Friday, March 30, 2018

Blog Tour: Dwarves of Calcus by Katie Hamstead- Teasers & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dwarves of Calcus by Katie Hamstead presented by YA Bound Book Tours! Dwarves of Calcus is the third novel in the Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles and is an enjoyable sci-fi fairytale retelling!
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When she was thirteen, Snow Sabbia crash landed on the dwarves' home planet of Calcus. After fleeing from her step-mother's huntsman, seven brother dwarves took her in to hide and protect her. She has hidden for years on the peaceful planet, tinkering with old automobiles and pushing papers in the mine office.

Then, Timothy White shows up.


The shy, nervous, nerdy heir captivates Snow before she even knows who he is, and quickly she falls in love. But his high profile in society draws unwanted attention from her vengeful stepmother, who wants Snow dead.


Geneva believed Snow died years earlier and she had consumed her innocent heart. With her late husband's wealth, Snow's inheritance, in tow, she married a young lord, Conrad. Both are using each other--Geneva for his title and to have a child, Conrad for her money and beauty. But when Conrad lays eyes on his boyhood rival's lovely fiance, Snow, his overwhelming desire for her reveals the truth to Geneva, that Snow lives.


Desperate to hold onto her wealth and power, Geneva seeks to kill Snow properly this time. Snow has the power to wield the one thing that can destroy her, so she cannot let the girl claim possession of the family heirloom, the Nevollo Sword. 


Snow soon learns her step-mother knows she is alive. But she is a pacifist, so she must outwit Geneva and remain hidden... until Geneva, disguised as a child, presents her with an apple.


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Check out the first two books here
 My Reviews:

 
Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush", and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing. After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog. She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.

When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels now available, and is published through Curiosity Quills Press, Soul Mate Publishing, and REUTS Publishing. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good wife and mother. She now works as an Acquisitions Editor to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Visit Katie:

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Book Shelf: Dwarves of Calcus (Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles #3) by Katie Hamstead

When she was thirteen, Snow Sabbia crash landed on the dwarves' home planet of Calcus. After fleeing from her step-mother's huntsman, seven brother dwarves took her in to hide and protect her. She has hidden for years on the peaceful planet, tinkering with old automobiles and pushing papers in the mine office.

Then, Timothy White shows up.


The shy, nervous, nerdy heir captivates Snow before she even knows who he is, and quickly she falls in love. But his high profile in society draws unwanted attention from her vengeful stepmother, who wants Snow dead.


Geneva believed Snow died years earlier and she had consumed her innocent heart. With her late husband's wealth, Snow's inheritance, in tow, she married a young lord, Conrad. Both are using each other--Geneva for his title and to have a child, Conrad for her money and beauty. But when Conrad lays eyes on his boyhood rival's lovely fiance, Snow, his overwhelming desire for her reveals the truth to Geneva, that Snow lives.


Desperate to hold onto her wealth and power, Geneva seeks to kill Snow properly this time. Snow has the power to wield the one thing that can destroy her, so she cannot let the girl claim possession of the family heirloom, the Nevollo Sword. 


Snow soon learns her step-mother knows she is alive. But she is a pacifist, so she must outwit Geneva and remain hidden... until Geneva, disguised as a child, presents her with an apple.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Dwarves of Calcus is the third novel in Katie Hamstead’s Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles and is a sci-fi infused retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves full of romance and danger.

Snow Saabia crash landed on the dwarves home planet of Calcus when she was thirteen after fleeing from the huntsman sent after her by her evil stepmother. Rescued from the wreckage of her pod, Snow was taken in by seven brother dwarves who protected and raised her. Now twenty-one, Snow is at home on Calcus, content to repair vintage automobiles and run the admin section of the dwarves mine, until a young man arrives on Calcus and changes everything…..Timothy White is the heir to White Enterprises, but would much rather bury his head in study than take a role in his father’s business. Sent to Calcus to check up on a rising employee at their jewel mine, shy, nerdy Timothy finds himself instantly drawn to the vibrant and full of life Snow. Falling in love, Timothy and Snow have high hopes for their future together, but when Snow’s stepmother discovers her location, will tragedy find the young couple first?

Katie Hamstead is back with the third novel in her science fiction fairytale retellings series Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles and this time offers readers a fresh and fun take on Snow White. Personally I didn’t love Dwarves of Calcus as much as the first two novels—I found Snow too be too damsel in distress for my liking—but I still felt it was an enjoyable story and definitely worth reading.

In the interest of full disclosure, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has never been one of my favourite fairytales, so Katie Hamstead always had her work cut out for her where I was concerned. I did however think she did a very good idea with the story. The intergalactic twist explored in Dwarves of Calcus is romantic and adventurous with Snow finding love with the heir to a mining empire, named Timothy White.

