Poison Tour

Poison by Lan Chan
(Wind Dancer #1)
Publication date: September 1st 2015
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

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Synopsis: Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders.
In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.
It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.
Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.
However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it.
To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before–this time she’s learned the value of poison.
Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, strong protagonists, minority characters, circuses and nature!

AUTHOR BIO:
Lan Chan is a writer, gardener and professional procrastinator based in Melbourne, Australia. She is still waiting for her super powers to manifest but until then she writes young adult novels featuring strong female protagonists, minority characters and has a particular interest in dystopias and urban fantasy. Lan’s debut novel POISON, the first in her WIND DANCER series is due for release in September 2015.
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This is a unique dystopian, I loved that the focus was on seeds and genetic modifications to plants. I also really liked that it was set in Australia.

This book takes off at a fast pace that does not let up. There were a few graphic/violent scenes that were a bit much for me. While the plot moved at an exiting pace, there were times when I felt like Aurora lost her focus on her journey. But there were plenty of plot twists that kept me on my toes. The world building was OK, but could have used more details. A few details seemed unrelated, but later in the book they came together. I felt like this could have been executed a little better. Unfortunately, the book lacked character development. I did, however like that there was not a heavy focus on romance. I was a little let down by the ending because the story felt unfinished. All that being said, I did enjoy reading the book, it was exciting and I am really interested in reading the next book in the series.

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The Jewel

Author: Amy Ewing

Series: The Lone City #1

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Source: ARC provided by Odyssey Bookshop

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Summary from Goodreads: The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.
Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.
Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

Based on the summary, I thought this book would go in one of two directions: (1) it could lack uniqueness and be terribly executed or (2) it would surprisingly good, unique, and hopefully well written. Thankfully, it was mostly option 2. Yes the premise was somewhat reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale, Bumped, and The Hunger Games, but overall I felt like the story held its own. 

The world building was OK. I felt like I had a solid understanding of the social/economic structure of the society, but I felt like I needed a better grasp of the geographical characteristics of the world. I enjoyed learning about the powers and felt like they were really well written. I also found some of the information about the treatment of the surrogates and the medical treatments to be a bit disturbing, but really well done. 

The characters were good. Violet is likable, she is decently feisty and has a good heart. True to most teenage girls, she makes some questionable/naive decisions, but I can't fault her for acting her age. The Duchess is a bit unpredictable in a strange way that made her consistent. Unfortunately, the other characters were not as well developed. I am super interested in learning more about Raven and Ash. The "forbidden romance" felt rushed to me; like it didn't quite flow. 

Th pace of the book was well done, I never found myself bored and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the writing. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Wrath and The Dawn

Author: Renee Ahdieh
Series: The Wrath and The Dawn #1
Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Source: Purchased (Boston Teen Author Festival)
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Summary from Goodreads: One Life to One Dawn.
In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.
Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?
Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end.

The quick and dirty review: loved it, couldn't put it down, left me wanting more.

Retellings are really in right now, and I was immediately drawn to The Wrath and the Dawn because it was totally unique. I was quickly drawn into this story. I liked Shahrzad right away and was rooting for her to exact her vengeance. I loved how brash and unafraid she was to be herself. The characters are well done, I was especially impressed by the supporting characters. The romance was angsty, in a slow burn kind of way. I swooned a bit. The plot moved at a decent pace; occasionally the perspective switch bugged me, but I think that was because I was SO interested in Shahrzad's storyline that I found Traiq's storyline to be distracting. The magic was a bit lackluster, it almost felt tossed in as an after thought or like it was written in after the author decided to write the sequel. The writing was beautiful and I was so wrapped up in it that I couldn't wait to pick it up every night before bed. I totally recommend it!

Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows #1
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Source: Purchased
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Summary from Goodreads: Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

First of all, check out how beautiful this book is!

Let me be completely honest, I was hesitant to pick this book up. I really enjoyed The Grisha Series and I wasn't sure how a spin off series would do. But, my fellow bloggers were RAVING about it and when I heard Leigh Bardugo speak about the book, I knew I had to give it a chance.

