Free Ebooks

Hi book lovers and happy Saturday! I have some great freebies to share with you today.

An Assassin's Death by A.K. Koonce & Harper Wylde

Fallen Elemental by Tamara White 

Shift by Karina Espinosa 

The Girl Who Sees by Dima Zales  

A World Apart by L.J.K. Oliva 

Summer's Deadly Kiss by Cate Farren 

Something SHIFTER This Way Comes by Josie Walker

A Shadow on the Glass by Ian Irvine  

Written by Kathryn Moon 

Curses and Crowns by Cortney Pearson 

Soul Mates by Mira Crest 

The Temptation of Dragons by Chrys Cymri 

The King's Treasure by Carol Vaughn 

Council of Consorts by Jade Lewis 

Chosen by O. M. Faure 

Arianna by Mehul Desai

Did you manage to snag something new to read?

Book Shelf: Hive (Hive #1) by A.J. Betts

All I can tell you is what I remember, in the words that I have.

Hayley tends to her bees and follows the rules in the only world she has ever known.

Until she witnesses the impossible: a drip from the ceiling.

A drip? It doesn't make sense.

Yet she hears it, catches it. Tastes it.

Curiosity is a hook.

What starts as a drip leads to a lie, a death, a boy, a beast, and too many awful questions.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:  

Hive by A.J. Betts is a unique and original YA dystopian novel that introduces readers to an intriguing and compelling world in the vein of The Handmaidens Tale and Breathe by Sara Crossan.

Living in a world that consists of 6 hexagonal houses connected by corridors, Hayley’s job is to tend to the bees. A good girl, Hayley has always followed the rules in the only home she has ever known until she discovers the impossible; a drip of water coming from the ceiling in one of the rooms. Hayley knows this can’t be—there is nothing outside so where does this water come from? As her curiosity blossoms, Hayley finds herself seeking answers and when a mysterious encounter with a boy leads to only more questions, Hayley soon begins to realise there’s so much she doesn’t know.

A.J. Bett’s novel Hive begins with fifteen year old protagonist Hayley sharing a little bit about her world. Through Hayley’s simple and innocent descriptions we quickly realise that Hayley’s world is not like ours. Set in an unknown time and place, the world Hayley exists in is simple; made up of the Council with its Judge at the head, nurseries where babies are kept and looked after and the rest of the population---Aunts and Uncles and Mothers and Sisters who are all assigned a role and purpose within the community.

A gardener who looks after bees, Hayley’s voice is young and naive. She strives to do good and having known no different, mostly accepts her position in life. Unbeknown to her, the community she exists in is filled with secrecy and deception, mystery and the unknown and while almost everyone accepts what they are told and don’t question anything, there are secrets kept from the overall population that Hayley’s inquisitive nature stumbles upon.

This aspect of Hive really intrigued me. Bett’s depicts her dystopian world vividly and highlights the originality of her story. Part dystopian, part religious sect, the characters in Hive don’t have the same understanding of the world as readers will and it makes you wonder why they are so isolated and unknowing. How did they get to be this way? Why are they so ignorant to the ways of the world? They clearly know no different but manage to function and survive as an operating society.

A.J. Betts brings Hive to a close and ends this chapter of Hayley’s story very well. Concluding this stage of the duology, Hive will leaves readers ready to see what happens and what Hayley will now discover on the “outside”.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Pan Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: June 26th 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid read, I'm keen to see what will happen next.

Waiting on Wednesday #276

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.....  

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Releases on: January 28th 2020

Add on Goodreads!

 

Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. By day, she works for an antiquities dealer, selling barely legal magical artifacts, and by night, she parties with her friends, savouring every pleasure Lunathion—otherwise known as Crescent City— has to offer. But it all comes crumbling down when a ruthless murder shakes the very foundations of the city—and Bryce’s world.

Two years later, her job has become a dead end, and she now seeks only blissful oblivion in the city’s most notorious nightclubs. But when the murderer attacks again, Bryce finds herself dragged into the investigation and paired with an infamous Fallen angel whose own brutal past haunts his every step.

