Owl Post #85

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.  

Welcome to another Owl Post! I have some great books to share this week :)

   For Review:

 From Harper Collins Australia: - Broken Sky by L.A. Weatherly I've previously read  L.A. Weatherly's novel Angel and really enjoyed it. Broken Sky sounds super promising and I'm very much looking forward to reading it!   ......Thank you Holly! _____________________________   From Allen & Unwin: - Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton This book looks super good and I can't wait to read it! I've heard some great things about it.   ....Thank you guys!   I Bought:

  - Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth - Darkness, Be My Friend by John Marsden - Burning for Revenge by John Marsden - The Angel Experiment by James Patterson - The Kane Chronicles: Survival Guide by Rick Riordan These books are the end result of a trip to a second hand store (op shop). I LOVE finding books for bargain prices in brilliant condition. I mean, the copy of The Angel Experiment I found is a perfect hardback--never been read and unmarked for only $4. Score. The John Marsden books were only $1 each and Four and the Kane Chronicles Survival Guide (which is a beautiful hardback with incredible pictures) for only $2. Score!     And that's me! What did the owls bring you this week?  

 

Book Shelf: The Cracks in the Kingdom (The Colours of Madeleine #2) by Jaclyn Moriarty

Princess Ko's been bluffing about the mysterious absence of her father, desperately trying to keep the government running on her own. But if she can't get him back in a matter of weeks, the consequence may be a devastating war. So under the guise of a publicity stunt she gathers a group of teens -- each with a special ability -- from across the kingdom to crack the unsolvable case of the missing royals of Cello.

Chief among these is farm-boy heartthrob Elliot Baranski, more determined than ever to find his own father. And with the royal family trapped in the World with no memory of their former lives, Elliot's value to the Alliance is clear: He's the only one with a connection to the World, through his forbidden communications with Madeleine.

Through notes, letters, and late nights, Elliot and Madeleine must find a way to travel across worlds and bring missing loved ones home. The stakes are high, and the writing by turns hilarious and suspenseful, as only Jaclyn Moriarty can be.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Cracks in the Kingdom is the second novel in Jaclyn Moriarty’s Colours of Madeleine series and is a fabulous follow up to its predecessor, seeing Moriarty expand even more on her already compelling world.

The Cracks in the Kingdom continues to follow Elliot Baranski of the Kingdom of Cello and Madeleine Tully of Cambridge, England the World. Elliot and Madeleine began communicating through a series of letters sent through a crack between their two worlds during the first novel, A Corner of White and in the second book the circumstances behind their ongoing correspondence continue to become more important as Elliot joins Princess Ko’s Royal Youth Alliance to help search for the missing Royal Family and the search for Elliot’s own missing father continues. 

Jaclyn Moriarty does a wonderful job of continuing to develop her fantasy world within this second instalment; making The Cracks in the Kingdom even better than it's predecessor! Cello has already been vibrantly and vividly depicted to us readers but in The Cracks in the Kingdom we see new aspects of Cello; including some truly magical and ethereal concepts. The Lake of Spells, Turquoise Rain and some even more dangerous Colours come to mind as I relive my adventure within Cello.  

Our characters continue to come alive in this series and Moriarty continues to bring surprises to light that intertwine Elliot and Madeleine’s worlds in unexpected albeit brilliant ways. Beautifully told, I’m never quite sure what to expect with the turn of every page, but I adore every surprise regardless and look forward to seeing everything come together.

As with the previous book, both main characters were fabulous to follow, as were the more minor characters we get to follow at times too. The town of Bonefire is filled with beguiling individuals and it’s impossible not to love them all. Elliot and Madeleine’s relationship continues to grow stronger in this book—racing headfirst towards a connection that is appealing and exciting and edged in romantic possibilities. 

This series is so wonderfully paced with so many unexpected twists, although it’s hard to go into any kind of depth in my review without giving them away. Jaclyn Moriarty continually manages to keep me on my toes with each novel just getting better and better.

Delightfully blending magic, science and philosophy, Jaclyn Moriarty pens another great novel and leaves readers ready to dive into the third and final instalment in what I am sure will be an explosive conclusion to a brilliant trilogy!  

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Pan Macmillan (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Fantasy fans will LOVE this series.
Cover: Goes perfect alongside the first.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Blog Tour: Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead- Guest Post & Giveaway

Having posted my five star review of Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead yesterday, I'm thrilled to be featuring the Blot Tour on the blog today thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! I've got a super awesome guest post to share today where we get to learn what Dancing In The Athenian Rain love interest Peleus thinks of the modern world :)

______________________________

When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she’s furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.

She’s forced to learn a new language and culture and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.

But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase on Amazon

Peleus POV of the modern world:

Waking in a different time definitely left me confused and disorientated. The strange white walls, unnatural sounds…I thought maybe I had died.

But with Donna at my side, I realize I have a great adventure ahead of me! It’s like conquering without the bloodshed. In fact, war in this place that Donna calls her home doesn’t exist, at least not like I know it. There are no city walls to protect the citizens, they rely on invisible lines. I am not sure how well that works as a defense against one’s enemies.

I knew that Donna’s world would be vastly different to mine. How could it not be with two thousand years between us? But I could not comprehend how different. Everything I see and hear is surprising, and often overwhelming. Roads are paved with a strange black substance, and they have a moving box called an “elevator.” Donna explains that slaves aren’t used to make things function, but I can’t fully understand this electricity thing she keeps talking about. Whatever it is has replaced the need for slaves apparently.

I am lucky, though. As much as this world shocks and disturbs me, I have the perfect guide. Donna knows what it is like to be thrust out of her time into a strange place, so gently and patiently explains everything to me. My wife is a fine woman, and from what I’ve seen, I am not surprised this world gave her so much strength and fear all at once.

Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.

After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels now available, and is published through Curiosity Quills Press, Soul Mate Publishing, and REUTS Publishing.

Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good wife and mother. She now works as an Acquisitions Editor to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Visit Katie:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead

When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she's furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.

She's forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.

But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead is an incredibly rich and detailed romance set in an authentic feeling Athens that is powerful, beguiling and absolutely delicious. Prepare to be swept away to another place and time and to be lost to a tantalising romance….

Dancing In The Athenian Rain introduces readers to Donna, an eighteen year old Australian woman who catches her boyfriend cheating and seeks comfort from an eccentric friend of hers, known for his crazy beliefs and inventions. When Dr Stephens uses one such invention to send Donna back to ancient day Athens, Donna is shocked, frightened and in the middle of a world she knows nothing about. Armed with a few useful tools from Dr Stephens, Donna attempts to survive in the new world, a task both helped and hindered when she is bought and taken as a wife by an Athenian warrior known as Peleus, a soldier who is both fierce and kind and who has the power to change Donna’s world forever.

From beginning to end Dancing In The Athenian Rain was a wonderful book to read. I can’t fault it and found it to be exciting, authentic and endlessly romantic. It was a periodical tale of wonderful depth and I think author Katie Hamstead did a fantastic job detailing ancient Athens and the people who called it home. 

Something I really appreciated about this book, and want to point out, is that Katie Hamstead sets it out over the course of two years. It’s not some quick couple of month’s long escapade by our main character. Donna actually lives and resides in Athens for almost two years. She builds a very wonderful life for herself there and it’s very genuine. I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers but there is a lot of harsh trials and situations for Donna to face in Dancing In The Athenian Rain. 

Set in a time where women have no value or worth, Donna is a normal, modern day Australian woman sent back to place where everything that makes her who she is has no importance. Prior to being sent back, Donna is a somewhat self-conscious young woman, but she’s also hot-headed and sure of her beliefs; especially when compared to the thoughts of those in ancient day Athens. Lucky for Donna, the man who makes her his wife, Peleus, is a saving grace in a time where men have no respect for their wives and considered them possessions; meant for baring them sons and sexual pleasure only. 

Peleus goes against the grain in this novel and treats Donna with respect and kindness. He’s a prime example of a wealthy Athens man; sensational physique, fierce fighter and proud beyond compare….but he’s also very understanding and compassionate, unlike most of his time. It’s this that allows Donna to fall for him, and if I’m honest, me too. I loved Peleus and the way Katie Hamstead wrote him. Given the time, setting and society Donna found herself in, finding a man like Peleus was a miracle. It doesn’t get better than him. 

I actually felt really proud of the woman Donna had become by the end of the Dancing In The Athenian Rain. And she really was that; a woman. She’s someone’s wife by the close of the story and has responsibilities she didn’t have prior to Athens. Again, no give-aways, but the things she experiences and the road her life takes---well no one can say she’s a girl anymore, that’s for sure. It was beautiful seeing how much Peleus appreciated Donna, both inside and out and I love how he was able to ease her body issues—adoring ever part of her.

I loved the romance between Donna and Peleus and how their relationship progressed. Hamstead develops it wonderfully and over time, but there’s no denying the sizzling attraction is there. It was both believable and beautiful and I give her props for allowing two people from very different times to fall for one another in such an enjoyable way.

Katie Hamstead fills Dancing In The Athenian Rain with some lovely side character who add both depth and confliction to the story. From servants and friends to those to oppose Donna’s relationship with Peleus and the power she brings to women in the Athens time period, Dancing In The Athenian Rain has it all. Love, romance, war, pain…..power, fight and wonderful development all make this a fantastic read. 

Perfect for those who want to explore history but who are also looking for high entertainment and romance, Dancing In The Athenian Rain is fast paced, rich and absolutely does not disappoint! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a perfect story for those who love exploring ancient times and romance.
Cover: I think it's lovely.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a standalone novel, but I'd definitely consider reading more by Katie Hamstead in the future......

Waiting on Wednesday #123

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.....  

The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury

Releases on: April 26th 2016

Add on Goodreads!

 

Return to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more.

Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.

When her village is evacuated as part of the war against the Sleeping Prince, Errin is left desperate and homeless. The only person she can turn to is the mysterious Silas, a young man who buys deadly poisons from Errin, but won't reveal why he needs them. Silas promises to help her, but when he vanishes, Errin must journey across a kingdom on the brink of war to seek another way to save her mother and herself. But what she finds shatters everything she believed about her world, and with the Sleeping Prince drawing nearer, Errin must make a heartbreaking choice that could affect the whole kingdom.

 

Thoughts:

I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Sin Eater's Daughter and I've been looking forward to reading the sequel, but I was really surprised when I saw the novel didn't feature Twylla. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of following Leif's sister, but I really wanted to see more about Twylla and Leif. Still wanting to read this!

 

Have you read The Sin Eater's Daughter? And would you like to read this?

 

 

Book Shelf: Black Apocalypse (Vulcan Legacies #4) by Sasha Hibbs

Resurrected from the dead, Michael Blackwell is enraged and heartbroken to find Ally—the girl he loved—in the arms of the very man that killed him as a human. In Michael’s eyes Ally’s betrayal is absolute. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the man who killed Michael, and even more with the girl he thought he knew.

Told in alternating view points from both Michael and Ally, Black Apocalypse is a journey full of heartache and redemption where the past weaves an uncertain future. Can Michael forgive Ally for her betrayal? Can Ally finally embrace who she is destined to become to save them both? The world?

Who is the elusive Seraph, Laurel? Who was the Devourer before his colossal fall from grace? What decisions did they make together that altered the course of history? Shocking revelations, prophecies fulfilled, a war where not everyone will make it out alive, the final installment in the Vulcan Legacies will leave you breathless.

More info on Goodreads....


Review:

Sasha Hibbs's thundering Vulcan Legacies comes to a close with Black Apocalypse, bringing about the end to our heroine Ally’s journey in possibly the most powerful instalment yet!

Ally Watson had endured hardship and heartbreak; seeing the love of her life Michael murdered before her very eyes, only for him to be resurrected a far cry from the man he was before his human death. Angry, confused and extremely powerful, Michael, now Abbadon, is on a mission to reign down destruction upon the world. And the only way Ally will be able to get through to Michael is if she finally embraces her destiny; a destiny that will need to see the two of them unite if Ally and those she loves have any chance of beating the Devourer in the final battle against their powerful enemy…..

Sasha Hibbs has thoroughly kept me entertained with this series. Though I’m sad to see it end, there’s no doubt that this has been a series worth reading. Hibbs has wonderfully woven interesting mythology and twisted a lot about what we know about angels, Nephilim, vampires and werewolves in this series into something very unique and I commend her for doing so.

I’ve enjoyed seeing the series unfold through Ally’s eyes, and liked seeing Black Apocalypse told through Michael’s POV too. Considering the change in Michael and the importance of his role in this final instalment, I think this enhanced the reading experience and allowed readers to really grasp the severity of certain situations and to understand where Michael was coming from.

Black Apocalypse is the final battle between Ally and the Devourer. Joined by the various races including the Nosforatu, Noshoba, gypsies, witches and the Seraphs, Sasha Hibbs paints an epic battle in this fast paced, and excited read. I really enjoyed how nicely things were wrapped up for a lot of our characters including Ally, Michael, Brandi, Dave, Jessica, Eli and others. Hibbs gives readers a lot of closure and hope for her characters.

I have to say that even though however that though this series has concluded, I would love a spin-off or series of novellas featuring some of the other minor characters. If the epilogue is anything to go by I think Samyaza has a story in the works with Denaulda, but I also think Marik deserves a happily ever after more than anyone, and can old hope Sasha Hibbs gives him his own story too.

Exciting, riveting and wonderfully paced, Black Apocalypse is a fantastic conclusion to a great series!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Sasha!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: Paranormal fans will love this.
Cover: Beautiful cover
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last book, but I'll read more by Sasha Hibbs for sure!

Owl Post #84

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.   For Review:

- Revelation by Ellery A. Kane I've really enjoyed reading and reviewing the Legacy series for Ellery A Kane and I'm super excited to see how the trilogy comes to an end. I just know it's going to be fabulous!!   ...Thank you Ellery for sending me this book--you rock!     And that's me this week :) What did the owls bring YOU?