Stephanie's books

Clockwork Angel
Eragon
City of Bones
Twilight
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Golden Compass
Night World, No. 2
Thirst No. 2: Phantom, Evil Thirst, and Creatures of Forever
Thirst No. 3: The Eternal Dawn
The Iron Daughter
The Iron King
Nightshade
Divergent
A Discovery of Witches
A Great and Terrible Beauty
The Hunger Games
The Host
City of Glass
Memoirs of a Geisha
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo


Stephanie's favorite books »

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Read to Review- Saving Raine (The Drone Wars #1)



Title: Saving Raine
Author: Frederick Lee Brooke
Series: The Drone Wars book 1
Rating: 5/5




Synopsis:
"Matt, Raine went to California because her parents thought it was safe. It’s not. You’ve got to get her out as soon as possible. She could die, Matt."

When 19-year-old Matt Carney gets a cryptic message from his father telling him to go to California and save his girlfriend, Raine, he doesn't hesitate—he grabs his AK-47, revs up his blue pickup, and gets ready to make the 2,300-mile roadtrip.

But cross-country travel in 2021 isn't easy—or, sometimes, even possible. The U.S. has become a near-military state: 17,000 checkpoints severely restrict interstate movement, Predator drones target innocent civilians without cause, and explosions rock cities daily. Matt and his stepbrother, Benjy, face deadly attacks from a corrupt government, ruthless local law enforcement, and bloodthirsty terrorist groups as they embark on their trek. They're about to find out that their trip is much more than a private journey, and their success could change the face of the country—forever.

Can Matt and Benjy outrun the drone missiles raining down on their heads? Can they avoid assassination by government officials hell-bent on taking over what little is left of the country? Can they outsmart the deadly schemes set in motion against them?

Break the rules.
Save the girl.
He only gets one chance before she's gone forever.


My Review:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a crazy dystopian world with a corrupt government all but controlled by the military and using technology to spy on people and control them. With the world in shambles Matt's trip to save his girlfriend Raine is full of explosions, gun fights and a lot of secret help along the way.
I liked Matt right away and getting a look into the insanity he suffered at home and then a cryptic message from his father really pulled me into the story and had me hooked and rooting for him. I liked how his journey across the dangerous country brought him some answers and I can't wait to continue the series because with all the drama and answers there were also a lot more questions raised and I am excited to see the fight continue.
At first I was a little bothered by what I called the side stories, mostly because I just wanted to follow Matt on his journey but they all ended up being WAY more important than I could have ever realized and looking back at the story as a whole they made the story much more well rounded and I love how perfectly the author weaved them together in surprising ways.
I almost always enjoy a corrupt power to fight against and I do enjoy this struggle but what I love most is that there is not really just one bad guy htere are a bunch of evil groups in this world and soem are not always what they seem everything is so intense and teisted that the only thing I know for sure is that I am on Matt's side and rooting for him to discover the truth and maybe find some peace, but the action and espionage are so good that I'm enjoying the crazy ride and I can't wait to see who ends up on top.


Book three of the series is out today (July 15,2015) so get started on this series if you haven't already now is the perfect time! and if you have started the series then get the final book and find out how it all ends!

Friday 10 July 2015

Read to Review- Of Royal Descent (The Doyle Hawthorne series 1)



Title: Of Royal Descent 
Author: Ember Shane
Series: The Doyle Hawthorne series book 1
Rating: 3/5



Synopsis:
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But sometimes, under extreme circumstances, it's exactly that which kills you that makes you stronger. And faster. And a member to a new, elite race of zombies.

Armed with a current address for his biological grandfather and a slightly unusual, yet loyal best friend, Doyle Hawthorne sets out to discover the truth about his past. But answers don't come easily, and the closer Doyle arrives to his destination, the more confusing things become. Disturbing alterations to his physical appearance as well as to his personality flicker on and off as Doyle searches for a logical explanation.

Despite the increasing severity of these uncontrolled flare-ups, Doyle is determined to keep his first date with Addy - a beautiful, young woman he has met upon his arrival into town. After narrowly subduing his raging impulses, Doyle quickly decides not even death itself can keep him from her. Unfortunately, he is about to test that theory.