Hunt Athalar, personal assassin for the Archangels, wants nothing to do with Bryce Quinlan, despite being ordered to protect her. She stands for everything he once rebelled against and seems more interested in partying than solving the murder, no matter how close to home it might hit. But Hunt soon realizes there’s far more to Bryce than meets the eye—and that he’s going to have to find a way to work with her if they want to solve this case.

As Bryce and Hunt race to untangle the mystery, they have no way of knowing the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents, and down to the darkest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir...

Thoughts:

Though I admit I'm a bit behind in my Sarah J. Maas reading I do very much want to read this when it comes out. I'm not a fan of her love-triangles but I love her world building and storytelling abilities and am keen to discover this series when it comes out. 

Are you a Sarah J. Maas fan? Will you be reading this when it comes out?

And what are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: The Eternal Night (City of Wishes #4) by Rachel Morgan

Finding herself with an unlikely ally, Elle prepares to face the man calling himself the vampire king in an enchanted land of never-ending darkness.

~ ~ ~

CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella.

~ ~ ~

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?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Eternal Night is the fourth instalment in Rachel Morgan’s City of Wishes series and proves Morgan isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon with this addictive, romantic and thrilling fairytale retelling.

Elle Winter is a human in a world of fae, vampires and magic. A slave to her fae stepmother, Elle was so close getting her freedom before everything began to go wrong. Now she has been kidnapped by a vampire and taken far away from the fae prince Dex she has found herself recently falling for and any hope of rescue. Unsure of his plans, Elle is surprised to soon discover that he may not be the enemy she thinks he is. Stuck in the Eternal Night, Elle will soon have to make [another] deal with the devil—AKA The Godmother—if she wants to save Dex and all those she loves from the vampire king whose plans for Elle will destroy everything she holds dear.

Rachel Morgan continues to please with The Eternal Night, another fast paced and deeply enjoyable read. After four instalments, I feel very committed to Elle, Dex and their friends as we follow them throughout the series. Well written to completely ensnare your attention, The Eternal Night offers readers some exciting new developments and some unexpected surprises for the characters.

Continuing to unfold through Elle and Dex’s perspective, The Eternal Night ramps up the romance aspect as Elle and Dex continue to explore the attraction that simmers between them in a sweet, thrilling and adorable way. I literally devour every moment where we see stolen kisses and touches and their feelings strengthening. Obviously most readers will know the love story within Cinderella, but that doesn’t make Elle and Dex’s romance any less enjoyable to witness unfold.

Addictive, exciting and so very good, The Eternal Night is another wonderful read from Rachel Morgan and leaves me ready to devour the next one as soon as it comes out!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Rachel!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: June 14th 2019
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great installment--I'm ready for more!

Waiting on Wednesday #275

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.....  

Weapon by Lynette Noni

Releases on: November 4th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

The #1 bestselling WHISPER series concludes with WEAPON:

I already knew he was a psychopath. But now?
He's more dangerous than ever.
And I have less than twenty-four hours to stop him.

After escaping Lengard and finding sanctuary with the Remnants, Alyssa Scott is desperate to save those she left behind ─ and the rest of the world ─ from the power-hungry scientist, Kendall Vanik. But secrets and lies block her at every turn, and soon Lyss is left questioning everything she has ever believed.

When long-lost memories begin to surface and the mysteries of her past continue to grow, Lyss battles to retain her hard-won control. Allies become enemies and enemies become allies, leaving her certain about only two things: when it comes to Speakers, nothing is ever as it seems... and the only person she can trust is herself.

Thoughts:
Ahhh. Lynette Noni---I love this woman and anything she writes. Can't wait to see how she wraps up this duology. Oh, and I just LOVE that cover--goes perfect with our Aussie one for Whisper!

Are you a fan of Lynette Noni's novels?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

Book Shelf: Sands of Eppla by Janeal Falor

Cassandra lives in a world where you fall in love at first sight—or not at all. Too bad she's blind, and being blind makes her not only immune to love, but also a criminal. She must now live alone or face being sentenced to a life of slavery.

Though she's grown accustomed to her solitude, everything changes when Cassandra stumbles across a mysterious man in her domain. A royal soldier is hunting Nikon down, endangering her freedom as well. If the warriors discover her, she'll be bound by the law. Not willing to risk slavery or death, Cassandra abandons her familiar home and ventures into an unforgiving world with Nikon.

