Review: Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

Title: Revenge and the Wild

Author: Michelle Modesto

Series: Stand Alone

Published: February 2nd 2016 by Balzer + Bray

ISBN: 9780062366153

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.  Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.  But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

I GIVE THIS ...

This is probably the fastest I've finished a book in awhile. It kept me up at night, messed with my brain in the form of some crazy dreams, and finished with a bang!

I'm still not sure I'm crazy about Westie. She's a little to head strong for me. But, I have to admire her shear determination to get her revenge on the family that killed hers. And lets all admit, this was no ordinary murder. I don't think I've ever read a book based around cannibalism! And this was not glossed over in an way. That's were it really messed with me. 

The setting was a little bit much for me. It was hard for me to get a real handle on this western world that was full of steampunk, magic, and every mythical creature imaginable. It made for some interesting twists to the story though, because the story would not have been the same without most of these elements!

I really loved the secondary characters. Nigel was the perfect father figure and he tried really hard not to put up with Westie's bullshit. I loved Alistair. I knew exactly were the story was going with him, but I enjoyed the build up immensely. But honestly, my favorite was James. He character literally blew me away.

I highly recommend this if you are looking for something totally different!

The Last Changeling by Chelsea Pitcher

Title: The Last Changeling 

Author: Chelsea Pitch

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 360

Published: November 8th 2014 by Flux 

ISBN: 9780738740843

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description:  A Kingdom at War . . .  Elora, the young princess of the Dark Faeries, plans to overthrow her tyrannical mother, the Dark Queen, and bring equality to faeriekind. All she has to do is convince her mother’s loathed enemy, the Bright Queen, to join her cause. But the Bright Queen demands an offering first: a human boy who is a “young leader of men.”   A Dark Princess In Disguise . . .  To steal a mortal, Elora must become a mortal—at least, by all appearances. And infiltrating a high school is surprisingly easy. When Elora meets Taylor, the seventeen-year-old who’s plotting to overthrow a ruthless bully, she thinks she’s found her offering . . . until she starts to fall in love.

I Give This ...

I don't particularly like giving negative reviews.  I feel I tend to be very open minded and rarely come across a book that I don't find enjoyable in some small way.  Even rarer still is the book I give up on completely.   With this one, I fought for every page trying to find the small moments.  

I think I struggled with many different aspects of this book.  The fae world being strange and different than typical stories was a little of off putting.  Especially when that world is put together for us piece by little piece.  I also had a  hard time with Elora.  She's trying to overthrow her mother, who is The Dark Queen, plus instigating revolutions in the human world.  You would think this might make her a bad ass.  She just doesn't come across that way and I wasn't buying into it.  I just didn't feel the charisma she seemed to possess.

I did like Taylor and felt the struggle with his own identify and his relationship with his parents was genuine.  I wasn't over the moon about the love at first sight tone his relationship with Elora took.  But, I was expecting it at the same time.    I also liked how the book became about more than just saving the Fae world.  Not many books will attempt to tackle more than one difficult subject in one sitting.

But, in the end, this was a struggle.  It was hard for me to appreciate it for what it was. Maybe next time!

 

Review - The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) by Mary E. Pearson

Title: Kiss of Deception

Author: Mary E Pearson

Series: 1st

Pages: 486

Published: July 8th 2014 by Henry Holt and Co.

ISBN: 9780805099232

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: A princess must find her place in a reborn world.  She flees on her wedding day.  She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.  She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.  She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan. The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.  Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love. 

I Give This ...

This one kind of surprised me.  I wasn't sure what to think of it and first, and had a little bit of a hard time with the different view points (I'm not a huge fan on more than 2 points of view).  In the end, I was won out by the story, however I want more fantasy and less romance.

I liked Lia almost immediately.  She's willing to give up everything, defy and father and her kingdom by refusing to marry the person chosen for her.  Granted I think part of her acted a little rashly.  I think most of her decision to run was based on not wanting to marry a person who really only existed in her head.  It was less to do with the actual person and even less to do with what may or may not have been happening right beneath her father's nose.  She just came across and excellent bargaining tool.

