In My Mailbox!

For Review:

Cinders & Sapphires by Leila Rasheed

*Thanks to Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley

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!

 

 

 

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

Review - The Goddess Legacy (Goddess Test #2.5) by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Legacy

Author: Aimee Carter

Series: 2.5 (The Goddess Test, Goddess Interrupted)

Pages: 395

Published: July 31st 2012 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN:  9780373210756

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aimée Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.  Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness…. Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal…. Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another….  James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others#151;but never knew true loss before….  Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope…. 

I Give This ...

I really wavered back and forth on if I really wanted to read this.  I finally decided that the back story on all these characters might make the story make more sense overall.  

I think I was most impressed with how Carter managed to integrate the original myths and legends into the story.  We get a feel for it in the first two book, but it's really apparent here.  I've always had a soft spot for Greek mythology, and I wonder how much today's teen know about it.  If they haven't been exposed to it before, some of the interactions may come as quite a shock.  Carter does not change around the details about who has been with who.  I liked that.   

I also enjoyed how each story made me feel about certain characters.  I don't think I could have loved Henry anymore by the end of this book.  It's so odd to see Hades painted in this manor.  But, he's been the outcast his entire existence.  I didn't think much of  Hera/Calliope before this book.  But, I could really see how she came to view the world after all she has been through.  I truly despised Persephone by the end.  I know here is were the story defers a little from legend, but Persephone is portrayed as completely selfish.  She cares not one little bit about others, but only focused on her own happiness or misery.  I kept hoping that some part of her character might redeem herself at least a little.  It never happened.  

In the end, I'm extremely glad I read this.  The major gods and their actions made some more sense after this.  And, it makes me super excited for the final book in the series. 

 

 

Faefever (Fever #3) by Karen Marie Moning

Title: FaeFever

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Series: #3, (DarkFever, BloodFever)

Pages: 327

Published: September 16th 2008 by Delacorte Press

ISBN: 9780385341639

Source: Library

Description: He calls me his Queen of the Night. I’d die for him. I’d kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister’s journal, she is stunned by Alina’s desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister’s killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.  Mac’s quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V’lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.  As All Hallows’ Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds—with devastating consequences.… 

I Give This ...

This series can sometimes get a little intense at parts.  This one was no exception.  The entire ending left me reeling from what happened.   I can not imagine were this story goes next.

I think Mac really comes into her own in this book.  She refused to be pushed around.  She lays down rules when it comes to both Jericho and V'lane.  I think they both begin to respect those boundaries because they are starting to see what she is capable of.  Every book her character has progressed past the spoiled young adult she once was.  She seems to be making more decisions with actual thought behind them without rushing forward.  She wants to get to the bottom of this problem faster than she is, but she's being more careful.

I still want to know what Barrons is.  I think I have an idea, but I'm not entirely sure.  What ever it is, he has an incredible draw to him that I can feel through the pages.  I like V'lane too, but he's lost some of his edge he had in the beginning.  His interactions with Mac make me think he's infatuated with her and I didn't think that was possible.

I also learned a lot about the Fae world in this installment.  Funny how you can read different books concerning the same world and how they can be similar and yet not.  I liked learning about the Dark Book and the song of creation.  The courts and how they are structures was fascinating.  And the ending...I can't even begin to describe what was going through my head then.  Sometimes it felt like it was too much, but at the same time it was important to show how these Fae differed from the ones Mac had been interacting with.

I can't wait to read the next one! 

 

    

Glamorous Illusions (Grand Tour Series #1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Title: Glamorous Illisions

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Series: 1st

Pages: 416

Published: June 1st 2012 by David C. Cook 

ISBN: 9781434764300

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.


I Give This ...

After reading her River of Time series, I was more than willing to give Bergren's other's books a shot as well.  When this one came on my radar, I really loved the sound of it.  And while I didn't get the overly Christian fictions feel with her series, I thought this one might have a little bit more.  I was right, and also completely ok with it.

I really loved the lavish backdrop that this story is set in.  Who doesn't love the traditional rags to riches story.   I love that Cora is bound and determined to show that she can be different.  She shows how her upbringing has affected who she is.   But, it's also apparent that some of her characteristics come from her father.   I think that is definitely something she needs to come to terms with over the course of this book.  She does a very good job of coming to terms with what has happened to her, but she also needs to realize her place within the family might not be exactly what she thought.

I've never heard of the Grand Tour before and found the concept fascinating.  The American rich trying to pretend they are some new generation of nobility by mimicking what they do for their coming of age children.   I wonder what European nobility thought of the practice when it first began.  I think it would be fun to be an outsider looking in on all of this.   The idea of being able to attend all of these functions and learn about all the history in each country sounds awesome.  

I liked the family dynamics behind all this.  Her father surprised me the most.  From the little we do get to see of him, I didn't like him very much.  But, by pushing Cora to accept who she is on her own (plus admitting his own faults and failures) show what kind of man he is.  I liked her siblings because I think they were true to who they were plus how they should be in the situation.  I also really enjoyed William and look forward to were the story goes with is character.

I will be continuing this series.  I think I found another winner with Bergren!

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!