The book started out a bit slow for me, but then before I even realized it, I was completely swept into the story. Bardugo does an excellent job setting the stage, while I recommend reading The Grisha Series, this series could stand on its own. 

I loved the crew of six main characters. Each character is totally unique and has an interesting history, I was really impressed by how well developed they were. I also loved how bits of their character were revealed at various times in the story, it felt really natural.

As I already said, the book started out a bit slow, but once it picks up, it really takes off. The journey was adventurous and filled with some unexpected twists that really kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Overall, the story is a bit dark, but it was really really good. The ending left me dying for the next book.

The Book Thief

Author: Mark Zusak
Publication Date: March 14, 2006
Source: Gift

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Summary from Goodreads: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

The very first thing I noticed while reading this book was that I enjoyed the narrator's voice. I loved that the story is told by Death, it feels fitting given the content, and it gave the book a unique spin. I also felt like this version of Death was approachable. The set up of the book is unique and Death tends to give away the ending, but it works.

I immediately liked Liesel and was saddened by her circumstances. I felt like this book did an excellent job portraying what life was like for a family living in Germany during World War II. I also loved the story of how they ended up with a Jewish man in their basement, this really made it feel real for me. I loved Liesel's step-father, he honestly seems like such a good man. I also liked several of the other secondary characters, they were all well developed.

The story moves somewhat slowly, but for some reason that never bothered me. I loved getting to know the characters and following them along. I loved the discussion on the power of words and the discussion and use of Hitler's Mein Kampf in the story. I felt like the author was trying to not only tell a story of a girl, her family, and the Jewish man they let live in their basement, but he was also trying to provide a platform for a discussion.

It's an emotional read, not necessarily a happy ending, but the ending did feel right to me.

Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.
Common enemy, common cause.
When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.
And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.
But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.
What power can bruise the sky?
From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

Rating: êêêê

Review
3.5 Stars

I am struggling to come up with an overall feeling to describe this book. The beginning and the end were amazing, but there was a bit of a drag in the middle. Things in this book get complex. A lot of the history is explained and a lot of questions that you have from the first two books are answered. There is also the introduction of new characters, which was a bit confusing at first, BUT it comes together in what teachers like to call an "ah-ha moment". Every detail in this book is important, I cannot wrap my head around how an author could possibly keep so much information inside their head while writing such a complex story. Laini Taylor has truly impressed me with her skill and her beautiful writing.

Akiva and Karou basically stay true to themselves as characters, with a little growth and learning about themselves. There is some awesome secondary character growth. Liraz for example, is probably my favorite in this sense. I think there is something important to be learned from who Liraz was in the first book and who she is at the end. I am still a bit confused about the Stelians and feel like maybe we didn't get enough information on that front.

While I love the world and feel that the world building was excellent, there was this overwhelming feeling that it might be too big. I also felt like the ending was epic in terms of finishing the story that was started in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, left quite a bit of room to either continue the series or write a spin off.

Days of Blood & Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2
Publication Date: November 6, 2012
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.  This is not that world.  Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.
While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. Forhope.
But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

Rating: êêêê

Review

I had mixed feelings about starting this book; the first was REALLY good and I felt like it was complete, even though there was an openness for a second book.

I am so glad I decided to read the second book. I devoured it!

Laini Taylor has found her calling for sure, she is a talented author. The writing is high quality and easy to read.

This book is deep, it's complex, and at times dark. Karou grows and begins to establish herself within her community, but she still has so much work to do. Karou is also trying find the balance between her human life and her knowledge of the answers from Book 1. We learn more about Akiva in this book and begin to understand him better. As the summary states, Karou and Akiva are on opposing sides of the war and it is truly agonizing. Zuze - I wish I had a friend like her, she is amazing, like the best book friend ever.

The plot has plenty of action and lots of important things happen. This book is about war and the events make that very clear. We learn a ton about the world that Korou and Akiva come from and there is still so much more to learn. The ending is fantastic, but will leave you hanging so be sure to have book 3 ready!

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actuallygrows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.
When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Rating: êêêê

Review

I was initially drawn to this book because of its stunning cover, but I was hesitant because I found out that it had to do with angels and devils and I typically can't stand those types of books. But, the othersbooks in the series got quite a bit of hype in the blogosphere and I spotted this at a used bookstore at a reasonable price.

My initial thought when I started reading this book was: "Wow, this is really easy to read". I have no idea what it is about the author's style, but it truly was a breeze to read - and it is not low level reading, just well written I guess. The next thing that stuck out to me about the author's style was how the chapters were titled based on something within each chapter - yes I know that is typical, but the way she did it was really unique.

So, onto the review...

Like I said I breezed through this book, I enjoyed it, I found myself drawn to it before going to sleep at night. The world building is well done, I have officially added Prague to must must visit list. I was intrigued by Karou's life and her role within her monstrous family, especially her relationship with Brimstone. I wanted to know about the teeth and the errands. I wanted to know who Karou was just about as much as she wanted to know who she was. And then Akiva slammed his way into the story and  I was fascinated by him. The plot moves at an excellent pace and peppers you with questions along the way. And then questions are answered in the most tantalizing way. It was really well done. I loved the big reveal, but wasn't entirely surprised by it. The ending of the book felt complete to me, but there is clearly an openness for a sequel.

Glass Arrow

Author: Kristen Simmons

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.
In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I LOVE that this book started with action right away, I really feel like when authors successfully do this, I am hooked. The world building in this book was terrific. It is an interesting world, the author has clearly drawn from many resources, but she has created something totally unique and terrifying. While the book took off running, it did slow down a bit, but it felt purposeful. Aya is an amazingly well developed character; she is wild, tough, and true to herself. I loved her friendship with Kiran, it was surprising and interesting.  The ending was perfection.

The Girl at Midnight

Author: Melissa Grey
Series: The Girl at Midnight #1
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads: Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.
Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.
Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.
But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I had been transported into a magical version of our world. The writing was beautifully descriptive, making it effortless to envision everything. I felt sucked in and struggled to put it down and when I did, I couldn't stop thinking about picking it back up. 

I loved the characters, Echo is a badass with a tender heart, she is instantly likeable and consistent. Without giving too much away, I will say that every member of her motley crew holds a special place in my heart. Echo's journey drives the plot. Typically with fantasy novels about a journey I get bored and find that the destinations/encounters feel forced, but that was not the case. The journey was a decent length and felt purposeful. There was some heavy foreshadowing that sort of took away from the climax. 

So, why did I give it 4 stars instead of 5? I felt like I needed a better understanding about the Avicen and Drakharin and would have appreciated more information about their history. I also felt like the romance piece of the story was a bit predictable. But all in all, I enjoyed it and definitely plan to continue the series.

Hidden Huntress

Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Series: The Malediction Trilogy #2
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads: Sometimes, one must accomplish the impossible.Beneath the mountain, the king’s reign of tyranny is absolute; the one troll with the capacity to challenge him is imprisoned for treason. Cécile has escaped the darkness of Trollus, but she learns all too quickly that she is not beyond the reach of the king’s power. Or his manipulation.
Recovered from her injuries, she now lives with her mother in Trianon and graces the opera stage every night. But by day she searches for the witch who has eluded the trolls for five hundred years. Whether she succeeds or fails, the costs to those she cares about will be high.
To find Anushka, she must delve into magic that is both dark and deadly. But the witch is a clever creature. And Cécile might not just be the hunter. She might also be the hunted…

Rating: êêêê

Review

Beautifully written. This book continues the story from Stolen Songbird, but it is it's own book with it's own focus. My favorite part of this book was the character development. Cecile and Tristan are separated and yet connected, creating a unique dynamic. I also enjoyed seeing Cecile's relationships with her family and friends. The plot had a mysterious feel to it that propelled the story forward. There were parts that dragged a bit, but overall the plot moved at a decent pace. The ending is powerful and hints at what is to come in the next book, leaving readers wanting more.

