Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #224

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.....
 
Shadow of The Fox by Julie Kagawa 
Releases on: October 30th 2018
 
Once Every Thousand Years...

Every millennium, one age ends and another age dawns...and whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers holds the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for any one wish. The time is near...and the missing pieces of the scroll will be sought throughout the land of Iwagoto. The holder of the first piece is a humble, unknown peasant girl with a dangerous secret.

Demons have burned the temple Yumeko was raised in to the ground, killing everyone within, including the master who trained her to both use and hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers. Yumeko escapes with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of a mysterious samurai, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan. Yumeko knows he seeks what she has...and is under orders to kill anything and anyone who stands between him and the scroll.

A wish will be granted and a new age will dawn.
 
Thoughts:
SQUEE!!!!!! Julie Kagawa has a new novel coming out! And it sounds like an oriental dream! Seriously this woman can do it all; faeries, vampires, dragons.....and now Asian mythology! I'm so excited for this one to release and will be reading it as soon as I can!
 
Are you a Julie Kagawa fan?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?
 
 

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Book Shelf: Whisper (Whisper #1) by Lynette Noni

“Lengard is a secret government facility for extraordinary people,” they told me.

I believed them. That was my mistake.

There isn’t anyone else in the world like me.

I’m different. I’m an anomaly. I’m a monster.


For two years, six months, fourteen days, eleven hours and sixteen minutes, Subject Six-Eight-Four — ‘Jane Doe’ — has been locked away and experimented on, without uttering a single word.

As Jane’s resolve begins to crack under the influence of her new — and unexpectedly kind — evaluator, she uncovers the truth about Lengard’s mysterious ‘program’, discovering that her own secret is at the heart of a sinister plot … and one wrong move, one wrong word, could change the world.


More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Whisper is Lynette Noni’s latest release and is an enchanting story of mystery, government secrets and teens special abilities with the power to change the world.

Jane Doe has been locked up in Lengard, a secret government facility for extraordinary people for more than two years. Known as subject Six-Eight-Four, Jane has remained silent throughout the number of invasive and often painful experiments they have performed on her, refusing to utter a word. Yet her resolve is threatened when her latest evaluator turns out to be a young man only a few years older than Jane whose unexpected kindness and care begins to break through the carefully placed shields Jane has built around herself. Trusting a Lengard employee is the last thing Jane wants to do, but as she begins to discover startling secrets about the facility, Jane is about to discover more about the power of words, and herself, than she ever could have expected.

Lynette Noni first captured my attention with her debut novel Akarnae and has held my heart ever since with her intelligent writing style, bold characters and grand sense of adventure. While Whisper is a different kind of Noni novel than what I have read in the past, I can still find echoes of these characteristics I love and am really hopeful and looking forward to seeing more of this series.

Introducing readers to an intriguing character shrouded in mystery in the form of Jane Doe, Whisper begins with our protagonist a prisoner—for the lack of a better word—of an underground organisation that has been experimenting on her and treating her as less that human. Lynette Noni keeps the mystery surrounding Jane a secret for as long as possible; only allowing small snippets of her past and her abilities to be touched on so to build the suspense.

I found the idea of Speakers and the concept as a whole to be very creative. I have to be honest though; as much as I love Lynette Noni and enjoyed this novel, there were times when I found myself somewhat disconnected from the story. I’m not sure what it was exactly as Whisper was fast paced and enjoyable. I think Jane, along with Ward and many of the other characters, have a lot of promise, although I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that Noni avoids the dreaded love triangle.

I loved that the novel set in Sydney. I actually wasn’t anticipating the story to be based on home soil, so I was both surprised and appreciative when the revelation was made as Jane was discovering more about her location. Considering the way in which Whisper ends, I’m looking forward to an Australian based setting and seeing things progress.

An enjoyable read with hints of romance, danger and excitement, Whisper easily left me ready for more and keen to see what will happen to the characters next!

Rating:
Source: I purchased from my local K-Mart
Publisher: Pantera Press
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: May 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: An interesting first novel in a new series; I can't wait for more!


Monday, May 28, 2018

Owl Post #206


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 happy Monday? Ready for another great week of books?
 
