Syntax Reviews

Review: Empire of Storms

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Throne of Glass: Empire of Storms | Sarah J. Maas

Published by: Bloomsbury, September 6th 2016

Genre: NA, High Fantasy, Fae & Fairy Lore

Pages: 693

Format: Paperback

Source: Puchased

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Nah. No thanks. That didn't happen.

This book was so much bigger and better and more painful than the rest. What Maeve did to Rowan ... I have no words. I'm not sure about Dorian's romance, which was my only issue with this book, but I understand he's grieving so I accept his choice. I weirdly missed Chaol - I don't love him, only like him, but it felt incomplete without him as part of the gang. BUT I did love the addition of Lorcan (of all people!) to the the main gang, and his interaction with Elide. And I adore every single member of Aelin's court, even Fenrys (!) and Gavriel (!). That ending was horrific, though, and I don't know how I'm meant to wait until next year for the resolution.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

ARC Review: Daybreak Rising

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Daybreak Rising: Daybreak Rising | C. K. Oliver

Published by: Torquere Press, September 21st 2016

Genre: NA, High Fantasy, Magic

Pages: TBA

Format: Ebook

Source: Author

22-year-old Celosia Brennan spent sixteen years being raised as the heroine her nation needed. A dual-touched Elementalist with both the power to conjure fire and see glimpses of her future, Celosia was the best hope at overthrowing the oppressive Council in a mission called Daybreak, an attempt to secure justice for the massacre of her people and so many others. There’s just one problem: she couldn’t. Celosia broke down after realizing the enormity of her task, and is struggling to make things right while the blood of her fellows stains her hands.

Now branded a failure, Celosia desperately volunteers for the next mission: taking down the corrupt Council with a team of her fellow elementally-gifted mages. Leading the Ember Operative gives Celosia her last hope at redemption. They seek to overthrow the Council once and for all, this time bringing the fight to Valeria, the largest city under the Council’s iron grip. But Celosia’s new teammates don’t trust her—all except for a powerful ice Elementalist named Ianthe who believes in second chances.

With Council spies, uncontrolled magic, and the distraction of unexpected love, Celosia will have to win the trust of her teammates and push her abilities to the breaking point to complete the Ember Operative. Except if she falters this time, there won’t be any Elementalists left to stop the Council from taking over not only her country, but their entire world.

This book has more diversity than a QUILTBAG support group. But that isn't the only reason you should read it. Daybreak Rising combines a magical military (!!), fascinating relationships of both romantic and platonic nature, and a world that mixes familiar fantasy elements with modern technology. At it's heart this is a book about redemption, friendship, and self-forgiveness.

The romance between Celosia and Ianthe is tender and progresses at a natural rate - a must for any fictional relationship for me. But honestly, the friendships of everyone and the dynamic between all of them together are awesome. It took a bit of a while to get them all together, and for the story to kick into gear, but when it did it was awesome. I enjoyed the simmering rebellion and the magical combat, but the characters drive this novel. Each one is interesting and compelling in their own way, and I'm excited to learn more about them as the series goes on. (Particularly Riva, who I actually disliked in parts but who fascinates me!)

If you like fantasy, badass magic, and gender, race, sexuality, or disability rep in your fiction, read this book ASAP!

Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world ★★★☆☆
Writing ★★★☆☆

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Excerpt + Giveaway: Labyrinth Lost

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Labyrinth Lost

By Zoraida Córdova

September 6, 2016; Hardcover, ISBN 9781492620945

Praise for Labyrinth Lost

“This work is a magical journey from start to finish... A compelling must-have for teens”

–School Library Journal, STARRED review

“Córdova’s (the Vicious Deep series) magic-infused, delightfully dark story introduces readers to an engrossing, Latin American–inspired fantasy setting and an irresistible heroine”

–Publishers Weekly

“This succeeds with its lush use of Latin American mythologies, an unexpected love story, and, above all, in Alex’s complicated relationship with her family. Alex is a necessary heroine, and this dark fantasy nicely”

-Booklist

Summary:

Nothing says Happy Birthday like summoning the spirits of your dead relatives.

Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation…and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo boy she can’t trust. A boy whose intentions are as dark as the strange marks on his skin.

The only way to get her family back is to travel with Nova to Los Lagos, a land in-between, as dark as Limbo and as strange as Wonderland…

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27969081-labyrinth-lost?from_search=true

Buy Links:

http://books.sourcebooks.com/labyrinth-lost/

Book Trailer Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_DBTALS6bI

Labyrinth Lost Coloring Page:

http://www.sourcebooks.com/images/LabyrinthLost-ColoringPage.pdf

About the Author:

Zoraida Córdova was born in Ecuador and raised in Queens, New York. She is the author of the Vicious Deep trilogy, the On the Verge series, and the Brooklyn Brujas series. She loves black coffee, snark, and still believes in magic. Send her a tweet @Zlikeinzorro or visit her at zoraidacordova.com.