The romance between Snow and Timothy was very sweet even if it was very insta-love and fast moving. I liked the growth Timothy undertook throughout the novel. He went from bumbling nerd to a confidant young man deeply in love with the vibrant and kind Snow. The dwarves were hilarious, even if I couldn’t keep track of them all.

There’s something so fun about fairytale retellings and I do very much enjoy them. The Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles is such an entertaining sci-fi series perfect for fans of the Lunar Chronicles. Can’t wait until Katie Hamstead releases the next instalment!

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by YA Bound Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: March 6th 2018
Purchase: Amazon
Final Thoughts: Though it wasn't my favourite novel in this series, Dwarves of Calcus was still a great read and I can't wait to read the next novel when it comes out.


Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #218

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.....
 
Arrowheart by Rebecca Sky 
Releases on: June 14th 2018
 
The gods are gone.
The people have forgotten them.
But sixteen-year-old Rachel Patel can't forget - the gods control her life, or more specifically, her love life.

Being a Hedoness, one of a strong group of women descended from Greek God Eros, makes true love impossible for Rachel. She wields the power of that magical golden arrow, and with it, the promise to take the will of any boy she kisses. But the last thing Rachel wants is to force someone to love her . . .

When seventeen-year-old Benjamin Blake's disappearance links back to the Hedonesses, Rachel's world collides with his, and her biggest fear becomes a terrifying reality. She's falling for him - a messy, magnetic, arrow-over-feet type of fall.

Rachel distances herself, struggling to resist the growing attraction, but when he gives up his dream to help her evade arrest, distance becomes an insurmountable task. With the police hot on their trail, Rachel soon realizes there are darker forces hunting them - a group of mortals recruited by the gods who will stop at nothing to preserve the power of the Hedonesses - not to mention Eros himself, who is desperate to reverse the curse . . .

Rachel must learn to do what no Hedoness has done before - to resist her gift - or she'll turn the Ben she's grown to love into a shadow of himself ... for ever.

Thoughts:
Taking out of the equation the fact that the heroine has the best name ever *hehe* Arrowheart sounds soooooo fun. I love Greek Mythology and romance so put them together and I'm in heaven. Bring this one on!

What do you think of Arrowheart?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?


Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Book Shelf: #1 Crush (#1 Series #1) by T. Gephart

Tia Monroe was smart, sassy and successful. Sure, she could get a little crazy at times—life around Tia was never boring—but that was part of her appeal. And while she didn’t see herself as ‘classically beautiful’, she had no shortage of options in the boyfriend department. She just hadn’t found one who held her interest.

Until she laid eyes on Eric Larsson, and then it was lust at first sight.

He packed the perfect mix of smoldering sexy and unapologetic cool into his blond-haired, blue-eyed, ridiculously hot six-foot-four frame. One smile from him was enough to twist her insides, making her girlie bits tingle in the most delicious way. But it wasn’t just his looks, he was smart and funny—charming in the most a-dork-able way.

The only problem was . . . Tia had never actually met him.

Eric Larsson was one of Hollywood’s hottest movie stars, rising to the top of his game and leaving a trail of disintegrated panties in his wake. Tia’s were no exception—but she wasn’t delusional. Love, marriage and happily-ever-after were not part of her fantasy; she just wanted to meet him. Just one time. One time. Confident that just seeing him in the flesh would get him out of her system.

So, with her resolve steeled, Tia set off on a quest to make it happen while avoiding her mug shot being splayed across the five o’clock news.

The journey no doubt will make for one hell of a story.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

#1 Crush is the first novel in Australian author T. Gephart’s #1 series and is perfect for anyone who’s ever fantasised about meeting their celebrity crush, drawing readers into a hilarious, romantic rom-com you can't help but love!

New York columist Tia Monroe is smart, successful and known for her crazy antics and endearing sass. All that's missing from her life is a special someone and although Tia was never without options in the boyfriend department, she hadn't found someone who held her interest. Until she laid eyes on Eric Larsson and fell in lust at first sight that is. The blond haired, blue eye stunner with the towering frame and body to die for managed to get Tia's insides in a mess with one panty melting smile. The only problem was that Tia hadn't actually met Eric....oh and he also happened to be one of Hollywood's hottest stars. With her crush on Eric commandeering so much of her life, Tia decides to takes drastic action; she's going to find a way to meet Eric and hopefully prove to herself he wasn't everything her mind had made him up to be. But when Tia meets her #1 Crush, is she about to discover that Eric is even more amazing than she first thought?

