the magic that’s lain dormant in his bloodline since ancient days.

When their paths cross, Herla knows it’s no coincidence. Something dark and dangerous is at work in the Wessex court. The Otherworld seeks to rise, to bring the people of Britain under its dominion. As she and Æthel grow closer, Herla must find her humanity – and a way to break the curse – before it’s too late.

Yet again I will talk about how I love when my books mix historical fiction with fantasy - I do not read nearly enough of it, so is it a surprise when I rave about a good one when I find it? I adored Sistersong from Lucy, and this book I adored just as much... Especially as we get to hear about some of the characters from Sistersong again, even if just from stories shared by the characters in this book! However, if you have read Sistersong before you do get to see one particular character again that you may not have thought you would - Emrys! But I won't spoil how you see them, I'll let you red it yourself and find out! That isn't to say you would be confused if you haven't read Lucy Holland's previous book, you can easily read it as a standalone, but it's definitely fun to read the little easter eggs dropped throughout that links this book to Sistersong!

I haven't read too much into this part of History, so it is always interesting to read a book like this and then research into what actually happened to these characters in real life, and I really do like the way Æthelburg is written, she's definitely my favourite character in this, I have a fondness for books with warrior Queens in though, so that may be why!

I must admit, this one didn't get as big as place in my heart as Sistersong, but it was still an amazing read, that really pulls you into the story between Herla and Æthelburg, and I also loved the POV of King Ine as he turned out to have a lot more to him than you would have thought.

So, overall, if you're a lover of both mythology and the history of Britain, I would definitely recommend this, and I give this book: 5 cats!

Song of the Huntress is out now and you should definitely go grab a copy, you get a warrior Queen, the Wild Hunt and more of the magic of the land from the first book, what more could you want from a historical fiction book?

Blog Tour: Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:18:00 +0000

Well, today is a blog tour day! And it's a good one, in fact, I can say it's one of my favourite reads of the year.... but that may be because I have a weakness for Fae books, and one of my favourite reads from the younger years had Trolls in it (or as they are called in this book Troldefolke).

Here's the book:

A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Well, first of all I have to talk about the beautiful cover we can see here - which is even better in person because there is silver foiling!! You all know how much I love a good silver foil.... But not only that the actual details on the cover are beautiful, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series covers look like.

Now, onto the actual contents of the book. I said earlier that it may be one of my favourite reads of this year, but I have seen that the next in this series is also out this year (and I WILL be reading it), and to be honest after that ending I can expect that the next book will take my heart even more than this one did, so it may be put down in the list of favourites very soon. I think the chemistry between the two MCs, Faraine and Vor, when they meet was one of my favourite things about this book, and then everything that happens after between them was amazing to read.

I love Faraine as a character in this book, and gosh did I wish it went a bit differently for her and Vor overall, but we shall see how that will go when it comes to the next book! I do love them both as characters, but Faraine really interests me, and I'll be intrigued to see how her God given power changes over the next few books.... I have my theories!

We see a little bit of the Trolde world in this book, but not very much as the beginning focused on the human world and the marriage process, however the world building in this just makes you think there will be many more places to explore in the coming books - we get told about the different types of Fae, and the size of the Trolde kingdom so I can't wait to see more of that (hopefully) in the future as what we have seen of the Trolde kingdom so far seems beautiful and Sylvia has written the Fae world fantastically so far - it really draws you in and wants you to read more and more.

I could talk about so much more when it comes to this book, but I will wait until the next book to see if my theories work out or not. Overall, I give this book: 5 cats!

Don't forget to check out the other stops on this blog tour too, and I hope to be back with a review on book #2 soon!

Review: The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Guys, I just can't put into words how much I loved this book. I took part in the twitter poll version of this, essentially a choose your own adventure, and adored it then, so I knew when it was going to be published and have some differences to the twitter adventure that I would NEED to get it.

There's also the fact that I love the Truthwitch series from Susan so I knew I'd be reading this as well just because I like to see how other stories pan out from authors that I like.

Here's the book:

Hemlock Falls isn’t like other towns. You won’t find it on a map, your phone won’t work here, and the forest outside town might just kill you…

Winnie Wednesday wants nothing more than to join the Luminaries, the ancient order that protects Winnie's town―and the rest of humanity―from the monsters and nightmares that rise in the forest of Hemlock Falls every night. Ever since her father was exposed as a witch and a traitor, Winnie and her family have been shunned. But on her sixteenth birthday, she can take the deadly Luminary hunter trials and prove herself true and loyal―and restore her family's good name. Or die trying.

But in order to survive, Winnie must enlist the help of the one person who can help her train: Jay Friday, resident bad boy and Winnie’s ex-best friend. While Jay might be the most promising new hunter in Hemlock Falls, he also seems to know more about the nightmares of the forest than he should. Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.

Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.

Okay so, first things first, I HAVE to mention how beautiful the artwork is for this book, both in the beautiful cover and also the illustrations inside! I'll admit I was a bit biased with the ARC I got because I love gold foil, but then when I saw this cover I was like woahhh that's pretty, and once you've read it you can see why some of the details are there. But yes, I mentioned illustrations inside - there are illustrations of some of the Nightmares in there! Brilliantly done, I love being able to see what they look like as I can really imagine them when reading - I can't wait to see the next books illustrations too, it was confirmed that the illustrations will continue in that which I am so excited for.

Second thing: I finished this in one sitting it was so good! It's not often these days that I read things in one sitting, I tend to break them up into a few days more often than not due to my schedule, but I adored this book and I just couldn't put it down. Granted, it may have been because I wanted to see how different it was to the original choose your own adventure, but still I think even if you weren't part of that you would have a hard time putting this book down.

I think, and I'm being nitpicky here, the only downside to this was that I didn't get all the information I wanted - but yaknow, that is my own thing and I fully trust Susan to give us all the information in the future books now that we have finally got to know a bit more about the world, the Nightmares and the MC Winnie - I especially can't wait to see where the storyline about her father goes and I really want to see some more information about the Diana's and what they do, I'm hoping to see Susan dig into that a bit more in The Hunting Moon when it comes out!

Overall, I give this: 5 cats!

I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book - which has just had the cover reveal (OMG it's just as beautiful). Did any of you join in with the Twitter adventure? If so what did you think of the final book compared to that? I'd love to know!

ARC Review: Queen of Gods by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:35:00 +0000

I was so excited for the final book in this duology, and I was so glad when I got approved to read it early on Netgalley! I have loved all of Katharine & Elizabeth Corr's books since I read The Witch's Kiss, and I'm sure I'll love them going forward too. However, I do have a weakness for Greek inspired books, which this is - throw in some Gods and Goddesses and I'm hooked!

This is the finale to a duology (you can see my review of the first book, Daughter of Darkness HERE), and wow what a finale it was! Now I just need to wait for the pretty Forbidden Plant exclusive cover to get into my hands and I'll be even happier! Here's the book:

Return to the Underworld...

Deina has finally found what matters most to her in all the world. And lost it. To save the one she loves, she's bound herself to the Underworld and an endless future of darkness.

But not even her sacrifice is enough to secure Theron or her friends' safety in the mortal realm. Aristaeus has seized power in Thebes and his tyrannical reign is a constant, looming threat to their lives.

So when Deina is offered the chance to destroy him and the gods altogether, she sets out on a new quest. But to succeed, she must turn away from everything she holds true.

In a game with the gods, the rewards are infinite... but the punishments are eternal.