Ashes of Foreverland

Author: Tony Bertauski
Series: Foreverland #3
Publication Date: March 21, 2015
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Summary from Goodreads: Where once there was light on a dusted rimWhen day followed day, now a night-filled sin.Turn back your sight to where your steps begin,And return to the root and fall again.
Tyler Ballard was in prison when his son created a dreamworld called Foreverland, a place so boundless and spellbinding that no one ever wanted to leave. Or did. Now his son is dead, his wife is comatose and Tyler is still imprisoned.
But he planned it that way.
The final piece of his vision falls into place when Alessandra Diosa investigates the crimes of Foreverland. Tyler will use her to create a new dimension of reality beyond anything his son ever imagined--a Foreverland for the entire world.
Danny, living outside of Spain since escaping the very first Foreverland, begins receiving mysterious clues that lead him to Cyn. They are both Foreverland survivors, but they have more in common than survival. They become pieces of another grand plan, one designed to stop Tyler Ballard. No one knows who is sending the clues, but some suspect Reed, another Foreverland survivor. Reed, however, is dead.
Everyone will make one last trip back to Foreverland to find out who sent them. And why.

Rating: êêêê

Review
I loved this book; as a "final" installment, it serves it purpose, it answered my questions from the previous two books and gave me closure with the characters. While the book addressed all of my major questions, it also kept me guessing. I was intrigued and really interested in where the story was heading.

I liked the inclusion of Alessandra and wish I got to know her a little better, especially when I got to the end of the book. I loved learning about how Danny Boy and Cyn are surviving. The inclusion of Reed felt cruel, like a tease, but Tony has his reasons and if you trust him as the author, you will understand.

While I enjoyed reading this book, I felt like it didn't quite live up to the first two. I guess it wasn't as disturbing as the first two, but don't let that discourage you from reading this book because it is thought provoking in a new way.

Initially, I wasn't sure if I was interested in the Halfskin books, but with the tie in to the Foreverland series, my interest is piqued.

Overall, I'd suggest you read this book, and if you haven't started the series give the first two a shot.

Moneyball

Author: Michael Lewis
Publication Date: March 17, 2004
Source: Purchased

Summary: Billy Beane, general manager of MLB's Oakland A's and protagonist of Michael Lewis's Moneyball, had a problem: how to win in the Major Leagues with a budget that's smaller than that of nearly every other team. Conventional wisdom long held that big name, highly athletic hitters and young pitchers with rocket arms were the ticket to success. But Beane and his staff, buoyed by massive amounts of carefully interpreted statistical data, believed that wins could be had by more affordable methods such as hitters with high on-base percentage and pitchers who get lots of ground outs. Given this information and a tight budget, Beane defied tradition and his own scouting department to build winning teams of young affordable players and inexpensive castoff veterans.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I am honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I watched the movie around this time last year with my AP Statistics students and thought it was OK. This year, now that the exam is over and we have lots of time left before the end of the school year, I decided to see if I could create some lessons with this book.

Not only does this book lend itself to being incorporated into AP Statistics, but it is interesting, compelling, and powerful. There are themes about being yourself, being a leader, thinking outside the box, and making the best of your situation. There is an interesting and inspiring conversation about the mathematics involved with baseball that fills the reader in without being too technical or boring. I am by no means a sports fan, but I found myself invested in Billy and the A's.

While I read this book through the lens of a teacher looking to incorporate it into my classroom, I feel like it has taught me that I can enjoy books that are nonfiction and outside of my normal genres. I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.

A Time of Reckoning

Author: AJ Nuest
Series: The Golden Key Legacy #3
Publication: January 29, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads: Rhys had one job to do. One measly errand that shouldn’t have been a problem, given the nature of his powers. But when an old enemy reappears, detailing the result of his actions, Rhys is forced to make a choice between a future with Faedrah or dying before his time. Frustrated and out of options, he agrees to her suggestion they to leap forward in time to the future…even though a good chance exists his powers will be nothing but a memory in his world. Flying blind on a wing and a prayer, they prepare to fight for everything they love against a wizard of insurmountable power.
Faedrah does her best to gather their closest allies. The sides are squared in a war to control the future of both worlds. With the stakes so high, only one advantage has been cast in their favor. The sigil of utmost protection inherent in Rhys’ signature. If not enough to thwart the evil awaiting at the Austiere gates, she could find herself imprisoned in the future, while her kingdom and all those she has sworn to protect are lost to the mists of time.

Rating: êêêê

Review

This book is the perfect conclusion to the Golden Key Legacy. One of my favorite parts about reading this series was the parallels that mirrored the Golden Key Chronicles. The action is this book moves the plot along at an exciting pace. I love that there was time spent in both realms. Faedrah and Rhys's relationship is amazing. I love the raw passion between them. The ending is so perfect, it really ties the two series together.

The Winner's Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Rating: êêêê

Review

This book was enthralling. The world building was excellent, I could easily envision the empire and the society. I felt surrounded, as if I were in the book and watching the story unfold. 

The characters are well done. Kestrel and Arin are the most developed and of course my favorite. But I have a soft spot for the general and I enjoyed Kestrel's friends Jess and Ronan. While it's clear from the summary that Kestrel and Arin are "kindred spirits" and it's an obvious hint at the romance, I didn't feel overwhelmed by their relationship. It builds over time and still has a lot of growing to do. At The Winner's Crime release event I went to, Kristen Cashore, emphasized that all relationships in books are important and that she felt there were certain relationships in this series that were incredibly important, so I tried to pay attention to them. I think reading the book with this particular focus helped me appreciate the general, Jess and Ronan so much more.

In terms of pacing, the beginning is a bit slow, but no dreadfully so. Once the plot gets moving, the book becomes action driven and moves along at an enjoyable pace. There are some twists in the story and it left me wanting more. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and Kestrel's story.

Seeker

Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Publication: February 10, 2015
Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary from Goodreads: Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.
Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I feel like the summary for this book does not do it justice. This book was an awesome mix of sci-fi and fantasy. The story was a bit complex at first, but before I knew it, I was drawn into this book and flying through it. I like the characters, and while it's not surprising that I enjoyed Quin, Shinobu and John, I was surprised by how much I liked Maud. All of the characters are well developed, including the secondary characters.

The world building is interesting. It takes place in our world but with the other element of the Seekers. The change of location was a little strange but enjoyable. The plot moves at an OK pace, there are times when it moves quickly and times where it slows down a bit.

The writing style was a bit strange, it is told from the point of view of an omniscient narrator and each chapter focuses on a different character. The switch between Quin, Shinobu, and John was inconsistent, in that a chapter focusing on Quin, would sometimes suddenly feel like it was focused on Shinobu or John.

I still want to know more about the history of the Seekers and the families in this book. It is clear that there is going to be a sequel and I am really excited for it.

A Wizard Rises

Author: AJ Nuest
Series: The Golden Key Legacy #3
Publication: January 29, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads: The homecoming celebration held in honor of Princess Faedrah is fraught with perilous frustration. Her nightmares have returned thricefold and, to her horror, a horrendous blight has spread like a plague throughout the kingdom. Compounding her worries, Rhys’ arrival in her world has been welcomed with the exact horror-filled reaction she expected. Her beloved has been cast into the dungeons, and no amount of arguing with the king and queen will prove he’s her fated love.
Magical powers were supposed to be a gift, or so Rhys McEleod had always believed. Too bad the second he landed in Faedrah’s world the legacy he inherited slammed into his body like a weight. He’s got zero control and his constant visions of Faedrah fighting an evil entity aren’t helping. At least her parents made the right decision and stuck him away someplace safe. Until he can figure out his next move, prove himself an ally and uncover the clues to stopping Faedrah’s nightmares, he’s got no choice but to wait…and learn exactly what he’s become.

Rating: êêêê

Review

This novella picks up right where that shocking cliffhanger in novella two left us. Unfortunately, I would have like to see more action here at the beginning, don't get me wrong the novella takes a running start, I just felt like there was room for a bit more action. My favorite part about this novella is that we get to see a new level of devotion between Faedrah and Rhys. You can literally feel their relationship getting stronger. The development of Rhys as a character is really interesting. This novella feels like the middle of a book, but it should given the fact that this is a series. The novella is fast paced and thank the nine AJ included one of her staples, a steamy scene that makes you envious. The ending is perfect, leaves you wanting more and yet felt like a clean breaking point.

Siege and Storm

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha #2
Publication: June 4, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Darkness never dies.Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I am seriously struggling to find words for this review, in a good way. This book is like the middle of a french braid, pieces from the beginning are still being woven in and at the same time we are adding new pieces, making the layers to this story beautiful and thought provoking. I think that my favorite part of this book were the characters. Alina and Mal both continue to develop and grow, not necessarily in the direction I thought each of them would, but in retrospect, it feels right. I think my favorite character is the privateer that we meet in this book. I'm really curious about what the Darkling and the Apparat are up to. The relationships in this book are complex and felt real to me. The action was intense. The plot moves at a somewhat jerky pace, but it works and kept me on my toes. 

The School for Good and Evil - Book Review

Author: Soman Chainani
Series: The School for Good and Evil #1
Publication Date: May 14, 2013
Source: Purchased (at the Boston Book Festival)

Summary from Goodreads: The first kidnappings happened two hundred years before. Some years it was two boys taken, some years two girls, sometimes one of each. But if at first the choices seemed random, soon the pattern became clear. One was always beautiful and good, the child every parent wanted as their own. The other was homely and odd, an outcast from birth. An opposing pair, plucked from youth and spirited away.This year, best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to discover where all the lost children go: the fabled School for Good & Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are trained to be fairy tale heroes and villains. As the most beautiful girl in Gavaldon, Sophie has dreamed of being kidnapped into an enchanted world her whole life. With her pink dresses, glass slippers, and devotion to good deeds, she knows she’ll earn top marks at the School for Good and graduate a storybook princess. Meanwhile Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks, wicked pet cat, and dislike of nearly everyone, seems a natural fit for the School for Evil.
But when the two girls are swept into the Endless Woods, they find their fortunes reversed—Sophie’s dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School For Good, thrust amongst handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.. But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are…?
The School for Good & Evil is an epic journey into a dazzling new world, where the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through one.

Rating: êêêê

Review

I love the concept and setting of this book. Children who are kidnapped, taught at a school to be good or evil and end up in a fairy tale? The beginning of this book does an excellent job of setting the scene and drawing you in slowly, like quicksand I didn't realize I was immersed until it was too late and I was sucked in.

The characters are extremely well developed. Sophie and Agatha (the two main characters) are amazingly well developed . The supporting characters were perfect for their roles as supporters, we knew enough about them to distinguish between them and understand them, but they never overpowered or overshadowed the main characters.When I attended Boston Book Festival and heard Soman Chainani speak about this book, I was immediately interested because he talked a lot about the idea of female villainity (and I am partial to female villains). He did a spectacular job developing this idea throughout the book.

The book moves at an excellent pace; before I knew it, it was 1 am and I was halfway through the book. I loved the classes that the students took at the school. There are a lot of thematic elements in this book as well as some stereotype bending. There were so many times that I stopped for a moment and thought to myself, "hmm that would be an interesting thing to discuss". I wish I wrote them down. I could easily see this book being used in school because it is fun and interesting to read, but has so much potential to teach.

The book is not without its flaws, there were two glaring things that stood out to me, and knocked this down from 5 stars to 4. While it is a book about friendship, I did not believe that Sophie and Agatha were best friends, however I enjoyed seeing their friendship grow. I also found the role of the adults to be somewhat questionable.

It's a middle grade fantasy fairy tale spin off, but it can easily be enjoyed by any age group. I will be starting book two ASAP!