Forced to trust a man she doesn't even know, Cassandra finds she’s drawn to him even though a relationship between them is impossible. And she can't afford any distractions. If they don't stay one step ahead of the warriors, Nikon will be imprisoned and she enslaved. Cassandra must use all the senses she has left if they're to remain free.

More info on Goodreads.... 


Review: 

Sands of Eppla is Janeal Falor’s latest release and is an enjoyable and magical fantasy tale that will ignite your senses with its passion, adventure and addictive storyline.

Cassandra lives in a world where people fall in love at first sight, but for Cassandra, finding love is an impossibility for she is blind. Facing a life without love, Cassandra lives in a world where being blind also makes her a criminal. Living alone in a small hut outside the closest village with only her trusty monkey Tewy for company, Cassandra is used to the solitude she experiances, until the day a mysterious stranger appears in her home. On the run from royal warriors, Nikon is injured and weak and Cassandra can’t help but be drawn to him. Despite knowing she faces slavery if she is discovered helping Nikon, Cassandra decides to trust the man who has become her friend and leave her home for the first time in years. Journeying to new villages is a wonderful experience, but with warriors on Nikon’s tail, staying ahead of them will take everything Cassandra has got.

I have to say I was very impressed with Janeal Falor’s ability to write and detail a story from the perspective of a character who is blind in Sands of Eppla. Though she hasn’t always been that way, protagonist Cassandra is completely without sight, yet Falor doesn’t let this stop her from bringing to life a thrilling and daring tale that is beautifully written and offers readers a tangible atmosphere, plenty of potential within the storyline and budding romance. I actually think it was really cleaver on Falors part and meant readers focused on other senses (touch, sound, feeling) as Cassandra utalizes all her other senses to detail her story.

As the main character, I did very much like Cassandra. Despite her lack of sight, she was quite capable and adapted well to her settings. Obviously, there were times her blindness left her at a disadvantage, but I felt Cassandra made up for it in other areas. I thought she was sweet but intelligent and I enjoyed that she took chances in Sands of Eppla. Cassandra had a very adorable friend in Tewy who is a cheeky but delightful monkey and who constantly brought a smile to my face.

Sands of Eppla details a world where society is divided into two classes, the odiosom; the general and overall population and the amant; the ruling class and those who have found love. The concept of people falling in love at first sight was very intriguing to me and I thought it was an interesting idea from Janeal Falor. The fact that those who find love are elevated in status is very fascinating and leaves me curious to see what effect Cassandra and Nikon's actions will have down the track.

Falor includes some romantic possibility in the story in the form of Nikon, but as Cassandra is blind, there is no danger of them "falling in love" at first sight, although the connection between them grows and remains a solid presence throughout the story. They're friends as of now, but there's no denying both would be open to more if the possibility of love is there. I'm hoping to see Falor explore what other options they have and if they can fall in love the good old fashion way; through mutual desire and affection.

Sands of Eppla takes place over many months and sees Cassandra, Nikon and Tewy journey a lot. Secrets are revealed and surprises abound and I for one and am super excited to see what happens next. Janeal Falor has me hooked once again and ready to see what she has planned for her characters in the next installment--more please!

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Janeal!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ecopy
Release Date: May 19th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A great read that leaves me ready for the next one!

Book Blitz: The Demon Kiss by Juliana Haygert- Teasers and Giveaway

Welcome to the Book Blitz for The Demon Kiss by Juliana Haygert thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! Featuring a rocking cover, this novel sounds wonderful so I'm excited to be sharing it with you today :)

_____________________________

A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons …

Erin
I’ve been kept from the truth all my life. Demons walk the earth, and I’m destined to slay them—I only wish I hadn’t lost someone I loved while discovering that truth.
Now the demons are after me. The only way to stay alive is to attend an academy for demon hunters—a school where I’ll learn how to kill supernaturals and slay the underworld’s minions. But I still feel there are secrets I’m not being told …

Rey
I sold my soul to save my family—and lost everything because of it. Now I’m a slave to the underworld, a hunter with half-demon blood.
I’ve been sent on a special assassination mission. If I fail, it means my life. But protecting Erin soon becomes more important than any other task, and there’s something about her that tells me her arrival at the academy will change everything …


A young adult paranormal romance novel set in the universe of the Rite World, this is a dark fantasy romance you won’t want to miss! Forge your weapons and cast spells in a school where demons are hunted and the hunters themselves become prey.