I was a little disappointed that the story seemed to focus more on the romance and less on the fantasy.  But, I will admit that I kind of got wrapped up in it.  Mainly because I honestly had no idea who was who.  I liked that the princess had one point of view and that she favored one over the other.  But, our other two points of view are from the prince and the assassin with no idea which one belonged to which name the princess knew them as.  I would think I had it but then they would do something that would lead me to doubt.

I did think the latter part of the book was more action and last romance, although I was still unsure at our assassin's true feelings.  It leaves many open doors.  There's a lot of story elements that are still missing, so I hope the story focuses less on the romance and gets down to business.  I think that there is a lot of potential here.

 

Review - Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders #3) by Brandon Mull

Title: Chasing the Prophecy

Author: Brandon Mull

Series: 3rd (A World Without Heroes, Seeds of Rebellion) 

Pages: 512

Published: March 12th 2013 by Aladdin

ISBN: 9781416997962
Source: Library

 

Description: Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined. And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.

I Give This ...

I'm a huge Brandon Mull fan.  I've loved this series so far. I kind of put off reading this final book because I wasn't ready for the series to end.  And it's always hard to pick up the final book for various reasons.  Will I like it?  Will it end the way I thin it should?  Can all the characters have the ending they deserve?

I was only slightly disappointed in the fact that at over 500 pages, this book can be a little slow in places.  There are instances were I felt the story lagged and something had to happen in order for the story to go anywhere.  It's was like a slow march to certain death and destruction.  However, the story was saved by the actions of the characters.

 

I'm always short of words when it comes to the characters in this series.  Mull ranks right up there with Rowling when it comes to defining characteristics that make for literary characters one can admire and look up to.   Jason may not always have the brains, but he makes up for it in shear determination and bravery. Yet, I never felt he acted rashly.  He make sound decisions about his actions and showed unwavering trust in his companions.  While Jason may be the backbone, Rachel is the brains.  She was chosen for her mission for a reason.  She has the ability to see the whole picture when she only has a piece.  And her knowledge and mastery of the magic of Lyrian is impressive.

I think my favorite character has ended up being Ferrin.  Who knew a displacer that could always be counted on to put their needs above anyone else would be the one to save the day.  I was never sure how he would influence the story (good or bad) and I'm sure he knew either.  I was pleased to see that he was able to rise above his own doubts and be the hero of the story.

I will be no doubt closely watching what Brandon Mull produces next.  And hoping that one day he gets the recognition I think he deserves. 

 

 

 

Review - Unhinged (Splintered #2) by A.G. Howard

Title: Unhinged

Author: A.G. Howard

Series: 2nd (Splintered)

Pages: 400

Published: January 7th 2014 by Harry N. Abrams

ISBN: 9781419709715

Source: Library

Description: Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of. That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs. As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind. If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head. 

 I Give This ...

Another case of why didn't I read this sooner, especially knowing how much I loved the first book.  I can't say enough about this book and the series so far.

I was happy to be back with Alyssa even if she's in complete denial that Wonderland exists.  She has her mom back, even if she's become a bit overprotecting.  Jeb is still alive, although he has no recollections of the events in Wonderland.  In her opinion, her world is almost perfect.  The only thing out of place is her art has taken on a mind of it's own, beautiful but a bit morbid. Because blood is not a normal medium used and she's not really guiding the picture that forms.  That, and Morpheus continues to haunt her dreams. 

There's so much that happens in this book that it's hard to describe it all in one messily little review.  The Red Queen is trying to infiltrate the human realm in very subtle ways.  One the twins that guards the graveyard has left her post, which leads to way for some of Wonderland to cross over.  But through it all Alyssa is convinced that she's not needed.  It isn't until she learns that the truth not only about her mother, but her father as well, that she begins to accept just how deep her destiny runs.  

I think the most fascinating thing about this series is how the author has managed to give even more life to the world created by Lewis Carrol.  The characters and scenery are familiar, but the have more depth.  Each element is darker and more malicious.  It seems everything and everyone has an ulterior motive.   The only part that lost me a little was the ending at prom seemed a little cliche.  But, it had to happen at some point.

 

Review - Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1) by Livia Blackburne

Title: Midnight Thief

Author: Livia Blackburne

Series: 1st

Pages: 376 

Published: July 8th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423176381

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease. When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives. In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner—and danger is a way of life. 