Sexy and thrilling, #1 Crush was an absolutely adorable read and so much fun! T. Gephart has created the ultimate dream of anyone who has ever secretly--or not so secretly--crushed on a celebrity and she does so with a sexy, swoon-inducing romance that will hold you captivated until the very end. This is the kind of contemporary romance I love best; humorful, endearing, sexy and downright fun.

Tia and Eric were both wonderful characters who have so much chemistry together. The protagonist of #1 Crush Tia is sassy and crazy but also very likable and easy to follow, while love interest Eric could quite possibly be the perfect man. Honestly; sizzling good looks aside, he was charming, sweet, cheeky and down to earth. His fame and fortune having not gone to his head thanks in part to his best friend Ryan who has kept him grounded and his own good nature.

T. Gephart writes a brilliant romance between Tia and Eric that includes a lot of hot and steamy sex and calm, endearing moments between the two of them as they fall in love. The sex scenes in this novel were perfect--steam inducing and sexy while not making me feel like I was reading the same scene over and over again either. Tia and Eric had a great chemistry and I thought they were very electric together.

I'm so excited to read more of this series. The supporting cast was brilliant and I'm highly excited to reading Lila and Ryan's story as well as one's that feature Eric's brothers down the track. I have no doubt they're going to be as good as this first one and if #1 Crush is any indicator, T. Gephart is sure to rock my socks off with whatever she releases next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: T Gephart
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 20th 2017
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel--it had the feel I've come to associate with a Kylie Scott  novel---which I love----so I'll be keen to read the rest of the series!


Monday, March 26, 2018

Owl Post #204


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.
 
Welcome to another Owl Post! I recieved a few book pretties this week and I'm certainly going to enjoy them!
 
For Review:
 From Bloomsbury:
The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson
I really like the sound of this novel and cannot wait until I have the chance to read it.
 
Truly, Wildly, Deeply by Jenny McLachlan
This is the companion novel to Stargazing For Beginners and one of my more anticipated releases of 2018. Can't wait to read it! 
 
- Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson  
I hadn't heard of this novel until I received it, but it sounds like powerful reading so I may try and work it into my reading schedule. 

- More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer 
This is the companion novel to Letters to the Lost, which I still need to read, but seeing how much I love Brigid Kemmerer I'm going to try and read it soon so I can enjoy this one too. 

.....Thank you guys!
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From Simon & Schuster:
- I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman 
This novel sounds really fabulous and I can't wait to read it. 
 
....Thank you guys!
 
I Bought:
 - Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen 
I think this novel sounds really good and I know how highly appreciated it has been by the blogasphere so I'm keen to discover it myself.

- Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen 
Book two in the Scarlet series which I now own all of. Looking forward to reading it!

And that's me!
What did the owls bring you this week?


Sunday, March 25, 2018

Book Shelf: The Continent (The Continent #1) by Keira Drake

For her sixteenth birthday, Vaela Sun receives the most coveted gift in all the Spire—a trip to the Continent. It seems an unlikely destination for a holiday: a cold, desolate land where two nations remain perpetually locked in combat. Most citizens lucky enough to tour the Continent do so to observe the spectacle and violence of battle, a thing long vanished in the peaceful realm of the Spire. For Vaela, the war holds little interest. As a smart and talented apprentice cartographer and a descendent of the Continent herself, she sees the journey as a dream come true: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve upon the maps she’s drawn of this vast, frozen land.

But Vaela’s dream all too quickly turns to nightmare as the journey brings her face-to-face with the brutal reality of a war she’s only read about. Observing from the safety of a heli-plane, Vaela is forever changed by the sight of the bloody battle being waged far beneath her. And when a tragic accident leaves her stranded on the Continent, Vaela finds herself much closer to danger than she’d ever imagined—and with an entirely new perspective as to what war truly means. Starving, alone, and lost in the middle of a war zone, Vaela must try to find a way home—but first, she must survive


More on Goodreads.....


Review: 

The Continent is Keira Drake’s debut novel and is an enjoyable fantasy YA that features a unique concept and is full of danger, action and romance.

Sixteen year old Vaela Sun is a member of the Spire, a refined and perfectly composed society of people whose morals and ideals embrace the concept of peace. For her birthday, Vaela receives the most coveted gift a person can be given—tickets to The Continent. Though it seems like a strange place for a holiday, the icy and desolate land is home to two waring races and is somewhat of a spectacle to the Spirian people. When the trip of a lifetime turns tragic, Vaela finds herself alone in the harsh Continent wilderness. Vaela is determined to find a way home, but first she must survive in a land so different than everything she’s ever known…...