I Bought:
- The Fall of Five by Pittacus Lore
- The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore
- The Fate of Ten by Pittacus Lore
I have had the Lorien Legacies on on my TBR list for a while now. I've heard so many great things about it and with these books (which I bought for $4 each, second hand great condition) I now own books 1-6 in the series.

- LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff  
So I'm going to blow your mind; I have never read anything by Jay Kristoff. Yes I own the first two Illuminae novels but I haven't read them...yet. LIFEL1K3 just sounds SO good--I think this will change that.
 
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi  
Children of Blood and Bone seems to be one of the must reads of 2018 and I'm looking forward to reading it myself!
 
- The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert 
The Hazel Wood sounds so very fantastic. I'm looking forward to reading this one in the future. 

And that's me! Have you read any of this books?
What did the owls bring YOU this week?


Saturday, May 26, 2018

Free Ebooks

Hi guys and welcome to another bunch of freebies! Hope you enjoy some of these fantastic freebies I've found.

Hope you managed to snag something new!


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Book Shelf: Rising Silver Mist (The Lost Clan #3) by Olivia Wildenstein

THERE WERE THREE THINGS I WAS CERTAIN ABOUT.

First, I would never kill another person. But when a family friend murdered my father, I destroyed her with a power I didn't even know I possessed.

Second, I would never strike another bargain. But faeries could bring the dead back, so when Cruz offered to revive my father, I accepted.

Third, I would never marry an enemy, but every bargain comes at a price. The price of mine: I had to marry Cruz and move to the faerie isle.

For the first time in my life, I wondered if death wouldn't be a kinder end.

Fans of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES will adore Wildenstein's LOST CLAN series.


More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Rising Silver Mist is the third novel in the sensational Lost Clan series by Olivia Wildenstein and brings to a close Catori’s story with heart racing action, sizzling romance and edge of your seat surprises!

A lot has changed since Catori Price returned to her hometown of Rowan after her mother’s death. Not only has she discovered that faeries really do exist, but she’s descended from an ancient Native American tribe of hunters whose mission is to hunt and kill them. Oh, and she’s also fallen hopelessly in love with a faerie Prince who is also technically already engaged to someone else. And now, Cat finds herself drawn into dangerous fae politics and schemes when she accepts a bargain from an enemy in order to save her father’s life. Taken to the Faerie world of Neverra, Cat will need to draw upon hidden powers if she wants to prevent the destruction of all that she holds dear……

Olivia Wildenstein captivates once more with this thrilling latest instalment in her breathtaking faerie series. Mixing fae mythology with Native American folklore and heritage, the Lost Clan has been an absolute joy to read. Even though Wildenstein is set to thrill fans with a fourth novel, Raging Rival Hearts featuring characters Lily and Kajika’s story, Rising Silver Mist brings to an end the story arc featuring main character Catori. And with spectacular fashion I might add!

The intricate and intriguing way Wildenstein has woven this series together has always made for tremendous moments of action, romance and elements of mystery as various deceptions and revelations were revealed. I’ve loved the tone of the series which has always been fast paced, exciting and highly entertaining. Main character Catori has been wonderful to follow and I couldn’t fault her at all; she truly was just a stellar protagonist who has taken us as the reader on a fantastic journey with her at the helm.

Olivia Wildenstein has won me over with electric elements of romance woven into the story with Cat having three potential love interests in the series; Cruz, Kajika and Ace. Surprisingly Wildenstein manages for the most part to avoid the stereotypical love triangle (although in this case I think a square would be more accurate) perfectly with Cat very sure of her feelings quite quickly and adamant in who her heart belongs to. I won’t give away spoilers, but I’ve very happy that this guy managed to keep his girl as I just do love him oh so much.

Full of fun and so much life, the minor characters in this series offer perfect support throughout the series. It has been largely interesting waiting to discover their motivations and purposes within the story. I have highly enjoyed following Catori with Olivia Wildenstein winning a fan in me. My heart yearns for the moment I can join Lily and Kijaka in their story and I’ll be keeping my eyes out for Raging Rival Hearts so I can read it as soon as it releases!

