Book Shelf: Hollow City (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #2) by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it “an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.”

This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight readers of all ages.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Hollow City marks the second novel in Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series and is an intriguing follow up to its predecessor that sees us discover more of Rigg’s unique world as we continue to follow Jacob and the other peculiar children. 

Picking up exactly where the first novel left off, Hollow City sees Jacob and the rest of the gang journey to London as they try to find a way to help their ymbryne become human once again. Setting out to find help, they encounter new friends, a menagerie of peculiar animals and more danger as they explore the world outside their loop in 1940. The hollowgasts and wights still pose a threat to Jacob and the peculiar children, but only if they work together will they be able to reach where they need to go. 

Hollow City continues to keep the steady paced storyline that featured in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children as Ransom Riggs continues to expand on his peculiar world. In this sequel Jacob and his friend’s journey from their loop, allowing us a glimpse into the world as it was in 1940 as bombs rained down on London and World War II raged. 

As with the first novel, Hollow City was an adventurous tale. The writing was descriptive and lyrical and Ransom Riggs incorporates more peculiar individuals, places and situations into the story. Admittedly I’m not bowled over with emotion as I read the series, but I do enjoy it. It’s one of those fun, whimsical tales that you never know what to expect because the world the author has created is so unique and different. 

I enjoyed seeing the characters interact with the world around them in this series and Riggs introduces even more colourful faces to the story. The peculiar animals were a nice addition and made me smile. So far this series has been just an easy reading experience set in a unique and alluring world. I look forward to seeing how Ransom Riggs concludes the trilogy with the final novel, Library of Souls. 

Rating:

Source: I purchased from The Book Depository
Publisher: Quirk Books 
Format: Hardback
Release Date: January 14th 2014
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A good sequel, I'm looking forward to reading the third and final novel to see what Riggs does next.

Waiting on Wednesday #184

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.....  

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Releases on: January 8th 2018

Add on Goodreads!

 

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race...

 

Thoughts:

When it comes down to it, I'll read whatever these two ladies write! I love both Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner individually and together so Unearthed made it's way onto my TBR list before I even read what it was about. These two do YA sci-fi so well and I CANNOT WAIT for this one to be released and to dive straight in!

 

What do you think of Unearthed? Do you want to read it?

And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: A Shot of Sin (The Vault #1) by Eden Summers

Throw back a shot of pure sin.

Leo Petrova has a dirty secret that’s about to get blown wide open. The exclusive VIP area hidden beneath his night club, Shot of Sin, is short staffed a bartender. The only available replacement is Shay—his temptation, his distraction—the sole woman he refuses to escort down the secret staircase. She has no clue about the private adult club that lies beneath her feet and he’d prefer to keep it that way. The Vault of Sin is the only place he can let his sexual proclivities run wild and he’s learned the hard way that Shay is too virtuous to be comfortable in the erotic environment.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the building. But she’s never backed down from a challenge before. Sliding into Leo’s arms and this new world of carnal exploration is addictive yet frightening. She could lose her job, her self-respect, and her heart.

Exposing a vanilla woman to a sorbet lifestyle isn’t something Leo’s business partners approve of. Secrets are at stake. Friendships, too. And through it all, neither one of them can ignore the wicked taste of sin threatening to tear it all apart.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

Please note: This book was previously released by Samhain Publishing. This new edition contains a few slight tweaks as well as a new setting for the series.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

A Shot of Sin is the first novel in Eden Summer’s The Vault series and is a deliciously sinfully and sensual read that will appeal to someone wanting something a bit naughty but still delightfully fun.