Social Media Links:

Author Website: http://www.zoraidacordova.com/

Labyrinth Lost Website: http://books.sourcebooks.com/labyrinth-lost/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CordovaBooks

Twitter: @zlikeinzorro

EXCERPT:

Follow our voices, sister.

Tell us the secret of your death.

—-Resurrection Canto,
Book of Cantos

he second time I saw my dead aunt Rosaria, she was dancing.

Earlier that day, my mom had warned me, pressing a long, red fingernail on the tip of my nose, “Alejandra, don’t go downstairs when the Circle arrives.”

But I was seven and asked too many questions. Every Sunday, cars piled up in our driveway, down the street, and around the corner of our old, narrow house in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Mom’s Circle usually brought cellophane--wrapped dishes and jars of dirt and tubs of brackish water that made the Hudson River look clean. This time, they carried something more.

When my sisters started snoring, I threw off my covers and crept down the stairs. The floorboards were uneven and creaky, but I was good at not being seen. Fuzzy, yellow streetlight shone through our attic window and followed me down every flight until I reached the basement.

A soft hum made its way through the thin walls. I remember thinking I should listen to my mom’s warning and go back upstairs. But our house had been restless all week, and Lula, Rose, and I were shoved into the attic, out of the way while the grown--ups prepared the funeral. I wanted out. I wanted to see.

The night was moonless and cold one week after the Witch’s New Year, when Aunt Rosaria died of a sickness that made her skin yellow like hundred--year--old paper and her nails turn black as coal. We tried to make her beautiful again. My sisters and I spent all day weaving good luck charms from peonies, corn husks, and string—-one loop over, under, two loops over, under. Not even the morticians, the Magos de Muerte, could fix her once--lovely face.

Aunt Rosaria was dead. I was there when we mourned her. I was there when we buried her. Then, I watched my father and two others shoulder a dirty cloth bundle into the house, and I knew I couldn’t stay in bed, no matter what my mother said.

So I opened the basement door.

Red light bathed the steep stairs. I leaned my head toward the light, toward the beating sound of drums and sharp plucks of fat, nylon guitar strings.

A soft mew followed by whiskers against my arm made my heart jump to the back of my rib cage. I bit my tongue to stop the scream. It was just my cat, Miluna. She stared at me with her white, glowing eyes and hissed a warning, as if telling me to turn back. But Aunt Rosaria was my godmother, my family, my friend. And I wanted to see her again.

“Sh!” I brushed the cat’s head back.

Miluna nudged my leg, then ran away as the singing started.

I took my first step down, into the warm, red light. Raspy voices called out to our gods, the Deos, asking for blessings beyond the veil of our worlds. Their melody pulled me step by step until I was crouched at the bottom of the landing.

They were dancing.

Brujas and brujos were dressed in mourning white, their faces painted in the aspects of the dead, white clay and black coal to trace the bones. They danced in two circles—-the outer ring going clockwise, the inner counterclockwise—hands clasped tight, voices vibrating to the pulsing drums.

And in the middle was Aunt Rosaria.

Her body jerked upward. Her black hair pooled in the air like she was suspended in water. There was still dirt on her skin. The white skirt we buried her in billowed around her slender legs. Black smoke slithered out of her open mouth. It weaved in and out of the circle—-one loop over, under, two loops over, under. It tugged Aunt Rosaria higher and higher, matching the rhythm of the canto.

Then, the black smoke perked up and changed its target. It could smell me. I tried to backpedal, but the tiles were slick, and I slid toward the circle. My head smacked the tiles. Pain splintered my skull, and a broken scream lodged in my throat.

The music stopped. Heavy, tired breaths filled the silence of the pulsing red dark. The enchantment was broken. Aunt Rosaria’s reanimated corpse turned to me. Her body purged black smoke, lowering her back to the ground. Her ankles cracked where the bone was brittle, but still she took a step. Her dead eyes gaped at me. Her wrinkled mouth growled my name: Alejandra.

She took another step. Her ankle turned and broke at the joint, sending her flying forward. She landed on top of me. The rot of her skin filled my nose, and grave dirt fell into my eyes.

Tongues clucked against crooked teeth. The voices of the circle hissed, “What’s the girl doing out of bed?”

There was the scent of extinguished candles and melting wax. Decay and perfume oil smothered me until they pulled the body away.

My mother jerked me up by the ear, pulling me up two flights of stairs until I was back in my bed, the scream stuck in my throat like a stone.

“Never,” she said. “You hear me, Alejandra? Never break a Circle.”

I lay still. So still that after a while, she brushed my hair, thinking I had fallen asleep.

I wasn’t. How could I ever sleep again? Blood and rot and smoke and whispers filled my head.

“One day you’ll learn,” she whispered.

Then she went back down the street--lit stairs, down into the warm red light and to Aunt Rosaria’s body. My mother clapped her hands, drums beat, strings plucked, and she said, “Again.”

