Haven (Chronicles of Warshard #1) by Katherine Bogle

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Buy From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) ||

First Published: May 11th 2016 by Friesen Press

ASIN: B01FIWHY6W

 

*This review is based on a ecopy of this book, which I was sent by the author, this however hasn't effected my review of the book in any way, and all thoughts are my own.*

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

Princess Haven was never meant to be Queen.

Her immortality has saved her time and time again, but when the last of her royal family dies at her feet, she is next in line to rule a nation on the brink of war. With no formal training on how to be Queen, Haven must rise to the occasion with the help of her best friends, and personal guard, or risk losing everyone she has ever loved. 

With war to the West, and no escape to the East, the evil tyrant Kadia sets her sights on the six kingdoms. Haven’s neighbors are quick to fall under the swords of Kadia’s shadow soldiers, leaving a sea of bodies and a clear path to Haven’s only home.

As Kadia’s obsession with Haven mounts, little time remains, and Haven must make a choice; join together with her fellow Royals, and test her immortality in a final stand against the evil Queen, or flee across the sea to a foreign republic in hopes of salvation. Both choices have a cost. Both plans could go awry. Haven must decide quickly, or she might be the only one left.

 

Review - 4 Stars

This book although took me longer than normal to read - due to real life getting in the way rather than the quality of the book- this book managed to hook me. Within the first chapter we get to see Haven's immorality in action. This is something I was happy to see, because often when someone's 'secret or rare ability' is revealed in the blurb, as a reader I then have to wait half the book for the character to realise that they have this ability, that I have known about from the start - so frustrating. So no frustration for me from that aspect, Haven is the only one with this ability so nobody seems to really understand how it works, so it surprised me how much Haven was willing to use it despite not knowing if it work. 

 

My favourite aspect of this book has to be Haven's character development. We get to see her change so much from the young queen who depended on reassurance from her advisers for decisions, to the strong and determined warrior queen saving lands and freeing people. I specifically liked that although she had the kind but 'warrior heart,' she still had to learn to 'own' her decisions and how to handle a weapon correctly. I also liked some of the slightly more secondary characters, I loved the way that Haven and her body guards interacted as they struggled though the difficulties together.  

 

One of the only reasons which I didn't give this book fives stars was that this book is very war and political heavy for my taste. Now don't read me wrong I love reading about political manoeuvres and battles I just like there to be other things happening as well. This book does have a lovely romance and -for me - I would have loved to read more about the time these two spent interacting.

 

Overall, this book was full of fast paced, none stop action with just that hint of romance and the beginnings and strengthening of, what I guess will be, life long friendships.

ARC Review - A Torch Against The Night (An Ember in The Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir

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Buy from: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) || Book Depository 

Published:August 30th 2016 by Razorbill and Harper Voyager

 

*This review is based on an ARC I was sent by the publisher, this however hasn't effected my review of the book in any way, and all thoughts are my own. Quotes used in this review may however be subject to change.*

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

 

A Torch Against the Night takes readers into the heart of the Empire as Laia and Elias fight their way north to liberate Laia’s brother from the horrors of Kauf Prison. Hunted by Empire soldiers, manipulated by the Commandant, and haunted by their pasts, Laia and Elias must outfox their enemies and confront the treacherousness of their own hearts.

In the city of Serra, Helene Aquilla finds herself bound to the will of the Empire’s twisted new leader, Marcus. When her loyalty is questioned, Helene finds herself taking on a mission to prove herself—a mission that might destroy her, instead.

 

Review - 5 Stars

 

Earlier this year I finally read an Ember in The Ashes and fell in love with Sabaa Tahir's work, the fast passed action, the brutal world she developed and the character's she had created. Since then -like many of her readers - I have waited impatiently for the sequel, and let me reassure you all - it is worth the wait. In my opinion this book is just as good, if not better than An Ember In The Ashes.

 

A Torch Against The Night starts straight after the first book ends, reminding us of Sabaa Tahir's love of  dramatic beginnings. I am grateful for there being no time gap between the books as I hate to miss out on the details of such tension filled action. These first 50 pages or so, we follow Laia an Elais's as they fight for their lives in their attempt to flee the highly trained, merciless soldiers of the Empire and -of course- the commander herself.

