Friday, 29 June 2018

On McPig's Radar - The Queen’s Resistance


You bet I preordered this book after reading The Queen's Rising!


The Queen’s Resistance (The Queen’s Rising #2)
by Rebecca Ross


The highly anticipated sequel to The Queen’s Rising!

Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.



Thursday, 28 June 2018

Emerald Green - Book Review


Emerald Green (Precious Stone #2)
by Kerstin Gier, translated by Anthea Bell


What is it about:
Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.

She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.

Emerald Green is the stunning conclusion to Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy, picking up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.


What did I think of it:
This is a great ending to a very enjoyable time travel trilogy.

I must say that Gier did a great job on the time travelling. There was only one incident that made me raise an eyebrow in disbelief, otherwise she managed to draw me into the story and make me believe in all the time travelling. Events from previous books fell into place, and mysteries got solved. I had a great time with discovering what was going on.

There is a bit of romance angsting going on, but once again Xemerius the gargoyle is the comic relief so things don't get too angsty. I also loved how friends and family helped Gwen out when needed. Especially aunt Maddie was great in this book.

The ending was satisfying although a few things were left hanging in my opinion, but not enough to annoy me.

All in all a very entertaining and enjoyable read. I will investigate what other books Gier has written.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and entertaining YA Time Travel read.


buy from bookdepository

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

Teasing on a Wednesday - Dark Days


I see walls crumbling, houses on fire, dead bodies, and blood and ash coating the floors and walls. I see body parts and building rubble scattered in the streets.

(page 6, Dark Days by Kate Ormand)


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!

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Dangerous - Release Day Review by Voodoo Bride


Dangerous (The Outcasts #1)
by Minerva Spencer


What is it about:
Lady Euphemia Marlington hasn’t been free in seventeen years—since she was captured by Corsairs and sold into a harem. Now the sultan is dead and Mia is back in London facing relentless newspapermen, an insatiably curious public, and her first Season. Worst of all is her ashamed father’s ultimatum: marry a man of his choosing or live out her life in seclusion. No doubt her potential groom is a demented octogenarian. Fortunately, Mia is no longer a girl, but a clever woman with a secret—and a plan of her own.

Adam de Courtney’s first two wives died under mysterious circumstances. Now there isn’t a peer in England willing to let his daughter marry the dangerously handsome man the ton calls The Murderous Marquess. Nobody except Mia’s father, the desperate Duke of Carlisle. Clearly Mia must resemble an aging matron, or worse. However, in need of an heir, Adam will use the arrangement to his advantage.

But when the two outcasts finally meet, assumptions will be replaced by surprises, deceit by desire—and a meeting of minds between two schemers may lead to a meeting of hearts—if the secrets of their pasts don’t tear them apart.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a beautiful read.

When I read what this book was about I was sold. A heroine who lived in a harem? A hero who is suspected of murdering his wives? Sign me up!

And I wasn't disappointed. Mia is a wonderful and strong heroine. To survive the harem she had to be strong and smart, and now that she is out she uses those skills to be able to build the life she wants.

And there is Adam. He is cynical, cold and withdrawn after years of being scorned and feared by the ton. The the two of them meet and soon his world is turned upside down.

I loved both the romance and the story around it. Mia and Adam both think they're just entering in a marriage of convenience, they hadn't expected that lust and love might play a role and shake up their carefully laid plans. The attraction between the two is instant and scorching. There are some deliciously hot scenes, secrets and lies that interfere in the two of them getting together, danger, and adventure. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. What a wonderful read.

I will absolutely get the next book, and I hope that some of the other characters in this book will get their own story as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious Historical Romance


Buy from bookdepository

Monday, 25 June 2018

Sapphire Blue - Book Review


Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone #2)
by Kerstin Gier, translated by Anthea Bell


What is it about:
Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.


What did I think of it:
I very much enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, so treated myself to the boxed set (which was cheaper than buying the other two books separately).

And Sapphire Blue is just as fun.

I loved trying to figure out what the society wants, and how Gwen fits into it. I also really enjoyed the addition of Xemerius the gargoyle demon. He is funny and brought light to scenes that otherwise might have been a bit teen angsty.

The relationship between Gwen and Gideon is rocky. Her cousin Charlotte is used for the teen romance drama triangle: is Gideon interested in Gwen or Charlotte? Luckily next to this romantic drama there are much more intriguing things going on, so I could mostly ignore the angst.

