Book Shelf: The Diminished (Untitled Duology #1) by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson

In the Alskad Empire, nearly all are born with a twin, two halves to form one whole…yet some face the world alone.

The singleborn

A rare few are singleborn in each generation, and therefore given the right to rule by the gods and goddesses. Bo Trousillion is one of these few, born into the royal line and destined to rule. Though he has been chosen to succeed his great-aunt, Queen Runa, as the leader of the Alskad Empire, Bo has never felt equal to the grand future before him.

The diminished

When one twin dies, the other usually follows, unable to face the world without their other half. Those who survive are considered diminished, doomed to succumb to the violent grief that inevitably destroys everyone whose twin has died. Such is the fate of Vi Abernathy, whose twin sister died in infancy. Raised by the anchorites of the temple after her family cast her off, Vi has spent her whole life scheming for a way to escape and live out what's left of her life in peace.

As their sixteenth birthdays approach, Bo and Vi face very different futures—one a life of luxury as the heir to the throne, the other years of backbreaking work as a temple servant. But a long-held secret and the fate of the empire are destined to bring them together in a way they never could have imagined.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:

The Diminished is Kaitlyn Sage Patterson's debut novel and was a unique, beguiling fantasy introducing readers to a world of danger, romance and secrets with the power to change everything.

In the Alskad Empire, the majority of births result in twins, two halves of a whole whose connection is unbreakable and consuming. There are only a few born alone; the single born who have been blessed by the gods and goddesses to rule the people. Bo Trousillion is a single born about to be named as the next heir to the Alskad throne. Born and raised in opulence and wealth Bo has been sheltered but yearns to make a difference. Yet there are many threats to the empire; none so more than the diminished. The diminished are individuals whose twins have died and as twins are meant to exhist together, the diminished find themselves doomed to succumb to their grief and turn to violence. Vi Abernathy is a dimmy, given to the anchorites by her family after the death of her twin. Surviving when many expect her to go mad Vi is determined to make a life for herself. They couldn't be more different but with long kept secrets tying Bo and Vi together the teens lives are about to intersect and together they'll have the power to change the empire forever!

In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't really like The Diminished in the beginning. I actually put it down for a while as I was really struggling to connect with the story but am really glad I decided to pick it up again as I found the story Kaitlyn Sage Patterson had written easier to enjoy the second time around. After a slow beginning, The Diminished picks up with the stakes increasing for the characters.

Told through the back and fourth perspectives of both Bo and Vi, The Diminished introduces readers to a unique world of twins. I thought this was really clever on author Kaitlyn Sage Patterson's part--the idea that twins could be connected in such a spiritual and all consuming respect where the loss of one had the power to destroy the other. Both Bo and Vi were easy to follow and I enjoyed seeing them interact with some of the other characters including Mal, Quill and Swinton who are just fabulous.

I wasn't really a fan of the world Bo inhabits at the beginning of the novel and many of the people within it. In fact that may have been what turned me off the novel so much in the beginning. They were fake and pretentious and I didn't believe them at all. This includes his relationship with Claes that was lacklustre and not something I was sorry to see end. Vi's world on the other hand intrigued me and I'm interested to learn more about her friend Curlin.

Giving The Diminished a second chance was something I'm glad to have done. It definitely picked up as it progressed and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next novel and will be keeping an eye out for its release.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Format: Paperback ARC
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: April 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: After a slow start I enjoyed this much more the second time around. Worth a read and I'm looking forward to the second one.

Book Shelf: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

They stood together against the world.
 
When Drix was convicted of a crime — one he didn't commit — he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while. 

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means. 

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life. 

But sometimes love can breach all barriers. 

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves — Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence — and each other to finally get what they deserve.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Say You’ll Remember Me is Katie McGarry’s latest release and is a compelling contemporary romance about second chances, redemption and the importance of taking control of your life and of your choices.

Hendrix Peirce has just spent a year in juvie for a crime he didn’t commit. Believing he was protecting someone he loves, Drix pled guilty. The chance to change his life came in a reform program he didn’t see coming and he has now found himself the poster boy for the Second Change Program, the governors new pet project to help turn around the lives of wayward teens on the fast-track to a life in and out of prison. Drix wants to use his experience to help others, but there’s only so much life in the public eye he can take. As the daughter of the governor, Ellison Monroe is used to reporters and the public having a say in her life. Yet it has gotten to a point where the pressure and expectations placed on her may be too much. All Elle wants to do is forge her own path. When Drix and Elle meet, the attraction between them is immediate, but with everyone telling them they can’t be together, will Drix and Elle find the strength to fight for what they really want? Or will they continue to be puppets in their own lives?

Katie McGarry is one of those authors you automatically know that when they release a new novel it’s going to be good. Their calibre of writing and storytelling is consistently above standard and they never fail to leave you breathless—something that is one hundred percent the case with Say You’ll Remember Me.

Beautifully written and told through the dual POV’s of both main characters, Say You’ll Remember Me is an irresistible story full of friendship, family and adorable romance. Drix and Elle are powerful personalities and tell a genuinely heart-warming and romantic tale. It’s impossible not to like Drix who is determined to change his life and let go of the hurtful person he once was as well as Elle who simply wants to make her own decisions as she tries to determine what she wants out of life.

McGarry does what she does best with this novel; introduces characters of different backgrounds, histories and status within society and weaves them together romantically as they change the lives of one another. We saw it with her Pushing the Limits series and then again with Thunder Road and I can only hope that Say You’ll Remember Me is only the first in a long line of tales featuring those within Drix’s life we had the pleasure of meeting including his brother Axle, sister Holiday and friends Dominic and Marcus, as well as potentially Elle’s cousin Henry.

Perfectly paced with plenty of angst and desire, Say You’ll Remember Me is a lovely romantic story with a true message within its pages. I’m looking forward to whatever Katie McGarry has in store for her readers next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: February 1st 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A wonderful read that leaves me hoping to see more about the minor characters in the future!

Book Shelf: The Continent (The Continent #1) by Keira Drake

For her sixteenth birthday, Vaela Sun receives the most coveted gift in all the Spire—a trip to the Continent. It seems an unlikely destination for a holiday: a cold, desolate land where two nations remain perpetually locked in combat. Most citizens lucky enough to tour the Continent do so to observe the spectacle and violence of battle, a thing long vanished in the peaceful realm of the Spire. For Vaela, the war holds little interest. As a smart and talented apprentice cartographer and a descendent of the Continent herself, she sees the journey as a dream come true: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve upon the maps she’s drawn of this vast, frozen land.

But Vaela’s dream all too quickly turns to nightmare as the journey brings her face-to-face with the brutal reality of a war she’s only read about. Observing from the safety of a heli-plane, Vaela is forever changed by the sight of the bloody battle being waged far beneath her. And when a tragic accident leaves her stranded on the Continent, Vaela finds herself much closer to danger than she’d ever imagined—and with an entirely new perspective as to what war truly means. Starving, alone, and lost in the middle of a war zone, Vaela must try to find a way home—but first, she must survive

More on Goodreads.....


Review: 

The Continent is Keira Drake’s debut novel and is an enjoyable fantasy YA that features a unique concept and is full of danger, action and romance.

Sixteen year old Vaela Sun is a member of the Spire, a refined and perfectly composed society of people whose morals and ideals embrace the concept of peace. For her birthday, Vaela receives the most coveted gift a person can be given—tickets to The Continent. Though it seems like a strange place for a holiday, the icy and desolate land is home to two waring races and is somewhat of a spectacle to the Spirian people. When the trip of a lifetime turns tragic, Vaela finds herself alone in the harsh Continent wilderness. Vaela is determined to find a way home, but first she must survive in a land so different than everything she’s ever known…...

After a turbulent first couple of chapters, The Continent was a novel I found I very much enjoyed—more so than I anticipated I would. Keira Drake has beautiful lyrical writing that flows wonderfully and I felt that she has created a story that is very intriguing. The Continent introduces readers to a beautiful but dangerous land of ice and snow that is home to two warring races of people.

I was entranced by the concept within The Continent of the Xoe and the Aven’ei. The people of the Spire effectively viewed the Xoe and Aven’ei with a morbid curiosity, observing them the way one would an ancient civilisation or primitive culture without physically interacting with them. It was thought provoking—the idea that these two races were allowed to interact and war with each other while a third watched them from afar. The Spire literally allowed two races to engage in brutal and violent battles while they watched above from planes in comfort.

The protagonist of The Continent is Vaela, a young woman who has known nothing but opulence and has never experienced hardship or violence a day in her life. At the beginning of the novel Vaela comes across as naïve; very much a product of her society but as the novel progresses Vaela’s natural kindness and innocence grow into a powerful strength to survive and an appreciation of the Aven’ei way of life. Through her grief and pain, Vaela finds true happiness thanks to those who welcome her to their lives including Kiri, Raia and Noro who is her love interest throughout the story.

Vaela and Noro have a really sweet, endearing relationship. Noro’s introduction to the story comes as Vaela’s saviour and he quickly becomes a friend to her, helping in his own quiet, thoughtful way to help her assimilate into life amongst the Aven’ei. I think it’s very obvious from the beginning of The Continent where Vaela and Noro are heading romantically, but that doesn’t make the sweetness of their budding romance any less satisfying as they slowly fall in love.

The Continent comes to a brutal and harrowing close. Keira Drake writes some beautiful dialogue and sentiments throughout the story, but ultimately brings the novel to a fitting, albeit brutal ending where not everyone will survive and emotions run high. I definitely recommend this one!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: HarlenquinTEEN
Format: Paperback ARC 
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 27th March 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I very much enjoyed The Continent and will be keeping an eye out to see if there is a sequel in the future.

Book Shelf: The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles #1) by Laurie Forest

A new Black Witch will rise…her powers vast beyond imagining.

Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last prophesied Black Witch, Carnissa Gardner, who drove back the enemy forces and saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. But while she is the absolute spitting image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. But she soon realizes that the university, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is a treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

As evil looms on the horizon and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, everything Elloren thought she knew will be challenged and torn away. Her best hope of survival may be among the most unlikely band of misfits…if only she can find the courage to trust those she's been taught to hate and fear.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Black Witch is Laurie Forest’s debut novel and is an exciting new fantasy tale that launches a promising series and offers readers the opportunity to fall in love with a new world of danger, magic and unexpected alliances.

Elloren Gardener is the granddaughter of the last Black Witch, Carnissa Gardener who destroyed her people’s enemies and brought victory to the Gardnerian race during the Realm War. Every Gardnerian knows Carnissa’s name and as the splitting image of her late grandmother, Elloren lives in her infamous shadow. Raised alongside her brothers in isolation by her eccentric uncle, Elloren is nothing like Carnissa, for she has no magic at all. When a visit by her estranged aunt sees Elloren given the opportunity to pursue her dream of studying apothecary, Elloren travels to a renowned University to study alongside her brothers. Living amongst other races for the first time in her life, everything Elloren thought she knew about herself and her people slowly begins to unravel and with evil looming, will Elloren have the strength to do what’s right even at her own cost?

After a slow and turbulent beginning, I surprised myself by absolutely falling in love with The Black Witch. A large novel with 600 plus pages, the first 200 pages of The Black Witch were a real struggle for me as I couldn’t seem to connect or care much for the characters and story. From about that 200 page mark however the remainder of the novel absolutely flew by for me; and I thoroughly enjoyed what I read. Laurie Forest held me entranced by her world and especially many of the minor characters the heroine Elloren had the pleasure of meeting and interacting throughout the story.

The world within The Black Witch is very intricate with a lot of difference branches that bring it to life. The Gardnerian society make up a large part of what we see within The Black Witch but Laurie Forest also introduces her own version of shifters, fae, Amazon warriors, demon-like creatures, and selkies among others. Admittedly it is a lot to take in at times and it took me a while to become comfortable with such a vast array of races and characters, but eventually I came to love all the different groups and what they brought to the story.

The protagonist in The Black Witch Elloren begins the novel as a somewhat naïve individual, especially where the true nature and the true way of her people are concerned. At her heart she’s actually quite kind and soft so as The Black Witch progresses, Elloren begins to learn the truth about the world around her and has her eyes opened to the suffering and treatment of others. Watching Elloren take chances and do the right thing is really uplifting and honestly endears her to me.

I adored all the minor characters Laurie Forest introduces in this novel. Admittedly there are a lot of them and though you might be forgiven for thinking there is too many, each and every one seems to bring something new to the story. From Elloren’s brothers Rafe and Trystan, to Lupine’s Jarod and Diana, brooding and mysterious Yvan, fellow Gardnerian and sweetheart Ashlenn, Icarels Wynter and Ariel, Gypsie boy Andras and even Wynter’s Fae brothers….I loved them all, especially when they were interacting and working together; they all made such a fabulous team.

The Black Witch is also full of blossoming romances, both forbidden and endearing. As the novel progresses, Forest begins to pair off many of the characters. Not that I’m complaining as I really am a romantic at heart. Personally I really enjoyed seeing some of the relationships develop. I won’t give away any spoilers, but Diana’s comfortability in her own skin and self-assurance made me smile as did her unwavering determination to be with who she wanted. I also think there are the potential for more pairings—I don’t know why but I think Ariel and Andras would be an intriguing pairing with plenty of possibility. She’s crazy, but I think he could handle her nature better than anyone else.

There was honestly so much about The Black Witch that I ended up loving and I genuinely did not want to put the book down whilst reading. I’m still thinking about the story now, long after I’ve turned the final page. I will definitely be looking to read the next novel as soon as it is released! Can’t wait to see what Laurie Forest does next this this thrilling series with so much potential!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Vanessa!)
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: June 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: After a shaky start, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this and am glad I persevered--can't wait until the sequel is released!

Book Shelf: Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings

Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy. To those aboard her glass starship, Marauder, however, she's just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.

But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder's all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation and at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter from Andi's past.

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time to exact revenge for the destruction of her people. The pieces of her deadly plan are about to fall into place, unleashing a plot that will tear Mirabel in two.

Andi and her crew embark on a dangerous, soul-testing journey that could restore order to their shipor just as easily start a war that will devour worlds. As the Marauder hurtles toward the unknown, and Mirabel hangs in the balance, the only certainty is that in a galaxy run on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:  

Zenith is the first collaboration between authors Sasha Alsberg & Lindesay Cummings and is a compelling intergalactic tale that blends action, adventure and intrigue together in a heart-pounding sci-fi setting brimming with potential. 

In the Mirabel Galaxy most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, an infamous mercenary known for her ruthless brand of death, but to those aboard her starship the Maurader she's just Andi, their captain and friend. Yet when a routine mission doesn't go as planned, Andi and her all female crew find themselves in hot water and forced to take on a mission of dangerous proportions. Paired with a reckless bounty hunter named Dex whose history with Andi is checkered at best, Andi and the Mauraders are about to take on their most troubling task yet, but no one is prepared for the danger that is coming and the war that is about to break out....

Even though Zenith has been on my list of books I was looking forward to reading upon release, and I was stoked to receive an ARC for review, it admittedly took a while to win me over. It wasn't necessarily bad or even slow, but there was just something about the story that I struggled to connect with in the beginning. That being said, the more the story progressed, the more I seemed to enjoy this intricate and engaging world that Alsberg and Cummings have created. 

Told in third person, Zenith follows a number of important characters within the story, including the overall main character Andi as well as bounty hunter Dex, Andi's second in command Lira and a number of other characters who are for all intents and purposes the "bad guys". This allows for a well told story that brings a number of different elements together to bring the tale to life. It was interesting to come to understand what the different POV's meant for the overall storyline as the novel progressed. 

There's a lot going on within the story and Alsberg and Cummings bring it all together well. I really loved the aspect of female empowerment that comes with Andi's all female team that is made up of Breck, Lira and Gilly, outcasts who have built themselves a family together as they travel the galaxy. They had a very endearing friendship and I enjoyed the light and funny moments we see between them throughout Zenith. 

Something I also appreciated seeing was the different sides to the story. Considering we're witnessing a galaxy in the middle of a war, the authors do a fantastic job of blurring the lines and allowing you to see the good and bad in each side at different times during the tale. I felt for all those involved as I read the novel and couldn't help but feel for each character.

As far as first novels go, Zenith seems to have it all. Sasha Alsberg & Lindesay Cummings detail a very intricate and beguiling world and kick off their series with a bang! Ending spectacularly, I'll be keen to see what happens next after the cliffhanger conclusion that opens up so many possibilities and leaves me wondering just what we're in store for next! 

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Format: Paperback ARC
Release Date: January 11th 2018
Pre-Order: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: After a slow start, I ended up enjoying Zenith and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel when it comes out. 

Book Shelf: Long Way Home (Thunder Road #3) by Katie McGarry

Seventeen-year-old Violet has always been expected to sit back and let the boys do all the saving.

It’s the code her father, a member of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, raised her to live by. Yet when her dad is killed carrying out Terror business, Violet knows it’s up to her to do the saving. To protect herself, and her vulnerable younger brother, she needs to cut all ties with the club—including Chevy, the boy she’s known and loved her whole life.

But when a rival club comes after Violet, exposing old secrets and making new threats, she’s forced to question what she thought she knew about her father, the Reign of Terror, and what she thinks she wants. Which means re-evaluating everything: love, family, friends . . . and forgiveness.

Caught in the crosshairs between loyalty and freedom, Violet must decide whether old friends can be trusted—and if she’s strong enough to be the one person to save them all.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Long Way Home is the third novel in Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road series and is another emotionally driven tale, this time focusing on teen lovers Violet and Chevy as they attempt to navigate their lives as children of an MC club and individuals with their own wants and desires…..

Seventeen year old Violet has grown up with the Reign of Terror motorcycle club. Her late father was a member and Violet is well versed in the Terrors attitude towards women sitting back and letting the men take charge. Ever since her father’s death, Violet has done everything she can to distance herself from the club, angry over their role in her father’s passing, but when she and her ex-boyfriend are kidnapped by a rival club, Violet finds herself discovering secrets long protected. In order to protect those she loves, the headstrong teenager has no choice but to face all her fears, even if it means putting her life and heart on the line. Chevy McKinley is a legacy; the son of a Reign of Terror member and the grandson of the club president. He knows when he turns eighteen he’ll be expected to patch in. Chevy loves the club, but having already lost the girl he adores when he made a choice she didn’t like, Chevy finds himself struggling with what he wants for his future. Then an unexpected development gives Chevy not only the opportunity to win Violet back, but to discover all the secrets about his father those around him have always kept. Suddenly the future isn’t so black and white and both Chevy and Violet will have to lay it all on the line if they want to come out in one piece….

Long Way Home is another wonderful read from Katie McGarry that continues a very easy to read and satisfying series. Told from the dual point of views of characters Violet and Chevy, who we’ve interacted with numerous times throughout the series, Long Way Home is a story of forgiveness, strength and the power of deciding for yourself who you want to be. Well told, exciting and romantic, Long Way Home keeps readers reading along to see how Violet and Chevy will get themselves out of the sticky situations they find themselves in.

Having witnessed the turbulent relationship between Violet and Chevy in the first two books, it was wonderful to see them finally face the feelings and love still burning between them in Long Way Home. There was a lot of anger and sadness in Violet and so much of that stemmed from her father’s death. In Long Way Home, Violet must learn to let go of her anger and forgive those in her life while Chevy has to decide if he wishes to forge a path outside the club.

As characters, I did like both Violet and Chevy, although I think I prefer Oz and Emily and Razor and Breanna over them. I was very excited to finally explore them as the focus of their very own story, especially Violet. While I wasn’t necessarily disappointed, I wasn’t as blown away as I expected to be. That being said, I still think Katie McGarry did a good job writing them as characters and thought their developments sweet and endearing within the story.

As this third novel comes to a close, I’m still excited about the possibility of there being further books in the series. Breanna’s best friend Addison is still someone I want the chance to see feature in her own story and with references made in Long Way Home to a new club prospect who seems interested in her, I have hopes McGarry may write a fourth book. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for a novel or novella featuring Terror member Pigpen who is attracted to Chevy’s teacher. Pigpen made me smile and he is charming enough that I think he can win over the straight-laced teacher if given the chance.

Ending Long Way Home in a hopeful and endearing way, Katie McGarry proves once again why she’s one of the go-to authors of contemporary YA fiction. I’m very much keen to read whatever she releases next!       

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN Australia
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Another great read by Katie McGarry. I can't wait to read what she releases next!

 

Book Shelf: The Flame Never Dies (Well of Souls #2) by Rachel Vincent

Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth-that the war against demons is far from over-seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go.

In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina's worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie's child will die within hours of its birth. Nina isn't about to let that happen ...even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Flame Never Dies is the gripping second novel in Rachel Vincent’s Well of Souls series and follows on diligently where the last book left off, once more drawing readers into a dangerous demonic world.  

Nina Kane and her pregnant sister Mellie have been on the run since they discovered the shocking truth that the war against demons is far from over, and that the Unified Church members are all possessed by demons themselves. Alongside Finn and the other fugitive exorcists, Nina and her sister have been travelling the badlands as Nina learns about her abilities as an exorcist and plans the arrival of Mellie’s baby. The rogue exorcists have enough dangers to face without the added threat of Pandemonia; a city inhabited completely by demons whose leader will stop at nothing to locate Nina and her friends. With time running out to find a soul for Mellie’s baby and with the dangers growing, will Nina have to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the baby lives? 

Picking up approximately five months after the last novel left off, The Flame Never Dies details the latest stage in Nina’s life as she and the other exorcists train and continue to exorcise demons as they travel across the badlands. Rachel Vincent continues to keep her readers entertained with this sequel and ups the ante as Nina and her friends face a new brand of demon and a new danger.

There’s a lot of emotion in this novel, with loss inevitable at times and Rachel Vincent keeps readers following along with action, danger and excitement always present. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed following Nina and the exorcists and think they’ve been really intriguing to get to know and follow. 

I have to say though, I found the ending a little anti-climatic for the final novel in this duology. Don’t get me wrong; a lot of things were left well, and very hopeful, but I didn’t feel the closure I was hoping for if The Flame Never Dies is the last book in this series. I want more. There’s so much I still want to witness and so many characters I still yearn to learn about. Vincent only allowed us a glimpse of so much within this world—I want more. 

I want to get to know Devi and Maddox, see what happens to Grayson now that she’s transitioned, discover how Finn adjusts to his new body, what happens to baby Adam, whether Eli and Ana become a couple, and what happens to the Lord’s Army. Whether Rachel Vincent plans a spin-off or any more tales in this world is unknown to me, but I think it will be a real shame if she doesn’t…..

Overall I enjoyed The Flame Never Dies. I’m not necessarily ready to bid this series goodbye, but I did think this was a solid read. Definitely perfect for those who love their dystopian tales with a hint of a demonic influence. 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you Vanessa!)
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: February 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: The duology doesn't seem complete. While I enjoyed this final book, I don't think it should BE the final book. Rachel Vincent could definitely write more and I don't know if I'm completely satisfied with this being the ending.....

Book Shelf: A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles #4) by Gena Showalter

The enemy has risen from the grave. Together we slayers must stand, or one by one we will fall.

Ali Bell's crew of zombie slayers thought they'd won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular — the love of his life, Kat Parker.

On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond — Kat's spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla's betrayal caused Kat's death.

But when Anima rises from the grave stronger than ever, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes the line between hate and attraction is blurred... and the road to redemption may mean letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.

 

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

A Mad Zombie Party is the fourth and latest instalment in Gena Showalter’s riveting White Rabbit Chronicles and is possibly the best book in the series yet. Featuring two tangible main characters and more action, romance and entertainment than you’ll know what to do with, A Mad Zombie Party is Showalter at her best!

After the heartbreaking and life altering events in The Queen of Zombie Hearts, Frosty Martin and Camilla Marks are two slayers who were left deeply affected. Frosty lost the love of his life Kat and now spends his days getting lost in booze and meaningless women to fight the pain her loss caused. Camilla made one regretful choice that saw her betray those she cares about in order to protect her beloved brother River. Having seen Anima callously kill innocents and hurt the very people Camilla hoped to protect, Camilla is determined to make up for her past mistakes that saw her cast out from the only family she’s ever known. Camilla will do anything to make up for past sins and Frosty will never forget the part she played in Kat’s death, but what happens when they’re thrown together and soon find themselves learning more about the other than they could ever have expected…..

I have to say, I was soooooo gutted when I realised that Kat and Frosty weren’t going to miraculously get their happily ever after, but now having finished A Mad Zombie Party I get it. Maybe I’m just excited about the prospect of future books and the possibilities that Kat and Frosty having their own individual HEA’s holds, but I also feel that Frosty and Camilla really did work. 

Gena Showalter explores Frosty and Milla both so beautifully in this story. Through their back and forth POV’s—a first for this series—we’re able to see them like never before. My eyes have really been opened to the amazing person Frosty is, and it was wonderful to get to know him outside of being Cole’s best friend and Kat’s boyfriend in A Mad Zombie Party. He’s someone I love a whole lot more now, although I certainly always admired his devotion to Kat in the past.

Camilla on the other hand is a character we only just met in the last book, and she didn’t make the best impression having betrayed our slayers…..but boy do I LOVE her now. Milla really is a fantastic young woman. Yes, she made a mistake--a big one, but as we discover in A Mad Zombie Party, she really was between a rock and a hard place and felt like she had no other choice. Milla is someone who has had a hard life and features a lot of scars, but she’s actually a real sweetie underneath and I loved seeing Gena Showalter highlight her insecurities, but also make sure we knew how strong Milla had been to get through recent times. Seeing Milla try so hard to be worthy of redemption and to make up for her past mistakes was so admirable to witness and I loved her even more for it!

Unlike with our previous main couple, Gena Showalter takes her time building Frosty and Milla as a couple. There’s a lot of animosity there on Frosty’s side towards Milla and I really appreciate the way Showalter slowly built up their relationship over time. Allowing them to get to know each other first gave them the chance—especially Frosty if I’m being honest here—to let go of their past hang-ups. Yes, perhaps it seemed a little fast for Frosty to move on from Kat at first, but when you see the journey he undertakes to become ready to be with Milla, it all makes sense. 

A Mad Zombie Party is seriously addictive from the opening chapter and if you’re anything like me you’ll find it hard to put down and even more difficult to forget. Gena Showalter serves up another sensational story and a worthy romance and leaves me still dying for more and hoping against hope there may be a possibility of a spin-off series in the future featuring the world Kat and Emma inhabit or even a White Rabbit Chronicles instalment featuring Kat and River! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thanks Miranda!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This series is soooooo good and an absolute MUST READ as far as I'm concerned.
Cover: I think this cover is stunning. Love the purple and the image of Milla!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last book released to date in this series, but I would LOVE if Gena released more!

Book Shelf: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

Fan favourite and bestselling author Katie McGarry is back to prove she’s not just a one trick pony with Nowhere But Here, an incredibly captivating and arresting novel that kicks off a brand new series from this sensational writer and is guaranteed to bewitch readers all the way until the final page!

Securing a fan in me through her Pushing the Limits series, Katie McGarry cements her place as one of my all-time favourite YA writes with Nowhere But Here. Nowhere But Here is told through the back and forth POV’s of seventeen year old Emily, the biological daughter of one of the heads of a motorcycle club called the Reign of Terror and someone who has been protected from her estranged father’s world for her whole life, and Oz, an eighteen year old club hopeful and member of the biker community who finds himself looking after Emily when the prodigal daughter returns, causing a lot of hurt and pain for those Oz loves the most. Rife with secrets and mystery, both teens couldn’t be more different, but neither can deny the attraction that simmers between them in Nowhere But Here, even as Emily’s family history begins to come to light…..

Nowhere But Here is an absolutely delicious novel that I struggled to put down! Katie McGarry hits the nail on the head with stunning chemistry, electricity and fire within this story. As someone who has never read a MC novel before—though I know they’re becoming more and more popular in today’s adult and erotic genre—Nowhere But Here offered me my first real glimpse and taste of the biker community. And I loved what I read! Or at the very least how Katie McGarry wrote it. 

Following two personable and headstrong characters, Nowhere But Here offers a great cast of characters, particularly our leads, Emily and Oz. Both had strong voices and their own individual quirks and personalities. I loved the depth McGarry gave to Oz and all the Reign of Terror members that we met! Oz was sexy, thrilling and dangerous; but he also had honour courage and came to really adore Emily.

Emily on the other hand was a very natural teenage girl whose world was altered drastically as she slowly discovered that almost everything she thought she knew about herself was a lie and that the relationship between her biological father and her mother hadn’t exactly ended the way either of them painted it to. Emily struggled, and fought and had to come to terms with all that she was learning. I enjoyed following her and thought her genuinely a good heroine.   

Nowhere But Here is a YA novel and though McGarry hints at sexual innuendos and makes the occasional sexual comment, she generally keeps things quite clean and it’s the sexual tension and desire expressed by both main characters that heats things up. These are the kinds of attractions and connections I thrive on, and as usual I adored how McGarry developed her romance. 

Katie McGarry has me incredibly excited with this new series! Thunder Road as the series is going to be known is the road on which most of the Reign of Terror members live or grew up on….and I’m very eager to learn all about them! McGarry gives Nowhere But Here so much life, depth and colour that the vivid minor characters—mainly those with affiliations to the biker club—bring so much to the story. Chevy, Violet. Stone, Razor, Olivia, Cyrus, Eli….I could go on and on. I’m thinking that the series is going to following the younger generation of the Reign of Terror, but I still look forward to seeing them all again and again. 

Passionate, emotional and electrically romantic, Nowhere But Here is a fantastic read and a thrilling ride. Hold on to your hats guys, Katie McGarry is about to kick start a brilliant must read new series!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank you Miranda!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a brilliant book and a must read!
Cover: It's actually not that great---I mean it's not bad, but it doesn't blow me away either.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I can't wait!

Book Shelf: Grim by Christine Johnson and Various Authors

Inspired by classic fairy tales, but with a dark and sinister twist, Grim contains short stories from some of the best voices in young adult literature today:

Ellen Hopkins
Amanda Hocking
Julie Kagawa
Claudia Gray
Rachel Hawkins
Kimberly Derting
Myra McEntire
Malinda Lo
Sarah Rees-Brennan
Jackson Pearce
Christine Johnson
Jeri Smith Ready
Shaun David Hutchinson
Saundra Mitchell
Sonia Gensler
Tessa Gratton
Jon Skrovon
 
More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Edited by Christine Johnson, Grim is a collection of short stories by some of the biggest names in today’s Young Adult genre and sees some of our favorite authors give a unique twist on some of the most classic of fairytales in their own retellings.

By nature, I’m not the biggest fans of short stories. Usually by the time I feel truly invested in the story it’s naturally coming to its ends and I normally feel writers rush in their haste to compact so much information into such a short story. Grim however I did enjoy, and I certainly appreciated some of the different retellings.

It was interesting seeing such a vast array of writing styles come together in one book and it really highlighted how very different all these authors are. Not that that’s a bad thing! Different tones and different styles made for different tales; some were more traditional while others really twisted things up.

Personally I found the stories by Rachel Hawkins, Shaun David Hutchinson and Claudia Gray to be the highlights for me in the overall book, although I think each author did a good job.

A great way to discover new authors while reading more from those you already love, Grim is definitely worth a read!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you're a fan of fairytales or want to read something by any of these authors, this is worth a read.
Cover: It doesn't really do anything for the novel if you ask me.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I'll read more by many of these authors......

Book Shelf: Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

Pawn is Aimee Carter's foray into the dystopian genre after her successful Goddess Test trilogy and introduces us to a society where individuals are ranked based on an aptitude test and political intrigue runs rampant. In a world where faces can be changed and people's motives aren't what you expect, no one is as they seem.

Man, Pawn is a really difficult book to review for me. I feel like whatever I'm going to say is going to come across harsh, especially considering that for the most part I did like this book. The thing is, whilst Aimee Carter's writing and storytelling is solid, there were times when reading Pawn when I really struggled to become invested in the story. Now, it was in no way a bad book, it was quite readable but it just didn't captivate me like I hoped it would. Which disappoints me because I can't pinpoint exactly what it was about Pawn that I didn't like.

That being said, I did enjoy it. Which I admit contradicts my previous statement. Pawn started off quite slow for me and it took until more than halfway before I found myself interested in the plight of the characters and the storyline, but once I got over that hump I was intrigued. Pawn had a lot of promise. Personally, I would have liked a bit more back story, but Carter has set us up nicely with Pawn as a first story in a series. It had all the elements of an engaging read; mysterious and otherwise engaging storyline, likable characters and high stakes but something was missing from this book and I can't quite put my finger on what.

Our heroine Kitty Doe was likable and served her purpose as the main character. As someone who lived a life of a lower classed individual and then who was thrust into the spotlight when she is Masked and forced to play the role of the Prime Minister's niece, Lila Hart, I felt she adjusted well to her situation. She was brave when she needed to be, but also very normal and human and even though she was very much screwed she didn't give up. And yet for all this, I wasn't completely sold on her either. I mean, I liked her, but I didn't like her if that makes sense? Technically there was nothing wrong with her, but I just was never completely invested in her as I like to be with main characters.

One thing I will give Carter props for is the twisted family she was written in the form of the Hart's. This high society and political family will just as easily stab each other in the back than give each other a kiss and hug. Going through the motions, it was often easy to overlook the fact they have attacked, killed and betrayed each other left right and center. Considering the fact that I believe they actually cared about each other, some more than others, they made for some interesting reading.

Though Kitty is in a relationship with Benjy, I didn't personally feel the connection. Aimee Carter writes a conflict for their relationship in the form of "Lila's" fiancé, Knox and though there was no outright spark and connection between he and Kitty, I quite liked Knox. He and Lila's cousin Greyson were the best of the bunch in this book.

Despite my misgivings with Pawn, I did honestly like the book towards the end. As revelations come to light, Aimee Carter does a good job of keeping the pace moving all the way until the very end. As the first book in the series, I expect a lot of growth in future books and with the state of the Hart family so up in the air, and I actually find myself interested enough to read the second book; in the hopes I like it better than the first, if not too see what happens.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you enjoy dystopians then you will probably wanna pick this up.
Cover: I think the cover's pretty cool--different.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, I do want to read more.....

Book Shelf: Waterfell (The Aquarathi #1) by Amalie Howard

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Waterfell is a well written and riveting on land adventure that mixes romance and friendship with otherworldly sea creatures in this exciting tale that sees typical teen drama mingle with undersea political agendas and surprising dangers!

I have to say, I really liked Waterfell; even more than I anticipated I would. Amalie Howard has penned a very unique and different story that explores sea creatures in a different way than the typical mermaid or selkie tales readers may be used to. I was very impressed with the lengths Howard has gone to to ensure her story is unlike anything else that is out there. Waterfell truly features the creatures of the deep; the sea monsters of legend, and Howard manages to perfectly weave them together with the standard teen taste for the dramatic we love with YA.

Waterfell follows sixteen, turning seventeen, year old Nerissa "Rissa" Marin a young woman who has been living a normal teenage existence on land for almost four years but who is actually an Aquarathi—a sea monster able to take human form. As the royal heir to a crown in jeopardy and having spent the last four years of her life masquerading as a human, Rissa is somewhat a reluctant queen-to-be. However, when a powerful danger resurfaces and Rissa is faced with losing her birthright forever, she must delve into her family’s surprising past and finally face her people or risk losing the throne forever.

As someone who reads a lot, I really do enjoy the prospect of something different and I loved the overall fresh and light feeling of Waterfell. Howard depicts a very enticing world in this story and I was thrilled with the romance, friendship and laughter that is woven together with the high political stakes that come from our heroine being of royal blood in this book.

I thought Nerissa was a very striking main character and she made for a very interesting protagonist to follow. Rissa is strong-willed, athletic and vocal. She doesn’t let anyone push her around and she is willing to hold her ground when need be. Granted she’s also rash, unbending and endlessly stubborn. Rissa is quick to speak out and often says the wrong thing in the heat of the moment. And yet despite this, and all her fears and uncertainties over becoming queen at first, you can’t help but love Rissa’s passion as she begins to accept all that she is.

Throughout Waterfell I found the characters managed to compliment the storyline perfectly. Rissa has a friend for life in the form of her best friend Jenna who is nothing but totally loyal and supportive throughout the entire story. Her "guardians" and on land family including foster mother Soren, foster father Echlios and foster brother Spieo were perfect as her family/subjects who endeavor to protect Rissa while also caring about her too.

Rissa’s romance with human boy Lo is very focal throughout the story and Lo’s cocky and arrogant nature make for a lot of entertaining scenes between he and Rissa as Rissa fights her growing attraction and feelings for the mysterious boy who still manages to make her stomach flutter. Lo and Rissa were very adorable to witness and the developments Howard introduces to their relationship hold a lot of promise for the books to come.

Author Amalie Howard really had me entranced by the storyline within Waterfell and I’ll be the first to admit I was surprised by some of the brilliantly developed plot twists she exhibited in this story. All is not what it seems and the friendship, loyalty and danger Howard weaves together with romance and excitement has me eager for the second book!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by HarlequinTEEN (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you want an underwater adventure with a twist, this will be perfect for you!
Cover: Very pretty, but not how I picture Rissa either....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!