Be prepared for a nail-biting race for survival in the breathtaking sequel to Daughter of Darkness.

The blurb says nail-biting, and wow was that true. I breezed through this book in less than a day and can definitely say this was a stunning conclusion to this duology! In fact, I'll go as far as to say this is one of my favourite reads of this year so far, I'll definitely be picking it up as a re-read in the future. I thought the last book was a ride, but this had so many twists that you didn't see coming and it really kept you on your toes guessing what was going to happen next.

One of the most interesting parts of this book for me was that we got to explore some more places - in the last book it mainly focused on the Underworld, but in this you also get to see the House of Zeus and the House of Poseidon as well as some other parts of the Underworld, and you also get to explore some of the other Theodesmioi houses which was interesting. I always like exploring new places in series because it really helps with the world building, and it was explored so well in this book, threaded in perfectly to the main plot line.

Characters wise, I have to say I liked seeing more of Thanatos in this book, and I will have to admit that I was routing for him throughout, but considering I love when Death is a character in books I tend to always end up routing for him despite the weirdness. Did anyone else end up loving Thanatos as a character? The triangle between Deina, Thanatos and Theron was such fun to read, and I loved the dynamic that Deina had with both of them throughout. (I know who I would have chosen if I was Deina, but unfortunately I can't transport myself to the universe, so it's up to Deina what she wants to do *sigh*)

Overall, I really think this is my favourite series from Katharine & Elizabeth Corr yet, and I really can't wait to see what they come up with next! I couldn't give this less than 5 cats, and I would give it so many more if I could.

Queen of Gods is out on the 20th July, and I highly recommend you go get your copy (especially the pretty Forbidden Planet editions with the different colours!)

Blog tour: Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 20 May 2023 08:19:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be on the blog tour for the newest release from Christopher Paolini - Fractal Noise! Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour too, and grab a copy of the book as it's out now! Here it is:

On the planet Talos VII, twenty-three years before the events of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more – perhaps even who built the hole and why. Their mission will take them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence.

For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe. But every step they take towards that mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last. Ultimately, no one is prepared for what they will encounter.

So, Christopher Paolini is one of my favourite authors, and as soon as he started telling us about branching into Sci-Fi, I knew I'd be picking up whatever he wrote. It was definitely worth it, and now he's gone and wrote a prequel to the beast of a book that is To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. I would say, if you are a bit worried about starting the giant TSiaSoS, you could very easily read this book as a standalone, or read it first if you want to start small. There's nothing in this that would confuse you or make you not understand what was happening, everything in it is well explained, so you can definitely read this first if you want to jump into something smaller to begin with!

Now getting into the actual book - this was definitely a fascinating read. The characters were so well written, each having different motives for going to explore the new planet. The MC and narrator, Alex, was especially an interesting person to read the POV of. Although you were exploring the new planet, and had lots of information thrown at you about that, you also get to read about his reason for exploring - the death of his partner. It can be a bit hard hitting at time as the book leans on that, but you really get to see his struggles with grief and at times you really feel like you are living it with him and I just found that such a thought-provoking way of reading - not one I've really dealt with before in a book, but one I would definitely read again if they're written as well as this was.

I think the suspense of getting closer to the centre of the hole they found on the planet was really well done - and the noise that the hole is making follows you through the book with a 'Thud' every few lines. I found this really good at keeping the suspense and also I think it really made you feel how much that noise would affect you if you were in the book too. I especially loved that it slowly got larger as you read, as if you really were in the book and could see how much it would affect the explorers the nearer they got.

I'll admit, I am a bit rusty in my sci-fi reading, so quite a bit of the terminology went over my head, but it was still a smooth read and I really didn't want to put the book down after starting it was so gripping. I think that the writing was so good, because even if you aren't the best with sci-fi terminology you can still pick up the plot and read along, and if you are a sci-fi buff then you'll love it too!

Overall, I give this book: 5 cats!

Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour below, it's running until the 2nd June, and go pick up a copy of the book! It will definitely be worth it - and if you loved TSiaSoS in sure you'll love this too. I can't wait to see what else Paolini will come up with in the world of sci-fi!

Review: The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 14 May 2023 11:38:00 +0000

So I may have requested this purely because of the description that there was a giant library.... I mean, what book lover wouldn't do that? But this turned out to be an amazing random pick from Netgalley, and now I must know what's going to happen in the future books!

But for now, here's the book:

All books, no matter their binding, will fall to dust. The stories they carry may last longer. They might outlive the paper, the library, even the language in which they were first written.

The greatest story can reach the stars . . .

Evar has lived his whole life trapped within a vast library, older than empires and larger than cities.

Livira has spent hers in a tiny settlement out on the Dust where nightmares stalk and no one goes.

The world has never noticed them.

That’s about to change.

As their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time, each will unlock vast secrets about the world and themselves. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another.

I admit it did take a while for me to get into this book, mainly because I really couldn't figure out where this was going and how the two characters would come together - but it was definitely worth the patience as you get to the end and want to see so much more out of it. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book - I like to think that the slow burn in this one was really building up the premise and the world, ready to jump right into the action, but we shall see... One thing's for sure though, I'll definitely be waiting to jump back into this when the next book is out as I already want to continue with Livira's and Evar's story!

Although it may have taken me a while to get into, I can definitely see this as a book that you can read again and again to pick up little nuggets you didn't notice before. I think one of the things I'll be paying specific attention to is the quotes at the beginning of each chapter - I love quotes at the beginning of chapters in books but I think I passed them by, hopefully a reread I'll be able to see if they link in more.

The two main characters in this, Livira and Evar, are really well written. Specifically I loved Evar's character, seeing him begin to explore after his life trapped in the library was fascinating, he was just a joy to read. That isn't to say I didn't like Livira - seeing her character develop through the years was definitely interesting too. Also, no spoilers here, but if you've read it - how much did the Raven's name amuse you? It gave me a chuckle!

Overall, I give this book 5 cats!

It's definitely a book I'll be reading again, and after that ending I think the anticipation of what may happen in the next books may kill me! It's a book that keeps your mind cogs turning, and definitely one I'd highly suggest!

ARC Review: The Sinister Booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 21:31:00 +0000

So, yet again here I am reviewing a Garth Nix book - I can't help it he's one of my favourite authors, and I absolutely adored the first in this series (The Left-Handed Booksellers of London), so as soon as I saw it on Netgalley I knew I would have to request it - and I recently got the beautiful physical ARC which I am now in love with too! So, without further rambling, here's the book:

There is often trouble of a mythical sort in Bath. The booksellers who police the Old World keep a careful watch there, particularly on the entity who inhabits the ancient hot spring. Yet this time it is not from Sulis Minerva that trouble starts. It comes from the discovery of a sorcerous map, leading left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger. A desperate rescue is attempted by his sister the right-handed bookseller Vivien and their friend, art student Susan Arkshaw, who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage.

The map takes the trio to a place separated from this world, maintained by deadly sorcery performed by an Ancient Sovereign and guarded by monstrous living statues of Purbeck marble. But this is only the beginning, as the booksellers investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths and try to unravel the secrets of the murderous Lady of Stone, a serial killer of awesome powers.

If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.

One thing you have to know about this book is that you really jump right into the action, and it stays action packed the whole way through. I liked this about that as I've read quite a few things lately with slower starts, and I really wanted a fast-paced read which this was. It did however mean I didn't want to put it down, but where's the problem in that? I have been reading less and less recently and a lot slower too but it felt like I breezed through this it was so great.

