ARC Review: "The Boundless" (The Beholder #2) by Anna Bright




The Boundless
by Anna Bright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads

This breathtaking sequel to The Beholder will take you on a journey into a darkly sparkling fairy tale, perfect for fans of The Selection and Caraval.

When Selah found true love with Prince Torden of Norway, she never imagined she’d have to leave him behind. All because the Beholder’s true mission was a secret Selah’s crew didn’t trust her to keep: transporting weapons to the rebels fighting against the brutal tsarytsya, whose shadow looms over their next port of Shvartsval’d. A place Selah hoped she’d never go.

But gone is the girl who departed Potomac filled with fear. With a stockpile of weapons belowdecks and her heart hanging in the balance, Selah is determined to see the Beholder’s quest to its end.
 






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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

The second book of the Beholder series was definitely a step up from the previous one. Instead of only having the main character on a quest to find her groom, now we had intensity, action and even some very interesting surprises.

The strange mix of fairy tale characters and fantasy elements in these kingdoms was unique and Anna Bright's writing was amazing! My only (personal) complaint was that Selah once again felt like she was falling in and out of love easily over the course of the book and that she also led on a specific character who deserved all the hugs and the love in the world.

Recommended its amazing worldbuilding and action! 




About the author:

 I believe in woods, mountains, highways, cobblestones, roller coasters, dancing, concerts, cherry Pop Tarts, books, and magic.
When I'm not reading or writing on my couch, I'm dragging my husband off on an adventure, communing with Salem (my kitten/spiritual familiar), or causing trouble at One More Page Books, where I work.

Review: "House of Earth and Blood" (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1)House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.


Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.




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REVIEW



*trigger warnings for drug use, animal death, suicide thoughts, gore and blood*

Ahh the glory of reading a huge book in three days and loving every part of it! Sarah J. Maas took a dive into urban fantasy with strong elements of supernatural and delivered an amazing book with unforgettable scenes, amazing characters and a plot that has endless possibilities!

Bryce Quinlan is the soul of the party, along with her best friend Danika. Despite her status as half-fae, she has friends and almost steady work in a witch's antique shop. When a brutal attack strips Bryce from everything she'd ever known, she will become a shell of herself both emotionally and physically.

Enter Hunter Athalar, the angel warrior of the ruling class of this world and the slave of the governor of Crescent City. When an investigation brings Hunter and Bryce together a tentative alliance will be formed.

I have to admit that I am in LOVE with every winged male Sarah has ever written. And this book was no different! Despite the mass of names and locations which I took some time to understand and connect the dots to see what was happening, I was pretty much sold on the idea of the book and the series. I enjoyed everything I loved, laughed, and cried with everything.

While in the beginning I had to admit that Bryce was kind of annoying to me, she grew up as a character and I discovered that this red-haired gal packed a lot of power in her!

Not to mention the epilogue! That was one hell of a bomb and an amazing way to open the gates of PLANNING, SCHEMING and wondering where the story will go.

Needless to say that I'd so dig a tv series about this book! And now I have to console myself that maybe we will get another book by the end of the year or until the beginning of 2021. 




About the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

Review: "Chain of Gold" (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare




Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.






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REVIEW

I was very, very excited about returning this amazing marvelous world of Shadowhunters, especially in the time period where Jem, Will, and Tessa were all together. And this time the story follows their children as they all try to fight a new unpredictable enemy along with their growing feelings and treachery.

With a strong sense of Great Expectations and the growing mystery of who Grace Blackthorn really is, James, Lucie, Matthew, and the rest of their friends all will have to work together in order to solve the new sickness that can overtake Shadowhunters and also with their own feelings. I have to say that Cordelia is one of my top favorite characters along with Lucie. James despite his strengths has a long way to go in order to discover what is actually happening with him. And Grace? I still haven't warmed up to her, despite her reasons.

I enjoyed the banter and the fight scenes, I loved the descriptions and the heartache which followed me after finishing the book.

Because it was that good! Cassandra Clare may be only one of the few authors who can pull my heartstrings like this and enjoy it all the way until the end. I know for sure that there are even more mysteries lying ahead for all these new characters and I had to admit that the ending was a cliffhanger I didn't anticipate.

Not to mention that a book where I get to see both Will, Tessa, and Jem together was a happy moment WHICH I DO NOT REGRET DESPITE THE FEELS!

Totally recommended! 




About the author:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

ARC Review: "Dragon Unleashed" (Fallen Empire #2) by Grace Draven




Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads

A dragon shapeshifter and a healer with power over the earth fight a corrupt empire in this thrilling and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Magic is outlawed in the Krael Empire and punishable by death. Born with the gift of earth magic, the free trader Halani keeps her dangerous secret closely guarded. When her uncle buys a mysterious artifact, a piece of bone belonging to a long-dead draga, Halani knows it's far more than what it seems.

Dragas haven't been seen for more than a century, and most believe them extinct. They're wrong. Dragas still walk among the denizens of the Empire, disguised as humans. Malachus is a draga living on borrowed time. The magic that has protected him will soon turn on him--unless he finds a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders, among them a grave-robbing earth witch who fascinates him as much as she frustrates him with her many secrets.

Unbeknownst to both, the Empire's twisted empress searches for a draga of her own, to capture and kill as a trophy. As Malachus the hunter becomes the hunted, Halani must risk herself and all she loves to save him from the Empire's machinations and his own lethal birthright.
 
 


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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

I seriously, SERIOUSLY, devoured this book in one sitting! I knew that this had to do with draga and Halani and I couldn't be more excited! While the first book dealt with enemies to lovers this one was a slow burn of friends turned to lovers. Filled with lush descriptions, amazing world-building, and the Empress lurking in every corner searching for Malachus, I felt like I had been transported into the book.

Halani was also a great heroine filled with duty and power, despite the psychological bullying of her uncle. She has a lovely mother and a trusty crew too.

My only comfort is that I have already pre-ordered this book so I am going to enjoy the final copy too!

Can someone pick this up for a TV series adaptation please!?




About the author:    

I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.

Release Day Blitz+ARC Review+Excerpt+Giveaway: "Trust In Love" (Love Mark, #2) by Linda Kage

Trust In Love
Linda Kage
(Love Mark, #2)
Publication date: May 4th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The kingdom of Far Shore still resents Donnelly, its neighboring land, for forming an alliance with those filthy High Clifters and then defeating them in war. Twice! They really must pay for such an insult. And what better way to prick their pride than to steal their lovely, revered princess, mutilate her a little, and then ransom her back to them for a hefty sum.

So, the king blackmails stable hand, Farrow, into accepting the mission of kidnapping Princess Nicolette and bringing her back to Far Shore to meet her gruesome fate.

With his sister’s life on the line, Farrow reluctantly accepts the quest and travels through sand and forest, only to find Nicolette eagerly awaiting his arrival with her bags already packed and good to go, spouting off insane nonsense about being his destiny and one true love.

What follows is a crazy, eclectic adventure that brings two lost souls together and helps them learn who they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do in this ever-changing journey called life.







 

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EXCERPT:

“Given the proper incentive, Farrow here might be more reliable to fulfill this quest than anyone in all of Far Shore.”

I narrowed my eyes. The douche might’ve just complimented me, but I’d never trusted him. Whatever Greggor was thinking, I already knew I wouldn’t like it.

“What do you mean?” The king asked curiously, and I shook my head, wishing he’d just disregard the damn advisor’s suggestion already. Find someone else for his stupid mission.

But he didn’t.

“The boy’s quite fond of that middle girl of yours, isn’t he?” Greggor’s top lip curled into a wicked snarl as he watched my face drain of color. Then he rasped one word.

“Sable.”

And just like that; my entire world shifted on its axis.

Cold, slippery dread slithered through my system.

I immediately waved both my hands, disagreeing. Whatever he wanted to do that involved Sable, I was out. She was an innocent twelve-year-old child. Why should she be brought into any plans that involved kidnapping another kingdom’s princess? This already sounded disastrous.

Turning to my father—my eyes pleading—I said, “No.”

But the panic on my face only caused the king to blink in surprise before he motioned to his advisor. “Keep talking.”

No,” I growled more vehemently as Greggor said, “We could hold the child in the dungeon until Farrow returns with the Donnelly bitch. And if he fails his mission…” He glanced at me and smiled. “Sable dies.”

What?!” I shouted. “The hell you say.” Turning to my father, I was even more horrified because I could tell the ignorant ass was actually considering this madness. “Have you lost your damn mind?” I boomed “How could you even ponder such a ridiculous notion? Sable is your daughter.”

King Torrance shrugged. “And you’re my—” He cut himself off before finishing the sentiment.

I held my breath, wondering if this was going to be the moment of truth, when he finally called me son. My heart beat hard in my chest, yearning for that one word, while my stomach churned, also dreading it. Being his would mean I actually belonged somewhere; I was someone. But did I really want to be the heir of this brute?

He snickered and waved a hand. “Well, whatever you are. You’re both equally useless to me, so…” He motioned toward a pair of guards by the entrance of the room. “Fetch the girl.”

“No. Stop!” I stepped toward the guards to waylay them, but the king waved his hand again, and four more knights stepped into my path, blocking my way.

I snarled at them before whirling back to the king. Shit had just gotten real. With Sable involved, my will collapsed like a poorly-dug well.

“You don’t have to involve her,” I told him. “I’ll do it!”


REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 


It has been a while since I had enjoyed a good reading by Linda Kage! I loved how she dove back into this parallel world of magic, soul mates, and political intrigue. Nicolette and Farrow were two characters I really wanted to read about even after the first book and this sequel took me to a trip across the map with mysteries, misspelling scorpions, and cute moments.

There are prophecies to sort out too which also paved the road for the next sequel. And I am sure it will not disappoint especially after learning who Indy is and the mysterious Mater! If you want a light read with fantasy adventure and quite the swoon then I totally recommend it!



Author Bio:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Readers Group


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ARC Review: "Starbreaker" (Endeavor #2) by Amanda Bouchet


Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy's Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn't be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She's the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they'll be risking everything... They'll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.



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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing that I don't love in Amanda Bouchet's stories! Rich worldbuilding, amazing character development and romance! I enjoyed coming back to her sci-fi series and especially I enjoyed Tess and Shade. They are a couple I could root for, despite the oddities and the danger and I enjoyed reading every single part of the ARC! 



About the author:

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Amanda is a French master's graduate and former English teacher. She lives in Paris, France with her two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaBouche...
Twitter: @AuthorABouchet
http://www.amandabouchet.com/