It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

Read Last Week:

• Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott   
• Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
• Spirit's Princess by Esther M. Friesner (DNF)
• The Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Currently Reading: 

• Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe

Up This Week:  

•  This is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
• When You Were Mine by Rebecca Searle

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

For Review: 

• Gilt by Katherine Longshore 
• Never Enough by Denise Jaden
• Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
• It's a Big World, Little Pug by Kristi Yamaguchi 

Swapped: 

• Cracked by K.M. Walton

For Free (Kindle): 

• The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham
• Pyxis: The Discovery by K.C. Neal
•  

Review - The Académie by Susanne Dunlap

Title: The Academie 

Author: Susanne Dunlap

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 368

Published:  February 28th 2012 by Bloomsbury 

ISBN: 9781599905860

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

I Give This ...

I love historical fiction and while I've never read anything else by this author, that fact alone was enough for me to want to read it.  Sadly this book did not live up to my expectations.

I was excited about the fact that this contained characters who were connected to some very powerful men.  What were their lives like?  Maybe I need to remind myself that in all honesty, they are teenage girls.  But they came across as so petty and self absorbed in this book.  They pay no attention to how their actions affect others.  I wondered if their stations in life made them believe that they could do whatever they wanted.  

That being said, they weren't all bad.  Eliza had the most potential and I really think she learned to look beyond what was handed to her.  She didn't start of the book that way, so I was pleased to see her progression.  I was the least able to connect with Hortense.  It's almost like she's use to being second to everybody around her so the book takes very little focus on her.  I wish it wasn't that way because I think she might have had the most interesting story to tell.   I never really warmed up to Caroline.  She seemed calculating from the very beginning and I don't think she every changed her colors.

I enjoyed the political changes throughout this book.  While the girls make the change in power seem like a trifle thing, I understand what's really happening.  I don't think they fully understood what it all meant (another way they were completely self absorbed).  Since it didn't really pertain to them, it didn't really matter.

I have another one of her books on my shelves and this one makes me hesitant to pick it up.  I'm willing to give it a shot since it's a subject that I much more familiar with.  I don't regret reading this one, it just wasn't all that I wanted it to be.

 

Review - Magic Under Stone (Magic Under #2) by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Magic Under Stone

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

Series: 2nd (Magic Under Glass)

Pages: 291

Published: February 28th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA 

ISBN:  9781599906430

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: For star-crossed lovers Nimira and Erris, there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is trapped. And so they go in search of the sorcerer Ordoria Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, it’s not long before Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands—and begins to study the sorcerer’s spell books in secret. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger—if not out-and-out war—as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne.

I Give This ...

 

I was a little worried when picking this one up.  It's been a long time since I read the first, and the details seemed a little fuzzy.  Surprisingly, it seemed to matter very little the more the book progressed.

I find Nimira to be an interesting character.  She really shows a lot of strength through out this entire book.  She's willing to journey to the ends of the earth in hopes that a single man might be able to help Erris.   I loved that she took matters into her own hands and decided to learn magic.  She knows she only human, at the her powers may be week.  That doesn't stop her from learning all she can.  And when the time comes for her to journey into the fairy realm, she doesn't hesitate.  She knows what she has to do.

While I loved Nimira throughout the entire story, I felt disconnect from Erris.  The story is lacking his voice.  I don't understand him.  Since he tends to shut Nimira out, we don't gain much knowledge through her.  He's really struggling with who he is, and thus seems to drag the story down a little.   I also disliked Valanda's daughter, Violet immensely.  She honestly didn't seem to have a redeeming quality about her.

My favorite new character was the jinn, Ifra.  There was something about his personality and what he was that completely captured my attention.  I also really liked learning more about Valdana.  He's a complex character who barely makes an appearance in the story, but his impact seems great.

I loved the ending.  I could see the story ending here, but I really hope there is more.  I feel like Nimira has more to give.  And, I really want to see were Erris' new journey may take him!

