Book Shelf: The Memory Thief (City of Wishes #1) by Rachel Morgan

Every wish has a price …

In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is human, bound to her stepmother by a slave charm. Her only hope at freedom is to wish for it. But the Godmother rules the illegal wish trade, and the price she demands is steep. Is Elle willing to pay it?

~ ~ ~

It’s just another night of breaking her stepmother’s rules and sneaking out. Another night of drawing as little attention to herself as possible.

Get the job done. Earn a little more Essence. Move one step closer to legitimately purchasing a wish.

But when Elle runs face-first into a charming and handsome faerie—and then ends up in the clutches of a vampire—her usual fly-under-the-radar plans are knocked off course.

~ ~ ~

CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella. This episode is approximately 27,000 words or 120 print pages.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

The Memory Thief is the first novel in Rachel Morgan’s new fairytale serial City of Wishes and is a fun and quirky Cinderella retelling woven with a supernatural twist and fae element.

Nineteen year old Elle Winter is human in a world of fae, vampires and shifters where wishes can be bought and sold. Bound to her stepmother by a slave charm, Elle dreams of the day when she has enough Essence to buy her freedom with a wish. However sneaking out and earning Essence is becoming harder, and with humans beginning to be abducted, Elle knows that drawing attention to herself is a dangerous thing. Then a chance encounter with a dangerous vampire and an enigmatic fae at a club puts Elle right in the centre of the abductions and soon Elle’s priorities include not only gaining her freedom, but figuring out how to just stay alive.

Rachel Morgan is an author I always enjoy—whether she’s writing paranormal or contemporary, she always hits the nail on the head. And The Memory Thief is no exception. Set to be a part of a serial and slightly shorter than regular novels, The Memory Thief proves to be a quick, on point read that is filled with magic and possibility.

Introducing readers to Elle, The Memory Thief offers a fae twist on the traditional tale of Cinderella with Elle the human slave to her fae-stepmother and step-sisters. The world and concepts Morgan explores in this first instalment alone already have me very intrigued by this world were life essence is currency and wishes and magic are part of everyday life. Elle lives in a world primarily occupied by the fae and humans are considered lesser beings, more often than not, slaves to their fae masters.

It's an interesting idea with our protagonist having to hide who she is as she attempts to escape the control of her step-mother and survive in the fae controlled world. The concept that humans are nothing but the lowest of lows and are considered less works really well with the world Rachel Morgan is building with this series. I’m keen to see what others besides Sienna and Dex (our obvious potential love interest) accept Elle for who she is.

Quick but enjoyable reading, City of Wishes looks like it is going to be a very addictive serial to read and The Memory Thief ends leaving me ready to dive straight into the next instalment to see what Rachel Morgan has planned for Elle next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased for FREE on Amazon
Publisher: Published by Rachel Morgan
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 26th 2019
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: An enjoyable retelling--I can't wait to read more!

The Memory Thief is currently FREE on most online retailers!

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Book Shelf: Memory's Wake (Memory's Wake Trilogy #1) by Selina Fenech

Lost in a world full of monstrous fairies, a troubled sixteen year old has to find out who she is and why her memories were stolen before she is found by those who want her dead.

She takes the name "Memory" and knows she has just one goal - to find her way home, wherever that is. But this land is strange. No technology to be seen, and iron is banned, thanks to a pact the humans have with the magical creatures who share their pre-industrial era world. In her t-shirt and torn jeans, Memory knows she's different, even before she performs impossible magic.

Haunted by her past, chased by a dragon, wanted by the king and stalked by the strange, handsome savage that seems to know her, everyone is after Memory, and she suspects it's not just for her eye-catching outfit. Her forgotten past holds dangerous secrets that will challenge everything she believes and risk the lives of everyone she loves.
 
More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Memory’s Wake is the first novel in Australian writer and illustrator Selina Fenech’s Memory’s Wake Trilogy and is a beautifully depicted and lyrical fantasy world full of magic, adventure and even the perfect hint of romance. 