Add on Goodreads or purchase on Amazon! 

While USA Today Bestselling Author Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in North Carolina and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Visit Juliana:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter 
 Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Love Song (Daughters of the Outback #3) by Sasha Wasley

There was something about Charlie. Something about the way he questioned and teased her, brought her outside of herself … the way he’d made her crash headlong into love just by singing to her.

At age seventeen, Beth Paterson was determined to study medicine at university, despite the heartache of losing her mother. Tutoring Charlie Campbell worked well with her plan – but falling in love with him sure didn’t, and neither did getting her heart broken when he abruptly left town.

Now Charlie is a big star on the alternative rock scene, while Beth is a respected doctor in her hometown. When Charlie comes back to fight for the tiny community where he was raised, neither one of them can ignore the resurgence of wild attraction they once shared.

Beth swore no man would ever hurt her again – least of all this man. But some love songs can never be forgotten, especially when they were written for you …

From the author of Dear Banjo comes a book to make your heart sing and your spirits soar.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Love Song is the third instalment in Sasha Wasley’s Daughters of the Outback series and is another deftly told rural fiction that smoulders with romance, friendship and the Australian heart.

As a teenager close to finishing school, Beth Paterson was determined to study medicine and tutoring Charlie Campell fit in beautifully with her plan. Talented in music and eager, Charlie was one of the few Indigenous kids in the region and had something special about him that made falling in love with him almost effortless….until the day he abruptly left town and broke Beth’s heart. Fast forward almost two decades and Charlie is a successful singer and Beth a highly respected doctor in town. Returning to Mount Claire for the first time since he left, Charlie is hoping to stand up for the local community where he was raised and with Beth’s seeing to their medical needs, crossing paths was almost inevitable. As is the renewed spark of attraction that surges between them. Beth swore no man would ever hurt her the way Charlie did but as old feelings resurface, will Beth give the one who broke her heart another chance? Or will she lose out on a true chance of love due to old hurts and wounded pride?

I’m not naturally drawn to rural fiction, but if they were all written the way Sasha Wasley writes her novels, I may just be converted! Beautifully written and emotionally rich, Love Song is a passionate and poignant story about first love and the ones that stay with you. Set in the stunning Kimberley valley and the Australian outback, Love Song offers a glimpse into natural Australian heritage and wilderness as protagonist and eldest Patterson daughter Beth finds herself coming into contact with her first love; a man whose rejection left her heartbroken.

As with sisters Willow and Free, I was excited to begin Beth’s story and looking forward to getting to know this practical and meticulous doctor. Beth has always come across as serious and organised in a way her sisters haven’t. Perhaps this is a side effect of being the oldest sibling and having to take on extra responsibility after their mothers passing, but it was refreshing to see a softer, vulnerable side to Beth. She was left shattered when Charlie left, effectively ending their relationship, and as Love Song progresses, there is a lot of emotions and feelings that need to be addressed by Beth before she is ready to trust and take a chance again.

I found I really appreciated the Indigenous aspect that was included within the story. Aboriginal heritage is so ingrained in our Australian history and I don’t think we as a society often offer it the respect they as a people and a culture deserve. I loved that Sasha Wasley wrote about an indigenous love interest who was successful and grounded as well as exploring their communities while paying homage to both their history and current situations. Charlie was sexy as hell and his nieces Jill and Pearl adorable. The moments with the Madjinbarra community felt authentic and well executed on Wasley’s part.

Throughout the series I have fallen in love with Willow, Free and Beth and have enjoyed seeing them find their own happily ever afters. Love Song marks the end of the series but Sasha Wasley ties everything up beautifully and leaves readers feeling satisfied that all three sisters will live a lifetime of love and happiness. Wonderfully written and littered with Australian heritage and mannerisms, Love Song concludes a fantastic rural fiction series that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Sofia!)
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $32.99
Release Date: June 4th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A wonderful read that concludes the series beautifully; Love Song is a delightful read.