After a turbulent first couple of chapters, The Continent was a novel I found I very much enjoyed—more so than I anticipated I would. Keira Drake has beautiful lyrical writing that flows wonderfully and I felt that she has created a story that is very intriguing. The Continent introduces readers to a beautiful but dangerous land of ice and snow that is home to two warring races of people.

I was entranced by the concept within The Continent of the Xoe and the Aven’ei. The people of the Spire effectively viewed the Xoe and Aven’ei with a morbid curiosity, observing them the way one would an ancient civilisation or primitive culture without physically interacting with them. It was thought provoking—the idea that these two races were allowed to interact and war with each other while a third watched them from afar. The Spire literally allowed two races to engage in brutal and violent battles while they watched above from planes in comfort.

The protagonist of The Continent is Vaela, a young woman who has known nothing but opulence and has never experienced hardship or violence a day in her life. At the beginning of the novel Vaela comes across as naïve; very much a product of her society but as the novel progresses Vaela’s natural kindness and innocence grow into a powerful strength to survive and an appreciation of the Aven’ei way of life. Through her grief and pain, Vaela finds true happiness thanks to those who welcome her to their lives including Kiri, Raia and Noro who is her love interest throughout the story.

Vaela and Noro have a really sweet, endearing relationship. Noro’s introduction to the story comes as Vaela’s saviour and he quickly becomes a friend to her, helping in his own quiet, thoughtful way to help her assimilate into life amongst the Aven’ei. I think it’s very obvious from the beginning of The Continent where Vaela and Noro are heading romantically, but that doesn’t make the sweetness of their budding romance any less satisfying as they slowly fall in love.

The Continent comes to a brutal and harrowing close. Keira Drake writes some beautiful dialogue and sentiments throughout the story, but ultimately brings the novel to a fitting, albeit brutal ending where not everyone will survive and emotions run high. I definitely recommend this one!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: HarlenquinTEEN
Format: Paperback ARC 
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 27th March 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I very much enjoyed The Continent and will be keeping an eye out to see if there is a sequel in the future.



Friday, March 23, 2018

Blog Tour: Over Raging Tides by Jennifer Ellision- Excerpt & Giveaway


Welcome to the Blog Tour for Over Raging Tides by Jennifer Ellision presented by Xpresso Book Tours! I've really enjoyed Jennifer Ellision's novels in the past so I'm happy to be helping her celebrate the release of her latest novel.
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The pirate crew of the Lady Luck lives by many rules, but chief among them is this: they do not allow men on board.

That’s a rule that quartermaster Grace Porter is willing to break when a shipwrecked young nobleman offers her information of an omniscient map, stolen from his warship by an enemy vessel. Until now, the map was only the stuff of legend… but with its help, Grace may finally be able to hunt down the Mordgris, the sea monsters who stole her mother away from her.

Unfortunately, some members of her crew have other plans...

To find the map and face the Mordgris, Grace will have to confront her past, put the Luck between warring nations, and uncover treachery aboard the ship. And ultimately, her revenge and the destruction of the Mordgris will come at a hefty price: the betrayal of her crew.

Grace promised them they wouldn’t regret this.

She just isn’t sure that she won’t.
 


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

From Over Raging Tides.....

Grace.

I follow the call, finding my way up to the forecastle. Before looking overboard, I brace myself, knowing what I’ll see. This isn’t the first time they’ve summoned me like this.

My mother’s face bobs in the water.

Despite expecting it, seeing her knocks the breath from me. Her eyes are exactly the same: that unearthly teal, spotted with dark flecks. Her hair is sodden, slicked back and billowing about her shoulders on the tide. It’s cruel, how healthy she looks. She’s just as I remember her, down to the small beauty mark above her lip.

She tilts her head to the side. “Oh,” she sighs in that musical way she always had. “Gracie.”

My hands knot themselves around the railing, drinking in the sight of her.

A second form breaks the surface, and a strangled sound leaves my throat. My mother’s twin.

“Grace.” When she smiles at me, it’s needle-sharp.

Another face rises above the water. “Gracie.”

Another. “Grace.”

Soon, I have seven mothers bobbing in the sea’s embrace. They chant my name, repeating Gracie-Grace-Gracie-Grace-Grace-Grace over and over and over again, like a flock of gulls, their voices—my mother’s voice—growing higher and more mocking with every utterance.

This is one of the Mordgris’ cruelest tricks. They wear the form of someone you love, and they torture you with it.

It’s too much. This isn’t the first time, but it’s worse every time. There are more of them every time. And with each appearance, they grow bolder and bolder, getting increasingly close to the ship.

