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The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Book Review

I posted a review of The Raven Boys a little while back and have since finished the remaining books in the series- The Raven Cycle. I still stand by my statement of “Wonderfully Strange”. I enjoyed this series so much and actually am already looking forward to a reread because of all the things that I know that I missed the first time around.The Raven Cycle Book Review

I never feel like I had a clue about what was going to happen next or who else might come into the picture. Not to mention I was always worried about someone dying at basically every point during this series! The characters are so wonderful and I have to say again that I really love the way she describes the odd things about people and places and how she writes the strange thoughts that people really have in their head.

This series is so hard to describe without giving anything away, which is a part of the fun of leaving you guessing all of the time. I will say these books are not a quick fast paced read. I actually listened to them all on audio book and I think I would have had a hard time getting into them, and would have taken much longer to read a physical copy.

The full list of books in the series:

After reading this series by Maggie  Stiefvater I immediately started searching out more of her work and discovered that in additional to several other series, she has also written a novella called Opal, that takes place after the events of The Raven Cycle. She will also releasing another book in The Raven Cycle universe in November of this year called Call Down the Hawk.

Needless to say I will be consuming everything Steifvater that I can find!!!

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May 2019 Top Book Releases

So May 7th has turned into the release day of the year apparently! There are so many amazing books with extras that I cannot wait to come out.

May 7th

Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

After listening to Illuminae (which I reviewed earlier this month, check it out here) anything done by Amie and Jay will be an automatic buy for me! Not to mention the early reviews for this book have been phenomenal.

Synopsis:

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their Aurora Rising Bookfirst missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm

A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates

A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder

An alien warrior with anger management issues

A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They’re not the heroes we deserve. They’re just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

AND OH MY GOODNESS THE PRE ORDER OFFER FOR THIS BOOK:

Memento (The Illuminae Files 0.1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay KristoffMemento Illuminae Novella

December, 2574. Forty-three days before the BeiTech attack on Kerenza IV.

This is the story of my first friendship.

This is the tale of my first murder?

Some monsters are born.

But I?

< ERROR >

I was made. 

Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

Finale Caraval BookThis is one of very few series that I have read as they release and I cannot wait for this book!!!!! I am not a huge person for having multiple editions but I have ordered both the Fairyloot Special Edition box and the OwlCrate Special Edition box… and most likely going to have to get the Barnes & Noble Exclusive for the extra chapter from Legend’s perspective. If you haven’t already I highly recommend reading this series, they are a super fast paced and fun read!

Synopsis:

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…all games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything. . .

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Storm Cursed- Mercy Thompson BookI read the first several books in this series and enjoyed them. I just started to get a bit behind and have not had a chance to catch up. I will probably do a full reread and knock the whole series out once complete since I have lost track of a lot of the details.

Synopsis:

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Romanov BookSynopsis:

The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.

 

Nocturna (A Forgery of Magic #1) by Maya Motayne

Synopsis:

Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.

As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

Broken Throne (Red Queen #4.5) by Victoria Aveyard

Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection BookWhile I was not a big fan of how this series ended I was a fan of the first few books so am really interested so see some extra content from this world. I have pre-ordered a singed Barnes & Noble exclusive version .

Synopsis:

Return once more to the deadly and dazzling world of Red Queen in Broken Throne, a beautifully designed, must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard.

The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content.

Fans will be delighted to catch up with beloved characters after the drama of War Storm and be excited to hear from brand-new voices as well. This stunning collection is not to be missed!

 

Dark Shores (Dark Shores #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

Dark Shores Book ReviewI got a chance to read an advanced eGalley of this book and I really enjoyed it, you can read my full review here.

Synopsis:

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

 

May 14th

We Hunt the Flame BookWe Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal

I am super excited for this book, and I have an educated guess that it will be in the May OwlCrate which means special edition!!!

Synopsis:

People lived because she killed.

People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

May 21st

Kingsbane- Empirium Trilogy BookKingsbane (Empirium #2) by Claire Legrand

I have not yet read Furyborn but it is on my TBR for May before the release of Kingsbane, all of the early hype for this book has been amazing!

Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

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Dark Shores by Danielle Jensen Book Review

Overall Rating: *****

Releasing on May 7th. Dark Shores Book Review

Greek mythology meets Pirates of the Caribbean in this action-packed fantasy.

When Teriana breaks a sacred law and reveals the existence of The Dark Shores to the godless Empire to save her people she finds her life tied to Marcus, a ruthless legionnaire known for his conquests. As the two fight for survival they soon discover their lives and intertwined by more than just a contract. This story was as thrilling as it was heartbreaking… full of secrets and mysteries that set you up for so much more in future installments.

The author did a great job of introducing this diverse world of gods and conquest. For me she struck just the right balance of information to keep you from being overwhelmed, but always wanting to know more. If I had a full series I would binge them all right now! I have so many questions and know there are many more adventures to come so I will be eagerly awaiting Jensen’s sequel (and reading everything else she has written in the meantime).

Official Synopsis:

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmilan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read Dark Shores in exchange my honest review.

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Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers Book Review

Overall Rating: ***

I really wanted to like this book…I mean come on it’s a book about bad ass girl assassins Grave Mercy Book Reviewwho are the spawn of death. I mean how could that not be great??

Grave Mercy is an older release and the first book in the His Fair Assassin trilogy. I was hearing a ton of hype about this series due to the author releasing a new spin-off in the same universe. The book started out very interesting i loved the premise. The main character, Ismae, ends up at the Convent, learning about her heritage and training to be one of the Handmaidens of Mortain. Once Ismae sets out on her first “job” things start to go downhill. I was expecting a bad ass assassin and ended up with a novice girl.

What I liked:

  • I really liked the premise of the book. Female assassins, the Convent…had a little bit of the Throne of Glass vibe.
  • I actually really like the male main character in the book, he was the one who had it together more than anyone.
  • The ending wrapped up nicely, no cliffhangers.

What I didn’t like:

  • I was really not fond of the main female lead. As soon as she started falling part and asking everyone else what to do all of the time I was done
  • Just not an overall fan of the writing, she flipped back and forth between speaking very modern and going back in time. I am no history buff at all but the swings still bugged me.
  • There were also quite a few side characters that just seemed out-of-place and really did not add to the story, perhaps they will play larger roles in the sequels.

A lot of people really like this book and I really liked the idea. While I will not be reading any further in the series or buying more of the authors work, I understand that the other books in the series are based around different main characters so things might improve.

Official Synopsis:

Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?
 
 Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

     Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

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A Pack of Blood and Lies by Olivia Wildenstein Book Review

Overall Rating: ****

A Pack of Blood and Lies was a fast paced read that pulls you right it, no struggling to get hooked here! You are left wondering what will happen to Ness next from the get go as her Werewolf family comes to force her back to Colorado after the passing of her mother. Ness has all the makings of the fierce female lead set out to avenge her family and teach the backwards pack a lesson, but her reckless streak lands her in more trouble than she started out with…. Thankfully the steamy Liam always seems to be there to save the day. Yes, it’s a little cliché but has all the juicy tidbits that keep you coming back for more along with a few twists and turns you don’t see coming. I do wish more detailed physical descriptions of characters was provided up front. Its left to the imagination in the beginning so my mind formed its own descriptions to find out later in the story that person appeared differently. This story wraps up just enough to leave you satisfied but ready to dive into the next installment. I would have started reading to sequel right away!

Official Synopsis:

The primal rule of winning: don’t fall in love with the contender.

Three months shy of her eighteenth birthday, Ness is forced to return to Colorado. Even though it’s been six years, and the wolves of her all-male pack don’t recognize her, she recognizes them. People who shun others because of their gender are hard to forget.

Especially Liam Kolane–son of Heath, the crudest and cruelest Alpha to have ruled the Boulder Pack. Liam is as handsome as he is infuriating, as kind as he is punishing, and he makes Ness’s traitorous heart race, which isn’t good. After all, he’s a Kolane. Like father like son, right?

When Heath dies, Liam vies to become the new Alpha and no one dares challenge him.

Except Ness.

Thus begins a treacherous game.

The rules: winner takes all…including loser’s life.

A Pack of Blood and Lies does not release until April 30th but is available for pre-order now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Twig Publishing for the opportunity to review this ARC for my honest opinion.

 

 

 

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To Kill a Kingdom- Book Review

Short and sweet!

Overall rating: ***

I had heard so many great things about this book and I was really in a reading slump so decided to step away from my series and take on a standalone. Plus I don’t think that I have ever read a mermaid or siren book prior to this. Even though Lira is a Siren and not a mermaid I would still consider this book to be a darker retelling of The Little Mermaid. Especially Lira’s mother The Sea Queen just screams Ursula from the Disney movie, tentacles and taking away Lira’s song….

I definitely enjoyed the book and it did a fair amount of world building for as short as it was, left me wanting to hear more stories about the 100 Kingdoms and the different tales of the Royal Families. I could really see additional books being written in this universe even if they don’t directly relate to Lira and Elian.

Since it was a shorter book and a standalone I don’t want to give too much more away and ruin the whole book. Even though 3 stars out of 5 seems low this is still a book I would recommend. Personally it is really hard to “wow” me in one shorter book, it takes more time for me to be head over heels for characters (hence why I love long books or series). That being said I would also read anything additional put out by this author or about this world in the future.