GIVEAWAY

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ARC Review: Passenger

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Passenger: Passenger | Alexandra Bracken

Published by: Quercus Children's Books, April 7th 2016

Genre: YA, Historical, Science Fiction

Pages: 496

Format: Ebook

Source: Quercus, via Netgalley

In one devastating night, Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has travelled not just miles but years from home.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods - a powerful family in the Colonies - and the servitude he's known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can't escape and the family that won't let him go. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, his passenger, can find.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveller who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods' grasp. But as they get closer to their target, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home forever.

When I had a stalling first start with this after a bare 2 percent, I expected to not like it very much. Oh, how wrong I was. Because of my false start, it took me way longer to get around to reading this than it should have. And to think, I could have been falling in love with Etta and Nicholas months ago!

My issue with time travel is it doesn't feel natural in a lot of the books I've read, but that wasn't the case with this book. It was subtle and essential to the plot without overwhelming Etta's story and the emotional arc that flows through this whole book. Instead of getting hung up on specifics and practicality and science, I was able to root for Etta and admire her determination and love for her family, and fully appreciate her gradual feelings for Nicholas.

The world building in this is perfect, too. There's some magic in Alexandra Bracken's writing that made me feel as if I was in each of those setting and watching it happen myself, not just reading it. I loved the varied settings, how detailed they were, and how they were linked. I also loved the ship (obviously; this is me after all) and Nicholas's role on it. Nicholas's place in each era was carefully and honestly treated, with regards to his race, how people treated him, and how all that made him feel. I especially loved Etta punching a guy because of it. Exactly what I wanted to do.

To sum: emotional, driven, and packed with lush detail in every era and setting. I fell in love with everything (except the end.)

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

ARC Review: And I Darken

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

The Conquerors Saga: And I Darken | Kirsten White

Published by: Delacorte Press, June 28th 2016

Genre: YA, Historical (with a fantasy feel)

Pages: 475

Format: Ebook

Source: Delacorte, via Netgalley

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

I'll start with the negative to get it out of the way. This book is much, much slower than I expected. I thought it'd be fast and action packed and brutal, and it kind of is all three but only in parts. The other issue is I did NOT like Radu, a POV character, in the least. He's whiny and just irritated me, though I did like seeing him grow as a person. Plus, I'm miffed because I thought Lada was the reason this book is LGBT but nope, another gay guy.

What I loved about this book, though, is Lada. She's fierce and merciless and she will never back down or compromise her ideals, even if it means killing someone or betraying someone she loves. I admired her so much for the lengths she was willing to go to to protect her family and friends. I didn't mind Mehmed, the other main character, though I much preferred Nicolae as a romantic interest. I particularly loved Lada's friendships with her men, and how she refused to be sexualised by them. This book is feminist as fuck, which is so up my street it's not even funny.

The book lagged in the middle, which made it feel like it went on FOREVER, but I was grateful for the extra time with the characters because their growth became more evident. I look forward to the next book to see where they go next.

Brutal but slow, with a lot of feeling for a girl renowned for being harsh and cruel. And I Darken has my favourite female character this year by a mile and a STUNNING setting. This is historical fiction for fantasy lovers.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Revenge And The Wild

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Revenge And The Wild | Michelle Modesto

Published by: Balzer+Bray, February 2nd 2016

Genre: YA, Historical, Fantasy

Pages: 384

Format: Ebook

Source: Balzer+Bray, via Edelweiss

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto.

Fun, heartfelt, driven, and truly wild.

I loved this book. From the get go it was fast paced and if a book can be upbeat, this was upbeat, but it still had heart and a softness about it. Revenge and The Wild is emotional and secretive and dangerous, and I loved every minute. Of the love interests (were there three? I feel like there were three) I loved two of them, and distrusted another (which turned out to be a good call - well done me!) and I liked Westie's interactions with literally everyone in this book. Her love for Alistair was so obvious in her every action and it hurt me a whole lot (until it didn't, and then it just made me happy.) There's so much awesome stuff in this book, from the writing, the pacing, the mechanical parts of Westie and Alistair, the supernatural creatures, the world, the feel of the book, and the found family, but Westie's drive and her need for vengeance is what I loved most. She's a force to be reckoned with and I love her. Although the mishmash of western and paranormal genres is the close second thing I loved (VAMPIRES! WILD WEST!)

If you're looking for a totally thrilling book, read this!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Walk On Earth A Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 17:03:00 +0000

The Gold Seer Trilogy: Walk On Earth A Stranger | Rae Carson

Published by: Greenwillow Books, September 22nd 2015

Genre: YA, Historical

Pages: 432

Format: Ebook

Source: Greenwillow, via Edelweiss

Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

She also has a secret.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.

The acclaimed Rae Carson begins a sweeping new trilogy set in Gold Rush-era America, about a young woman with a powerful and dangerous gift.

