Book Shelf: The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black

He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, comes the highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy.

More info on Goodreads.......


Review:

The Queen of Nothing is the tantalizing and beguiling final novel in The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black and is a phenomenal way to conclude what has been a breathtaking series from the very first page to the very last.

After being crowned Queen of Faerie and subsequently exiled by her wicked husband King Cardan, Jude Duarte spends her time in the mortal world watching television with her brother Oak and sister Vivi and doing the odd job for the fae folk that live within the human realm. Having spent her life in the Fae world, a life in the human one is bland and uneventful….until her twin Taryn arrives as asks Jude for a favour. Taryn is in trouble and to help her, Jude will have to return to the world of Faerie. This means facing Cardan, whose betrayal still hurts but who Jude can’t help but still love despite his actions. When a curse is unveiled, Jude has no choice but become the first ever mortal Queen of Faerie to save Cardan and the world she reluctantly loves…..

Holly Black has entranced me with this series from the very moment I began reading The Cruel Prince. The beautifully written storyline, enchanting setting and layered, multi-dimensional characters bring the series to life with poise and excitement. I honestly believe that nothing I can say will do this series justice and eloquently describe how much I love and adore it. It genuinely does deserve all the hype surrounding it and is without a doubt deserving its place as one of the best fae series out there.

Continuing to follow mortal girl Jude, The Queen of Nothing picks up after the shocking conclusion of the previous novel and begins by detailing Jude’s time in exile. Banished from her home in the world of Faerie, Jude is struggling to assimilate in the mortal realm and yearns for the place from which she was expelled. Jude has been a fabulous protagonist from the very beginning of the series and I have highly enjoyed following her with each novel. Jude is a mortal in a world of wicked fae. At a disadvantage thanks to her human weakness and fragility, Jude has had to be as cunning and calculated as her fae companions, if not more so, in order to survive. Jude’s intelligence, capability and determination is something to be admired. As does her love for her family and those within her inner circle. I feel that Jude has grown into a formable young woman and now Queen over the course of the series and Holly Black has done her a real service writing her in such a manner.

Throughout the trilogy Jude’s nemesis, love interest and reluctant alley has been Cardan, former Prince of Faerie and now High King. What can I say about Cardan other than that I love him? I love him with his wickedly deceptive and devious nature. With his cheeky attitude and laid back approach; his reluctantly vulnerable and unexpectedly loyal personality. I love him in all his cunning and calculating magnitude; in all his glory. I just love Cardan and think he has been a fabulous character within the series to push Jude and fight Jude and fall in love with Jude.

Holly Black has written one hell of a romance with Jude and Cardan. Never have I seen two people be so good for and so bad for each other. They have been enemies and allies; have loathed and now loved one another. They’ve pushed and pulled; fought and bickered. Betrayed and supported one another. And it’s been absolutely thrilling to watch unfold! Their chemistry has been undeniable from day one. Black has slowly built their relationship from the first novel as childhood enemies and classmates, to a King and Queen who are now deeply in love with each other to a fault. There’s no pretty words or sugary promises between them—their feelings are crushing and awkward and raw……but I really like this. I think it suits who are as individuals and now as a couple.

Throughout the entire series the twists, turns, shocks and surprises have always kept coming. Eloquently detailing the story perfectly, author Holly Black has proven once again why she is one of the Queen’s of the fae with The Folk of the Air. As addictive and beguiling as its predecessors, The Queen of Nothing brings the series to an end in spectacular fashion with an exciting but satisfying ending. Though I’m sad to see the trilogy conclude, I look forward to reliving Jude and Cardan’s story time and time again and cannot recommend this series enough!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from Big W
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Format: Paperback
Release Date: November 19th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: The Queen of Nothing is an absolutely sensational conclusion to this trilogy that blew me away with it's brilliance. Holly Black has outdone herself with this novel--simply brilliant.

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

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

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

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

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

Who can end the war between humans and fae?

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Paperback
Release Date: May 1st 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I'm absolutely loving this series and hoping there will be more in this series in the near future---love it!

Book Shelf: Shadow and Ice (Gods of War #1) by Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter, the New York Times bestselling author who brought you the Lords of the Underworld, introduces a brand-new scorching new paranormal romance series…GODS OF WAR.

Knox of Iviland, the most ruthless warrior in All War history, has spent his life fighting others to the death, winning new realms for his king. Now the stakes are higher than ever. If he prevails in the battle for Earth, his slave bands will be removed. Victory is his sole focus…until he meets her.

On an arctic getaway with her foster sister, street tough but vulnerable Vale London is shocked to stumble upon a cave filled with ancient gods waging epic combat. When she is inadvertently drawn into their war, she is forced to team up with an unlikely ally—the sexy god who makes her burn with desire.

Though Vale is his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can triumph, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Shadow and Ice is the first novel in Gena Showalter’s new PNR series Gods of War and introduces readers to a new band of alpha men and the strong women who are going to bring them to their knees.

