Hi guys and welcome to another Owl Post! I've got a couple of fab books to share with you this week :)
In many ways life is a story and you are the author. Each and every day you write another paragraph, another page, another chapter. The story, the plot….even the ending, are all up to you and often when you first set out, you yourself have no clue where you’re going to end up....
Monday, September 7, 2015
Owl Post #71
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Black Apocalypse by Sasha Hibbs- Excerpt
As a massive fan of this series, I'm thrilled to be featuring Black Apocalypse on the blog today, the final book in Sasha Hibbs's brilliant Vulcan Legacies! With Black Apocalypse on my to-review list, I've got an awesome excerpt to share with you today and urge you all to check out this amazing series!
Resurrected from the
dead, Michael Blackwell is enraged and heartbroken to find Ally—the girl
he loved—in the arms of the very man that killed him as a human. In
Michael’s eyes Ally’s betrayal is absolute. But there is more than meets
the eye when it comes to the man who killed Michael, and even more with
the girl he thought he knew.
Told in alternating view points from both Michael and Ally, Black Apocalypse is a journey full of heartache and redemption where the past weaves an uncertain future. Can Michael forgive Ally for her betrayal? Can Ally finally embrace who she is destined to become to save them both? The world?
Who is the elusive Seraph, Laurel? Who was the Devourer before his colossal fall from grace? What decisions did they make together that altered the course of history? Shocking revelations, prophecies fulfilled, a war where not everyone will make it out alive, the final installment in the Vulcan Legacies will leave you breathless.
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs' favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.
With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.
When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.
Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book four in The Vulcan Legacies series.
With Black Apocalypse hitting stores last week, Vulcan Legacies is now complete and I would like to say a big congrats to Sasha Hibbs on having them all out in the world. I look forward to reading whatever you put out next, and urge all readers who love well explored worlds, great characters and wonderful romance to check out the Vulcan Legacies--you won't be sorry!
Told in alternating view points from both Michael and Ally, Black Apocalypse is a journey full of heartache and redemption where the past weaves an uncertain future. Can Michael forgive Ally for her betrayal? Can Ally finally embrace who she is destined to become to save them both? The world?
Who is the elusive Seraph, Laurel? Who was the Devourer before his colossal fall from grace? What decisions did they make together that altered the course of history? Shocking revelations, prophecies fulfilled, a war where not everyone will make it out alive, the final installment in the Vulcan Legacies will leave you breathless.
Check out the series so far:
From Black Apocalypse......
He glanced at her silhouette. She stood beside him quietly, a tear streaking down her pale face, one silver line visible against the cold wintery night.
“Will you dance with me?” Abaddon said, turning her back to face him.
Ally spoke with her body. She shivered as she turned to him, reaching out and lacing her fingers through his.
Abaddon responded by pulling her close against him, removing his hands from hers so he could wrap them around her, holding her tight and praying for the courage to see his task through.
The Seraph told him, told him what he must do. In his broken mind, the pieces lay jagged and strewn, but he was putting them together, regaining the memories he’d lost through the blinding rage of his illusion.
But Ally was real. He was holding her in his arms, and she came to him with trust, with patience, while he tried to regain the memories from his human life, ones that would guide him on the path he was supposed to be on now.
But as he held her in his arms, she felt so fragile, so breakable. He could hear the soft thrumming of her heart. The beat was uneven, a rhythm that reminded him of the last remnants of life.
Ally was dying. She was his soulmate and the beat of her heart gave him all the courage he needed. He wasn’t going to kill her. He was going to save her.
Abaddon slowly broke away from her, keeping her at arm’s length. Her light was dimming, but there was the faintest glimmer in her eyes that held hope for him. She would be strong enough to endure what he was getting ready to do to her. She had to be.
Abaddon brought his wrist up to his mouth, extended his canines and pierced his flesh. As blood rushed up to the surface, he gazed into her eyes.
He parted his lips, ready to speak, to tell her it would be okay, but was silenced by Ally resting a single finger against his lips.
“Shh,” Ally whispered.
Her gaze told him that she knew what was happening. She wouldn’t fight him. He could see that she would trust him, blindly put all her faith in him, was truly ready to walk down an unknown path with him.
He watched in awe as she circled her cold fingers around his wrist and brought it up to her lips. She locked gazes with him and he could feel her taking his essence into him. She ended by gently kissing his wrist where the wound was. She swept her hair to one side, exposing her neck up at him.
Abaddon felt a warm tear run down his cheek.
“It’s okay, Michael,” Ally said, her voice so little. “I’m ready.”
He unfurled his wings, pulled her against him tightly, lowered his lips to hers, and in his mind he whispered the words from a song, a song from a long time ago that meant so much to him then and even more to him now.
“I've waited such a long time for you,” he said. He softly caressed her lips with his, savoring the feel of her against him, the kiss he’d waited a lifetime and beyond for.
He raised his gaze back to hers, brushing a wisp of hair away from her eyes, cupping her face. “A lifetime,” he said, as he brushed soft kisses along her temple, her cheek, her jawline, back to her trembling lips. Thinking back to that night long ago, he lived the words of that song, held nothing back for what he felt for her.
Abaddon could see the tears standing in her eyes. He kissed them away, their salt lingering on his lips. He drew her closer into him so that he could feel she was real, she was in his arms, her life in his hands.
And through her tears, he could see the relief, he could see the hope, he could see her love staring back at him. His heart hammered in his chest, that muscle giving way to a new life, a life that only love could give.
He brushed his lips against hers again and again, whispering those lyrics so appropriate for them, for their life, their death, their love against a world that, like her essence, was fading fast. “You’ll always be mine.”
With shaky hands, Abaddon pulled her down to the ground with him. Cradling her in his lap, he grazed his canines against her throat. “I need you,” Abaddon whispered, as Ally laced her fingers through his hair, pulling him down to her vein. She arched her back, pressed up against him, encouraged him to drink from her, to take her to where he’d been.
Abaddon exhaled against her skin. With one hand holding her head and the other pressed firmly into the small of her back, he pierced her, sunk his teeth into the soft flesh at her neck. He took her into him, her blood coursing through him, sating a hunger for far more than sustenance. In her blood was the story of their life, the answers he sought, the lyrics to their own song.
Abaddon could feel the life slowly fade from her, could hear her heartbeat slow. Removing his canines, he drew back from her. Her head lolled to the side, her pupils beginning to fix. He brought her lips back to his, kissed her gently.
As Ally’s last breath escaped her body, Abaddon clutched her tightly to his chest, a crimson tear falling against her, he whispered into her ear, “Hurry back to me.”
Eeep! If you're not dying to read Black Apocalypse after this I don't know what's wrong with you! Make sure to get your copy today!
He glanced at her silhouette. She stood beside him quietly, a tear streaking down her pale face, one silver line visible against the cold wintery night.
“Will you dance with me?” Abaddon said, turning her back to face him.
Ally spoke with her body. She shivered as she turned to him, reaching out and lacing her fingers through his.
Abaddon responded by pulling her close against him, removing his hands from hers so he could wrap them around her, holding her tight and praying for the courage to see his task through.
The Seraph told him, told him what he must do. In his broken mind, the pieces lay jagged and strewn, but he was putting them together, regaining the memories he’d lost through the blinding rage of his illusion.
But Ally was real. He was holding her in his arms, and she came to him with trust, with patience, while he tried to regain the memories from his human life, ones that would guide him on the path he was supposed to be on now.
But as he held her in his arms, she felt so fragile, so breakable. He could hear the soft thrumming of her heart. The beat was uneven, a rhythm that reminded him of the last remnants of life.
Ally was dying. She was his soulmate and the beat of her heart gave him all the courage he needed. He wasn’t going to kill her. He was going to save her.
Abaddon slowly broke away from her, keeping her at arm’s length. Her light was dimming, but there was the faintest glimmer in her eyes that held hope for him. She would be strong enough to endure what he was getting ready to do to her. She had to be.
Abaddon brought his wrist up to his mouth, extended his canines and pierced his flesh. As blood rushed up to the surface, he gazed into her eyes.
He parted his lips, ready to speak, to tell her it would be okay, but was silenced by Ally resting a single finger against his lips.
“Shh,” Ally whispered.
Her gaze told him that she knew what was happening. She wouldn’t fight him. He could see that she would trust him, blindly put all her faith in him, was truly ready to walk down an unknown path with him.
He watched in awe as she circled her cold fingers around his wrist and brought it up to her lips. She locked gazes with him and he could feel her taking his essence into him. She ended by gently kissing his wrist where the wound was. She swept her hair to one side, exposing her neck up at him.