Sassy and fiery bartender Shay Porter loves her job at a night club called Shot of Sin. The environment is enjoyable and she rocks the bar….if only she could stop thinking about her sexy but infuriating boss Leo. One heated encounter in a storeroom set Shay on fire but as Leo quickly backed off, Shay has found herself trying to decipher his mixed signals ever since. Leo Petrova has a secret; not only do he and his two best friends run a successful restaurant and nightclub, they also own a third business run underneath the bar that caters to only the most exclusive of guests and lets them explore their deepest sexual desires in a safe and protected environment. For years Leo has watched as women have walked away, unable to accept the adult club Vault of Sin that is his life and all the sexual experiences that come with it. None of the rejection he has faced in the past has concerned him as much as the idea of Shay’s scorn though. Shay is the one woman who tempts Leo in every way, yet the fear of scaring her away forever is what keeps him from giving her all he has. When Leo and his business partners find themselves short a bartender at Vault of Sim, asking Shay to fill in not only brings her into a lifestyle she’s not sure she’s prepared for, but opens the door to a world of carnal desires that could make or break her relationship with Leo. Will Shay succumb to pleasure or will her fear see her lose the only man she’s ever loved?

Having loved Eden Summer’s Reckless Beat series, I was looking forward to diving into A Shot of Sin. Admittedly I don’t have a lot of experience with novels featuring adult clubs or public sex, but I very much enjoyed what Summers has introduced me to. I thought she explored her carnal world sensually but respectfully to all those involved while also managing to write a novel that was witty, flirty and followed likable characters.

In all honesty there were times when Shay very much got on my nerves. I’m not the biggest fan of jealous, arrogant women and that’s how she came across on occasion. That being said, I did like her for the most part and appreciated her role within the story. Personally, I think I would have reacted in a very similar manner as Shay does in this novel where sexual discovery and exploration was concerned so I emphasised with this aspect of her.

Throughout the novel, the biggest draw for me was Leo, T.J. and Brute; three best friends/business partners who have unique sexual tastes. Personally I thought they were really charismatic and loved seeing them all interact. I know T.J. features in the next novel, but I can only hope Eden Summers gives Brute his own story and HEA as he really intrigues me as a character! 

Introducing readers to a sensual world of pleasure and romance, A Shot of Sin was an enjoyable read by Eden Summers and leaves me keen to see what happens in the series next! 

  

Rating:

Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Eden!)
Publisher: Published by Eden Summers
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: January 13th 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another enjoyable book from Eden Summers. I can't wait to read the next one!

Owl Post #124

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 welcome to another Owl Post. Hope you've all been reading some great books!

For Review:

 From HarlequinTEEN: -   The Black Witch by Laurie Forest I'm really excited to read The Black Witch. I think it sounds so fantastic. I couldn't believe how big of a book it was though--a whopping 600 pages! Hopefully it's good as I have high hopes for it :)   -  All Rights Reserved by Gregory Scott Katsoulis Admittedly I hadn't heard of All Rights Reserved before I recieved this in the mail, but having read up on it, I must admit it sounds quite promising...and very unique. I enjoy reading something a bit different, so I'm keen to see what this one is like.
...Thank you Vanessa! ______________________________ From Bloomsbury: -  The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein   I'm honestly not sure about this novel. It's not something I would ordinarily choose, but you never know...I may give it a go one day.
-  Break Me Like a Promise by Tiffany Schmidt Yay! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Hold Me Like a Breath and I'm so excited to be able to read book two! Can't wait to once again become a part of this odd, but alluring world!
......Thank you guys!
I Bought:

-  Trickery by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington

- Persuasion by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington 

I've really enjoyed the books I've read by Jaymin Eve in the past and was stoked to see Jane Washington at Supanova Sydney last weekend. Gave me the opportunity to snag myself copies of these beauties! Can't wait to read them. 

 

-  The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness  I know Patrick Ness has been really popular lately, but I haven't had a chance to read any of his books to date. So when I saw this hardback in my local QBD bookstore, I couldn't miss out on a copy. Hope to get to it one day.
-  The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter Gena Showalter is probably my FAVOURITE author ever and I LOVE her Lords of the Underworld series. I still need to read the previous book, but Cameo and Lazarus's story is the one I've been dying for so I totally bought a copy of this as soon as I saw it so I can read it as soon as I can. 
And that's me!  What did the owls bring YOU?  

 

Book Shelf: Steelheart (Reckoners #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills.

Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.

He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Steelheart is the first novel in The Reckoner's series by Brandon Sansderson and is a deliciously action packed tale that is X-Men meets Superman with a villianous twist in what is a great start to a promising series!

Ten years ago a meteor named Calamity shot across the sky and in it's wake ordinary men and woman developed incredible abilities. Though no one can say exactly why these extraordinary powers appeared, those blessed to inherit them found themselves changing. Known to the public as Epics, their desire to rule, to destroy, to control saw them become twisted. Nobody fights the Epics....nobody but the Reckoners; a small group of ordinary humans who dare to stand against them. Eighteen year old David has spent the last ten years planning to kill an Epic who is believed to be invincible. Steelheart killed David's father and now rules Newcago through fear and death. Years of planning and studying means David knows his best chance of taking out Steelheart is with the help of the Reckoners, but with the elusive group hiding their own secrets will David and his new friends be able to stop Steelheart or will they simply be more victims of the Epic many say can't be killed.....

Despite being a focal voice within the fantasy genre, Steelheart marks the first novel of Brandon Sanderson that I have read and I must admit, despite getting off to a slow start in the beginning, I really ended up enjoying the experience. The world that Sanderson has created is very unique and vivid, mixing fantasy with science fiction aspects to create an interesting society of superheroes and villains with powerful abilities.

Sanderson litters Steelheart with some very personable characters, all with different personalities and attributes. Following main character David who is a very likable, but daring nerd, Brandon Sanderson creates a vivid bunch with the Reckoners who have a great dynamic together. Prof, Tia, Megan, Cody and Abraham are all very different but make for some funny dialogue and situations. They all compliment each other really well.

I must say there were plenty of twists at the end that I really wasn't expecting. Sanderson allows you to think you know some of the characters, only to turn things on their head with revelations and secrets coming to light. It was spectacularly well done on his part and makes for some very promising developments.

Well written, clearly well thought out and very entertaining, Steelheart was a wonderful book from Brandon Sanderson and leaves me ready to jump straight into what I'm sure will be an action-packed sequel! A great read!
 
Rating:
Source: I bought from The Book Depository
Publisher: Orion Books              
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 26th 2013
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A great read; I'm ready to jump straight into the next one!

Blog Tour: All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham-

The Blog Tour for All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham stops by today with a few teasers and a giveaway. Be sure to check out my review that went live yesterday also.

______________________________

Relocating to Arctic Norway would put a freeze on anyone’s social life. For Leda Lindgren, with her crutches and a chip on her shoulder the size of her former Manhattan home, the frozen tundra is just as boring as it sounds. Until she meets her uncle’s gorgeous employee.

Unfortunately, no matter how smoking hot the guy is, Roar comes with secrets as unnerving as his moving tattoos. And Leda doesn’t trust him.

Roar shouldn’t be drawn to the moody human girl with eyes that leave him weak in the knees. But when Leda gets shot by one of his enemies and survives, Roar finally understands why he’s drawn to her: Leda is exactly what he was sent to Earth to find. A weapon of immense power capable of saving his planet.

She just doesn’t know it yet.
 

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Ashley Graham was born in Ontario, Canada, and has since lived in five countries. Before writing her first manuscript in 2015, she worked as a clerical assistant, quality assurance officer, chef, and stay-at-home mom/homeschool teacher. When she isn’t writing or reading every book she gets her hands on, Ashley enjoys online window shopping, Netflix binges, and spends way too much time thinking about space travel. ALL THE STARS LEFT BEHIND is her debut novel.

Visit Ashley:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham

Relocating to Arctic Norway would put a freeze on anyone’s social life. For Leda Lindgren, with her crutches and a chip on her shoulder the size of her former Manhattan home, the frozen tundra is just as boring as it sounds. Until she meets her uncle’s gorgeous employee.

Unfortunately, no matter how smoking hot the guy is, Roar comes with secrets as unnerving as his moving tattoos. And Leda doesn’t trust him.

Roar shouldn’t be drawn to the moody human girl with eyes that leave him weak in the knees. But when Leda gets shot by one of his enemies and survives, Roar finally understands why he’s drawn to her: Leda is exactly what he was sent to Earth to find. A weapon of immense power capable of saving his planet.

She just doesn’t know it yet.
 