I swallow a hysterical lump in my throat and yank my pistol from my belt with shaking hands, firing haphazardly into the water. I’m usually a good shot, but can’t bring myself to aim at my mother’s face. I miss by a wide margin, the shot plinking harmlessly into the waves.

They finally abandon the illusion, my mother’s face vanishing into the all-too-familiar visage of the Mordgris. Gray skin stretched tight over a noseless skull, pointed teeth stretched wide in seven grins below inky eyes.

“Good night, Gracie,” they hiss in tandem.

Jennifer Ellision spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn’t find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She loves words, has a soft spot for fanfiction, and is a master of the fangirl flail. She resides in South Florida with her family, where she lives in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.

Visit Jennifer:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Book Shelf: Over Raging Tides (Lady Pirates, #1) by Jennifer Ellision

The pirate crew of the Lady Luck lives by many rules, but chief among them is this: they do not allow men on board.

That’s a rule that quartermaster Grace Porter is willing to break when a shipwrecked young nobleman offers her information of an omniscient map, stolen from his warship by an enemy vessel. Until now, the map was only the stuff of legend… but with its help, Grace may finally be able to hunt down the Mordgris, the sea monsters who stole her mother away from her.

Unfortunately, some members of her crew have other plans...

To find the map and face the Mordgris, Grace will have to confront her past, put the Luck between warring nations, and uncover treachery aboard the ship. And ultimately, her revenge and the destruction of the Mordgris will come at a hefty price: the betrayal of her crew.

Grace promised them they wouldn’t regret this.

She just isn’t sure that she won’t.
 


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Over Raging Tides by Jennifer Ellison is a dashing pirate adventure on the high seas full of action, danger and just the inkling of possible romance.

The pirate crew of the Lady Luck live by a commandment of rules, the most important one being no men allowed on the ship at any time. This is a rule that quartermaster Grace Porter breaks when the Luck stumbles upon the wreckage of a downed ship and Grace rescues two survivors from the water. Dealing with the fallout isn’t easy, but when one of the young noblemen tells Grace and her Captain of a powerful map said to be able to display the location of whatever its barer desires that was stolen from the sunken ship by an enemy vessel, Grace and the crew of the Luck set out to steal the map back. For Grace, the map might be exactly what she needs to hunt down the vicious Mordgris, sea creatures who stole her mother away from her. Revenge is in the first and foremost on her mind, but with Grace beginning to suspect all is not right aboard the Luck, treachery will come in many forms and Grace may just wind up regretting some of the choices she makes…..

Having previously enjoyed Jennifer Ellison’s Threats of Sky and Sea series, I was excited to delve into her most recent release Over Raging Tides. I haven’t read many pirate tales myself, but it is a sub-genre I am intrigued by and I think shows a lot of potential. In saying that, Over Raging Tides was well written and offers a promising start to what I’m hoping will be a thrilling series.

This first instalment introduces readers to main character Grace who lives a life of piracy aboard the Lady Luck, a vessel with an all-female crew of pirates. For the most part I really liked Grace. She was intelligent and quick thinking, able to handle her own against any man and someone who was easy to follow. The only time I struggled with Grace was when her lack of morality kicked in. Over Raging Tides is full of action, battle scenes and includes some violence, so Grace’s ability to kill without too many qualms didn’t sit well with me at times. And yet, I could see her growing a conscience too as the novel progressed and am looking forward to seeing a lot of character growth in Grace with the rest of the series.

The Lady Luck features some interesting characters including Captian Ilene and crew member Sam who seems to be a very true friend to Grace. Grace’s past including what happened to her mother is something I’m looking forward to exploring especially considering some of the things that happened to Grace during Over Raging Tides. Leo and John were good additions to the novel and of course rock the ship with their male status. I’m a romantic at heart so of course I’ll be following Grace’s relationship with her love interest with great enthusiasm.

Ending with unexpected developments and surprises, Over Raging Tides leaves me wondering what will happen to Grace, Leo and the rest of the crew now. I’ll be interested to see what Jennifer Ellison does next and how she develops this series!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: March 20th 2018
Purchase: Amazon
Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to the next one.


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #217

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.....
 
Stain by A.G. Howard 
Releases on: January 15th 2019
 
A high-fantasy gothic fairytale inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea.

Once upon a nightmare, her fairytale begins...