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Olivia!)
Publisher:
Published by Olivia Wildenstein
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date:
April 21st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts:
I absolutely adore this series; Rising Silver Mist was a great novel and I can't wait to read Lily and Kijaka's story!


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #223

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.....

Give the Dark My Love by Beth Revis  
Releases on: September 25th 2018

When seventeen-year-old Nedra Brysstain leaves her home in the rural, northern territories of Lunar Island to attend the prestigious Yugen Academy, she has only one goal in mind: learn the trade of medicinal alchemy. A scholarship student matriculating with the children of Lunar Island's wealthiest and most powerful families, Nedra doesn't quite fit in with the other kids at Yugen, who all look down on her.

All, except for Greggori "Grey" Astor. Grey is immediately taken by the brilliant and stubborn Nedra, who he notices is especially invested in her studies. And that's for a good reason: a deadly plague has been sweeping through the North, and it's making its way toward the cities. With her family's life--and the lives of all of Lunar Island's citizens--on the line, Nedra is determined to find a cure for the plague.

Grey and Nedra continue to grow closer, but as the sickness spreads and the body count rises, Nedra becomes desperate to find a cure. Soon, she finds herself diving into alchemy's most dangerous corners--and when she turns to the most forbidden practice of all, necromancy, even Grey might not be able to pull her from the darkness.


Thoughts:
I'm going to be honest here and say that it was the STUNNING cover for this novel that first caught my attention; it's just incredible. That being said, I do very much love the sound of this book too! I've had a mixed relationship with Beth Revis in the past; sometimes I like her books, sometimes I don't but I CAN'T WAIT for this one. Fantasy, magic, necromancy--it sounds amazing! 

Will you be adding Give the Dark My Love to you TBR list?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Book Shelf: Letters to the Lost (Letters to the Lost #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

More info on Goodreads...... 


Review:

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer is an absolutely brilliant novel that is passionate, emotional and endlessly heart-warming.

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother, a renowned photographer who traveled the globe searching for the next world changing shot. Even after her death, Juliet has continued to write to her mother to cope with her loss; leaving letters at her mother’s grave. She just never expected to receive a response. Declan Murphy is used to people making up their mind about him. He has a reputation and is known for being a black sheep. No one stops to wonder about the truth surrounding his life. After one mistake sees him doing community service attending to lawn maintenance in the local cemetery, Declan finds himself reading a letter left at one of the graves and being caught by its haunting pain and honesty. Writing back was just a spur of the moment response; he certainly wasn’t anticipating that the original author would reply in kind. Soon the two teens are exchanging correspondence with each other, opening up with who they believe is a perfect stranger. Yet as their lives at school begin to intersect, Juliet and Declan are about to discover truths that may tear them apart forever….

Letters to the Lost is a beautifully written and superbly explored novel about the power of both the written and spoken word and the impact being honest and telling the truth can have on those around you. Brigid Kemmerer has always been an author I look forward to reading ever since I first read her Elemental series but with every novel she releases I find myself falling even further under her spell. The woman has talent, plain and simple and Letters to the Lost is without a doubt her best novel yet.

Written through both Juliet and Declan’s varying POV’s as well as through written letters and shared emails, Letters to the Lost details a poignant and powerful story alight with chemistry, depth and emotion. Kemmerer explores some powerful and important themes seen throughout today's society including loss, alcoholism, adultery,  anger and alienation as well as the impact these issues can have on a young adult during a particularly difficult time in their life. 

The main characters are powerful voices easy to relate to and impossible not to adore. Different though similar, their connection is beautifully explored by Kemmerer and her ability to instill so much attraction and chemistry through letters and brief interactions is fantastic. I felt I knew both Juliet and Declan and their relationship and the blossoming romance between them was perfectly detailed. 

Fantastically written, Letters to the Lost features tangible characters and a wonderful romance. Juliet and Declan were easy to love and follow. Brigid Kemmerer has woven together a wonderfully told story and I'm very much looking forward to reading the companion novel featuring the beguiling and intriguing Rev!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: Paperback ARC
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: 6th April 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I'm so sorry I took so long to read this book as it's just AMAZING!


