Owl Post #72

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

 

Hello guys!

 

It's that time again :) Owl Post time! I've got a couple of review books to share this week!

  For Review:

From Bloomsbury: - One by Sarah Crossan I've heard some really good things about this read and I do enjoy Sarah Crossan's books! Looking forward to reading it!   - Minus Me by Ingelin Røssland I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of this book before I received it, but I am intrigued by it and do hope to read it in the future!   ....Thank you guys!   And what's me this week. Only two, but a good two :) What did the owls bring YOU this week?  

 

Her Majesty's Necromancer by C.J. Archer- Excerpt & Giveaway

I'm super, super excited to be featuring Her Majesty's Necromancer by C.J. Archer on the blog today! I've recently had the pleasure of reading both books in The Ministry of Curiosities series and I've LOVED them. This is a paranormal historical that you DO NOT want to miss! Below you'll find an excerpt from the book, and I also have a PAPERBACK copy of Her Majesty's Necromancer to give away thanks to C.J. Archer herself!

When bodies go missing from the cemetery, Lincoln and the Ministry of Curiosities investigate. But not Charlie. As a housemaid at Lichfield Towers, she doesn't get involved in Ministry business.

Instead, she conducts investigations of her own. She searches for details about her real mother, and makes inquiries into Lincoln's background. What she learns has the power to destroy the fragile trust they've built, or bring them closer together.

As secrets are revealed, and investigations don't go as planned, Charlie finds her necromancy sucking her into a whirlpool filled with betrayal, lies and danger.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 5 star review!

Purchase:

The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
 

From Her Majesty's Necromancer.....

 

The door was unlocked so I entered. I was familiar with the layout of Lincoln's rooms, having been held prisoner in them for a few days. I set the jug beside the empty bowl on the washstand in his bedroom. I should cover it with a lid to keep the water as warm as possible. A book wouldn't do—the steam would damage the cover.

I looked over the surface of his desk for something to use, but could only find papers and writing materials. The top drawer contained a blotter, spare ink and quills, but the second drawer was more promising. Beneath some papers was a slate of the kind children used in school. It was just the right size to cover the jug. My fingers touched a thin chain at the back from which the slate could be hung. I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to hang a slab of slate on the wall, but I flipped it over to make sure it wasn't something that could be damaged by steam.

It wasn't a chain for hanging the slate, but a necklace that had been nailed to either side of the wooden frame. A flat, oval pendant dangled from the center. Something had been carved into the pendant and I held the candle closer to see. It was a blue eye, rather crudely rendered.

How curious. Why was it nailed to the back of the slate? Had Lincoln done it or someone else?

The soft click of the door made my heart leap into my throat. I dropped the slate back into the drawer and shut it with my hip, but it was too late. Lincoln stood in the doorway. He held no light and I couldn't see anything more than his silhouette, but I felt the force of his glare nevertheless.

"What are you doing in here?" he growled. "I haven't given you permission to enter."

 

C.J. Archer has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two with her writing. Under her other name of Carolyn Scott, she has published contemporary short stories in women’s magazines, and she also writes romantic mystery novels under this name.

She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She has won and placed in romance writing contests including winning RWAustralia’s Emerald Award in 2008 for the manuscript that went on to be released under the title HONOR BOUND. C.J. spent her early childhood in the dramatic beauty of outback Queensland, Australia, but now lives in suburban Melbourne with her husband and two children.

To be notified when C.J. releases a new book, subscribe to her newsletter from her website. She only sends out the newsletter when she releases a new book, and never spams.

 

Visit C.J:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway I highly urge everyone to check out this series! It is incredibly well written, romantic and addictive! You won't be sorry!

 

Book Shelf: Her Majesty's Necromancer (The Ministry of Curiosities #2) by C.J. Archer

When bodies go missing from the cemetery, Lincoln and the Ministry of Curiosities investigate. But not Charlie. As a housemaid at Lichfield Towers, she doesn't get involved in Ministry business.

