ARC Review: Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin harcourt

Source: Netgalley

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Link: Goodreads

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

My Review:
As much as I liked Grave Mercy when I read it last year, it was hardly perfect. Pacing issues and a heroine I don't much care for in hindsight are my two most noteworthy problems with it, but neither of those are anywhere to be found Dark Triumph. LaFevers kick it out a couple dozen notches and shows everyone how writing a sequel is done. It's so good that I'm scared the next book in the series will disappoint me!

Ismae's story in Grave Mercy began with her wedding and escape to the convent, which made the pacing drag a little as we saw her grow up, but Sybella's story cuts right to the chase and reveals a part of her background we never learned in the previous book: she's the daughter of D'Albret, the man trying to force Duchess Anne to marry him. Over the course of the novel, bits and pieces of what living in his household was like for her. Close to the end, we come to learn exactly what had Sybella so wild and distraught when she first arrived at the convent and met Ismae. It's... pretty bad. I don't blame her a bit.

Sybella is also a more engaging narrator. Whereas Ismae is very devout and subdued, Sybella is angry, jaded, and often wonders if St. Mortain exists at all. Her voice is more natural, there's hardly any noticeable flubs in the prose (no blood singing in triumph or whatever, thank goodness), and it's difficult not to cheer her on when she has to deal with a very twisted family. There's her monstrous, occasionally-flat-but-still-terrifying father, one brother who is in love with her and rather messed up, another brother who is even MORE messed up, and two younger sisters she'd do anything to protect.

While reading Grave Mercy, imagining the Beast of Waroch being with anyone was a little difficult, but he fits in well as Sybella's love interest--and especially dear to me because he isn't a handsome man at all.

My Rating:

ARC Review: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Source: Netgalley

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Link: Goodreads

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Review:
OMG OMG!!!! I’m just floored by how much I adored this book, and now I’m wondering what took me so long to get to it? I mean, I do know, I got it from Arcycle a few months ago, but I was trying to read all of my upcoming releases first, and now that I have finished all 2013 releases, now I get to dive into all these other books that have been calling my name for way too long. Now? Now I get to ask myself why I waited so long to read this amazing book. I know one of the biggest drawbacks is the size, but man was it worth reading.

For starters, I loved how this was like a historical fiction with some magic wrapped into it. There is nothing like taking the past and adding something to make it lively because, as a historian, the past can be boring and so can historical fictions that just don’t understand how the past really happened. I think I would actually liken this to a sort of Game of Thrones lite. Sure there are no dragons or things like that, but there is that element that this could have been the past if not for the crazy mysticism.

I adored the characters almost right away. Of course there was some getting used to what the hell was going on and adjusting to who all these people were. It’s hard to deny that when you have such a complicated plot and so many different character. That was my biggest problem I think that there were a few characters that I couldn't keep straight, namely the high lords that were all kinds of wrapped up in the plot.

I adored Ismae and her strength in the face of everything that could go wrong that did. I really enjoyed her getting to know Duval and how even though she was sort of told not to trust men, she clearly trusted her gut which was much more important. The ending of this book was the icing on the cake and left me wanting to return to this world. Finding out that we were going to get another book left me delighted abet, slightly disappointed that it was not about Ismae.

My Rating

ARC Review: Once Upon A Road Trip (Once Upon A Road Trip #1)

Once Upon A Road Trip (Once Upon A Road Trip #1) by Angela N. Blount

Publisher: Artifice Press, 2013
398 pages, kindle edition

Source: Abbie and Sarah

Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Links: Goodreads

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Eighteen-year-old Angeli doesn't "fit in." She's never been on a single date, and she lives vicariously through an online world of storytelling. With the pressures of choosing a practical future path bearing down, she needs a drastic change. Too old to run away from home, she opts instead to embark on a solo 2-month road trip. But her freedom is tempered by loneliness - and anxiety tests her resolve as she comes face-to-face with her quirky internet friends.

Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches - like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.

Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. In the wake of her refusal, one man will betray her, and the other will prove himself worthy of a place in her future.

Angeli sets off in search of a better understanding of herself, the world, and her place in it. What she finds is an impractical love, with the potential to restore her faith in happy endings.

A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure - Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.