I will say, it is probably a book you could read without reading the first in the series, but I would highly recommend reading both (just because you get to know the MCs a bit more and you get a bit more backstory, especially of Susan which I think is important). And now I have to mention yet again my love for Merlin in this book, in my previous review for Left-Handed booksellers of London I did say how much I love him - and that love is just brought right back in this book too. He is just one of the most unique MCs and I just can't get over how well written he is.

One thing I think I always say is that Garth Nix is very good at creating creatures and characters in his books - this is repeated in both of his Bookseller titles. This book in particular had some rather terrifying new creations, and I loved trying to picture them all in my mind. On top of that, you got to meet some new Booksellers and hear about other bases that they have, which I hope means that we will get to see even more of this world in the future (fingers crossed).

I've just loved getting to return to the world of the Booksellers and the Ancient Sovereigns, and I give this book: 5 cats!

So, if you liked the first book I can assure you that you will definitely liked the second and I highly recommend buying this when it is out on the 21st March!

ARC Review: Daughter of Darkness by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:03:00 +0000

I have been looking forward to this book for so long, as Kat & Liz are great authors and I love all of their books so far. I did try to get my hands on a physical ARC, but with no luck I zoomed to Netgalley instead to request it! I may not know much about Greek mythology other than the odd bit, but I knew I wanted to read this as soon as I saw the description, and well the cover is absolutely beautiful so that made me want it even more!

Here it is:

Enter the Underworld in an epic new fantasy, where the Gods of ancient Greece rule everything but fate.

Deina is trapped. As one of the Soul Severers serving the god Hades on earth, her future is tied to the task of shepherding the dying on from the mortal world - unless she can earn or steal enough to buy her way out.

Then the tyrant ruler Orpheus offers both fortune and freedom to whoever can retrieve his dead wife, Eurydice, from the Underworld. Deina jumps at the chance. But to win, she must enter an uneasy alliance with a group of fellow Severers she neither likes nor trusts.

So begins their perilous journey into the realm of Hades. . . The prize of freedom is before her - but what will it take to reach it?

Is it weird that I absolutely adore reading greek mythology books despite knowing barely anything about it? I think that for me it ups the fun as you get to see each author's interpretation of the myths and you can really get into them. I loved this version because it was just such an interesting read, and the idea of Theodesmioi, the name they give those chosen to serve the difference Gods by infusing some of their power into them at a young age, was absolutely fascinating to me.

The main characters were amazing, and I really love the narrator Deina, she's such a fierce lead and she really draws you into the book to join the journey that she's taking in the underworld.

And that ending guys, I mean, you'll definitely be itching to find out what happens because I was shocked by how it ended - but I have found that Katharine and Elizabeth Corr do like to write books that pull you in and get you invested, my favourite type of books!

Overall, this book definitely had me want to research more about Greek Mythology again - the authors note explaining a few things about what they based their book on was so interesting, and it really made me happy to get some context as to what they decided to base the book on. That and the vivid descriptions of the Underworld really show you that they did their research, whilst not making you feel like you don't know enough to read.

So, I give this book: 5 cats! And I can't wait to see the rest of Deina's story and how she gets on in the next book (can I have it already pleaaaase?!?!?!)

Daughter of Darkness is out this week (4th August 2022) and I'd definitely get your pre-orders in, this isn't one to miss!

Review: I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 15 May 2022 09:47:00 +0000

I got given a proof of this lovely book when it first came out for a review. I probably left it a bit longer than I should have to review it, but it was such a good book I knew I had to post my thoughts, even if late!

Here it is:

For Angel Rahimi, life is only about one thing: The Ark – a pop-rock trio of teenage boys who are currently taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark’s fandom has given her everything – her friendships, her dreams, her place in the world.

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark too. He’s their frontman – and playing in a band is all he’s ever dreamed of doing. It’s just a shame that recently everything in his life seems to have turned into a bit of a nightmare.

Because that’s the problem with dreaming – eventually, inevitably, real life arrives with a wake-up call. And when Angel and Jimmy are unexpectedly thrust together, they will discover just how strange and surprising facing up to reality can be.

This book was like a blast of nostalgia from my teenage days when I had some serious fandom love - though I admit it was less boybands for me more books/films like Twilight. Though I did have a love for Blue, McFly and Busted! I will happily admit that.

It isn't often that I go to the contemporary side of YA, but I decided to start branching out - and so far nothing in this side has disappointed me - and they always make such a refreshing change from my usual fantasy YA. I also loved to see a take on modern day fandoms, as I was mainly a big fan when social media was just starting out so it was definitely interesting to read about this when social media is a lot more prevalent now and so I feel like fandoms are more investing than they were.

My favourite character had to be Jimmy. I loved him from the start, and kept on loving him throughout. I also haven't read a book where a MC deals with anxiety as intense as he did, so I think it really helped me to connect with him - you saw everything both his ups and downs and that was something that I think made the book so good.

Overall, I give this 4.5 cats. It was an interesting read, and I think I'll have to try some of Alice Oseman's other books too!

Have you read this book? Who was your favourite character? Comment below!

Review: Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:05:00 +0000

Guys, I cannot tell you my excitement when I found out that there was going to be another book in the Old Kingdom series coming out, this series is one of my favourite and I just knew that I'd have to read it, luckily Hot Key accepted me for an e-ARC and I just flew through it! (If you're interested the link to my Sabriel review can be found HERE)

Here's the book:

In the Old Kingdom, a land of ancient and often terrible magics, eighteen year-old orphan Terciel is learning the art of necromancy - but not to raise the Dead, rather to lay them to rest. He is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, the latest in a long line of people whose task it is to make sure the Dead do not return to Life.

Across the Wall in Ancelstierre, a steam-age country where magic usually does not work, nineteen year-old Elinor lives a secluded life, her only friends an old governess and an even older groom who was once a famous circus performer. Her mother is a tyrant, feared by all despite her sickness and impending death . . .

Elinor does not know she is deeply connected to the Old Kingdom, until a plot by an ancient enemy of the Abhorsens brings Terciel to Ancelstierre. In a single day of fire and death and loss, Elinor finds herself set on a path which will take her into the Old Kingdom, into Terciel's life, and will embroil her in the struggle of the Abhorsens against the Dead who will not stay dead.

So, if you're new to this series I will say you can start here if you would like, as it is a prequel to the original series starter, Sabriel. It is a mixed story of the younger lives of both her mother and father, which I found really interesting. You never hear much at all about Sabriel's mother in the first book, and you would have only known small amounts about her father, the previous Abhorsen, before this book came out. However, I would suggest reading the other books first purely because you meet a few of the characters from the other books - my particular favourite was Mirelle who you meet in the book Lirael.

Elinor was my favourite character in this, mainly because we got to learn a bit more about her history and it mixed in a lot with the Clayr, who are some of my favourite characters in Lirael (but I may be biased as Lirael is my favourite character of this series overall). We also got to see her come into her own as she learns about the Charter and how to use her Charter marks. I found this particularly fascinating as we had never really learnt too much about the Charter and how it is taught, but in this book you get to see the bare bones and how one would learn if they were just starting their tuition. I've always quite liked learning about the particulars of magic in different books, so getting into how you would learn the Charter magic was really exciting for me.

That is not to say I didn't like Terciel - seeing into his life prior to Sabriel was definitely exciting, and it was because of him we also got to see a bit more of Mogget (fans like me returning to the old kingdom will surely love to see the return of him) as well as how he became an Abhorsen. It's also very interesting to see his and Elinor's relationship develop through the book, and you really start to understand how his ideas changed on their relationship as you went through.

I could write for hours on this, but I'll keep it short, this is yet another great story from Garth Nix, and it is always a pleasure to return to the Old Kingdom when he brings out a new book. I don't think this review has given it nearly enough praise, but I tried to put my thoughts into words as best I could. Here's hoping there will be many more stories from the Old Kingdom to come, I'd love to see more development from so many of the other characters you see in the rest of the series too!

I give this book: 5 cats!

Terciel and Elinor is out today, and you should definitely go and pick up a copy, and whilst you're there get the rest of the series too!

Comment below and tell me if you have a favourite in the series.

ARC Review: Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:01:00 +0000

So I got sent this book when I expressed some interest, because it sounded like something I would love. I don't read much middle grade fantasy anymore, and this has really shown me how much I miss it, some MG can be so interesting and I just flew through this on my commute one day as it was such a gripping storyline - I even almost missed my stop on the train because I didn't want to put it down!

Here it is:

Ember is full of monsters.

Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them--so she says. The truth is much more deadly: she trains to take revenge on those who took her family from her.

But when Twelve's new home is attacked, she'll find herself on an unexpected journey, where her hidden past is inescapably intertwined with her destiny--and the very fate of her world.

It's books like these that make me remember how much I used to love MG fantasy books - it was a quick read, full of interesting creatures and the plot was just perfect - it drew you in and kept you wanting to know more about the world the book was set in. Aisling Fowler has really written such a stunning book, one that can be loved by children and adults alike.

I absolutely adored the main character Twelve, she was just a hurt young girl with a past that haunted her, but she pulls through that and I really loved reading her come out of her shell and learn more about herself. I've always loved MCs that grow into themselves in books, and I think we will be seeing a lot more growth on Twelve's part if we see any further books in this world - and I really hope we do. She's one of the fiercest and bravest young characters I've read about in a while, everything about her really makes you love her more, especially in the end of this book where you really see her shine.

I think out of everything one of my favourite characters was Dog the guardian of the Lodge where the Hunters live. I always have a soft spot for animals in books, and, well, Dog is just one of my new favourites. I especially loved how he was throughout the book, helping with the young Hunters as he's let out for the first time in many many years. I really hope we see more of his dynamic with Twelve and the others in future books.

Overall, this is definitely a book I can see myself reading again, and I really really can't wait to see more from this storyline - I want to see where it goes and how everything comes together with Twelve's, and the other characters, storyline.

I give this book: 5 cats!

Fireborn is out next week on the 30th September, so you should definitely go and pre-order a copy if you like adventure, magic and magical companions, it's well worth the read!

Blog Tour: The Wood Bee Queen by Edward Cox

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:10:00 +0000

So, today is a review blog tour post for you all of this book. I got the email in my inbox asking if I'd like to be a part of the blog tour and the description on this book just jumped out to me (and the cover, I mean, come on how beautiful is it?!) so I knew I had to say yes!

Here's the book:

Somewhere in England, in a small town called Strange Ground by the Skea, Ebbie Wren is the last librarian and he's about to lose his job. Estranged from his parents, unable to make connections with anyone except the old homeless lady who lives near the library, Ebbie isn't quite sure what he's supposed to do next. His only escape from reality is his deep interest in local folklore, but reality is far stranger than Ebbie can dream.

On the other side of the sky and the sea, the Queen of House Wood Bee has been murdered. Her sister has made the first move in a long game, one which will lead her to greatness, yet risk destruction for the entire Realm. She needs the two magical stones Foresight and Hindsight for her power to be complete, but no one knows where they are. Although the sword recently stolen by Bek Rana, small time thief and not very good at it, might hold a clue to their location . . . and to stopping the chaos. But all Bek wants is to sell the sword and buy herself a better life. She's not interested in being a hero, and neither is Ebbie.

But someone is forcing their hand and playing for the heart of the Realm. Ebbie and Bek are destined to unite. They must find a way to stop the destruction of House Wood Bee, save the Realm, and just maybe save themselves in the process. All victories come at a price. The Oldungods are rising. And they are watching...

The first thing I will say about this book is that it was absolutely magical, and I loved that. If you've ever dreamed of being transported to another world, this is the book for you. Ebbie, the MC, is transported between the land that he's only ever heard of from myths and folklore (Strange Ground Beneath the Skea) and his modern day home (Strange Ground by the Skea) in this story, and it just really resonated with me and made me think of all the times I've ever wanted to visit magical lands that I have read about or heard about - if I could take his place I totally would.

The main plot of the book is so interesting - it mixes some of the Gods we know, like Juno and Persephone, with new myths and superstitions and we also get to see just how Gods interferences can impact the life of the people who worship them. It was quite an interesting take on it, and showed what seems a bit like a chess game between two of the Gods involving the rest of the worlds that they look over which was such an intriguing concept to me.

Ebbie and Bek, two of the main characters, were written so well and you really started to like them as soon as you met them. Ebbie was especially easy to connect with as he was just as I imagined I would be if I took his place- full of wonder and awe whilst visiting the world that he has studied so much from back home. They were unlikely, and also slightly unwilling, heroes in this book and the way that they work together to help save the Realm is amazing - I particularly like Bek because as you learn more about her she just becomes a whole lot more likeable as a character.

I admit, I was a bit confused by the ending, but yaknow what - I liked that. It meant I can try and figure things out myself, and I'm sure it will mean it will be a fun book to reread. This is definitely one of my favourite standalone books of this year!

Overall, this is definitely a great read - it's a fast-paced, magical book that you can't help but love. I give this book: 5 cats!

Don't forget to check out the other stops from the tour this week, which can be seen below!

Review: Sistersong by Lucy Holland

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 12:02:00 +0000

So, I'd been hearing about this book for a while and was lucky enough to get a physcial ARC (and what a beautiful orange ARC it is), but unfortunately a slump hit and I couldn't pick it up for a while.

But, I picked it up this month and just breezed through because I loved it so much! I will definitely be putting this on my top reads of 2021.

Here it is:

535 AD. In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, King Cador's children inherit a fragmented land abandoned by the Romans.

Riva, scarred in a terrible fire, fears she will never heal.

Keyne battles to be seen as the king's son, when born a daughter.

And Sinne, the spoiled youngest girl, yearns for romance.

All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold – a last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. But change comes on the day ash falls from the sky, bringing Myrddhin, meddler and magician, and Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear the siblings apart. Riva, Keyne and Sinne must take fate into their own hands, or risk being tangled in a story they could never have imagined; one of treachery, love and ultimately, murder. It's a story that will shape the destiny of Britain.

I have always loved historical fiction inbetween my fantasy fix, and this mixes the two beautifully - it's set in a Britain that is slowly losing it's magic, and shows the journey of 3 sisters learning just how they can try and continue to use this magic for themselves. This was also based on an old English ballad called The Twa Sisters, which I found intriguing, so I decided to look it up and see what exactly the book was based on - and I suggest you do too if you read it as it's so interesting to read about and see the similarities.

I do like that this book had the POV of all the sisters, though I do admit sometimes I got so frustrated with a couple of them - that may be because I'm quite good at figuring out what may happen in a book though. However, I think the character of Keyne was amazing - they were so well written and their storyline was absolute perfection. They were born a daughter, but throughout the whole book are fighting to be seen as a son - and I don't think that Keyne's character could have been written better. You really saw their struggle throughout and their strength to push through all the problems.

