Friday 28 September 2018

The Fandom - Book Review


The Fandom
by Anna Day


What is it about:
Violet's in her element - cosplay at the ready, she can't wait to feel part of her favourite fandom: The Gallow's Dance, a mega-story and movie franchise.

But at Comic Con, a freak accident transports Violet and her friends into the The Gallows Dance for real - and in the first five minutes, they've caused the death of the heroine. It's up to Violet to take her place, and play out the plot the way it was written.

But stories have a life of their own ...


What did I think of it:
If you have listened to my Pet Peeve ;odcast, you've heard me rant about this book, but I'll try to be fair as I mostly loved this book.

So Violet, her brother, and her friends get transported to the world of her favorite book. A Dystopian world divided between a beautiful elite and the downtrodden masses. They accidentally cause the death of the lead heroine and decide that they have to make sure to play out the plot so they can hopefully get back to their own world.

I loved the concept, and I really liked how it was worked out. Violet and her brother both are huge fans of characters who fight for the rebellion, while Violet's best friend is in love with the glamour of the elite. And the third friend has never read the book, so is clueless. I thought this worked really well and it created tension between the friends that wad used to its advantage.

As they try to find a way back to their own world, Violet learns new things about her favorite fandom, while also struggling with getting the story back on track. But does she want to? And is the hero from the book actually the hero, or might there be other characters who finally can get a chance to shine?

Even as I was totally engrossed by the story, there were some hints to how this story would end that made me wary. I have a few Pet Peeves when it comes to endings, and this one seemed to be steering to one of them. Still the story was so enjoyable I kept reading. Then the ending came and...

It wasn't the Pet Peeve I feared, but I can tell you that I totally hated the ending. It is a credit to the rest of the book that I didn't throw it in the paper bin. Maybe others will like the ending, but I wish the author had gone another way. With just a few small changes I might have been ok with the ending, but alas...

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and enjoyable YA read apart from the ending.


buy at bookdepository

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Kill the Queen - Spotlight and Excerpt



I absolutely love Kill the Queen, so I'm happy to be able to share an excerpt with you today!


The thrilling first novel in the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series combines magic, murder, and adventure when an unlikely member of the royal family suddenly becomes a contender in a clash for the crown . . .

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of combat, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.


ISBN-10: 0062797611
ISBN-13: 9780062797612

Purchase at:
Amazon - Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million - iBooks
Google Play - Bookdepository


~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:

“The Andvarian ambassador is an important dignitary, and I want everything to be perfect for the luncheon,” Maeven called out. “Understood?”
The workers ducked their heads, avoiding her gaze. Maeven nodded, satisfied that she had cowed everyone into continued obedience. She looked around the kitchen again, and she noticed me standing with Isobel. Her gaze cut back to the crates of champagne, but she plastered a smile on her face and walked over to us.
“Incoming.” Isobel stepped back, grabbed a wet dishrag, and started wiping flour off the table, leaving me to face the kitchen steward alone.
“Coward,” I whispered.
Isobel grinned and kept working.
Maeven stopped in front of me. Up close, she was even more beautiful, especially her deep, dark, amethyst eyes. “Lady Everleigh. I didn’t realize that you were . . . visiting the kitchen.”
Visiting? That was Maeven’s way of stating that this was her territory, not mine, and that while my presence was tolerated, it would never truly be welcomed. As if I needed another reminder of my lowly position.
I pasted my usual bland, benign smile on my face, matching her supposed politeness. “Yes, I had to make the pies for the Andvarian ambassador. It’s tradition.”
“Oh, yes, the pies.”
Maeven’s gaze swept over me, and her lips puckered again. Not a speck of flour, sugar, or anything else marred her tunic, but the same could not be said for me. Sugar granules clung to my fingers like sticky sand, while flour stains streaked my clothes like stripes of chalky paint. Plus, several tendrils of my black hair had escaped from its braid and hung down the sides of my face. I blew one of the strands out of the way, but of course it dropped right back down again.
Maeven’s face cleared, as though some other, far more pleasing thought had distracted her from my unkempt appearance. She waved her hand at the crates. “Can I interest you in some champagne? I would love to get a royal opinion on it. Besides, you’re always . . . tasting things for Isobel.”
It might have sounded like an innocent request, but suspicion filled me. Maeven never asked me to taste test anything. Besides, what kind of lush did she think I was? It was barely ten o’clock. Even Cousin Horatio, the Blair family drunk, wouldn’t guzzle champagne at this hour. He’d wait until at least eleven.
“You’re the expert. I’m sure that whatever champagne you’ve picked out will be fine. But thank you ever so much for the offer.”
Disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she smiled at me again. Well, as much as she ever smiled at anyone. “I’ll be sure to save you a glass.”
“That sounds lovely.”


~~~~~~~~~~



About Jennifer Estep:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. 

Jennifer writes the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series. Kill the Queen, book #1, will be released on Oct. 2.

The Crown of Shards series focuses on Everleigh Blair, a member of the royal family who is distantly in line for the throne of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. But when the unthinkable happens, Evie finds herself fighting for her life—both inside and outside the gladiator arena.  

Jennifer is also the author of the Elemental Assassin, Mythos Academy, Bigtime, and Black Blade fantasy series.  

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on FacebookGoodreads, and Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter.