After Lyra—a princess incapable of speech or sound—is cast out of her kingdom of daylight by her wicked aunt, a witch saves her life, steals her memories, and raises her in an enchanted forest . . . disguised as a boy known only as Stain. Meanwhile, in Lyra's rival kingdom, the prince of thorns and night is dying, and the only way for him to break his curse is to wed the princess of daylight, for she is his true equal. As Lyra finds her way back to her identity, an impostor princess prepares to steal her betrothed prince and her crown. To win back her kingdom, save the prince, and make peace with the land of the night, Lyra must be loud enough to be heard without a voice, and strong enough to pass a series of tests—ultimately proving she’s everything a traditional princess is not.

Thoughts:
Can I just start by saying that A.G. Howard's novels always have the most beautiful covers. Honestly. The covers alone are always enjoy to pique my interest before I read the description. I don't think I've ever actually read a Princess and the Pea retelling before so I'm certainly excited to do so with Stain. I think it sounds fabulous. 

What do you think of Stain? Do you plan to read it?
And what are you waiting on this week?


Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Book Shelf: Graevale (The Medoran Chronicles #4) by Lynette Noni

“Light or dark, only one can win. This world cannot survive in shades of grey.”

Now that Aven Dalmarta sits upon the throne of Meya, Alex must race against the clock to save the rest of Medora from the Rebel Prince’s wrath.

Haunted by an unspeakable vision of the future, Alex and her friends set out to warn the mortal races. But making allies out of ancient enemies proves difficult.

With her nights spent deep in the Library under the guidance of a mysterious new mentor, Alex is desperate to strengthen her gift and keep all those she loves safe. Because in a world where nothing is certain, she is sure of only one thing:

Aven is coming.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Graevale is the fourth instalment in Lynette Noni’s tantalising Medorian Chronicles and is another thrilling adventure packed tale full of excitement, action and powerful moments of friendship.

After the life altering events of the last novel, Aven Dalmarta now sits on the Meyian throne and Alexandra Jennings is racing against the clock to find a way to save the rest of Medora from the rebel prince’s grasp. Hoping to convince the various Medorian races to join together in the fight against Aven, Alex journeys to speak to the different leaders. Each encounter fairs worse than the previous with Alex and those closest to her running out of options to stop cruel prince. Training with a mysterious new teacher, Alex fights to hone her gifts, but as Aven’s threat continues to loom closer with every day that passes, Alex will need to prepare for the unexpected if she hopes to stop him…..

Oh, my heart. My poor broken heart….what an emotionally packed story! Lynette Noni is back with another addictive and perfectly written novel; telling the fourth vivid instalment in her Medorian Chronicles with all the magic, action and excitement I’ve come to expect from her….and a lot of heartache too with the final few chapters seeing our beloved characters put through the wringer.

Alex Jennings has returned from the past with a new outlook on how Aven came to be the way he is, but nothing she has learnt will make defeating him any easier. Determined to stop him before he takes complete control of Medora or destroys it in the process, Alex is searching tooth and nail for a way to stop him. Alongside her friends Jordan, Bear and D.C, Alex has the help of various Medorian’s including her Akarnae professors and her Meyian friends Niyx, Zain and Kyia.

I really do adore Alex as a protagonist and enjoy following her throughout the story. Alex has come a long way since she first stepped through a door into Medora. She’s grown in confidence and capability, but is still the kind hearted, determined and lovable character she has always been. I love how she never gives up and continues to fight even when things get hard. She deserves to be up there with the great fantasy protagonists of our time!

Personally I think Lynette Noni has created something really spectacular with this series. It’s fully realised and becomes larger and more full of life with every instalment. The characters are likable and easy to follow and connect perfectly together. Aspects of friendship, romance and discovery are woven into the story and every chapter brings a new development or alteration to the storyline that pushes things forward.

Magically addictive, Graevale is another sensational novel in the Medorian Chronicles and with the next novel set to be the finale, I cannot wait to see what Lynette Noni has instore for the last novel in this incredible YA fantasy series!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from my local QBD bookstore
Publisher: Pantera Press
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: This series is one of my absolute FAVES and I'm DYING for the next novel to come out so I can join Alex and her friends again!


Monday, March 19, 2018

Owl Post #203


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 book lovers and welcome to another Owl Post! I bought a few books last week--I can't help myself; I'm weak!
 
For Review:
From Hot Keys Books:
Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray 
Deft the Stars was one of my favourite books last year and Defy the Worlds is one of my most anticipated releases of 2018. Will defintely be looking to read this one very soon!

......Thanks so much guys!

I Bought:
So because I have the self restraint of a toddler, I bought MORE books despite telling myself that I will cut back. Basement Books had a sale and I had to take advantage of these beauties:
The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson 
I've read the first book in this series and did enjoy it. Now I own books 2 and 3 to one day continue it. 