 

Monday, May 21, 2018

Owl Post #205


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 my first Owl Post in a while!

Moving really has thrown me through a loop and these probably aren't ALL the books I received or bought but they're the only ones I can think of off the top of my head LOL.
 
For Review:
 From Allen & Unwin:
- Allied by Amy Tintera 
Allied is the final book in the Ruined series and I LOVED IT. Review to come. Such a brilliant ending to a superb series.  
 
....Thank you so much guys!
____________________________________
 
From Hot Key Books:
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
I'm really looking forward to reading this novel. Mermaid/siren novels seem to be growing in popularity in recent times and I've certainly enjoyed the ones I've read in the past so I have a lot of hope for To Kill a Kingdom :)
 
....Thanks guys!
 _____________________________
 
From Scholastic Australia: 
- Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter 
Ally Carter's latest release! Keen to read this one--she writes enjoyable and fun contemporary.  
 
- The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner 
This is the first novel in James Dashner's The 13th Reality series. I must say I love his Maze Runner series, but I'm wondering if this might be too young for me?? We'll see though. 

....Thank you so much!
________________________________

From Penguin Random House:
- True Blue by Sasha Wasley 
I LOVED the first novel in this series--Dear Banjo--and am super excited to read this second one! It's not shown, but the book also came with an adorable little easel for reviewers to express themselves in celebration of main character Free's passion for painting; such an adorable idea!

...Thanks so much Ali and Sasha!

I Bought:
- Rebel Heart by Moira Young 
Confession? I haven't actually read any of the Dust Lands trilogy, but I now own all three ;) Can't help buying them when they're on sale. 

- From the Earth to the Shadows by Amanda Hocking 
I'm a real Amanda Hocking fan and even though I'm still yet to read book #1, I had to have this pretty sequel for when I eventually begin the series. It's so pretty!

- A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
One of my book-ish resolutions for 2018 is to catch up on my Sarah J. Maas reading; I've only read up to book 3 of Throne of Glass and the first A Court of Thorns and Roses book. I own them all; I now just need to find the time to read them!

- Nineteen Letters by Jodi Perry
 Nineteen Letters was one of my favourite reads of 2017 so I'm thrilled I finally got around to getting a paperback copy for my collection. This is such a brilliant read. 5/5 stars!

- The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross 
I really love the sound of this novel--it was actually one of my WOW's last year  and when I say this hardback on sale, I had to have it. It's sooooo pretty.

What books have the owls brought you recently?


Sunday, May 20, 2018

Book Shelf: Olympian Challenger (Olympian Challenger #1) by Astrid Arditi

A hero’s tournament. A defiant contender. Does one girl have the courage to take on Mount Olympus? 

Hope’s world doesn’t have room for heroes. She barely has time for schoolwork, swim team, and taking care of her ailing mother. But when she’s invited to a mysterious tournament, the all-powerful hosts won’t take no for an answer.

Transported to Mount Olympus, Hope comes face to face with her new trainers—the pantheon of Greek gods. While other contenders train hard to gain a fighting edge, Hope searches for a way out. Instead, she finds a gorgeous shadow god who may just convince her to stay…
As each round unfolds, the ultimate prize draws closer—the granting of her heart’s deepest desire. If she survives the final challenge, her mother’s cure would be within reach…but only if Hope can ignore the tournament’s dark purpose.

Olympian Challenger is the first book in a bold YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like Greek mythology, forbidden romance, and feats of courage, then you’ll love Astrid Arditi’s heroic coming-of-age tale.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi is an adventure filled novel featuring a well-paced and spirited story littered with Greek Mythology, forbidden romance and high stakes action.

Seventeen year old Hope Diaz is a model student and carer to her ailing mother whose dementia is growing worse with every passing day. All Hope wants is to do the best for her mother, and then she receives a baffling invite to participate in a mysterious competition. After an act of bravery sees her taken to Mount Olympus where Hope meets the Greek gods in the flesh, she finds herself participating in a tournament where contenders must complete a number of quests in order to be crowned the winner and be rewarded their hearts wish. Knowing it must be too good to be true, Hope desperately searches for a way back home, determined to find a way out of Mount Olympus. Instead she finds herself drawn to a fascinating shadow god who wants to convince her to stay. Winning the competition may be what Hope needs to save her mother, but with every challenge becoming more and more treacherous, the contenders aren’t guaranteed to make it out alive. Deciding what she’ll fight for is only the beginning as Hope begins to discover the tournament has a darker purpose than the participants were led to believe….

Olympian Challenger was a really impressive novel and I have to say I enjoyed it very, very much. As a fan of Greek mythology, I really appreciated what Astrid Arditi has done with this novel. Not only does she give the Greek gods we’re all familiar with—Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Ares, Athena etc---a modern twist, but she also explores some histories of the lessor known deities and the heroes that litter ancient Greek literature. It was refreshing to read about something I hadn’t heard a million times before, while also enjoying the tales I was familiar with and comfortable reading about.

Main character Hope was a real joy to follow. She was honorable and courageous and kind-hearted. Here was a girl taken from her life and facing tremendous challenges but each one she faced with poise and grace, loyalty and humility. Hope was quick to help people and not someone to put herself above others; I liked that. She was self-sacrificing and kind, while also being quick thinking and intelligent.

Olympian Challenger is a very emotionally packed and eventful novel. I liked many of the characters Hope met including Amy and Gabriel who became true friends to her and of course Kieron who is her love interest and a soulful god who made Hope weak at the knees. Kieron was certainly swoon worthy and I think he and Hope had a great chemistry—I’ll definitely be vying for their romance. I also liked the demi-god trainers who teach the contenders during the story—they were very unique and personable.

Ending well and definitely leaving me raring for more, Olympian Challenger had all the elements of a great book and I can’t wait until Astrid Arditi releases the next instalment in the series as I’m keen to read what happens to Hope next.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: July 3rd 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: This novel will be perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and I can't wait to see what happens next!


Friday, May 18, 2018

Givewaway: Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

Having recently released on April 24th 2018, Laura Sebastian 's debut novel Ash Princess is a wonderfully written novel of romance, deception and desperate rebellion and is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Amy Tintera and Marie Rutkovski.

AND thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia I have a paperback copy of Ash Princess to give away to one lucky Australian readers to help celebrate its release!


Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.


Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:
Ash Princess is definitely perfect for those such of myself who can't get enough YA fantasy and will be a series to look out for!


Thursday, May 17, 2018

Book Shelf: Ash Princess (Ash Princess Trilogy #1) by Laura Sebastian

Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.


More info on Goodreads....


Review:  

Lauren Sebastian’s debut novel Ash Princess is Ruined by Amy Tintera meets The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkovski and is an intriguing story of romance, deception and desperate rebellion.

Theodosia was six years old when her country was invaded and her mother, the ruling Queen, murdered before her eyes. That day saw Theo loose more than just her mother; she lost her kingdom, her name and her freedom. Ten years have passed with Theo a captive of the Kaiser within the palace that was once her beloved home. Powerless, Theo has had no choice but to bury the girl she was and endure the endless abuse and ridicule at the hands of the Kalovaxian leader. Crowned the Ash Princess, Theo has survived a lot but when the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable, the blood left on her hands threatens to break her. As Theo struggles to reconcile her choices, from the ashes begins a spark that will see her take up a rebellion against those that have enslaved her people and made them suffer. Theodosia will learn that war isn’t always won on a battlefield. She’s going to reclaim her throne and save her people; even if it means taking drastic choices and breaking her own heart in the process….

Ash Princess is a dark and passionate story that weaves political intrigue, acts of rebellion and moments of violence together beautifully with lyrical writing and a lot of promise. In the vein of many successful YA fantasy novels, Ash Princess invites readers into a conquered land and into the heart of a princess determined to save her people. The writing drew me into the story and the setting was dangerous and violent enough to keep me on my toes.

The overall concept may be one we have seen before but Lauren Sebastian does fight to give her story an edge with different elements brought to the surface to make it unique. At this point in time, I feel that we may see a lot more in future novels that will make Ash Princess stand out above the rest. It’s just an inkling I have based on some of the hints Sebastian has expressed and am hoping this is the case.