~~~~~~~~~~


Giveaway:
Win a $25 Amazon gift card! Contest runs Sept. 17 until October 7.

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Tuesday 25 September 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Give The Dark My Love


Many in the crowd staggered, but none cried out.
None fell.
The dead could not die.

(page 4, Give The Dark My Love by Beth Revis)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Monday 24 September 2018

Wildcard - Book Review


Wildcard (Warcross #2)
by Marie Lu


What is it about:
Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo's new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she's always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his protection comes at a price.

Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?


What did I think of it:
I loved Warcross, so I pre-ordered Wildcard right after finishing Warcross.

And this is a great read as well!

I love Emika, and I was rooting for her to find a way to reach Hideo and let him see reason. I liked that her team members are there for her and try to help her as much as she lets them.

And then there is Zero and his people. I distrusted them from the start and worried about Emika. She gets involved in their plans and soon finds out she's in over her head. I was anxious to find out what would happen to her and to Hideo and his plans.

There is of course less Warcross in this book, as playing a game of Warcross (instead of the dangerous games she gets caught up in) is the last thing that's on Emika's mind. Still there are some really exciting scenes set in the virtual world. I loved discovering what was going on and what secrets everyone was hiding. I finished the book in a day, because I had to know how this duology would end.

And I can tell you that I was very satisfied. There was one tiny moment near the end that made me fear I would love the book, but hate the ending, but luckily it was false alarm. The only thing to hate about this book, is that it's already the end of this series. I wouldn't have minded more books I can tell you.

All in all this is a great read and I will most certainly reread this duology. I will also keep an eye out for what Lu will write next.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Futuristic YA read.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday 21 September 2018

A Duke by Default - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


A Duke by Default (Reluctant Royals #2)
by Alyssa Cole


What is it about:
Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way

New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice, and his attraction to her, but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I had such a great time with A Princess in Theory, I just had to have this book as well. And then Jeffe even got me a signed copy!!!

And this book is just as fun as the first book in the series.

I really liked Portia. She feels like a failure, and it was easy to see how wrong she was, but why she didn't see it herself. Tav was a very interesting hero as well, even though Portia and he himself think he is old while he is totally not.

The romance is slow burn, there's immediate attraction, but both have their reasons not to give into temptation. I loved reading about their growth as individual persons, friends, and as a couple. This book is fun, emotional, and delicious.

Characters from the previous book have small roles and it was nice to get a glimpse of what they're up to. During the book I was starting to get an idea about the possible couple of the next book, and there was a teaser in the back of the book that confirmed my hopes.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I'm going to get my hands on the third book for sure!

Why should you read it:
It's a fun, enjoyable, and adorable Contemporary Romance



Buy from bookdepository

Thursday 20 September 2018

The Bridge Kingdom - Cover Reveal



About the Book: The Bridge Kingdom
Series: The Bridge Kingdom #1
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Publisher: Audible Originals
Publishing Date: October 16, 2018
Genres: YA/NA Fantasy
Goodreads
Preorder: Audible | Amazon


SYNOPSIS



What if you fell in love with the one person you’d sworn to destroy?







Lara has only one thought for her husband on their wedding day: I will bring your kingdom to its knees. A princess trained from childhood to be a lethal spy, Lara knows that the Bridge Kingdom represents both legendary evil - and legendary promise. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom controls all trade and travel between lands, allowing its ruler to enrich himself and deprive his enemies, including Lara’s homeland. So when she is sent as a bride under the guise of fulfilling a treaty of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture the defenses of the impenetrable Bridge Kingdom.

But as she infiltrates her new home - a lush paradise surrounded by tempest seas - and comes to know her new husband, Aren, Lara begins to question where the true evil resides. Around her, she sees a kingdom fighting for survival, and in Aren, a man fiercely protective of his people. As her mission drives her to deeper understanding of the fight to possess the bridge, Lara finds the simmering attraction between her and Aren impossible to ignore. Her goal nearly within reach, Lara will have to decide her own fate: Will she be the destroyer of a king or the savior of her people?


From Danielle L. Jensen:

I’m so excited to share the cover of THE BRIDGE KINGDOM, which was illustrated by the talented Richard Anderson! This novel was pure enjoyment to write because I was able to create a story that blends intrigue, adventure, and LOTS of steamy romance, all of which takes place in a fantastical setting. THE BRIDGE KINGDOM was written specifically for audio, and with the exceptional narration of Lauren Fortgang and James Patrick Cronin, it truly is an incredible listening experience!

Tour-wide Giveaway
An Epic The Bridge Kingdom–themed goody box (including all items pictured below). Open International.

Exclusive Ithicana Candle from A Court of Candles
Hand Cream from The Body Shop
Sea Salt from The Body Shop
Tea Tins
The Bridge Kingdom Pen
The Bridge Kingdom Postcard + Audiobook download on release date




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About Danielle L. Jensen


Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Novels: Stolen Songbird, Hidden Huntress, Warrior Witch, and The Broken Ones. Her upcoming novels are THE BRIDGE KINGDOM, which will be released by Audible Originals in October, 2018 and DARK SHORES, which will be released by Tor Teen in May, 2019. She lives with her family in Calgary, Canada.

Website | Twitter | Instagram



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Wednesday 19 September 2018

Mirage - Book Review


Mirage (Mirage #1)
by Somaiya Daud


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

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

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


What did I think of it:
I'd call this book Science-Fantasy.
Yes, there are droids and interplanetary travel, but the setting overall doesn't have a SF feel. It is based on Arabian mythology and history and because of that it felt more like Fantasy than Science Fiction.

I very much enjoyed this story, but there were a few things in this story that felt off for me. First: the mood changed rather drastically a few times. It starts out harsh and grim, like the blurb promises, but then suddenly shifts to something much softer, almost fluffy, only to suddenly shift to grim again. These mood changes threw me a bit i'll confess. Even so much, that I think, the ending of this book would have worked better for me if the story's mood had been tense and grim throughout the book.

Apart from that I also thought Maram and her main assistant were a bunch of morons. A large part of this story wouldn't have been possible if Maram and he assistant had been just a tiny bit smarter.

That being said: Even with the sudden mood shifts and Maram's idiocy I very much enjoyed the story. The writing is beautiful, the characters mostly well thought out in how they act, and the story interesting. The ending makes that this story works really well as a standalone, but it also makes you eager for more. I will most probably get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful Science-Fantasy read.


buy from bookdepository

Tuesday 18 September 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - A Duke by Default


He crossed his arms over his chest and glowered.
"You weren't able to sweet talk anyone into buying again? Hard to imagine," she said.

(page 92, A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Monday 17 September 2018

Batman: Nightwalker - Book Review


Batman: Nightwalker
by Marie Lu


What is it about:
Returning home from his lavish eighteenth birthday party, Bruce Wayne stops a criminal's getaway - disobeying the police and crashing his car during the chase.

Sentenced to community service in Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, he encounters some of the the city's most dangerous and mentally disturbed criminals. Among these, Bruce meets the intriguing Madeleine who has ties to the Nightwalker gang that is terrorizing Gotham City.
She's a mystery Bruce has to unravel but can he trust her? The Nightwalkers target the rich, and Bruce's name is next on their list.


What did I think of it:
I confess: I was hesitant to give this book a try. I love Batman, especially the darker comics, and I loved Lu's Warcross, but I didn't much care for her other two series. Then I got a gift certificate and decided to buy books with it I wouldn't easily buy otherwise. This is one of the two books I bought.

And I can tell you this is a cool read.

I really liked Bruce. He's not Batman yet, but you can see he is on his way. I loved the inclusion of characters who will play important roles in his future, and I tried to see if there is something in this book that could have tipped Bruce off to things to come.

I also loved the scenes between Bruce and Madeleine. Madeleine is a deliciously complex character, and I enjoyed seeing how she manages to connect with Bruce. I'm starting to think Lu is at her best when she writes morally ambiguous characters.

The action is fun and exciting, but it's the psychological aspect of this story that I enjoyed the most. All in all a great read. I wouldn't mind if Lu got permission to write more stories about young Bruce, but I don't see it happening sadly enough. I'll most certainly will be rereading this book, and I'm already eagerly awaiting the arrival of Wildcard, the next book in the Warcross series.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Superhero read.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday 14 September 2018

Hullmetal Girls - Book Review


Hullmetal Girls
by Emily Skrutskie


What is it about:
Aisha Un-Haad would do anything for her family. When her brother contracts a plague, she knows her janitor's salary isn't enough to fund his treatment. So she volunteers to become a Scela, a mechanically enhanced soldier sworn to protect and serve the governing body of the Fleet, the collective of starships they call home. If Aisha can survive the harrowing modifications and earn an elite place in the Scela ranks, she may be able to save her brother.

Key Tanaka awakens in a Scela body with only hazy memories of her life before. She knows she's from the privileged end of the Fleet, but she has no recollection of why she chose to give up a life of luxury to become a hulking cyborg soldier. If she can make it through the training, she might have a shot at recovering her missing past.

In a unit of new recruits vying for top placement, Aisha's and Key's paths collide, and the two must learn to work together--a tall order for girls from opposite ends of the Fleet. But a rebellion is stirring, pitting those who yearn for independence from the Fleet against a government struggling to maintain unity.

With violence brewing and dark secrets surfacing, Aisha and Key find themselves questioning their loyalties. They will have to put aside their differences, though, if they want to keep humanity from tearing itself apart.


What did I think of it:
This is such a cool read.

The viewpoint alternates between Aisha and Key. I liked Aisha from the start and was shocked by what it takes to become a Scela. Aisha sacrifices a lot for her family. I was rooting for Aisha from the start. Key was more difficult to understand at first. Not that I disliked her, but because she herself doesn't even know why she became a Scela, she was harder to get to know. After a few chapters I was rooting for both of them though. Them standing at opposite sides at times made it interesting, I will confess.

As the both of them try to get used to being Scela and part of a unit of four - no easy thing - each has her own battle to fight. Aisha fights for the survival of herself and her family, Key wants to regain her memories among other things. When the two of them run across secrets, and conspiracies, things get really dicey.

I loved the idea of the Scela, and how they worked as a unit. It felt believable and scary. Skrutskie managed to weave the working of the exoskeletons the girls get to become a Scela into the story without info dumping or getting too Sciencey. The fleet and it's workings also felt believable and real. I could easily picture everything. The story was intriguing and really cool. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to see where the story would lead.

If there's one complaint, it's that I would have loved more details on the training, but yeah, I'm a sucker for school and training stories.

All in all a great read. I'll investigate what else Skrutskie has written.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool SF read.


buy from bookdepository

Thursday 13 September 2018

See Me - Release Day Alert


You bet that Voodoo Bride added this one to her TBR pile.


See Me (The Novus Pack Series Book #1)
by M. Jayne


Throughout history, The Lady, Goddess of the Lycan world, has gifted werewolf packs with humans who carry her mark. Theodora Morrissey’s plans to return to college for her graduate degree are ended when she is awakened by an otherworldly voice on a rarely used airstrip in Nebraska. Injured and disoriented, she has no idea the discoloration on her back has marked her as a Seer, and that she is now a possession—and the prisoner—of the Novus Pack of Lycans.  
 
To the Novus pack, the word of their leader, their Laird, is the law. With compelling gray eyes and long dark hair, Raider Black rules his pack with intelligence and ruthlessness. To cement the security of his pack, Black has committed to mate another Packleader's daughter. But he’s finding it impossible to fight his attraction to the pack’s alluring new Seer, claiming her as his own.
 
Sweet, fearless, and unintentionally funny, Theo upends Black’s world and pushes the boundaries of his rules. How far is Raider willing to go, and what will he sacrifice, to save both his pack and the human Seer who’s found a way not only into his bed, but his heart?



Buy Links

Kindle - Nook
iBooks - Kobo

Wednesday 12 September 2018

Pawned - Book Review



Pawned
by Laura Bickle


What is it about:
For fans of Stranger Things and the works of Neil Gaiman, Pawned is a Young Adult novel that blends dark fantasy adventure and noir — on the New Jersey boardwalk.

