Book Shelf: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world. 

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

The Wicked King is the explosive sequel to Holly Black’s stunning novel The Cruel Prince and is a exhilarating follow up that gives its predecessor a run for its money with its twists, turns and shocking developments.

Jude Duarte has bound herself to former faerie prince Carden in the hopes of protecting her brother Oak. Having been placed on the throne thanks to Jude’s slight of hand, King Carden is an unwilling puppet; bent to Jude’s will and the face of her control over the crown. Navigating the ever changing political alliances of Faerie is difficult for Jude as Carden does everything in his limited power to defy and humiliate her even as he struggles with the fascination and desire he has for her. Desire that Jude shares despite her best intentions not to. As it becomes clear that someone close to her plans to betray her, Jude must discover who the traitor is before everyone she loves is lost.

Last year The Cruel Prince became an unexpected favourite read of mine and as quite possibly my most anticipated read of 2019, The Wicked King had a lot of expectations to live up to. Something it certainly does and then some! Brilliantly written The Wicked King is a deftly woven story of political intrigue, court deception and ulterior motives. Holly Black details a vivid and darkly luscious world of Faerie that comes alive through the eyes of human protagonist Jude who has spent the majority of her life carefully navigating the treacherous land she calls home.

As far as main characters go, there is a lot to like about Jude Duarte. Despite being mortal, Jude has spent her life learning to survive in the cruel, manipulative world of Faerie. Jude is intelligent, quick on her toes and perceptive. She’s kind and caring towards those she loves, but it’s the calculating and capable sides of her that have kept her alive…and now in control of arguably the most powerful person in Faerie.

I genuinely do love Jude. I feel like after only two books she’s grown substantially as she has taken on more power and responsibility. In The Wicked King, Jude is a far cry from the weak human she was in the first book and as she continues to weave together her plan to protect her brother Oak, I definitely enjoyed seeing this new determined and dedicated side to her.

Then there’s the wonderful chemistry between Jude and Cardan that is continually explored in The Wicked King. Theirs truly is a love-hate relationship—heavy on the hate—but I absolutely adore the way Holly Black has created their romance. It’s so fiery and passionate and deceptive. You never know if they want to kiss or kill one another which only makes the rare moments where they give into their desires all that more potent. I know their motivations (mainly Cardan’s) are very much still shrouded in mystery, but I honestly think that what they have between them has the power to be truly life changing. And I for one certainly think Cardan isn’t the cruel, devious person he occasionally comes across as.

Shocking and unexpected, The Wicked King introduces readers to new branches of this delectable faerie world so expertly crafted by Holly Black including the devious and murderous Undersea and builds to a jaw dropping conclusion. Leaving readers at quite possibly one of the most opportune moments, The Wicked King thoroughly entrances and will have you hanging out for the next novel, The Queen of Nothing to be released as soon as humanly possible!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: January 8th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Simply superb; this series is one that will take your breath away. Can't wait for the next novel!

Book Shelf: Charmcaster (Spellslinger #3) by Sebastien de Castell

The third book in the page-turning Spellslinger fantasy series.

'I was getting almost as good at running away from enemies as I was at making them in the first place. Turns out, I wasn't running nearly fast enough.'

Kellen has begun to master his spellslinging and the Argosi tricks for staying alive, and he and Reichis have found a career that suits them both: taking down mercenary mages who make people's lives miserable. But Ferius is concerned that Kellen is courting disaster . . .

Perfect for fans of The Dark Tower, Firefly, Guardians of the Galaxy, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Charmcaster is the spectacular third novel in Sebastien de Castell’s thrilling Spellslinger series and gives its predecessors a run for its money with its forward moving storyline, action and intelligent dialogue that is witty and humourful.

Seventeen year old spellslinger Kellen is still a wanted man. There’s a bounty on his head courtesy of his people the Jan'Tep mages and he’s in the midst of trying to stop dangerous magic that is infiltrating the minds of fellow magic users in order to insight war. Alongside his squirrel cat business partner Reichis and mentor Ferius, Kellen is also trying to master the way of the Argosi but as different forces continue to force Kellen and his friends into dangerous situations, Kellen is going to have to decide exactly how far he’s willing to go in order to protect those he cares about…..

What can I say other than I absolutely adore this series—I really do! The first two novels had my complete and utter attention and Charmcaster is no exception. The universe author Sebastien de Castell has created is so intriguing and beguiling and his world building is just incredible. The different groups and villages we are introduced to within this series are highly interesting and I’m enjoying learning about their different dynamics as Kellen and his friends journey to so many unique places.

Told through Kellen’s strong voice, Charmcaster is a highly entertaining story. Naturally I prefer female POV’s over their male counterparts, but in this instance Kellen couldn’t be a more perfect protagonist to follow. Sebastien de Castell’s writing is spot on as he brings Kellen’s story to life. The way in which he writes Kellen makes for some fabulous reading and Kellen continues to grow and develop, learning so much about himself and the world around him as he goes. There’s nothing I can fault Kellen on; he’s everything I could want and as de Castell includes some fantastic exchanges between Kellen and various characters within the story I'm in haven.

Sebastien de Castell has also done an incredible job when it comes to the supporting cast in this series. Every individual we have met within the series so far have been full of life and vitality, bringing something different to the story each time. Standing alongside Kellen throughout his journey are Feris and Reichis and boy do I love them both. Feris is such a wealth of knowledge and keeps both Kellen and you as the reader on your toes with her cryptic but meaningful words. The way in which she sees the world is entertaining and thought provoking. And Reichis? There is nothing and no-one out there in YA fiction (that I have come across anyway) like this butter biscuit, bath loving, eyeball devouring thief who also features an understated devotion to Kellen; even if he would deny it.

Charmcaster is a fast paced and exciting novel. Sebastien de Castell packs a lot into its pages with excitement and danger never far from the story. Book three makes it clear that de Castell isn’t slowing down and will continue to maintain the high standard he has implored since the first novel Spellslinger. As Charmcaster draws to a thrilling close, I cannot wait until the fourth novel releases so that I may once again join Kellen in his quest.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Keys Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: May 17th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: This series just keeps getting better and better and I CANNOT wait for more.

Book Shelf: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

To Kill A Kingdom is Alexandra Christo’s debut novel and is a dark and exhilarating The Little Mermaid retelling full of adventure, danger and slow developing and understated romance.

Siren Princess Lira is revered across both land and sea as the Princes Bane, a vicious killer whose preference for the hearts of princes is well known. As the daughter of the Sea Queen, Lira knows her destiny is to one day take over the throne, until an act of rebellion against her mother sees her turned into the very thing she hates the most; a human. The only way for Lira to return home and to her true form is to bring her mother the heart of the sirens biggest enemy. Prince Elian is known as the golden prince but it’s his title of Siren Killer he treasures the most. More comfortable at sea on board his ship the Saad than he is at court, Elian and his crew are at home on the ocean, hunting sirens and ridding the world of the ruthless monsters. When Elian rescues a drowning woman from the middle of the ocean, he knows she’s more than she appears but he could never expect her true nature. Elian is Lira’s ticket home but as her time on two legs begins to change her, will she dare wish for more than the war that simmers between their two races? And will Elian learn to trust the very thing he hunts? Or will a shared enemy be the destruction of them both?

I have to admit I had some misgivings heading into To Kill A Kingdom. Seeing as the novel was set to unfold through the eyes of a self-proclaimed monster and murderer, I worried I would struggle with connecting and enjoying the novel…..but boy was I wrong! Alexandra Christo has created a very luscious and entertaining retelling with To Kill A Kingdom and manages to hit every nail on the head; action, adventure, character development, entertaining dialogue, romance. I felt the whole novel was very well rounded and well written on Christo’s part.

Unfolding through both Lira and Elian’s POV’s, To Kill A Kingdom is a very entertaining story. Based on the traditional Little Mermaid tale, Alexandra Christo gives it darker twist featuring sirens and pirates while also enjoying the elements that make so much fun to begin with. Allowing readers to witness the story unfold through both Lira and Elian’s eyes makes for a well-rounded tale—you are in on the secret of who Lira truly is while Elian is oblivious. You can’t help but desperately read waiting for everything to be revealed.

Female protagonist Lira is a stubborn and fiery soul who undertakes so much growth within the story to overcome her upbringing and nature. I genuinely liked Lira even when she was still a murderous siren; she was sharp tongued and quick witted, something she finds she shared with male counterpart and second protagonist Elian who is both prince and pirate. I loved the dialogue Christo shared from Elian who is very much the charming pirate and who is both hero and scoundrel. He was a fun male lead who often made me laugh or brought a smile to my face.

As you would expect, romance plays a role in the building storyline of To Kill A Kingdom, but it’s not as prominent as you would think. Ultimately Lira’s feelings for Elian play a big part in some choices she makes but the relationship between them is only a small part of the story, blending effortlessly with the adventure and excitement throughout the novel. It’s highlights include the sharp and smart quips and teasing comments shared between them and the understated connection that develops overtime. I actually felt their romance was perfectly written within the story and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Building to course changing altercation between our main characters and the Sea Queen, To Kill A Kingdom is a fast paced and solid standalone tale with a great cast of supporting characters. Alexandra Christo offers to YA audiences a well-rounded debut that doesn’t disappoint and guarantee’s she’ll be an author I’ll have my eye on moving forward!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: March 6th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Thoroughly adventurous and highly enjoyable, I very much enjoyed To Kill a Kingdom and am keen to see what Alexandra Christo releases next!

Book Shelf: Defy the Worlds (Constellation #2) by Claudia Gray

A stunning blend of action-packed science fiction and love against the odds. Perfect for fans of STAR WARS and the DIVERGENT series.

Noemi Vidal has returned to her planet, Genesis, as an outsider - ostracised for refusing to end the Liberty War by sacrificing Abel, the most advanced mechanical man ever made. She dreams of travelling through the stars again, and when a deadly plague arrives on Genesis, Noemi gets her chance. The only soldier to have ever left her planet, it will be up to her to save its people. If only she wasn't flying right into a trap.

Abel, now fully aware of his soul and captaining his own Vagabond ship, never dreamed he'd see Noemi again, not when the entire universe stands between them. But when his creator Burton Mansfield delivers news of Noemi's entrapment, Abel knows he must save her, even if it means risking his own life.

Danger lurks in the dark corners of the galaxy, and Abel and Noemi will discover a secret that could save Genesis and Earth... or destroy them all.

In this thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars, bestselling author Claudia Gray asks us all to consider what drives us, and where we truly belong.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Defy the World’s is the second novel in Claudia Gray’s intergalactic Constellation series and is another fast paced, adrenaline packed and romantic novel that will sweep you away into a science fiction world of discovery and love against all cost.

Solider Noemi Vidal has returned to her home planet of Genesis as an outsider, ostracised for her actions in the Liberty War that included refusing to sacrifice the life of Abel who had become a trusted friend and someone Noemi cared about. Now Noemi finds herself lightyears away from Abel and unlikely to ever see him again; struggling to re-assimilate on her planet. Across the galaxy, Abel is captaining his own ship for the first time and learning to balance his mech nature with his newly found soul. When Earth launches a new bio attack on Genesis, Noemi must venture to find assistance, with each step bringing her closer to Abel once again. Time is running out to save the citizens of Genesis but with Mansfield still trying to locate Abel anything they do could have disastrous results. Will Noemi and Abel find each other again? Or will they both be lost before they have the chance?

After the cliffhanger that was the ending of Defy the Stars, Claudia Gray is back with another edge-of-your-seat exhilarating instalment with Defy the World! A wonderful sequel that picks up approximately six months after its processor left off, Defy the World sees readers once again follow Noemi and Abel is this dually told novel that sees them face their next fight—both against their latest enemies and in their fight back to get back to one another.

Personally I really like the world Gray has created. It has all the elements of a great sci-fi I love and blends all the action, romance and character chemistry I would want in this kind of YA novel. Both Noemi and Abel are solid leads who propel the story forward and share a fantastic dynamic. Much of their relationship was established in the first novel as they got to know each other on board the Persephone but it was adorable to see them reunited in this sequel and begin to explore the romance and connection between them.

Even though he is a mech, Abel is so very sweet and human in nature so seeing he and Noemi connect was adorable to witness and something I highly enjoyed. His way of thinking makes for some highly entertaining reading and I just love how loyal Noemi is to her planet and her own idea of morality.

Racing towards a powerful and unexpected ending that once again leaves readers hankering for the next novel, Defy the Worlds is a sensational sequel and leaves me dying to see what Claudia Gray has up her sleave next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: March 28th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I adore this series and after THAT ending I need the next book, like, yesterday!

Book Shelf: The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

The Cruel Prince is the highly anticipated latest release by acclaimed author Holly Black and is a darkly beguiling and entrancing read that brings to life a rich and vivid Faerie world full of startling danger, political intrigue and unexpected betrayals.

When Jude was seven years old her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters spirited away to the dangerous High Court of Faerie by their murderer. Having grown up amongst the fey, Jude is now seventeen and eager to earn her place within the treacherous society she lives. Yet some fey despise humans and treat them with cruelty and scorn, including the High King’s third son Cardan who has made it his mission to make Jude miserable. Prince Cardan is merciless and relentless, determined to make Jude concede to him. As the time comes for a new High King to take the throne there are bigger dangers to Jude than the cruel prince. With secrets a plenty, Jude is going to have to determine just how far she’s willing to go to protect those she love, including getting blood on her hands and on her soul…..

As far as I’m concerned, I have no shame in saying that The Cruel Prince was one of the best books I have read for a while; an absolutely brilliant read that easily left me breathless! While I have liked the novels I have read by Holly Black in the past, I haven’t loved them. The Cruel Prince, however, I did love. In fact, I surprised myself by adoring it so much more than I anticipated and am absolutely dying to get my hands on the sequel now.

By far Holly Black’s best book to date, The Cruel Prince was spectacularly written and detailed. The dark, twisted world of Faerie that Black introduces is engrossing while the protagonist Jude is strong and determined; a mortal in a treacherous fey world where people bleed deception and alliances mean nothing. All the different elements complement each other perfectly and made for a thrilling, lyrical tale.

Told through Jude’s intelligent and cunning voice, The Cruel Prince is an intricately woven story. I loved the duplicitous creatures we met throughout the story including all manner of faeries, goblins, redcaps, pixies, nymphs and more. They really brought the story to life and set the vision in my head of this deadly and intricate world. There’s so much dark beauty within this story and Black manages to effortlessly draw you in to this vicious world that is very well written.

I very much enjoy the love-hate relationship developing between Jude and her obvious love interest. The tension between them is heady but subtle and Holly Black has me very excited for all the possibilities that come with their romance in the future. I was entranced by every interaction between them as they fought one another and the way in which the novel ends leaves me sure there is a lot of danger and manipulation to come.

Very impressive from beginning to end, The Cruel Prince sets the standard very high for the novels to follow and leaves me absolutely dying to get my hands on the next novel. Holly Black has created a deliciously dark gem with this tale and I cannot wait for more!

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: January 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I was very impressed by this book and I can't wait for the sequel to be released so I can delve back into this fascinating world!

 

Book Shelf: Defy the Stars (Defy the Stars #1) by Claudia Gray

Noemi is a young and fearless soldier of Genesis, a colony planet of a dying Earth. But the citizens of Genesis are rising up - they know that Earth's settlers will only destroy this planet the way they destroyed their own. And so a terrible war has begun.

When Noemi meets Abel, one of Earth's robotic mech warriors, she realizes that Abel himself may provide the key to Genesis' salvation. Abel is bound by his programming to obey her - even though her plan could result in his destruction. But Abel is no ordinary mech. He's a unique prototype, one with greater intelligence, skill and strength than any other. More than that, he has begun to develop emotions, a personality and even dreams. Noemi begins to realise that if Abel is less than human, he is more than a machine. If she destroys him, is it murder? And can a cold-blooded murder be redeemed by the protection of a world?

Stranded together in space, they go on a whirlwind adventure through Earth's various colony worlds, alongside the countless Vagabonds who have given up planetary life altogether and sail forever between the stars. Each step brings them closer - both to each other and to the terrible decision Noemi will have to make about her world's fate, and Abel's.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Defy the Stars is Claudia Gray's breathtaking latest release and is an exhilarating sci-fi tale masterfully blending well developed romance and high stakes action in this incredibly addictive and beguiling novel!

Noemi is a well trained and capable soldier from the planet Genesis, fighting to defend her people from their enemy planet Earth. Abel is one of Earth's mechs; a perfectly created super machine, designed to fight in the war against Genesis and completely one of a kind. Highly intelligent and capable, Abel has spent thirty years alone on a ship lost in space, his conscience developing well past the expected levels of any mech. When one of Noemi's friends is injured in a battle against Earth, they seek refuge on the ship Abel inhabits, and Noemi quickly finds herself forced to rely on the human-like Abel to survive. When tragedy strikes, Noemi decides to make one last ditch effort to protect her people, but when it becomes clear Abel is far from the mindless machine she first thought him to be, will Noemi be able to make the ultimate sacrifice or will love change everything....

Claudia Gray is an author I have been reading for years. I first became a fan when I read her debut novel Evernight and have followed her career ever since. This woman never fails to write a stunning novel, but may have truly outdone herself with Defy the Stars! Perfect for fans of the Starbound series by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, Defy the Stars is a beautifully told and emotionally vivid story. I was very impressed with the well paced progression of the story and the way the characters and storyline developed.

I felt Noemi and Abel were well rounded and wonderfully developed. With the novel unfolding through the back and fourth point of views of both of them, Gray will make you fall absolutely in love with these two individuals who start out as enemies but soon come to develop a close and unexpected bond. Noemi and Abel are both honorable and noble characters who will make you contemplate who is in the right and who is in the wrong as they journey throughout the galaxy and come to see different point of views of the worlds around them and the ongoing war between planets.

As a mech, Abel was admittedly the highlight of the novel for me. Though I loved Noemi, Abel thrilled me from start to finish as he continued to experience new thoughts and feelings and became so very human. It was beautifully written on Claudia Gray's part, especially the complex relationship Abel has with his creator and the little things, such as adoring Casablanca, that made Abel such a personable character.

As the novel progresses, Defy the Stars will make you continually think and question things as you follow Noemi and Abel on their life changing journey. Entertaining and exciting, Defy the Stars was a spectacularly told story, well balanced and perfectly woven together story. Even if the ending of the novel did slay me and break my heart somewhat.

Perfectly written and so very good, Defy the Stars is a 2017 read I highly recommend and something I will continue to think about even though it's over. Can't wait to see what Claudia Gray has in store with this series next as there's so many facets of this world she could explore!
 
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher via Allen & Unwin (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 29th March 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Despite featuring an ending guaranteed to make you emotional, I absolutely love Defy the Stars and really hope we have a chance to see more Noemi and Abel in the future!

Book Shelf: The Wondrous and the Wicked (The Dispossessed #3) by Page Morgan

Alone and defenseless, can the Waverly family survive the final battle for their city?

Ingrid Waverly has never been more alone, or more frightened. Her sister has fled to London in fear for her life, and Luc, the one person she thought she could rely on more than anyone else in the world, has also disappeared. No one will tell Ingrid where he has gone, but rumours of a fierce leadership battle amongst the supernatural forces who protect Paris are swirling, and Ingrid fears he has been forced into a dangerous position.

And it is a dangerous time to be a leader in this city - the number of demons flooding Paris's streets are overwhelming, and Ingrid and her few allies cannot cope. All the signs point to some kind of final uprising from the Underworld - but how can it possibly be defeated when the only people who stand a chance of doing so are too busy fighting themselves? Once again, everything comes down to Luc and Ingrid, and whether they can draw on each other's strength as well as their own. And this time, love really must conquer all.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Wondrous and the Wicked is the sensational third and final installment in Page Morgan's immensely underrated but incredibly brilliant Dispossessed trilogy and concludes what has been a thrilling trilogy with all the action, danger and wonderfully woven romance that has made this series so great!

Throughout my time as an avid reader, there has only been a few historical novels and series that have won me over, and the Dispossessed is right up there as the best of them in my eyes. From the first novel, The Beautiful and the Cursed, through the sequel The Lovely and the Lost and now concluding with The Wondrous and the Wicked, this series has been nothing but expertly written, wonderfully paced and incredibly depicted.

Page Morgan has created a very dark and compelling world of gargoyles, demons, hunters and all manner of creatures in between within this series. She's written layered, complex and personable individuals and as the series has unfolded in varying POV's, Morgan has woven together a very exciting storyline that has developed, altered and grown to something relentless and forward moving. The setting was spot on, well described and dark; raw, gritty and beautiful, be it Paris or London we were in, Morgan has won a fan in me with her wonderful storytelling.

The Wondrous and the Wicked was a worthy conclusion to this trilogy. I've honestly personally found this series to be so underrated with many not realizing the brilliance that Morgan has written within it's pages. There's unending danger in The Wondrous and the Wicked as sisters Ingrid and Gabby continue to battle the fallen angel Axia with the help of the gargoyles and Alliance members they call friends, including Luc, Nolan, Vander, Rory, Chelle and of course their brother Grayson. Page Morgan brings this series to a thrilling climax with this passionate, thrilling and at times painful ending.

I've loved following the characters within this series with each and every book. Ingrid, Gabby, Luc, Nolan, Vander, Rory, Chelle, Grayson, Marco....I could go on and on about the standout characters Page Morgan has written. I've loved seeing some of them fall in love, fight, battle and push each other. Siblings, lovers and comrades to the very end. I'm sad to see them go, but I've adored every witty, exciting and addictive minute of following them.

My favorites are without a doubt Gabby and Nolan. She's such a fire cracker and he accepts her, and pushes her perfectly. They're electric and passionate and their romance has been one of my favorites ever. Especially in a historical novel. The innocent touches and passionate embraces weave wonderfully with soul searing kisses to create a wonderful undertone of sexual tension and attraction within the action packed story. And not just for Gabby and Nolan, but Ingrid and Luc too.

Page Morgan has truly captivated me with this series and though I'm heartbroken to see it end, I'm endlessly satisfied with how she has concluded Ingrid, Gabby and their loved ones story. As Ingrid makes a choice between Luc and Vander that always seemed inevitable, I find myself practically begging inside for a spin-off series, perhaps featuring Vander, Chelle and Rory and Hugh--I think Page Morgan could still tell so much with these four!

Electric, romantic and powerfully told, The Wondrous and the Wicked was everything I could have asked for in a series conclusion. Page Morgan kept me entertained until the very end and leaves me knowing that while their journey hasn't been always an easy one, her characters are exactly where they are supposed to be.....

I honestly can't recommend this series enough and urge you all to put it on your to be read list if it isn't already. I promise you won't regret it!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hot Key Books (Thank you Susie!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: A brilliant and underrated historical fantasy tale--this series is incredible!
Cover: Perfect with the other two in the series.....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the final book in this trilogy, but I can't wait to read more from Page Morgan!!

Book Shelf: Death & Co. (Death & Co. #1) by D.J. McCune

Adam is a Luman, and it runs in the family. Escorting the dead from life into light, Adam must act as guide to those taken before their time. As his older brothers fall into their fate however, Adam clings to his life as a normal kid - one who likes girls, hates the Head and has a pile of homework to get through by Monday morning.

When Adam gets a terrible premonition he realises that he must make a devastating choice, risking his life, his family and his destiny.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Death & Co. is D.J. McCune’s debut novel and is a quaint read with a unique twist on the mythology that is the grim reaper and their important role between life and death.

Told through the eyes of fifteen year old Adam Mortson, Death & Co. introduces us to the Lumen, a race of benevolent beings tasked with transporting souls into the afterlife. As a Luman, our hero Adam is one of many, with his entire family having devoted their existence to helping souls move on. His brothers and father may be happy with their positions as Lumen but Adam has other ideas—he simply wants to be a normal teenager.

D.J. McCune does a good job with setting up the initial details of her Lumen society within Death & Co. This is a unique twist on the typical Grim Reaper and explores the familial bond that exists between them as they’re all happy to be Lumen—all but Adam. Whilst this book didn’t blow me away I did enjoy reading Adam’s tale.

McCune does just enough to capture her reader’s attention, although I will admit I think the premise had more potential. The concept is great and while the story is readable, it could have benefited from a more driven plotline and substantial character development. Though Adam, for the most part, is likable, I found it hard to become attached and really invested in his story. While I understood his reluctance to be a part of the Lumen society, I felt bored by his constant groaning over his situation. I just wanted him to accept things, and try a bit harder.

I liked how McCune explored teen issues like bullying realistically but I wished more had eventuated from the storyline. There didn’t seem to be a real purpose to the story like I hoped there would have been and I wanted to explore the Lumen more—something I hope McCune does with the next book.

Personally, Adam’s brother Luc was the biggest draw from the story for me. I loved his personality and would enjoy getting to see more of him. Adam’s love interest Melissa is bland and their chemistry almost non-existent. I appreciated the longing’s of first love that McCune hints at but at the same time didn’t really feel it.

Overall, Death & Co. has a unique plot whose potential unfortunately fell flat. And yet for the society D.J. McCune has introduced us to alone, I think I’d like to read the next book, just to see what happens. Personally, I think Death & Co would appeal to a male audience (not trying to be sexiest—just honest) more-so and may be more up their alley!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hot Key Books (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you want something different, maybe give this a try.
Cover: This cover is awesome and so absolutely striking--I love it!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Possibly.....