Once initiated, nothing can alter the process of shading - the term given to the three distinct phases of becoming a higher classification of zombie, commonly referred to as "royals". Doyle must learn to control his tendency toward violence as well as his newfound royal powers if there is any chance of protecting those he loves from a mad scientist, the government, the colony of royals, and most importantly... himself.


My Review:

*I won a paperback copy of this book from goodreads first reads*
This book took me a long time to get into and a long time to finish and I think it was the over descriptive parts about Dylan getting ready, it is a huge pet peeve of mine and a book turn off of mine, I know people have to get ready for the day that is a given but please don't spend a bunch of pages on it when exciting and informational things could be happening instead. Despite the slow start and the fact that is felt like it took forever for the story to get going, it did get interesting and I did find myself engaged as soon as the Zombie Gene was introduced I thought that was an interesting idea and I would really like to learn more about that aspect of the story. I'm not a fan of insta love and this book hard one but I guess they were pretty cute so I will get over it.
I wish there were not so many unanswered questions by the end of this book it was a pretty long book and I thought I would get more but I guess I will just have to read book 2 to get the answers I seek.
 

Saturday 13 June 2015

Read to Review- The Journey of the Marked (The Miyran Heir #1)



Title: Journey of the Marked
Author: Rebecca P. McCray
Series: The Miyran Heir #1
Rating: 5/5



Synopsis:

On a distant planet, Eros thrives in the Human settlement he calls home. Raised to follow his grandfather's noble footsteps, he studies the details of each species that co-exists here. But when his sixteenth birthday arrives and the mark appears, he's called to fight, which changes his life forever. 

Forced to abandon his home, the mark makes him the hunted. He's attacked the night he arrives in the city, but a scrappy, street fighter named Kenrya saves his life. When they join others on the same journey, her less-than-perfect attitude drives a wedge between the group. 

Given the perils facing them, can they put aside their differences and trust each other long enough to survive? 

Discover this epic, dystopian adventure where an individual's unique abilities can change the course of the future.

My Review:

I was gifted an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved everything about this book, the only complaint I have is that it came to an end and I have to wait for the next book. 
The different points of view were great they helped give the world a well rounded view and with all the different reaces living on Zolei having a point of view from many of them helped me learn about their culture and how they fit into this wonderful world, I also liked how it gave so much history without getting boring. The struggle between the Tyrnott and Miyran was very interesting and I am very curious about the Miyran heir and who it is, although I do have my suspicions guess I'll have to wait to see if I am right.
I fell in love with the group of the marked ones and I don't think its possible for me to pick a favorite, all from different walks of life with different skills, they were great as a group but also as individuals:
"Yes, together, you're stronger. Together you may survive."
And getting points of view from the marked ones families gave an even more well rounded view making me more attached to them and their success. 
"They were marked at the same time and brought together for a reason. He hoped they lived long enough to fulfill that destiny."

This was a fantastic read, I'm so excited to continue this series and dive back into this amazing world that I not so secretly wish was a real place I could visit.

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Read to Review-The Archer (Arrow's Flight #2)



Title: The Archer

Author: Casey Hays
Series: Arrow's Flight #2
Rating: 5/5



Summary:

It took some heavy convincing, a few white lies, and the death of her leader to pull her away from that village, but finally, Kate is with me. I have never felt such relief. I will keep her safe. I will protect her with my last breath if I have to. I won't let my fears get in my way. And in time, I will tell her the whole truth. About me. About Eden. Even if she hates me afterwards . . . 

The Village is a mere memory. The world stands before Kate a wide-open door to the unknown. It is her life now. And her greatest fear.

Her only comfort is Ian with his promises of a new life in Eden. A refuge abundantly full of every good thing. A sanctuary of hope. A place of wonder. A paradise where the Archer doesn't exist, and Fate can't reach her. Together with the other boys from Eden, they embark on a harsh journey full of harrowing surprises and heart-wrenching secrets that forces them to prove their devotion to one another time and again.

But the boys of Eden? Just who are they with their unnatural abilities and dark secrets? Will entrusting her life–her heart–to one of them place her in graver danger than ever before? 

Will Eden finally be enough? Or will her heart continue to ache for something greater?

My Review:


*I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I must confess that I enjoyed book one a little more than book two and I think that is because this one was so heartbreaking and I know it had to be because that's life and even more so in this world but it made me very sad on many occasions, now I will say that I'm in love with this series and heartbreaking or not I will continue on because I'm totally hooked and that insane cliffhanger demands me to find out what happens, I am a liitle ticked off about the ending, to leave me hanging like that is just cruel especially since I can't get book 3 yet but as soon as I can I'm all over it.
I still love Kate she is strong and capable and I love the group that surrounds her on her scary journey to a new life.

"These boys from Eden are a mystery cloaked in rugged strength and equal tenderness."

I enjoyed the Eden boys Ian and Justin most of all and I really liked getting Ian's point of view in this book it gave me more info on Eden, Ian's super powers and also the insight I craved on Ian's feelings for Kate. Eden has a ton of secrets that I did not expect, it is not the utopia it was made out to be but the world is a crazy place and Kate does realize this eventually. 

"The outside world is no better," I say quietly "It might even be worse."

I am crazy excited for book 3 there is so much I need to know and so many people I'm hoping find the happiness they deserve, they have been through too much heatache as it is and I know there is more to come.

"Grief does not keep track of time."

Amazing series with amazing writing and this has become one of my favorite dystopians.

Saturday 16 May 2015

Read to Review- Breeder (Arrow's Flight #1) by Casey Hays



Title: Breeder
Author: Casey Hays
Series: Arrow's Flight book 1
Rating: 5/5




Summary:
Beyond the Village, nothing exists ... except devastation. A war waged by men and their hateful weapons long ago made it so, and my people--the women of the Village--are the only survivors. This is what our history lessons teach us, and this is what we are to believe. But I am sixteen now ... and I question everything. The Archer has spoken, but I have no desire to heed his command. I long for more. 


In a world demolished by war and ruled by the hands of Fate, individual choices have become obsolete. Essentially, there is only one requirement: Bow the knee to the wisdom of the Council without question. Many of the women in the Village have acquiesced to this mandate, including some of Kate's closest friends. But Kate longs for something more; she hears the call of another life. On the day of her sixteenth birthday celebration, the reality of what this means invades her with a vengeance, and she is forced to contend with her own moral conscience. Kate's destiny has always been the Pit--the life of the breeder--which she is expected to embrace without complaint. Her rebel's heart, however, refuses to comply with Fate's demand, and what she finds in the Pit draws her one step closer to finding the truth about herself and the Village. And it changes the course of her destiny for all eternity. Ages 14 and up.


My Review:

I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Well this book was not what I had expected because it was better. I was just expecting another typical dystopian read which is not a bad thing I loved the genre and decided to read this book based a little on that (I also liked the summary) but I found this to be much more than just your average dystopian and I loved it.
I really loved the writing, it pulled me in right away and I found myself lost in the world because of the great but not over the top descriptions it was very beautiful and it made it very hard for me to put this book down.
Kate was great, a young girl ready for her life to be her own and sick of the Council and what they think her fate should be, I admired her determination to stand up for what she wanted and it usually came at a high cost but she stuck to her guns. I also really liked Ian but I found that he was a little rash when it came to Kate and I'm not sure I totally believed how strongly he felt for her but I'm definitely coming around and I am looking forward to watching them together.
Mona, The Council and the village was rather disturbing just when I thought it could not get any worse another layer of evil was revealed and I found myself shocked and cringing more than I thought I would but I also I was fascinated with the way things worked and how so many people can just accept this way of life even after all of the "disposing" of that was done. I loved watching Kate fight Mona it was so exciting but I did not see the ending coming it was not at all what I expected and it was also pretty great.

"...I feel free. Rebellion does that to you. It makes you bold about the cause before you've won. It plays tricks on your mind that give you hope."

This is an amazing book about fate and the role we allow it to play in our lives, this is one of those books that will stick with you, that will make you think and for that I am grateful and just once more I will say I loved this book.

Saturday 9 May 2015

Read to Review- Dragon Marked (Supernatural Prison 1)




Title: Dragon Marked
Author: Jaymin Eve
Series: Supernatural Prison book 1
Rating: 5/5






Synopsis:
Book 1 in Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance Trilogy.

There are supernatural prisons hidden across the globe. Contained within these fortresses are some of the deadliest criminals from the five supernatural races: vampire, shifter, fey, magic users and demi-fey.


Jessa Lebron, twenty-two, has spent her entire life in Stratford, Connecticut, one of the gateway towns adjoining these prisons which protect the fortified borders. She’s a wolf shifter, and her father leads the town council. She learns that much of her life has been hidden from her, secrets which threaten to tear apart the very fabric of her world. Especially the biggest secret of them all.


She is dragon marked.
Jessa only knows what she’s been told about the dragon marked, that they are dangerous and must be eliminated to prevent the rise of the dragon king, the powerful warmonger who had his head removed a thousand years ago. So now Jessa's on the biggest hit list of all. Dragon mark hunters are lethal and her only hope to evade detection is to keep the energy contained.
As more secrets unfold she finds herself locked up in Vanguard, the notorious American supernatural prison. Thankfully she’s not alone. Braxton, the dragon-shifter has her back. Together they must survive long enough to free themselves and the other dragon marked.


Because it’s time for the dragon marked to rise.


My Review:

HOORAY FOR THIS BOOK
Okay I had to say that first before I say I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great, I am an instant fan of this world and the characters in it and I can not wait for book 2, I want, no I NEED more because it was that good and to be honest it could have been much longer and I would not have cared, I am not happy that I have to wait for book 2 but of course I will but I hope it's not to long (Hint Hint Jaymin Eve lol).
Jessa is awesome and I want to be her, she is a powerful wolf Shifter with four superHOT and super powerful best-friends/bodyguards The compass brothers, yes I guess she has a lot of crap to deal with being Dragon Marked and all but she gets to have her boys and I think they would make it all worth it plus I think her having the Dragon Mark is kinda cool. So if you have not already guessed I have a giant crush on these four hotties, Maximus (Vampire), Braxton (Dragon Shifter), Tyson (Wizard), and Jacob (Fey) were fantastic and their relationship with Jessa was maybe a tiny bit cheesy at times but it was also beautiful and heart warming. Braxton is my favorite and I believe he is Jessa's as well, I loved how subtle the change in their friendship was but I know it will play a bigger role as the series continues at least I hope it does. Having the four brothers be different supernaturals was really neat it was a great way to introduce each one as an individual and also explain a lot about the rest of that group at the same time, in my opinion it was genius.
The ending was perfect it wrapped things up enough that I was not left hanging but it also left me with a lot of unanswered questions making me crazy excited for book 2 and beyond.
This book has it all action, corrupt councils, friendship, and lots of cool supernatural characters so pick it up today you wont regret it!!

Monday 4 May 2015

Read to Review- Fangs and Fur (The Life and Trials of Persephone Black Book 2)



Title:  Fangs and Fur (The Life and Trials of Persephone Black Book 2) 
Author: L.M. Miller
Rating: 4/5







Synopsis
Parallel universes, cannibalistic gnomes, and bird-riding street races can’t stop Seph and her friends… hopefully. 

After defeating a virgin-sacrificing vampire cult, Seph thought life at Monster Academy would go back to relatively normal, if a teenage vampire could have a relatively normal life. But things are never normal at Monster Academy. When Seph’s friends hear rumors about a parallel world hidden beneath the school, Abernathy and Linda just have to go and investigate it. Nevermind the rumors about a creature that none have seen the likes of before that rules this world with an iron fist. When the girls are captured by said beast, the rest of the gang have to save them, and that is only the beginning. Finding an intellectual gnome, some hippie-era wizards, and maybe a 300-year-old fire-witch, the friends can and will save the girls, whatever the cost


My Review

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Well this was a delightful sequel but I must say that of the two so far I liked the first one a little bit more. I liked that this book had more of an external struggle, where book one had the characters fighting within their group and within themselves this one had a struggle against an evil that sort of brought them together and made them face some truths that may have otherwise been swept under the rug, it made things a little more action packed but there was also lots of character growth and discovery while each small group faced a different journey to reach the end. The new characters that they discovered in the alternate world were interesting and it will be cool to see how they fit in as things continue (I really hope there is a book 3) but my heart still belongs to the original six.
I feel in love with Rodney in book one but this time around he sort of bugged me and I do sort of understand that the whole magic sharing and blood drinking complicates things for him and Persephone but I thought he was better than that and I really hope he does a bit of growing up soon. I really enjoyed Persephone's journey she learned a lot about herself and under the circumstances I think she handled herself rather well and like I said before I really hope there is a book 3 cause I really want to know more about the world and about all these characters especially Persephone.
I highly recommend this series to fans of paranormal it is full of action and even more heart and in my opinion it is balanced very well and it had me engaged from the start and I am now a big fan
.

Friday 1 May 2015

Read to Review- Blood and Beasts (The Life and Trials of Persephone Black book 1)



Title:  Blood and Beasts (The Life and Trials of Persephone Black book 1)
Author: L.M. Miller
Rating: 4.5 /5

Synopsis:
Turning sixteen, Seph learns that true friends can handle accidental dragons, blood-chugging contests, and virgin-sacrificing cults. 

Seph thought she was the average teenager. She was raised in a foster home. She had a half-brother and half-sister. She had a few best friends. Then she turns sixteen, and she makes out with her best friend, bites him, and nearly kills him. Becoming a vampire isn’t easy. Now, filled with an insatiable urge for blood, she finds herself shipped to Monster Academy, which is filled with the rest of the freaks of nature, like her. Befriending a couple of witches, a wizard, and a few werewolves, this vampire with an identity crisis finds out that she’s not the only one with problems. As much as she may think she is a monster, she learns that what you are on the inside is what makes you a monster or not. She finds herself immersed in a world of fairy colonies, backstabbing brethren, and teenage romance, but in this whole new world of hers, a blood-crazed monster like herself might be just what it needs.


My Review:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts and gets right to the point and I loved that, there is a lot of action and discovery in the first few chapters and it really drew me in, and the quick and easy pace kept me going, usually much longer than I should have, proving how fun it really is.
I very much enjoyed the large and loveable cast of characters but on the other hand it did take me a while to get some of them straight and to be honest there are still a few that still make me pause for a second to recall who they are but I guess that is to be expected when a boarding school of magical creatures is involved and their pasts are all very deeply explored giving you a ton of info. Speaking of the characters and their in depth pasts I really loved how so much of this book focused on their dark truths and how they all came together to heal. it was neat to see the union of vampires, werewolves, and witches and how they helped each other cope no matter their past or mistakes. My favorite part about this book was the freindships and how they grew with the characters.
I must confess that the fact that the focus was the issues these characters faced while trying to adjust to a new life of the magical world, the large threat that they faced at the end seemed rushed and sort of just thrown in there but it was also very action packed and it set up what I imagine will be a great sequel without being to cliff hanger like. 
I really really liked this book and anyone who enjoys a good paranormal read with a lot of emotion then I would highly recommend this one for you.
I am excited for book two and I hope it is as full of action and friendship as this one was I will even enjoy a little more heartbreak just to spend some time in this world

Book Review- Delirium (Delirium #1)

Title: Delirium (Delirium 1)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Rating: 3.5 /5


Synopsis:
Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.






My Review:

Well I finally read this and to be honest I had expected more, it was an okay book but I got a little bored. I found things did pick up at the end but not soon enough for my liking but also it did pick up enough that I am a little curious and I want to pick up the next book and see what happens, although I will admit I am not rushing out to get my hands on it.
I was not impressed by Lena she sort of annoyed me but I did like the romance she found and how it opened her eyes to a world of possibility. Lena's friend Hana I did enjoy she had a fun rebellious spirit that drew me to her and I would really like to read the novella about her more than the rest of the trilogy because I want to know more about her.
The idea of Love being a disease was interesting and it sure gave me some food for thought and it is definitely the thing that is keeping me interested in the series but as I read it is also part of the reason things were a little boring since a life without love seems extremely dull to me. I hope that things are a bit more light in the next book and I do want to find out where Lena goes from here. Overall this was not a terrible book but I had hoped for more and I think that my lesson here is to not expect to much from book 2 and maybe I can enjoy it a bit more
.

Sunday 5 April 2015

Book Review- Red Queen (Red Queen #1)





Title: Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Format I Read: Hardcover
Rating: 5/5






Goodreads summary:
The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.
To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.
Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.
But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

My Review:
This book is definitely my favorite of the year. I'm a huge sucker for a royal court and all the lies and espionage that goes along with it and this book delierved on all the drama I had hoped for, and to deliver that drama is an interesting court indeed, two princes both different and both untrustworthy in their own way, a cold and heartless queen with a deadly power determined to control everyone and everything, a hardcore king that I never really got a full read on, and most dramatic of all the members of the high houses fighting for wealth and power. The backstabbing and fight for survival was so exciting and my favorite thing, and the betrayals suffered were terrible but also oddly satisfying and I hope to witness some revenge soon and it also taught me an important ... "Anyone can betray anyone." 
I hope this review is not just on big ramble I loved it so much I'm finding it hard to get my feelings out, I just had so many of them and it's hard to get them in order but onward we go anyway.
I touched a bit on the royal court, which is full of characters I loved to hate and even a few that I just loved but Mare, the girl who is different and a threat to the Silvers way of life was my favorite she had a strong will and right or wring she knows what she wants and what needs to be done, I really hope she uses the lessons she learned while staying at the palace to help her win, I am rooting for her and her band of warriors:
"We will rise, red as the dawn." 
My biggest regret is that now I have to wait for the other books in the trilogy, but on the plus side I have time to reread this one before I get the others and get a great adventure once again.
I'm extremely glad I fed into the hype because it worked out really well for me, I was shocked, I cried and I sat on the edge of my seat in anticipation when things got dicey, it was a wonderful journey and I can't wait to spend more time in this magically twisted world full of greatness. 

"Iam the king and you could've been my red queen, now you are nothing."

Friday 3 April 2015

Book Review- Sapphire Blue (Ruby Red #2)





Title: Sapphire Blue (Ruby Red #2)
Author: Kerstin Gier
Translated to english by Anthea Bell
Format I Read: Paperback
Rating: 4/5





Goodreads summary:
Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.
 At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.


My Review:
I have to admit I did not like this one as much as book one, there were lots of drawn out parts and I'm sure that a lot of the things mentioned or talked about will come into play later but it made for a longer reading time than I expected since I flew through book one in a single sitting.
I love the idea behind this story and the time travel aspect is very well done, I can't wait to see why everyone is so nervous or excited about the circle closing and how the prophecies will play a part. I really enjoy how complicated things have become and I'm interested to watch it all play out.
Gwen bothers me a bit, I understand Gideon is gorgeous but I feel like she wastes to much time on him when much mire important things are going on, she travels through time people are after her and other things I woukd like to think a boy would not be so distracting but I'm not 16 anymore so maybe I'm wrong. Gideon has also started to bither me a bit... what is he up too? I hope I get answers in book 3.
the last quarter if this book was exciting and I hope that continues cause im anxious for the answers I need. 

Thursday 26 March 2015

NetGalley Review- Feast of Fates (Four Feasts Till Darkness #1)


Title: Feast of Fates 

(Four Feasts Till Darkness #1)

Author: Christian A. Brown

Format I read: Ebook (kindle via NetGalley)

Rating: 3.5 /5


SYNOPSIS:
Morigan lives a quiet life as the handmaiden to a fatherly old sorcerer named Thackery. But when she crosses paths with Caenith, a not wholly mortal man, her world changes forever. Their meeting sparks long buried magical powers deep within Morigan. As she attempts to understand her newfound abilities, unbidden visions begin to plague her—visions that show a devastating madness descending on one of the Immortal Kings who rules the land.

With Morigan growing more powerful each day, the leaders of the realm soon realize that this young woman could hold the key to their destruction. Suddenly, Morigan finds herself beset by enemies, and she must master her mysterious gifts if she is to survive.
 

MY REVIEW:
*I received a copy of this book via netgalley*

It took me a long time to get into this book, it is a beast filled with a lot of information and a lot of world building which is good but also as the in depth description continued I found I got lost and I even skimmed a little. The writing style also took some getting used to but once I did I found a beauty to it that I rather enjoyed.
Most of the characters were wonderful but there is a lot of them in this crazy tale and some I could not care for, Morigan and Caenith were my favorite by far, with fate playing a part they form an unlikely but deep bond and I love when two people can find each other and help each other grow and learn about themselves like these two did.
As I read other reviews for this book I noticed some people were bothered by the graphic rape and torture in the story and yes I would agree this tale is not for the faint of heart but I disagree with it being a reason not to read this book (unless you are one of those faint of heart) because in a land as cruel and ruthless as the ones in this world built here I think its bound to happen, it is proof of the cruelty that must be faught and also some brutalities play a role in the unfolding of the tale.
I liked this book but I can't say I loved it and I have to admit there were times I had to push myself to continue or skim some of the drawn out description but overall I'm glad I read this and I may continue the series if I find the time So I can see how things continue.

Monday 16 March 2015

Book Review- Horde (Razorland #3)



Title: Horde (Razorland #3)

Author: Ann Aguirre

Format I read: Paperback

Rating: 5/5





SYNOPSIS:
The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity

MY REVIEW:
Well this was a satisfying end to a satisfying series. I have really enjoyed this series and the things I believe it stsnds for, such as being true to yourself and fighting for what you love snd believe in. This world is made up of some really great characters, some not so great characters, and some forgettable ones but they all played their part. There was an extra bit of death in this conclusion but I expected that, it was war after all and some were troubling but one hit me harder than I had expected and was a lingering sore spot for some of our characters but all in all the ending was perfect deaths or not.
My favorite thing about this installment was the revelation of why it's called the Razorland series, it was perfect and I could not have asked for a better explanation. The freaks also evolved a lot and it was interesting to get more info on them and hoe they learn and I know believe they are NOTzombies but I still really liked the idea of them maybe more than zombies.
This being book three and an epic ending I won't say more as not to spoil anything. I loved this series and I'm kinda sad its over but I enjoyed the ride and the great ending this book brought it.
 

Sunday 15 March 2015

Book Review- Outpost (Razorland #2)



Title: Outpost (Razorland #2)

Author: Ann Aguirre

Format I read: Paperback

Rating: 5/5





SYNOPSIS:
Deuce’s whole world has changed.

Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
 

MY REVIEW:
I don't really remember book one that well so I can't say if I liked this one more or less but I do know that I did enjoy this book a lot and as I read on I remembered what I needed to from the first book and I really enjoyed how things continued on.
I like Deuce, I know there are people who do not and criticize her a lot because of her reactions to certain events but as tough as some of the things were that happened in both books, I enjoyed the authenticity of her reaction based on her upbringing and her limited interaction and knowledge of topside. I also think that Deuce is growing and learning but I admire her will to stay true to the thing that makes her feel alive and important, she also has Momma oaks to give her guidance it the ways of the world and when she shiws her love it changes a lot if things for Deuce and I simply feel in love with momma oaks quickly and was glad for her presence it brought light to a pretty dark and dangerous world.

Spoilers Ahead
Stalker is an interesting dude, I know he did terrible things but the more he is around and opens up I believe that he did what he did because he thought that was the only way to survive, and I may like him but I do not think he is the right choice for Deuce and I'm glad he is not on the radar really anymore even if he still thinks he is. Fade and Deuce are partners in more ways than one and I enjoyed the time they got in carefree love. I don't agree with what stalker said about Fade:
"He won't make you happy, dove. He's soft in ways you and I aren't. Ultimately, you're going to break him." 
I think that softness he has is something Deuce needs and I dont think she will break him I think she will save him, always as he will her. Longshot was as good for Deuce as momma oaks he sad my favorite thing to Deuce:
"Then speak louder girl, Don't let them put out your spark." 
I'm very shocked by the evolution of the freaks or muties as Salvation calls them, I knew that they were learning but I did not exspect colonies living like the humans, I'm curious to know more of them as it is clear they are not just mindless zombies as we were once lead to believe.
I'm worried about our little group as they travel from Salvation in hopes to save it and I will continue on ASAP.