Poison Study

Author: Maria V Snyder
Series: Study #1
Publication Date: October 1, 2005
Source: Purchased

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Summary from Goodreads: Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

This book has been on my Goodreads TBR shelf since my first day on the site in 2012! Since I have been in a reading/blogging slump, I went into this book without reading the summary, so I didn't exactly remember what I was in for.

At first I thought the book had a clear cut plot - Yelena is the Commader's new food taster. I had no idea that the book would flesh out in so many directions: magic, political elements and a subplot. I was pleasantly surprised and loved every minute.

I liked Yelena - she is strong and smart, but not overly cocky. I particularly liked her survival instinct and her personal growth. Her back story was interesting and I really liked the way it revealed to the reader. The book is told from Yelena's perspective which I think helped me connect to her so instantaneously.

Valek, is easily on of my favorite male characters. He is deep, reserved, and dedicated. I loved Rand and felt like he was exactly what I expected in a chef and D was exactly what I expected for a seamstress. The Commander surprised me - I am still not sure if we truly know him yet.

The world building was phenomenal. I felt like I was given information as it was needed for the story - there were NO info dumps. Considering the fact that this book was more complex than I initially thought, the world building was really well done.

The romance was well done, initially not obvious and once it was clear it was a slow build. The plot was pretty thick and the multiple layers to the story really kept me guessing.

Truthwitch

Author: Susan Dennard
Series: Witchlands #1
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Source: Purchased
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Summary from Goodreads: In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.
Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.
In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Witch books are typically hit or miss for me; I am happy to say that Truthwitch was a hit. This book started out exciting and really held my interest. It was one of those books that made me look forward to going to bed early just so I could read it. The world building was great, I could easily envision where we were. I did struggle a teeny tiny bit with understanding some of the terms and the magic system, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.

I LOVED the characters! They are extremely well done, not only the main characters and secondary characters, but even the supporting characters. I felt like they were real people with real personalities. I also loved seeing the growth of certain characters – this felt genuine, like they are still themselves but have grown into better versions of themselves.

The relationships in this book are probably my favorite. I mean it’s a book about Threadsisters (which I like to think of as the best friends that are as close as sisters and even sort of soul mates). I LOVE LOVE LOVE that this book focused on a positive female friendship – it was beautiful. There are also Threadbrothers – and I loved seeing just how deep this thread-person bond was. There was some romance, I personally loved seeing the power of heartthreads with Ryber and Kullen. I am definitely looking forward to the development of a certain romance in the second book.

Typical to fantasy books, there is an epic journey with lots of action. I absolutely loved it! This was the perfect dose of the thrill when you ride a rollercoaster and edge of your seat suspense in a movie. It was perfection. There is a dash of political turmoil too. 

This book was everything I love about a good book and I can't wait for Windwitch!

A Court of Thrones and Roses

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Source: Purchased
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Summary from Goodreads: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

I literally could not put this book down. I started it on Friday night and finished it Saturday night.

I loved everything about this book. The setting, the characters, the romance, the plot - it is all amazing. Literally this book is everything that you want in a high fantasy novel. This book was definitely more mature than I expected it to be. I also love how Maas was able to put a completely new and original spin on Beauty and the Beast. There were elements that were clearly inspired by the original tale and then there were elements that were totally new. I loved this story.

The characters were amazing. Feyre was fabulous, she is a sassy teen/young adult who evolves into a strong woman. I swooned over Tamlin - hello yummy. I also loved his sidekick, Lucien. Each character was consistent, even the secondary characters and the villains. The romance is steaming hot - give me more please!

The plot moved at an excellent pace. I loved the inclusion of plot elements that were reminiscent of the original tale. While there wasn't a lot of action and adventure, I never felt like it was lacking. The last quarter of the book was intense!

Honestly, I loved this book so much that I'm tempted to read it again right now. I really don't know how I am going to wait for book 2. Also, I will buy anything Sarah J Maas writes.

Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Publication Date: September 1. 2015
Source: Purchased

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Summary from Goodreads: The queen has returned.Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.
The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Warning there may be SPOILERS for the first 3 books in the series!