You can hock almost anything at my family’s pawn shop…even your own soul.

You think running a pawn shop full of cursed objects with your dad and grandpops is cool? Try it for a week and get back to me. Now try picking up any random object and seeing its creeptastic history play out right before your eyes — yup, that’s my little “gift.” It’s my job to sort out what’s haunted and hexed from what’s not, and do my best to keep all of us — including Bert, our ice-cream-truck-driving-lizard demon — employed.

So it wasn’t all sunshine, roses, and possessed samurai swords even before grandpops’ heart attack — but now things are garden-gnome levels of bad. Dad made a deal with the wrong end of the dark side to save grandpops’ life, putting my whole family smack dab between the forces of evil and our friendly local blow-your-pawn-shop-to-smithereens mobsters. And Lily next door…I shouldn’t even be thinking about Lily.

All I ever wanted was to get out of this crap town and away from my messed-up family, and instead it looks like I’m gonna have to use every scrap of magic in this joint or there won’t be any family left to leave behind…


What did I think of it:
As soon as I heard about this book I pre-ordered it! I mean: 'ice-cream-truck-driving-lizard demon'! Even if it wasn't by one of my favorite authors I wouldn't have been able to resist that! (Also: he looks like a T-Rex!)

Then Laura offered me an ARC and I was in heaven!

This is such a cool and fun read.

Raz is fed up with being different and with having to help his family with the pawnshop. Especially using his gift on the items coming in is something he really doesn't like. And when you read how it affects him, you can understand how he feels.

Then nasty things start happening, and Raz is in the middle of it, whether he wants to or not. As he uncovers secrets, fights for his life and the life of others, he will have some important decisions to make and lines to draw.

Raz is a great character, and I felt for him. I really wanted to bust some skulls for him, I'll confess. I was rooting for him, cursing others on his behalf, and hoping he would find a way out of trouble. I also loved Bert, the demon who looked lie a mini T-Rex. He may be a demon, but it was clear he had grown attache to Raz and his family. He made me wish for my own mini T-Rex demon who'll have my back.

The story was suspenseful, and full of action, betrayal, and strange events. I had to keep reading to find out if Raz and his family would survive. The ending is satisfying, but leaves enough open that I'll be hoping for a sequel, because I want more!

You bet I'll be rereading and that I'll get my trotters on a print version of this book.

Why should you read it:
ice-cream-truck-driving-lizard demon!


Buy from Amazon



Tuesday 11 September 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Batman: Nightwalker


"You hold back. Poor bleeding heart, always wanting to give a second chance." She was analyzing him with a look that burned him to his core. "Don't."

(page 64, Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Monday 10 September 2018

Forget Tomorrow - Book Rant


Forget Tomorrow (Forget Tomorrow #1)
by Pintip Dunn


What is it about:
Imagine a world where your destiny has already been decided…by your future self.

It’s Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she’s eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they’re meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.

Or in Callie’s case, a criminal.

In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes the hellish prison.

But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all.

Callie herself.


What did I think of it:
Maybe I think too much when reading. Not long ago I DNFed a book where the world building didn't make sense, and when talking with a friend she said that flaws in world building is something she doesn't care about, for her it's the story. It would probably be easier if I could read like that as well. Sadly enough I can't stop my brain from thinking while reading though.

So why am I telling you this? Forget Tomorrow is a great read if you don't look too closely at the world building, but if you do, you are left with total frustration from wondering 'Why?'.

I really wanted to know more. So people receive a memory from their future self and plan their life according to what the memory is. If you see yourself as a renowned scientist, you start working towards that future, and so on. Ok... But when the first person received his future memory, why did everyone believe him? How did he know it was a future memory? Why did they decide to build their whole society around those future memories? If their future selves can pick which memory to send, why would they send certain memories? I could add many more things I wanted to know, but I didn't get the answers I wanted.

As I said: the story itself is cool, and even with all my questions I finished the book, as I was eager to find out what would happen to Callie. But those unanswered questions annoy me! I do have the second book, so I will pick that one up soon, hoping it will answer at least some of my questions and that finally the world in this book will make sense to me.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool story if you don't try to make sense of the world building.


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Thursday 6 September 2018

On McPig's Radar - Last Star Burning


Last Star Burning (Last Star Burning #1)
by Caitlin Sangster


Sev is branded with the mark of a criminal—a star burned into her hand. That’s the penalty for being the daughter of the woman who betrayed their entire nation.

Now her mother’s body is displayed above Traitor’s Arch, kept in a paralyzed half sleep by the same plague that destroyed the rest of the world. And as further punishment, Sev is forced to do hard labor to prove that she’s more valuable alive than dead.

When the government blames Sev for a horrific bombing, she must escape the city or face the chopping block. Unimaginable dangers lurk outside the city walls, and Sev’s only hope of survival lies with the most unlikely person—Howl, the chairman’s son. Though he promises to lead her to safety, Howl has secrets, and Sev can’t help but wonder if he knows more about her past—and her mother’s crimes—than he lets on.

But in a hostile world, trust is a luxury. Even when Sev’s life and the lives of everyone she loves may hang in the balance.



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Wednesday 5 September 2018

Kill the Queen - Early Book Review


Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1)
by Jennifer Estep


What is it about:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.


What did I think of it:
Did I immediately ask Jeffe to get hold of an ARC of this book for me when I heard Jennifer Estep had ARCs with her to RWA? Yes: I totally did!

I mean: who can resist a book promoted as Gladiator meets Game of Thrones, and which promises magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance. This piggy can't.

And this is such an awesome read!

I fell in love with Evie from the start: she had a difficult life and learned to keep herself out of the court intrigues. She is remembered when she's useful, and forgotten when she's not. She keeps her resentment of her situation and of the people who betrayed her hidden deep inside and acts as is expected from her. Just in the first few pages it is clear how much strength Evie keeps locked inside of her.

And then disaster strikes and she is on the run. I was already hooked from the start, but when Evie is away from court she is finally able to truly be herself and she shines even brighter than before.

There were some events and revelations that I clearly saw coming, but I totally didn't mind. The events fit the story and I might have even be disappointed if they didn't happen like they did.

I loved the story, the characters, the atmosphere, the understated, but clearly there romance, the suspense... OK, I confess: I loved everything and couldn't put the book down. If not for dinner and an unfortunate blackout I'd have finished it in one sitting (candlelight reading is not as fun or romantic as it seems, I tell you!).

The ending is very satisfying, but leaves enough open that I'm eager to get my greedy trotters on the next book. You bet I'll stalk Estep's social media for news!

In the mean time I'll make sure to get a finished copy once the book releases, because with all the rereading I'll be doing, I'll need an extra copy.

Why should you read it:
It's a totally awesome Fantasy read.


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Tuesday 4 September 2018

Exile of the Seas - Release Day Alert


It's release day for book two in the Chronicles of Dasnaria trilogy: Exile of the Seas!

I can tell you this is yet another awesome read.
Go buy it now!


Exile of the Seas – Chronicles of Dasnaria #2
by Jeffe Kennedy


Around the shifting borders of the Twelve Kingdoms, trade and conflict, danger and adventure put every traveler on guard . . . but some have everything to lose.

ESCAPED
Once she was known as Jenna, Imperial Princess of Dasnaria, schooled in graceful dance and comely submission. Until the man her parents married her off to almost killed her with his brutality.

Now, all she knows is that the ship she’s boarded is bound away from her vicious homeland. The warrior woman aboard says Jenna’s skill in dancing might translate into a more lethal ability. Danu’s fighter priestesses will take her in, disguise her as one of their own—and allow her to keep her silence.

But it’s only a matter of time until Jenna’s monster of a husband hunts her down. Her best chance to stay hidden is to hire out as bodyguard to a caravan traveling to a far-off land, home to beasts and people so unfamiliar they seem like part of a fairy tale. But her supposed prowess in combat is a fraud. And sooner or later, Jenna’s flight will end in battle—or betrayal...



Buy links can be found here


Monday 3 September 2018

Third Grave Dead Ahead - Book Review


Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson #3)
by Darynda Jones


What is it about:
Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hellbent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up?

What did I think of it:
This is yet another great book.

I like Charley and I absolutely love Cookie, so I was once again hooked from the start. With Charley trying to stay awake, solve crimes, and having to deal with Reyes there isn't a dull moment in this book.

I loved the introduction of some new characters, and was intrigued by learning a bit more about Charley's powers as Grim Reaper. It's clear there is going to be a lot more trouble coming Charley's way.

All in all a very enjoyable book. I need to get the next book soon, or I'll be tempted to read the books i already have and read the series totally out of order.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and action-packed UF read.


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