Thursday, March 31, 2016
Discussion: DC Superheros are Officially Getting YA Books
I'm not really one for discussions, but this announcement from the publishing company Random House Books released today really caught my attention, and I felt like it was only fair to let you guys know that this is officially a thing!
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Rebel of the Sands Review: Amani
Book: Rebel of the Sands
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Series: Rebel of the Sands
Genre: YA fantasy
Pages: 320
Published: March 8th 2016
She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.
Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him...or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.
Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him...or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Captive Prince Review: Damen
Book: Captive Prince
Author: C.S. Pacat
Series: Captive Prince Trilogy
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 240
Published: May 22nd, 2012
"This was Vere, voluptuous and decadent, country of honeyed poison"
Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the truthful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.
Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.
For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else...
Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the truthful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.
Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.
For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else...
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Lessons in Gravity Review: Maddie
Book: Lessons in Gravity
Author: Jessica Peterson
Series: Study Abroad #2
Genre: NA romance
Release: March 16th, 2016
Source: ebook, author (thank you so much, Jessica!)
Maddie Lucas is only looking for a one night stand…
While studying in Spain for her semester abroad, Maddie hopes to escape the drama surrounding her parents’ divorce—a divorce she may or may not have caused—while researching Spanish architecture for her thesis. And if she hooks up with hot Madrileños along the way? All the better.
But handsome Spaniard Javier Montoya wants so much more.
Guitarist Javier is ready to set aside his rock star ways and settle down for good with his gorgeous ex-girlfriend. But after a one night stand with sexy, passionate Maddie blossoms into genuine friendship, he begins to wonder if Maddie might be the forever girl he’s looking for.
Too bad Maddie believes forever is more fiction than fairy tale. Can Javier prove to her that fairy tales exist? Or is Maddie right to think she doesn’t deserve happily ever after?
LESSONS IN GRAVITY is a New Adult romance, suitable for mature audiences.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Author Interview and Excerpt: SPANISH LESSONS with Jessica Peterson
I have the absolute pleasure of interviewing the one and only Jessica Peterson on my blog today, the author of the Study Abroad series! The first book, Spanish Lessons, is absolutely phenomenal (read my review here). I'm currently reading the second novel, Lessons in Gravity, and it is equally as amazing! This post has two parts: an interview and an excerpt, and you don't want to miss any part of this! You guys ready? Because I'm beyond excited! Let's get started!
Vivian Bingley has big plans for her semester abroad in Spain…
Along with her BFF, Maddie, Vivian hopes to indulge her inner Art History nerd by visiting the best museums in the world. She also wants to tackle more practical concerns—like a less than stellar GPA in her major, Economics—with the help of a Spanish tutor.
But falling for her studly Spanish tutor definitely isn't one of them.
Madrileño Rafa Montoya is the stuff study abroad dreams are made of: super studly and super smart. He also happens to be super into Vivian. With his wicked dancing skills and his passion for the arts, he tempts her to throw caution to the wind and live out her wildest dreams.
Only problem? Maddie wants Rafa, too, and Vivian promised herself she’d never settle for second best again…not after a hookup-gone-awry last semester left her heartbroken. Is it best for Vivian to protect her heart at all costs? Or is letting Rafa in worth the risk?
This book is a New Adult contemporary romance, suitable for mature audiences.
Along with her BFF, Maddie, Vivian hopes to indulge her inner Art History nerd by visiting the best museums in the world. She also wants to tackle more practical concerns—like a less than stellar GPA in her major, Economics—with the help of a Spanish tutor.
But falling for her studly Spanish tutor definitely isn't one of them.
Madrileño Rafa Montoya is the stuff study abroad dreams are made of: super studly and super smart. He also happens to be super into Vivian. With his wicked dancing skills and his passion for the arts, he tempts her to throw caution to the wind and live out her wildest dreams.
Only problem? Maddie wants Rafa, too, and Vivian promised herself she’d never settle for second best again…not after a hookup-gone-awry last semester left her heartbroken. Is it best for Vivian to protect her heart at all costs? Or is letting Rafa in worth the risk?
This book is a New Adult contemporary romance, suitable for mature audiences.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Thief of Lies Review: Gia
Book: Thief of Lies
Author: Brenda Drake
Series: Library Jumpers #1
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Physical Copy
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 400
Release: January 5th 2015
Goodreads
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.
Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.
Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Bind the Soul Review: Piper
Book: Bind the Soul
Author: Annette Marie
Series: Steel & Stone #2
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Netgallery
Pages: 304
Release: January 9th, 2015
Goodreads
The most important rule for an Apprentice Consul is simple: Don't get involved with daemons. Well, Piper is planning to break that rule — big time.
After a near-deadly scandal with the Sahar Stone, she has the chance to return to the only life she's ever wanted. All she has to do to keep her Apprenticeship is forget about Ash and Lyre. Ash might be enigmatic and notoriously lethal, and Lyre might be as sinfully irresistible as he is irritating, but they’re not bad for a couple of daemons.