Knox of Iviland is the most ruthless warrior in All War history. He has won more wars and realms for his king than anyone else. Now the stakes are higher than ever. If he wins the battle for Earth he’ll be given the one thing he’s always wanted; his freedom. Victory is almost guaranteed until he meets a woman who has him questioning his desires. Street smart Vale London just wanted to enjoy an Arctic getaway with her foster sister. She never expected to stumble upon a cave filled with ice encased immortals. When she is reluctantly drawn into their war, Vale has no choice but to team up with an unlikely ally—-a brutal but sexy immortal who makes her burn with unexpected desire. Vale wants to stay alive and Knox needs to win but with working together seeming to stroke the fire that burns between them will Vale and Knox discover more than they planned; will they find a love more important than any battle.

Gena Showalter has been a favourite author of mine for many years. Ever since I read her first Lords of the Underworld series I have been addicted to her novels. I have been a little underwhelmed by a couple of her most recent ones (we will not speak of the William/Gillian disappointed) but I felt that Shadow and Ice was a return to the Gena Showalter tales of old and a great start to a promising new series!

Shadow and Ice unfolds through the varying perspectives of both main characters Vale and Knox. This is my favourite way to read PNR as I feel it allows readers the best opportunity to understand the feelings, emotions and thoughts of the characters as they embark on an often crazy journey. Showalter’s writing is always passionate, sexy and full of humour. She keeps things light but highly entertaining with intricate storylines that usually involve a great cast of side characters---as is the case with Shadow and Ice. I know Bane and Nola’s is next but I’m looking forward to Zion’s as well as having the opportunity to get to know some of the other immortal players.

I liked Knox and Vale easily enough. Knox was very alpha male while Vale was a fairly competent modern century woman. My only fault with Vale was that she seemed to feel like she needed a man to want her to be validated. I understand as a foster child she would have gone looking for such validation if she wasn’t given enough love, but I still disliked Vale’s frequent insecurities and sadness over not being wanted. I actually found this to be distasteful to her character. Vale shouldn’t have needed a man’s desire to be complete; she was more than enough on her own.

Reminiscent of the success Gena Showalter has found with her Lord’s of the Underworld series, Gods of War has a lot of potential as a series. I’m looking forward to reading more and discovering just what she has planned with the ongoing storyline and the multitude of characters we have already been introduced to.  

Rating:  
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: HQN Books 
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 23rd 2018 
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid start to a new series from Gena Showalter---I can't wait to read more. 

 

Book Shelf: To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #4) by Bec McMaster

An impossible heist. A thief and a rogue. But will she steal his heart, instead?

The Company of Rogues finally knows the identity of the mastermind behind a plot against the queen—but their enemy is still one step ahead of them. When he kidnaps one of theirs, the Rogues plan a daring rescue mission that will lead them into the heart of the bloodthirsty Crimson Court.

It's a job for a master thief, and there's nothing Charlie Todd likes more than a challenge. To pull off the impossible, Charlie needs a crew, including the only thief who's ever been able to outfox him.

He broke her heart. But now she must risk it all to save his life...

Lark's spent years trying to forget her past, but the one thing she can't ignore is the way a single smile from Charlie still sets her heart on fire. When he proposes they work together again, it feels just like old times, but she has one rule: this is strictly business.

It's Charlie's last chance to prove he can be trusted with her heart. But Lark's keeping a deadly secret. And as passions are stirred and the stakes mount, it might be the kind of secret that could destroy them all...

Ocean's 11 meets Dracula, in this sexy paranormal heist by USA Today Bestselling Author, Bec McMaster. If you like sexy paranormal romances, steampunk shenanigans, and plenty of action-adventure (vampires, dirigible flights, and steamy rooftop chases), then dive into this thrilling heist with Charlie and Lark.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review:

To Catch A Rogue is the fourth novel in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series and is an enlightening, eventful and utterly enchanting story filled with witty banter, romance and excitement.

Charlie Todd lost his best friend three years ago when a reckless choice cost her the life of the only father she had ever known. Though he has forged a new family for himself in the Company of Rogues, Charlie has never stopped hoping to repair the relationship. Which is why when the leader of the Company of Rogues is kidnapped and the rescue mission requires the best thief out there, Charlie turns to that very special woman. Lark has spent years trying to forget her past but a single smile from Charlie Todd has always had the ability to make her weak in the knees. Their friendship was once the most important thing to her but in the years since the revolution, Lark has fought to overcome the unrequited feelings she has for Charlie. When he approaches her for help in an important mission, Larks first instinct is to say no but when it becomes clear Charlie will embark regardless of her decision Lark finds herself returning to the one place she swore she would never go. Secrets are revealed and hearts are on the line as the two former best friends explore the new passions that burn between them.