I liked this, but it was really slow and quiet. Instead of huge story events, they were smaller and the drama was more personal than world-altering. Which isn't a bad thing, but it's not really my thing. I liked Jefferson a lot and I freaking LOVE Lee (my gun-toting bae) but it was slow and I did get a little fed up of the wagon after a while.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Monthly Round Up (8)

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:58:00 +0000

Monthly round up is a journal where I record my reading progress, reviews, and my favourite books/biggest disappointments of the month.

Reviews:

Ruined
This Savage Song
The Flame Never Dies
Moo

I'm super behind with actually posting reviews to this blog, hence it's pretty sparse at the moment. I'll try and schedule some soon!

ALSO:

Monthly Round Up
Book Blitz: Vial Things

What I've read this month:

As you can see I did not shift towards reading Post Apoc books. Oops. Let's see if I can squeeze one in next month!

Favourite book:

I loved most books I read this month, but this really struck my heart.

Biggest Disappointment:

Eh, the first sequel I ever DNF'd. This was so flat and I just didn't connect with anything.

What did you read this month? Leave a comment!

~Saruuh

Book Blitz: Vial Things

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Leah Clifford is back with a BLOODY good young adult novel that you don’t want to miss. And at $2.99 – there’s no reason to!

Vial Things Synopsis

As an eighteen-year-old resurrectionist, Allie knows staying vigilant means staying alive. The blood of the resurrectionists is heavily regulated, only used with the express permission of the group’s leaders for fear of being discovered. She’s taken every precaution--self-defense classes since childhood, extensive weapons training with knives, and even going so far as to befriend a homeless boy named Ploy, who unknowingly trades a few nights a week on her couch in exchange for being a human tripwire to those after her blood.
But as Allie and Ploy’s feelings for each other grow, and a hunter starts taking out the resurrectionists of Fissure’s Whipp, Allie begins to realize even her best laid plans won’t be enough to keep both Ploy and herself safe.
Protecting a girl he shouldn’t love, from a threat he understands too well, Ploy must face his past to save his future in Allie’s world--a world where bringing back the dead can cost you your life.

Add To Goodreads

BUY NOW FOR $2.99!

About The Author

Leah Clifford was born and raised outside of Cleveland Ohio. She has an affinity for all things weird and creepy as made evident by her oddity shop Petite Grotesque and her previous young adult novels, A Touch Mortal, A Touch Morbid and A Touch Menacing.
You can find her on Twitter

ARC Review: Moo

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Moo | Sharon Creech

Published by: HarperCollins, August 30th 2016

Genre: Children's, Verse

Pages: 304

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperCollins, via Edelweiss

Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech’s Love That Dogand Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we’re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises. Following one family’s momentous move from the city to rural Maine, an unexpected bond develops between twelve-year-old Reena and one very ornery cow.

When Reena, her little brother, Luke, and their parents first move to Maine, Reena doesn’t know what to expect. She’s ready for beaches, blueberries, and all the lobster she can eat. Instead, her parents “volunteer” Reena and Luke to work for an eccentric neighbor named Mrs. Falala, who has a pig named Paulie, a cat named China, a snake named Edna—and that stubborn cow, Zora.

This heartwarming story, told in a blend of poetry and prose, reveals the bonds that emerge when we let others into our lives.

A memorable story with a big heart and unforgettable characters of many species.

I loved this story. I loved Zora. I loved the children discovering themselves in a new town, and transitioning from inside kids to outside kids (although rather them than me...) Many things are wonderful about this book - every animal has its own distinctive personality, the setting itself seems another character, even minor characters are charming and interesting. And I LOVED the preparation for showing Zora and the actual fair. This was just all lovely, and quite emotional toward the end.

Kids will love this big, heartfelt book of stubborn animals and delicate friendships.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

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Mini Review: The Flame Never Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Wells of Souls: The Flame Never Dies | Rachel Vincent

Published by: Mira Ink, August 16th 2016

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Demons

Pages: 368

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased (before release at YALC, heck yes!)

ONE SPARK WILL RISE

Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth―that the war against demons is far from over―seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go.

In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina’s worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie’s child will die within hours of its birth.

Nina isn’t about to let that happen . . . even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Everything I've come to expect from a Rachel Vincent book - emotional, angsty and romantic, and dangerous. I just didn't enjoy it as much as The Stars Never Rise.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

ARC Review: This Savage Song

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:58:00 +0000

Monsters of Verity: This Savage Song | Victoria Schwab

Published by: Greenwillow, July 5th 2016

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Demons/Monsters

Pages: 464

Format: Ebook

Source: Greenwillow, via Edelweiss

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

I have a lot of thoughts and feelings, but I'll try to say them in an orderly fashion.

- I either want to BE Kate or be WITH her. I love her so, so, so much.

- August is precious, but with the addition of being shivery-scary. I've never read a character like him before and I want to keep him.