More info on Goodreads......


Review:

All the Stars Left Behind is Ashley Graham’s debut novel and is a rich intergalactic sci-fi novel that will appeal to fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series with its romance, action and characterisation. 

After the recent loss of her father, Leda Lindgren finds herself relocating to Norway to live with her estranged uncle and grandmother. Starting over in a new country would be hard for anyone, but with Leda suffering from spina bifida and a chip on her shoulder, this icy Arctic is far from a winter wonderland. Miserable and still grieving, everything changes for Leda when she meets her uncle’s gorgeous and mysterious employee, Roar. Entranced by Roar’s moving tattoos and drawn to him for reasons she can’t understand, Leda knows there’s more to Roar than meets the eye. Roar knows the last thing he should be thinking about is the beautiful but sad human girl he can’t seem to get out of his head. Part of a small group sent from his home planet of Aurelis to Earth in an effort to find a weapon capable of saving his people from a relentless enemy, Roar has a duty to his crew and his mission to find the weapon whatever the cost. Yet when it comes to light that Leda is the weapon Roar has been searching for, will his desire to be with her stop him from doing what has to be done? And Leda be able to accept her destiny to save an entire alien race?

Launching readers into a sci-fi YA full of aliens, romance and action, All the Stars Left Behind was an easy to read tale that unfolded well and managed to tick all the boxes. Ashley Graham won me over with the intriguing space world she created and the way she wove the characters and their relationships with each together.

I liked the characters within the story from Leda and Roar to Leda’s uncle and grandmother to Roar’s teammates Oline, Petrus and Stein. They complimented each other well and supported the story. Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say I was really surprised and intrigued by one revelation revolving one of Roar’s teammates and am keen to see what Ashley Graham does with this in the future.

Admittedly I did struggle early on with the fast, intense way that Leda and Roar fell for one another and the power behind their feelings. It just seemed to come on too fast, too strong for my likings to be believable. That being said, there was a reason behind this intensity that was explained by Graham as the novel progressed. Who and what they were had an impact on the attraction they felt and as such it went a long way to support the intensity of their feelings. Personally I’m just over insta-love and can’t stand to see these in books nowadays as I feel it cheapens and lessens the romance. 

The ending of All the Stars Let Behind seemed a little anti-climactic and forced for my taste—too easy if I’m being honest. I’m not sure if this tale is meant to be a standalone or part of a series as All the Stars Left Behind ended in a way that could have been either. Personally I think Ashley Graham should explore the world a bit more and I’ll be looking for updates on future books.  

Overall, for a few issues I had with All the Stars Left Behind, I did enjoy it. It was a solid read with a beautiful cover that entranced and entertained. I’m keen to see what Ashley Graham does next and will be keeping my eye out!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Entangled: Teen      
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: June 6th 2017
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A solid sci-fi YA; I'm keen to read more!

Waiting on Wednesday #183

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Shadow Rise by Audrey Grey

Releases on: November 14th 2017

Add on Goodreads!

 

Terrorist. Rebel. Traitor.

One rash decision during the Shadow Trials led to unspeakable horrors that left innocents dead, friends injured and hunted by the Empire, and Maia Graystone imprisoned in the Tower at the Archduchess’s mercy.

Unsure if Riser Thornbrook survived, Maia must find a way to battle the Empire from within its own walls and escape so she can fulfill the promise to her father and stop the asteroid. But when she breaks free and joins Nicolai's Rebel army, she discovers she’s been branded a traitor. With war between the Rebels and the Empire looming, old alliances shifting, and suspicion hanging over her head, she must fight in the Rebel Blood Courts—and win command—to regain their trust.

Only problem is, first she has defeat the reigning champion, someone she knows all too well. Will Maia’s emotions lead to her defeat, or will she rise up and claim her victory?

 

Thoughts:

SQUEEEEE! I'm soooooo excited for this book and absolutely stoked by this description. Personally I loved the first book Shadow Fall and am so dying to be with Maia and Riser again. Audrey Grey is killing me with this November 2017 release date, but I'll wait with baited breath for this beauty to be released. Oh, and speaking of beauty....how stunning is that cover?!? It's rocking!