I LOVE this series - it took me several days to sit down and write this review simply because I had so many feelings and thoughts to sort through.

When I started this book, I had an idea of where things were going to go, I mean it was pretty clear at the end of the last book, but somehow I was blown away. Plot twists, plot twists, plot twists - how does one human come up with and effortlessly execute so many plot twists?! Everything comes together - all those tiny, intricate details from the first three books start coming together in an unimaginable way. I am so glad that I reread the first three books before reading this one, and I highly recommend that you do the same.

Celaena has grown into a powerful woman, I honestly didn't think she had any growth left, and yet, we see her grow into s couple new roles. While Dorian and Choal are present in this book, they have also changed quite a bit. It broke my heart to see the differences between the three members of this once tight knit crew, but I trusted Maas and I do feel like she is doing all the right things as the author in order to tell the story that needs to be told. (And I know a lot of team Choal readers are upset that that ship has not only sailed but has sunk, but after rereading the series, I have to tell you that I am not suprised and I feel like Maas was true to her characters). Rowan's presence is not as strong as I would have liked it to be, I  am totally team Rowan and have been from his introduction. (Sidebar - I just want to point out that I LOVE the fact that Maas has chosen to let Celaena have multiple relationships in a naturally healthy way AND that she avoids instalove) I loved that Lysandra returned in this book, the development with her character is interesting and much needed.

While I was not a fan of Manon, I did find that I enjoyed her chapters much more in this book than the previous and she is starting to grow on me. I enjoyed getting to know Manon and her Thirteen better, especially Asterin. I was really, really interested with what was going on over there in Morath with Kaltain and Elide too.

This book had me going through SO many emotions. I felt like the plot moved at a good pace; there were some slow parts with lots of important information, and most of the action is at the end, but it worked for me. The ending is torturous simply because I must wait for the next installment!

Heir of Fire - Reread Review

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Source: Purchased

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Summary from Goodreads: She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever.
Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.
The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Crown of Midnight.

So, most of this review is a restatement of my first review.

While I was blown away by this book for the second time, I think the thing that stood out to me the most as Celaena. I can't believe how much she grows into herself; her essence remained the same, but she grew and developed into a stronger, more bad-ass version of herself. While Celaena obviously experiences the most growth, the other characters also experience a lot of growth and have challenges to overcome. Again, I feel like I can't believe that I missed so many revelations of certain characters' true colors. The new characters were perfection. I wish I could talk more about them without giving away spoilers. I mean there is the obvious addition who I love to whatever end (see what I did there?) but there are also the minor characters who I love and think had a specific influence on Celaena and I hope they appear in future books. I wasn't crazy about the witches, to be honest I usually took a little break whenever  got to their portion of the story,but again, I can feel their importance.

I loved the plot of this book and feel like we learned a lot about the world that Celaena lives in. There is a heavier influence of fantasy elements in this book; given that this is my second time reading the books, I felt like this was the direction the series was meant to move in. I am also so grateful that we finally get the whole story about what happened 10 years ago. I am just blown away by the intricate weaving of details - I am amazed by Sarah J Maas' ability to write such a complex series.

Crown of Midnight - Reread Review

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Source: Purchased

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Summary from Goodreads:"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.
Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.
Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

For the second time, this book left me speechless. Celaena as the King's Champion is intense. While she is still true to herself, you can tell that she has built this wall in order to cope with her current job. She is so human to me. Celaena's relationships with Dorian, Chaol, and Nehemia change, develop, and grow. Since, I had already read this book and Heir of Fire, I knew the direction that these relationships were heading, however I found so much more depth with them this time around. In terms of character development, I can't believe how much I missed the first time around. I was so head over heels for Chaol that I missed so much that was revealed about who he is deep down. The development with Dorian and Nehemia were much more obvious.

The plot was intense and fast paced. Honestly, I felt like I enjoyed this plot more than that of Throne of Glass. There are SO SO SO many feelings that I have. So much happens in this book that is extremely important. And then the ending, I am so relieved that this time around, I was able to pick up Heir of Fire right away because that ending is like the ultimate cliffhanger.