The time travelling still felt solid, I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on, if there were mistakes in the time travelling, and when certain events would get a further reveal. With glimpses of things still to come and to discover for Gwen I kept reading to see when and how things would fall into place.

Of course that doesn't happen in this book, but there's enough discovered and still going on, that I'm eager to read the next book to see if Gwen will get to save the day.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and intriguing YA Time Travel read.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 22 June 2018

The Queen's Rising - Book Review


The Queen's Rising (The Queen’s Rising #1)
by Rebecca Ross


What is it about:
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?


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

Brienna starts studying at Magnalia House when she is ten. She knows she is a bit of a charity case, which makes her want to succeed all the more when she finally decides on the passion she wants to master: knowledge. Little does she know what fate has in store for her.

I loved the idea of the passions: one subject that is studied until mastered. Once this is done a student is sought after by patrons. If there's one thing I could say against this book, is that I wished the part about Brienna's studies had been longer. I'd have easily read a book just about Magnalia House alone.

Luckily the intrigues Brienna gets involved in after she leaves Magnalia House are just as fascinating as her studies. I had to keep reading to find out what she got herself into and if she would get out unscathed. I worried at times she might have allied herself with people who didn't deserve her trust.

Next to a very suspenseful main storyline full of secrets, danger, and possible betrayal there is a very subdued, but beautiful romance storyline, but it's Brienna's search for truth and a place to belong that takes the stage in this beautifully written Fantasy.

The ending is satisfying and makes this book perfectly readable as a standalone. Knowing there will be more books in this series however, makes that I'll eagerly await the next book.

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


Buy from bookdepository

Thursday, 21 June 2018

On McPig's Wishlist - Light Years

This book had my attention at the mention of boarding school.


Light Years
by Kass Morgan


Ender's Game meets The 100 as hidden secrets and forbidden love collide at an interstellar military boarding school in a new sci-fi series from New York Times bestselling author Kass Morgan.

Reeling from the latest attack by a mysterious enemy, the Quatra Fleet Academy is finally admitting students from every planet in the solar system after centuries of exclusivity.

Hotshot pilot Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen, dreams of becoming a captain--but when she loses her spot to a brilliant, wisecracking boy from the wrong side of the asteroid belt, it makes her question everything she thought she knew. Growing up on the toxic planet Deva, Cormak will take any chance he can get to escape his dead-end life and join the Academy--even if he has to steal someone's identity to do it. Arran was always considered an outsider on icy Chetire, always dreaming of something more than a life working in the mines. Now an incoming cadet, Arran is looking for a place to belong--he just never thought that place would be in the arms of a Tridian boy. And Orelia is hiding a dark secret--she's infiltrated the Academy to complete a mission, one that threatens the security of everyone there. But if anyone finds out who she really is, it'll be her life on the line.

These cadets will have to put their differences aside and become a team if they want to defend their world from a cunning enemy--and they might even fall in love in the process.

Light Years is the first book in a thrilling and romantic new sci-fi series from the bestselling author of The 100.



Buy from bookdepository

Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Children of Blood and Bone - Book Review


Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha #1)
by Tomi Adeyemi


What is it about:
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.


What did I think of it:
I will confess I fell for that gorgeous cover first. Then I read the blurb and it sounded so intriguing I got my trotters on this book.

And this is a great read.

It is told from three different viewpoints: Zélie, Amari, and Inan. Zélie is a diviner, someone who would have had magic if the king had not destroyed all magic. She saw her mother get killed before her eyes and desperately longs for a better world. Amari is the daughter of the king and a princess. When her father kills someone she loves she sets out to change the world. Inan is Amari's brother and crown prince. He's been taught magic is evil and that duty is more important than anything.

I loved seeing the story from three different viewpoints. All three characters have their strengths and flaws, and I must say I liked all three of them. I didn't like Zélie's brother though. He had the typical older brother attitude of thinking he knows better what must be done than his sister. So he acts like a jerk every time Zélie doesn't do what he thinks she should do.

The story is suspenseful and full of action, difficult decisions, and betrayal. I had to read on to see what would happen next. Would Zélie and Amari succeed in their plans? Would Inan change his mind and join them? The story took a couple of turns I really didn't see coming, I can tell you.

I also liked how things aren't good vs. evil. Adeyemi shows how magic can be used both to do good or to do bad. Zélie doubts at times if her plan is the right one. Inan isn't just evil or doesn't just change his mind because he has seen the light. This story makes you think what choices you would make if you were in the position of the lead characters.

The ending is a total cliffhanger, but not in an annoying way. But I can tell you I need the next book to see what happens next.

Why should you read it:
It's a suspenseful and compelling YA Fantasy read.


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Onyx and Ivory


They rounded the first corner only to find the destruction continued on. More bodies were scattered about, charred to unrecognizable husks.


(page 42, Onyx and Ivory by MindeeArnett)


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, 18 June 2018

My So-Called Bollywood Life - Book Review


My So-Called Bollywood Life
by Nisha Sharma


What is it about:
Winnie Mehta was never really convinced that Raj was her soulmate, but their love was written in the stars. Literally, a pandit predicted Winnie would find the love of her life before her 18th birthday, and Raj meets all of the qualifications. Which is why Winnie is shocked to return from her summer at film camp to find her boyfriend of three years hooking up with Jenny Dickens. Worse, Raj is crowned chair of the student film festival, a spot Winnie was counting on for her film school applications. As a self-proclaimed Bollywood expert, Winnie knows this is not how her perfect ending is scripted.

Then there’s Dev, a fellow film geek, and one of the few people Winnie can count on to help her reclaim control of her story. Dev is smart charming, and challenges Winnie to look beyond her horoscope to find someone she’d pick for herself. But does falling for Dev mean giving up on her prophecy, and her chance to live happily ever after? To get her Bollywood-like life on track, Winnie will need a little bit of help from fate, family, and of course, a Bollywood movie star.


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

It's fluffy and sweet and everything you want from a contemporary YA romance.

Winnie is stubborn and on a mission: after a relationship of three years with the boy she thought was destined for her, she is done with prophecies and wants to prove that her destiny is in her own hands. But forging her own path is more difficult than it seems, and it looks like destiny and her favorite Bollywood star are set on intruding on her plans.

I love Winnie. She is quirky, and almost as stubborn as I am. She is full of hopes and dreams for her future and is fighting for them, even if it means she won't get her soulmate. I loved how she isn't easily defeated, but finds new ways to succeed when obstacles are placed on her path.

And then there's Dev. He is the perfect, fluffy and dreamy hero in Winnie's So-Called Bollywood Life. He might not seem to be her fated soulmate, but could they make their own Happily Ever After anyway? I very much enjoyed seeing them get to know each other better and fall for each other.

I also loved Winnie's family. They supported her, and were there for her when she needed, but also told her when she was doing things wrong.

It wouldn't be a YA romance if there wasn't any drama, so of course Raj and other people make sure there are tons of obstacles on the way to Winnie's Happy End. This is a romance, so you know all will be well that ends well, but I had a great time on my way to that ending.

All in all this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. I will keep an eye out for other books by Sharma.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and fluffy YA romance.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 15 June 2018

Blackbird - Book Review


Blackbird: An Ash & Ruin Companion Novel
by Shauna Granger


What is it about:
What if YouTube warned of the end of the world? Would we even take it seriously? Or just assume it was some lame, internet hoax?

Maggie has her first college finals to prepare for; she doesn’t have time for pranks and conspiracy theories. But a super flu has broken out on campus and her dorm mate keeps coughing, threatening to get her sick before she can get through the tests and get home for Christmas.

More and more people are coming down with the super flu and the vaccines aren’t working for everyone and when one of her professors is dragged out of the classroom by cops and doctors, Maggie realizes she’s waited too long to leave campus.

Finals are the last thing she should be worrying about—she needs to get home, but can she make it in time?


What did I think of it:
I love the Ash & Ruin trilogy and the first companion novel, so you bet I got my trotters on this one.

And this is yet again a great read.

The story is set at the start of the outbreak and I loved how Maggie acts like most people would: waving her mother's worry aside she continues to go to her classes so she won't miss her finals. Failing seems a worse fate than catching the flu. When she finally realizes things are bad it may be too late to get out.

Maggie's reaction to everything feels believable. Once she is aware of the situation her common sense kicks in and she and her traveling companions try to make it home. I love how this story is not about heroes doing heroic things, but shows ordinary people trying to make the right decisions in a bad situation.

I was hooked from the start and was rooting for Maggie to survive and succeed. I loved both her and the people she hooks up with. Together they face lots of danger and peril on the way to safety. I was on the edge of my seat to discover how they would manage to survive.

And the ending!