Darkness Follows by L.A. Weatherly 
I really enjoyed the first novel in this series, Broken Sky but never continued on with it which is odd because I have highly looking forward to this sequel before it was released. Looking forward to continuing with it. 

Seriously Wicked by Tina Connolly
While I haven't heard that much about this novel, I couldn't pass up this hardback copy that was so well priced. Sounds fun though!

 -  Changeling by Philippa Gregory 
I know Philippa Gregory is wildly popular but I've yet to read any of her novels. Hope to change that one day with this YA series.
   
- Star Struck by Jenny McLachlan
I loved the previous three books in this Ladybirds series so am thrilled to have finally gotten around to getting a copy of the fourth and final book. Can't wait to read this.

A Drop of Night by Stefan Bachmann 
This novel was one of my WoW's a few years ago and I still think it sounds fabulous so I look forward to read it in the future.

Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton 
I highly enjoyed Rebel of the Sands and am glad I finally got the sequel as I can't wait to see what happens next and I know that the third book has already been released. Better catch up!

The Crown by Kiera Cass 
I NEED to begin this series! It's been on my TBR list forever and I now own books 1, 2, 3 and 5--just have to get 4 so there's no excuse not to dive into it soon!

Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick 
 Drowning Instinct features a really heavy topic, but I've enjoyed Ilsa J. Bick's novels in the past so I definitely want to give it a go one day.  
 
- Oceanborn by Amalie Howard
I LOVED the first book in this series, Waterfell and I'm looking forward to finally continue on with the series. Just need to find the time to read it. 
 
I bought these next 5 books from my local Vinnies for only $1 each; couldn't help myself:

Paris Lights by C.J. Duggan
I'll be honest here; I already own a copy of this novel but for $1 I bought this copy to get signed and give away in the future on the blog.
 
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard 
So. I live under a rock. Or it must seem like I do as I'm yet to read the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. I now only books 1 and 2 so I will probably begin it in the near future!

Liar by Justine Larbalestier
I've read a few novels by Aussie author Justine Larbalestier and think Liar is something worth reading. One day. 
 
The Giver by Lois Lowry 
The Giver is another classic I'm hoping it read one day. 

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare 
I LOVE The Mortal Instruments series but I've fallen a bit behind. I still need to read the last two books, but I now own copies of both so hopefully that will urge me to finally join Clary and Jace and the gang once again :)

And that's me this week! Quite a few books, lol. 
What did the owls bring YOU?


Friday, March 16, 2018

Blog Tour: These Vengeful Souls by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas- Excerpt & Giveaway


Welcome to the blog tour for These Vengeful Souls presented by Xpresso Book Tours! These Vengeful Souls is the final novel in Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas These Vicious Masks trilogy and ends spectacularly! I've adored this series and am stoked to share it will all of yo.
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England, 1883. On the run with the grieving Sebastian Braddock, Evelyn wants two things: to be reunited with her friends, and to get revenge on the evil Captain Goode. Not only has he misused his and Sebastian's powers to rack up a terrible death toll, but he's also completely destroyed any hope of Evelyn or her friends regaining the life they once knew.

Evelyn is determined to make Captain Goode pay for what he's done, but is her revenge worth risking the lives of Sebastian and her friends? Or is it better to flee the city and focus on staying alive? And with the Captain spreading lies about Sebastian in an attempt to flush them out of hiding and turn the populace against them, does she even have a choice at all?


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:
Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon 
 Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
 
10 Power Moments We Didn’t Get To Use 
by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas

One of our favorite aspects of writing superhero fiction is taking powers and finding unexpected, atypical uses for them– the types of little things a person who has lived with a power for years would come up with. So as we spent years writing this trilogy, with these characters in our heads, we’d sometimes come up with a clever or unique moment with a power and set the idea aside until we found the right place for it in our story. Here are some of ideas we never got the chance to put in.
Warning: There might be some These Vengeful Souls spoilers in here, especially the last two! 

Sebastian Putting Big Mouths To Sleep
Sebastian was always tricky because had he a different personality, he might use his power more … creatively, you might say. One idea we would have loved to use, was that since Sebastian knew exactly how long it would take for him to make someone faint and fall unconscious - but not die - we wanted him to put Mr. Kent to sleep whenever he was too long-winded and annoying. We loved playing with their relationship and have many different AU ideas for them …

Mr. Kent
We can admit it: Mr. Kent is the most fun. Not just because he is so very witty (yes, we are complimenting ourselves here), but because of his power. We had a blast thinking up different ways he might use it. But there are so many more things we wanted to do! We wanted to see him embarrass our group more but also turn Society upside down by forcing everyone to actually say what they mean, for once. 