 

Have you read the first book in this series? (If not I suggest you do!)

And what are you waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano

“It’s dark magic brings him back.”

Tori Burns and her family left D.C. for claustrophobic Chaptico, Maryland, after suddenly inheriting a house under mysterious circumstances. That inheritance puts her at odds with the entire town, especially Jesse Slaughter and his family—it’s their generations-old land the Burns have “stolen.” But none of that seems to matter after Tori witnesses a young man claw his way out of a grave under the gnarled oak in her new backyard.

Nathaniel Bishop may not understand what brought him back, but it’s clear to Tori that he hates the Slaughters for what they did to him centuries ago. Wary yet drawn to him by a shared sense of loss, she gives him shelter. But in the wake of his arrival comes a string of troubling events—including the disappearance of Jesse Slaughter’s cousin—that seem to point back to Nathaniel.

As Tori digs for the truth—and slowly begins to fall for Nathaniel—she uncovers something much darker in the tangled branches of the Slaughter family tree. In order to break the centuries-old curse that binds Nathaniel there and discover the true nature of her inheritance, Tori must unravel the Slaughter family’s oldest and most guarded secrets. But the Slaughters want to keep them buried… at any cost.

From award-winning author Elle Cosimano comes a haunting, atmospheric thriller perfect to hand to readers of the Mara Dyer trilogy and Bone Gap.
 
More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano is a highly engaging and deeply entertaining novel that wonderfully mingles haunting supernatural elements with important themes, historical mystery and budding romance. 

Victoria “Tori” Burns has just moved with her family to the small town of Chaptico, Maryland after surprisingly inheriting a house from a complete stranger under mysterious circumstances. Though the Burns are hoping for a fresh start after a hard year, Chaptico is a close knit town and the Burns find themselves outsiders, especially with the Slaughter family adamant that the Burns have no right to the land and home they occupy. Brimming with influence in Chaptico, they’re adamant that the land rightfully belongs to the Slaughter’s. Depressed and alone, everything begins to change when Tori witnesses a young man literally claw his way out of the ground from under a tree in the graveyard in her new backyard. Nathaniel Bishop doesn’t know what brought him back to the land of the living centuries after his harrowing life came to a brutal end, but when it becomes clear that Nathaniel’s past is connected to Tori’s present, only by discovering what connects Tori to the Slaughters will Tori and Nathaniel be able to stop the curse that is overshadowing the Slaughter people and save innocent lives from being lost. 

Having recently finished The Suffering Tree, I’m surprised to see all the negative responses to the novel, as I personally found myself enjoying it from the moment I began reading. As far as I’m concerned, Elle Cosimano has detailed a wonderfully woven story that mixes history with entertainment and hints of the supernatural, as well as strong themes including self-harm and the abuse and treatment of slaves and servants during the Plantation era. As far as I’m concerned, it was a good blend and was well executed. 

Supernatural to a part, The Suffering Tree features a very beautiful atmospheric and haunting feel reminiscent of ghostly tales as it bridges the gap between past and present. Unfolding through Tori’s eyes and Nathanial’s memories of his time as an indentured servant, The Suffering Tree is true to its name as we witness the horror of both Tori’s and Nathanial’s life. Tori’s experiences with self-harm is a large part of the story and will make you feel for her; this girl that feels like she doesn’t belong. 

There a small hint of romance within The Suffering Tree, but don’t expect it to be such a large feature as Tori and Nathanial’s relationship if often only a backdrop to the supernatural and human dangers within Tori’s life. That being said, I thought they were sweet and I really enjoyed how Nathanial’s past with Emmeline was interwoven with who Tori was.  

If I’m being picky, I only had two issues with this novel, one being that I felt Tori was a bit too quick to accept Nathanial. I mean the guy clawed his way out of the ground and next thing you know she’s hiding him in her barn, and the second thing was that I don’t think Tori’s issues with self-harm were correctly addressed. Yes, Cosimano gives us closure with this issue at the end of the story as we learn Tori has plans to begin to heal, but seeing how large an issue it is, I feel like Cosimano should maybe have expanded on this resolution a little bit more. But that’s just me, I guess. 

Haunting, but really entertaining, The Suffering Tree encompassed it all for and had all the fixtures I look for in a unique supernatural YA that dares to offer us something different. I’ll definitely read more by Elle Cosimano in the future and look forward to seeing what she releases next. 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Netgalley (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion      
Format: Kindle ebook via Netgalley
Release Date: June 13th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A mysterious, supernatural tale, definitely worth a read.

Free Ebooks

Hello lovelies! Hope you enjoy these free ebooks I know I did!

Hope you managed to score something new!

Book Shelf: Avenged (Ruined #2) by Amy Tintera

A war that will fuel her. A bond that will destroy her.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together have devised a plan that will rebuild Ruina to its former glory.

But just because Em and Olivia are out of Lera doesn't mean they are safe. Their actions over the past year have had consequences, and they are now targets of retaliation. Olivia will destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn't as sure.

Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir's betrothed in Lera, she's started to see another side to this war. Lera may have destroyed the Ruined for decades, but Em knows that Cas is different. And now that he's taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em's romantic feelings for Cas are just colouring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies--and her blood--before she's the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.
 
More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Avenged is the sensational sequel to Amy Tintera's thrilling novel Ruined and is an incredible follow up to its predecessor, full of all the excitement, danger and riveting romance that made the first novel so brilliant and mixing action, adventure and unexpected development in spectacular fashion.

Emelina Flores has returned to her home of Ruina, having successfully infiltrated the Lera castle and rescued her sister Olivia, who went through a year of torture at the hands of the Lera King. Brimming with anger and hatred , Olivia wants to destroy anyone who stands against Ruina yet after her experience posing as Prince Casimir's betrothed, Em isn't so sure. Being with Cas opened Em's eyes to a new side of the war and though Lera may have been responsible for thousands of Ruined deaths, Cas is different. Determined to right his parents wrongs, Cas has plans to bring peace to Lera and Ruina, but with Olivia's hatred of Lera knowing no bounds, Em's sister will stop at nothing to make their enemies pay even if it means destroying their chance at peace. Torn between love and loyalty and with the lines between right and wrong greyer than ever, Em will have to make some tough decisions if she wants to protect her people and stop the endless array of death....

Amy Tintera has done it again! Giving it's predecessor a run for it's money, Avenged was an absolutely thrilling sequel that incorporates everything I loved about the first novel as well as adding new layers and new dynamics to this alluring fantasy world. Opening new doors in the series, Avenged explores new aspects of Tintera's world; allowing the reader to straddle the line between the "good" guys and the "bad" guys as Tintera blurs the lines between the two.

As her characters come alive, motivations and desires are explored spectacularly. I love that all the characters are so complex and multi-dimensional. Friends become enemies and enemies can become true friends. No one is really right or wrong as we follow a margin of characters from two opposing sides of the war. Amy Tintera has made me care for and adore so many of her characters--both Ruined and Leran.

Em remains our beloved heroine who is strong and capable and who honestly wants the best for her people, but who no longer sees violence and destruction as the answer to saving them. Cas is a kind and honorable male lead and love interest for Em who honestly is the best thing for his Kingdom and who if able may be able to change everything. I really did fall for Aren and Iria in this novel too. Aren who has been so angry and jaded but who realizes that Olivia's way isn't the right way and Iria an Oslo warrior who has become a friend to Aren and Em's cause.

Filled with brilliant fight sequences, beautiful romance and powerful displays of friendship, Avenged is a sensational read with high stakes, betrayals and multi-layered characters. Readers will fall in love with the characters and become immersed in their journey. Ending as good as it begins, I for one cannot wait for the next novel Allied to see what Amy Tintera does next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Parperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: April 26th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I abdolutely adored Avenged and cannot wait for more. I love everything about this series and am dying to join Em and Cas again!

 

Cover Reveal: Rowan Wood Legends by Olivia Wildenstein

One of my favourite books of 2017 has been Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein and I'm stoked to help share the cover for it's sequel, Rowan Wood Legends, book #2 in The Lost Clan series with you today thanks to YA Bound Book Tours!

SOME LEGENDS ARE BETTER LEFT UNTOLD.

I wasn’t the sort of girl who believed in fairytales, let alone tales about faeries. But that changed the day Faeries came to my small town and Hunters rose from their graves.

On that fateful day, I received a book, a peculiar collection of myths and legends. Turns out it was so much more than stories. And just as I was on the verge of unlocking its secrets, it was stolen from me by someone I called a friend.

Now, I don’t know whom I can turn to, whom I can trust. All I know is that there are two sides, and I am straddling the great divide because I am both Faerie and Hunter. And although I swore I would never choose, I am slowly falling for one of those sides…

Fans of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series will adore Wildenstein's Lost Clan series.

Preorder on Amazon or add on Goodreads!

Check out the first book Rose Petal Graves

Goodreads | My 5 Star Review

From Rowan Wood Legends.....

I cuffed his hand, stopping his fingers’ ascent, and stared hard at him. Emotion whirred inside of me…anger, hatred, fear, desire, and embarrassment. They were all there, whipping me as though I weren’t already down. My eyes heated in time with the brand on my hand…in time with his palm that was still on my thigh.

Want more? Begin the series today!

 

Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.

When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).

Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.

Visit Olivia:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

I am highly excited for Rowan Wood Legends to be released on August 14th and can't wait to dive straight into the second book! Highly recommend!

Blog Tour: Kiss Me, Kill You by Larissa C. Hardesty- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Kiss Me, Kill You by Larissa C. Hardesty thanks to Entangled Publishing. Yesterday I posted my 4 star review and today I have an excerpt and giveaway to share with you.

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First kisses should be legendary—not deadly.

Emmy Duivel believes in true love: heart-stopping kisses, candlelight dinners, and a connection that lasts forever. But not the kind of kisses that land your date in the hospital. Emmy always knew she was different, but not in the supernatural sense. Not in the succubus sense.

Paul Andinn had only one job: watch over Emmy and make sure she doesn’t expose the supernatural world. It should have been easy, but the moment he looked away, she kissed that boy, and everything changed.

He should be more upset. But he can’t. Not when he’s falling hard for her.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Entangled | iBooks

 

From Kiss Me, Kill You....

She waved my question away and eyed my outfit, beaming. “Perfect. Now you need someone to wear it for.” She pursed her lips. “What about that Paul guy you’re always pining after?” 

I sucked in a breath. I could never wear something like this in front of Paul. Could I? Trying to be objective, I watched my reflection in the mirror. The black lace cami flowed to my hips, emphasizing my curves without being too tight. The skirt was snug in contrast, in addition to being short, but because the top was flowy, it wasn’t as revealing as I’d thought. I expected to hate it. But I didn’t look bad. Actually, it made me feel a little sexy. Maybe… I shook my head. 

“I don’t think he’s interested, Lily.” That wasn’t exactly true. He was always watching me. But that could be wishful thinking, too. He’d never actually said anything to make me think he’d want to go out with me. The thought of going on a date with Paul made my heart skip and my stomach churn at the same time. 

Lily gave me a Look. “He’s totally interested, and so are you. So, ask him out.” 

“What do you mean, he’s totally interested? How do you know?” Then I realized what she’d suggested, and my pulse sped up. “No way. I can’t do that.” 

“You can, and you will.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “You know you want to. I see the way you look at him. And if you don’t, I’ll have to do it for you.” Giving me a knowing smile, she pushed me toward the dressing room again. “You can thank me later.” 

And that was the end of that. If I didn’t ask Paul out, she really would do it for me, which would be utterly mortifying. 

I guess I’m asking Paul out tomorrow. 

Contrary to the feeling in the pit of my stomach, I watched my lips lift into a smile in the mirror.

 

Larissa Hardesty is a Young Adult author of speculative fiction. Having lived a fairytale when she met her husband while on vacation at Disney World as a high school senior, all of her stories have at least a touch of romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her passion for music as an elementary music teacher and handbell choir director. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and three children.

Visit Larissa:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

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