Waiting on Wednesday #274

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.....    

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer  Releases on: January 7th 2020
Add on Goodreads!  

In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places.

Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.

Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

Thoughts:

I love Brigid Kemmerer's books and really enjoyed A Curse So Dark and Lonely. I'm super excited about getting to focus on Grey in this sequel as I loved seeing him in the first novel. Can't wait for this to come out. 

 

What are you waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: The Moonlight Masquerade (City of Wishes #3) by Rachel Morgan

Elle is desperate enough to do the one thing she promised herself she’d never do: bargain with the Godmother for a wish. But if she pays the price, it will leave her forever changed.

So she makes the daring decision to lie to the Godmother.

She’ll pretend to pay the price.

Can she get away with her freedom before the Godmother finds out?

~ ~ ~

CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella. This is episode 3.

~ ~ ~

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?

More info on Goodreads.....  


Review:

The Midnight Masquerade is the third novel in the City of Wishes serial by Rachel Morgan and is another deeply addictive and bewitching tale that sweeps readers up into a fast paced and entertaining adventure.

Elle Winter was so close to having enough Essence to buy her freedom with a wish, but that disappeared in a puff of smoke the day her stepmother found her secret stash. Now Elle has no choice but to turn to the Godmother in order to obtain a wish; something she told herself she would never do. It’s well known that the Godmother’s prices are high but Elle never expected what she would have to do pay the price. It’s something Elle knows would change her forever should she follow through, so she’s made the decision to lie to the Godmother. But can she get away before the Godmother finds out? Or is Elle's chance at freedom over before it ever truly began?

Having breezed through the first two instalments, I was super excited to dive into The Midnight Masquerade and did so as soon as I was able. Rachel Morgan continues to write such a fun and engaging story which is effortless to read but really entertaining. I’m invested in Elle’s story and am keen to see her find happiness. Magical and entertaining, The Midnight Masquerade is fast paced like the first two novels and well rounded—there’s danger, romance, humour, excitement—all tied together nicely.

Certain revelations may not come as a surprise but I sure loved seeing them come to pass. Dex played a smaller role in this instalment than he did in the others, but he and Elle continue to be so endearing to witness. I’m enjoying the building romance and the mystery surrounding the vampires and their plans for the kingdom.

Satisfying and entertaining, The Midnight Masquerade was simply so much fun and ending on another cliffhanger has guaranteed I’ll be dying to get my hands on Rachel Morgan’s next instalment as soon as it comes out! Highly recommend!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Rachel!)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 24th 2019
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great installment that left me ready for more.

Owl Post #235

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.   Hi book lovers and welcome to another Owl Post for 2019 :) I simply can't believe how fast the year is progressing.    For Review:

From Penguin Random House:

- Love Song by Sasha Wasley

I love this series by Sasha Wasley and thought Love Song was a fabulous ending--review to come.

.... Thank you Sofia!

_________________________

From Allen & Unwin:

- The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient was absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to read this sequel. I'm sure it's going to be brilliant!

....Thank you guys!

 

I Bought:

 - The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty 

I think this sounds like a great fantasy and am looking forward to reading it. 

- The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

I've heard nothing but good things about this novel and I know it's a fan-favorite with a lot of readers. Hope I enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to!

- Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Zombies and the Civil War? Enough said!

- The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa 

This is the last Julie Kagawa novel I needed to get a copy of before she appears at Supanova in two weeks. Can't wait to see her!

What did the owls bring you recently?

Book Shelf: One Blood Ruby (Seven Black Diamonds #2) by Melissa Marr

Who can end the war between humans and the fae?

Now that Lilywhite Abernathy is the heir to the Hidden Lands, everything is about to change.

The Queen of Blood and Rage wants Lily to help broker peace with the human world, but Lily knows that harmony won’t come easily. After decades of waging war on the humans, who cost the queen her firstborn daughter, the fae are struggling to accept Lily, a half-human monarch. And the humans, while no match against faery affinities, will hardly agree to the queen’s détente without resistance.

