Book Shelf: Winter Halo (Outcast #2) by Keri Arthur

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels comes the second in the futuristic fantasy series that will make you want to keep the lights on...

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between worlds, they allowed entry to the Others. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

The humanoid supersoldiers known as the déchet were almost eradicated by the war. Ever since, Tiger has tried to live her life in peace in hiding. But in the wake of her discovery that Central City’s children are being kidnapped and experimented on, Tiger’s conscience won’t let her look the other way.

The key to saving them lies within the walls of a pharmaceutical company called Winter Halo. But as she learns more about the facility, Tiger’s mission is derailed by a complication: Winter Halo’s female security guards are being systematically attacked by an unknown force.

Now Tiger must summon all her gifts to stop those responsible for both atrocities—no matter the cost to herself...

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

White Halo is the second novel in Keri Arthur’s Outcast trilogy and is an enjoyable sequel that is as eventful and exciting as its predecessor, once more drawing readers into a world of danger and darkness.

Since the war between the humans and shifters that tore a hole between the worlds and allowed the Other’s in, Tiger has tried to live her life in peace alongside the ghosts of the children murdered when their déchet bunker was gassed. Yet ever since she discovered children were being kidnapped and experimented on, Tiger has found herself increasingly involved in efforts to rescue them as her conscience just won’t let her walk away. Even if that means working alongside a mysterious witch named Nuri and shifter and former Ranger Jonas who is a natural enemy to her kind but who makes her feel things she thought she would never feel. When the key to finding the children means Tiger must infiltrate a pharmaceutical company named Winter Halo, she’ll need to use all her gifts in order to discover their secrets, before the children wind up dead….or worse.

Two novels down and I still find myself very invested in Tiger’s story. Winter Halo picks up mostly where the last novel left off and continues to see Tiger search for the missing children. As she continues her own investigations, Keri Arthur weaves Tiger’s story together with intrigue and danger as well as a little romance. The darkly dangerous post-apocalyptic world within the series is still highly intriguing with supernatural creatures and different elements of paranormal and sci-fi woven into its makeup. It genuinely a raw but vivid world to get lost in.

Tiger continues to be a solidly written protagonist. She’s strong and capable and endlessly daring, but I also love that she’s genuinely human in nature. She’s willing to risk herself in order to rescue missing children who are basically strangers to her simply because it is the right thing to do. I feel like the nurturing and caring side of her intermingles well with the kick-ass déchet she is.

In Winter Halo Tiger finds herself attempting to infiltrate a pharmaceutical company in this instalment and in an effort to obtain information, she begins a relationship with a man named Charles. Arthur writes some more sizzling sex scenes in Winter Halo, but it’s Tiger’s relationship with Jonas that has me eagerly turning each page. I think the two will have a really beautiful and lasting romance once finally explored and I loved seeing Keri Arthur take the first steps in this direction as Tiger and Jonas do acknowledge their attraction in this novel for the first time in the series.

Building to a final action packed few chapters, Winter Halo ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger that has me very keen to see what happens next. I have big expectations for the final novel in the trilogy and am hoping it lives up to the first two!

Rating:
Source: Bought by me
Publisher: Piatkus
Format: Paperback
Release Date: December 6th 2016
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Enjoyable reading--I'll be beginning the next one soon.

Owl Post #232

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.  

Hello book lovers and welcome to this weeks owl post!

  I Bought:

- Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard 

I loved the first two novels in The Witchlands series and am super excited to read Bloodwitch. I'm dying to read Aeduan's story and can't wait to dive into this!

- Archenemies by Marissa Meyer 

I have to admit I still haven't read the first novel in this series, but I do own a copy of Renegades and saw this on sale....so I got myself a copy :)

- Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett 

I really do like the sound of this book and The Book Depository had the hardback for a great price. Looking forward to reading it.

And that's me!

What did the owls bring you this week?