I need a sequel! You can bet I'll be stalking Granger's social media for news.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome story set at the start of an apocalypse.


Buy from Amazon

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Teasing on a Thursday - The Queen's Rising


"If you offend a Valenian, you lose your reputation," Sibylle chirped, picking dirt from beneath her nails. "But if you offend a Maevan... then you lose your head."


(page 45, The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross)


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!

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Ruby Red - Book Review


Ruby Red (Precious Stone #1)
by Kerstin Gier, translated by Anthea Bell


What is it about:
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.


What did I think of it:
I'm a sucker for time travel stories even though most get the time traveling wrong and end up annoying me.

This trilogy however is of to a good start.

I liked Gwyneth from the start. I could understand her impatience with her weird family, especially as everything is about Charlotte and her imminent first travel through time. Then Gwyneth suddenly finds herself in the past and it turns out that she is the one with the time travel gene.

I loved discovering how the time traveling worked and was eager to find out why it's such a big deal and what the society formed around the time travelers wants to accomplish. It's clear lots of secrets are being kept from Gwyneth, and some may be very important. I was frustrated by how secretive people were and I could understand why Gwyneth decided not to listen to some of them.

Gwyneth has a best friend and I liked how they share everything. No bitchy drama or secrets: even though Leslie can't travel with Gwyneth, they talk about what's happening to Gwyneth, and Leslie Googles the shit out of everything and everyone to help her friend.

Gideon is a bit of an ass at first, but he slowly grew on both me and Gwyneth. We will see how this relationship develops.

As reader you get a bit more information than Gwyneth, so you know some things that Gwyneth still has to figure out. This makes it fun to see if you can spot additional information that Gwyneth might pick up on.

All in all this was a fun read. I will most certainly get the next book to see what happens next.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable YA time travel story


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Release Day alert - Prisoner of the Crown

It's release day for Prisoner of the Crown.
I can tell you that this first book in a Fantasy trilogy is totally awesome even though it's not a romance like Jeffe's other Fantasy books.


Prisoner of the Crown (The Chronicles of Dasnaria #1)
by Jeffe Kennedy


She was raised to be beautiful, nothing more. And then the rules changed…

In icy Dasnaria, rival realm to the Twelve Kingdoms, a woman’s roleis to give pleasure, produce heirs, and question nothing. But a plot to overthrow the emperor depends on the fate of his eldest daughter. And the treachery at its heart will change more than one carefully limited life…

THE GILDED CAGE

Princess Jenna has been raised in supreme luxury—and ignorance. Within the sweet-scented, golden confines of the palace seraglio, she’s never seen the sun, or a man, or even learned her numbers. But she’s been schooled enough in the paths to a woman’s power. When her betrothal is announced, she’s ready to begin the machinations that her mother promises will take Jenna from ornament to queen.

But the man named as Jenna’s husband is no innocent to be cozened or prince to charm. He’s a monster in human form, and the horrors of life under his thumb are clear within moments of her wedding vows. If Jenna is to live, she must somehow break free—and for one born to a soft prison, the way to cold, hard freedom will be a dangerous path indeed…



Find buy links here

Monday, 11 June 2018

Quarantaine - Book Review


Quarantaine
by Erik Betten


What is it about:
Quarantaine is the thrilling debut of Erik Betten. A thriller with current themes about a deadly bacteria - and a government taking unthinkable measures.

Groningen, October. A deadly bacteria surfaces through a gas extraction point. In just a few days halfdead, infected victims swarm mindlessly across the North-Netherlands. Afraid it will spread further the government decides to lock down the affected provinces.

Gonings-Friese politician Homme Olivier, who has been campaigning for the locals for years when it came to the gas extraction in the area, gets pushed to the front as spokesperson. It's his job to try to keep people calm during the search for a solution.

But when the government uses the army to contain the refugees in the affected provinces Homme might turn into a scapegoat.

When he receives a message from his wife that she is staying in the infected area, Homme decides to abandon his job in Den Haag to search for her. Risking his life he braves the bacteria invested North, searching for something that might have already been lost...


What did I think of it:
I don't often read in Dutch anymore, but when I saw this book it drew my attention. When I read it is set in the north of the Netherlands - where I live - and it had some sort of zombies I knew I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is a cool read!