Abaddon felt a warm tear run down his cheek.
“It’s okay, Michael,” Ally said, her voice so little. “I’m ready.”
He unfurled his wings, pulled her against him tightly, lowered his lips to hers, and in his mind he whispered the words from a song, a song from a long time ago that meant so much to him then and even more to him now.
“I've waited such a long time for you,” he said. He softly caressed her lips with his, savoring the feel of her against him, the kiss he’d waited a lifetime and beyond for.
He raised his gaze back to hers, brushing a wisp of hair away from her eyes, cupping her face. “A lifetime,” he said, as he brushed soft kisses along her temple, her cheek, her jawline, back to her trembling lips. Thinking back to that night long ago, he lived the words of that song, held nothing back for what he felt for her.
Abaddon could see the tears standing in her eyes. He kissed them away, their salt lingering on his lips. He drew her closer into him so that he could feel she was real, she was in his arms, her life in his hands.
And through her tears, he could see the relief, he could see the hope, he could see her love staring back at him. His heart hammered in his chest, that muscle giving way to a new life, a life that only love could give.
He brushed his lips against hers again and again, whispering those lyrics so appropriate for them, for their life, their death, their love against a world that, like her essence, was fading fast. “You’ll always be mine.”
With shaky hands, Abaddon pulled her down to the ground with him. Cradling her in his lap, he grazed his canines against her throat. “I need you,” Abaddon whispered, as Ally laced her fingers through his hair, pulling him down to her vein. She arched her back, pressed up against him, encouraged him to drink from her, to take her to where he’d been.
Abaddon exhaled against her skin. With one hand holding her head and the other pressed firmly into the small of her back, he pierced her, sunk his teeth into the soft flesh at her neck. He took her into him, her blood coursing through him, sating a hunger for far more than sustenance. In her blood was the story of their life, the answers he sought, the lyrics to their own song.
Abaddon could feel the life slowly fade from her, could hear her heartbeat slow. Removing his canines, he drew back from her. Her head lolled to the side, her pupils beginning to fix. He brought her lips back to his, kissed her gently.
As Ally’s last breath escaped her body, Abaddon clutched her tightly to his chest, a crimson tear falling against her, he whispered into her ear, “Hurry back to me.”
Eeep! If you're not dying to read Black Apocalypse after this I don't know what's wrong with you! Make sure to get your copy today!
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs' favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.
With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.
When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.
Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book four in The Vulcan Legacies series.
Visit Sasha:
With Black Apocalypse hitting stores last week, Vulcan Legacies is now complete and I would like to say a big congrats to Sasha Hibbs on having them all out in the world. I look forward to reading whatever you put out next, and urge all readers who love well explored worlds, great characters and wonderful romance to check out the Vulcan Legacies--you won't be sorry!
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Book Shelf: Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt
For Brighton, every day is a gauntlet of demands and expectations. Since her father died, she’s relied on one coping method: smile big and pretend to be fine. It may have kept her family together, but she has no clue how to handle how she's really feeling. Today is the anniversary of his death and cracks are beginning to show. The last thing she needs is the new kid telling her how much he dislikes her for no reason she can understand. She's determined to change his mind, and when they're stuck together for the night, she finally gets her chance.
Jonah hates her at 3p.m., but how will he feel at 3 a.m.?
One night can change how you see the world. One night can change how you see yourself.
More info on Goodreads......
Review:
Bright Before Sunrise is a fun and uncomplicated novel by Tiffany Schmidt that sweeps readers into a story that features a sweet and endearing romance. Set mainly over the course of one night, Bright Before Sunrise manages to mingle romance between the two main characters with self discover whilst still managing to convey a deeper meaning
Bright Before Sunrise introduces readers to Brighton Waterford, a sweet, popular and seemingly perfect student at Cross Pointe High.....and a girl on a mission. Brighton is determined to understand why fellow classmate Jonah Prentiss refuses to give her the time of day no matter how many times she's tried to become his friend. A self ostracized loner who moved to Cross Pointe from the neighboring, and lower class, suburb of Hamilton, Jonah isn't interested in getting to know the way too "nice" Brighton. Yet when a night of chances and changes throws them together, both Brighton and Jonah find themselves setting out to discover a whole new way of seeing the world; a way that just might change the way they see themselves, and each other, forever.....
