Book Shelf: You Only Love Twice (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #3) by Bec McMaster

With the clock ticking down, the Company of Rogues must find a deadly killer and stop them from assassinating the Queen... before London burns.

First rule of espionage: don't ever fall in love with your target.

Five years ago, Gemma Townsend learned the hard way what happens when you break this rule. She lost everything. Her mentor's trust. The man she loved. And almost her life. Love is a weakness she can never afford again.

When offered a chance at redemption, the seductive spy is determined to complete her assigned task: to track down a dangerous assassin known as the Chameleon, a mysterious killer sent after the queen, whose identity seems to constantly change.

But as her investigation leads Gemma into a trap, she's rescued by a shadowy figure she thought was dead—the double agent who once stole her heart.

A man with few memories, all Obsidian knows is Gemma betrayed him, and he wants revenge. But one kiss ignites the unextinguished passion between them, and he can't bring himself to kill her.

Can Obsidian ever trust her again? Or is history doomed to repeat itself? Because it soon becomes clear the Chameleon might be closer than either of them realized... and this time Gemma is in the line of fire.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

You Only Love Twice is the third instalment in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series and is another deftly told, exciting and steamy story!

Gemma Townsend is trained in the art of seduction. Since a young child she has been sculpted into the ultimate spy but five years ago Gemma learned the hard way what happens when you break the biggest rule of espionage; don’t fall in love with your target. It cost her everything; her mentors trust, the man she loved and almost her life. When she was offered a chance at redemption, Gemma took it, becoming a member of the Company of Rogues in service to her Queen and country. Gemma is determined to right her wrongs until she comes across a face from her past that leaves her shaken. A dhamphir, Obsidian is a deadly assassin and a far cry from the man he once was. Though his history with Gemma remains largely a mystery thanks to missing memories, Obsidian knows that Gemma was the one to betray him and he’s determined to get his revenge. Obsession and passion rage as Obsidian struggles to kill his former enemy and the woman who destroyed him but when it becomes clear the truth about their past may not be as it seems, will Gemma and Obsidian have another chance at love? Or will their history be too much to overcome?

Bec McMaster continues to entrance with this series, proving she has no problem winning over even the most critical of readers. Heading into You Only Love Twice I was unsure just how much I would enjoy the story. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances and Gemma has never really been someone I have connected with a whole lot. In fact, of all the characters we have encountered throughout both series she is the one I have probably been the least concerned about. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the person Gemma turned out to be.

A seductress and assassin, Gemma is trained and deadly. She knows how to use her looks and talents to bring a man to his knees and doesn’t hesitate to get the job done. In You Only Love Twice we discover a softer, even somewhat maternal side to Gemma where her feelings about those she loves is concerned. It’s subtle but Gemma absolutely adores her fellow Company members and I enjoyed seeing the love she has for each of them. Their bond is lovely and this side to Gemma helped me see past the seductress and into the heart of the woman.

It also didn’t hurt that Bec McMaster wrote Gemma’s weakness in the form of Obsidian, a former lover who she has never really let go of but who is now back in her life. I liked Obsidian—he and Gemma clearly adored one another and it became pretty clear from early on that someone had manipulated his memories for their own purpose and that his and Gemma’s past wasn’t necessarily what they both thought.

I enjoyed seeing them both come to discover the truth. You Only Love Twice is very exciting towards its final few chapters as Bec McMaster writes some edge of your seat events that will no doubt have a great impact on future stories. I’m super excited for Adele and Malloryn’s story and am dying to see them get together as a true husband and wife although Lark and Charlie’s tale is next and given they’ve been there since the beginning I have big expectations for their story!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from Amazon.com
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 14th 2018
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great read---I'm ready for more!

Waiting on Wednesday #290

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.....

Elysium Girls by Kate Pentecost

Releases on: April 14th 2020

Add on Goodreads!

In this sweeping Dust Bowl-inspired fantasy, a ten-year game between Life and Death pits the walled Oklahoma city of Elysium-including a girl gang of witches and a demon who longs for humanity-against the supernatural in order to judge mankind.

When Sal is named Successor to Mother Morevna, a powerful witch and leader of Elysium, she jumps at the chance to prove herself to the town. Ever since she was a kid, Sal has been plagued by false visions of rain, and though people think she's a liar, she knows she's a leader. Even the arrival of enigmatic outsider Asa-a human-obsessed demon in disguise-doesn't shake her confidence in her ability. Until a terrible mistake results in both Sal and Asa's exile into the Desert of Dust and Steel.