Homme is not your typical hero. He is a politician who started out trying to do good, but along the way he lost his way and let himself get dragged into backroom deals and made concessions that might have gone to far. When he is asked to help keep people calm and support drastic measures he complies. Finally he has had enough and goes in search of his wife who is somewhere in the stricken north.

Meanwhile in the north it's chaos. The infected people turn into a sort of zombies (dodelingen they're called in this book) and people who aren't sick yet are trying to flee to unaffected areas only to be stopped by the army to prevent the bacteria from spreading further. This makes for some pretty grim and gruesome scenes.

And when Homme reaches the north he is thrown into chaos and danger as well. I can tell that the dodelingen are the least of his problems. There is lots of action and difficult decisions in his search for his wife.

Apart from Homme there are a few other viewpoint characters. I loved getting to read about the things they are involved in as well. AS the story unfolds I can say I was eager to see how everything would end.

There were only a few grumbles I had about this book. As the infection starts in Groningen I had hoped that more of the story would be set in Groningen as well. One storyline is set in Groningen, but most of the action is in Friesland.

My second grumble is that there seem to be a lot of blonde people in this book. Now there are indeed blonde people in the Netherlands and in the north of the Netherlands, but lots of people with other hair colors as well. Still almost every time a hair color was mentioned it was blonde. I think I counted only four mentions of other hair colors.

Those minor grumbles aside this is a very cool read. I loved how Betten included some current issues in this book without them interfering with the story. Both the gas extraction in the north and the divide between the north of the Netherlands and the west were used to their full advantage to make a thrilling zombie story.

All in all I had a great time with this book and I hope it gets translated to English so all my zombie loving friends who don't read Dutch can read it as well.

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


Buy the book at van der Velde
Warning: it's only available in Dutch at the moment.

Friday, 8 June 2018

Ash Princess - Book Review


Ash Princess (Ash Princess Trilogy #1)
by Laura Sebastian


What is it about:
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.

When the Kaiser forces her to execute her last hope of rescue, Theo can't ignore her feelings and memories 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.

Forced to make 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.


What did I think of it:
The plot of this book sounded cool enough to give it a try, although I will confess I expected it to be just another fluffy YA Fantasy that only hints at horrors and is actually all about the romance.

And I was pleasantly surprised.

Theodosia has been humiliated, whipped, and almost broken. She learned to keep her head down to survive. Then she is forced to execute a rebel and she has had enough. She starts to plot how to escape, and how to get revenge of what is done to her and her country.

I loved how Sebastian doesn't pull any punches: people die, Theo has to make truly difficult choices, and has to decide where she draws the line. How far will she go for herself and her people? And when she starts to get feelings for the Prinz that adds to her growing burden.

The story is suspenseful and I could really understand Theo and why she makes certain decisions. She is well aware what might happen to her when the Kaiser discovers she is plotting a rebellion, so when she at times wants to take the easy route instead of sticking to the plan she and her allies made I couldn't fault her for it. She has a great sense of self-preservation, and when she goes against that instinct it makes her all the more brave in my opinion. As the story develops she grows into her new found courage and I rooted for her to succeed in her plans.

It almost wouldn't be a YA without a love triangle, so of course there's another boy Theo falls for as well. I will admit that although I could understand this love interest in his feelings towards the empire, I didn't like him and Theo together. Where I could understand the attraction between Theo and the Prinz, the attraction between the other love interest and Theo felt... unequal. It felt like Thea had to conform to what he thought she was, instead of him liking her for who she really is. She might not be herself when with the Prinz either, but because of the game she is playing she is in control, where with her other beau she has to submit. Maybe it's just me, and I'm rooting for the wrong guy once again.

The end of the book brought some revelations that promise lots of action, more difficult decisions, and more heartache in the next book, so you bet i'll be getting my trotters on it as soon as it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a YA Fantasy full of intrigue.


buy from bookdepository

Thursday, 7 June 2018

On McPig's Wishlist - Warrior of the Wild


Warrior of the Wild
by Tricia Levenseller


How do you kill a god?

As her father's chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: to win back her honour, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die try
ing.


Expected publication: February 26th 2019

Wednesday, 6 June 2018

Exile - Book Review


Exile (The Extinction Trials #2)
by S.M. Wilson


What is it about:
Betrayal. Sacrifice. Survival. Welcome to The Extinction Trials.

After surviving on Piloria once, Storm and Lincoln are the obvious candidates to return to the dinosaur continent to test the new virus that should clear the way for human settlement. But they have their own priorities – finding a cure for the plague that’s sweeping Earthasia, and keeping themselves alive.