To me it did seem a bit slow at first, but after a while you see why, you really need to learn about the three sisters and see what part they will play in the storyline, and you soon get hooked into it and begin to connect with the characters and see all the different points coming together.

However, I do have to say the best part of the book in my opinion was the ending - it was mind blowing. I was absolutely entranced by the storyline at the end, and I couldn't believe how beautiful it was I got so emotional just reading it and finally seeing the link to the ballad it was based on. On top of that there was even an epilogue that just closed everything together wonderfully, and for me it helped to make the story. I do love a good epilogue.

I could say so much more on this book, but I won't ramble too much and instead I will just say go and buy a copy, you will not be disappointed at all. Overall, I give this 5 cats!

Have you read this book yet? Do you like retellings and have any favourites to recommend? Comment below I'd love to hear opinions!

Blog Tour: Blood Metal Bone by Lindsay Cummings

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 17:06:00 +0000

So today I have a blog tour post for you all! Blood Metal Bone just sounded so interesting that I thought I would take part, and so my review is below. Don't forget to check out some other stops on the tour too.

Here's the blurb:

Her destiny was death. The shadows brought her back.

Wrongly accused of her brother’s murder, Sonara’s destiny was to die, sentenced to execution by her own mother. Punished and left for dead, the shadows have cursed her with a second life as a Shadowblood, cast out and hunted by society for her demon-like powers.

Now known as the Devil of the Deadlands, Sonara survives as a thief on the edge of society, fighting for survival on a quest to uncover what really happened to her brother and whether he is even dead at all…

I mean, after a blurb like that how could you resist reading it? I sure couldn't, especially as it was described as something fans on Throne of Glass would like, and that is one of my favourite series. It definitely didn't disappoint - I found this a fascinating book. It's a standalone, which I am grateful for because I don't think I'd have been able to wait to see what happens, so it's definitely good if you're looking for a quick fantasy fix. But, on top of that it was quite original because it was a mix of both fantasy and Sci-Fi - something I was not expecting at all.

A fantasy book, in the form of Sonara and her Shadowblood, and a Sci-Fi book, in the form of a MC Karr being a space smuggler. And, if you really want to be picky you can also add a hint of a Western theme thrown in too! It may sound like a bit much, but I found it all blended in perfectly to create a unique plotline that was something I never even knew I needed in a book.

It did take me a little while to get used to the shock that it was a mix, as I went in expecting a total fantasy book (my mistake for not looking at the tags!), but once you get used to it you end up getting into the flow of things and really enjoying the mystery of what is happening and figuring out where, exactly, the book is going.

I will say this though, as you got towards the very ending of the book the writing was just spectacular, and as the MC Sonara was finding her way some of the snippets of her thoughts just stuck with me, her thought process was just beautifully written and, as I've mentioned many a time before, I absolutely adore when we see a MC come into themselves and really become a powerful character. Mix these powerful main characters in with all the information coming together towards the end and you have an absolutely gripping novel that you will want to read again and again.

Overall, I give this book: 4.5 cats!

Blood Metal Bone was released on the 7th January, so make sure to go and pick up a copy, I guarantee you will not regret it!

Review: The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 11:20:00 +0000

Many of you may know by now, Garth Nix is one of my favourite authors. So, as soon as I saw this available on Netgalley I just knew I would be requesting it, and I also have the Waterstones special edition now too (sprayed edges and an extra story!!)

And, as I expected, Garth Nix has written yet another fantastic and action packed book, one that I will definitely be going back to read again and again.

Here it is:

In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn't get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin.

Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.

Susan's search for her father begins with her mother's possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms.

Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan's. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.

Can I just say I absolutely love how Garth Nix writes characters? I've never found a character that I hated in his books and this is the same for this book too - I absolutely adore Merlin, and Susan is just as good too (but Merlin is definitely my favourite) and throughout the whole story you just feel as if you are actually running around with the characters yourself. Even his creatures in this book were written incredibly, but I expected that as in my opinion Garth is always good at writing such unique characters that you can really visualise and put your own spin on in your mind.

I admit though I was delightfully confused through most of this book, just wondering what was happening as he jumps right into the action, it was both a puzzling and fast-paced storyline, and one that definitely keeps you hooked.

The thing that I enjoyed the most in this book was the way that Garth has interwoven the real with dark legends and folklore like goblins, giant wolves and lake creatures, it really made me want to look up these legends and just see where he got the inspiration from and I love when that happens in a book I read.

All in all I am obsessed with this world of Left and Right Handed Booksellers now, so I will definitely dive back in with happiness if Garth decides to come back to writing in this particular story.

Overall I give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read this book yet? If so comment below, I'd love to hear some other opinions on it!

Review: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:38:00 +0000

So, I will be one to say I was exited when I learnt that Christopher Paolini was writing a new book, as I do love the Eragon series. When I found out it was a sci-fi book I was definitely intrigued, I've recently found I like space themed books, but I have never really tried to read a whopper like this. I absolutely adored it though, and definitely recommend it. Here it is:

Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds

Now she’s awakened a nightmare

During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she’s delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move.

As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn’t at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human.

While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity’s greatest and final hope . . .

Can I just say, I was absolutely lost for words when I finished this book, it was that amazing. It was everything I expected when I first heard about it, and so much more. I was a bit intimidated when I first went into the book, not having read much sci-fi and also with how long this book is - over 800 pages! However, once you start you get sucked straight in. Even with the more scientific references you are still able to keep up with the book, and the plot really draws you in.

When you really get into the story you get hooked so easily as there's so much action and really big twists that you would never expect, but I suppose that's what's best about this book. In fact, the plot to this book was just mind-blowing, so much so that it kept me on edge wondering what was going to happen and the last 20% blew me away, it was so full of emotions and I even teared up at one point it was written so beautifully.

I got my finished copy not long before publication (thanks to Tor for my review copy) and I just had to take a look through at the diagrams in the book - I love diagrams! They will definitely come in handy when I have a re-read, and I think a re-read is definitely in order just to see if I missed anything.

Overall, I loved this book and it's just proven that Christopher Paolini is an amazing writer, and one I will always read. I definitely recommend picking up a copy of this beast of a book.

I give this: 5 cats!

Have you read this yet? Comment below if so to tell me what you thought!

Blog Tour: Extract of Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:33:00 +0000

Hi All, something a bit different today - I have an extract for you! Jennifer Donnelly also wrote one of my favourite books of 2019 (Stepsister) and so as soon as I was asked if I wanted to be on the blog tour for her new book Poisoned, another retelling, I knew I had to take part!

Here's the book in case you were wondering what it's about:

Once upon a time, a girl named Sophie rode into the forest with the queen's huntsman. Her lips were the color of ripe cherries, her skin as soft as new-fallen snow, her hair as dark as midnight. When they stopped to rest, the huntsman took out his knife . . . and took Sophie's heart.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise. Sophie had heard the rumors, the whispers. They said she was too kind and foolish to rule -- a waste of a princess. A disaster of a future queen. And Sophie believed them. She believed everything she'd heard about herself, the poisonous words people use to keep girls like Sophie from becoming too powerful, too strong . . .

With the help of seven mysterious strangers, Sophie manages to survive. But when she realizes that the jealous queen might not be to blame, Sophie must find the courage to face an even more terrifying enemy, proving that even the darkest magic can't extinguish the fire burning inside every girl, and that kindness is the ultimate form of strength.