After jumping into Bright Before Sunrise with not a lot of expectations, I was delighted to find myself captivated from pretty much the opening chapter. Well written and explored, Bright Before Sunrise would be perfect for fans of The Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles in my opinion with its easy to follow storyline, sexual tension and chemistry.
Told through the dual POV's of both Brighton and Jonah, I really loved both characters. Though Brighton was popular and a social butterfly, she was a genuinely nice person and I enjoyed the fact that Tiffany Schmidt managed to explore her personality flaws in this novel and allows Brighton to see herself for who she really is. Jonah on the other hand is a real bitter individual in the beginning with Schmidt also not shying away from an authentic male personality who vocalizes his turn-ons, desires and wants.
A lot happens to our two main characters in Bright Before Sunrise. After an initial introduction of a few chapters Bright Before Sunrise takes place over one eventful night in the lives of Brighton and Jonah. I really liked what Tiffany Schmidt managed to pack into this story and though I'm sure there are people out there to may find this story unbelievable or unrealistic, I actually found myself easy to imagine a night like this. Brighton and Jonah don't fall in love with each other per say, but rather Bright Before Sunrise is about them acknowledging that they are attracted to each other and there are real possibilities for their romance.
Brighton and Jonah really manage to help each other grow in this novel. Sometimes the best way to learn about yourself and to see yourself in a new way is when you're forced outside your comfort zone and into the presence of someone who isn't going to lie to you in order to protect your feelings. And that's the essence of Brighton and Jonah's relationship; something Tiffany Schmidt explores beautifully.....
This is my first novel by Tiffany Schmidt but after reading Bright Before Sunrise I thoroughly intend to read more by her should the option ever arise. Bright Before Sunrise is well paced, infinitely sweet and really engaging. I was completely invested in Brighton and Jonah's journey and found myself eagerly turning each page. Exactly what you want with these kinds of novels.
Beautifully written, tangible and honest, Bright Before Sunrise is an endearing read by Tiffany Schmidt that I thoroughly recommend!
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury (Thank you Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This series will suite fans of The Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles!
Cover: This cover does nothing for the book within.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel but I look forward to reading more by Tiffany Schmidt.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Blog Tour: The Last Necromancer by C.J. Archer- Excerpt & Giveaway
_________________________________
People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her.
Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust?
Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.
Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!
Purchase:
Bookworld | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
Purchase:
Bookworld | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
From The Last Necromancer......
Death visited me after I'd washed and eaten. Seth and Gus allowed me to bathe in private when I asked to be left alone. Still, I didn't undress entirely, nor did I put on the clean clothes provided for me. For one thing, the trousers and shirt were too big. For another, I didn't want to get comfortable at Lichfield Towers. If I succumbed to the comforts, I might never want to leave. And I had to leave. Death had something in store for me, the re-animator of corpses. Something I suspected I wanted no part of.
He stood with his back to the closed door, arms folded across his chest. He'd dispensed with jacket, tie and waistcoat, and the informality made him seem less like a gentleman and more like a wastrel. Indeed, his dark, disheveled looks wouldn't have been out of place on a carnival gypsy.
"What's your name?" he asked me.
I scowled at him from my position by the window. I'd not yet sat down on the chair, since I hadn't changed out of my filthy clothing, and I stood with my arms crossed over my chest too.
"They called you Charlie."
I wished I'd gone by a name that wasn't so close to Charlotte. Fortunately, Death didn't seem to notice the similarity. Perhaps I'd been mistaken, and he wasn't looking for me—Charlotte Holloway—after all, but another girl that he thought I knew.
"My name is Lincoln Fitzroy," he went on.
"I thought it was Death." I didn't care if my retort got Seth and Gus into trouble. They were nothing to me.
One corner of Fitzroy's mouth twitched in what would have been a smile on anyone else. On him, it was probably just a twitch. His face didn't lighten in any other way, but remained stern. I wondered if the man ever smiled or laughed. I doubted it.
"Are you going to kill me, Mr. Death?"
"That would be foolish, since I want answers from you."
"And if I refuse to answer? Will you kill me then?"
"Have I given any indication that I would?"
"You nearly killed me when you kidnapped me."
"You were not in danger."
"I fainted from lack of air! How could you have known I wouldn't die?"
"Ladies faint all the time and do not die."
I recoiled. Did he suspect? I dipped my head to ensure my face remained covered by my hair. "I am not a lady."