Personally I’m of a mixed mind where our protagonist Theodosia is concerned. There were times when I really liked her and times when I struggled to connect. I feel like she has promise (much of the story does) but I want to see more before I’m comfortable passing judgement. I was disappointed to see my least favourite trope appear—the dreaded love triangle—and I wasn’t completely smitten with either love interest to be honest. So…..I’m hoping to see more of Theo that will win me over.

Darkly riveting, if somewhat slow in the beginning, Ash Princess begins Lauren Sebastian’s debut series well. There’s a lot to be enjoyed within its pages and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel in the future to see how Sebastian expands on her world. The ending was heading in the direction of a cliffhanger and I for one am looking forward to seeing what will happen next.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: April 24th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Ash Princess was beautifully written and I think the series shows a lot of promise; I'll definitely read the sequel when it comes out.


Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #222

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.....
 
The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck 
Releases on: September 11th 2018
Welcome to a world where nightmarish creatures reign supreme.

Five hundred years ago, Jack made a deal with the devil. It’s difficult for him to remember much about his mortal days. So, he focuses on fulfilling his sentence as a Lantern—one of the watchmen who guard the portals to the Otherworld, a realm crawling with every nightmarish creature imaginable. Jack has spent centuries jumping from town to town, ensuring that nary a mortal—or not-so-mortal—soul slips past him. That is, until he meets beautiful Ember O’Dare.

Seventeen, stubborn, and a natural-born witch, Ember feels a strong pull to the Otherworld. Undeterred by Jack’s warnings, she crosses into the forbidden plane with the help of a mysterious and debonair vampire—and the chase through a dazzling, dangerous world is on. Jack must do everything in his power to get Ember back where she belongs before both the earthly and unearthly worlds descend into chaos.
 

Thoughts:
"Welcome to a world where nightmarish creatures reign supreme." OMG! Yes, please! Monsters? Check. Immortal hero? Check. Strong, stubborn heroine? Check. Possible romance? Check......gimme! This novel seems fabulous. I'm ready to discover the world of Lanterns and meet this stubborn witch. Bring on September!

Are you as excited to read The Lantern's Ember as me?

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Book Shelf: Bittersweet by Carmen Jenner & Lauren K. McKellar

From two USA Today bestselling authors comes a tale of miscommunication and muffins.

Romy Love knows weddings. As the author of a hugely successful wedding blog, you’d think she’d have love covered. It is her last name, after all.
When it comes to her big day, Romy has the flowers picked out, a dress collecting dust in the back of her closet, and a preacher on standby. There’s just one problem: the groom doesn’t know it yet.

Romy has eyes for the Italian coffee god and single dad who owns the bakery in her building—she also has plans for his delicious buns—but in order to get her happily-ever-after, she has a few things to check off her list first:

Lose twenty pounds

Take over the blogging world one wedding at a time

Make Coffee Hottie fall in love with me

Yeah, this shouldn’t be difficult at all.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Bittersweet is a delightful collaboration by Best Selling Australian authors Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar and is a fun, flirty and endearingly enjoyable romance readers are sure to adore!

Romy Love is obsessed with weddings. As the author of a successful wedding blog, Romy is well versed everything that goes into making that special day perfect. From flower arrangements to guest lists to the photographer, cake, bridal party—you name it, Romy knows it. If only it was her wedding and not someone else’s. If only the hot Italian café owner she’s crazy about would see her as more than his slightly eccentric, albeit best customer. If only Romy had the guts to tell him of her feelings. As a single father and business owner, Elio is used to being guarded, yet there’s something about the vibrant and beautiful Romy he can’t keep his mind off. Seeing her at his bakery is a highlight of his day but Elio is worried starting a relationship more might end in heart ache. And he has his child to think of too. Yet when a series of miscommunications changes their relationship will Romy and Elio find the courage to explore what simmers between them? Or will they miss out on the chance at a forever kind of love?

Man, what a brilliant read! Carmen Jenner is someone who never fails to satisfy me time and time again, and although Lauren K. McKellar is a new to me author (a fact I plan to rectify as soon as possible) I was perfectly entranced by this oh so fun and sexy rom-com! Bittersweet had all the elements of a great rom-com read; likable characters, romance that sizzles, chemistry, humor and sass. It was a quick--well, quick for me seeing how fast I devoured it----and easily enjoyable story.

Following twenty-something wedding blogger and coffee lover extraordinaire Romy, Bittersweet unfolds through the eyes of this sweet and slightly a-dork-able heroine; with a few chapters thrown in through hunky Elio’s eyes for good measure. Both characters were very likable and a joy to follow. They had great chemistry and it was satisfying seeing them build their relationship; even if it wasn’t without its mishaps and moments of miscommunication.

Working effortlessly together, Carmen Jenner and Lauren K. McKellar have created a wonderful read full of personality and flair. With a great supporting cast of characters including your traditional Italian Nonna, adorable four-year-old and two characters who are perfect for one another but who don’t yet see it, Bittersweet has everything.

I'm hoping to see Jenner and McKellar collaborate again in the future, I’ll be keeping my eye out for a Nico and Bianca story and will definitely read whatever comes next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Social Butterfly PR and the authors (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Published by authors
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 1st 2018
Purchase: Amazon
Final Thoughts: This was such a fun and fabulous read! Recommend.


Sunday, May 13, 2018

I'm Back!


I'm back! My goodness have I missed blogging while I've been internet-lacking! I also have SO MUCH to catch up on, but I'm looking forward to getting back to it :) Hope you'll forgive me while I find my bearings.

What have you all been up to? 
Ready any out-of-this-world fabulous books lately? 


Friday, May 11, 2018

Blog Tour: ISAN by Mary Ting- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for ISAN by Mary Ting thanks to Xpresso Book Tours. I hope you enjoy the except and giveaway I have to share with you today.
______________________________

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED.

SCIENTISTS WARNED IT WOULD HAPPEN.

Meteors devastated the Earth. World Governments developed plans to help surviving citizens. The United States disbanded and salvageable land was divided into our quadrants—North, South, East, and West—governed by The Remnant Council.

Struggling to survive, seventeen-year-old Ava ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. The results will be life changing. The serum will make her “better.” To receive the serum, Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network.

While on a mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out.

"Captivating from the very beginning...this thrilling dystopian drama has a splash of romance and tons of actions." --School Library Journal.


Purchase:

From ISAN.....

When the bodyguard with the gun directed the weapon at Roxy, something dangerous ignited in me knowing my team would be next. This foreign existence in my core wanted blood. It wanted death. It wanted destruction. I became a monster. Helix transformed me into a shallow shell to servitude—a perfect model of ISAN assassin.

I pulled my gun from the side of my boot and took aim. The bodyguard who had shot Roxy’s team went down first, followed by the others.

Don’t look at their faces. Don’t make eye contact. But I did look at their faces, and I did make eye contact.

Each guard held my foster father’s cruel face, his steel malevolent eyes. I saw the man who ripped the happiness out of my soul, who towered over me into submission, and molded me into a terrified little girl. For a heartbeat I froze, knees buckling, heart palpitating with trepidation and regret. I became that little girl. A rat, he had called me, and beat me until I stopped crying from missing my mother.

No more. No more. I am no longer that petrified girl.

Then, one after the other, as hunger for revenge drove me, as if each of the men was him, I shot them until they were all down.

Want more? Get your copy today!

International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Visit Mary:

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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday #221

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.....
 
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan 
Releases on: October 23rd 2018
Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for...and the most cruel.

But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.


In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.

Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

Presented by James Patterson, Natasha Ngan's lyrical, searing, visceral fantasy, Girls of Paper and Fire, will remind us how precious freedom is--and the price we must pay to achieve it.

Thoughts:
I love that diversity is becoming such a big thing in the YA genre lately, both where race and sexual orientation is concerned. There isn't enough novels out there that cross racial borders and deal with homosexuality so I'm stoked that Girls of Paper and Fire seems to explore both....oh and it's an oriental fantasy too--score! It's release day is my birthday--guess I know what present I want!

What do you think of Girls of Paper and Fire? Do you want to read it?
And what are you waiting on this week?