 

Book Blitz: A Tale of Two Houses by Susan Harris- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Book Blitz for A Tale of Two Houses by Susan Harris thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! This sounds like a magical twist on Romeo and Juliet and I'm excited to be sharing it with you guys today.

____________________________

Centuries ago, the royal house of witches in Vernanthia split into two factions: House Cambridge and House Montgomery. These two houses warred with each other for an age, causing widespread bloodshed and death. Those without magic—the Nulls—suffered the most. One day, a favored daughter of the Nulls was slain. With her dying breath, she cursed the covens to know no peace until love was possible between the houses. 

That curse had long since been forgotten—until now. 

Julian Montgomery is the reluctant Prince of House Montgomery and Rowan Cambridge is in no rush to become the Queen of House Cambridge. Both heirs long for freedom from their birthright obligations. When fate throws these two star-crossed lovers together, it sends them on a collision course with destiny that neither could have predicted. 

Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet is reimagined in this compelling drama about two young people drawn by fate into an unwinnable situation. If you think you know how this story ends—think again!

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google 

From A Tale of Two Houses......

Underneath the window, a trellis crept up the wall, vines of ivy weaving in and out of the wood. I cupped my hands over my mouth and breathed out to try and put some heat into them. My heart began to beat a steady rhythm against my chest as I placed a booted foot on the end of the trellis, my cold hands less painful than the pit of magic in my stomach.

Creeping up the wall, I managed a quick incline, resting my butt on the window ledge as I considered that I might just be mad enough to knock on his window and beckon him to open it up. The wind whipped my braid against my face as I lifted my head and gave a gentle tap.

Nothing happened, so I tapped again, this time hearing a heavy footfall come toward the window. For a split second, I feared that the Montgomery heir would open the window, pushing me to my death before I could even blink, but as I perched myself on the window ledge, I rolled my shoulders and braced myself for whatever reaction I received.

Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. 

An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy and Dystopian genre. She writes books for young adults and adults alike.

When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, creepy snow globes, DC shoes, stationary, anything Disney, Marvel movies, psychology and far too many TV shows. If she wasn't a writer, she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.

Visit Susan:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: The Iron Flower (The Black Witch Chronicles #2) by Laurie Forest

Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs, but their actions have propelled them straight into the ranks of the realm-wide Resistance against Gardnerian encroachment. As the Resistance struggles against the harsh rulings of High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council, Elloren begins to realize that none of the people she cares about will be safe if Gardneria seizes control of the Western Realm.

With tensions heating up in Verpacia, more and more Gardnerian soldiers continue to descend upon the university…led by none other than Lukas Grey, now commander of the newly rebuilt Fourth Division base. Though Elloren tries to keep him at arm’s length, Lukas is determined to wandfast to her, convinced that she has inherited her grandmother’s magic—the prophesied power of the Black Witch. As his very nearness seems to awaken a darkness inside her, Elloren finds it more and more difficult to believe that she’s truly powerless, as her uncle always claimed.

Caught between her growing feelings for the rebellious Yvan Guriel and the seductive power offered by Lukas Grey, Elloren must find a way to stay true to what she knows is right and protect everyone she loves…even if that means protecting them from herself.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

The Iron Flower is the explosive second novel in The Black Witch Chronicles by Laurie Forest and is a sensational follow up to her debut novel, giving its predecessor a run for its money with plenty of action, excitement and heart pounding romance.

Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs when they set in motion the start of a rebellion. As the High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council begin to seize control of the Western Realm, destroying and imprisoning any being not born to the Gardnerian race, the Resistance is rising up. Determined to help those who can’t help themselves, Elloren stands beside her friends to stop the cruelty and brutality her people are responsible for. As soliders descend on the University, led by Lukas Grey who is increasingly determined to fast to her, Elloren fights to keep him at arm’s length while navigating the increasing attraction she has to Yvan Guriel, a rebel whose secrets threaten to keep them apart. Torn between the darkness in Lukas that calls to her and the fire in Yvan that makes her burn, Elloren fights rumours she is the next Black Witch, knowing that her choices will impact those she loves and change their lives forever….