"Clearly." He came toward me and regarded me levelly. "I know how long a person your size can be deprived of air before death takes him."
"How do you know? Trial and error?"
He lifted a hand. I ducked out of his reach and put my arms up to shield my face.
"I only want to get a better look at your face," he said.
That was precisely why I'd darted away, but I realized my action could have been mistaken for fear that he'd hit me. "This ain't right," I told him. "You can't keep me here."
"Who will stop me?" He shrugged one shoulder. "Nobody will look for you. Your friends gave you up for a few coins. You have no family, no one to worry about you. For all the world cares, you might as well not exist, Charlie Whoever You Are."
Tears burned the backs of my eyes. He was right, but hearing it put so baldly stung. I was truly alone. Not a single soul cared whether I lived or died.
Except me. Sometimes, I wasn't even sure why I did care. It wasn't as if I was adding value to society. Even the blond man whose spirit had saved me in the cell had left behind a reputation for defending the weak from bullies. The only impression I would leave behind would be my freakish way of communicating with the dead.
Want more? Trust me to do. Charlie & Lincoln = Perfect! Get your copy today!
Death visited me after I'd washed and eaten. Seth and Gus allowed me to bathe in private when I asked to be left alone. Still, I didn't undress entirely, nor did I put on the clean clothes provided for me. For one thing, the trousers and shirt were too big. For another, I didn't want to get comfortable at Lichfield Towers. If I succumbed to the comforts, I might never want to leave. And I had to leave. Death had something in store for me, the re-animator of corpses. Something I suspected I wanted no part of.
He stood with his back to the closed door, arms folded across his chest. He'd dispensed with jacket, tie and waistcoat, and the informality made him seem less like a gentleman and more like a wastrel. Indeed, his dark, disheveled looks wouldn't have been out of place on a carnival gypsy.
"What's your name?" he asked me.
I scowled at him from my position by the window. I'd not yet sat down on the chair, since I hadn't changed out of my filthy clothing, and I stood with my arms crossed over my chest too.
"They called you Charlie."
I wished I'd gone by a name that wasn't so close to Charlotte. Fortunately, Death didn't seem to notice the similarity. Perhaps I'd been mistaken, and he wasn't looking for me—Charlotte Holloway—after all, but another girl that he thought I knew.
"My name is Lincoln Fitzroy," he went on.
"I thought it was Death." I didn't care if my retort got Seth and Gus into trouble. They were nothing to me.
One corner of Fitzroy's mouth twitched in what would have been a smile on anyone else. On him, it was probably just a twitch. His face didn't lighten in any other way, but remained stern. I wondered if the man ever smiled or laughed. I doubted it.
"Are you going to kill me, Mr. Death?"
"That would be foolish, since I want answers from you."
"And if I refuse to answer? Will you kill me then?"
"Have I given any indication that I would?"
"You nearly killed me when you kidnapped me."
"You were not in danger."
"I fainted from lack of air! How could you have known I wouldn't die?"
"Ladies faint all the time and do not die."
I recoiled. Did he suspect? I dipped my head to ensure my face remained covered by my hair. "I am not a lady."
"Clearly." He came toward me and regarded me levelly. "I know how long a person your size can be deprived of air before death takes him."
"How do you know? Trial and error?"
He lifted a hand. I ducked out of his reach and put my arms up to shield my face.
"I only want to get a better look at your face," he said.
That was precisely why I'd darted away, but I realized my action could have been mistaken for fear that he'd hit me. "This ain't right," I told him. "You can't keep me here."
"Who will stop me?" He shrugged one shoulder. "Nobody will look for you. Your friends gave you up for a few coins. You have no family, no one to worry about you. For all the world cares, you might as well not exist, Charlie Whoever You Are."
Tears burned the backs of my eyes. He was right, but hearing it put so baldly stung. I was truly alone. Not a single soul cared whether I lived or died.
Except me. Sometimes, I wasn't even sure why I did care. It wasn't as if I was adding value to society. Even the blond man whose spirit had saved me in the cell had left behind a reputation for defending the weak from bullies. The only impression I would leave behind would be my freakish way of communicating with the dead.
Want more? Trust me to do. Charlie & Lincoln = Perfect! Get your copy today!
She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She has won and placed in romance writing contests including winning RWAustralia’s Emerald Award in 2008 for the manuscript that went on to be released under the title HONOR BOUND. C.J. spent her early childhood in the dramatic beauty of outback Queensland, Australia, but now lives in suburban Melbourne with her husband and two children.