Throne of Glass - Reread Review

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Source: Purchased

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Summary from Goodreads: In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.
The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

I loved this book just as much, if not more, the second time around. As with the first time I read this book, I immediately liked Celaena. She is fierce, strong, and flawed. There are times where I felt like she truly was an 18 year old girl and there were times that I felt like maybe she was older, but I felt like given her history this inconsistent behavior would be expected of any real person who lived Celaena's life. A lot of readers dislike Celaena because she knows she is beautiful, I actually find this refreshing about her. I love that she is who she is and doesn't apologize for it. The other key characters are fabulous. Dorien is a well developed character with lots of room for growth. You can't help but enjoy his company. Chaol is broody and difficult to read, but he is intriguing and totally the guy I would fall for if he was real. I loved Nehemia so much more with this read, she is interesting and her friendship is touching.

It has been quite a while since I read this book the first time around, I honestly couldn't believe how much I had forgotten about the plot. The plot moves at an excellent pace and has all the required elements to be a fabulous fantasy.

I also picked up on SO many details I missed the first read through that were immensely important for the books that follow. I couldn't believe how many hints were dropped early in the series. I highly recommend rereading the books!

Lion Heart

Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #3
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads:The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief. Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

Rating: êêêêê

Review

Wow, this was an amazing ending to the trilogy. I am truly struggling to write this review, because I know whatever I write will not do it justice.

The book starts out dark and gloomy, and I know it seems impossible but this book was more intense than the last. I was captivated the entire time I was reading this book. Despite her circumstances, Scarlet remains true to herself, and I believe that this book brings her to her full development as a fierce, strong, brave, young woman. Robin also grows and becomes a more formidable young man and leader. The adventure in this book is thrilling. The historical elements come into play a little more in this book than in the previous books, but again it supplemental information that supports and complements the story. Everything comes together and the ending makes sense. It was truly and epic tale and I think my favorite retelling.

Lady Thief

Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #2
Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Rating: êêêêê

Review

This book picks up just about where the first left off, however it is a fast paced, emotional, and bumpy ride. I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest when Scarlet married Gisbourne, but I remained hopelessly hopeful that the deep bond shared between Scarlet and Robin would persevere.

The characters remain true to who they were in the previous book so basically they are amazing! To be fair, I think we see more strength and bravery in this novel from Robin's band, but we also see a different side of strength and bravery. The bad guys are detestable and it really just solidifies your love for the main characters.

Typically, I'm not one to enjoy historical fiction, but I found this book to be a perfect balance. It sprinkled enough history to give you an understanding of the time, place, and circumstances. It transports you to this moment in time. But it is never overbearing or boring.

The action is fabulously written. Your heart will race as if you are in the thick of it all. The relationships are complex and will overwhelm you with feelings in all the right ways.

Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #1
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Will Scarlet is good at two things: stealing from the rich and keeping secrets - skills that are in high demand in Robin Hood's band of thieves, who protect the people of Nottingham from the evil sheriff. Scarlet's biggest secret of all is one only Robin and his men know...that she is posing as a thief; that the slip of a boy who is fast with sharp knives is really a girl. The terrible events in her past that led Scarlet to hide her real identity are in danger of being exposed when the thief taker Lord Gisbourne arrives in town to rid Nottingham of the Hood and his men once and for all. As Gisbourne closes in a put innocent lives at risk, Scarlet must decide how much the people of Nottingham mean to her, especially John Little, a flirtatious fellow outlaw, and Robin, whose quick smiles have the rare power to unsettle her. There is real honor among these thieves and so much more - making this a fight worth dying for.

Rating: êêêêê

Review

This book has been on my must read list for a while now (probably since 2012 when it was published); I mean look at that cover and there is something fascinating about Robin Hood's story and I was intrigued by the twist presented in the summary.

It's summer vacation and I finally had some time to myself to read and I was HOOKED, like literally did not want to put this book down.

This book is everything you could want is a fantasy retelling: action, adventure, romance, friendship and so much more. The story is told through Will Scarlet's voice and she has a unique way of with words. At first I was hesitant that this writing style wouldn't work for me, but I quickly learned that it was an essential piece of who Scarlet was and it really helped me to connect with her.

The characters are well developed and consistent. Scarlet is a strong, brave, yet vulnerable young woman, and I immediately loved her. I truly feel that the author has created the perfect character for young girls - she screams girl power in a wonderful and inspiring way. Robin is ::sigh::, how can you not lust after such a heroic outlaw. John Little and Much, the other members of the band, are perfect characters to round out the group. The townsfolk are even well developed.

The plot moves at an excellent pace. The action really drives everything forward and it was thrilling heart pumping kind of action. The romance builds painfully slow in a good way. I couldn't help but feel wrapped up in it. Like I said, I couldn't put this book down.

I finished this book around 2 am and immediately purchased the next book in the series: Lady Thief, because YES it was THAT GOOD.

The Winner's Crime (Book Review)

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Series: The Winner's Trilogy #2
Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads: Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.
The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.
As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Rating: êêêêê

Review

This book left me speechless and struggling with feelings - in the best way possible, The book moved at an excellent pace. The plot is thick, there were plenty of twists that kept me on my toes and the politics of this book were intriguing. My favorite part about this book was the character development. We really get to know the characters in this book. Without being spoilery, one of the things that really hit me after reading this book was the fact that, everything the characters did was consistent with who they are and yet I was still shocked by a few things that some of them did. I think it speaks volumes about how well Marie Rutkowski knows her characters. Typically,I am not a fan of star crossed lovers, but Kestrel and Arin's story had me hooked, I think because it's sort of in the background and not in your face. It was the perfect balance. Overall, this book was AMAZING and you should read it.

The Sin Eater's Daughter

Author: Melinda Salisbury
Published: February 5, 2015
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she’s engaged to the prince, Twylla isn’t exactly a member of the court.
She’s the executioner.
As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month she’s taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla’s fatal touch, avoids her company.
But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he’s able to look past Twylla’s executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla’s been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen.
However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla’s problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

Rating: êêêêê

Review

This book was captivating and enchanting. The first thing that struck me was the opening sentences; you can tell from those 2 sentences that this is going to be amazing. The next thing I noticed while reading this book was the effortless world building. I was engrossed in the world, yet I was curious; if Twylla is the executioner, who left her life and training as the Sin Eater's daughter and the book centered around Twylla's new life and role at the castle, why was the book titled The Sin Eater's Daughter? Well, the more I learned about Twylla's life and role at the castle and the the more I learned about her mother's Sin Eating, the more intrigued I was.

I loved characters. Each was well developed and served their role perfectly. I found myself emotionally invested in them. I expected there to be a love triangle, based on the hints from the summary, but what I got was not at all what I expected. There is a complex story here which is linked to the complex history and mythology of the world in which our characters live. The details were intricate. The story moves at a perfect and consistent pace. I found myself reading late into the night with no interest of stopping to sleep. There is a phenomenal twist that I didn't see coming and the ending was surprising. I was left speechless, and feeling greedy for more.

Ruin and Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha #3
Publication: June 17, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: The capital has fallen.The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.
Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.
Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Rating: êêêêê

Review

This about sums it up: 

OK, so I guess I should actually write a review.

This book took me by surprise. The layers and details that were beginning to weave together in book 2, combine beautifully. This book kept me on my toes; just when I thought I knew the direction that the book was heading, there would be a twist, and then it would happen again. The writing was excellent and the plot moved at an exceptional pace. The action was intense. I loved the ending, it was heart wrenching and crushed me at first, but as I continued to read and finished the epilogue, a feeling of rightness settled over me. The series feels complete and left me satisfied.

Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Grisha #1
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.