- I REALLY like the world. I don't usually like post-America fantasy worlds, in fact they really grate on me, but this was done well - not overdone, mostly detached from the present. Thought I don't typically enjoy fantasy-as-future, I did really like the split city of Verity.

- One of my favourite things was the different types of monsters, and how different they are from each other, and how they have their own brutality and way of being.

- It's a magical, dark, glittering story with an atmosphere I fell in love with. It's rich and dense and full of secrets I'm dying to know. I just love the world and story so much.

- Schwab has firmly put herself in my top 5 authors - I know now I'll love everything she writes.

- If you've yet to read This Savage Song, get yourself a copy - you'll fall in love with its shadows, its dangerous friendships, its monsters - most human - and its bright world of dark crime.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★

Monthly Round Up (7)

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Monthly round up is a journal where I record my reading progress, reviews, and my favourite books/biggest disappointments of the month.

Yeah, I'm super late with this update but in my defense, LONDON and LFCC and YALC HAPPENED.

Reviews:

City of Fae, City of Shadows
One Wilde Night, Dead Town Angel
Descended From Dragons
Stolen Empire
Maggie For Hire
Darkness Brutal

ALSO:

Guest Post: Calista Lynne
Cover Reveal: Lost Girls

What I've read this month:

Still loving fantasy and urban fantasy this month! Next month I need to shift towards post apoc for Lux Guardians research but we'll see. I'm loving this too much to quit, I think.

Favourite book:

Sexy and dark and dangerous and wholly new. Loved it!

Biggest Disappointment:

None! Huzzah!

What did you read this month? Leave a comment!

~Saruuh

ARC Review: Ruined

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:29:00 +0000

Ruined: Ruined | Amy Tintera

Published by: HarperTeen, May 3rd 2016

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Royals, Magic

Pages: 368

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss

A revenge that will consume her. A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

Loved everything about this! I didn't expect to like the romance, but it was perfect. It didn't take over the plot at all and only added to the tension. I love Em and Cas together, but their secrets almost killed me.

The spy/infiltration plot in fantasy is one of my FAVOURITES. I don't care if it's overdone or nothing new; I'll love it every single time. I think Em did a surprisingly good job pretending to be Mary, though that was doomed from the start with them being so different. Even when a close friend of hers was killed, she still kept her cover, which was super admirable.

This book has tense court drama and urgent danger, especially in the Ruined being hunted and killed, and I loved how different stories were woven together. I also liked how Em's motivation the whole way through was to save her sister (who, quite frankly, is terrifying and probably should have stayed locked up...)

Great world and characters (with a bonus gay side character) and all the good fantasy elements I wanted. I thought it would be watery fantasy with mostly romance, but it was tense and raw and brutal. I loved it!

Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world ★★★★☆
Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Darkness Brutal

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:00:00 +0000

The Dark Cycle: Darkness Brutal | Rachel A. Marks

Published by: Skyscape, July 1st 2015

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Demons

Pages: 425

Format: Ebook

Source: Skyscape, via Netgalley

Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer.

In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness.

With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

I really enjoyed Darkness Brutal. Here's what I thought:

- Interesting cast of characters, though I did confuse Lester and Jax a few times.

- I thought I'd like Rebecca the most, but I actually adore Kara. She's flawed and brave and has a tortured past, which is my type. Plus I really connect with her.

- I loved the sibling relationship, and how they were both determined to protect each other.

- A really interesting, unique plot, with dream flashbacks and a time travel element I didn't see coming. It shouldn't have worked at all, but with it tied into the main character and their dad, it really did. I loved it!

- Bible-based religion-inspired fantasy that didn't put me off the book. It wasn't preachy or OTT, it didn't overwhelm the main story or the characters, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed those parts of the book. It made Darkness Brutal stand out and memorable.

- I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on demons and YA urban fantasy.

Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world ★★★★☆
Writing ★★★★☆

#FreeReadsWeek Day 7 - A Mini Review

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 23:10:00 +0000

It's the final day in my reading challenge! I've got through a lot of books I wanted to read so I'm very happy! Tomorrow I'll have a round up of my reading and another review. Here's my thoughts on Maggie For Hire, an urban fantasy novel.

This had everything I was looking for - and bonus elves! Fun, packed full of paranormal creatures, and with a heroine I can admire and empathise with. I loved that the story revolved around vampires, and how cunning they were (and that they had a legit motive for doing bad things, not just Evil.) The portals between the Other Side was also pretty cool. Fun, vampy urban fantasy (if you'll pardon the pub) with the perfect hint of slow burning romance and snarky teasing. This is one series I'll read the entire of!

Did you join in this week? Leave a comment with which free books you read!
~Saruuh

#FreeReadsWeek Day 4 - Queen of Someday review

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:36:00 +0000

It's the fourth day in my reading challenge! My latest read is a wonderful historical novel, and here's my review:

Stolen Empire: Queen of Someday | Sherry D. Ficklin

Published by: Clean Teen Publishing, October 7th 2014

Genre: YA, Historical

Pages: 262

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

I loved this story and its exquisite, detailed setting.