To be notified when C.J. releases a new book, subscribe to her newsletter from her website. She only sends out the newsletter when she releases a new book, and never spams.
Visit C.J:
As I briefly mentioned I have ONE (1) copy of The Last Necromancer to give away! If the winner is from the US or Canada I have a paperback for them, but if they're international then I have an ebook. To enter simply comment below with a way to contact you, letting me know where you're from :) Giveaway will run from today until September 18th. Good luck to everyone who enters. I'm absolutely in love with Charlie and Lincoln and guarantee you will be too!
As someone who ADORED this novel and it's sequel I CANNOT recommend it enough and urge to all to check it out!!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Book Shelf: The Last Necromancer (The Ministry of Curiosities #1) by C.J. Archer
Victorian London: For five years, Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has lived as a boy in the slums. But when one theft too many gets her arrested, her only means of escape lies with a dead man. Charlie hasn't raised a spirit since she first discovered she could do so five years ago. That time, her father banished her. This time, she brings even more trouble upon herself.People are now hunting Charlie all over London, but only one man succeeds in capturing her.
Lincoln Fitzroy is the mysterious head of a secret organization on the trail of a madman who needs a necromancer to control his newly "made" creatures. There was only one known necromancer in the world - Charlotte - but now there appears to be two. Lincoln captures the willful Charlie in the hopes the boy will lead him to Charlotte. But what happens when he discovers the boy is in fact the young woman he's been searching for all along? And will she agree to work for the man who held her against her will, and for an organization she doesn't trust?
Because Lincoln and his ministry might be just as dangerous as the madman they're hunting.
More info on Goodreads.......
Review:
The Last Necromancer is the latest release by C.J. Archer and is a sensational and whimsical tale set in Victorian London that follows a strappy and quick thinking young heroine and introduces readers to an engaging new world full of magic, attraction and chemistry!
The Last Necromancer introduces readers to Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway, an eighteen year old woman who has lived on the streets of London since she was thirteen and her abilities as a necromancer saw her thrown out by her father. Managing to pass as a young boy due to her slight stature and innocent face, Charlie has seen the worst of life. So when she’s kidnapped off the street by someone looking for a necromancer named Charlotte who is not aware they are one in the same, Charlie vows to escape. Taken to a manor house by a mysterious man by the name Lincoln Fitzroy, known to those who serve him as Death, Charlie soon learns Fitzroy isn’t the only one who has been searching for her.
There is a madman loose on the streets of London creating creatures he needs a necromancer, AKA Charlie, to reanimate, and with the secret organisation Fitzroy heads set on capturing him before further damage can be done, Charlie may have no choice but to work with those who have taken her hostage, but who have shown her more kindness and care than she’s seen in a long time, or risk having the madman get a hold of her; something that may perhaps be a fate worse than death…….
I have to say I was really impressed with The Last Necromancer! Perfect for fans of Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles, The Last Necromancer caught my attention from the very beginning and easily held it until the final page. Honestly, I wasn’t ready for the story to end when it ultimately did and I’m already raring to dive back into Charlie’s world once more!
I loved how well thought out, paced and detailed The Last Necromancer was. C.J. Archer has created a very vivid and engaging Victorian London that she has filled with tangible and personable characters you really end up adoring. I enjoyed the mystery that surrounds the story and liked how Archer twisted a literacy classic (no spoilers just yet from me!) with necromancy and the mysterious Ministry that Lincoln Fitzroy heads.
From the moment we met her, I knew Charlie was going to be one of those kinds of heroines I absolutely loved and boy, was I not wrong. Charlie is strong, defiant and quick thinking. Throughout The Last Necromancer, Charlie displayed traits I look for in a leading lady who has the potential for growth. Obviously she is an eighteen year old young woman who has been alone for a long time, so she has her vulnerabilities and insecurities; especially considering the effect malnourishment and lack of hygiene has had on her body during her years on the street. Charlie doesn’t trust easy, but I really liked watching her begin to get along with those who “kidnapped” her, as they slowly became her friends.
If Charlie was the starting point, all the other characters so far have continued to add layers and different dimensions to the story. Lincoln Fitzroy is most obviously a standout as the source of a lot of confliction in the story comes from his and Charlie’s complicated relationship that is beginning to develop and his mysterious circumstances. Archer has hinted at a real intriguing history for Lincoln and I’m really intrigued to discover who he is and what his exact role within the ministry is.
Seth and Gus also prove to be adorable comrades to Charlie; looking after her both as a young boy and then as a woman. Their friendships with Charlie are both different, but no less sweet to read about. Seth comes across as almost a potential love interest, but I think Charlie’s heart strictly lies with Lincoln. At least I hope it does; I’m so very over love triangles.
And speaking of love interests; I loved the tension present between Charlie and Fitzroy and have no doubt they have real potential as a couple despite their age difference. Besides, what is 12 years during the Victorian era? Nothing really. Not when two people clearly have something simmering between them that is powerful and tangible. I find them thrilling and really feel Fitzroy is attracted to Charlie and cares for her, even though he’s attempting to keep her at a distance. Personally I think, and hope, this isn’t going to last and can’t wait for the moment when the tension that lingers between it reaches a crescendo and Fitzroy gives into Charlie.
Expertly depicted and well-paced, The Last Necromancer is a stunning novel by C.J. Archer that sweeps readers into a passionate new world and will no doubt have you begging for more!
Rating:The Last Necromancer is the latest release by C.J. Archer and is a sensational and whimsical tale set in Victorian London that follows a strappy and quick thinking young heroine and introduces readers to an engaging new world full of magic, attraction and chemistry!
The Last Necromancer introduces readers to Charlotte “Charlie” Holloway, an eighteen year old woman who has lived on the streets of London since she was thirteen and her abilities as a necromancer saw her thrown out by her father. Managing to pass as a young boy due to her slight stature and innocent face, Charlie has seen the worst of life. So when she’s kidnapped off the street by someone looking for a necromancer named Charlotte who is not aware they are one in the same, Charlie vows to escape. Taken to a manor house by a mysterious man by the name Lincoln Fitzroy, known to those who serve him as Death, Charlie soon learns Fitzroy isn’t the only one who has been searching for her.
There is a madman loose on the streets of London creating creatures he needs a necromancer, AKA Charlie, to reanimate, and with the secret organisation Fitzroy heads set on capturing him before further damage can be done, Charlie may have no choice but to work with those who have taken her hostage, but who have shown her more kindness and care than she’s seen in a long time, or risk having the madman get a hold of her; something that may perhaps be a fate worse than death…….
I have to say I was really impressed with The Last Necromancer! Perfect for fans of Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles, The Last Necromancer caught my attention from the very beginning and easily held it until the final page. Honestly, I wasn’t ready for the story to end when it ultimately did and I’m already raring to dive back into Charlie’s world once more!
I loved how well thought out, paced and detailed The Last Necromancer was. C.J. Archer has created a very vivid and engaging Victorian London that she has filled with tangible and personable characters you really end up adoring. I enjoyed the mystery that surrounds the story and liked how Archer twisted a literacy classic (no spoilers just yet from me!) with necromancy and the mysterious Ministry that Lincoln Fitzroy heads.
From the moment we met her, I knew Charlie was going to be one of those kinds of heroines I absolutely loved and boy, was I not wrong. Charlie is strong, defiant and quick thinking. Throughout The Last Necromancer, Charlie displayed traits I look for in a leading lady who has the potential for growth. Obviously she is an eighteen year old young woman who has been alone for a long time, so she has her vulnerabilities and insecurities; especially considering the effect malnourishment and lack of hygiene has had on her body during her years on the street. Charlie doesn’t trust easy, but I really liked watching her begin to get along with those who “kidnapped” her, as they slowly became her friends.
If Charlie was the starting point, all the other characters so far have continued to add layers and different dimensions to the story. Lincoln Fitzroy is most obviously a standout as the source of a lot of confliction in the story comes from his and Charlie’s complicated relationship that is beginning to develop and his mysterious circumstances. Archer has hinted at a real intriguing history for Lincoln and I’m really intrigued to discover who he is and what his exact role within the ministry is.
Seth and Gus also prove to be adorable comrades to Charlie; looking after her both as a young boy and then as a woman. Their friendships with Charlie are both different, but no less sweet to read about. Seth comes across as almost a potential love interest, but I think Charlie’s heart strictly lies with Lincoln. At least I hope it does; I’m so very over love triangles.