 

 

 

In this book we also get to read from Helene's point of view (POV) as she follows a different path to our other main characters. In seeing things from her POV we get to see her strength and ability to endure all the hardships thrown her way, it also highlights her internal conflicts. As Helene spends time near the 'centre' of the Empire and around it's newly crowned Emperor, we get to see the full extent  - or certainly more- of the cruelty and ruthlessness the Empire's inhabitants against each other . We also get to see more political moves as the world opens up and grander schemes are uncovered and developed.  

 

"But you, Helene Aquilla are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night - if you dare to let yourself burn."

-Page 267

 

As well as our three main characters there are also some great secondary characters, some from the first book and others, new acquaintances and old friends. The most intriguing secondary character has to be Cook! In the first book she obviously has some kind on interesting past, in this book we her past becomes even more fascinating. There aren't that many scenes with her in but when she does appear we get to see a completely different side of her, I really need to know more about her character. I liked that we got to see more of the world in this book specifically the tribes and how they operate - although I would like to see more of them in the future. 

 

Sabaa Tahir has this wonderful (?) ability to leave chapters on cliff hangers and then change the POV - pure evil torture. She also had this great way of using characters passing thoughts and concerns cast doubts about characters motives. I don't want to give too much away about the second part of the book but I will say it is full of drama, tension, heart-stopping moments  and so many twists that I could never have predicted happening. 

 

Despite that this book is full of death and sorrow, I was somehow left with the feeling of satisfaction at it's ending. Though as I look towards the next book I look at it in the same way as Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In that I know it will be an amazing book the question is, will I survive the loss of some of my favourite character because I know that the survival of them all is unlikely!

 

 

 

 

5 September Releases I'm Excited About

September has some A.M.A.Z.I.N.G sounding books, some sequels which I can't wait to dive into and some new exciting authors which I can't wait to check out.

So here are the five I have my eye on: 

 

 

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

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Release Date: 6th September 2016

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

The long path to the throne has just begun for Aelin Galathynius. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

This fifth instalment in the sensational New York Times bestselling series is the most thrilling yet and cannot be missed.Contains mature content. Not suitable for younger readers.

 

 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

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Release Date: 20th September (US), 27th October (UK)

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

 

 

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

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Release Date:20th September 2016

 

Synopsis From Goodreads
Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.
Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.
Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.
But Henrietta Howel is "not" the chosen one.
As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city and the one she loves?

 

 

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch

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Release Date: 20th Sept (Kindle), 22nd Sept (Hardback)

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

 

 

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake  

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Release Date: 22nd September 2016

 

Synopsis From Goodreads

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

 

***

What books are you excited about being released in September?

 



Teaser Tuesday #10 - Dance?

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Books And A Beat.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser. 

Author: Katherine Bogle

Title: Haven 

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Today's Teaser

...Corrin laughed. "Haven't you ever danced before?"

"Well yes."

"She'd love to, " Lareina said as she leaned forward, pushing Haven gently from behind. Haven turned to glare at Lareina, but Corrin had already taken her hand and pulled her up. 

Wattpad Wrap-Up #1

 

Welcome to my first Wattpad wrap-up!

I must be one of the few people in the book community who is only just discovering the wonders of Wattpad. I had heard of Wattpad ages ago but had assumed that a lot of it was part written books or books done in slow releasing episodes. Although these are on Wattpad I have also discover in the past week or two -since I finally downloaded the app- that there are also loads of completed stories on there which are basically free, unpublished books (at least that is how I see it).

 

Today I will be sharing with you my thoughts (mini-reviews) of the completed books I have been reading on Wattpad. I have a feeling that reading books on Wattpad won't be a permanent thing for me but I will go though fazes of reading Wattpad books. So considering this, I won't be doing monthly wrap-up for Wattpad books like I do for all my other reading, but I shall instead do a Wattpad Wrap-up when I have read a few books on Wattpad. Meaning some months I might do a few Wattpad Wrap-ups and other months I might not have any at all, hope that all makes sense.

 

Nerd In Disguise: Blood Bound by Lystrandra

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Synopsis From Wattpad

 

I'm not a nerd by the way. I only look like one. I am under disguise as a nerd.

I wouldn't be acting so weak and timid just for any reason.

These guys are lucky I'm laying low or else they'd be crying back to their mommas.

I seriously hate school sometimes.

Do you know what I hate more?