There's just one problem: Ash is missing.
Really, she shouldn't risk her future for him. He lied. He betrayed her. But he also saved her life, damn it. Wherever he is, he's in trouble, and if she doesn't save his sorry butt, who will? But with every dangerous secret she unravels, each one darker than the last, she slips deeper into Ash's world — a world with no escape for either of them.
The most important rule for an Apprentice Consul is simple: Don't get involved with daemons. Well, Piper is planning to break that rule — big time.
After a near-deadly scandal with the Sahar Stone, she has the chance to return to the only life she's ever wanted. All she has to do to keep her Apprenticeship is forget about Ash and Lyre. Ash might be enigmatic and notoriously lethal, and Lyre might be as sinfully irresistible as he is irritating, but they’re not bad for a couple of daemons.
There's just one problem: Ash is missing.
Really, she shouldn't risk her future for him. He lied. He betrayed her. But he also saved her life, damn it. Wherever he is, he's in trouble, and if she doesn't save his sorry butt, who will? But with every dangerous secret she unravels, each one darker than the last, she slips deeper into Ash's world — a world with no escape for either of them.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Blog Tour, Giveaway, & Excerpts: STEEL AND STONE by Annette Marie
Discover the World of the Steel & Stone Series by Annette Marie In CHASE THE DARK…
Victoria
Aveyard’s Red Queen meets Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me in CHASE THE DARK, the
first book in the addictive Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy Steel &
Stone series. All Piper wants is to be a Consul, a keeper of the peace between
humans and daemons. When she’s framed for a treasonous crime, she knows she’s
dead on her own, but there’s no one she can trust except two seriously hot—and
equally untrustworthy—daemons.
People are raving about the Steel & Stone series!
I have found my 'dream' book! Let's make sure I have my checklist
right and what I LOVED about this book: Kick ass female = check. Fantasy world
= check. Hot leading man = double check and increasing in this case. Action,
adventurous, with more kicking-ass = CHECK. Creatures = dragons, incubus then
yes check. O yes...Dragons anyone?? = check. – Pandora’s Opened Box
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Cover Reveal: ROSEBLOOD by A.G. Howard
Yes, A.G. Howard has a new book! And YES, I absolutely cannot wait to read it!!!
(Funny story, I've been refreshing A.G. Howard's page over and over again since 9am, waiting for this cover. And of course it's when I need to go out that they decide to release it. Darn it!)
But the wait was definitely worth it! Take a look:
I mean, how creepy and intriguing is this? It looks a lot like the covers of her Splintered series (and according an interview, the same artist actually did do this cover). If it isn't obvious enough, this is going to be a retelling of the famous Phantom of the Opera. But, like with any good retelling, there are a few twists, and you can pick them out on the cover. Like the cracked mask (!!!), or the bloody thorns around her neck. I'm intrigued by the slight glimmer of gold in her eyes too... It's such a haunting cover!
I'm a big of A.G. Howard's works, and I love the idea of her creating a new gothic, creepy, and musical world based off The Phantom of the Opera. I mean, who doesn't love The Phantom of the Opera? (Unless of course you're studying gender/analyzing it with a gendered lens like a friend of mine, and realizing how helpless and dependent Christine actually is, then I guess you'd have some issues. But that's not the point. It's a classic. I love it for everything it is, characters, and all. Especially the music.)
This book is slated to come out January 2017. It's a bit of a wait, but at least we have a cover. And in the meanwhile, we all can go re-read her Splintered series (because Morpheus <3)
Full announcement is on YABC :)
Add it to your Goodreads here!
This YA novel from New York Times bestselling author A. G. Howard marks the beginning of a new era for fans of the Splintered series. Rune Germaine moves to a boarding school outside of Paris, only to discover that at this opera-house-turned-music-
Rune, whose voice has been compared to that of an angel, has a mysterious affliction linked to her talent that leaves her sick and drained at the end of every performance. Convinced creative direction will cure her, her mother ships her off to a French boarding school for the arts, rumored to have a haunted past. Shortly after arriving at RoseBlood conservatory, Rune starts to believe something otherworldly is indeed afoot. The mystery boy she’s seen frequenting the graveyard beside the opera house doesn’t have any classes at the school, and vanishes almost as quickly as he appears. When Rune begins to develop a secret friendship with the elusive Thorn, who dresses in clothing straight out of the 19th century, she realizes that in his presence she feels cured. Thorn may be falling for Rune, but the phantom haunting RoseBlood wants her for a very specific and dangerous purpose. As their love continues to grow, Thorn is faced with an impossible choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or save her and face the wrath of the phantom, the only father he’s ever known. A. G. Howard brings the romantic storytelling that Splintered fans adore to France—and an entirely new world filled with lavish romance and intrigue—in a retelling inspired by a story that has captivated generations. Fans of both The Phantom of the Opera musical and novel, as well as YA retellings such as Marissa Meyer’s Cinder, will devour RoseBlood. |
Sunday, March 6, 2016
A Mad Zombie Party Review
Book: A Mad Zombie Party
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: White Rabbit Chronicles #4 (final)
Genre: YA paranormal, zombies
Source: Physical copy
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 448
Release: September 29th, 2015
Goodreads
The enemy has risen from the grave. Together we slayers must stand, or one by one we will fall.