 

  

Review - Frost (Frost, #1) by Kate Avery Ellison

Title: Frost

Author: Kate Avery Ellison

Series: 1st

Pages: 194

Published: Published April 18, 2012 by CreateSpace

ISBN: 9781475005875

Source: Author sent for honest review 

Description: In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person might end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing weather and threat of monster attacks, or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and treachery just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest, a young man from beyond the Frost named Gabe, Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.  She saves his life.  Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in serious trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel, and her village has nothing to do with them. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.  But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle her farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but each move she makes puts her in greater danger. Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

I Give This ...

I've been having good luck with self-published lately!  I'm extremely glad I gave this one a chance.

First off, this book reminded me greatly of The Village by M. Night Shyamalan.  Since I enjoyed that movie, this was a not a deterrent for me.  I liked that our main character is a head strong female who is doing her best to keep her family together.  She's trying to keep the every watchful eyes of the village leaders off of her family.  It's not an easy task when there are things like the weekly quota to meet.  Not to mention the monsters that leave tracks around her farm.  I was most curious about the way this secluded society was set up.  

When Gabe shows up, I'm glad the Lia follows her instincts.  He's not what Lia expects from a "Farther"  His story of the world he lives in mimic some of what she's been told.  But, there are secrets woven in there too.  Stories of people from the Frost helping "Farthers" escape.  Gabe is looking for those people and a mysterious gate.  Lia discovers she may be holding the key to it all.  But how far is she willing to go to protect a boy she barely knows?   

At first, I was hoping that the monsters in the forest might be entirely mythical.  I would have even settled for the same sort of idea they used in The Village.  I tend to have a hard time when mythical creatures that are usually never seen become a reality in the story.  But, this time around it surprised me.  I liked who and what these creatures actually were. 

The only disappointing part of this story....it's more of a novella.  I was so into the story only discover it was over.  Really looking forward to the next one!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I had an odd reading week.  I tore through the first book I read.  But, then it took me almost the rest of the week to read the next one.  It didn't have my attention like I had hoped.  I'm struggling with my current read a little too.  My attention span hasn't been there all weekend though.  Here's to hoping my week settles into a good reading groove!

 

Read Last Week:

• The False Prince by Jennifer A. Neilsen
• Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Currently Reading:  

• Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott   

Up This Week: 

Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Spirit's Princess by Esther M. Friesner

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

Nothing this week.  Which gives me a great chance to catch up on some review books.  I'm hoping to get some review requests approved this week through Netgalley and Edelweiss though!

B & K's Reading Daze

I have two girls who love to read as much as I do.  They are  6 and 4.  My oldest is in the beginning stages of learning to read.  My youngest still loves to be read too.  I'm so excited that this love of mine seems to be passing on to them.  So B & K's Reading Daze highlights some of the books they have enjoyed over the past month.  

K's Book:

Title: Silly Milly

Author: Wendy Lewison

Description: This delightful, rhyming easy reader is one big riddle. Miss Milly likes green but not red, butter but not bread, seeds but not flowers, and umbrellas but not showers. Readers are invited to guess why Miss Milly likes what she does. The answer? She likes double letters! 

K picked this one up at the library.  I liked that it was a level one that she could read with a little help from me.  Lots of sight words.  Some of the bigger words she had a little more trouble with.  But, I"m very proud of her for reading this book!

B's Book:  
 

Title: Biscuit Wants to Play

Author: Alyssa Capucilla

Description:  When Biscuit meets two little kittens, he wants to be friends. But the kittens are having too much fun with their own games to play with him--until they find themselves stuck in a tree

I work in the library at my girls' school on Tuesday's.  I ordered quite a few new books in the lower reading levels.  We were lacking in the Biscuit series.  B saw me put the tags on this one and immediately wanted to check it out.  I have a feeling many more Biscuit books will make there way to our house!

Review - Intangible by J. Meyers

Title: Intangible

Author: J. Meyers

Series: Maybe 1st in Series?

 Published: January 31st 2012 by J. Meyers

Pages: 318

ISBN: 9781470010157

Source: Sent in exchange for honest review

 

Description: Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.  Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

I Give This ...

The description is kind of vague for this book.  So, when I was first contacted about reviewing it I was a little unsure.  At the time, I wasn't knee deep in review book, so I decided to give it a go.  I'm glad I did.

I liked the idea that our main characters are twins with special powers.  They have these amazing abilities and they seem like humble teenagers.  In fact, they are kind of outsiders.  They don't seek attention for themselves and have a driven need to help those less fortunate than themselves.  All this, while trying to keep their powers under the radar.  They impressed me very much.

I enjoyed the intrigue of the prophecy that speaks of Sera and Luke.  It seems like the powers that be having been waiting along time for them.  Some want to destroy them and what they might be able to do.  Others want to use them for the own purposes.  Since we only really learn about those who want to destroy them in this book, I get the feeling that this is likely going to be a series.  

I liked this book from start to finish, even though I felt it dragged a little in places.  It was a great storyline with characters that I really liked.  I'm hoping this is going to be a series because I would like more information.  I would definitely read it! 

Review - The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas

Title: The Flower Reader

Author: Elizabeth Loupas

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 408

Published: April 3rd 2012 by NAL Trade 

ISBN: 9780451235817

Source: Sent in exchange for honest review

Description: Rinette Leslie of Granmuir has the ancient gift of divining the future in flowers, but her gift cannot prepare her for the turmoil that comes when the dying queen regent entrusts her with a casket full of Scotland's darkest secrets. On the very day she means to deliver it to newly crowned Mary, Queen of Scots, Rinette's husband is brutally assassinated.  Devastated, Rinette demands justice before she will surrender the casket, but she is surrounded by ruthless men who will do anything to possess it. In the end, the flowers are all she can trust-and only the flowers will lead her safely home to Granmuir.

I Give This ...

There's a few reasons this book peaked my interest.  First off, I've never heard divining the future through flowers.  It completely intrigued me.  Second, I've read a lot about Mary, Queen of Scots.  But, it's always been from the English point of view.   Third, I loved Elizabeth Loupas' first book, so I had high hopes for this one.  Needless to say, my expectations might have been a little high.  It did not fail me.

I loved Rinette from the opening pages.  She understands the complications of being someone of noble birth, but she longs to be away from the center of all the drama.  She knows her hearts desire.  But, life is not always kind and that future is ripped from her before it barely begins.  After that, she makes it her new mission to  play the games of the court to figure out who killed her husband and why.

The mystery aspect of this story I was not expecting.  One of the most frustrating aspects of historical fiction is often the sheer volume of character.  That actually works to the advantage in this story because I honestly had no clue who it was.  But, I did find "his" association with a certain group of people to be absolutely fascinating.  Solving a crime like this would be difficulty in any time period.  But, I think it might have especially trying in this one and add in the fact that Rinette is a women.  It doesn't exactly open doors.

Ienjoyed the slow romance as well.  I was expecting it with the characters, but I loved the way it played out.  I felt sorry for Rinette in the fact that she happens to fall in love with people who may no always have her best interests at heart (although, I think that changed in the end).

I was reminded greatly in this book at how hard it was to be a women in this time period.  Rinette is constantly being made to feel inferior.  Those around her are always trying to bend and break her.  She's rare in the fact that she owns property, but it wouldn't take much for that to be stripped from her.   She can be forced to marry, her children taken from her, and anything else that might define her as a person.  It was really frustrating to me. 

A great historical fiction.  I'll add Elizabeth Loupas to my must read list!  (I love that fact the both her books have been set in different countries.  Were will she go next?)

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I must have been having a craving for historical fiction last week.  Most of what I read falls under that category (and one I would loosely put there).  But, I enjoyed my reading adventures this week.  

Read Last Week:

• Magic Under Stone by Jacyln Dolamore
• The Academie by Susanne Dunlap
• The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards   

Currently Reading:  

• The False Prince by Jennifer A. Neilsen

Up This Week: 

• Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
• Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott 

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

For Review:

• Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Swapped:

• Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle

Review - The Land of Tears (Kindred Blood #3) by Amber Riley

Title: The Land of Tears

Author: Amber Riley

Series: 3rd (The Flash of a Firefly, The Well of Truth)

Pages: 164

Published: March 13th 2012 by iUniverse 

ISBN: 9781475900620

Source: Sent in exchange for honest review 

Description: Spain is the one place Kaden never planned to see again. Years after he escaped the master vampire, he has never looked back—until now. As he stands before enemy vampires and werewolves, he knows that determination is the only thing that can save Lyn from her captives. Everything Kaden has worked so hard for has to be forgotten. He must become a ruthless killer once again.  After everything Kaden has done to remain free, he has purposely walked back into his old life, leaving his friends behind in order to protect them. Now, in the midst of a bad game of hide and seek with Phoenix, Kaden must fool everyone into thinking he has returned for all the right reasons. But Phoenix is not easily swayed. He still resents Kaden for leaving and letting Tobias out of his tomb. Kaden is running out of time. If his plan fails, there will never be another opportunity.  In the third tale of the Kindred Blood series, a young life depends on whether Kaden can convince Phoenix and his fellow vampires to trust him. One way or another, things are about to end where they all began.

I Give This ...

I've enjoyed this series very much.  It's what I imagine most vampires to be like, absolutely ruthless!  But, I loved that Kaden has managed to retain his humanity through it all.

I knew from the start of this series, that we would eventually end up in Spain.  And I wanted to see how ruthless Phoenix was.  I was always curious as to why Kaden was so important to him.  Why would he go to such lengths to make sure he came home and resumed his role as second in command.  Now, I know why.  And it made perfect sense.  I loved that all the pieces fit together.  

I was a little disappointed in Lyn sometimes.  Granted we don't have an insight into what she's really going through.   She seems to have decided to play the weak heroine this time around.  She's desperate for Kaden to save her, but does nothing to try and help.  And then she acts shocked when she sees a video of Kaden acting like a ruthless vampire.  Um, he's a vampire and you expected him not to act like one (especially when he's told you how he use to be while under Phoenix's watch).

I'm still not sure on the ending.  It was different.  I was disappointed at first, but in the end I decided to let it go.  I guess I didn't to read about the blood and carnage really.  This way, I just get to know that all is well.

 

Review - The Crown Conspiracy (The Riyria Revelations, #1) by Michael J Sullivan

Title: The Crown Conspiracy

Author:  Michael J. Sullivan

Series: 1st

Pages: 296

Published: October 1st 2008 by Aspirations Media Inc

ISBN: 9780980003437

Source: Personal copy but also have a combine edition for review

 

Description: THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.  Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats to the murder of the king. Sentenced to death, they have only one way out…and so begins this epic tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.  

 I Give This ...

I'm choosing to review these as separate books because that's how they were first published.  Plus, they aren't novellas so while having 2-in-1 editions is nice, I don't think it's important to review them as such.

I was pulled into this book from the very start.  Royce and Hadrian are not your typical thieves.  I loved their whit and their ability to think their way out of any situation.  They are good at what they do and they know it (which is reflected in the prices they charge).  I found it interesting the such thieves cater almost directly to the nobility.  I was most impressed how they could take cases that can pit people against each other.  Plus, they just seemed like fun men to be around.  Can you imagine the things you would see by being with them!

I enjoyed the royal lineup as well.  The prince is thrust into a position he does not want and no idea who he can trust.  He blindly follows Royce and Hadrian because he really has no idea what to do next and they at least have some idea.  I admired how much he grows and learns along his journey.  He's not the spoiled boy in the end.  I'm hoping we get to see what kind of king he has become in future books.