Face-to-face with a brutal, unforgiving landscape, Sal and Asa join a gang of girls headed by another Elysium exile-and young witch herself-Olivia Rosales. In order to atone for their mistake, they create a cavalry of magic powered, scrap metal horses to save Elysium from the coming apocalypse. But Sal, Asa, and Olivia must do more than simply tip the scales in Elysium's favor-only by reinventing the rules can they beat the Life and Death at their own game.

Thoughts:

I LOVE the sound of Elysium Girls. Not only is the cover a knockout, but it makes me think of  The Scorpio Races with a western twist. Throw in some romance and I think this will be a fabulous read. Will definitely be keeping my eyes out for its release!

What do you think of Elysium Girls? Will you be adding it to your TBR list?

And what are you waiting on this week?

 

Book Shelf: Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Gemina is the second novel in The Illuminae Files and is another out of this world sci-fi adventure by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff that will leave you hooked until the final page!

Hanna Donnelly’s father is the captain of Jump Station Heimdall. Nik Malikov is a reluctant member of a notorious crime family. Their lives seldom cross until BioTech launch their latest attack on the fleet and invade Heimdall, taking the inhabitants prisoner. Hanna has always been seen as the pampered daughter and Nik a lowly drug dealer, but as they team up to take on the mercenaries and defend their home they must use all their wit, cunning and tenacity if they hope to survive. A surprising pairing, Hanna and Nik race against time to outsmart the combat team tasked with getting control of the ship, but with alien predators picking off the residents and a malfunction of the stations wormhole, they’ll need a miracle if they want to save themselves and all the residents of the Heimdall. No pressure, right?

After enjoying Illuminae, I was excited to dive straight into Gemina. The beauty of coming to the series late is that the whole trilogy is available and there is no dreaded wait for the next instalment. And thank goodness for that because Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff sure know how to get the adrenaline pumping with this series! Gemina is an exhilarating and action packed adventure full of twists, turns and developments that readers won’t see coming. There was even one shock that had me saying, “Say, what?!”.

Gemina follows protagonists Hanna and Nik who are easy to follow and get behind. As with the first novel, Gemina unfolds through a series of schematics, security footage, emails, reports and radio transmissions that detail Hanna and Nik’s story with humor and wit. Gemina is a forward moving and eventful novel. There’s always something happening and it’s a game of cat and mouse as the BioTech strike team hunt for them within Heimdall and Hanna and Nik fight back any way they can.

I enjoyed that Kaufman and Kristoff wrote Hanna and Nik to be more than they were seen to be and with the tools and abilities to take care of themselves. Hanna is seen by those on Heimdall as the spoiled captain’s daughter but in Gemina she really shows what she is made of as she uses all the tactical training and stealth she has learnt to stand up to those that threaten her home. She’s no fragile flower and she proves it. Nik too isn’t the cold gangster people believe him to be and I enjoyed his story and seeing the closeness he has with his cousin Ella.

There’s no shortage of surprises as Hanna and Nik fight to defend their home. Our previous protagonists, Kady, Ezra as well as the Hypatia crew are on course to reach Heimdall with the two stories beginning to intertwine. Action and fight sequences mingle with sarcasm and humor as the novel builds towards an eventful and climactic ending.

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff once more leave me dying to see what happens next and I can’t wait to read what I’m sure will be a thrilling conclusion with the third and final novel Obsidio!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 18th 2016
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid sequel--I'm ready for the next one!

Owl Post #241

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.  

Happy Monday and welcome to another Owl Post for 2019! It's amazing to think that the year is almost over---only 2 months to go!
 

I Bought:

- Defy the Fates by Claudia Gray

I absolutely LOVE this series and can't wait to read this final novel. Can't wait to see how Noemi and Abel's story comes to an end!

 

 - The Eyes of Tamburah by Maria V. Snyder 

Maria V. Snyder is without a doubt one of my favourite authors and I can't wait to read this.

 

  - Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 

Having recently read The Illuminae Files (reviews to come!) I'm excited about the prospect of seeing what these two authors do together next. 

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

 

Book Shelf: The Mech Who Loved Me (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #2) by Bec McMaster

Ava McLaren is tired of being both a virgin, and a mere laboratory assistant for the Company of Rogues. When a baffling mystery rears its head, it presents her with the opportunity to work a real case... and perhaps get a taste of the passion that eludes her.