And speaking of love interests; I loved the tension present between Charlie and Fitzroy and have no doubt they have real potential as a couple despite their age difference. Besides, what is 12 years during the Victorian era? Nothing really. Not when two people clearly have something simmering between them that is powerful and tangible. I find them thrilling and really feel Fitzroy is attracted to Charlie and cares for her, even though he’s attempting to keep her at a distance. Personally I think, and hope, this isn’t going to last and can’t wait for the moment when the tension that lingers between it reaches a crescendo and Fitzroy gives into Charlie.
Expertly depicted and well-paced, The Last Necromancer is a stunning novel by C.J. Archer that sweeps readers into a passionate new world and will no doubt have you begging for more!
Source: Sent for review by C.J. Archer and Xpresso Book Tours (Thanks ladies!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Bookworld | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
My Recommendation: This will be perfect for fans of Kady Cross!
Cover: This cover is beyond beautiful. I think it's quite possibly one of the most stunning covers I have ever seen!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES! I cannot wait!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday #108
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.
Releases on: February 9th 2016
Add on Goodreads!
Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.
But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.
With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.
With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best.
Thoughts:
Though I've never read a book by Sophie Jordan I'm really impressed with the sound of this! Sounds like it could be a very fabulous fantasy novel. Looking forward to reading this.....
What do you think of Reign of Shadows? Is it something you would read?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Book Shelf: With Tide and Tempest (Secrets of Itlantis #3) by Kate Avery Ellison
When Aemi receives word that her best friend might still be alive in a village on the surface, she and a crew of friends set out to find him, regardless of the danger from Nautilus's men patrolling the open sea and the mysterious threats on her life. But the sea is not the only thing that holds secrets.
More info on Goodreads.....
Review:
With Tide and Tempest marks the third instalment in Kate Avery Ellison’s delectable Secrets of Itlantis series and is another beguiling undersea adventure that continues to follow a brave young heroine and keeps you on your toes with the turn of every page!
Life living beneath the sea is not smooth sailing for Aemi. Despite discovering she is the heir to the powerful Greywater family, Aemi is continuing to deal with threats on her life and accusations of treason against the people of Itlantis. Living under her father’s history and the shadow from his execution for treason, Aemi is determined to discover who is behind the attempts on her life as well as the ongoing threats to the people who live above the sea; Aemi’s old home. With the tyrant Nautilus still appearing to have plans for Itlantis, Aemi must manage to outsmart his men and those who would like to silence her…..forever.
Trudging along with this series, I continue to find myself entranced by Aemi’s tale with each new instalment. Our strapping heroine continues to grow with each novel; becoming stronger and stronger with each situation she finds herself in and building on the great individual she was from the very beginning.
Kate Avery Ellison continues to detail a rich, enigmatic and exciting storyline that blends different elements of friendship, romance and politics with plenty of mystery and adventure. I feel like the series is shaping up wonderfully with overall developments taking place, but each instalment still manages to convey its own minor plot arc; something that keeps you as the reader reading on as little revelations are revealed regarding Aemi’s history and the overall plans Nautilus seems to have for the people of Itlantis.
I’m still very much happy with the characters and enjoy reading about them all. Ellison introduces new individuals in the form of Aemi’s biological mother and her sister; properly put together individuals who clearly live up to the Greywater name, but who also hint at having softer sides and potentially caring for Aemi throughout the story. I really look forward to getting to know them in further novels and discovering what they really feel.
I must admit, I was very surprised to find myself questioning the possibility of Valus as a love interest for Aemi in With Tide and Tempest. My heart has always strictly supported Nol and Aemi’s relationship, but there were times throughout the story as Valus and Aemi got to know each other where I found myself wondering…..and I’m not sure how I feel about that exactly. I love Nol, but Valus….I don’t know, he and Aemi really seemed to connect in such a sweet and endearing way. We never really saw him in the last two books as more than a traitor’s son, but in With Tide and Tempest we see a different side to Valus, and you know what….it was a side I really liked. Cocky and guarded and cheeky, but also very kind—I’m intrigued!
Rich and thrilling, With Tide and Tempest concludes in a surprising manner and leaves me raring for more. Aemi’s journey never fails to be exciting and I’m more than ready to discover what is in store for her next!
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author for review (Thank you Kate!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
My Recommendation: If you love a good fantasy series, you will without a doubt love this!
Cover: These covers look beautiful together and I do really like this one too.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I'm very much looking forward to it.
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