When some guy comes and ruins my disguise? Then, throw in some Family drama and people after my life.

Goodbye Nerd Disguise, hello old identity, old life, old friends, and new enemies.

 

  Mini-Review

I loved this book, I have been searching for a teen action filled with Family drama, I found a few published series such as Vendetta by Catherine Doyle but this one was just as good (apart from I personally preferred the romance in Vendetta). I loved the mystery element of the start of this books where we are being kept in the dark about the real identities of  the main characters. I also enjoyed the banter between the siblings, I love to see that kind of interactions it really helped to show the closeness of the family members and let their personalities shine through. Although I have mentioned that this romance wasn't as good as Catherine Doyle's I still enjoyed reading one of my favourite romance tropes, I also liked that the romance didn't fall into place but they had to worth though issues. Over all a great book and shall keep an eye out for a sequel, 4 stars.

 

Drakkon by CrestFallenStar

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Synopsis From Wattpad

 

When Daiyu is summoned with dozens of other girls to be the Emperor's concubine, she doesn't think that she'll be chosen. Although beautiful and kind, she's hardly qualified to be with the emperor, whose name is stained with blood and whose reputation is blacker than sin. When she accidentally catches the eye of Emperor Meilin, however, he surprises her by naming her his bride and future empress of the empire.

How will the kind and sweet Daiyu escape from the clutches of the emperor? Will he capture his little rabbit, or will she run before it's too late?

 

Mini Review

 

This is a amazing book and I have no clue why this hasn't been professionally published (at least not as far as I can find anyway). There are so many things I loved about this book so here are the main things:

 

- The slow growth of the relationship between Daiyu and Drakkon, as they learnt more about each other and spent time getting to know each other.

 

- The interactions and personalities of the secondary characters really help to 'flesh-out' the story as well as helped to show different sides of the main characters personalities.

 

- Drakkon was such a deep and well thought out character and his harshness (but that hint of kindness) with such a mysterious past kept me scrolling though the pages.

 

- Daiyu is also such a inspirational character, although she has no physical strength she is strong in her own way, as she deals with the situation in front of her with a kind heart and a pure soul.  

 

Such an amazing books which I would recommend to any one who loves fantasy, a 5 star read for me.  

 

Gladiator of Rome by tall_girl

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Synopsis From Wattpad

Rome's hunger for gladiatorial combat has never been greater.

The passion for novelty and variety in the arena has given rise to a range of warriors but none quite so like Krista.

Sole survivor of her family's brutal murder, Krista is now the property of Commander Lucius Niclaus and is sent to train until she is old enough to fight in the Arena.

Growing up in the Arena, Krista refuses to be a slave like her parents and her deadly combat skills earn her the adoration of the public and the respect of fellow gladiator, Artorius.

Fighting for her freedom, Krista will do anything to break her chains and kill the man who slaughtered her family and put her there; Commander Niclaus.

But Krista's pride and skill earn her powerful enemies; catching the eye of the Emperor's sister, Krista will have to navigate a web of betrayal, love and pain if she is to win her freedom and avenge her family.

From the sands of the arena, the ultimate female warrior will rise.

 

Mini Review

I have looked for a female gladiator books for ages and this book fulfilled everything I was looking for. Our main character - Krista- is kick-ass and determined with her heart and mind set on revenge. However, this narrow focus originally causes her to not to think about other people's agenda's which pulls her into the political web of Rome, which sets it's own wheel's in motion.We also get a nice romance and some great friendships. There was a great balance between Krista's personal goals, the relationships and the political side of the story. This book is part of a series (the other books are available as well I think) so this book does leave some unsolved problems we do get a slightly rounded ending (no cliff hangers, woop!) I would give this book 4 stars.

 

***

 

I am always looking for recommendations, so if you have read any completed Wattpad books that you think I would like, I would love to hear about them in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday #9 - Hidden Love

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Books And A Beat.

 

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: And I Darken

Author: Kiersten White

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Today's Teaser
"What did he know of love? This was not a love he had heard of, this was not a love sung about by poets, celebrated in stories. This was something...else, something he had no words for."

Show Me The Books #10 - Your Surprise Parentage and Their Powers

Show me the Books is a feature where I share with you some books within a theme, and then hopefully you, will tell me in the comments (or link to your own blog post) other books that you have heard of or have read within that theme.