Instead, she conducts investigations of her own. She searches for details about her real mother, and makes inquiries into Lincoln's background. What she learns has the power to destroy the fragile trust they've built, or bring them closer together.

As secrets are revealed, and investigations don't go as planned, Charlie finds her necromancy sucking her into a whirlpool filled with betrayal, lies and danger.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Her Majesty’s Necromancer is the second novel in C.J. Archer’s brilliant Ministry of Curiosities series and certainly gives its predecessor a run for its money in excitement, exhilarating romance and addicting storyline! As impossible as it seems, this series just keeps getting better and better and is quite possibly the best paranormal historical I have ever read!

After falling head over heels in love with Charlie, Lincoln and the entire gang in The Last Necromancer, I was more than ready to dive straight back in as soon as possible, so it’s pretty much an understatement to say I devoured Her Majesty’s Necromancer as soon as I got my hands on it. The incredible world C.J. Archer has created within its pages is so lush and inviting and endlessly addictive. I found it near impossible to put Her Majesty’s Necromancer down and found that I kept reading and reading; adoring the storyline and characters.

Charlie Holloway has found a home for herself at Lichfield Towers under the employ of Lincoln Fitzroy and the Ministry. She has a "family" in the form of Seth, Gus, Cook and even the reluctant Lincoln himself and is enjoying learning about her abilities as a necromancer, defense training with Lincoln and even her job as a maid in Lichfield. Yet when it becomes apparent someone has been stealing bodies from the local cemetery, Charlie can’t help but worm her way into Lincoln’s investigations, whilst doing her best to learn more about his own personal history. As the two of them search for answers about what is going on, Charlie finds it harder and harder to deny her feelings for Lincoln and soon it becomes clear her medaling in his past has the power to bring them closer or tear them apart forever…..

There is no doubt in my mind that this series is simply spectacular! I don’t read a lot of historical, but when I do, it’s these kinds of novels that keep my going back for more. Incredibly paced, well written and wonderfully described, Her Majesty’s Necromancer was exciting and electric and so addictive to read. Archer’s characters are so very likable from our heroine Charlie to those who also call Lichfield Towers home and bring such life to the story.

I really enjoy the forward moving storylines that have been in each novel so far and love seeing the characters’ lives continue to move forward whilst holding onto the same essence with each novel. I love learning more about Charlie's history, her capabilities and what she can do as a necromancer. There's so much fun to be found in this novel, especially though Charlie's quick thinking wit and sharp tongue. Archer writes some really brilliant dialogue within this series, often between Charlie and Lincoln who have a sensational chemistry together.

I'm completely in love with our heroine Charlie. She is so strappy and fighting and I just adore everything about her. Archer writes her in such a manner that's she's impossible not to love with her likability, vulnerabilities and fierce determination. I love the growth in her that we've already seen and like seeing her continue to develop. Charlie has such fire and life in her despite all she has been through and I have the utmost respect for her. I love how much power and flair she brings to the story and as the main character there's no one I'd rather follow--Charlie just manages to be everything we need and I can only imagine what she'll do next; she certainly manages to keep me on her toes!

Lincoln Fitzroy is a mysterious, calculating and beguiling individual. He is still a real mystery to me despite two novels now under my belt......and I love it. I love him! Basically I think Archer outdoes herself with her characters and I can't compliment them enough. Lincoln can be best described as Charlie's love interest and somewhat reluctant partner in crime but he really is so much more as a powerful man of social standing and ability himself. An investigator, Lincoln often finds that Charlie has managed to worm her way into his investigations despite his reluctance and plants herself in almost every aspect of his life. He has been reluctant to care for Charlie, but it's quite clear he does; deeply, and the hesitant way he begins to let her, and us as the reader, into his past and mind is wonderful, and addictive to watch unfold.

I want to be honest.....C. J Archer has me wholly invested in Charlie and Lincoln's romance in this series. As you can probably tell, I'm a fan of them individually, but together Charlie and Lincoln become all consuming and highly, highly addictive. They have such a fantastic dynamic together that amps everything up. Seeing two people fall in love this way is one of the best ways if you ask me and Archer does this so well. Charlie and Lincoln have such chemistry together that comes across during unexpected encounters and tender moments that see the two of them grow closer with Lincoln's walls coming down during these times and letting himself act on what he really feels and desires.