Lily wants to be a fair ruler but fears having to abandon the life she’s known to do so. Now that she and Creed are more than just fellow Black Diamonds—operatives for the queen—her priorities have shifted. But her worries about assuming the throne are derailed when it becomes clear that someone—or some fae—is masterminding violent attacks to discourage peace.

In this follow-up to Melissa Marr’s Seven Black Diamonds, Lily and her friends are forced to reckon with the truth of their own parentage and to protect one of their own, no matter what—or who—comes between them.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

One Blood Ruby is the second novel in Melissa Marr’s Seven Black Diamonds series and is a deeply engrossing sequel that is filled with danger, adventure and romance.

After discovering her true Fae heritage, Lilywhite Abernathy has accepted her role as heir to the Hidden Lands and the combined Seelie and Unseelie thrones. After decades of raging war with the humans, the Queen of Blood and Rage is open to brokering peace with the human world and Lily knows her position in both worlds is the key to securing this. Alongside their fellow black diamonds, Lily and her new boyfriend Creed stand alongside Lily’s newly found fae family to create a new peaceful world but with recent violent attacks on humans leaning towards a fae involvement is the hope for peace over before it has even begun?

Having fallen in love with Seven Black Diamonds, I jumped into One Blood Ruby as soon as my copy arrived and was delighted to find all the aspects I loved about the first novel alive in its sequel. Picking up where the first novel left off, One Blood Ruby is a thrilling and exciting story full of romance, friendship and blossoming familial connections.

One Blood Ruby continues to follow Lily primarily but is also told through the varying perspectives of Creed, Eilidh, Zephyr, Will and Violet as well, offering readers a very well rounded and inclusive view of the happenings within the novel. I genuinely love all the characters and enjoy seeing them individually and as a group as they connect and fight for one another.

Melissa Marr is very inapt at creating darkly riveting and complex characters with different personalities, desires and drives. One Blood Ruby continues to feature characters like this who are all very different but complement one another immensely. Fae, fae-blood or human, Marr writes her characters fiery, passionate, capable and endlessly thrilling to follow. I like their wit, attitude and mannerisms across the board and feel like the cast of characters within this series is truly fabulous.

As the Hidden Lands and human worlds look to unite, we see a more maternal and almost human side to the Queen of Blood and Rage. Amongst the romance, friendship and action of the story, it was sweet to see Endellion motherly towards her newly found granddaughter Lily and even her grandson Zephyr. This made for a nice touch to the story and balanced nicely with other aspects that were at play.

One Blood Ruby was another fabulous novel from Melissa Marr filled with excitement, danger and even unexpected loss. Emotional and riveting, One Blood Ruby leaves me highly excited about seeing more of the characters and I will be keeping my fingers-crossed and my eyes peeled for another novel in the series as I would love to see what Melissa Marr does next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 28th 2017
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Another fabulous read that leaves me wanting more!

Waiting on Wednesday #273

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.....

Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine 

Releases on: May 12th 2020

Add on Goodreads!

With the future of the Great Library in doubt, the unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone must decide if it's worth saving in this thrilling adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.

Thoughts:
It seems like all my favourite series are coming to an end soon, with Sword and Pen the final novel in The Great Library series. This series is so imaginative by Rachel Caine and I'm dying to read this, even if it is bittersweet to know it's the last book.

Have you read this series?

Plus, what are you waiting on this Wednesday?

 

Book Shelf: Oath Taker (Kingdom of Runes #1) by Audrey Grey

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Emily R. King, this first book in a dark and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!
Light magic is forbidden. 
Dark magic spells death. 
Haven has both.
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After the Prince of Penryth saved her from captivity, seventeen-year-old Haven Ashwood spends her days protecting the kind prince and her nights secretly fighting the monsters outside the castle walls. 

When one of those monsters kidnaps Prince Bell, Haven must ally with Archeron Halfbane and his band of immortals to rescue her friend. 

Her quest takes her deep into the domain of a warped and vicious queen where the rules are simple: break her curse or die.

Lost in a land of twisted magic and fabled creatures, Haven finds herself unprepared, not just for the feelings she develops for Archeron, but for the warring powers raging inside her. 

Her rare and forbidden type of magic may be their only hope . . . but mixing light and dark comes with a steep price. 

Haven’s soul.

Faced with impossible love, heartbreaking betrayals, and a queen intent on destroying the realm, only one thing remains certain. 

Haven must shatter the curse or it will devour everything she loves. 

Welcome to the Kingdom of Runes where immortals and humans clash, light and dark magic reign, and mythical creatures lurk in the shadows. If you like fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers romance, wild plot twists, and endearing characters that stay with you long after you reach the end, you need to discover the book readers are calling dark fantasy at its best. Just make sure to clear out some space on your calendar first!  

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Oath Taker is the first novel in Audrey Grey’s new Kingdom of Runes series and offers readers a bewitching and sweeping fantasy adventure that will delight fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo with its fast pace, death-defying danger and bold characters.

Having been saved from slavery by crown prince Bellamy of Penryth as a child, seventeen year old Haven Ashwood spends her days protecting and supporting the kind-hearted prince while secretly spending her nights hunting monsters just outside the castles walls. In a world where both light and dark magic exist, Haven remains an anomaly for her ability to wield both; her only friend the prince. Then Bell is kidnapped by the very monsters Haven hunts, and she finds herself determined to rescue him. Even if the cost means partnering with the arrogant Archeron Halfbane, a Sun Lord bound to the King of Penryth and a group of his fellow immortals. Journeying across the kingdom, Haven’s only hope at rescuing Bell lies in destroying the curse that hangs over Penryth, but to do so she must face a vicious Queen whose twisted magic is stronger than anything Haven has ever seen. Trusting Archeron isn’t an option, but as the only way to beat their shared foe, Haven will need to put her faith in the hands of someone capable of destroying her if she hopes to save the ones she loves…..

As someone who has read and adored all of Audrey Grey's novels to date, I was beyond stoked when I heard about her latest novel Oath Taker and as a fantasy lover I knew it sounded right up my alley. And boy was I right! In the vein of all the best fantasy novels, Oath Taker proved to be an exceptionally well plotted and detailed adventure that held my complete and utter attention from the very first page. Intertwining all the elements of a great fantasy---adventure, action, danger, magic, monsters, possible romance---Oath Taker brings to life a compelling and intriguing world in the form of Penryth, a land where humans exist alongside magic and creatures capable of wielding it with both kindness and cruelty.

Audrey Grey weaves together a really well rounded and paced story in Oath Taker. The world feels well structured and complete; nuanced and layered--it's clear Grey has put a lot of time and effort into constructing her world. Grey also implores a rich history to support her creation with a tangible backstory and mythology which includes the Noctis and Solis; two races of immortal beings who lives alongside and occasionally amongst the mortals of the world. I personally thought they were very intriguing races and am enjoying seeing them woven into the story which is darkly fairytale-like at times and reminiscent of some popular fantasy lore.

The protagonist of Oath Taker is Haven, a tough, capable and highly likable young woman who had a hard start in life and is guarded as a result. Haven doesn’t let a lot of people in and does not trust easily which has left her with only one person in her life she truly cares about; her best friend and the Crown Prince of Penryth Bellamy. Haven’s loyalty to Bellamy is unwavering and after he is kidnapped, she showcases her determination to find him constantly throughout the novel as she journeys with strangers in an effort to find him. I quite liked Haven. She intelligent and able and smart mouthed. This is a girl who knows how to take care of herself and I’m hoping she’ll find happiness throughout the series.

Alongside Haven is an interesting cast of characters, both human and immortal. Though primarily told through Haven’s perspective, Oath Taker also features chapters through the eyes of Archeron, Stolas and Bellamy. I genuinely enjoy the chemistry between Haven and Archeron and Haven and Stolas but am not liking the possibility of a love triangle. I foresee something similar to the Feyre/Tamlin/Rhysand love triangle Sarah J. Maas is famous for and am crossing my fingers this won’t be the case. Don’t get me wrong—I think both men are intriguing and promising characters but I really hate love triangles.

Swimming in magic and danger, Oath Taker is a lyrical and sweeping fantasy. Audrey Grey has set the base for what is sure to be a thrilling series and leaves this first instalment guaranteeing readers will be keeping their eyes peeled for more. I know I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Audrey!)
Publisher: Starfall Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: May 23rd 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: I LOVED Oath Taker and can't wait for the next novel!