I wanted to love Alexander, but I just didn't feel anything for him. Weirdly, I preferred Peter until he went and treated Sophie like a possession, but who I really fell for is Sergei. The ending gives me so much hope for Sergei and Sophie/Catherine and I can't wait to see where that goes.

All the way through, Queen of Someday is so tense and there's a heavy sense of danger in every scene. It felt as if someone would suffer horribly at any moment (spoiler: they actually did!) Apart from not connecting to Alexander, I have no complaints.

Wonderfully written, perfect attention to detail in the historic world building, and a character I really root for in Sophie. The Russian court makes me nervous and I could not do what Sophie does and navigate it, but I can't wait to dive into the next book!

Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Lost Girls, by Merrie Destefano

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Hi guys! Today I'm sharing the cover of Lost Girls, by Merrie Destafano, hosted by YAInterrobang

Lost Girls | Merrie Destefano

Release Date: January 3, 2017
Genre: YA Psychological Thriller

Yesterday, Rachel went to sleep listening to Taylor Swift, curled up in her grammy’s quilt, worrying about geometry. Today, she woke up in a ditch, bloodied, bruised, and missing a year of her life.

She doesn’t recognize the person she’s become: she’s popular. She wears nothing but black.

Black to cover the blood.

And she can fight.

Tell no one.

She’s not the only girl to go missing within the last year…but she’s the only girl to come back. She desperately wants to unravel what happened to her, to try and recover the rest of the Lost Girls.

But the more she discovers, the more her memories return. And as much as her new life scares her, it calls to her. Seductively. The good girl gone bad, sex, drugs, and raves, and something darker…something she still craves—the rush of the fight, the thrill of the win—something she can’t resist, that might still get her killed…

The only rule is: There are no rules.

About the Author:

Born in the Midwest, former magazine editor Merrie Destefano currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two German shepherds, a Siamese cat, and the occasional wandering possum. Her favorite hobbies are reading speculative fiction and watching old Star Trek episodes, and her incurable addiction is writing. She loves to camp in the mountains, walk on the beach, watch old movies, and listen to alternative music—although rarely all at the same time.

http://www.merriedestefano.com/

Group Blog: http://supernaturalunderground.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MerrieDestefano
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrie.destefano
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/816280.Merrie_Destefano
Newsletter: http://www.merriedestefano.com/ (Sign up under the Newsletter tab.)

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#FreeReadsWeek Day 2 - A Mini Review

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 02:45:00 +0000

It's the second day in my reading challenge! Today I read a novel - Descended From Dragons by Tricia Owens, which was awesome. I only got it a couple days ago so it doesn't technically cut down on any book I've owned forever but it still totally counts.

This book is fun from start to finish. I wasn't 100% in love with the romance but it's AWESOME that he's a gargoyle, and I do like the main character. Anne has a dragon familiar. DRAGON. FAMILIAR. Gone are the days of black cats (not that I don't love black cats, but DRAGON!!) Also there's a grouchy sorcerer/magician, threats of demons, the MC is Asian American, her best friend is Mexican, and it's set in Las Vegas. All good stuff.

Guest Post + Giveaway: Calista Lynne, We Awaken

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 14:00:00 +0000

We Awaken | Calista Lynne

YA Fantasy

Out July 14th from Harmony Ink Press

Victoria Dinham doesn’t have much left to look forward to. Since her father died in a car accident, she lives only to fulfill her dream of being accepted into the Manhattan Dance Conservatory. But soon she finds another reason to look forward to dreams when she encounters an otherworldly girl named Ashlinn, who bears a message from Victoria’s comatose brother. Ashlinn is tasked with conjuring pleasant dreams for humans, and through the course of their nightly meetings in Victoria’s mind, the two become close. Ashlinn also helps Victoria understand asexuality and realize that she, too, is asexual.

But then Victoria needs Ashlinn’s aid outside the realm of dreams, and Ashlinn assumes human form to help Victoria make it to her dance audition. They take the opportunity to explore New York City, their feelings for each other, and the nature of their shared asexuality. But like any dream, it’s too good to last. Ashlinn must shrug off her human guise and resume her duties creating pleasant nighttime visions—or all of humanity will pay the price.

Available for pre-order at:

harmonyinkpress.com/books/we-awaken-by-calista-lynne-399-b

Giveaway

Calista is giving away a copy of We Awaken!

More information can be found here: Win We Awaken

The Ace of Inspiration

by Calista Lynne

My goal was to write a post about the asexual inspirations for my novel- it features two ace protagonists- but the truth is that I can’t think of any. There is a simple explanation for this, though. I can’t name a single piece of media where a character specifically states that they are asexual. That itself is part of the inspiration for this book, because not speaking about the sexuality doesn’t make it go away. It just makes a lot of hormonal teenagers (not to mention a fair amount of adults) really confused and convinced that there’s something wrong with them. Occassionally a celebrity will come out asasexual, take Tim Gunn and Janeane Garofalo for example, but there is truly a lack of ace role models for anyone.