Miss Chen & Ripping Bodices
We love Miss Chen’s ability to break things and had a blast thinking of fun ways to use that power. One was having her accidentally/not-so-accidentally? break open Sebastian’s shirt when she first meets him. It embarrassed Evelyn and Sebastian, amused Miss Chen and frustrated Mr. Kent. However, we ultimately decided it came off more mean to Sebastian than funny and it wasn’t appropriate for the moment, so we just kept it as something she does to her enemies to distract them in fights. 

Evelyn and Sebastian Getting their Own Fighting Montage
We love movies and Tarun especially has drawn a lot of inspiration from great fight scenes. We were dying to fit in a “Evelyn and Sebastian spar with each other in order to practice controlling their powers” scene. We dreamed of snappy witticisms and tumbling around, lowering and raising their powers, in a lead up to a kiss. However, we had put the two of them in such rough shape by book three, it really would not have made sense for their characters. Next time …. Next time we will find a way! 

Camille & Transformations
We made a conscious choice early on to make Camille’s transformation power permanent, so she could give people entirely new lives and identities as part of her business in These Vicious Masks. We’d meant to explore the negative effects of that, specifically someone being transformed and then stuck in another body when Camille suddenly dies in These Ruthless Deeds. Unfortunately, the way the plot went, Rose was the only one we could do that to and she had way too many other problems to deal with that this would have been a ridiculous thing to pile on top. 

Miss Rao & Thunder Claps
In These Ruthless Deeds and These Vengeful Souls we had a
few heist-like scenes that either got changed or completely cut. For each of those scenes, we needed a way for our characters to communicate and coordinate attacks from different locations, but without radios or walkie-talkies it was pretty difficult. Radhika’s power was our favorite work-around for this, using her thunderclaps as a pre-arranged code or as a countdown, so parts of the plan could be synchronized without any technology needed. 

Mr. Redburn & Power Trading
When we came up with Felix Redburn and his ability to copy and hold someone else’s power, we hadn’t outlined These Ruthless Deeds enough to know he would die at the midpoint. Unfortunately, that meant we never got the battle scene we wanted, where he would smoothly copy his enemies’ powers on the fly or make them tensely wonder what power he was holding at any given moment. 

Mr. Hale & Portals
In case it wasn’t clear from These Ruthless Deeds, we were pretty into the portal power and its many practical uses, but we still didn’t get to use everything we had planned. One of our favorites was a plan to send a character halfway across the world and leave them there in the middle of book 2 and just when everyone had forgotten about them, they’d show up in book 3, furious about having had to travel thousands of miles to get back. 

Miss Fahlstrom & Messages from God
One thing we liked doing when brainstorming was to think about superpowers that helped explain supernatural myths and legends from around the world–like say, how Evelyn’s power could explain stories of miraculous healers, or Emily’s could explain ghost sightings. If you read These Vengeful Souls, you’ll know Miss Fahlstrom had the power to see how powered people were going to die, but we originally wanted to have her believe and claim she was receiving visions from her god, like oracles in mythology would. We liked how that would complicate things about which side was good and evil, but then it ended up being too complicated to properly deal with in the book with all the other things going on.

Reincarnations and Babies
In These Vengeful Souls, Evelyn learns that powers are reincarnated every generation. We had a very large plot point we discarded early on for book three that involved Captain Goode looking for the baby that inherited his brother’s ability to copy other people’s powers for himself. It … did not work, but we did want to have our heroes start thinking about legacy and all those who will come after them.
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I have to day, as someone who has loved this series, I think this guest post is really insightful! Gives me an understanding of some of the things going through the minds of these fabulous authors!
 
 
Check out the first two books here:
My Reviews:
These Vicious Masks | These Ruthless Deeds
 
Tarun and Kelly met in a freshman year writing class at NYU and started writing These Vicious Masks a few years later.

Tarun is a writer living in Los Angeles whose idea of paradise consists of kung-fu movies, David Bowie and chai tea. Since completing his first horrible screenplay in high school, he’s written everything from one-act plays and film criticism to humor pieces and strongly-worded emails. He’s also magnetized, crushed and burned the hard drive where that first screenplay can be found.

Kelly is a writer and actor living in NYC. YA is her absolute favorite thing on earth other than cupcakes and she has spent many hours crying over fictional deaths. She also started reading Harlequin romances at a possibly too early age (12?), and still loves a good paperback romance. 

Visit Tarun:
Visit Kelly:
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
As I've mentioned already, I truly do adore this series and not only congratulate Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas and the release of this amazing third and final novel, but I urge all my followers to check this series out. You won't regret it!