Her Majesty’s Necromancer easily gets better and better with the turn of every page and C.J. Archer offers many laugh inducing, smile drawing and endearing moments throughout the story. Offering new light into Charlie's heritage and Lincoln's history, Her Majesty’s Necromancer concludes in a manner that will have you gaping and praying the next instalment will be released sooner rather than later!

I highly enjoy this series and wouldn't hesitate to recommend with my whole heart and soul!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you C.J!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: This series is a MUST READ for paranormal and supernatural fans!
Cover: Stunning. Simply stunning! The covers for this series are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES! Need. Next. Book. Now!

Blog Tour: Fates Divided by Jules Barnard‏- Excerpt & Giveaway

Today on The Rest Is Still Unwritten I have the Blog Tour: Fates Divided by Jules Barnard‏ thanks to Indiesage PR. Yesterday I posted my 4 star review for Fates Divided, a very well told and enjoyable paranormal tale, and today I have a giveaway and some fabulous excerpt to share!

_______________________________

Elena Rosales has busted her ass to get into a good college. She’s the only one in her family ever to attend, and expectations are high. No pressure. But Elena’s got this one in the bag, because she’s as dependable as the molecules she studies, as reliable as the chemical reactions that comfort her in their predictability. Until they don’t.

Elena has always wondered why her mother abandoned her on her first birthday. It’s not until she turns eighteen and her chemistry experiments go berserk that she learns the truth: Her mother wasn’t human, and the Fae are willing to harm those Elena loves if she doesn’t use her power over the elements to cure them of a deadly disease.

Derek, Elena’s brooding neighbor, isn’t the friendliest guy, but he has access to an off-hours lab and is willing to help Elena create the antivirus. He has his own secrets to keep, and this business Elena is mixed up in could blow his cover. But when Elena and Derek get together, more than chemicals spark fire—and they soon discover just how complicated attraction can get when they find themselves on the other side of the portal, fighting for survival. Lives collide, and allegiance and love are tested, in Fates Divided.

-----

In the Halven Rising Series, love and ancient allegiances are threatened when the worlds of Fae and Halven collide. Each Halven Rising novel features a different couple and may be read as a standalone, but an overreaching story arc connects the books, so it’s fun to read them in order.

Add on Goodreads or check out my 4 star review!

 

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
 

From Fates Divided......

She squirmed and bobbed giddily on top of him like a landlocked fish. “I have a boyfriend,” she said in a singsong voice.  

Derek grunted as a stray elbow landed on his ribs. He flipped her so she lay beneath him again. “How should we celebrate your first official relationship,” he said in a deep, sexy voice, his hand snaking down her collarbone to the top of her breast.

She smiled slyly. “By holding hands?”

His palm stilled and he frowned, shaking his head. 

“Hmm… With a kiss?”

He put his mouth on her neck and kissed and licked his way down. “Getting warmer,” he murmured.

She tapped a finger to her mouth, trying not to move while his lips and hands made her face heat and her breath catch. “No hand-holding, but kissing is okay, yet not enough. What to do, what to do… I’ve got it. How about a heavy make-out session?”

“Warmer still,” came his response from the general area of her bellybutton where he’d lifted her top a few inches and exposed her skin. His hands continued their wonderfully tormenting path down her torso to her hips.

She closed her eyes, breaths shaky and uneven as her stomach and thigh muscles clenched beneath his fingers. “Fine—you win.” She reached down and yanked his T-shirt over his head.

He sat up as though affronted, his eyes sparkling. “Hey, I’m not that kind of guy.” 

She smiled. “You’re a terrible liar. Is that drool on the side of your mouth?” 

He raised his hand to his lip and grinned.

Want more? Be sure to grab your copy today!

 

Before turning to storytelling, Jules earned a master’s degree in public health and spent many an hour running statistical analysis–until she realized her favorite part of the job was writing reports. She decided to cut out the math and add in some hot guys, and so began her career as a novelist. Jules is a Northern California native living on the coast with her husband and two children. She has no impulse control around cupcakes and credits herself with the ability to read while running on the treadmill or burning dinner.

Visit Jules:

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway After enjoying Fated Divided so well, I highly recommend the book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Book Shelf: Fates Divided (Halven Rising #1) by Jules Barnard

Elena Rosales has busted her ass to get into a good college. She’s the only one in her family ever to attend, and expectations are high. No pressure. But Elena’s got this one in the bag, because she’s as dependable as the molecules she studies, as reliable as the chemical reactions that comfort her in their predictability. Until they don’t.

Elena has always wondered why her mother abandoned her on her first birthday. It’s not until she turns eighteen and her chemistry experiments go berserk that she learns the truth: Her mother wasn’t human, and the Fae are willing to harm those Elena loves if she doesn’t use her power over the elements to cure them of a deadly disease.

Derek, Elena’s brooding neighbor, isn’t the friendliest guy, but he has access to an off-hours lab and is willing to help Elena create the antivirus. He has his own secrets to keep, and this business Elena is mixed up in could blow his cover. But when Elena and Derek get together, more than chemicals spark fire—and they soon discover just how complicated attraction can get when they find themselves on the other side of the portal, fighting for survival. Lives collide, and allegiance and love are tested, in Fates Divided.

-----

In the Halven Rising Series, love and ancient allegiances are threatened when the worlds of Fae and Halven collide. Each Halven Rising novel features a different couple and may be read as a standalone, but an overreaching story arc connects the books, so it’s fun to read them in order.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Fates Divided is the first novel in Jules Barnard’s new Halven Rising series and is a brilliant start to what I’m sure is going to be a very exciting and entertaining series! Barnard introduces readers to two extremely likable main characters and a new world just brimming with possibilities.

I was very impressed with how well written Fates Divided was. Jules Barnard’s writing style was excellent and she had a way of delightfully describing things whilst never going over the top. The storyline was forward moving and I enjoyed the balance of romance, action and the paranormal woven together. The concept of the Fae is less faerie and more the TV show The Lost Girl (which I LOVE I might add!) and I really liked that Barnard has made a real attempt to make something different with this magical tale. 

Weaving together paranormal and fantasy elements, Fates Divided is told through the varying POV’s of Elena Rosales, a collage freshman whose life takes a drastic turn when she discovers on her eighteenth birthday that she can do incredible things with the wave of her hand, and Elena’s neighbour Derek, who is brooding, guarded and hiding a secret of his own. As Elena and Derek find themselves thrown together, they begin to explore the attraction that simmers between them; at the same time they find themselves in the middle of a race against time to find a cure for a disease that is threatening the very lives of the people they come from, people they didn’t know even existed until now.

Fated Divided is a paranormal tale, but is almost more fantasy than anything else. There’s plenty of magic to be found within its pages and I was very impressed with the fantasy element in Fates Divided being so based in science. Jules Barnard competently describes her characters abilities through basic scientific terms and explains how their abilities work in a very believable and justifiable way. I found this refreshing and applaud her for taking this road.

As the main characters, I very much loved Elena and Derek. I loved that Barnard gave Elena some Latina heritage and included it subtly within the story. Elena is feisty and brave and really, really likable. She’s someone you can’t help but like and it was very easy to follow. Her relationships with those around her were wonderful to witness and of course I adored her romance with Derek, who definitely manages to hold his own as a character and an individual. 

Derek is brooding and brave and has his own fantastic voice within Fates Divided. Derek’s abilities were really interesting and I loved how deeply he came to care for Elena. Derek had his own secrets and learns a lot about himself as a Halven in Fates Divided; something that only made me love him more, based on the decisions he made.

Jules Barnard writes the relationship between Elena and Derek really well. There’s an initial attraction obviously, but Barnard chooses to have them get to know each other before jumping headfirst into things. The sexual tension is there; nicely explored and developed within the story. There’s one sex scene, decently written and sensual for this NA, but plenty of kissing and intimacy for those romance lovers like me. 