When I first began The Black Witch, I was in no way prepared for how much I would love the story. Laurie Forest completely sucked me into the lush and vivid fantasy world she has created and The Iron Flower only went to cement my feelings for this series—I think it’s spectacular! Largely underrated in my opinion, The Iron Flower picks up where the last novel left off and draws readers into an action packed story of danger, forbidden romance and delectable characters, set amongst a vibrant and complex fantasy world where oppression and segregation run rampant and a few dare to make a change.

The Iron Flower follows a strong and personable protagonist in Elloren Gardner. It’s really impossible not to like Elloren as far as I’m concerned; she’s a well-rounded and clear headed young woman who genuinely wants to do the right thing and stand up against the injustices of her world. Though she is one of the “pure” Gardnerian race, Elloren is a kind spirited individual and doesn’t share the beliefs many of her people do. I love that Elloren is both tenacious and willing but also natural and down to earth. Despite being a replica of her infamous grandmother in looks, Elloren is nothing like her ancestor and is instead caring, kind and just—the perfect type of heroine of these kinds of fantasy novels.

Though it is filled with fast paced chapters, shocking developments and heartbreaking moments, much of the beauty of this series comes not from the riveting storyline, but the incredible cast of characters Laurie Forest has written and the bonds they share. Alongside Elloren, Forest includes so many wonderful friends and family members in The Iron Flower. And that’s truly what they are as they stand alongside each other—a family. Yvan, Diana, Rafe, Jarrod, Trystan, Ariel, Wynter, Ashlyn, Andras, Tierney and Marina all bring so much to the story and though it may seem like there is a lot of people and personalities, the familial bonds, romances and connections they all share give the story such life and vibrancy.

Growing in intensity, The Iron Flower is a novel of revelations and developments as well as pain and loss. Secrets are revealed and loyalties put to the test as Elloren discovers new friends and new enemies in this instalment. Laurie Forest seems to include a lot of developments within the book. There is undoubtedly a lot going happening within the storyline as well as a lot of different groups of races being brought together in their shared desire to stand up to the Garderian’s (Kelts, Lupines, Amaz etc) but there is clearly a reason behind the madness as Forest moves the story forward.

Emotional and bewitching, The Iron Flower was an addictive and thoroughly enjoyable read. I adored every moment I spent with Elloren and her friends. I wasn’t prepared for it to end and I’m already dying for the next book to come out stat as I’m ready to get lost amongst this incredible world Laurie Forest has created once more!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Kindle copy via Netgalley
Release Date: September 18th 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I LOVED this and dying for the next one to come out so I can get my hands on it straight away!

Waiting on Wednesday #263

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King

Releases on: June 1st 2019

Add on Goodreads!

A fierce young female adventurer battles time itself to claim her destiny in a sweeping new fantasy saga from the author of the Hundredth Queen series.

Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.

Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny. 

Thoughts:

I absolutely loved Emily R. King's Hundredth Queen series and I am super excited for her latest series. I'll admit this novel made its way onto my TBR list before I even read the description pretty much because it was written by her but after reading the description I have no doubt this will be brilliant!

Have you read any of Emily R. King's books?

And what are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Shelf: City of Light (Outcast #1) by Keri Arthur

The first in an all-new futuristic fantasy series from Keri Arthur—the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels.

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between this world and the next, they allowed entry to the Others—demons, wraiths, and death spirits who turned the shadows into their hunting grounds. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

As a déchet—a breed of humanoid super-soldiers almost eradicated by the war—Tiger has spent her life in hiding. But when she risks her life to save a little girl on the outskirts of Central City, she discovers that the child is one of many abducted in broad daylight by a wraith-like being—an impossibility with dangerous implications for everyone on earth.

Because if the light is no longer enough to protect them, nowhere is safe...

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

City of Light is the first novel in Keri Arthur’s Outcast trilogy and is a forward paced sci-fi novel that will draw readers into its futuristic world of danger and darkness where one woman finds herself on a mission to protect those who can't protect themselves.

Tiger is a déchet, a humanoid super solider who was designed for seduction and stealth and whose race was almost completely eradicated during the war between humans and shifters more than a hundred years ago. After the bombs that ended the species war tore a hole in the veil between this world, the Others came in droves-- demons, wraiths and death spirits—forcing the humans and shifters to retreat into artificially lit cities meant to keep these creates of the night out. Now one of the last of her kind, Tiger lives alone in a deserted military base with only the ghosts of long departed déchet children to keep her company. Until she risks her life to save a human child on the outskirts of Central City that is and is soon drawn into a mystery involving children being snatched by wraith-like beings in broad daylight. Determined to help find the missing children, the secrets she’ll discover will change Tiger’s view of the world forever….

Having finally taken the plunge and begun a Keri Arthur novel—something I have been meaning to do for a long time now--I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as I very much enjoyed this sci-fi/futuristic tale. Well written, City of Light introduces a darkly vivid, post-apocalyptic world where darkness reigns and brings with it dangerous supernatural creatures. I found the world within this novel to be raw and gritty with plenty of layers and nuances. The story comes alive as author Keri Arthur draws her readers into this post war world of danger and the paranormal; where creatures such as wraiths and vampires pose a threat to the humans and shifters that call it home.

Our protagonist is Tiger, a humanoid creature known as a déchet whose use as a soldier and weapon of seduction was utilised during a war that ended a century before. I quite liked Tiger. Though she is in fact far from human, there is a very natural and maternal nature to her that shines through the story. Very capable as a fighter and a warrior, Tiger is also quite caring, especially to the children in her care and I really liked this kindness and tender side to her. It complimented the kick-ass aspect of her and made her a very well rounded and likable character.

There are numerous sex scenes throughout the story that I felt were written well and of high quality. They certainly got my blood pumping, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I have hope that Keri Arthur will explore the obvious connection and attraction between Tiger and Jonas. Given the history of their two races, I’m not expecting an easy romance, but am still hopeful as the romantic in me thinks they could have something really adorable.

Two other characters I highly enjoyed in City of Light are Cat and Bear. Tiger’s connection to the ghosts that inhabit the base where she lives is so very sweet and I enjoyed the childlike innocence, happiness and excitement of these two especially. I think they’re adorable additions to the story and am hoping to continue to see them as the series progresses.

As City of Light ends with an action packed and eventful final chapter, I’ll personally be diving straight into the next novel to see what else Keri Arthur has in store for Tiger and the world she lives in!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via The Book Depository
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 5th 2016
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A promising first novel; I'm keen to read more.

Owl Post #231

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.  

Hi lovelies,

Hope you've all had a fabulous weekend and are ready for a new week of books and reading :)

I Bought:

- Demon's Dance by Keri Arthur

- Hunter Hunted by Keri Arthur

- Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur

- Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

- Don't Look Back by S.E. Gilchrist

- Neveah by Jessica Gleave  

- Straight Through the Heart by Jessica Gleave 

- Over Their Ashes by Jessica Gleave 

- Taste of Revenge by Jessica Gleave 

- Ruby Heart by Donna Maree Hanson

- Emerald Fire by Donna Maree Hanson 

- The Sorcerer's Spell by Dani Kristoff (AKA
Donna Maree Hanson)

I had a lovely time on Sunday at Australian Romance Readers Association's A Romantic Rendezvous signing. It was wonderful meeting Keri Arthur and I got to see some other fabulous authors including Donna Maree Hanson and Jessica Gleave as well a pick up paperback copies of some fabulous books. 

 What did the owls bring you this week?