The Half King - Book Review

 

The Half King (The Half King #1)

by Melissa Landers

What is it about:

The Great Betrayal changed everything for the Allied Realm. Long ago, the kingdom’s noble houses rose up against the goddess... and for their treachery, the firstborn of each noble family was cursed.

One with perilous beauty.

One with destructive knowledge.

One with insatiable bloodlust.

But the royal house Mortara received the worst affliction of all. For while the king exists during the day, he fades into nothingness at night...until his twenty-first birthday, when he will be lost to the shadows forever.

Now an acolyte has arrived at court. Like all the second-born children of the Allied Realm, she’s destined to serve the goddess and become a Seer...only Cerise Solon has no gift of foretelling. In fact, she has no magical gift at all.

Instead, she’s surrounded by courtiers and priests—smiling sycophants whose hearts are filled with secrets and lies. And at the center of it all sits His Majesty Kian Hannibal Mortara, with his haunting eyes, sharp tongue, and an unerring ability to send her pulse skittering at the worst possible moments.

Falling for him is unthinkable. Because the king is the last of his line, and as the specter of his twenty-first birthday—and the full force of his curse—approaches, the kingdom holds its breath.

But there’s only one way to save a dying king... and it lies with the one person who’s hiding the biggest secret of all. Cerise.

What did I think of it:

I've read several of Landers' YA books and really enjoyed those, so I decided to give this (New Adult) Fantasy Romance a try.

And this was a very enjoyable read.

There were some things in the worldbuilding that didn't seem very practical to me, but they were not world breaking, so I decided to go with where the story led me.

I really liked Cerise so I was invested in seeing her thrive and get on top of things. Kian and his best friend were both really fun characters as well. The story itself entertaining with some interesting twists. Landers has a writing voice I really enjoy, so I flew through this book in a day, eager to see if things would turn out how I wanted them to. 

All in all a fun read. I will keep an eye on future releases by Landers for sure.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance

United - Book Review

United (Alienated #3)
by Melissa Landers

What is it about:
After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.

But the vacation is short-lived.

The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The Aribol, mysterious guardians charged with maintaining interstellar peace, deem the alliance a threat to the galaxy. They order a separation of the races, decreeing humans and L’eihrs must return to their own planets within the month or face extinction. In fact, they already have agents in place on Earth, ready to begin.

With the clock ticking, Aelyx and Cara assemble a team of colonists and race back to Earth, where they unite with old friends to solve the mystery of who the Aribol are, what they want, and the real reason the alliance has provoked them. As tensions build to a full-scale war, Aelyx and Cara must fight harder than ever―not just for their future, but for the survival of both their worlds.

What did I think of it:
A great conclusion to a fun SF trilogy.

This book has lots more action than the previous two books. The Aribol want the humans and L'eihrs to end their alliance and are not giving them much time to consider their options.

Cara and Aelyx decide to secretly find a way to oppose the Aribol and together with some friends they set out to earth. They encounter lots of problems and dangers.

Again it was easy to sniff out some of the things that were going on, but the story was too entertaining for that to be a grumble. I was hooked from the start until the very satisfying finish. If you're looking for a fun YA SF series, you really should give this trilogy a try.

All in all I think the first book was the most serious when it comes to current issues. The second book was the most suspenseful, while the third had the most action. All three are fun and entertaining.

You bet I'll be picking up Starfall soon and that I'll keep an eye out for more books by Landers.

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


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Invaded - Book Review

Invaded (Alienated #2)
by Melissa Landers

What is it about:
Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

What did I think of it:
It took me some time to finally pick this book up, for some reason it kept being overlooked.

This is a really fun read.

It's been a while since I read the first book (February 2015) so I didn't remember all that happened in Alienated, but the way Invaded is written it didn't matter as the important things were mentioned in an organic way to remind the reader.

In this book we follow Cara while she's trying to fit in on L'eihr while Aelyx is trying to win humanity over back on earth.

Cara is experiencing a lot of the same prejudice Aelyx encountered in Alienated and next to that someone is trying to frame her for some nasty incidents. I loved reading how Cara is trying to adapt and trying to figure out who her secret enemy is. Add other mysterious events to that and some intriguing, but untrustworthy characters and I was hooked.

Meanwhile Aelyx is on a tour to get humans on board with the whole L'eihr-human cooperation plan, and has to dodge both fan-girls and attacks on his life. This storyline was cool as well, but it was easy to sniff out one of the culprits. Luckily the why was more hidden.

The ending was full of action and left lots of things open for what promises to be an exciting last book in this trilogy. I already have the book in my TBR pile and will read it soon.

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


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STARFALL Launch Blitz & Giveaway

Hi, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m so excited to launch STARFALL, the second and final book in my Starflight duology! This story picks up shortly after the first book ends, but now Cassia and Kane are the main characters, with Doran, Solara, and the rest of the Banshee crew pitching in to help take down an intergalactic mafia. (You know, just an ordinary day in space.) And while saying goodbye to characters is never easy, I think I gave the crew a proper sendoff with plenty of humor, heart, and action. I hope you love STARFALL as much as I do!

Haven’t read the first book? You’re in luck, because for a limited time, Starflight is on sale for 99 cents in all e-formats. Now you can binge read the entire duology in one sitting!

Praise for Starflight:

“Smart, action-packed and utterly addictive!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman

“Starflight has the cinematic appeal, warp-speed action and unlikely heroes of Star Wars.” –Justine Magazine

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist

“A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal

If you love sci-fi adventure with a dash of romance, I hope you’ll pick up the Starflight duology today. Starflight and Starfall are both available in stores and online.