My Review:

Pretty much like most people getting ready to graduate high school, Angela is struggling with who she is and what she wants out of life. She is a normal girl who has had relatively normal experiences for those who sit on the outskirts of the high school social norms. She is horrified just by the thought of being trapped in the mundane – doing well, but never quite reaching the stratosphere. Unlike most of her peers, she is intent on doing something about it. Name a months long road trip throughout the US and Canada to determine what she is made of. Crashing with friends, some of who turn out to be foes, and on occasion in her car, she is tested at every turn by fear, by her stuggle to determine who she is and what she wants, and by the unthinkable.

This book does not read like a typcal memoir. Written in third person, it is far more like reading a novel. It is only with the inclusion of parts of her travel journal interspersed thoughout the narrative that the reader catches a glimpse of the internal aspects of Angela’s journey of her self-discovery. Author Angela Blount’s decision to structure her memoir in the way she did is a large part of its charm. The variation allows the reader to experience the story without the intrusion of the author’s internal musings and to make their own determinations of what they think and feel about the goings on before the author inserts her own. Though it could have been more powerful had she provided a more in-depth analysis of her reactions to the events she found herself embroiled in; Blount’s voice is solid and true, and will only strengthen as she continues her life’s journey.

Though the author tends to skirt around some bigger issues, staying safe at an emotional distance away, this book is a powerful story of true self-discovery.

My Rating:

Book Blitz: B.R. Kingsolver

Ashley's Dream by B.R. Kingsolver

Publisher: Not available at the moment

Release Date: January 2015

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Links:Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

Ashley isn’t looking for love. She has a dream to travel the world, and getting tied down by a man doesn’t fit into her plans. Relationships always get so complicated, and men always lie. It’s better just to have some fun and no one gets hurt.

When she graduates college and the job offers don’t come rolling in, her life continues as usual: working as the manager of a college town bar and hanging out with her friends. Then a tragic event pushes her to take a chance on romance.

But things are not always as they seem, and Ashley’s white knight has secrets. Her friends try to tell her something isn’t right, but her common sense is smothered by his kisses and soft endearments.

When the job offer she has always wanted arrives, will she follow her heart and choose love, or follow her life-long dream?

Excerpt:

Jeff had continued to come by the bar, and I was getting a little tired of him always following me with his eyes. He was nice enough, but still trying to impress me and get me to pay more attention to him.

It was on my second date with Steve when I encountered Jeff. We were leaving and he was just coming into the restaurant. His expression showed surprise, and then his eyes narrowed in kind of a hurt way. We said hello, and as I was getting into the car, I looked back. Jeff was standing in the doorway watching us.

The following Saturday night, Jeff showed up around midnight as he usually did. After I got him a beer, he asked, “So, are you dating again?”

Damn. It really wasn’t his business. I didn’t want to be rude, but I also didn’t want to go out with him. I didn’t know him at all. In all the time he’d been coming in, he hadn’t talked about himself at all. Of course, I hadn’t asked, either. I hadn’t wanted him to think I might be interested.

“Oh, the other night?” I said. “Steve and I are old friends. He used to date my roommate.”

There. That should take care of it. Nice and short and uninformative.

“I was just wondering,” he said. “I would enjoy getting to know you better.”

Guyspeak for ‘I want to get in your pants’. Most girls who are decent looking get tired of being hit on all the time. Working in a bar meant getting hit on all day, every day. I usually didn’t think about it. You get used to just brushing it off, and most guys really don’t expect to score with a server anyway. I sometimes think they feel obligated to try in order to keep up their man card, and then they drop it. I have regulars that I flirt like crazy with, but neither of us expects anything to happen.

“Jeff, I think it would be nice to get to know you, too,” I said. “But right now, I’m still learning the manager’s position, I’m understaffed, and I work all the time. I rarely even have time for my closest friends.” The part about being understaffed was a lie. I’d found another part-time bartender, another part-time cook, and I was actually able to take two nights a week off. As to my friends, Dar and Sheila and I had gone out drinking and dancing a couple of nights before.

He cocked his head and forced a smile. “Okay, Ashley. I can take a hint.”

Kindle Scout:

Kindle Scout is reader ­powered publishing for new, never ­before­ published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book gets published.

With Kindle Scout, Amazon is taking a 21st century approach to publishing, letting readers nominate which books progress to funding. It’s like your favorite reality TV show, except for books. It means you can now read excerpts from hitherto unpublished books and, if you like them, give your thumbs­up.

Each book, across the romance, science fiction and mystery & thriller genres, has 30 days to get as many votes as possible. After this period, Amazon checks which titles have the most backing, and selects which will be published.