 

If you read Urban Fantasy books then today's theme is going to be pretty familiar (in the none witchy way) to you. What connects all of todays books is the main character discovers that their parentage isn't what they thought (mainly not human!), and this has some big impacts for them.

 

1) Ash (HIVE Trilogy #1) by Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone 

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This was a book which I have put off reading for ages (for no reason I can think of) and I wish I had picked it up earlier. It has one of my favourite situations, where a kick-ass, stubborn and determined woman is thrown into a male dominated world. I loved this book and can't wait for more books in the series to be released, read a teaser from this book here.
 

2) Finding My Pack (My Pack #1) by Lane Whitt

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 I was originally put off by the covers of these books but I enjoyed a different reverse harem book and thought since this was one too I would give it a try. You can read my thoughts on this book here but, I loved the way that this book was written and I have fallen in love with all the different characters.

 

3) Angelbound (Angelbound #1) by Christina Bauer

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With this book I felt as though the 'surprise parentage' was not too much of a surprise, and was a bit predictable. Although as the series continues to be written/read I look forward to seeing how our main character deals with the implications of her parentage.

 

4) Bloodfire (Blood Destiny #1) by Helen Harper

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I did a review of this series (see it here) but I loved this series but, I have to admit the main reason I kept reading this series was for the romance; one fiery tempered and revenge driven woman and one alpha werewolf, need I say more?

 

5) The Legend of the Blue Eyes by B. Kristin McMichael 

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For Arianna, our main character, the revelation of her parents true inheritance throws her into a dangerous new world. The Blue Eyes Trilogy follows her as she has to quickly adapt to a new set of rule and way of life. I feel as though these books weren't quite as strong as the others I have mentioned today but I did enjoy it and you can see my full thoughts here.

 

***

NOW IT'S OVER TO YOU:

 Can you think of any books that you have read that have this trope?

Are all the books that fit this trope urban fantasy books or can you think of some high fantasy books?(I struggled to think of any!) 

Bookish Thoughts #5 - Have I See That Cover Before?

There are certain covers which the style/design of I have seen on a uncountable number of books, and today I thought I would share some of more popular styles/designs which I have been coming across recently.

 

1) The Fantasy Warrior Action Shot

 

This design -with a person posing with their weapon- is one of my favourite ones from the selection I am going to talk about today. I have found that that this design is usually Fantasy books and Urban Fantasy books, with a kick ass main character. This cover design is one I have a lot on my shelves as I love a good kick-ass fantasy.  

 

2) The Magicians Stance

I feel as though this style is similar to 'The Fantasy Warrior Action Shot' style but with magic rather an weapons. I have seen this occasionally in urban fantasy but is popular in Fantasy.
 

3) Wind Blown Hair

This 'feature' is one that is used so much across all genres of books, advertising and media, so I guess it is not overly surprising I see this on a lot of books. I however personally have an issue with this 'image' because, well I live in the Highlands of Scotland and this kind of light breeze doesn't happen much. Out of the book covers above Flying Blind and The Pledge are slightly realistic with their hair right in the middle of their faces so they can't see!! 
 

4) The Distant Werewolf

I have read my share of werewolf novels but this style of cover is one I have seen FAR TOO MANY TIMES. Often I feel as though this kind of cover tells me too much about the books, as often the characters are clueless to the supernatural world to start with but because of the cover, I know that werewolves are going to appear (spoiler or what?)!
 

5) Now That's a Nice Dress

Depending on the dress but I think this style can create a beautiful book cover. I also like that it is a diverse style and can be used for so many different plot lines and genres.
 

6) Magical Glow

This style of cover that I only can across recently. I kept seeing lots of book recommended to me with this glowing background on amazon, and originally I thought they were all from one series. However, apparently it seems to be a relatively popular Urban Fantasy book cover style and there are lots of different series with this feature!  

 

***

 

Have you noticed any reoccurring book cover themes recently? I would love to know tell me in the comments below.

Top Ten Tuesday #10 - REWIND: Books I Read Before I Was a Blogger

 is an original feature/weekly meme
created at The Broke and the Bookish

Now I have only been blogging for just over a year (not long left to enter our blogiversary giveaway) so I read a lot of book before I started blogging. These 11 books/series are the memorable books and I will re-read for years to come (and I have probably talked about before here on Hills of Books and will time and time again).

 

The Fantasy Books

 

 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

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I first read book one back in 2013 (I think), it got me hooked on this series and I have loved every sequel so far. It has been lovely to see so many other people joining the fandom in that last few years (keep all that fan art coming!).

 

Graceling Series by Kristen Cashore

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I read this book back in 2012, this is a book I picked up due to Goodreads recommendations and the plethora of good reviews. I love the relationship in this book and I have to say I was disappointed that the two charters from this book don't feature more in the sequels, but I will always love the 'first' book in this series.

 

Glass Storm (Glass Series) by Maria V. Snyder

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I honestly can't remember how I ended reading this series - back in 2011 according to Goodreads- but this series blew me away and I have love every read and re-read of the trilogy. I will always prefer this trilogy to the Study series (yes I am one of the few) although I have read Yelena's story and enjoyed, she just didn't hook me the way Opal's has.

 

Touch of Power (Healer Series) by Maria V. Snyder

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I read this series back in 2014 because of my love for Snyder other work. I love the worlds, characters and romances that she creates in all her books.

 

Warprize Series by Elizabeth Vaughan

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This is a book I stumbled across when scrolling though some book website -probably goodreads or amazon. Another amazing fantasy book with some great characters, I would LOVE more books following these characters.

 

The Gift (The Pellinor Series) by Alison Croggon

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 The Gift was one of my first steps into fantasy books and I can't count the number of times I re-read this book since that first read. This book will defiantly always remind me of my 10 year old self as she followed Maerad's journey of self discovery. 

 

 

 

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson Series) by Patricia Briggs

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This is an amazing urban fantasy series which is still getting new books getting added to it! I would recommend it to anyone who likes urban fantasy books and kick-ass characters.

 

To Marry a Prince by Sophie Page

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This book was a charity shop find which completely surprised me. I am generally not a great fan of contemporary books but I really enjoyed this one and have read it multiple times now.      

 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You  (Gallagher Girls Series) by Ally Carter

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I think this might have been another charity shop discovery for the first book at least. As a young teenage girl I loved the idea of a spy school and this series lead my onto a love of all of Ally Carter's work - can't wait for Take The Key And Lock Her Up.

 

All These Things I've Done (Birthright Series) by Gabrielle Zevin  

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When I went through a dystopian phase (I am sure most teen readers had one of those when the Hunger Games exploded?) this was one of the more original ones that I found. It has a great mix of teenage 'issues' of high school and teen romance but also mixed with the add issue of having mob connections and being responsible for looking after siblings. 

 

Scarlet Series by A.C. Gaughen

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I love Robin Hood re-telling's and this is one is up there with my favourite ones. Defiantly recommended.

Review Collections #10 - Hope and Red (Empire of Storms Trilogy #1) by Jon Skovrun

Review Collection is a feature to help people decide if they want to read the featured book (let me know if you found it useful). So, the idea is that I shall be choosing one book and then sharing a range of reviews, of this book from various blogs. Allowing you to get a feel for the different opinions surrounding that book. 

 

 

Hope and Red (Empire of Storms Trilogy #1) by Jon Skovrun

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Paperback, 544 pages

Published June 28th 2016 by Orbit

ISBN13: 9780316268110

 

Buy From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) || Wordery || Book Depository

 

 

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS

 

In a fracturing empire spread across savage seas, two young people from different cultures find common purpose.

A nameless girl is the lone survivor when her village is massacred by biomancers, mystical servants of the emperor. Named after her lost village, Bleak Hope is secretly trained by a master Vinchen warrior as an instrument of vengeance.

A boy becomes an orphan on the squalid streets of New Laven and is adopted by one of the most notorious women of the criminal underworld, given the name Red, and trained as a thief and con artist.

When a ganglord named Deadface Drem strikes a bargain with the biomancers to consolidate and rule all the slums of New Laven, the worlds of Hope and Red come crashing together, and their unlikely alliance takes them further than either could have dreamed possible.

 

COLLECTION OF REVIEWS 

 

 Review @ Lynn's Book Blog

Review @ Wee Shubba's World 

Review @ NerdMuch?

 

5 Star Review @ Leeanna.me

4.5 Star Review @ Vampire Book Club

 

4 Star Review @ The BiblioSanctum

4 Star Review @ Fictional Fox

4 Star Review @ The Fictional Hangout

 

3.5 Star Review @ The Queen of Blades

3 Star Review @ Tenacious Reader

 

GOODREADS STATS

 

Stats Collected 06/08/2016

 

COLLECTING MY THOUGHTS

 

Today's book I think is classified as a adult fantasy (although it's said to have some cross over appear for YA readers) so maybe that is why there hasn't been as much hype around it (on the pages and people that follow at least) or maybe it is because it's a relatively new release. I think I came across it on someone's waiting on Wednesday post and have since bought myself a copy, I have yet to read it but from the Goodreads stats I am hopeful. Here is a few quick thoughts I have gathered from the reviews above:
 

-The book is taken from two POV's and they don't meet until nearly half way though the novel. (I think this could be a good thing as it allows us to learn about the individual personalities of the characters first.) 

 

- It is a character driven plot set in a large exquisitely detailed world.
 

 -There is said to be a collection of great secondary characters to fall in love with as well, although it has been mentioned that many of them weren't 'fleshed out' enough.

 

- One review says that it is 'full of familiarity and predictability'.

 

- Some say that is a easy and fun adventure novel while others have described it dark, violent, gritty and gory.

- There were several reviews which mention the 'incredulous' (maybe slightly unrealistic??) things that the characters achieve.

-The colourful language is another thing that was mentioned by a few people, something to be prepared for.

-There seems to be mix opinions of the pacing of the story, some thought there was just the right balance while some thought part were rushed and others thought parts dragged!

- The author is said to have used some slang (something I find can either help make the dialogue seem realistic, or can just confuse readers) in this book and I can't wait to see how that works.
  

Lastly, I have to directly quote (from Fictional Fox and all credit goes to them) something I try not to do, but doesn't this description just make you want to start this book now?

"This book is the ultimate combination of pirates and ninjas with a fantastical, slightly sci-fi twist."

 

COLLECTING YOUR THOUGHTS

As always I want to know what you thought - let me know in the comments:

 

Have you read this book? What did you think of it (feel free to just type or you can share link to a review)?

 

Was this review collection helpful?

 

Have these reviews made you want to read the book or made you hesitate to pick it up?

July reading Wrap-up

I hadn't quite realized how few 'high' fantasy and how many urban fantasy book I had read this month. I feel as though I had flited though quite books this month I tried a lot of series which I don't think I will be continuing and also read other kinds of part series either because they are sequel or the sequels aren't out yet. Anyway, for this wrap-up because I have read so many urban fantasy book this month I have split it up with a sub heading of werewolves, these books don't necessarily have werewolves as the main character, but werewolves do pop-up at some point in the book. The other Urban Fantasy books are just a mix of things and check out their Goodreads pages to find out more.    

 

Urban Fantasy

 

Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep

4 Stars

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Scala (Angelbound Origins #2) by Christina Bauer

4 Stars

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Spider's Trap (Elemental Assassin #13) by Jennifer Estep

4.5 Stars

Add on Goodreads

 

Hunting Lila (Lila #1) by Sarah Alderson

4.5 Stars

(Re-read)

Add on Goodreads

 

Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Alderson

4 Stars

(Re-read)

Add on Goodreads

 

Runes (#1) by Ednah Walters

3.5 Stars

Add on Goodreads

 

ASH (Hive #1) by Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone

4.5 Stars

Add on Goodreads

 

Werewolves

 

Finding My Pack (My Pack #1) by Lane Whitt

4.5 Stars

(See My Full Thoughts >>here<<)

Add on Goodreads

 

Keeping My Pack (My Pack #2) by Lane Whitt

4 Stars

(See My Full Thoughts >>here<<) 

Add on  Goodreads

 

Twisted Bloodlines (#1) by Linda Jackson

4 Stars

Add on Goodreads 

 

Shiftless by Aimee Easterling

3 Stars

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Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs

4.5 Stars

(Re-read)

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 Pride to Pack by Aimie Jennison

4 Stars

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Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet

3 Stars

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Fantasy 

 

An Ember In The Ashes (#1) by Sabaa Tahir

(Re-read)

(See My Full Thoughts >>here<<)

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A Torch Against the Night (An Ember In The Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir

(ARC Review Coming Nearer the Release Date)

Add on Goodreads  

 

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Lets Talk:

 

Have you read any of the same books as me this month, what did you think of them?