Ali Bell's crew of zombie slayers thought they'd won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular — the love of his life, Kat Parker.
On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond — Kat's spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla's betrayal caused Kat's death.
But when Anima rises from the grave stronger than ever, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes the line between hate and attraction is blurred... and the road to redemption may mean letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
The enemy has risen from the grave. Together we slayers must stand, or one by one we will fall.
Ali Bell's crew of zombie slayers thought they'd won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular — the love of his life, Kat Parker.
On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond — Kat's spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla's betrayal caused Kat's death.
But when Anima rises from the grave stronger than ever, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes the line between hate and attraction is blurred... and the road to redemption may mean letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Chase the Dark Review: Piper
Book: Chase the Dark
Author: Annette Marie
Series: Steel and Stone
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Netgallery
Pages: 302
Release: October 17th, 2014
Goodreads
Piper Griffiths wants one thing in life: To become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. There are three obstacles in her way.
The first is Lyre. Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to get Piper into bed and otherwise annoy the crap out of her. The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive — and scary. Did she mention scary?
The third is the Sahar Stone. Top secret magical weapon of mass destruction. Previously hidden in her Consulate until thieves broke in, went on a murder spree, and disappeared with the weapon.
And they left Piper to take the fall for their crimes.
Now she’s on the run, her dreams of becoming a Consul shattered and every daemon in the city gunning to kill her. She’s dead on her own, but there’s no one she can trust — no one except two entirely untrustworthy daemons ... See problems one and two.
Piper Griffiths wants one thing in life: To become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. There are three obstacles in her way.
The first is Lyre. Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to get Piper into bed and otherwise annoy the crap out of her. The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive — and scary. Did she mention scary?
The third is the Sahar Stone. Top secret magical weapon of mass destruction. Previously hidden in her Consulate until thieves broke in, went on a murder spree, and disappeared with the weapon.
And they left Piper to take the fall for their crimes.
Now she’s on the run, her dreams of becoming a Consul shattered and every daemon in the city gunning to kill her. She’s dead on her own, but there’s no one she can trust — no one except two entirely untrustworthy daemons ... See problems one and two.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Cover Reveal: A MILLION WORLDS WITH YOU by Claudia Gray
I don't know how I missed this a week ago, BUT IT'S HERE. Claudia Gray's Firebird series hands down has one of the most gorgeous covers out there. Don't believe me? Well, here's the cover of the last (sob) book!
AHHHHHH. The colours alone make me want to cry! Who says orange and purple don't mix? They look absolutely fabulous together on this cover!
I'm loving all the European landmarks on this cover. Except that they all happen to be on fire. However, what I particularly like is that the chaotic image of fire above is offset by the cool and tranquil image of space below... But if you ask me, being stuck in space is a little worse than a fire, since there's literally nowhere to go. Both make me anxious!
Here's a comparison of the full set of covers of the entire series:
Right? Aren't they a beautiful set together? I'd buy these books just for the cover alone! And the fact that they contain such a brilliant story within is added bonus!
This book comes November 1st, 2016. Be prepared to experience the absolutely epic world-jumping finale! And in the meanwhile, if you haven't read this series yet, give it a try! It's a very different spin on parallel worlds and how evil can transcend universes!
Add it to your Goodreads here :)
The fate of the multiverse rests in Marguerite Caine’s hands. Marguerite has been at the center of a cross-dimensional feud since she first traveled to another universe using her parents’ invention, the Firebird. Only now has she learned the true plans of the evil Triad Corporation—and that those plans could spell doom for dozens or hundreds of universes, each facing total annihilation. Paul Markov has always been at Marguerite’s side, but Triad’s last attack has left him a changed man—angry and shadowed by tragedy. He struggles to overcome the damage done to him, but despite Marguerite’s efforts to help, Paul may never be the same again. So it’s up to Marguerite alone to stop the destruction of the multiverse. Billions of lives are at stake. The risks have never been higher. And Triad has unleashed its ultimate weapon: another dimension’s Marguerite—wicked, psychologically twisted, and always one step ahead. In the epic conclusion to Claudia Gray’s Firebird trilogy, fate and family will be questioned, loves will be won and lost, and the multiverse will be forever changed. It’s a battle of the Marguerites . . . and only one can win. |
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Winter Review
Book: Winter
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4 (final)
Setting: Luna (futuristic)
Genre: YA sci-fi fairytale retelling
Source: Physical copy
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 824
Release: November 10th 2015
Goodreads
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.
Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.
Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?
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