So why would you wish to nominate a title? Well, if you like what you've read in the short extracts, it means you can read the full novel when it hits publication. But more than that you also receive a free Kindle edition a week before it’s officially released.

Read an excerpt and vote to nominate Ashley’s Dream before December 16.

 Author Bio:

I made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.

As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

ARC Review: The Glass Magician (The Paper Magician #2)

The Glass Magician (The Paper Magician #2) by Charlie N. Holmberg

Publisher: 47North, 2014

222 pages, paper edition

Source: Netgalley

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Link: Goodreads

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Three months after returning Magician Emery Thane’s heart to his body, Ceony Twill is well on her way to becoming a Folder. Unfortunately, not all of Ceony’s thoughts have been focused on paper magic. Though she was promised romance by a fortuity box, Ceony still hasn’t broken the teacher-student barrier with Emery, despite their growing closeness.

When a magician with a penchant for revenge believes that Ceony possesses a secret, he vows to discover it…even if it tears apart the very fabric of their magical world. After a series of attacks target Ceony and catch those she holds most dear in the crossfire, Ceony knows she must find the true limits of her powers…and keep her knowledge from falling into wayward hands.

My Review:

This book didn’t quite live up to the expectations I was expecting it too. I’m not too sure if I was completely in a different time frame of mind this time around or what.
Ceony has been pining after Emory ever since she saved him in the first book. The bad guys are still on her tail, consistently putting her and everyone that is around her in danger. But I seriously felt that the emotions she is now having for Emory have clouded her judgment, making her short-sighted and reckless!! Gone is the young girl I fell in love with in The Paper Magician and while she is still headstrong, she is not making foolish decisions and letting her emotions rule her actions, which is putting everyone else in jeopardy.
I kind of disliked how certain details in the story would come along and then suddenly be dropped and forgotten (e.g. what happened to that super nice safety bicycle Ceony had, the one she to her luncheon with Delilah with the enchanted tires that would not wear?) Perhaps the author thought it an unimportant detail but it still kind of bugged me that Ceony would treat her belongings so carelessly. But other than those little minor details I and the book not being what I expected it still was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to other readers.

My Rating:

Waiting on Wednesdays #18

This weekly event is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers spotlight upcoming releases that they are eagerly waiting patiently for.

Book that I am most eagerly anticipating this week is:

Publisher: Del Rel (Random House)

Release Date: Janurary 13th 2015

Genre: Sci-fi, Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy

Link: Goodreads

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within. A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices.

Cover Reveal: S.R. Grey

Just Let Me Love You (Judge Me Not #3) by S.R. Grey

Publisher: Not available at the moment

Release: January 25th 2015

Genre: New Adult Romance

Link:Goodreads

Books 1: I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1)

Amazon | B&N

Book 2: Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2)

Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

No one ever said a lasting love would be easy.

When Chase and Kay hit the streets of Las Vegas, the goal is simple—rescue Will, Chase’s brother, from making the biggest mistake of his young life. But keeping Will out of trouble turns out not to be the only obstacle in Chase and Kay’s path. Finding himself back in the city that broke him, Chase’s heartbreaking past threatens to derail all the progress he’s made.

However, Chase is determined not to let that happen.

While striving to help Will before he implodes, Chase seeks to come to terms with the things that almost destroyed him. He soon discovers that the answers to the most complicated questions sometimes lie in one’s own heart. You just have to be willing to dig deep enough to find them.

Can Chase succeed in doing that?

Just Let Me Love You is a story of healing, letting go, and trusting love to guide you. The conclusion of the Judge Me Not trilogy brings everything full circle.

Author Bio:

S.R. Grey is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling author. She is the author of the popular New Adult novels I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) and Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2). Her newest novel, Inevitable Detour (Inevitability #1), is a wild ride combining the New Adult genre with elements of Romantic Suspense. She is also the author of the Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy. Ms. Grey's novels have appeared on Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists in multiple categories, including Amazon Top 30 and #1 on Barnes & Noble Top 100 Nook Bestsellers.

New novels slated for 2015 release dates are Just Let Me Love You (Judge Me Not #3), Inevitable Circumstances (Inevitability #2), and a New Adult novel to be revealed in the future.

Ms. Grey resides in Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, as well as an MBA. Her background is in business, but her true passion lies in writing. When not writing, Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams.

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