What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so when I saw this book in my local bookstore I grabbed it immediately.

Once again we start out on Earthasia and it takes half the book to finally get to the dinosaurs. Even though the story was good, the characters were being selfish jerks, so once they reached Piloria I was rooting for the dinosaurs to get some tasty snacks.

Sadly enough not enough people get eaten by dinosaurs in my opinion, and of the people who didn't make it I would have gladly substituted one for Lincoln. What an impossible jerk.

All this grumbling aside I did enjoy the book. There were some really cool scenes with dinosaurs, intrigue, new interesting characters, returning favorites. I didn't like Storm's character development though. I really liked her in the first book, but Lincoln's selfish behavior seems to be catching.

I will most certainly pick up the next book once it releases, but I'm starting to feel I'm totally rooting for the losing side and that the dinosaurs won't get as many snacks as I want them to get.

Why should you read it:
It has dinosaurs!


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 5 June 2018

Teaser Tuesdays - Ruby Red


"You do? Are you planning to climb a clock tower sometime soon - sit on the clock and dangle your legs?"


(page 70, Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier)


Buy from bookdepository

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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, 4 June 2018

Walk on Earth a Stranger - Book Review


Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
by Rae Carson


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

She also has a secret.

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

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


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

The magical element - Lee being able to sense gold - is very small and understated in this book. I expect it to become a bigger part of the story in the next book, but to be honest I didn't mind that it was hardly present in this book at all.

Lee loses everything in just a few days and decides to go after her Best friend Jefferson who left for California. This book is all about the grueling journey across America to the goldfields in California. The first part is about Lee trying to catch up with Jefferson, and once she does the second part is about the hard and difficult journey to California.

I loved reading about this journey and the hardships Lee's party encounters. Carson sure did her research and manages to show the challenges people faced on the long journey across America. The people Lee travels with are divers and this adds even more tension to an already brutal trip. I had my favorites among the characters, but knew that not everyone might make it to California, so I rooted for them and hoped they'd make it.

The only thing that annoyed me in this book is how the romance storyline was handled. The feelings Lee and Jefferson have for each other are clear for me as reader, but the two keep dancing around each other, neither willing to speak up. Add another girl to to the mix who has feelings for Jefferson and vice versa and I was softly grumbling I can tell you. How this situation is finally resolved felt like a cop out to me I will confess.

That aside this is a beautiful read, and I'll definitely pick up the next book to see what's next for Lee.

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


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 1 June 2018

Quarantaine - A Book Presentation

Yesterday I went to a presentation for a book by a Dutch author.

Quarantaine by Erik Betten

I included a blurb of this book at the end of this post. you'll probably understand after reading the blurb why I wanted to get this book even though I usually only read books in English. If it's as good as I think it will be, I hope it gets translated, so I can get all my English speaking friends to read it as well.


I was early so I could grab a spot in front.


There were lots of copies of the book.
I was determined to get myself a copy after the presentation.


During the presentation they talked about the current issues that are woven into the story. The book is set in Groningen where I live so the current issues being used are familiar to me. I like how the author used those to write a gripping story about a deadly bacteria.


After the presentation there was a symbolic handing out of the first copy of the book.

Then it was time for me to get my greedy trotters on it!


Erik Betten kindly agreed to pose with me for a picture!


And he signed my copy for me as well!


I will confess it's this cool cover that drew my attention and made me investigate what the book was about.

Translated blurb:

Quarantaine is the thrilling debut of Erik Betten. A thriller with current themes about a deadly bacteria - and a government taking unthinkable measures.

Groningen, October. A deadly bacteria surfaces through a gas extraction point. In just a few days halfdead, infected victims swarm mindlessly across the North-Netherlands. Afraid it will spread further the government decides to lock down the affected provinces.

Gonings-Friese politician Homme Olivier, who has been campaigning for the locals for years when it came to the gas extraction in the area, gets pushed to the front as spokesperson. It's his job to try to keep people calm during the a search for a solution.

But when the government uses the army to contain the refugees in the affected provinces Homme might turn into a scapegoat.

When he receives a message from his wife that she is staying in the infected area, Homme decides to abandon his job in Den Haag to search for her. Risking his life he braves the bacteria invested North, searching for something that might have already been lost...


Buy the book at van der Velde
Warning: it's only available in Dutch at the moment.