Waking up in a forest, a confused teenager finds she has no memories of who she is and where she came from. Lost in a seemingly strange world, she finds herself assisted by another beautiful but secretive girl named Eloryn whom she meets in the woods. Taking on the name Memory, all Memory knows is that she must find her way back home. Hunted and chased by strange men, a tyrant king and a dragon, Eloryn and Memory find themselves racing across a magical land inhabited by both humans and fae alike. In a world with no technology and simple living, Memory knows she’s different in her torn jeans and multiple piercings, but as Eloryn and Memory try to determine who to trust—either the charming thief to tries to assist them, or the handsome but strange man who stalks Memory, Memory’s ability to harness dangerous magic make it clear that Memory’s past could change everything….

I have to say I enjoyed Memory’s Wake a lot more than I expected to. There’s an almost fairytale like quality to the story that blends well with the authors lyrical descriptions and vibrant fantasy world. In fact, I’m almost ashamed to say I haven’t read Memory’s Wake until now. As a fixture on the Australian fantasy scene, I have often seen Memory’s Wake and its author Selina Fenech at the various Supanova’s and Oz Comic-Con’s I have attended, but have never pursued the book further until now. I was very much entranced by the world Fenech has created and enjoyed this magical tale—wish I had read it sooner. 

Mysterious and magical, Memory’s Wake features all my favourite aspects of fantasy. I liked the childlike wonder that accompanied the story and that it was a light, softer kind of fantasy that included a lush Victorian fantasy setting, intriguing characters and plenty of magic and friendship to keep me entertained. The beautiful drawings that accompany the story and litter the novel are stunning additions to the story that enhance the reading experience. 

Memory’s Wake is delightfully told in third person and follows a number of characters, with Memory’s voice obviously an important one as well as Eloryn, Roen and Memory’s mysterious follower Will. I really liked all the characters and am already very invested in their tales, especially Eloryn and Roen who seem to be beginning a will-they-won’t-they forbidden romance. 

I very much enjoyed piecing things together and learning about Memory’s past in Memory’s Wake. Selina Fenech has plenty of tricks up her sleeve and some intriguing developments to the story are revealed. Can’t wait to read the second book in the trilogy, Hope’s Reign! 
 
Rating:
Source: Snagged as an Amazon freebie
Publisher: Fairies and Fantasy Pty Ltd              
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 16th 2011
Get for FREE: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Beautiful and whimsical, Memory's Wake was a delightful fantasy and I can't wait to read more!

Book Shelf: Blind Attraction (Reckless Beat #1) by Eden Summers

He can seduce with a single glance.

Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.

He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Blind Attraction is the first novel in Eden Summer’s Reckless Beat series and kicks off a deliciously sexy and romantic tale right in the vein of Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive books and is perfect for those who love their men cheeky, devilish and oh, so addictive.

Alana Shelton grew up in a woman’s retreat run by her mother, sheltered and protected from the world around her. With little experience with the opposite sex and her mother’s fears and warnings ringing in her ears, Alana decides to take a chance and spread her wings; visiting her best friend and attending her first rock concert, never knowing her whole world is about to change….Mitchell Davies is the lead guitarist of renowned rock band Reckless Beat and has had his fair share of escapades with easy women and groupies. Tired of that aspect of the lifestyle, Mitchell finds himself captivated by one woman whose emerald green eyes gaze up to him at one of his concerts. Determined to convince Alana to spend some time with him, will Mitchell be able to sooth Alana’s fears or will his public image and rock and roll lifestyle keep him from the woman he’s deeply falling for…..

Wow! What a great book! This is my first novel by Eden Summers but she did absolutely not disappoint with this well written, sensual and oh so sexy novel. Blind Attraction caught my attention from the very beginning, and as with the rock star romances I’ve loved in the past, managed to really make me care and enjoy her characters. I’m already invested in lives of the other Reckless Beat members we met alongside Mitchell and am keen to read each and every one of their stories. 

With Reckless Beats unfolding through Alana and Mitchell’s varying POV’s, I enjoyed the main characters Eden Summers introduced us too. Mitchell was just a solid and sexy rocker who was over the groupies and easy women and who found himself drawn to Alana. I also have to commend Eden Summers for giving Alana an innocence to the world, but actually giving this a reason in the form of the isolated childhood and life she had experienced. Alana had very little life experience thanks to her mother’s fears and neurosis, so visiting her friend in Richmond allowed for her to finally experience a lot life has to offer. 

As a couple, I really liked Alana and Mitch. The chemistry was there between them and I thought it was seriously sweet how easily Mitch slipped into the role of carer and protector where Allie was concerned. He was determined to look after her and I thought that sweetness blended perfectly with the attraction and electricity between them!

Ending Alana and Mitchell’s tale perfectly, Blind Attraction was a saucy read and leaves me raring to jump straight into the next novel ASAP and discover the woman set to bring Blake to his knees!

Rating:
Source: I snagged this one for FREE on Amazon
Publisher: Published independently by Eden Summers
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 28th 2013
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I LOVED this book and can't wait to begin reading the rest of the series!

 

Blind Attraction is currently FREE across most ebook platforms. Make sure to get your copy today!

Book Shelf: Cipher (The Shadow Ravens #1) by Aileen Erin

Alone and on the run, Cipher doesn't talk about her secrets, her powers, or the people chasing her. She can’t let anyone get that close. At least, she shouldn’t.

Knight is working undercover for the bad guys. He’s done things that have marked his soul, but it’ll all be worth it if he can save the girl who means everything to him—the girl who saved his life by putting herself in danger. It’s been twelve years, but Knight knows she’s still alive, and he’s made it his mission to find her and keep her safe.

When Knight finally catches up to Cipher, electricity sparks. He’s crazy gorgeous, stupid brilliant, and begging to lift the burden from Cipher’s shoulders. Can she really trust him with her secrets? With her life?

She doesn’t have long to decide, because Knight isn’t the only who’s been looking for her. Now Cipher can’t run without leaving him behind. What good is being together if they’re both dead?

To save Knight, Cipher will finally stop running…one way or another.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Cipher by Aileen Erin is the first novel in The Shadow Raven’s series and is an absolutely brilliant start to what looks like a highly promising YA series that features a fast paced storyline, wonderful dialogue and delicious chemistry between its two main characters. 

In a world where she would be studied and experimented on for her abilities, Cipher has been alone and on the run for most of her life. Only managing to remain ahead of the authorities by the skin of her teeth, Cipher’s world changes when she meets the intelligent, alluring and at times infuriating, Knight. Knight has spent twelve years looking for the girl whose electric touch saved his life as a child, and now that he’s found her he has no intention of letting her go. Everything in Knight’s life has been in preparation of helping the girl he loves, but none of the training, secret missions or undercover work could have prepared him for the connection he feels when he meets Cipher, or the desire he has to keep her safe. With enemies hot on their trail and closing in with every second, Cipher will have no choice but to trust Knight if she has any hopes of surviving…..

I have no hesitations in saying that I absolutely loved Cipher! From the moment I began the story, author Aileen Erin had me addicted to the fantastic tale she had spun, eager to see Cipher and Knight’s story develop and their lives intertwine once more. Alternately told through Cipher and Knight’s points of view, Cipher is one of those YA paranormal/fantasy tales you can’t help but love and be swept into. Everything about it seems to be perfect; the pace, the characters, the romance, the storyline, the world—it all just works. 

I know that the novels in this series will be told by different authors and the second book introduces a new heroine, but I look forward to seeing more of Cipher down the track too. Cipher was a well written, easily likable and intelligent character. I loved that Aileen Erin made her a gamer and a hacker—taking her outside the typical heroine mold and giving her a bit of nerdy-sass. Made me love her even more. 

And Knight! Oh Knight. What a wonderful male lead and love interest! Knight was cheeky and smart and very capable. His training and capabilities had left a stain on his soul considering what he had been forced to do, but I love seeing how dedicated he was to Cipher and the Red’s and helping those who were being taken. Basically Knight just encompasses so much of what I love in male leads. 

Unfolding through both POV’s meant we got a really well rounded tale that let us see what both Cipher and Knight thought and felt. They had such a lovely chemistry as characters and I have to give Erin props for how she wrote their relationship. Giving them a history—one that never really ended—meant that seeing them connect again was more satisfying. 

Definitely impressing me, Cipher is a well written and electric (pun totally included!) tale that will no doubt leave you raring to see more of this delightful and engaging world as Aileen Erin kicks off The Shadow Raven series—can’t wait to see how Lola Dodge follows it up with her tale Quanta! 

Rating:
Source: I snagged this one for FREE on Amazon
Publisher: Ink Monster, LLC
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: October 31st 2014
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: This book really impressed me and I may be late to start the series, but I can't wait to read the rest of the books released!