So, without further ado, here's the extract:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ONE

The day before . . .
“Tally ho!” shouted the queen, spurring her fierce courser on.The hounds had flushed their quarry. A gray wolf broke from the cover of a blackbriar patch and ran for the deep woods.The pack swept after it, baying for blood.
The bravest members of the hunting party followed the queen, galloping hard to keep up with her, but the princess, riding a swift nimble palfrey, boldly streaked past her. She chased the wolf at breakneck speed, weaving in and out of trees, her skirts billowing behind her. She jumped a stone wall, a stream, a tangle of brush so high, there was no telling what lay beyond it. Her hat came off; her black hair unfurled like ribbons of night.
The queen couldn’t catch her. Nor could the princes, Haakon and Rodrigo. I saw them flashing through the woods, the queen in white, her nobles in rich hues of russet, moss, and ochre. I saw a baron crouched low over his horse’s neck, his hands high up in the animal’s mane. He narrowed the distance between himself and the queen, but just as he was about to pass her, his horse stumbled. The baron lost his balance. There was a cry, then a sickening crack as he hit the ground.

“Leave him, huntsman!” the queen shouted. “Leave anyone who falls!”
The man lay crumpled under a tree, his eyes closed, his head bloodied. I thundered past him; the rest of the riders did, too. Only the princess cast a look back.
We trailed the hounds, navigating by their cries, swerving through the woods as they changed direction. I lost sight of the queen as she rode through a pocket of mist, then found her again, some moments later, with the pack. And the princess.
The hounds had surrounded the wolf. The creature was huge and fearsome. It had killed two dogs already. Their broken bodies lay nearby.
And him? Oh, yes. He was there, too.
He was always close by. Watching. Waiting.
I heard him in the wolf’s low growl. Felt him in the nervous stamping of the horses. I saw him rise from the depths of the princess’s eyes, like a corpse bobbing up in a river.
And then, without warning, the wolf charged the horses, snarling. The palfrey whinnied and reared, but the princess kept her seat. The courser’s nostrils flared, he flattened his ears, but he stood his ground as the queen jumped down from her saddle.
Circling the fray, she shouted at the hounds, exhorting them to attack. They did, barking and slavering, snapping at their prey’s haunches. The wolf rounded on them, but it was one against many. The hounds knew it and grew bolder, but one, small and slight, hung back from the pack.
The queen saw it; her eyes darkened. “Fight, you coward!” she shouted.

The hound tucked its tail and retreated. Furious, the queen snatched a whip out of a groom’s hands and started after the dog.
“Your Grace! The wolf is escaping!”
It was Prince Haakon. He’d just caught up to the pack. The queen threw the whip down and ran to her horse, but by the time she’d swung back into her saddle, the pack—and the princess—was already gone, in hot pursuit once more.
For a long and treacherous mile, the princess pursued the wolf, until a ravine brought them up short. She stopped her horse a few yards from the edge, but the wolf ran right to it. When it saw the sheer drop, it tried to backtrack, but the hounds closed in from the left. A tangle of blackbriar, a good ten feet high, ran from the woods to the edge of the ravine creating a wall on the right. The frantic animal paced back and forth, tensed itself to jump across the chasm, but saw that it was hopeless. Shoulders high, head low, it turned and readied itself for its last fight.
The princess had moved closer. She could see the scruff of white at the animal’s throat now, the ragged edge of one ear. The wolf looked up at her, and she saw the fear in its silvery eyes. In a heartbeat, she was out of her saddle. Striding among the frenzied hounds, she drove them back, yelling at them, stamping them away, until she’d created an opening for the wolf.
“Go! Get out of here!” she shouted at the creature.
The wolf spied a small opening at the bottom of the blackbriar. The thorns were curved and cruel; they carved stripes in the desperate creature’s snout and tore at its ears, but it pushed under the dense vines and disappeared. The hounds rushed after it, but their snouts were tender, their hides thin; they could not break through.
The princess thought she was alone; she thought that no one saw this, but I did. I’d caught up to her but stayed hidden. I hunted many things for the queen, not all of them wolves.
I saw the princess lean her head into her horse’s lathered neck. I saw a deep weariness settle on her shoulders like a shroud. I saw her press a hand to her chest, as if to soothe a fierce ache under her ribs.
How it cost her, this charade. How it would cost us all.
Hoofbeats sounded in the distance. Shouts echoed. By the time the queen drew up, with Haakon and a few other riders, the princess’s back was straight again, her weariness buried.
“I’m afraid our sport is over, Stepmother,” she said with feigned regret, nodding at the ravine. “The wolf chose a quicker death.”
The queen rode to the edge and looked over it, frowning.
“What a pity,” she said, “that we are robbed of our kill.”
Her eyes traveled to the hounds, then to the blackbriar. Her gaze sharpened. The princess did not see what had caught the queen’s attention, for she was climbing back into her saddle, but I did. Snagged in the thorns was a tuft of fur. Gray fur. Wolf’s fur.
The queen’s frown hardened. “Blow for home, huntsman!” she commanded.
I sounded my trumpet, and the hounds set off, noses skimming the ground. The small, frightened one, her tail still between her legs, skittered along at the edge of the pack. The riders followed, chatting and laughing.

As the hoofbeats faded from the clearing, there was a dry, rustling sound, like the whispering of silk skirts. I looked up and saw a crow, blueblack and shrewd, drop down from the high branch where he’d perched.
He let out a shrill caw, then flew off into the Darkwood. I hear his call still, echoing down the centuries.
It sounded like a warning.
It sounded like a death knell.
It sounded, most of all, like laughter.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*

Poisoned is out now, and available to order, so if you liked the extract and want more, go off and buy a copy! Hopefully you will soon be seeing a review on this book too.

Also, don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Blog Tour: Queen of Volts by Amanda Foody

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:54:00 +0000

So, I have been on the tours for all of the books in this series and I knew that when I saw that HQ were asking for people to join in with the third and final book, I had to be a part of it. My review for this stop on the blog tour is below!

If you are interested, you can find the previous book reviews HERE (Book 1) and HERE (Book 2).

And, here's the book:

Return to the City of Sin, where the final game is about to begin…and winning will demand the ultimate sacrifice.

Only days after a corrupt election and brutal street war, one last bloodthirsty game has begun. The players? The twenty-two most powerful, notorious people in New Reynes.

After realizing they have no choice but to play, Enne Scordata and Levi Glaisyer are desperate to forge new alliances and bargain for their safety. But while Levi offers false smiles and an even falser peace to the city’s politicians, Enne must face a world where her true Mizer identity has been revealed…and any misstep could turn deadly.

Meanwhile, a far more dangerous opponent has appeared on the board, one plucked right from the most gruesome legends of New Reynes. As the game takes its final, vicious turn, Levi and Enne must decide once and for all whether to be partners or enemies.

Because in a game for survival, there are only losers…

And monsters.

Guys, I cannot get over this book, it was packed with action from the very beginning and it was just the best final book in the series. In this book you get to see even more POVs - Levi and Enne like usual, but also Sophia, Lola and Harvey as an added extra, it was great to get into the minds of even more characters and see what they were thinking during the whole process. I never thought I'd like a series where more and more POVs were added in each book, but for this series it works and totally changed my mind - it really helps you to see all the different points to the plot as the new game begins.

I mentioned in the King of Fools review that different points were slowly coming together, and in this book you finally see all of these drips of information morph into one big spectacular plot, with so many crucial points in previous books all making sense. Whilst reading this I had multiple 'lightbulb' moments, when I finally saw just what Amanda Foody had been planning and hinting at - it all came together and made this into the perfect finale to a series.

I won't spend too much time on talking about Enne and Levi, but I will say I adored them in this book, the relationship between them is so beautiful, and their journey together throughout the series, although tumultuous, is so intense and in this book it all finally comes together and they make such an amazing team. I admit, I squealed at times in this book with the dynamic between these two, I just love it and I love their coupling.

The final moments of this book were sheer brilliance, and I think that Amanda gave us the best ending to the series there could have been, I won't spoil anything, but for me it was amazing and just what I wanted when I finished this series - I hope you all agree when you read it.

Overall, I give this book 5 cats! (as well as the series overall)

Make sure to check out the other stops that were on the tour as seen below!

Review: Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 12:52:00 +0000

So I have been in a bit of a blogging slump, and after a few months I decided to come back with a bang and review this amazing book I was gifted by Tor Books - Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard.

It's an usual review in that I haven't reviewed the first two books in the series (so please be aware the synopsis may contain slight spoilers!), but I loved all of them just as much as the third and you should go and pick the series up.

Here's the book:

Loyalties will be tested as never before.

The Raider King’s plans to claim the Witchlands are under way. Now, his forces sow terror in the mountains, slaughtering innocents. After finding the slain, Aeduan and Iseult race for safety. And despite differing goals, they’ve grown to trust one another in the fight to survive. Yet the Bloodwitch keeps a secret that could change everything . . .

When Merik sacrifices himself to save his friends, he is captured by the Fury. However, Merik isn’t one to give up easily, and he’ll do whatever it takes to save those he loves. And in Marstok, Safi the Truthwitch agrees to help the empress uncover a rebellion. But those implicated are killed and Safi becomes desperate for freedom.

War has come once more to the Witchlands. Perhaps if Safi and Iseult were united, their powers could bring peace. But chaos is not easily tamed.

I am probably not going to be alone when I say this was my favourite book of this series so far - we got to see a whole lot of Aeduan and Aeduan with Iseult was even better. I loved that we got to delve into Aeduan's thoughts and past and really got to see him as his own character and it was so eye-opening, whilst also being slightly heart breaking too. Aeduan I have to say is my new book crush (yes the list is getting long but who can blame me?). When it came to the end of the book my heart was just invested, the writing was amazing and I will officially die with my ship of Iseult and Aeduan, they are so beautiful together and suit so well.

I may be gushing about them, but that isn't to say there's nothing else to gush about in this book - there is so much that it's hard to keep track. I don't think I'll actually be able to put into words how much this book sucks you in and gets you connecting with all the characters - there's just so much to unpick. Even though the main focus is on Aeduan you get to see so many sides to the other characters like Safi, Vaness and even Vivia - which I will say is such a surprise in this book. You really get to know Vivia more and really see what is going on in Nubrevna and I liked that little insight into her after everything that happened with Merik. Overall, I just think that this book is filled with numerous little threads that are slowly coming together to make a series that is going to be spectacular.

I can definitely say I am waiting with baited breath to see what comes in the next book, especially because it has been revealed it's going to follow Iseult - and wherever she goes Aeduan will follow, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a spectacular follow up that will blow even this book out of the water for me.

As well as that I got gifted the paperback of this book, which also had a sneak peak at Witchshadow, the next in the series, and I can say that I audibly gasped when reading it - it cut off at such a teasing place that I know I will be pre-ordering it ready to get it as soon as possible. It's definitely looking like Susan will pull off yet another stunning book in this Witchlands series.

Overall, it's a no brainer that I'll be giving this book 5 cats!

If you haven't yet, I highly suggest you go and pick up Truthwitch, the first book in the Witchlands, as this is shaping up to be one of my favourite newly found series. Special thanks to Tor for helping me discover it and fuelling my obsession by sending me this book!

ARC review: The Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 15:58:00 +0000

It's not often that I read adult fiction, but when I was asked if I'd like a copy of Veronica Roth's new adult fantasy book, I knew I had to try it as I loved so many of her books. If I was going to jump into adult fantasy I may as well jump in with an author I already know and love right?

If you haven't heard about it, here it is:

Fifteen years ago, five ordinary teenagers were singled out by a prophecy to take down an impossibly powerful entity wreaking havoc across North America. He was known as the Dark One, and his weapon of choice - catastrophic events known as Drains - leveled cities and claimed thousands of lives. The Chosen Ones, as the teens were known, gave everything they had to defeat him.

After the Dark One fell, the world went back to normal . . . for everyone but them. After all, what do you do when you're the most famous people on Earth, your only education was in magical destruction, and your purpose in life is now fulfilled?

Of all the five, Sloane has had the hardest time adjusting. Everyone else blames the PTSD - and her huge attitude problem - but really, she's hiding secrets from everyone . . . secrets that keep her tied to the past and alienate her from the only four people in the world who understand her.

On the tenth anniversary of the Dark One's defeat, something unthinkable happens: one of the Chosen Ones dies. When the others gather for the funeral, they discover the Dark One's ultimate goal was much bigger than they, the government, or even prophecy could have foretold - bigger than the world itself.

And this time, fighting back might take more than Sloane has to give.

I will say now, this was quite a complex and hard-hitting book - it deals with so many deep subjects, PTSD, addiction, depression etc. but all of it was written so well that you felt like you were really able to connect to the characters and I really liked that about this book. I particularly found it interesting to read about how each of the 'Chosen Ones' dealt with the aftermath of their victory differently. Sloane especially is one of my favourite characters, some of her parts really pull you in and make you sympathise with her.

This was definitely a book that kept you on your toes, you thought you knew where it was going, and then bang there was another plot twist dropped in and your mind is left scrambling trying to figure out how you missed it. These twists were amazingly written, so much so that you felt like you should gave guessed what was happening all along.

The book was actually split into different parts, so it was easy to break into different sittings if you're not the biggest or fastest reader, which I think is useful for many potential readers.

Overall, I really liked how complex and different adult fantasy fiction is, I think that this has made me want to read a lot more of it. I definitely know that if Veronica decides to write more adult fantasy I'll definitely be reading it.

So, I give this book: 5 cats!

Are you planning on reading this or are you planning to read it? Comment below with your thoughts.

This book is out on the 7th of April and I definitely think you should go and pick it up!

Review: Alice by Christina Henry

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 12:31:00 +0000

I have had my eye on this book for so long, that when I popped into Waterstones one week I just had to choose this book to buy. I am slightly obsessed with Alice in Wonderland and any variations of it (I own about 5 different movie/TV versions) that I couldn't resist this twisted take on the story.

Here it is:

In a warren of crumbling buildings and desperate people called the Old City, there stands a hospital with cinderblock walls which echo with the screams of the poor souls inside. In the hospital, there is a woman. Her hair, once blonde, hangs in tangles down her back. She doesn't remember why she's in such a terrible place-just a tea party long ago, and long ears, and blood... Then, one night, a fire at the hospital gives the woman a chance to escape, tumbling out of the hole that imprisoned her, leaving her free to uncover the truth about what happened to her all those years ago. Only something else has escaped with her. Something dark. Something powerful. And to find the truth, she will have to track this beast to the very heart of the Old City, where the rabbit waits for his Alice.

This book was utterly absorbing - so much so that I read it in less than a day, and then pushed it into my sisters hands and told her she needs to read it. It was such a different take on Alice in Wonderland that I just zoomed through, wanting to know what would happen and not wanting to stop to do anything else until I had found out.

I adored the relationship between Alice and Hatcher throughout the book - it was weirdly beautiful how they supported each other through everything despite the fact that they both had pasts that they were trying to remember, and despite the fact that they both agreed that they would rather die than go back to what they were like before they escaped the hospital.

If I had to describe this book in one sentence: a deliciously dark and twisted version of Alice in Wonderland that will suck you straight into the action.

This is definitely a dark book, so beware if that isn't your thing, but it's definitely action packed and I really can't wait to get the next book and see just what happens in Alice and Hatcher's next adventure.

I give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read this book before or any other twisted Alice stories? Comment below!

ARC Review: The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 12:21:00 +0000

I got gifted an ARC of this book by Tor after requesting it because it sounded right up my street. I'm glad to say that I was right, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does — she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.

But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard's loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.

But Csorwe will soon learn – gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

Oh, I don't know where to start with this book at all - it was one of them books you really want to savour and so I read it slow and steady so I could really take everything in, and wow was there so much to take in! It was such a beautiful setting, and I'm just sorry I didn't get a map in the ARC, I would love to visualise everything so much more. This is probably why I'll be grabbing a finished copy, to help me to really get stuck in with visuals on any future rereads.

I think that the fantasy world built by the Larkwood is just so beautiful and complex and I loved the idea that there is a maze with all the different worlds connected that you can get to through Gates, it just seems so wondrous and I really wish that it was a real concept because I think it would be such an adventure to go around visiting individual worlds and seeing the different places and cultures.

If you like Sci-Fi or Fantasy, or even them both mixed together, this is the book for you - add in a bit of LGBT romance and I'm sure it will tick so many boxes for certain people. Add to this that you get the see the MC Csorwe really grow and empower herself as she gets away from being the Bride of the Unspoken and it makes a stunning book that you don't want to put down.

I admit, it took me a while to get into it, but that's because I am someone who loves to make sure she's pronouncing things right, and checking to see who each character is, and this is helped by the pronunciation guide at the front of the book. I do love a guide, but that is something I kept flicking back to so I can check everything, so I think that the flow was disrupted because of that. But, if you're better at me and don't need the guide then you're probably going to get into the book a lot easier than me, and I'm sure once I re-read it I'll be breezing through the beginning of the book.

Overall this book is just immersive and intense, full of twists and turns you wouldn't be able to guess and heroic rescue plots, so I really think you should all go and grab a copy as soon as you can. It's out on 20th February so get pre-ordering now!

I give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read this already or do you plan to read this? Comment below! (and go buy a copy)

Review: Throne of Swans by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 12:30:00 +0000

Oh guys, I am going to try my best to give this book the review it needs, but I doubt I'll be able to put into words how amazing the book was. I got the proof at YALC 2019, and decided to read it around the time it was going to be published - and I'm now kicking myself for waiting so long it was so good!

Here's the book for those wondering:

In a world where the flightless are ruled by those who can fly...

When her father dies just before her birthday, seventeen-year-old Aderyn inherits the role of Protector of Atratys, a dominion in a kingdom where nobles are able to transform at will into the bird that represents their family bloodline. Aderyn's ancestral bird is a swan. But she has not transformed for years, not since witnessing the death of her mother - ripped apart by hawks that have supposedly been extinct since the long-ago War of the Raptors.

With the benevolent shelter of her mother and her father now lost, Aderyn is at the mercy of her brutal uncle, the King, and his royal court. Driven by revenge and love, she must venture into the malevolent heart of the Citadel in order to seek the truth about the attack that so nearly destroyed her, to fight for the only home she has ever known and for the land she has vowed to protect.

Written in rich detail and evocative language, this is the start of an irresistible, soaring duology about courage, broken loyalties and fighting for your place in the world.

Okay, first things first: how beautiful is this cover? I went to a Hotkey brunch to do with this book, and we got to see a clip of how it was made by the artist, and wow what an eye-opener that was. Plus, as you all probably know, I'm a bit obsessed with gold foil on covers, and this has it, so yaknow, I'm like Gollum again with the shiny things.

Okay, to the actual content now. I managed to read this book in one sitting - it is a book that you just fly through (no pun intended) and that lets you jump into the world so easily. It's such a fantastical book, and you really connect with the MC Aderyn so easily - I was routing for her throughout the book and you really got to see her evolve after being raised solely in Atratys after her mothers death. You see her adapt to court and learn how to navigate the complexities of court life with the help of Lucien (and oh my I do love a bit of Lucien - but this is not the time to talk about him).

The world building in this series is what I love most, you really get a sense of what is going on in the world, and how the world is run, and that's not always the case in some books. It really helps you to immerse yourself into the book and feel like you are part of it. I think that the underlying issue of the flightless vs. the flighted is such a complex issue, and I can't wait to see where Kat and Liz take this in the second book.

One of the things Kat and Liz told us at the brunch was that the book was inspired by The Swan Lake - so if you like that, then you will love this series all the more. I've never really known the story of Swan Lake, but after reading this and hearing how it inspired the book I think I may have to take a look at it and see what it's all about.

Overall, this is just such a beautifully written book and I think it's going to be an amazing duology, I can easily see this becoming one of my favourite series - I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next book!

I give this book: 5 cats!

Throne of Swans is out now, and I highly suggest you go and buy a copy - I know I'll be going out soon to buy a finished copy to go with my ARC as soon as I can!

Blog Tour: Storm of Ash by Michelle Kenney

noreply@blogger.com (Rachels Readings) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:09:00 +0000

There are no words to explain how excited I was to be a part of the blog tour for Storm of Ash, I've loved each book of this series and I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed by the finale, which turned out to be true.

If you're interested my reviews for the first and second books are here: Book Of Fire [1], City of Dust [2])

Here's the description for this one:

"As Talia treks back through the treacherous North Mountains, she knows only three things:

Pantheon has stolen nearly everyone she loves;

Her blood is the only control over the Voynich’s oldest secret;

And Cassius won’t stop hunting Arafel until every last outsider is destroyed.

Will Talia finally face her legacy and defeat Cassius before it is too late?"

Let's just start with one thing - this beautiful cover. I mean, what an absolutely amazing cover, and it just totally fits with the plot of this book so well, when you read it you'll soon find out just why it is as it is.

Now that the oohing over the cover is over with, can I just say wow. Guys, this was everything I wanted from the last book in the series.... it's just the epic conclusion you need/want from any trilogy. Even if there were some heart breaking scenes throughout - it did definitely take me on yet another emotional rollercoaster like the last book (thanks for the feels Michelle). I couldn't keep up with all the emotions I was cycling through whilst reading this, but it was all worth it for how the series ended.

I have always said that Talia is such a good character, and in this book it was no different, she really had to navigate some difficult things throughout and she managed it brilliantly. I think that's why I like her so much, throughout the books you always see the shine of her outsider heritage, even in difficult times. I think 'feral cat' was definitely a great way to describe her.

Also, not spoiling anything but I'll just say I still love August, even with how much I like outsiders, I will forever be #teamaugust. Now I just need to find my own August in the real world *sigh*.....

One last thing: I seriously can't get over my love for Unus the Cyclops in this series.... He's such a beautiful, friendly character and rereading just made me remember all of that. The friendship between Talia and Unus is definitely one of my new favourite friendships from a series.

I really really hope to see more of this world that Michelle has built, but either way I know I'll be reading any future books that come from her.

Overall l give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read the series? If not I highly recommend them! And don't forget to take a look at some of the other stops on the blog tour for this!