STARFLIGHT (book 1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jmEOqA
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2kjs57n
Book Depository (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1OoN2WD
Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1IIMPx7

STARFALL (book 2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jmNsW2
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ddKuih
Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2k98EvN
Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/2dhMLry

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Starflight duology swag pack, complete with bookmarks and two signed mini posters! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Starflight - Book Review

Starflight (Starflight #1)
by Melissa Landers

What is it about:
Solara Brooks needs a fresh start, someplace where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. The outer realm may be lawless, but it's not like the law has ever been on her side. Still, off-world travel doesn't come cheap; Solara is left with no choice but to indenture herself in exchange for passage to the outer realm. She just wishes it could have been to anyone besides Doran Spaulding, the rich, pretty-boy quarterback who made her life miserable in school.

The tables suddenly turn when Doran is framed for conspiracy on Earth, and Solara cons him into playing the role of her servant on board the Banshee, a ship manned by an eccentric crew with their own secrets. Given the price on both Doran and Solara's heads, it may just be the safest place in the universe.

It's been a long time since Solara has believed in anyone, and Doran is the last person she expected to trust. But when the Banshee's dangerous enemies catch up with them, Solara and Doran must come together to protect the ship that has become their home-and the eccentric crew that feels like family.

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

Solara and Doran make a great mismatched duo and I loved their banter and interaction. I also loved the crew of the Banshee, some more than others of course.

The world building is minimal, but enough to picture everything, and the story is fast paced with some really cool action and fun events. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

I can advice this book to anyone who's looking for a fun YA SF read. I liked it so much I'm tempted to pre-order the second book which releases next month, even though it's a hardcover priced over 10 Euro.

Luckily I still have the second book of Landers' Alienated series in my TBR pile, so I'll be reading that soon while trying to decide if I want to wait for the paperback of Starfall or if I'm going to get the hardcover after all.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and action packed YA SF read


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UNITED Launch Blitz & Giveaway

Hey there, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of UNITED, the final book in the Alienated trilogy. Our star-crossed lovers Aelyx and Cara have overcome some heavy obstacles to be together—riotous mobs, alien hybrids, and worst of all, high school on two planets. Now to stay together they’ll have to unite their people against a common enemy, a threat more deadly than they ever imagined. (NBD, right?) I’ve written an ending to this trilogy that makes my heart happy, and I hope you’ll love the conclusion as much as I do!



What do reviewers have to say about the series?

“The author’s storyline is out of this world.” –VOYA on Alienated

“The unusual plot and world building are ingenious.” –Library Media Connection on Alienated

“If [the third novel] is as entertaining as this tale, it can’t come soon enough.” –Kirkus Reviews on Invaded

“A fun genre-blending series that will only gain traction as it continues.” –Booklist on Invaded

If you love hot aliens, snarky humans, and wild sci-fi adventure, make sure to pick up a copy of UNITED today. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/25XrSct
iBooks: http://apple.co/1sGfH1Z
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1tqvT7u
Book Depository (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1XpeAjN
Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1Uc75wb


To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a set of all 3 mini-posters in the Alienated series—signed by me! The giveaway is open internationally.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Alienated - Book Review

Alienated (Alienated #1)
by Melissa Landers

What is it about:
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

What did I think of it:
And again this is a book where the aliens are human in appearance, but I knew that going in, so it wasn't a disappointment this time.

As for the rest of this book:
It's a pretty compelling read.

The anti-L'eihr feelings of people were uncomfortable to read, because the word L'eihr could have been easily swapped with another, and this would just as easily have been a contemporary read about intolerance.

Cara and her family were a breath of fresh air compared to most other humans in this book. And maybe that's my one grumble: I don't want to believe that so many people would be so biased. I had wanted there to be just a few more people to take the L'eihr's side.

That being said: Aelyx sure doesn't make it easy at first to be liked. Even in the scenes that were told from his viewpoint he sounded like he had a big stick up his ass. But luckily he loosened up a bit and he started to grow on me eventually.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book. I had wanted to see a bit more acceptance, or at least a spark of hope that humans can learn to be less intolerant, but maybe that will happen in the next book. I will most probably try to get my trotters on it to see what happens next for Cara and Aelyx.

Why should you read it:
It's a compelling YA SciFi read.

UNTIL MIDNIGHT - Free e-short + swag giveaway

UNTIL MIDNIGHT is here…and it’s FREE!



Happy Holidays, everyone! I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series, and I have a present for you—a brand new e-short from Disney Hyperion!

UNTIL MIDNIGHT takes place onboard an intergalactic transport, soon after ALIENATED ends and before the sequel INVADED begins. The story details Aelyx and Cara’s last day together before he returns to Earth to mend the alliance and she continues to his home planet. It’s sweet and romantic, and as a bonus, it includes a four-chapter preview of the sequel, which releases February 3rd.

Oh, and did I mention the best part? IT’S FREE!

You can download UNTIL MIDNIGHT from the following e-tailers:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1walSLX
Nook: http://bit.ly/1zshdpx
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1sT4CnM
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1AIb45a
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1v06kVd

*If you live outside the USA, no worries. I’ve uploaded the story to Scribd for you. (The only downside is it doesn’t include the bonus preview chapters, due to technical reasons from the publisher.) Link: http://www.scribd.com/AuthorMelissaLanders

To celebrate this new release, I’m offering TWO lucky winners an autographed swag pack complete with a personalized bookplate, mini-poster, bookmarks, and stickers—open internationally! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

Best of luck, and happy reading!



BIO: Melissa Landers writes romantic science fiction for teens and the young at heart. To learn more, or just to say hello, visit her at www.melissa-landers.com



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