Personally I’m excited about getting to learn about the Fae people and their kingdoms of Tirnan and I’m really looking forward to the next few books. I have my fingers absolutely crossed the sequel with feature Elena’s best friend Reese and the cocky Fae warrior Keen, but I’m actually wondering if we’ll get the chance to see more of Mateo, Elena’s cousin too. 

Well written, deeply exciting and brimming with romance, Fates Divided was very satisfying as a standalone romance, but leaves me very excited to read the rest of the series, featuring different couples and exploring more of the Fae!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by author (Thank you Jules!)
Format: Kindle ebook!
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
My Recommendation: If you love well told fantasy/paranormal then Fates Divided is for you!
Cover: This cover is really beautiful--I love it!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. Can't wait for more!

Waiting on Wednesday #109

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

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Curio by Evangeline Denmark

Releases on: January 5th 2016

Add on Goodreads!

 

Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather’s repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’ enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever.

 

Thoughts:

As a sucker for a pretty cover, Curio's cover is one of the most stunning I've seen in a loooooong time and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that's what first caught my attention. Then I read the description and suddenly I was even more excited to read this book. It sounds fantastic and I cannot wait to read it!

 

Does Curio sound like something YOU would read? And what are you waiting on this week?  

   

Book Shelf: Article 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristen Simmons

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Lush and incredibly unique, Kristen Simmons's debut novel Article 5 is a fast paced, forward moving and incredibly addictive dystopian. Featuring a sassy and likable heroine with so much promise and an exciting storyline, Article 5 sees author Kristen Simmons explore a world devastated by poverty with a society bound by a code of morals that limit what people feel, how they act and who they’re involved with!

I feel I need to start my review by saying how deeply I enjoyed Article 5. Prior to beginning the novel, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but I really really loved this book! After waiting so long to begin this novel, I now can’t believe I didn’t read it earlier—Article 5 was genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end.

Article 5 is told through the eyes of Ember Miller, a smart and normal seventeen year old girl who lives in a post war United States. Three years after the last war, society is now ruled by a Moral Statute where individuals face fines for bad behavior, charges for indecent actions such as kissing and handholding and can be arrested for simple things like reading the wrong books or being outside after curfew. Society is now controlled by the government with rules enforced by vicious soldiers and officers.

Ember has always managed to live life under the radar, but when her mother is arrested and taken away for noncompliance of one of the country’s moral rules, Ember finds herself thrown in a rehabilitation clinic but not before coming face to face with one of her mother’s arresters; the only boy Ember ever loved, her old best friend and someone she hasn’t seen in years, Chase Jennings….What happens after will change Ember and change how she sees the world forever.....

As I previously mentioned, I really enjoyed this novel. As far as dystopians go, it was well thought out with just enough world building at this point in time to keep me interested; I foresee a lot more in future stories and can’t envision where Simmons plans to take her series. As the main character Ember was great to follow. Her voice was smart and natural and her reactions seemed easy to believe. Simmons has written an excellent leading lady in Ember; one who holds promise for potential growth and development, but who is also already a great character.

I’ll be honest here; Kristen Simmons won me over the moment she introduced Chase. A government officer, Chase was Ember’s best friend and neighbour; someone she was once close to but hasn’t seen for years. The confliction in their relationship and the contradictions in the two of them and how they feel make for some interesting reading. Chase is one of those sexy conflicted characters who are fighting the system for those they love and I adore the chemistry he and Ember have. Simmons develops their relationship well; they have a history, but have been apart for so long. They’ve both changed but still care deeply about the other, something that becomes even more apparent with the turn of every page. I certainly hope Simmons keeps developing their romance and relationship even more!

With an exciting storyline and fabulous characters, Article 5 was just a downright brilliant read. I’m thrilled with the story Simmons has penned already and can’t wait to get my hands on the second book!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a brilliant dystopian and absolutely worth a read!
Cover: I love the white and red of this cover. It's simple but really works.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!