I Give This ...

This sounded like something that might be that it book, the one to rave about.  For awhile it really was.  I enjoyed so many aspects of this novel.  But, somewhere in the book an event occurred and the story took a different turn.  And one that just no longer resented with me.    

I really enjoyed Kyra.  Her ability to sneak into places undetected and leave the same way she came was fascinating.  That part of the story really drew me in.  I was hesitant when the Assassins Guild offered Kyra a place in their ranks.  But, I wasn't surprised that she accepted the offer.  I never felt it was about the money that was offered.  It was all about being able to prove that she could do the job and all it's challenges.  I think she also enjoyed skirting around those in charge without their knowing.  A way for her to prove that she was more than just a street urchin.  

I also really enjoyed Tristam.  He's your poster boy for someone who fully supports whatever government is in place.  To him, there's only black and white and no grey.  So, I think it's really hard for him to admit that Kyra might have got the best of him.  He never imagined that it was a women sneaking in and out without being seen.  I also like that as he gets to know here, he realizes that not everything is as clear cut as it seems.  That sometimes the good guy and the bad guy aren't always what you think.

So what happened?  It's actually really hard to explain without giving away something that I think is suppose to be a surprise, although an intricate part of the story.  Let's just say that there's something off about those Demon Riders and their wildcats.  I could see it coming, but I kept hoping the story wouldn't go there.  When it did, I was so disappointed.  I have no idea why the story effected me that way.

It's likely that I won't continue this story.  There are parts of me that are greatly intrigued.  But, I was put off by an element of the story that might be to much to overcome.    

 

Review - The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Joansen

Series: 1st

Pages: 448

Published: July 8th 2014 by Harper 

ISBN: 9780062290366

Source: Publisher for Arranged Tour

 

Description: On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown. Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust. But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive. 

I Give This ...

When I first agreed to be part of this tour, I had no idea that hype that already surrounded it.  I'm not one to follow books that have 7 figure movie right deals before they are even published.  That's a lot riding on this little book (and I'm not referring to it's page length).    I'm honestly glad that I didn't know all that because I think I was able to enjoy this book for what it was, and interesting mix of genres that I finished in 3 days flat.

Princess Kelsea is one of the most interesting characters I've ever been introduced to.  She's been raised to be Queen, taught in all matters that she may need to rule her kingdom.  Sadly, I think her education is slightly skewed to one couples opinions and majorly lacking in details.  How is she suppose to rule a kingdom with no prior knowledge of its inhabitants, trades, costumes, etc.  For awhile this really bugged me because I felt that Kelsea wasn't given the adequate tools to move forward.  Did no one expect her to live long enough to actually rule?

I found the world building interesting.  It's very easy to misread this and think this is a fantasy set in medevil times, and I think some discrepancies in that might cause people to become frustrated.  It's actually set way in the future, but society had reverted back to a medevil state, so there are some modern terminology.  I really enjoyed that mashup, although I wish it was explained more how the world came to this state.  The book occasionally takes about the landing, a new world, and old Europe, and old America but I'm not sure when some events take place relative to the events in the book.  And I would really like to know were this world is compared to the world we know now.

I loved some of the secondary characters.  Mace is the Chief of the Guard and he's kind of a mystery at this point.  These men have sworn their allegiance to the Queen, but really to Kelsea.  I think at first Mace especially didn't take Kelsea seriously.  But then again, she hadn't done anything to prove she was worthy of wearing the crown.  Mace is still hiding a lot from Kelsea though, and I'm not sure why he's allegiance includes not telling Kelsea anything about her mother.   I also really enjoyed The Fetch.  He's character is even more mysterious than Mace's but there's something fascinating about him.    I'm curious as to who is and what his role will be in this story.

I'm not so certain our villain is the Red Queen.  Sure she's ruthless and has a death grip on her kingdom and the neighboring ones.  But, I don't think she's the one in complete control.  I also find it strange that she has no name.  It makes me wonder if anybody outside her castle walls have seen her face.  There's also a whole lot of magic at work there, that the full picture hasn't come into focus yet.

I was truly drawn in to this story.  It was fast paced enough that I blew through it.  Kelsea has a lot to prove in a short amount of time and I enjoyed her ride to get there.  I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and what might come of a movie deal.