Bec McMaster finally offers fans the novel they have been waiting for—the highly anticipated story about Charlie and Lark. I’ve loved Charlie and Lark since they were children in the previous series and I feel as though I have watched them grow up. To Catch A Rogue was the compilation of all the moments of friendship, hilarity and childhood innocence they have shared finally being acted upon as adults. And with fantastic results!

McMaster was always going to need to bring her A-game with To Catch A Rogue as my expectations with this novel were high heading into it. I mean, come on! Its Lark and Charlie. Charlie and Lark. They needed a fantastic story and I think Bec McMaster truly did give them that. It was exciting, riveting, packed with sexual tension and witty banter and full of entertaining moments of passion and romance.

After eight novels set in London, I enjoyed the change of scenery as Bec McMaster takes her dashing series to Russia and into the heart of the Blood Court in To Catch A Rogue. I thought the brief glimpses of the court were highly intriguing and I loved how McMaster ties Larks past in with the Russian aspect. I know the next novel will be the last in this series but I am very much hopeful that we could one day explore this Russian Blue Blood world—I already know what characters I want McMaster to feature!

Lark and Charlie were lovely to follow and I highly enjoyed seeing Charlie persue Lark so completely. They were childhood friends and this foundation of friendship bled into a delectable tension as they explored the real feelings they had for one another. There was a sweet innocence to their romance that mingled with the sexual chemistry they had while an overall feeling of first love encompassed their relationship.

To Catch A Rogue is a fabulous read and leaves me highly excited to begin the fifth and final novel featuring Malloryn and Adele. I have no doubt that Bec McMaster will have an explosive conclusion up her sleeves and I can’t wait!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: October 30th 2018
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great read---I'm SOOOO ready for Malloryn and Adele's tale!

Book Shelf: Obsidio (The Illuminae Files #3) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza—but who knows what they'll find seven months after the invasion?

Meanwhile, Kady's cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza's ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys—an old flame from Asha's past—reappears on Kerenza, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heroes will fall, and hearts will be broken. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Obsidio is the third and final novel in the Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman, bringing this thrilling saga to a close in fast-paced and spectacular fashion.

Alongside the other Heimdall refugees, Kady, Ezra, Hanna and Nik have commandeered the Mao and are headed towards Kerenza. With the jump station destroyed, Kerenza is their only hope but seven months after the invasion, what will they find when they get there? Kady’s cousin Asha Grant is one of the few who survived the initial attack, and ever since has been forced by BioTech to do their bidding. Kept from their families, the survivors are forced to mine on BioTech’s behalf, but they know the day will come when their usefulness will no longer be enough to keep them alive….and that day is coming sooner than they think. As part of a ragtag group of resistance members Asha is fighting to survive and when her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Lindstrom arrives planet side working for the enemy, Asha must decide if she’s willing to bring him to their cause and if she can trust Rhys with her heart again. Time is running out for those who dare to stand against BioTech and they’ll need to fight with everything they have his they hope to beat the pharmaceutical company who has no qualms about destroying everyone who stands in their way.

Alas, after three thrilling novels, Obsidio brings the Illuminae Files to an end. This series has been an introduction to Jay Kristoff’s writing for me and an action packed, engaging and riveting read with each exhilarating instalment. As with its predecessors Illuminae and Gemina, Obsidio unfolds through emails, radio transmission, security footage, schematics, reports and detailed graphics that depict the story in such a different but engaging way. This series is a really rare reading experience and highly intriguing with its unique structure that dares to different while still successfully telling a fast-paced tale.

Obsidio introduces readers to two new voices in the form of Asha Grant and Rhys Lindstrom. Unlike our previous couples, I don’t feel Asha and Rhys had as large a roll as Kady and Ezra and then Hanna and Nik did in their novels given that Obsidio marks the accumulation of all that the previous characters had worked towards. In Obsidio we still see Kady, Ezra, Hanna, Nik, Ella and their various fellow refugees continue to remain front and centre as they fight to stand against BioTech. We spend a lot of time bouncing back and forth between the Mao spaceship and the mining planet of Kerenza.

I personally quite liked this well-rounded view of the story as I came to understand what was going on so much more easier. Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman include a lot of surprises and unexpected developments in this instalment as they build the tale towards its final chapter. The Illuminae Files have been a really unique reading experience and the journey we’ve undertaken with the characters has been one of I have very much enjoyed.

Building to a thrilling ending, one that will no doubt leave readers satisfied but sad to see the series come to a close, Obsidio was a forward moving and action packed tale with adventure, humour and resilience woven into its pages—a great conclusion by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman and highly worth a read!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 14th 2018
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A fitting ending to a truly unique series.

Book Shelf: You Only Love Twice (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #3) by Bec McMaster

With the clock ticking down, the Company of Rogues must find a deadly killer and stop them from assassinating the Queen... before London burns.

First rule of espionage: don't ever fall in love with your target.

Five years ago, Gemma Townsend learned the hard way what happens when you break this rule. She lost everything. Her mentor's trust. The man she loved. And almost her life. Love is a weakness she can never afford again.

When offered a chance at redemption, the seductive spy is determined to complete her assigned task: to track down a dangerous assassin known as the Chameleon, a mysterious killer sent after the queen, whose identity seems to constantly change.

But as her investigation leads Gemma into a trap, she's rescued by a shadowy figure she thought was dead—the double agent who once stole her heart.

A man with few memories, all Obsidian knows is Gemma betrayed him, and he wants revenge. But one kiss ignites the unextinguished passion between them, and he can't bring himself to kill her.

Can Obsidian ever trust her again? Or is history doomed to repeat itself? Because it soon becomes clear the Chameleon might be closer than either of them realized... and this time Gemma is in the line of fire.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

You Only Love Twice is the third instalment in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series and is another deftly told, exciting and steamy story!

Gemma Townsend is trained in the art of seduction. Since a young child she has been sculpted into the ultimate spy but five years ago Gemma learned the hard way what happens when you break the biggest rule of espionage; don’t fall in love with your target. It cost her everything; her mentors trust, the man she loved and almost her life. When she was offered a chance at redemption, Gemma took it, becoming a member of the Company of Rogues in service to her Queen and country. Gemma is determined to right her wrongs until she comes across a face from her past that leaves her shaken. A dhamphir, Obsidian is a deadly assassin and a far cry from the man he once was. Though his history with Gemma remains largely a mystery thanks to missing memories, Obsidian knows that Gemma was the one to betray him and he’s determined to get his revenge. Obsession and passion rage as Obsidian struggles to kill his former enemy and the woman who destroyed him but when it becomes clear the truth about their past may not be as it seems, will Gemma and Obsidian have another chance at love? Or will their history be too much to overcome?

Bec McMaster continues to entrance with this series, proving she has no problem winning over even the most critical of readers. Heading into You Only Love Twice I was unsure just how much I would enjoy the story. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances and Gemma has never really been someone I have connected with a whole lot. In fact, of all the characters we have encountered throughout both series she is the one I have probably been the least concerned about. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the person Gemma turned out to be.

A seductress and assassin, Gemma is trained and deadly. She knows how to use her looks and talents to bring a man to his knees and doesn’t hesitate to get the job done. In You Only Love Twice we discover a softer, even somewhat maternal side to Gemma where her feelings about those she loves is concerned. It’s subtle but Gemma absolutely adores her fellow Company members and I enjoyed seeing the love she has for each of them. Their bond is lovely and this side to Gemma helped me see past the seductress and into the heart of the woman.

It also didn’t hurt that Bec McMaster wrote Gemma’s weakness in the form of Obsidian, a former lover who she has never really let go of but who is now back in her life. I liked Obsidian—he and Gemma clearly adored one another and it became pretty clear from early on that someone had manipulated his memories for their own purpose and that his and Gemma’s past wasn’t necessarily what they both thought.

I enjoyed seeing them both come to discover the truth. You Only Love Twice is very exciting towards its final few chapters as Bec McMaster writes some edge of your seat events that will no doubt have a great impact on future stories. I’m super excited for Adele and Malloryn’s story and am dying to see them get together as a true husband and wife although Lark and Charlie’s tale is next and given they’ve been there since the beginning I have big expectations for their story!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from Amazon.com
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 14th 2018
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another great read---I'm ready for more!

Book Shelf: Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Gemina is the second novel in The Illuminae Files and is another out of this world sci-fi adventure by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff that will leave you hooked until the final page!

Hanna Donnelly’s father is the captain of Jump Station Heimdall. Nik Malikov is a reluctant member of a notorious crime family. Their lives seldom cross until BioTech launch their latest attack on the fleet and invade Heimdall, taking the inhabitants prisoner. Hanna has always been seen as the pampered daughter and Nik a lowly drug dealer, but as they team up to take on the mercenaries and defend their home they must use all their wit, cunning and tenacity if they hope to survive. A surprising pairing, Hanna and Nik race against time to outsmart the combat team tasked with getting control of the ship, but with alien predators picking off the residents and a malfunction of the stations wormhole, they’ll need a miracle if they want to save themselves and all the residents of the Heimdall. No pressure, right?

After enjoying Illuminae, I was excited to dive straight into Gemina. The beauty of coming to the series late is that the whole trilogy is available and there is no dreaded wait for the next instalment. And thank goodness for that because Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff sure know how to get the adrenaline pumping with this series! Gemina is an exhilarating and action packed adventure full of twists, turns and developments that readers won’t see coming. There was even one shock that had me saying, “Say, what?!”.

Gemina follows protagonists Hanna and Nik who are easy to follow and get behind. As with the first novel, Gemina unfolds through a series of schematics, security footage, emails, reports and radio transmissions that detail Hanna and Nik’s story with humor and wit. Gemina is a forward moving and eventful novel. There’s always something happening and it’s a game of cat and mouse as the BioTech strike team hunt for them within Heimdall and Hanna and Nik fight back any way they can.

I enjoyed that Kaufman and Kristoff wrote Hanna and Nik to be more than they were seen to be and with the tools and abilities to take care of themselves. Hanna is seen by those on Heimdall as the spoiled captain’s daughter but in Gemina she really shows what she is made of as she uses all the tactical training and stealth she has learnt to stand up to those that threaten her home. She’s no fragile flower and she proves it. Nik too isn’t the cold gangster people believe him to be and I enjoyed his story and seeing the closeness he has with his cousin Ella.

There’s no shortage of surprises as Hanna and Nik fight to defend their home. Our previous protagonists, Kady, Ezra as well as the Hypatia crew are on course to reach Heimdall with the two stories beginning to intertwine. Action and fight sequences mingle with sarcasm and humor as the novel builds towards an eventful and climactic ending.

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff once more leave me dying to see what happens next and I can’t wait to read what I’m sure will be a thrilling conclusion with the third and final novel Obsidio!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 18th 2016
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A solid sequel--I'm ready for the next one!

Book Shelf: The Mech Who Loved Me (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #2) by Bec McMaster

Ava McLaren is tired of being both a virgin, and a mere laboratory assistant for the Company of Rogues. When a baffling mystery rears its head, it presents her with the opportunity to work a real case... and perhaps get a taste of the passion that eludes her.

Blue bloods are dying from a mysterious disease, which should be impossible. Ava suspects there's more to the case than meets the eye and wants a chance to prove herself. There’s just one catch—she’s ordered to partner with the sexy mech, Kincaid, who's a constant thorn in her side. Kincaid thinks the only good blue blood is a dead one. He's also the very last man she would ever give her heart to… which makes him the perfect candidate for an affair.

The only rule? It ends when the case does.

But when an attempt on her life proves that Ava might be onto something, the only one who can protect her is Kincaid. Suddenly the greatest risk is not to their hearts, but whether they can survive a diabolical plot that threatens to destroy every blue blood in London—including Ava.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

The Mech Who Loved Me is the second instalment in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series and is another deeply passionate and beguiling romance featuring two fantastic leads and a love story that will ignite your blood.

Ava McLaren is tired of being both a virgin and a mere laboratory assistant for the Company of Rogues. After surviving the experiments of a mad-man, Ava has put all the efforts into controlling her new status as a blue blood but that has left little time for love or relationships. Given that the man she thought she wanted has recently married another, Ava is more determined than ever she to discover passion. If only she could find the right man to conduct her experiment with. Liam Kincaid is a mech who despises blue bloods. He’d rather kill them than work with them but as a member of the Company of Rogues he has recently been spending a lot of time with them—-and they’re not all as bad as he’d thought. Kincaid is a thorn in Ava’s side but there’s no denying the sensual and capable mech might be just what she’s looking for. Will Ava be able to convince Kincaid to let go of his hatred to give her a few nights of passion? Or will this affair become more than just a joining of bodies? Will it become a joining of their hearts?

I honestly feel that Bec McMaster’s novels seem to be getting better and better with each release. I’ve loved them all but I think that The Mech Who Loved Me is quite possibly my favourite so far—Ava and Kincaid’s story is simply that good! Continuing to follow the Company of Rogues, The Mech Who Loved Me sees Malloryn’s group of specifically selected individuals investing a new batch of mysterious deaths with Ava and Kincaid paired together to investigate the bodies.

Malloryn is quickly becoming a reluctant Cupid—first pairing Byrnes and Ingrid together and now Ava and Kincaid with electric results. Bec McMaster is wonderfully developing this next stage of her world as the characters navigate their lives after the revolution and face new threats to their fragile time of peace. I’m enjoying seeing old characters and new and discovering new elements of this steampunk world.

I absolutely adored Ava and Kincaid. I felt McMaster wrote Ava with so much dignity and grace and explored her residual feelings for Byrnes respectfully and without needing to resort to pettiness. Ava was genuinely happy for her friends Byrnes and Ingrid and it was highly enjoyable seeing her discover her own happiness. Ava has been through so much and experienced so much pain that she very much deserved to be treated and adored the way Kincaid treated and adored her.

Kincaid was very sexy as a formable mech with a dislike towards blue bloods but who couldn’t help but be drawn to Ava. An incorrigible ladies man in the past, Kincaid was sexual and passionate but I enjoyed that once he set his eyes on Ava she was the only one he saw. I enjoyed seeing his softer sides and the tender way he viewed her while also being her champion when both she and others doubted her.

Fiery and passionate with sexual undertones and a great storyline, The Mech Who Loved Me was a brilliant read and leaves me ready to discover what Bec McMaster has planned next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: June 27th 2017
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: This is definitely one of my favorite books in the series but I can't wait for more!

Book Shelf: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

BRIEFING NOTE: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

 More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is the first instalment in The Illuminae Files and is a uniquely told and entrancing sci-fi adventure brimming with danger, romance and excitement.

The year is 2575 and seventeen year old Kady Grant thought the hardest thing she'd have to do would be break up with her boyfriend Ezra Grant. Then their planet is invaded. With two megacorporations at war, the battle reaches the small mining planet of Kerenza and Kady and Ezra must race to evacuate with an enemy warcraft in hot pursuit. Forced into separate spaceships, the trouble for Kady and Ezra's is just getting started. A deadly virus has broken out and the artificial intelligence responsible for protecting them may actually be another enemy. As those in charge scramble to save the fleet, Kady hacks into the systems to uncover the truth. As it soon becomes clear the only person she can rely on is the ex-boyfriend she never wanted to speak to again, Kady will need to rely on Ezra if she wants to survive and live to tell about it. 

In this exciting reading experience, authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff join forces to draw readers into an unparralled adventure with Illuminae, a YA sci-fi story that is told through a fascinating series of emails, reports, schematics, military files, security footage and more. It's taken me a little while to find the time to read this book but I must say; I've personally never read anything quite like Illuminae. 

Kaufman and Kristoff dare to write something different with this novel and subsequent series and while it was disconcerting at first, the uncommon narrative proves to be highly intriguing reading.  The story was one I found easy to get lost as the sharp, witty dialogue and established characters fight to survive. 

The main characters are Kady Grant and her [ex] boyfriend Ezra Mason who find themselves caught up in a war they were unprepared for when an invasion sees them take refuge on different space carriers. What happens next is a viral outbreak that threatens the fleet and Kady's determination to learn the truth about what is happening that sees her hack, search and delve into military records. 

I quite liked Kady and Ezra. Kady was was intelligent, determined and sarcastically witty while Ezra was your all-star boyfriend who was lighthearted and down to earth but who also fought the good fight. I found it interesting that Kady and Ezra were in an established relationship at the start of the novel. I'm so used to seeing characters start out as strangers and fall in love that it was refreshing to see a couple who had a history and rapor with each already.

Illuminae is very fast paced and intricately plotted. There are some developments and twists readers will simply not see coming and I can't wait to start the next novel asap and see what Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff have planned for the rest of the trilogy!

Rating: 
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Allen & Unwin 
Format: Paperback
Release Date: November 1st 2015
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A unique and thrilling read--I'm ready for more.

Book Shelf: Mission: Improper (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #1) by Bec McMaster

Three years ago, London society changed forever, with a revolution placing the widowed Queen firmly on the throne her blue blood husband tried to take from her. Humans, verwulfen and mechs are no longer considered the lesser classes, but not everybody is happy with the new order…
 
Entire families have gone missing in the East End. When Caleb Byrnes receives an invitation to join the Company of Rogues as an undercover agent pledged to protect the crown, he jumps at the chance to find out who, or what, is behind the disappearances. Hunting criminals is what the darkly driven blue blood does best, and though he prefers to work alone, the opportunity is too good to resist.

The problem? He’s partnered with Ingrid Miller, the fiery and passionate verwulfen woman who won a private bet against him a year ago. Byrnes has a score to settle, but one stolen kiss and suddenly the killer is not the only thing Byrnes is interested in hunting.

Soon they’re chasing whispered rumours of a secret project gone wrong, and a monster that just might be more dangerous than either of them combined. The only way to find out more is to go undercover among the blue blood elite… But when their hunt uncovers a mysterious conspiracy, Byrnes and Ingrid must set aside their age-old rivalry if they have any chance at surviving a treacherous plot.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Mission: Improper is the first instalment in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk spin off series, London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy and is the continued exploration of her already wonderful steampunk world with new—and old—characters, new romances and new dangers.

Three years ago London society changed forever when a revolution brought down the prince consort and put the Queen on the throne. Many changes have occurred in the years since. Humans, mechs and verwulfen are no longer considered lessor than their blue blood counterparts and a time of peace has raged. Yet not everyone is pleased with the new order and when a series of disappearances occur an elite group of individuals are put together to discover the culprit, including Nighthawk Caleb Byrnes, a darkly driven investigator who prefers to work alone. To his dismay, Byrnes is partnered with Ingrid Miller a verwulfen who won a bet against him a year ago and who he hasn’t stopped thinking about since. Determined to settle the score, Byrnes sets about winning Ingrid’s set challenges but as stolen kisses burn, it soon becomes clear the thing Byrnes wants to win isn’t Ingrid in his bed...it’s her heart.

After I devoured the London Steampunk series I was stoked to discover I could jump straight into this spin-off. Of Silk and Steam ended so well but there were still so many characters I wanted to know more about and I’m super excited that Bec McMaster will explore them in this series.

Both Byrnes and Ingrid are two individuals we saw throughout the previous series and it was fantastic to see them front and center in Mission: Improper. Byrnes has always managed to get under everyone’s skin so well but this controlled and calculating Nighthawk has always been someone I wanted to know more about, while Ingrid has intrigued me since we met her and Rosa and Lynch’s story.

McMaster wonderfully explores the relationship and romance between Byrnes and Ingrid in this novel. Both are such strong individuals that it was somewhat surprising to see them so afraid to explore the connection between them. Fantastic chemistry and hilarious banter made for highly entertaining reading as they eventually acknowledged the depth of their feelings.

One of the things I love about Bec McMaster’s novels is that there are real story’s within books. There’s genuinely a mystery to solve or a killer to catch that the romance, sex and characterisation only enhance the storyline. McMaster litters her novels with funny, endearing and larger than life personalities that compliment her storylines. Intricate and addictive, I’m invested in the lives and happiness of all those McMaster introduces us to. Ava, Kincaid, Gemma, Charlie, Malloryn—-I want to read about them all and am excited to have that chance.

Fun, passionate and explosive, Mission Improper is a great start to this new world of London Steampunk I am excited to learn about. I have no doubt Bec McMaster has much in store as she offers readers new branches and aspects to her steampunk world. I can’t wait to begin Ava and Kincaid’s tale next and then all the ones that follow!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Amazon
Publisher: Lochaber Press
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 16th 2016
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: Another brilliant novel from Bec McMaster---I'm ready to read more!

Book Shelf: Queen of Ruin (Grace and Fury #2) by Tracy Banghart

Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again.

Nomi's sister, Serina, is far away on the prison island of Mount Ruin - but it is in the grip of revolution and Serina leads. The women there have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They will stop at nothing to gain freedom for the entire kingdom. But first they'll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.

Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, to build something better in its place.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Queen of Ruin by Tracy Banghart is the sequel to Grace and Fury and conclusion of the duology by the same name in this fast paced and action filled story.

Nomi and Malachi are powerless and facing almost certain death. Having tricked them, Asa now sits on the throne and is proving to be an even crueller ruler than his late father. He will stop at nothing to assure that Malachi never takes his rightful place as ruler, even if that means killing his brother and the woman he betrayed. Across the sea, Nomi’s sister Serina sits on Mount Ruin, having recently led a coup to overthrow the guards and take control of the prison where woman have been forced to fight to the death. The women of Mount Ruin will do anything to keep their freedom and killing Asa is the only way to guarantee this. Torn apart by a cruel dictator, Nomi and Serina soon find themselves together again, but when it becomes clear the way to stop Asa lies in Nomi, the sisters will need to separate once more. Before they were fighting for their lives, now they’re fighting for something even more important; their freedom.

Tracy Banghart is an author I’ve always enjoyed. I read and adored her independently published Rebel Wing series and absolutely loved Grace and Fury, but I was somewhat underwhelmed with Queen of Ruin. I still felt it was a great fantasy read; it just seemed to fall flat in some respects whereas the first novel really blew me away. I felt empowered by the characters and their circumstances during the first book and was prepared to metaphorically fight by their side. In Queen of Ruin, although the stakes were higher than ever, I felt like some of this drive was missing.

The novel also seemed rushed, especially towards the end and I felt that the defeat of Asa was anticlimactic. After the big twist in the previous novel and the way in which he manipulated Nomi into seizing power, his destruction was just too easy. I wanted more oomph, more fight. I wanted Banghart to truly wow me with this conclusion to her duology and although it was a decent ending and promising, it was too simple for my liking.

I still liked the characters including sisters Nomi and Serina. It’s been a reversal of roles with obedient Serina now a fierce warrior for womankind while defiant Nomi is more demure and uncertain, having seen a new side to the Heir during her time as a Grace and whose mistakes have paved the way for Asa’s reign. I think that Banghart developed the characters well. I actually came to like Serina over Nomi in this novel where before it was the younger sister I enjoyed following more. I think both young women have been through a lot and can’t deny that as characters they have driven the storyline forward well.

Though not as good as I was anticipating, Queen of Ruin was still an overall solid read and a fair conclusion to the duology. I appreciated the romances Tracy Banghart included for both Serina and Nomi with Val and Malachi exactly what the gals needed and I’m satisfied that the women of Viridia will have a new prosperous future now that a new dawn has been brought in for the kingdom where they will have rights and opportunities the same as men.

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
Format: Paperback
Release Date: July 11th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: Not quite as good as the first one, I still very much enjoy Tracy Banghart's books and am looking forward to her next release!

Book Shelf: Tarnished Knight (London Steampunk #1.5) by Bec McMaster

In the steam-fuelled world of Victorian London, vampires, werewolves and slasher gangs stalk the night and a man made partly of metal is about to discover just how far he'll go to protect the woman he loves…

After a vicious vampire attack left him struggling to leash the dark urges of the craving virus, John "Rip" Doolan thinks he's finally starting to master the darkness within. The only thing that threatens to shatter his hard-won control is Esme, his closest friend and the only woman he's ever wanted. If the stubborn beauty ever realized precisely what was going through his mind, their friendship would be ruined.

For six months, Esme has waited for Rip to recover and take her as his thrall, not daring to hope for more. Too afraid to put her heart on the line, she is devastated when Rip reveals that he never had any intentions of making her his.

But when a savage gang of Slashers start causing havoc in Whitechapel, Rip and Esme have no choice. They must face up to the depth of the passion that burns between them and forge a new relationship…or risk losing each other forever.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Tarnished Knight is a sensual and beguiling novella in the London Steampunk series by Bec McMaster that features characters Esme and Rip as they navigate their feelings for one another.

John “Rip” Doolan believes he’s finally starting to master the darkness that simmers inside him since becoming a blue blood six months before. Though he’s struggled, Rip seems finally in control of the hunger that burns within him, but there’s one thing that threatens his hard earned control….his close friend and the only woman he’s ever wanted Esme. Having lost her husband almost a decade before, Esme has been patiently waiting for the day that Rip woke up and saw what she wanted from him was far more than friendship. For months she has waited for him to ask her to become his thrall, but when he tells her this was never the plan, Esme must face the chance she will never be with the man she loves. Rip fears hurting her, but keeping her at arm’s length may mean he loses her forever. Will he take a chance on his feelings or Rip loose his chance at happiness?

Having adored reading all the full length novels in this series, I knew I had no go back and read Rip and Esme’s tale. Stoked to realise I had a copy on my Kindle---gotta love the Amazon freebies—I jumped straight into their brief, albeit enjoyable tale. Seeing them find happiness with each other was satisfying and fantastic to read about.

Esme has always been a solid feature within Blade’s household; a steady, unblinking and homely woman. It was sweet reading about her as a woman, especially as it was clear in the first novel she was crazy about Rip. I enjoyed reading this novella set between books one and two and witness her and Rip become a couple.

Quick but romantic and passionate reading, Tarnished Knight was a lovely addition to the series from Bec McMaster. I adore everything about this series and am looking forward to many more brilliant stories from McMaster for years to come!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from Amazon as a free book 
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: April 21st 2013
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: A must read for fans of the series.

Book Shelf: Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3) by Susan Dennard

Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.

High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Bloodwitch is the third novel in The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard and is another deftly written instalment with a lush atmosphere and a compelling storyline.

As a boy Bloodwitch Aeduan spent the majority of his life in a monastery high-up in the snowy mountain range, mastering the abilities that run in his blood that make him an unwavering assassin; almost invincible in nature. Years later, Aeduan finds himself teaming up with a Threadwitch by the name of Iseult and a peculiar child named Owl in an effort to stop raiders from breaching the sanctuary. Used to his own company, Aeduan must learn to work with another but after years of exile and ostracisation, relying on someone else does not come naturally to Aeduan. In order to save the monastery, Aeduan will need to face his father and his past, but there’s a curse upon him that very well may kill him first….

After enjoying the first two novels in this series immensely I was so very excited to read Bloodwitch. Like many readers, I fell in love with Aeduan during Truthwitch and Windwitch and have been eagerly awaiting the time when I could get inside his head and follow him primarily. I will admit it took me longer than I would have liked to get into the groove of the story, however I do attribute this to being so long since I read the previous novel and I did eventually get lost in the story and the plight of the characters.

Set in a vivid and complex fantasy world, Bloodwitch is told in the third person and centres around a number of different characters. There’s no denying that there are a lot of voices powering this series with Susan Dennard introducing many different viewpoints throughout each novel. Aeduan, Safi, Iseult, Merick, Vivia and Stix are a few of the main ones and readers will be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed on occasion by the vast number of different perspectives within the story. I do feel though that the multitude of characters does work well for this type of series. Much of what unfolds sees the characters separated often across land and sea so Susan Dennard’s ability to explore different perspectives allows for a more well-rounded and detailed story.

Overall the characters are all easy enough to follow. The hopeless romantic in me enjoys seeing Aeduan and Iesult’s relationship move towards a romance, with the same true of Safi and Merrick’s relationship. Safi and Iesult are parted in this novel so both girls lead individual journeys. I devoured every simmering moment of unexpected connection between Iesult and Aeduan and look forward to seeing a romance come to fuition between them in hopefully the next novel. I also adored the complexity of Aeduan’s character as he was somewhat jades and defeated by life in a way I wasn’t necessarily expecting.

The final few chapters of Bloodwitch were without a doubt the most eventful and leave me keen to see what happens next. Susan Dennard continues to tell this adventurous series beautifully and I can’t wait to loose myself in the next instalment as soon as it is released!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: Pan Macmillian (Tor Teen imprint)
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 12th 2019
Buy: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A great read--I can't wait for more!