Blue bloods are dying from a mysterious disease, which should be impossible. Ava suspects there's more to the case than meets the eye and wants a chance to prove herself. There’s just one catch—she’s ordered to partner with the sexy mech, Kincaid, who's a constant thorn in her side. Kincaid thinks the only good blue blood is a dead one. He's also the very last man she would ever give her heart to… which makes him the perfect candidate for an affair.

The only rule? It ends when the case does.

But when an attempt on her life proves that Ava might be onto something, the only one who can protect her is Kincaid. Suddenly the greatest risk is not to their hearts, but whether they can survive a diabolical plot that threatens to destroy every blue blood in London—including Ava.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

The Mech Who Loved Me is the second instalment in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series and is another deeply passionate and beguiling romance featuring two fantastic leads and a love story that will ignite your blood.

Ava McLaren is tired of being both a virgin and a mere laboratory assistant for the Company of Rogues. After surviving the experiments of a mad-man, Ava has put all the efforts into controlling her new status as a blue blood but that has left little time for love or relationships. Given that the man she thought she wanted has recently married another, Ava is more determined than ever she to discover passion. If only she could find the right man to conduct her experiment with. Liam Kincaid is a mech who despises blue bloods. He’d rather kill them than work with them but as a member of the Company of Rogues he has recently been spending a lot of time with them—-and they’re not all as bad as he’d thought. Kincaid is a thorn in Ava’s side but there’s no denying the sensual and capable mech might be just what she’s looking for. Will Ava be able to convince Kincaid to let go of his hatred to give her a few nights of passion? Or will this affair become more than just a joining of bodies? Will it become a joining of their hearts?

I honestly feel that Bec McMaster’s novels seem to be getting better and better with each release. I’ve loved them all but I think that The Mech Who Loved Me is quite possibly my favourite so far—Ava and Kincaid’s story is simply that good! Continuing to follow the Company of Rogues, The Mech Who Loved Me sees Malloryn’s group of specifically selected individuals investing a new batch of mysterious deaths with Ava and Kincaid paired together to investigate the bodies.

Malloryn is quickly becoming a reluctant Cupid—first pairing Byrnes and Ingrid together and now Ava and Kincaid with electric results. Bec McMaster is wonderfully developing this next stage of her world as the characters navigate their lives after the revolution and face new threats to their fragile time of peace. I’m enjoying seeing old characters and new and discovering new elements of this steampunk world.

I absolutely adored Ava and Kincaid. I felt McMaster wrote Ava with so much dignity and grace and explored her residual feelings for Byrnes respectfully and without needing to resort to pettiness. Ava was genuinely happy for her friends Byrnes and Ingrid and it was highly enjoyable seeing her discover her own happiness. Ava has been through so much and experienced so much pain that she very much deserved to be treated and adored the way Kincaid treated and adored her.

Kincaid was very sexy as a formable mech with a dislike towards blue bloods but who couldn’t help but be drawn to Ava. An incorrigible ladies man in the past, Kincaid was sexual and passionate but I enjoyed that once he set his eyes on Ava she was the only one he saw. I enjoyed seeing his softer sides and the tender way he viewed her while also being her champion when both she and others doubted her.

Fiery and passionate with sexual undertones and a great storyline, The Mech Who Loved Me was a brilliant read and leaves me ready to discover what Bec McMaster has planned next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: June 27th 2017
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: This is definitely one of my favorite books in the series but I can't wait for more!

Book Blitz: A Ghost of a Chance by Debbie Cassidy- Teasers & Giveaway

Welcome to the book blitz for A Ghost of a Chance by Debbie Cassidy thanks to Xpresso Book Tours. I think this book sounds really good and am excited to share some teasers and a giveaway with you today!

_________________________

They say the dead don’t speak. That’s a lie. They speak to Kat Justice, but most of the time, she chooses not to hear them.

I’m a Nightwatch agent, a nightblood charged with enforcing the supernatural laws. Humans can’t know the shit that goes bump in the night is real. It’s sweaty, tough work, with crappy pay, but I love it.

Things would be perfect if not for my secret.

Pureblood Nightbloods can’t see or hear the dead. The fact that I can exposes my mixed breeding. I’m not meant to exist, and if the council find out about my secret it’s the executioners block for me.

Keeping a lid on my ghost whisperer ability is a must.

So, when my gramps orders me to head to the arse end of nowhere, a nowhere that just happens to be the most haunted place on the bloody map, I’m a little confused. 

This transfer doesn’t jive with trying to keep the ghost chat to a minimum.

But with my golem partner and gargoyle companion in tow, I’m sure I can figure out why I’ve been sent to this weird coastal town. I mean, they even have a ghost bar.

You’d think the local souls would be eager to chew my ear off, right? Wrong.

For the first time in forever, the dead aren’t talking.

Now I need to know why…

A kick ass Urban Fantasy Adventure filled with fey, demons, vampires, gargoyles and golems.

Add on  Goodreads or purchase on Amazon 

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head - in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Visit Debbie:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Winter (Evermore Academy #1) by Audrey Grey

Welcome to Evermore Academy where the magic is dark, the immortals are beautiful, and being human SUCKS.

After spending my entire life avoiding the creatures that murdered my parents, one stupid mistake binds me to them for four years.

My penance? Become a human shadow at the infamous Evermore Academy, finishing school for the Seelie and Unseelie Fae courts.

All I want is to keep a low profile, but day one, I make an enemy of the most powerful Fae in the academy.

The Winter Prince is arrogant, cruel, and apparently also my Fae keeper. Meaning I’m in for months of torture.

But it only gets worse. Something dark and terrible looms over the academy. Humans are dying, ancient vendettas are resurfacing, and the courts are more bloodthirsty than ever.

What can one mortal girl do in a world full of gorgeous monsters?

Fight back with everything I have—and try not to fall in love in the process. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Winter is the first novel in Audrey Grey’s new series Evermore Academy and is an absolutely sensational novel infused with passion, adventure and blossoming romance. The Cruel Prince meets Vampire Academy with a fabulous heroine and a swoon worthy love interest!

Summer Solstice lives in a world where she and those she loves struggle to put food on the table. It’s a stark difference to the opulent and luscious world of the Fae that mirrors the human one. Summer never expects to set foot in the land of the fae until one mistake sees her marked by the infamous Winter Prince for theft. The punishment for her crime? Drafted to Evermore Academy where humans are taught and trained to become shadows—the human protectors of the fae. What’s worse is that Summer’s fae keeper is none other than the cruel, arrogant and infuriating Winter Prince himself. Summer is sure she’s in for months of torture as the Prince’s shadow but what started out as punishment soon becomes something positive for Summer. If only she could figure out the Prince, who is caring one moment and cold the next. As something dark and dangerous looms over the academy, humans begin to die and Summer realises that the dangers within the academy are more than she first anticipated....including the danger of falling in love with a maddening fae prince who is all kinds of forbidden.

I absolutely LOVE Audrey Grey’s books—I’ve read every single one and have adored them all. So it’s saying something that I think the first instalment in the Evermore Academy series Winter is quite possibly her novel yet! Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and A Court of Thorns and Roses, Winter introduces readers to an intoxicating and beautifully written world of fae. Winter blends all the addictive elements of a great paranormal novel—action, danger, humour, romance—in an academy setting that is highly addictive.

The protagonist is Summer, a human girl is finds herself stepping into a whole new world when she is forced to attend Evermore Academy as penance for stealing from one of the fae. Summer was an awesome main character to follow! She’s intelligent and competent but also kind and noble. She genuinely cares about others and is willing to do the right thing at a risk to herself. I adored following her in this novel and seeing her stand up for herself against mean girls, cruel fae and infuriating princes. This is one heroine who just ticks all the boxes from the get go.

The world building within Winter is really enjoyable. I’m loving Audrey Grey’s take on the fae that explores an almost dystopian human world alongside a thriving, magical world of fae. The juxtaposition was enthralling and made for plenty of growth in our main character as she learnt of the fae history during her time at Evermore Academy. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the fae history and the darkling monsters in the rest of the series—-I can’t wait to see how Grey develops everything.

Summer’s love interest in this novel is the sexy Winter Prince, an intriguing and mysterious individual who is swoon-worthy and infuriating and deeply enigmatic. The Winter Prince and his motivations are very much a mystery during this novel. The chemistry between he and Summer is undeniable even as Audrey Grey keeps readers guessing as to the reasons behind many of his actions. The fire and electricity between Summer and the Winter Prince is magnetic and so addictive to read about—I devoured all the banter and bite between them and couldn’t help but want more each time.

Winter is a fantastically told academy tale. Academy novels have become all the range recently but it’s easy for authors to loose their storyline within the typical school setting. This is definitely NOT the case with Winter; quite possibly the best academy novel I’ve ever read as Audrey Grey infuses the story with fae mythology, tangible characters and a promising storyline.

As this instalment in the series comes to a close, I can’t wait to see what Audrey Grey has next for Summer and her Winter Prince in the next novel and second year of her attendance at Evermore Academy. Can’t wait to see what the feisty Summer gets up to next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Audrey!)
Publisher: Starfall Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: October 11th 2019
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Final Thoughts: I absolutely adored this novel and can't wait for the next one!

Waiting on Wednesday #289

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 Darkest King by Gena Showalter  

Releases on: February 25th 2020

Add on Goodreads!

A merciless prince feared by all…

Cursed by a vengeful witch, William of the Dark will die if he ever falls in love—murdered by the woman who steals his heart. His lone shot at redemption is a book filled with indecipherable code. Break the code, break the curse. Now, centuries later, he’s condemned to a string of one-night stands…until he finds the only woman in the worlds able to set him free.

A rare creature of myth and power…

One of the last living unicorn shifters, Sunday “Sunny” Lane works from the shadows as a cryptanalyst, on the run from assassins and poachers. Then the darkly seductive William abducts her, holding her captive in Hell. The closer they get, the more she hungers for his touch…and the stronger a mystical desire to kill him becomes…

Both forever doomed?

At war with his brother, Lucifer, and determined to become a king of the underworld at long last, William must resist the irreverent beauty who threatens his future. But every day Sunny tempts him more, his hunger for her unmatched. Will he risk his heart—and his life—or will the curse ensure his end? 

Thoughts:

I've been reading the Lords of the Underworld for almost a decade but I'm yet to read the most recent novel as I was really put off my Showalter's decision not to give Gilly and William a HEA together. I'm still super excited to read William's novel and will be keeping my eyes out for this when it releases!

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

BRIEFING NOTE: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

 More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is the first instalment in The Illuminae Files and is a uniquely told and entrancing sci-fi adventure brimming with danger, romance and excitement.

The year is 2575 and seventeen year old Kady Grant thought the hardest thing she'd have to do would be break up with her boyfriend Ezra Grant. Then their planet is invaded. With two megacorporations at war, the battle reaches the small mining planet of Kerenza and Kady and Ezra must race to evacuate with an enemy warcraft in hot pursuit. Forced into separate spaceships, the trouble for Kady and Ezra's is just getting started. A deadly virus has broken out and the artificial intelligence responsible for protecting them may actually be another enemy. As those in charge scramble to save the fleet, Kady hacks into the systems to uncover the truth. As it soon becomes clear the only person she can rely on is the ex-boyfriend she never wanted to speak to again, Kady will need to rely on Ezra if she wants to survive and live to tell about it. 

In this exciting reading experience, authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff join forces to draw readers into an unparralled adventure with Illuminae, a YA sci-fi story that is told through a fascinating series of emails, reports, schematics, military files, security footage and more. It's taken me a little while to find the time to read this book but I must say; I've personally never read anything quite like Illuminae. 

Kaufman and Kristoff dare to write something different with this novel and subsequent series and while it was disconcerting at first, the uncommon narrative proves to be highly intriguing reading.  The story was one I found easy to get lost as the sharp, witty dialogue and established characters fight to survive. 

The main characters are Kady Grant and her [ex] boyfriend Ezra Mason who find themselves caught up in a war they were unprepared for when an invasion sees them take refuge on different space carriers. What happens next is a viral outbreak that threatens the fleet and Kady's determination to learn the truth about what is happening that sees her hack, search and delve into military records. 

I quite liked Kady and Ezra. Kady was was intelligent, determined and sarcastically witty while Ezra was your all-star boyfriend who was lighthearted and down to earth but who also fought the good fight. I found it interesting that Kady and Ezra were in an established relationship at the start of the novel. I'm so used to seeing characters start out as strangers and fall in love that it was refreshing to see a couple who had a history and rapor with each already.

Illuminae is very fast paced and intricately plotted. There are some developments and twists readers will simply not see coming and I can't wait to start the next novel asap and see what Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff have planned for the rest of the trilogy!

Rating: 
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Allen & Unwin 
Format: Paperback
Release Date: November 1st 2015
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A unique and thrilling read--I'm ready for more.

Owl Post #240

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 this weeks Owl Post! Only a copy of books this week but they're great ones!

  I Bought:

- Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

I'm super excited to see Kelley Armstrong at BABE next year and plan to read as many of Kelley's novels I'm yet to read before I meet her :)

- The Dragon's Curse by Bethany Wiggins

The Dragon's Curse is the sequel to The Dragon's Price, a novel I absolutely LOVED and am so excited to finally get myself a copy of this. Can't wait to read it!

And that's me!

What did the owls bring you this week?

 

Book Shelf: Mission: Improper (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #1) by Bec McMaster

Three years ago, London society changed forever, with a revolution placing the widowed Queen firmly on the throne her blue blood husband tried to take from her. Humans, verwulfen and mechs are no longer considered the lesser classes, but not everybody is happy with the new order…
 
Entire families have gone missing in the East End. When Caleb Byrnes receives an invitation to join the Company of Rogues as an undercover agent pledged to protect the crown, he jumps at the chance to find out who, or what, is behind the disappearances. Hunting criminals is what the darkly driven blue blood does best, and though he prefers to work alone, the opportunity is too good to resist.

The problem? He’s partnered with Ingrid Miller, the fiery and passionate verwulfen woman who won a private bet against him a year ago. Byrnes has a score to settle, but one stolen kiss and suddenly the killer is not the only thing Byrnes is interested in hunting.

Soon they’re chasing whispered rumours of a secret project gone wrong, and a monster that just might be more dangerous than either of them combined. The only way to find out more is to go undercover among the blue blood elite… But when their hunt uncovers a mysterious conspiracy, Byrnes and Ingrid must set aside their age-old rivalry if they have any chance at surviving a treacherous plot.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Mission: Improper is the first instalment in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk spin off series, London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy and is the continued exploration of her already wonderful steampunk world with new—and old—characters, new romances and new dangers.

Three years ago London society changed forever when a revolution brought down the prince consort and put the Queen on the throne. Many changes have occurred in the years since. Humans, mechs and verwulfen are no longer considered lessor than their blue blood counterparts and a time of peace has raged. Yet not everyone is pleased with the new order and when a series of disappearances occur an elite group of individuals are put together to discover the culprit, including Nighthawk Caleb Byrnes, a darkly driven investigator who prefers to work alone. To his dismay, Byrnes is partnered with Ingrid Miller a verwulfen who won a bet against him a year ago and who he hasn’t stopped thinking about since. Determined to settle the score, Byrnes sets about winning Ingrid’s set challenges but as stolen kisses burn, it soon becomes clear the thing Byrnes wants to win isn’t Ingrid in his bed...it’s her heart.

After I devoured the London Steampunk series I was stoked to discover I could jump straight into this spin-off. Of Silk and Steam ended so well but there were still so many characters I wanted to know more about and I’m super excited that Bec McMaster will explore them in this series.

Both Byrnes and Ingrid are two individuals we saw throughout the previous series and it was fantastic to see them front and center in Mission: Improper. Byrnes has always managed to get under everyone’s skin so well but this controlled and calculating Nighthawk has always been someone I wanted to know more about, while Ingrid has intrigued me since we met her and Rosa and Lynch’s story.

McMaster wonderfully explores the relationship and romance between Byrnes and Ingrid in this novel. Both are such strong individuals that it was somewhat surprising to see them so afraid to explore the connection between them. Fantastic chemistry and hilarious banter made for highly entertaining reading as they eventually acknowledged the depth of their feelings.

One of the things I love about Bec McMaster’s novels is that there are real story’s within books. There’s genuinely a mystery to solve or a killer to catch that the romance, sex and characterisation only enhance the storyline. McMaster litters her novels with funny, endearing and larger than life personalities that compliment her storylines. Intricate and addictive, I’m invested in the lives and happiness of all those McMaster introduces us to. Ava, Kincaid, Gemma, Charlie, Malloryn—-I want to read about them all and am excited to have that chance.

Fun, passionate and explosive, Mission Improper is a great start to this new world of London Steampunk I am excited to learn about. I have no doubt Bec McMaster has much in store as she offers readers new branches and aspects to her steampunk world. I can’t wait to begin Ava and Kincaid’s tale next and then all the ones that follow!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Amazon
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 16th 2016
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another brilliant novel from Bec McMaster---I'm ready to read more!

Waiting on Wednesday #288

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 Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Releases on: May 19th 2020
Add on Goodreads!

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will revisit the world of Panem sixty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Tenth Hunger Games.

Thoughts:

Although the description really doesn't give too much away, I'm super excited about revisiting the world of The Hunger Games. The idea of seeing what happens before Katniss's story is really intriguing. Can't wait!

Are you a THG fan?

Will you be reading this when it comes out?

Owl Post #239

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 happy Monday! I have a bunch of great books to share with you this week :)

  For Review:

From Pantera Press:

 - Weapon by Lynette Noni 

I'm sooooo excited to read Weapon. I LOVE Lynette Noni's books and can't wait to dive into her latest release. 

Thank you SO much Anabel!

I Bought:

 - Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

This book is quite possibly my most anticipated novel of this year. I don't remember the last time I was so excited for a book to come out. Think this will be my next read as soon as I finish what I'm reading now!!

- Chaser by Kylie Scott

I always enjoy Kylie Scott's novels and have been meaning to get around to getting a copy of this. Now I just need to find the time to read it.

- Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller 

I admit I still need to read the first book, Daughter of the Pirate King but I do own a copy and seeing as this sequel was on sale I couldn't pass up on a copy.

  - Conjuror by John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman  I totally bought this book on a whim without knowing too much about it. Mainly because I LOVE John Barrowman!! Oh and it was a hardback for only $8. Who could say no?    And that's me! What did the owls bring you this week?  

 

Book Shelf: Queen of Ruin (Grace and Fury #2) by Tracy Banghart

Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again.

Nomi's sister, Serina, is far away on the prison island of Mount Ruin - but it is in the grip of revolution and Serina leads. The women there have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They will stop at nothing to gain freedom for the entire kingdom. But first they'll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.

Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, to build something better in its place.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Queen of Ruin by Tracy Banghart is the sequel to Grace and Fury and conclusion of the duology by the same name in this fast paced and action filled story.

Nomi and Malachi are powerless and facing almost certain death. Having tricked them, Asa now sits on the throne and is proving to be an even crueller ruler than his late father. He will stop at nothing to assure that Malachi never takes his rightful place as ruler, even if that means killing his brother and the woman he betrayed. Across the sea, Nomi’s sister Serina sits on Mount Ruin, having recently led a coup to overthrow the guards and take control of the prison where woman have been forced to fight to the death. The women of Mount Ruin will do anything to keep their freedom and killing Asa is the only way to guarantee this. Torn apart by a cruel dictator, Nomi and Serina soon find themselves together again, but when it becomes clear the way to stop Asa lies in Nomi, the sisters will need to separate once more. Before they were fighting for their lives, now they’re fighting for something even more important; their freedom.

Tracy Banghart is an author I’ve always enjoyed. I read and adored her independently published Rebel Wing series and absolutely loved Grace and Fury, but I was somewhat underwhelmed with Queen of Ruin. I still felt it was a great fantasy read; it just seemed to fall flat in some respects whereas the first novel really blew me away. I felt empowered by the characters and their circumstances during the first book and was prepared to metaphorically fight by their side. In Queen of Ruin, although the stakes were higher than ever, I felt like some of this drive was missing.

The novel also seemed rushed, especially towards the end and I felt that the defeat of Asa was anticlimactic. After the big twist in the previous novel and the way in which he manipulated Nomi into seizing power, his destruction was just too easy. I wanted more oomph, more fight. I wanted Banghart to truly wow me with this conclusion to her duology and although it was a decent ending and promising, it was too simple for my liking.

I still liked the characters including sisters Nomi and Serina. It’s been a reversal of roles with obedient Serina now a fierce warrior for womankind while defiant Nomi is more demure and uncertain, having seen a new side to the Heir during her time as a Grace and whose mistakes have paved the way for Asa’s reign. I think that Banghart developed the characters well. I actually came to like Serina over Nomi in this novel where before it was the younger sister I enjoyed following more. I think both young women have been through a lot and can’t deny that as characters they have driven the storyline forward well.

Though not as good as I was anticipating, Queen of Ruin was still an overall solid read and a fair conclusion to the duology. I appreciated the romances Tracy Banghart included for both Serina and Nomi with Val and Malachi exactly what the gals needed and I’m satisfied that the women of Viridia will have a new prosperous future now that a new dawn has been brought in for the kingdom where they will have rights and opportunities the same as men.

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
Format: Paperback
Release Date: July 11th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Not quite as good as the first one, I still very much enjoy Tracy Banghart's books and am looking forward to her next release!