Hopefully asexual readers of my book will see something of themselves in the characters.

So because I can not name any distinctly asexual influences, I will instead explain what led to the formulation of my plot line. At the start of my writing career, I built my resume by getting poems published in unimpressive magazines that did not pay. Many of these had themed issues which they encouraged writers to draw inspiration from. One theme was fairytales and I had an ingenious idea: I would write a sonnet about a woman who fell in love with the sandman and became addicted to sleeping pills in order to see him. A tragedy, of course.

Around this same time a publisher rejected a short story I wrote for a contest and instead of moving along my whole brain went screw ‘em I’m gonna write a book that they’re gonna love. And I knew it was going to feature asexuality and girls loving girls.

Combining these two concepts into a romp of asexual teenage girls getting up to strange antics and dancing hadn’t entered my mind yet. The drug addiction and tragedy was dropped in favor of a happy ending, which doesn’t even need justification. My main characters, Ashlinn and Victoria, were born while I was lying down one day and imagined another girl waking up only to find someone else in her bed. A naked female who made dreams. That scene, although it is in the middle of the novel, is the first one I wrote and the story unfurled in either direction from there. The sonnet was never written. Thank God. As you can see, my writing process isn’t very straightforward.

While the sexuality of my characters isn’t based on any previous work, my greatest influences are the two people I dedicated my book to, Roald Dahl and Bruce Coville. These authors sculpted my childhood which was the foundation for everything that has happened since. Whether my fantasy world was that of The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or a bit more cheesy with Aliens Ate My Homework, the authors wrote worlds I never wanted to leave. So I haven’t. By writing fantasy I try to maintain the dreams of my youth. They also led me to my current favorite authors, Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams, who are the frontrunners of fantasy. There are definite trends in my taste.

So this rambling post has hopefully explained to you where I draw a bit of my inspiration from. May you always feel represented and if not, I hope you feel inspired enough to write some representation yourself.

About Calista Lynne

Calista Lynne grew up on the American East Coast and is currently studying in London. She is having difficulty adjusting to the lack of Oxford commas across the pond and writes because it always seemed to make more sense than mathematics. Look for her near the caffeinated beverages.

calista-lynne.tumblr.com

calista-lynne.blogspot.com

@calistawrites

#FreeReadsWeek Day 1 - Two Mini Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 23:30:00 +0000

Ayyyyyyyy, its the first day in my reading challenge! I've done pretty decent (except for those couple times I hashtagged #ReadFreeWeek. Oops.) I read two novellas today, and tomorrow I'll be reading a novel!

Tense, funny, and sexy all rolled into one novella. I love Sara already and the Magician is crazy enticing. I know already the series is going to be epic and I can't wait to dive in!

I wasn't really hooked by anything. Day-to-day school life doesn't interest me, and I didn't get attached to the characters, so this short story wasn't for me!

#FreeReadsWeek reading challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:00:00 +0000

If you're anything like me, you've been downloading free books onto your ereader for years and acquired a pretty hefty stack of unread books. I wanted to dedicate a week to reading as many of these free books as possible in a week, and thought you guys might like to join me.

The challenge takes place 15th July - 21 July

Begin reading whenever it's 00:00 in your time zone. For me it runs from 00:00 GMT on 15th July to 11:59 GMT on 21st July.

The rules are simple:

Read as many free books as you're capable of

This includes books you got during a free promotion and permafree books

Post as many reviews as you can! If you don't have a blog, twitter reviews, Goodreads, and Instagram are all awesome!

(Reviews are massively important to indie authors and help readers find these books, even when they're as short as one line, but if you're not able to write a review please at least rate the book on the retailer you purchased from.)

Use the hashtag #FreeReadsWeek whenever possible

And feel free to save the above banner and share it

Let me know if you're joining me!

~Saruuh

Saruuh Explores NA Review: City of Fae + City of Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:22:00 +0000

Bear with me while I write these reviews - it's been a wild and emotional ride through City of Fae and City of Shadows, but I'm loving this series and dying for more!

London Fae: City of Fae | Pippa DaCosta

Published by: Bloomsbury Spark, May 7th 2015

Genre: NA, Urban Fantasy, Fae

Pages: 336

Format: Ebook

Source: Bloomsbury Spark, via Netgalley

From the moment Alina touches London's hottest fae superstar, breaking one of the laws founded to protect all of her kind, her fate – and the fae – close in.

Below ground, the fae High Queen plots to claim the city as her own and places her pawns, ready for the battle to come. A battle she cannot lose, but for one small problem – Alina. There are four ancient keepers powerful enough to keep the queen in her prison. Three are dead. One remains … And to fight back, Alina risks sacrificing everything she has come to love.

I have a whole bunch of adjectives for this book. Engrossing, captivating, chilling, unsettling, romantic. Basically it's all these things and something I can't put into words, something fun and dark and exciting. City of Fae is an inventive urban fantasy story with a hella complex main character (seriously, you will not guess her secrets) and a super, super sexy love interest. Plus, Reign is sweet in moments and the maybe-romance-maybe-not between them made my heart full of love.

As well as swoony romance, there's great action and a story unlike anything I've read before. I HATE spiders but this book is so good that I stuck it out - that should tell you how much I love Alina and Reign.

This book stole my heart. One of my favourite NA books ever. I devoured it in two sittings.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

London Fae: City of Shadows | Pippa DaCosta

Published by: Bloomsbury Spark, July 7th 2016

Genre: NA, Urban Fantasy, Fae

Pages: 326

Format: Ebook

Source: Bloomsbury Spark, via Netgalley

Alina knows she is not real – the fae queen spun an evil web to create her – but she wants more than to spend her days feeding off humans’ energy to survive. She isn’t content to lose herself in the dangerously attractive Reign. She wants a life of her own making.

Desperate to help the man who saved her life, Alina vows to find his missing sister. Alina is convinced that the general of the Fae Authority plays a part in her disappearance. She infiltrates the organisation and gets close to their strongest fighter. But while Samuel’s tormented soul and masterful touch stirs in Alina a feeling of being human again, her loyalty to Reign makes her Samuel’s enemy. Who should she trust?

This New Adult urban fantasy is packed with action and suspense and will have you yearning for more forbidden fae romance.

Okay, first off, I didn't enjoy this quite as much as City of Fae, but that was mostly because I hated the tension and upset between Alina and Reign and I suspected the HECK out of Samuel. Good call, past!me.

I turns out I quite like Kael, the general? I'm not sure when that happened, but this series is so wild and throws so many twists at me that I'm not surprised.

The Reign/Alina hurt me so much in this book - and the ending made it a thousand times worse. I just want them to be happy and besties for life - that's not too much to ask, right? In other news, there's a new character called Nyx and I want to be her best friend.

Aside from hurt and characters, the story from City of Fae builds epically in this book. You can really tell the series is heading towards something catastrophic. The Hunt actually scare me. But my favourite thing was how the world expanded and we got to see more of the fae in London. The world building is EXCEPTIONAL - part of me wants to live in it, which is saying something when it used to have a giant spider lady in the tube tunnels!

I'm dying to get my hands on the next book!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★☆

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#ReadWomenMonth Round-Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Ayyyy, RWM is over and I read TONNES of lady authors. SEVEN were new to me!!

Here's what I read:

1 - The Dream Thieves | Maggie Stiefvater REREAD

2 - Stormsinger | Stephanie A. Cain

3 - Blue Lily, Lily Blue | Maggie Stiefvater REREAD

4 - King Slayer | Virginia Boecker

5 - The Raven King | Maggie Stiefvater

5.5 - The Healer | Virginia Boecker (S/N)

6 - The Raven King | Maggie Stiefvater REREAD

7 - Bright Blaze of Magic | Jennifer Estep

8 - Rowena's Key | A. J. Nuest

9 - Heat of The Moment | Lori Handeland

10 - Smoke on The Water | Lori Handeland

Amber Smoke | Kristin Cast (D)

10.5 - Red At Night | Katie McGarry (S/N)

Thief of Lies | Brenda Drake (D)

11 - City of Fae | Pippa DaCosta

12 - Stone-Cold Fox | Hailey Edwards

13 - Dog With A Bone | Hailey Edwards

14 - Heir of The Dog | Hailey Edwards

Kind of a ridiculous amount of books, right? That's even taking out the one dude I read (because it was a limited free read on RivetedLit!)

I'm also in the middle of reading The Mark of Noba, by G L Tomas, HP + The Half Blood Prince, and Paper Hearts vol. 1 by Beth Revis, so four more lady authors there! I'm so happy with my reading this month :)

My favourite author of this month is a VERY close toss up between Maggie and Hailey Edwards, my newfound urban fantasy bae.

Did you take part in Read Women Month?? If not, who was your fave lady author in June?

~Saruuh

Monthly Round Up (6)

noreply@blogger.com (Saruuh Kelsey) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:04:00 +0000

Monthly round up is a journal where I record my reading progress, reviews, and my favourite books/biggest disappointments of the month.

I'm hosting a reading challenge tackling free ebooks!! More info here.

Reviews:

Soldier
King Slayer
Bright Blaze of Magic
Heat of The Moment
Smoke on The Water

ALSO:

Cover reveal: Darkness Savage

What I've read this month:

I fell into a deep hole of NA urban fantasy toward the end of the month. I am LOVING it.

Favourite book:

I can't pick between these two. Love them both for different reasons. I mean, I read TRK twice so...

Biggest Disappointment:

The first two books were so good and this was so meh.

What did you read this month? Leave a comment!

~Saruuh