Review - The Queen's Choice (Heirs of Chrior #1) by Cayla Kluver

Title: The Queen's Choice

Author: Cayla Kluver

Series: 1st

Pages: 512

Published: January 28th 2014 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN: 9780373210923

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Magic was seeping out of me, black and agonizing. I could see it drifting away. The magic that would let me pass the Road to reach home again.  When sixteen-year-old Anya learns that her aunt, Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Chrior, will soon die, her grief is equalled only by her despair for the future of the kingdom. Her young cousin, Illumina, is unfit to rule, and Anya is determined not to take up the queen's mantle herself. Convinced that the only solution is to find Prince Zabriel, who long ago disappeared into the human realm of Warckum, and persuade him to take up his rightful crown, Anya journeys into the Warckum Territory to bring him home. But her journey is doomed to be more harrowing than she ever could have imagined. 

I Give This ...

I was really excited for this book.  I enjoyed Kluver's previous series immensely and I was hoping that she would grow as an author considering her age.  While this had a lot of elements that I came to enjoy from her previous works, this story was lacking some spark.

The story elements were greatly intriguing.   Fairy and humans worlds interact in ways that you don't typically see in books.  The two worlds seem to almost be at peace and fairies move freely about the human world.  But, not all is what it seems.  Fairies are disappearing at an alarming rate, and some fairies feel that there is a general feeling of unease in the human world.  There's always that risk of running into humans that aren't sympathetic to the fairies, but it was a risk some were willing to take.

Anya is one of those fairies.  I think she gets a thrill out of traveling throughout the human world.  She never sees the risk of it, which is something she always has a hard time explaining to those who never leave the fairy world.  I think this is were I had an issue with the story. Anya always acts without thinking.  When her aunt sends out Illumina, she never thinks about the reasoning behind this.  She just takes it upon herself to follow her out into the human world and do the work for her.  A mistake that costs her dearly.  But even after all that she goes through, it doesn't seem to change how she processes things.

I was unsure about Illumina.  I often thought she was just deeply misunderstood.  She may not have been keen to the human world.  But, I don't think she would have been as bad as a ruler as everyone thinks she will be.  I really believe she should be given the chance to prove herself and not counting her out for the very beginning.  The character I found most intriguing was Prince Zabriel.  He's a combination of both worlds and feels he doesn't fit in anywhere.

The story was also really slow.  There's a lot of world building here, but almost excessively so.  I found myself thinking less describing more doing in many points.  There were certain parts of the book that I was engrossed in.  But other parts, I found myself skimming.  I'm unsure how I feel about reading the next one.  Although, I'm sure I will when the time comes. 

 

 

Review - The Shadow Throne (The Ascendance Trilogy #3) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Title: The Shadow Throne

Author: Jennifer A Nielsen

Series: 3rd (The False Prince, The Runaway King)

Pages: 336

Published:  February 25th 2014 by Scholastic Press 

ISBN:  9780545284172

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: One war. Too many deadly battles. Can a king save his kingdom, when his own survival seems unlikely? War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does. His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighbouring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne? 

I Give This ...

 Anticipation could not have been higher when it came to this book.  I'll be the first to sing my praises for this series, so this last book in the series had a lot to live up to.  Jennifer Nielsen pulled it off with a bang.

 

I've come to expect a lot from Jaron.  He's basically the complete package.  He's smart, resourceful, courageous, and cares for his country.  He's going to do anything in his power to prevent a complete takeover from another country.  It also kills him to know that to do this there will be loss of life on both sides.  It's a price he has the hardest time paying and I think that shows honor as well.

I admired that fact that the author was not afraid to take this story to the brink of despair.  Characters die that you would think would make it to the very end.  I honestly had no idea if Jaron would save the day because King Vargon always seems one step ahead. How is it that Jaron never really gives up hope?  Even when it seems like there is no way out, Jaron is willing to trade his life to bargain for his people.   

Our cast of characters fill out the rest of the story beautifully.  They all have a role to play even if they don't know the ultimate plan that Jaron has. It makes those final moments that much more suspenseful.  I even got one of those rare surprises and someone ultimately wasn't on the side I thought they were on.

I can not recommend this series enough!  It's well rounded, has awesome characters, and rich world building.  I think I need to seek out this author's previous books and I look forward to what she offers in the future!

Review - Defy (Defy #1) by Sara B. Larson

Title: Defy

Author: Sara B. Larson

Series: 1st

Pages: 336

Published: January 7th 2014 by Scholastic Press 

ISBN: 9780545597586

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.  The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect? 

I Give This ...

This book held so much potential.  And the story really could have been very interesting had it been done correctly.  But sadly, the characters fall very short of their mark for me.

I was excited about the idea of a kick-ass girl hiding in plain sight as a boy.  Who would ever believe who she really was?  And I completely understood her reasoning behind wanting to do so.  The problem is that she's not very convincing to the reader.  If she's not fooling me, who is she fooling?  Oh wait....no one.  And that's a huge part of this story that bugged the crap out of me.  Turns out everybody important in the story has basically known all along that she's a girl.  What was the point then?   I also disliked how indecisive she was when it comes to Rylan and Damien.  She's had this crush on Rylan forever, but all of a sudden Damien shows a slight interest in her and she's all over that.

Our two male leads are slightly better.  Rylan has known for quite some time that Alexa is not a boy but has gone above and beyond to protect the secret.  It does make me wonder if that allure is part of the attraction.  Damien has known since the moment he meet her because he's got a secret of his own.   He only reveals the truth when it benefits him which really makes me question his true motives and the depths of he feelings.

It's sad that the characters overshadow the storyline because there is a lot here that could have been great.  A power hungry king that is abusing his nation, sorcerers, rebels, and everything in between.  I may read the next one because it seems everything is out in the open now, but I'm not sure. 

 

Review - The Offering (The Pledge #3) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Offering

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: 3rd (The Pledge, The Essence)

Pages: 336

Published: December 31st 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books 

ISBN: 9781442445628 

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.  Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks. When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom. But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost.

First Line: Unflinching, the executioner stood on the bloodstained floor facing the prison cells as he wielded an axe with a razor-sharp blade.

I Give This ...
 

 

I realized part way through this book that my issue with the second book (and part of this one) was the story ended up being about something different than I had hoped.  The aspects of the story that I really enjoyed in the first book are not longer important.  Once I tabled that, I was able to enjoy this book a whole lot more.

Charlie makes an interesting Queen.  She tends to think with her heart more than with her head.  Not entirely a bad characteristic, but it makes her make decisions in the heat of the moment.  I'm not sure what she hoped to accomplish by sneaking off in the middle of the night and walking into enemy territory.  She should know that enemies rarely hold up their end of the bargain.  But, I admired her for trying.  She never gives up.

I liked that she's turned into more the Queen I had hoped she would be.  She has more training under her belt and can old her own in situations that test her limits.  But, she's also recognizing who she is and what she needs to do. Even in the end, when she thought Sabara was going to win, she was willing to give up herself if it might change the tides.

I liked how the cast of characters rounded this book out.  All of them were willing to go the distance for Queen Charlie.  I know it's their duty, but there were a number of times that it was evident that they believed in what she was trying to do.  They would all die in attempt to save their kingdom.

It was a satisfying ending to a trilogy that ended up being about something entirely different that I expected.  But, that was ok.  I'm looking forward to Kimberly Derting's next work!  And I still need to read the last book in her previous series!

Review - Neverwas (The Amber House Trilogy #2) by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, & Larkin Reed

Title: Neverwas

Author: Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed

Series: 2nd (Amber House)

Pages: 320

Published: January 7th 2014 by Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic Press 

ISBN: 9780545434188

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Things are very different--better--for Sarah and her family: her Aunt Maggie grew up; her parents are happily married; her grandmother died after a long, productive and respected life. But other things are different too, and not for the better.  After growing up in the free country of the Pacific Northwest, Sarah Parsons has settled in at Amber House, the stately Maryland home that's been in her family for generations. But the world surrounding the House feels deeply wrong to Sarah. It's a place where the colonists lost the 1776 Insurrection, where the American Confederation of States still struggles with segregation, and where Sarah is haunted by echoes of a better world that she knows never existed.  Her friend Jackson shares these visions of a different world--and together, they manage both to remember the way things ought to be, and to plan a daring mission that will reset the universe once again. Sarah must figure out what has changed, and why, and how she can fix it--how she can find her way to another otherwhen.

First Line: A spider the color of amber spun a web before me.

I Give This ...

 DNF (DID NOT FINISH)

I was actually really excited for this one.  I enjoyed Amber House quite a bit and was pleased to learn there was a sequel.  Sadly, I have no idea what happened here.

I really gave it my best go, even attempting past my usual 25%.  I kept thinking to myself that there had to be some part of the story that I wasn't getting.  If I kept reading, something would click for me, and I would want to continue.  That honestly never happened.  I vaguely understood that somehow time had been altered.  But, none of it made sense.  

I think a different approach would have worked better here.  Or perhaps, it's just me.  I have thoughts of trying to return to this book at a later date.  But, right now I have no desire too.  It's hard to commit to that when I have so many other books to enjoy.  

Review - The Essence (The Pledge #2) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Essence

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: 2nd (The Pledge)

Pages: 352

Published: January 1st 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry 

ISBN: 9781442445598

Source: Personal Copy

Description: At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness. Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two. As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

I Give This ...

 

This is one of those time that maybe it was too long since I read the last book in the series.  It's not the the events were unfamiliar.  It's more than the story seems different that how I remember the first book being.  

 I was indifferent to Charlie and her struggles as a new queen.  It seems the book glossed over some of the parts that might have made us better understand her.  She's put all these new policies into place, but I was surprised to read how much some of her people are unhappy with her changes.  I wasn't really expecting her to all of a sudden be the most popular Queen.  But, she doesn't seem to have a very strong hold of her kingdom.  I didn't ever even really get a feel that she was ruling in her right.  

The book picked up the pace a little when Charlie makes it to the summit.  But, this seems to be a party not a place for alliances to be made and broken.  There's a lot of talk on the proper way to greet each Queen and what everyone is wearing.  I found it kind of exhausting.

But, there's always something that sets you up to read the next book.  First, Sabara is still hanging on to Charlie.  And interestingly enough, she's not happy with a backseat role.  There's a couple instances were Charlie loses control and its Sabara pulling the strings.  Plus, there's a traitor in their mists, and that person may or may not be working for someone Charlie considers a friend.

Sadly, this book has that dreaded second book problem.  It's necessary to the storyline or you won't understand what happens next.  But, in the end it's likely to be my least favorite book in the series.   

 

Review - A Study in Darkness (The Baskerville Affair #2) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Darkness

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 2nd (A Study in Silks)

Pages: 513

Published: October 29th 2013 by Del Rey 

ISBN: 9780345537195

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When a bomb goes off at 221B Baker Street, Evelina Cooper is thrown into her Uncle Sherlock’s world of mystery and murder. But just when she thought it was safe to return to the ballroom, old, new, and even dead enemies are clamoring for a place on her dance card. Before Evelina’s even unpacked her gowns for a country house party, an indiscretion puts her in the power of the ruthless Gold King, who recruits her as his spy. He knows her disreputable past and exiles her to the rank alleyways of Whitechapel with orders to unmask his foe. As danger mounts, Evelina struggles between hiding her illegal magic and succumbing to the darker aspects of her power. One path keeps her secure; the other keeps her alive. For rebellion is brewing, a sorcerer wants her soul, and no one can protect her in the hunting ground of Jack the Ripper.

I Give This ...

I'm so glad that I decided to stick with this series.  There was something in the first book that made me want to continue on despite my 3 rating.  I was right!

Evelina is really beginning to grow on me as our main character.  She's got a very unique background with her connections to the aristocracy, the lower class, and then there's her uncle the infamous Sherlock Holmes.  But, she really holds her own in this story.  She may naive enough to take the bait to be the Gold King's spy, but I can't imagine anyone else for the job.  She manages to integrate herself in place that others can't.  Plus, she learns things about her magic that likely wouldn't have happened.  I imagine that will become more key as the story progresses.

I feel the love triangle is kind of up and down this time around.  I don't necessarily think Evelina's feeling for Tobias were misplaced.  He just didn't seem to think about the repercussions their actions might have on Evelina.  Plus, he's too easily swayed by a pretty face.  Niccolo's affection seem to be much more genuine.  He would do anything for her, including walk away.  I'm hoping that Evelina will stick to what seems to be a clear cut choice.  Who knows though!

I'm really enjoying the little bit we see of Sherlock in this series.  He's an character that could easily take center stage, but he stays in the background.  He may be part of the bigger picture, but he's not the one maneuvering the pieces.   I'm curious as to what his final role will be in this series.  And I LOVED the inclusion of Jack the Ripper in this story.  This serial killer has fascinated me for years, and I loved how it played out in the story.  It stuck with the details of the original crimes and lead to the allure of how it remained unsolved.   It worked beautifully here.

I'm excited to tackle the next book in the series.  I'm not sure if it the final one, but I will savor it and hope the story has a satisfying conclusion if it is!

 

 

Review - Afterglow (Wildefire #3) by Karsten Knight

Title: Afterflow

Author: Karsten Knight

Series: 3rd (Wildefire, Embers & Echoes)

Pages: 336

Published: November 12th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

ISBN:  9781442450370

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: In this conclusion to the Wildefire trilogy, teen volcano goddess Ashline Wilde learns her former love, Colt Halliday, has an evil plan to kill the Cloak, benevolent beings who oversee the gods. Also, he wants to merge Ash and her two sisters back into a single, too-powerful goddess, Pele. Ash must stop her trickster-god ex-boyfriend once and for all, by feeding a few flames.

I Give This ...

One thing I remember specifically thinking the first book in the series was lacking was information.  You know the back story.  I understood that Ashline couldn't remember her previous lives, so in all honesty is made sense that we don't get the story.  It just bugged me a little.  In this book we get it all.  And I loved every minute of it.

Ashline seems to get all her memories back in this book.  We finally get to see when she first meets Colt and what caused the the whole disruption.  I was curious as to what could have occurred that would lead to the idea that the best possible course of action was to rip Pele into three separate identities.   I almost would have liked to read the other God's side of the story because Pele was definitely interesting.    

Through all this information, I was surprised that I could dislike Colt even more.  He's a special kind of delusional, never once taking into consideration that Pele did not want to put back together.  He's playing everyone though and something's got to give.  

For a good portion of this book, I was afraid that Colt might actually be able to put Pele back together.  I didn't want that to happen because I kind of like them separate.  He's able to accomplish way to many of his tasks with ease.  In the end, I wasn't sure that anybody could stop him.  His abilities stack the odds against those who wish to defy his wishes.  

The story really pushes the limits on good vs evil.  But I loved the ending! 

Review - Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Taste of Darkness

Author: Maria V Snyder

Series: 3rd (Touch of Power, Scent of Magic)

Pages: 400

Published: December 31st 2013 by Harlequin MIRA 

ISBN: 9780778315858

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever. But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision. 

I Give This ...

I was waiting very patiently for this one.  I knew this was to be the last in the series and I hoped that it would have a satisfactory ending.  It's Maria Snyder!  I shouldn't have worried!

One thing I always have loved about Avry is that she doesn't like to be used and she doesn't like to be cornered.  She has a hard time taking orders from Ryan.  It's not so much that she wants to do her own thing.  But more along the lines that she can see the better way to get things done.  And she's always trusts her instincts, which don't always match up with what everybody else is doing.  I admired her courage when Kerrick is missing and presumed dead.  I love her interactions with the Peace and Death Lilly's.  She always puts others first to the point that some of them leave out little details to keep her from putting herself in harms way.

Kerrick was interesting to me.  He's character took a drastic physical transformation that I found fascinating.  Turns out his forest magic is way more intricate that I though possible.  But for the longest time I wondered how he would be able to help Avry and his friends.  He has way more limitations that he ever did.  At times I did enjoy this though because it required him to step back and admit that Avry could do that work.

There's a lot of details in this book.  Way to much to cover in a short little review.  But, the story was surprisingly fast paced.   Enough so, that as I reached the end I wondered if we would see a conclusion or if Maria would surprise us with a 4th book.  Thankfully it ended in a way that didn't really surprise me.  I'm just thankful those damn Lilly's are around!

I have no idea what's up next for Marie, but you can bet I will be reading it!