In My Mailbox!

For Review:  

• Cold Steel by Kate Elliott
• Tandem by Anne Jarzab 
• A Study in Skills by Emma Jane Holloway
• A Study in Darkness by Emma Jane Holloway

Purchased:  

• PODS by Michelle Pickett
• The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

 

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 - Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Star Cursed

Author: Jessica Spotswood

Series: 2nd (Born Wicked)

Pages: 384

Published: June 18th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile

ISBN: 9780399257469

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.  Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war. 

I Give This ...

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so there was never a doubt that I would get my hands on the second.   I think this might have been better than the first!

I really had my doubt about the sisterhood after reading the first book.  I felt like the threatened Cate into making the choice that she did.  I often wondered if they were any better than the Brotherhood.  But, this installment really showed a new side to the sisterhood.  Granted part of what they do is to keep up appearances.  They help those in need and also visit the prison.  They quietly use their magic to help.  At the same time, I think they were testing out temperaments.  I knew it wouldn't be long before people would begin to resent the Brotherhood and their strict rules.

Speaking of the Brotherhood...wow.   This group of men is horrible.   They will stop at no lengths to weed out anybody that might be remotely connected with magic.  Plus, the are willing to suppress the people to the extreme.  Women can't be taught to read or write, they aren't allowed to work, the list goes on and on.   I know they are afraid of loosing the power they have, but they have to know they are dangerously close to loosing it.   

I really liked Cate throughout the story.  She doesn't want to be the one to save them all and she definitely doesn't want to be the one to lead.  But she also sees a divide in the sisterhood.  There are those who want to play the card carefully, but there are those who want to lay it all on the table.  They feel the sisterhood can't lose and the time is now.   The rift that grow between the sisters is one that likely won't ever be bridged.   In the end, I decided Maura was beyond reason.  She wanted to the power most of all, and she would stop at nothing to be one the oracle spoke of.

It was extremely tense read in the end.  Prison breaks, traitors, and a little bit of love.  I can't wait for the next one!

  

The Moonlight Serenade (Fascination Island #2) by Kate Hinderer

Title: The Moonlight Serenade

Author: Kate Hinderer

Series: 2nd (Emerald Isle)

Pages: 350

Published:  June 10th 2013 

ISBN: B00D9WSME2

Source: Sent by Author for honest review

Description: When the opportunity of a lifetime falls into Collette's lap, she jumps at the chance to intern at Fascination Island and sing on the stage of the Moonlight Serenade. Growing up around the theater, she's dreamed of making it big since the first time she saw her mother grace the stage. But she first needs to conquer the overwhelming shyness that threatens her at the most inopportune time. And then there is Falcon. With his dark looks and charming personality it's easy to fall for someone she can never have a future with, and that's before she learns his secret.

I Give This ...

When I read the first in the series, there were slight indications that this might be a series.  Certain clashes of powers between people led me to believe that this story might not be finished.  I was happy to see that I was right.  And I was even more pleased that I was offered a chance to review the next in the series.

Collette was hard for me grasp at first.  She's a little different from our main character in the first book.  She's looking to become a star, but she has one tiny problem.  She freezes up on stage, especially when she sings to a small crowd (specifically she can't sing at all when there's only 1 person listening).  At first I had a hard time believing that this was the only thing limiting her signing career.  But, it seems that her shyneess tends to make her signing seem slightly emotionless.    But her character grew on me. 

I was intrigued by Falcon's interest in Collette.  She really was his Siren in so many ways.  I think part of the draw was he was told to stay away from her.  I think there are many characters that take that as a challenge.  But, it did not take him long to realize that Collette was so much more than that.  The problem was that their were other people who realized that as well.  Collette became more of a prize that she could ever realize.

The chain of events were very similar to the first book.  But, the choices made were slightly different.  I found that little hints of what might be to come very interesting.  Fate put Collette exactly were she needed to be and allowed her to make a choice that she wouldn't have made for herself.

 

 

Happy 4th of July!

Review - Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane

Author: Andrea Cremer

Series: 2nd (Nightshade)

Pages: 390

Published: July 26th 2011 by Philomel 

ISBN: 9780399254833

Source: Purchased Copy

Description: Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive. 

I Give This ...

 Sometimes the problem with accepting review books is they start to pile up.  And then your books get lost in the pile and you never read them.  In one way I'm glad I broke my kindle fire this.  It forced me to pick up one of my own and read it.  I'm so happy I picked up this one.

I've missed the world of Calla, Ren, Shay, and the rest of the pack.  I remembered the ending was a definite cliffhanger.  We open the story shortly after in the hands of the Searchers.  Calla quickly learns that they aren't out to hurt her, but she's unsure if she should completely trust them.   While her reasoning seems to be  unfounded throughout this book, I'm really glad she didn't openly trust them.  Calla's loyalty is to her pack, and I think it really shows.  Her thoughts are always with how to help get them back.

The  Searchers version of history is vastly different than the one that Calla has been taught.  Some of the things that she found the most troublesome are things the Keepers deeply controlled.  When Calla has the opportunity to free her pack and possibly have the freedom they so desperately crave, she never stops to think twice about it.  It was sad to see how much control the Keepers have over the guardians.  Not many are willing to give up everything for a chance of something unknown.

I liked our new cast of characters for the most part.  The main ones introduced seem like a solid group to surround Calla and help bring down the Keepers.  However, I was a little disappointed in our leaders at the end of the story.  Once again, I feel that push of control on Calla.  I want her to realize she's subject to no one but herself.   She knows whats best for her pack and that she can walk for the Searchers at any point in time.  The Searchers need her and Shay, but I think they might be caught up in the idea of taking down the Keepers.   

I'm sorry to have left this sitting on my shelf for so long.  I'm going to have to pick up the last the series soon! 

  

Top Ten Most Intimidating Books

 

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  If your curious about this meme, visit Top Ten Tuesday where they have previous topics and upcoming topics listed as well.

Today's topic is Top Ten Most Intimidating Books.  I have to admit, it's the classics that intimidate me.  But, I also have a hard time with award winners (because I feel like I should love them) and nonfiction.  So here are some in no particular order!

1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
3. A Game of Thrones by George Martin
4. Katherine by Anya Seton
5. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
6. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
7. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
8. World Without End by Ken Follett
9. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
10. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

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:  

• Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton
• The Queen's Rivals by Brandy Purdy 
• Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier
• Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols  

Currently Reading:
 

• Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Up This Week: 

• Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep 
• Boundless by Cynthia Hand