 

 

Sorry for the lack of reviews last week.  I was extremely busy for some reason.  When I did have time to be on the internet, it seemed the last thing I wanted to do was write a review.  Desperately need to catch up on those now!

Read Last Week 

• My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
• Sound by Shelley Workinger
• Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed 

Currently Reading:

• Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Up This Week:

• Embrace by Jessica Shirvington 
• Velveteen by Daniel Marks

In My Mailbox!

For Review: 

• Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes
• Entice by Jessica Shirvington  

(I also received this as an ebook for review, so I will likely have a giveaway for this one!)

*Thanks to S.R. Johannes and Sourcebooks

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!

 

 

 

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

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!

 

 

It's been a strange reading week.  I chalk it up to lack of reading time and not being connected with the books I'm reading.  Hoping this week is a little better!

Read Last Week: 

• Dearly Beloved by Lia Habel  
• The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi 

Currently Reading: 

• My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

Up This Week: 

• Sound by Shelley Workinger
• Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed

In My Mailbox!

For Review: 

• Untraceable by S.R. Johannes
• Owlet by Emma Michaels 
• Thorns by Kate Avery Ellison 
• Redemption on the River by Loren DeShon
• Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

*Thanks to S.R. Johannes, Kate Avery Ellison, Loren DeShone, Sourcebooks, and Tribute Books!

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!

 

 

 

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

Review - Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: 1st

Pages: 416

Published: August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury

ISBN: 9781599906959

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.  Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.  Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.  Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I Give This ...

I as thrilled to be able to read this book.  It sounded like it might be similar to those written by Maria V. Snyder (and she's one of my favorite authors).  I was hoping it would live up to the hype.  I think it did a pretty good job.

Celaena is an interesting character.  It was really hard for me to picture her as the deadly assassin that she is.  She seems like someone who has been betrayed and beaten down.  But, then we meet her after she has been captured and forced to hard labor in a place were no one survives as long as she has.  That alone is testament to her will to survive no matter what the cost.    We get little stories her and there of what she has done and what she is capable of.  It's no wonder that few people take her seriously because it's so hard to connect them to her.  She's smart though, and we can definitely see that in every little thing that she does.

Since most of this story takes place in the Glass Castle and surrounding court, I couldn't get a good feel at what this fantasy world might be like.  We have Celaena's view (but she's been imprisoned for a year) and the view of those in the court.  I get the impression that the ruler is anything but just and doesn't care how he gains is dominance.  I did find it odd that he disappeared for half the story and no one knew how, when, or why.  I'm hoping that is something addressed in future books.  

I greatly enjoyed Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall.  The two characters seemed so vastly different but yet showed extreme interest in Celaena.   The prince seemed to bring out the carefree side of her which is something is really needed.  I found that Captain Westfall was a better fit for her romantically.  I think he his damaged is ways similar to her.   I wonder how it will all play out because it was really hard to tell by the end of this book.

I really enjoyed the entire novel and early await the rest of the story!

Waiting on Wednesday

"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: The Casual Vacancy

Author: J.K. Rowling

Release Date: September 27th by Little Brown and Company

 

Description: When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.  Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.  Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.  And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who isn't excited for this.  It's J.K. Rowling!!   I hope my expectations aren't too high.

 

  

Review - The Emerald Storm (The Riyria Revelations #4) by Michael J. Sullivan

Title: The Emerald Storm

Author: Michael J. Sullivan

Series: 4th (The Crown Conspiracy, Avempartha, Nyphron Rising)

Pages: 375

Published: April 2nd 2010 by Ridan Publishing

 ISBN: 9780982514535

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: A MESSAGE IS INTERCEPTED. A SINISTER PLAN LAUNCHED. TWO THIEVES STAND IN THE WAY.  Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.


 I Give This ...

Despite a rocky third book in the series, I knew I would be continuing.  I genuinely like the characters and want to see how this entire series ends!

While Hadrian is not up to his perky old shelf, I enjoyed his character a lot more in this book than in the last.  He has a purpose, but he's not entirely sure what to do about it.  I think he really would like to retire but now realizes that it might not be in the cards.  He and Royce end up on a ship with no clear destination at first in hopes to recover a horn.  Arista leaves her perch as Mayor in hopes of finding Gaunt.  A tragic events leads to this decisions.  It's something that effects everyone, yet Arista is currently the only one who knows about.  I'm curious as to how this will effect the future story.

I felt the part of the story aboard the ship The Emerald Storm was a little dragged out.  But, I think the author fully intends on having you really think about the characters and their actions.  Everything is this is deliberate, with the full knowledge of how the ending is going to happen.  We might not see all the pieces right now, but I love how the author is slowly pulling them together.

I really loved the last 100 pages or so.  Arista hiding in plain sight and her interactions with Trace/Modina are especially interesting.  I keep thinking there's something that Modina isn't telling us.  I can't wait to figure out what that is.  I also enjoyed Royce and Hadrian's journey when the leave the ship.  It's non stop actions and so many different things are going on.  I'm hoping I didn't miss some key detail that makes everything make sense later.

I can see we are on the downward slide to the conclusion.  I'm happy I've decided to read these and can't wait to see how it ends!    

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 This Week:

• Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
• Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter 

Currently Reading:  

• Dearly Beloved by Lia Habel  

Up This Week: 

• My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
• The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi