Wednesday 31 January 2018

A Long, Long Sleep - Book Review


A Long, Long Sleep (UniCorp #1)
by Anna Sheehan


What is it about:
It should have been a short suspended-animation sleep. But this time Rose wakes up to find her past is long gone-- and her future full of peril.

Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten subbasement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long gone, and Rose-- hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire-- is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat.

Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes-- or be left without any future at all.


What did I think of it:
A SF re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty? You can bet this book landed on my wishlist. And then I got it as a present for my birthday!

And this is a really cool read.

I liked Rose and could understand how she felt, waking up in an unfamiliar future with her family and loved ones gone. I did wonder how she ended up in stasis and in that basement. Luckily the story slowly works its way to uncover Rose's past and what happened to her.

I loved reading about the future Sheehan created and there were some really cool characters. If there's one grumble I have, it's that there was not enough of one character I liked. There was also a suspense storyline, that at a certain point became a bit predictable, but I didn't mind too much.

All in all this is a very interesting and enjoyable read, that explores relationships - both family and romantic - and how someone might cope with waking up in an unfamiliar future. After finishing this book I immediately ordered the second book, because it is about my favorite character from this book.

Why should you read it:
I's a very enjoyable SF re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday 30 January 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Winter Halo


He looked at me, his expression edged with anger. Though it wasn't really aimed at me, I still felt the wash of it.

(page 145, Winter Halo by Keri Arthur)


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---------

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 29 January 2018

Hollywood Roommates - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Hollywood Roommates: A Reverse Harem Romance
by Elizabeth Briggs


What is it about:
Three sexy actors. One curvy English teacher. An impossible rule just begging to be broken...

When my boyfriend dumps me, I need a new place to live, fast. Luckily my best friend offers me a solution: move in with her brother and his two roommates in his Malibu beach house. Sounds good, right?

Except my new roommates turn out to be three of the hottest actors in Hollywood. Each one is gorgeous, rich, and famous—and they’re all off-limits because there’s only one house rule: no sleeping together.

They could have any woman in the world, but to my surprise they each want me. Soon there’s a new rule: whatever I do with one guy, I do with all of them.

There’s no way this can end well, but how am I supposed to choose just one of my sexy-as-sin roommates?

Unless I don’t have to choose…


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I never heard of Reverse Harem before, but it did sound like a menage to me, which I usually am not a fan of. Still... this book was written by Elizabeth Briggs and I love her Contemporary Romance books. So I decided to give this book a try.

And this turned out to be a fun and sexy read!

Allie gets dumped and with the help of her best friend moves in with three gorgeous guys. The way they are described and how they act made that I could understand why Allie drools over all three of them. And once the first kiss happens things turn hot and steamy fast!

What I really liked was that there were some chapters written from the point of view of the guys. Usually I don't like menage type stories, because I feel like one (or more) of the characters is missing out. Seeing inside the heads of the guys took that feeling away, and made that I actually could enjoy this Reverse Harem story.

Next to some really delicious scenes with Allie and her guys there is a more serious storyline about if they can make their unconventional relationship work. I had to keep reading to see how this romance would end, and was left feeling satisfied.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and I will most definitely get hold of the next book Briggs writes.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious and sexy Reverse Harem Romance


Buy from Amazon
e-book releases February 8, 2018

Friday 26 January 2018

Vision in Silver - Book Review


Vision in Silver (The Others #3)
by Anne Bishop


What is it about:
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before; both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…


What did I think of it:
I pre-ordered this paperback in 2015, but once it arrived in February 2016 it somehow ended up being overlooked until recently.

This is a cool read. Meg seemed less Mary Sue-ish in this book, but that may be because the focus was less on her this time. I liked how the focus was more on the normal humans and how some of them are trying their best to work with the Others, while a lot of humans are putting a strain on the already delicate relationship between humans and Others.

I like seeing more of some of my favorite characters. Others got a bit more screentime, and some new characters got introduced as well.

Even though the main plot felt a bit drawn out, and there were some side storylines that cluttered things up, I very much enjoyed this book and will pick up the next book one of these days.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining UF read.


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Thursday 25 January 2018

On McPig's Wishlist - Reign of the Fallen


Reign of the Fallen (Reign of the Fallen #1)
by Sarah Glenn Marsh


Odessa is one of Karthia's master necromancers, catering to the kingdom's ruling Dead. Whenever a noble dies, it's Odessa's job to raise them by retrieving their souls from a dreamy and dangerous shadow world called the Deadlands. But there is a cost to being raised--the Dead must remain shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as Shades. If even a hint of flesh is exposed, the grotesque transformation will begin.

A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa's necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead--and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer's magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?



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Wednesday 24 January 2018

The Idiot Brain - Book Review


The Idiot Brain: What Your Head Is Really Up To
by Dean Burnett


What is it about:
It's happened to all of us at some point. You walk into the kitchen, or flip open your laptop, or stride confidently up to a lectern, filled with purpose—and suddenly haven't the foggiest idea what you’re doing. Welcome to your idiot brain.

Yes, it is an absolute marvel in some respects—the seat of our consciousness, the pinnacle (so far) of evolutionary progress, and the engine of all human experience—but your brain is also messy, fallible, and about 50,000 years out-of-date. We cling to superstitions, remember faces but not names, miss things sitting right in front of us, and lie awake at night while our brains replay our greatest fears on an endless loop.

Yet all of this, believe it or not, is the sign of a well-meaning brain doing its best to keep you alive and healthy. In Idiot Brain, neuroscientist Dean Burnett celebrates blind spots, blackouts, insomnia, and all the other downright laughable things our minds do to us, while also exposing the many mistakes we've made in our quest to understand how our brains actually work. Expertly researched and entertainingly written, this book is for everyone who has wondered why their brain appears to be sabotaging their life, and what on earth it is really up to.


What did I think of it:
This is a great read!

Not only is it very informative, it's also fun. Burnett uses clear language and funny comparisons to explain how the brain works, and what it is up to. I learned a lot about my brain and was entertained at the same time.

There's a lot of information, so even though it's a fun and interesting read, I wasn't able to read more than a couple of chapters at the time. Especially when I tried to read when I was a bit tired I would get overwhelmed by all the things Burnett manages to fit in this book.

Overall this is a fun and very informative read that I can recommend to anyone who is interested in the weird and wonderful ways of the brain, but doesn't have the energy for more formal and dry reads.

Why should you read it:
It's an interesting and very enjoyable read.


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday 23 January 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - A Long, Long Sleep


I could't see Otto's face. He had long, shaggy black hair, which he did not keep pulled back as the other boys did.

(page 43, A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan)


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 22 January 2018

An Enchantment of Ravens - Book Review


An Enchantment of Ravens
by Margaret Rogerson


What is it about:
A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts—even as she falls in love with a faerie prince—in this gorgeous debut novel.

Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.


What did I think of it:
I was totally lured in by the cover, I will confess. The story did sound cool as well, which left me with the fact that it was priced over my self-imposed limit of 10 Euro for a book. Luckily I got spending money to get myself a present for my birthday, so I decided that in that case I was allowed to go a bit over my limit.

And this is a beautiful read.

The faeries in this book are based on existing faerie lore, but also have they're unique rules. I was intrigued by them from the start.

The town of Whimsy, where Isobel lives is a human town, but it's sort of under Faerie protection, giving it an eternal summer. I will confess I wouldn't have minded if that part of the story had been explored a bit more. Instead it focuses on the fair folk and Isobel. I loved Isobel's number one client, Gadfly, who is used to introduce the reader to the fair folk and their peculiarities. Luckily he made a return appearance after the main story kicked off.

As for that main story - the trials and tribulations of Isobel and Rook: it was so good!

I wouldn't have minded if their meeting, and the painting of Rook's portrait, had been longer. But even with those weeks of painting condensed to be able to jump into the action, I very much enjoyed the start of their relationship. Once Rook takes Isobel into Faerie I was totally rooting for both of them to survive. Faerie is a dangerous and beautiful place. I loved both the story and the characters, and couldnt put the book down until I finished it.

It looks like this is a standalone, and the ending is satisfying. Even though: I wouldn't mind a sequel or companion novel that explores more of this world and the characters that inhabit it. I'm keeping an eye out for the next book by Rogerson.

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


Buy from bookdepository

Friday 19 January 2018

We Can Be Mended - Book Review


We Can Be Mended (Divergent #3.5)
by Veronica Roth


What is it about:
We Can Be Mended is a short-story epilogue that focuses on Four and takes place five years after Allegiant, the conclusion of the Divergent series.

As Tobias struggles to understand and move past his fears, the world he once knew has changed beyond recognition. Fringe-dwellers, ex-faction members, Bureau dropouts, and migrants now coexist in the rebuilt streets of Chicago.

It’s a new, better world—one where he isn't sure how to belong. As everyone else seems to move forward, Tobias is still haunted by those who couldn’t. But new connections from old friends help him begin to heal—and mend.


What did I think of it:
This story was originally a pre-order reward for Carve the Mark. It was a country specific reward however, so the only way back then for me to get it, would be to buy the Dutch book and receive the Dutch translation of this short story. I didn't want that, so now that it's finally available online I could get my trotters on it.

And this is a nice epilogue to a rocky series.

I loved the first two books and the story collection Four, I hated Allegiant, and not because of the ending I will confess, but because they were acting stupid and because I didn't like the reason behind the worldbuilding.

This short story is a pleasant little view into life after Allegiant, and how Tobias finally finds the way to heal and move on. I'd advice this short story to people who loved the trilogy - or even parts of it - and who don't expect Tobias to keep pining forever.

Why should you read it:
It's a short and sweet epilogue.


Buy from Amazon

Thursday 18 January 2018

On Voodoo Bride's Radar - A Princess in Theory

In my search for fun Contemporary Romances I came across this book, and I can tell you I pre-ordered it right away. Doesn't it sound delicious!?


A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1)
by Alyssa Cole


Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?



Expected publication: February 27th 2018
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Wednesday 17 January 2018

3 Wishes - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


3 Wishes (Candy Hearts Romance)
by Peggy Jaeger


What is it about:
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
My quest for fun Contemporary Romances continues, so I tried one of the recommendations I got from helpful people on Twitter.

This is a lovely novella set around Valentine's Day.

The story was predictable, but fun. I liked the writing style and the characters. I can advice this book to anyone looking for a fun, uncomplicated romantic read.

I will check out Jaeger's other books and read a longer story by her for sure.

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


Buy from Amazon

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Disruptor

His lips were swollen and cracked and he was so thirsty. It was dark, and Quin was in the darkness where he'd left her.

(page 88, Disruptor by Arwen Elys Dayton)


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 15 January 2018

Fresh Powder - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Fresh Powder
by Susanne O'Leary


What is it about:
Lucy and Claire were best friends once, but after a huge row they haven't spoken in over 10 years. Living very different lives, imagine their shock when the find themselves thrown together again not only in the same ski resort in the French Alps, but in the same luxury chalet!

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
In my ongoing quest to find fun Contemporary Romances I came across this book and decided to give it a try.

It was not what I hoped it would be, but still a nice read. I will confess I disliked about half the characters in this book, but I kept reading because I wanted to see the characters I did like, get their happily ever after.

As this book is from 2006 and the author has written more books since, I will investigate some of the newer books to see if those are closer to what I'm looking for.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Contemporary Romance


Buy from Amazon

Friday 12 January 2018

DNF Time

It's that time again to tell you about some books I tried to read, but just could't finish.


The Young Elites by Marie Lu
I really didn't like the lead character Adelina, so couldn't care less what happened to her.


Furyborn by Claire Legrand
This being an ARC I got as an extra in a FairyLoot box, it was a difficult choice to DNF. I wanted to like this book so much: the worldbuilding was interesting, and the writing was really good. Sadly enough again I really disliked one of the main characters.


Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
I wanted more killer unicorns and less teen angsting and romance.

Thursday 11 January 2018

On McPig's wishlist - Year One


Year One (Chronicles of The One #1)
by Nora Roberts


It began on New Year’s Eve.

The sickness came on suddenly, and spread quickly. The fear spread even faster. Within weeks, everything people counted on began to fail them. The electrical grid sputtered; law and government collapsed—and more than half of the world’s population was decimated.

Where there had been order, there was now chaos. And as the power of science and technology receded, magic rose up in its place. Some of it is good, like the witchcraft worked by Lana Bingham, practicing in the loft apartment she shares with her lover, Max. Some of it is unimaginably evil, and it can lurk anywhere, around a corner, in fetid tunnels beneath the river—or in the ones you know and love the most.

As word spreads that neither the immune nor the gifted are safe from the authorities who patrol the ravaged streets, and with nothing left to count on but each other, Lana and Max make their way out of a wrecked New York City. At the same time, other travelers are heading west too, into a new frontier. Chuck, a tech genius trying to hack his way through a world gone offline. Arlys, a journalist who has lost her audience but uses pen and paper to record the truth. Fred, her young colleague, possessed of burgeoning abilities and an optimism that seems out of place in this bleak landscape. And Rachel and Jonah, a resourceful doctor and a paramedic who fend off despair with their determination to keep a young mother and three infants in their care alive.

In a world of survivors where every stranger encountered could be either a savage or a savior, none of them knows exactly where they are heading, or why. But a purpose awaits them that will shape their lives and the lives of all those who remain.

The end has come. The beginning comes next.


Wednesday 10 January 2018

Rise - Book Review


Rise (Paper Gods #2.5)
by Amanda Sun


What is it about:
A long, long time ago, before the world was as we know it, Izanami and Izanagi came into being. Two of the first of the ancient gods of Japan, they crafted the world from ink and their own imaginations. Izanagi wants, more than anything, to be with Izanami—but one moment of pride could tear them apart forever.

Yuki and Tanaka have been friends for as long as they can remember, but lately deeper feelings have been bubbling beneath the surface. How do they navigate the transition from friendship to true love without destroying the powerful bond between them?

Set a millennia apart, can these two couples, living parallel love stories, find their happily-ever-afters?


What did I think of it:
I will confess I wasn't really invested in the story of Izanami and Izanagi. Both didn't feel very real, probably because they're legendary Gods and the part of the story that's about them is written in a way that created distance for me.

The awkward love story of Yuki and Tanaka however was everything I wanted. I loved Yuki and Tanaka in the Paper Gods trilogy and have mentioned in my reviews how I wanted them to have a bigger role in the story. So you can understand I loved reading a story that's just about them and their feelings for each other. My one complaint: It's much too short!

All in all a lovely addition to the series, even if you are not interested in the antics of the ancient Gods.

Why should you read it:
It's a must read for fans of the Yuki and Tanaka.


Buy from Amazon

Tuesday 9 January 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - 3 Wishes


Staying open late can be a risk, with the thought of being robbed always a threat at the end of the day.
If the guy standing at the door, glancing around the shop, was a thief, then Dio mio, I wanted to be held up.

(page ?, 3 Wishes by Peggy Jaeger)


Buy from Amazon

---------

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 8 January 2018

Taste of Darkness - Book Review


Taste of Darkness (Healer #3)
by Maria V. Snyder


What is it about:
She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.

Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.


What did I think of it:
It took me a long time, hunting for spoilers about the ending, and reading Shadow Study before I finally dared to read this book.

And I'm glad I did, because this is a really enjoyable read.

The second book ended ith quite a cliffhanger, so Taste of Darkness started with suspense and action. soon I was back in the story and world, and I rooted for Avry to succeed in her endeavors. I must say that Loren and Quain got on my nerves from time to time. Were they this annoying in the previous books as well? I must have grown less tolerant in the years since.

There's lots going on and at times I wondered how things could be resolved in this book. This being the last book in a trilogy things did get resolved of course. Some a bit too easy in my opinion, but the book is already over 450 pages, so if I had my way a fourth book would have been needed.

All in all this is a very entertaining Fantasy read with lots of action and interesting characters. It might have taken me a while to get my trust back in Snyder's storytelling, but I will certainly pick up more books by her in the future

Why should you read it:

It's a fun Fantasy read.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday 5 January 2018

Fire Touched - Book Review


Fire Touched (Mercy Thompson #9)
by Patricia Briggs


What is it about:
Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?


What did I think of it:
I pre-ordered the US paperback instead of getting the hardcover when the book released in 2016. Somehow I never got to reading it when it arrived in February last year. With the US paperback of Silence Fallen releasing this month I decided to catch up.

And this is a great read.

There are books I love more in this series, but luckily the drama that was in the previous book wasn't repeated. There even were some lines drawn that make future drama even less likely, so I was happy with that.

The story felt a bit easy compared to some of the other books, but still very enjoyable. I liked seeing more of Zee, and of two characters I previously encountered in a novella. One of the wolves got a bit more screentime, and I hope to see more of him in the next book.

All in all a great book in an even greater series. I'm looking forward to reading Silence Fallen.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy from bookdepository

Thursday 4 January 2018

On McPig's Wishlist - Ash Princess

This might be a cool read.


Ash Princess
by Laura Sebastian


Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Queen of Flame and Fury, was murdered before her eyes. Ten years later, Theo has learned to survive under the relentless abuse of the Kaiser and his court as the ridiculed “Ash Princess.” Pretending to be empty-headed and naive when she's not enduring brutal whippings, she pushes down all other thoughts but one: Keep the Kaiser happy and he will keep you safe.

When the Kaiser forces her to execute her last hope of rescue, Theo can't keep her feelings and memories pushed down any longer. She vows revenge, throwing herself into a plot to seduce and murder the Kaiser's warrior son with the help of a group of magically gifted and volatile rebels. But Theo doesn't expect to develop feelings for the Prinz. Or for her rebel allies to challenge her friendship with the one person who's been kind to her throughout the last hopeless decade: her heart's sister, Cress.

Cornered into impossible choices and unable to trust even those who are on her side, Theo will have to decide how far she's willing to go to save her people and how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice to become queen.



Buy from bookdepository

Wednesday 3 January 2018

Shadow - Book Review


Shadow (Paper Gods 0.5)
by Amanda Sun


What is it about:
Meet two teens whose worlds are about to change forever in this paranormal Young Adult novella, a prequel to Ink by Amanda Sun…

Katie Greene’s worst nightmare comes true when her mother dies, and she’s devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she’s ever known. Desperate to find where she belongs, she must decide if she has what it takes to start a new life across the ocean.

For Yuu Tomohiro, every day is a nightmare. He struggles to control his strange ability, and keeps everyone at a distance so they won’t get hurt—even his girlfriend, Myu. At night, a shadow haunts his dreams, and a mysterious woman torments him with omens of death and destruction. But these haunting premonitions are only the beginning…


What did I think of it:
It recently occurred to me I never read the novellas that accompany the Paper Gods trilogy. As I really enjoyed the trilogy I decided to remedy that.

And this prequel is a really enjoyable read as well.

This novella leads up to the start of Ink, the first book in the trilogy, and tells what happened to Katie and Tomo in the few months before they meet. The chapters switch between Katie and Tomo and even though I knew what happened as it is referred to in the trilogy I enjoyed getting a better look at the both of them. I even enjoyed this novella so much, I'm tempted to do a reread of the trilogy soon.

I'll be reading the other novella soon.

Why should you read it:
For fans of the trilogy this is a nice extra, while it's a great starting point for people who want to give this series a try.


Buy from Amazon

Tuesday 2 January 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Red Rising


"He's a mad one, you'll see someday. Mad and brilliant and noble, Narol's the best of my brothers," my father once said.

(page 24, Red Rising by Pierce Brown)


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 1 January 2018

Shadow Study - Book Review


Shadow Study (Study #4, Soulfinders #1)
by Maria V. Snyder


What is it about:
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.

Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.
As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.


What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed the Study trilogy, but was a bit hesitant to pick up this book because I was afraid something similar to what happened in Spy Glass would happen (for this same reason I also haven't read Taste of Darkness yet). After hunting for spoilers I finally decided to get this book. It took me almost a year to actually pick it up and read it.

And this is a really enjoyable book.

It would have been even better in my opinion if one of the three viewpoint characters had been left out though. There's Yelena of course, and I really enjoyed her storyline, which is suspenseful. Then there was Valek, and his storyline was even better. I loved getting to know more about how Valek became the person he is and how he came to work for the Commander. There are hints in his storyline of more intriguing event waiting to happen in the next two books.

And then there was Janco...

Janco was never one of my favorite characters, and I usually only could tolerate him because he was a side character and had Ari as a counterweight to his clownish behavior (they're like a Fantasy version of Laurel and Hardy). Here he's a viewpoint character and at least for me a really annoying one. I will confess I skimmed some of the chapters devoted to Janco to get back to Yelena and Valek as soon as possible.

Skimming Janco's chapters did make that when the storylines came together I was a little confused, but luckily not for long. All in all this was mostly an enjoyable read and I will most probably read the next two books as well. Although I might skim again if Janco stays a viewpoint character.

I might even be brave enough to pick up Taste of Darkness one of these days.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Fantasy read.


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