Rating: êêêêê

Review

I was sucked into this book right away. I loved the way we were introduced to the characters and the world; it was like a light dream that slowly became reality. I loved the world that this book takes place it, yes it took me a little while to understand some of the language, but I was always intrigued and never overwhelmed. I loved the characters, they were well developed and consistent. The plot moved at a perfect pace, it kept me wanting more and kept my brain thinking. There were unpredictable twists that thickened the plot and made me hungry for more. This book has everything that a good quality fantasy novel needs. Literally, I finished the book and struggled to come up with words to describe how much I enjoyed it and how badly I wanted more. I am still speechless, hence the short review.

Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J Maas
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Source: Purchased (at the Heir of Fire Book Tour!)

Summary from Goodreads: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Rating: êêêêê

Review

Brilliant! Amazing! Un-put-down-able!

OK, so assuming you've read the other books in the series, you think you know Celaena, well you really get to know her in this book (and you're mind will be blown!). The character development is really well done; we finally get details about Celaena's past and we get to see her grow.

We are introduced to a new character who is also well developed, and I really don't want to say more about him because I can't spoil it for you. I am looking forward to more from him, and seeing where his story goes.

The plot moves at an excellent pace. There are a lot of details woven throughout scenes that come together in unexpected ways. The plot literally thickens as Celaena continues her journey. 

This book is darker and deeper than the others in the series, however I feel that it truly was necessary for the story. The writing is spectacular! This book made me feel pretty much every emotion possible (yes, I even cried... more than once). 

Seriously, you should stop reading this review and just pick up this book already!

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Pawn

Author: Aimee Carter
Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Source: Giveaway

Summary from Goodreads: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Rating: êêêêê

Review: I was expecting a typical ho-hum dystopian story, however what I got was a unique society ran by a disturbed family. There were a few quasi-predictable elements, however they were offset by lots of secrets, backstabbing and suspense that kept me on my toes. The pacing was excellent.

The world building is OK. The main character, Kitty, is likeable and smart. I also like the other characters. There is a developing romance, that adds to the story. Overall it was intense and I couldn't put it down.

Solomon's Sieve

Solomon’s Sieve by Victoria Danann
Knights of Black Swan #7
Published: May 22, 2014
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: When Sovereign Solomon Nemamiah lay dying on a beach under an overturned vehicle with his fiancée helplessly sobbing next to him, he made a vow to himself that he would refuse to stay in some arbitrary afterlife. He silently promised to return and finish what he started with The Order of the Black Swan and the love of his life. When the new Sovereign of Jefferson Unit begins saying and doing things that remind people of Sol, it raises suspicion in the minds of people who were closest to him.

Dr. Mercy Renaux is a new hire archeologist seeking to change her life and find something to blot out the guy she can’t forget. Sir Rafael Nightsong, bad boy member of the infamous Z Team, is the guy she can’t forget. When his team is assigned to escort the recent recruit to Bulgaria on a mission to contain irrefutable evidence that vampire exist, they both wish they worked for somebody else.

If you love a grand mix of romance, fantasy, science fiction, tears, laughter, and complex stories, this serial is right for you. 17+

named BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOVEL of 2013, REVIEWERS' CHOICE AWARDS, the Paranormal Romance Guild.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I could not put this book down.

My favorite part of this book was Z team! I loved that they got to be part of the spotlight of this book. And you know that with Z team comes some sort of adventure, which really made me happy because the adventure is what drew me in with book 1. Now, I thought that this series was filled to the brim with swoon-worthy men, however somehow Victoria was able to squeeze one more in! Yes Sir Nightsong seems like a complete jerk on the surface, but he is totally hot!

Victoria writes some pretty amazing romance. I have no idea how she is able to weave so many unique, yet somehow perfect in their own way couples. We learn about Sol and Farnsworth and really get a chance to see them as people. And the new romance that she brings into this book works beautifully. Did I mention that she also writes some amazing love stories and love scenes?

I love the addition of Mercy. She fits in with the characters of this series perfectly. I am really looking forward to seeing more of her.

And of course, I LOVE that all the old favorites are still there – we get to keep up with Elora, Ram and Storm, which makes me very happy. If only there was a bit more Baka in this book, I may have fainted.