I loved some of the specifics that were included in this book.  I liked learning about the magician who is be imprisoned in the earth for like ever (was it 1000 years?).  He doesn't seem as dangerous as they say, so I'm curious how that plays out.  I loved learning about how Royce and Hadrian accomplish some of their thievery.  And one of my favorite parts was the rescue of the princess while the tower is collapsing around them! 

I hope this is a good indication of how the rest of the series might go.  If it is, I'm in for an awesome ride!

Waiting on Wednesday - Gilt by Katherine Longshore

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Gilt

Author: Katherine Longshore

Description: When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

I don't think I can express how badly I want this book.  Tudor England is one my favorite time periods and King Henry VIII is a particular obsession of mine (right after Queen Elizabeth I).  I've read a few books told more from Catherine's point of view and this sounds wonderful.  I can't wait to read it!

  

Review - Ravenstoke (Universe Unbound #2) by Augusta Blythe

Title: Ravenstoke

Author: Augusta Blythe

Series: 2nd (Winterborne)

Pages: ebook only

Published: December 4th 2011 

ASIN: B006IEXF1I

Source: sent for honest review

Description: In Winterborne, Loie and Mia's seventeenth birthdays brought more drama and surprises than they ever expected. Now, in Ravenstoke, they are adjusting to the aftermath and struggling to keep those newfound powers in check. When Andreas is called away to England under mysterious circumstances, a new guy is sent to Salcey Ridge in his place. Cian is smarmy and cocksure and Loie wants nothing more than to unleash a hellhound on him. Unfortunately, Cian isn't the only complication in their lives as the girls must also contend with the reappearance of Mr. Winterborne himself and Loie's most dreaded fear of all - a part in the school musical. Can the girls survive the rest of junior year unscathed?

I Give This ....

I don't normally have the best of luck with self published book.  But something about the first book in this series caught my attention, and I never looked back.  I was keeping my fingers crossed that Ravenstoke could carry the same punch that Winterborne did.  

I got lucky again!  If anything, I think this might have been better than the first book in the series.  At first, I was afraid it was going to be a book about Loie and her whining.  And felt bad that Andreas choose Mia over her, I really do.  But, I wanted her to get over it.  And then Andreas leaves the story for awhile and enter in Cian.  He was just what this story needed.  I loved him, even when I was convinced he was the bad guy (way before we even learn who he really is).  His intention never seemed to be aimed at hurting Cian and I loved how he called her Kitty.

I enjoyed the direction that the story is taking.  The long lost father shows up and I was proud of Loie for giving him grief, but also knowing when to stop.  I get fed up with teens that seem to think the world should bow to them.  I'm intrigued with what the ancients plan to do next, both those who are in favor of a treaty and those who aren't.  I'm also happy to see that Loie decides to spend sometime in the other world.  She's not entirely human, and I think she needs to embrace that side of her.  Plus, I think she might learn more.

Above all, I hope the next book gives us more Cian.  But, I'll be happy to read it even if it doesn't!

  

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

Enjoyed our three day weekend.  And it was busier that I had originally planned.  What a gorgeous Easter we had.  The family and I had a great day.  Now, it's back to school we go!  Funny thing is that it's another 4 day week!   Plus, we get out early on Wednesday and Thursday!

Read Last Week:

• The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas
• Intangible by J. Meyers
• Frost by Kate Avery Ellison

 

Currently Reading:  

• Magic Under Stone by Jacyln Dolamore

 

Up This Week: 

• The Academie by Susanne Dunlap
• The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

Review: 

• Romeo Redeemed by Stacey Jay 
• Diva by Jillian Larkin 
• Velveteen by Daniel Marks   
• Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle
• Ashen Winter by Mike Mullen 
• Her Highness, The Traitor by Susan Higginbotham
• Body and Soul  by Stacey Kade
• Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham

Swapped:  

• Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Library:  

• The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen