UPDATE! LIFE AND THE FUTURE OF HILLS OF BOOKS

Hello!

To be honest I am not sure if there is anyone still following this blog a year and a half after my last post! However, I want to give you all some closure and to let you know what has been happening, and where things are going now in regards to hills of books.


What's happened in my life since Jan 2018, well... so much! I have completed my dissertation and have graduated, I am now working. That first half of 2018 was a stressful and busy time of my life and to honest I am not surprise that blogging and book reviews were pushed to the side.

 Does this mean i have stopped reading? Not at all! I read more books in 2018 then ever, 225 books according to goodreads! My issue has been that instead of sitting down and enjoying books which were engaging, complex and well written, I have been reading the book equivalent of junk food. They are good when you are reading them, but are they memorable, and make you want to re-read them? No. There were some good books in 2018, don't get me wrong, just not many that made want to fan-girl over. So I am writing 2018's reading off as a version of a book slump.

The start of 2019 was slightly better. If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I started they year on a high, and devoured The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Since then I have read very few physical books, or started any other 5 star series, only a few great sequels. That was until last week! T I canceled my Kindle Unlimited subscription, in an attempt to tackle my over flowing TBR shelves. In the last 7 days I have read a 4 star book (The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A Neilson) and a 5 star book (The Poppy War by R.F Fuang). This has sparked my love for books again, for reading them, for taking pictures of them, of reorganising them and talking about them. I am back.... in a semi-controlled way. Let me explain!

I am not returning to writing a blog, I don't have the time for that at the moment (maybe one day?). However, I will be back to writing reviews and reconnecting with the book community (see who has stuck around and meeting new people who have joined). So my twitter is getting a quick revamp, my instagram will continue with more frequent updates hopefully. All my review will be posted on Goodreads and posted on twitter and talked about on instagram, so if you want to keep up to date with what I am reading and reviewing follow me on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hillsofbooks
Instagram: Instagram.com/hillsofbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5927158-deborah

This is goodbye from the blog but I hope to see you all over on social media!

Happy Reading!
Deborah

January Book Haul

Guys, I have gone a bit overboard this month!!

 

Firstly, I won this beautiful ARC copy The City of Brass! I can't quite believe it! I have heard some great things about this books so looking forward to getting to this one.

 

 

I also decided to do some #bookfortrade this month and have swap/bought three books. Some I can't wait to get stuck into, and some which  I have hear good things about months ago which I have been meaning to check out.

 

 

Finally, I went a bit crazy with January sales and got hooked into a couple of series so ended up buying eight books! I have read about half of these already, and am happy about my investments, but I am going to have to slow down my book buying this coming month.

 

 

My shelves are full, and by TBR grows, but what book have you bought this year so far?

Beat the Backlist Update and 2018 Book Goals

So it is scarily near the end of January already! I thought this year I would set a few bookish goals, last year I tried joining the Beat the Backlist with NovelKnight in the hope I would get though some of the books that have been sat on my bookshelf for ages. I did manage to get some of these books read but not really much of a success, so this year I am going to set a few of my own goals.

  

 

1. Finish one series a month: so either I finish a series which I have started, or I binge read a series I come across.

 

2. Spend more time on Instagram: posting more pictures, joining more bookstragram challenges and linking in with more bookstagram accounts.

 

3. Increase my blog comments: In the second half of last year I stop keeping up with and commenting on other blogs and I have missed this, so I hope to start doing this again.

 

Wish me Luck!

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas

Synopsis From Goodreads

The Girl of Fire and Thorns meets The Queen of the Tearling in this thrilling fantasy standalone about one girl’s unexpected rise to power.

Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown. 

 

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Christmas Present

My Review
4 Stars

Standalone YA fantasies have become a rarity and this, plus the beautiful cover drew me to this book, back when it was first realised. I have been waiting for the cost to come down so I could buy it, but I put it on my wish list this Christmas and received the beautiful hardback edition, and I love it inside and out. This book grabbed my attention within the first few pages. Freya has such a humorous way of describing the king extravagance at court, and I just loved her internal monologues.

 

After the tragic and unexpected turn of events, Freya goes from the outcast of the courts to being thrown into the deep end of court politics. Cautiously making friends, looking beneath their 'court masks' as she saw them before, ands seeing them with fresh eyes, getting to know people beyond her preconceptions.

 

The plot of the book begins as a new queen finding her feet, and investigating the murder of her predecessor to ensure her own safety. But as the book progresses it become more of a race for answers to prove her innocence in the face of a civil war. I loved this progression of motives behind the investigation. I also loved the mix of tactics used to solve the murder with the blending legends, and scientific knowledge. I enjoyed the relationship between Freya and those around her, from her tense relationship with her father, to her hesitant friendship with the next in line and her budding feeling for the late King's illegitimate son.  

 

Although I loved all these aspects of the book, I just can't give it 5 stars, it didn't blow me away. I think I was expecting a bit too much of the book. and I feel as though the concept didn't reach its full potential which is why I couldn't quite give it the 5 stars. However, don't let that put you off reading it, as I really enjoyed this book and smashed though it in a few days even with the family here over the busy Christmas period.

 

 

 

WEE BOOK REVIEW: The Conspiracy of Us

Synopsis from Goodreads

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle — beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family — but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.  

 

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Christmas Present  

 

Wee Review

4.5 Stars

 

This book is one I have has my eye of ages, but finally received it as a present for Christmas and couldn't wait to get stuck into it.  This is a fast-paced thrilling read that takes you in a journey around the world and is filled with mysterious theories and secret societies. I loved the characters, their strong personalities and the way that they interacted and connected.

 

I soon got lost in the mystery, history, and hunt for answers. It reminded me a lot of Ally Carter's series. I loved the world that Maggie creates, although this is a high fantasy, we get to see this new world, where ancient societies are the everyday, half written prophesies are taken as gospel and must be obeyed, and there is always someone watching and following! 

 

At the beginning I wasn't the biggest fan of our main character Avery, I mean who just gets on a plane to Paris with a basic stranger? And why wouldn't you be concerned about your mum not answering her phone for days, when she must be wonder where the heck you have gone? But anyway, she did slowly begin to take control of what was happing and show her intelligence as she helped to put clues together -redeeming my opinion of her.

 

Overall, I loved this book, it was full of action, secrets and mystery. With high-stake drama, great characters and even bit of romance.      

 

 

 

2017 Bookish Review: My Favourite Contemporary Romance

The Contemporary Romance genre has made it into my top rated novels of the year. I have always considered myself more of a fantasy reader than a contemporary lover, but I have quite a few contemporary romances to share with you today:

 

Military Contemporary Romance

 

 

Rites of Passage is a great military school novel. This book follows Sam as she joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. I adored this book and read it twice this year, find my reviews here.  

 

Popular Contemporary Romance

 

 

The Lovely Reckless was one of those books which was everywhere. As such I was a bit hesitant but I loved the sound of the synopsis, and ended up loving this book.  Alyson Noel's and Carrie Ryan's thoughts of this book (blurbed on the back cover) sum up my experience of this book: "An insanely addictive, sexy, rush of a read." "The Fast and The Furious meets Romeo and Juliet". Find my full review here.

 

Student Teacher Romance

 

 

A Different Blue is deep, heart-breaking, full of loss and self doubt, searching and finding, of discovering and falling. This is a powerful story as Blue discovers her true self. Find my full review here.

 

Mafia Romance

 

 

 

Mafia and his Angel is a book which I first read on Wattpad and is now published. It follows Ayla and Alessio as their lives are thrown together. I love a good forbidden romance and that mafia angle always makes for some great action.

 

Dark New Adult Romance  

 

 

King is dark and gritty, sexy and romantic. Doe is a desperate but strong main character trying to make the best of the situations she find herself in while also being considerate and caring. Find my full review here.

 

Suspenseful Contemporary Romance  

 

 

 Burying Water alternates between two time periods which are hugely contrasting. One following the self named 'Water' as she settles into the quite country life; while the other follows Jesse in his city life as a mechanic as he finds himself in the wrong circles and falling for the 'wrong' girl. This book was just an amazing read, what enjoyed the most was the mystery of Water's history, and trying to guess the events which lead up to her memory loss, slowly discovering clues, while also waiting for her to grasp hold of those memories she had shut out. See my full review here.

 

***

 

As I am not seasoned contemporary romance reader, is there any books that you think I might like that I missed out on?

 

2017 Bookish Review: My Favourite Urban Fantasy

It is coming to the end of the first week of 2018 and I am continuing to look back at my favourite reads of 2017.  Today I thought I would share some of my favourite urban fantasy finds: 

 

Favourite Urban Fantasy Standalone

 

 

Alaska  was a bit of a surprise for me. There are so many 'same-y-same-y' werewolf books within this genre, and this one stood out to me. See my full review here.

 

Favourite Urban Fantasy Finished Series

 

 

The Mackenzie Grey series is one of the UF series which I binge read in 2017, I loved Mackenzie she is snarky and sarcastic.

 

Favourite Urban Fantasy Unfinished Series

 

 

The first two book in the Tommi Grayson series were both 4.75- 5 star reads and I loved them. Tommi is a snarky, down to earth, kick-ass, independent woman who has some great friends who have her back, and I can't wait to see where this series takes us next.

 

Most Surprising Urban Fantasy

 

 

Moon Burned was a bit of a surprise to me, I am fascinated by female gladiator characters and it mixed well with the supernatural theme. Not your typical werewolf book and worth the time and money.

 

***

ARC BOOK REVIEW: Everless by Sara Holland

Synopsis From Goodreads

In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.

No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.

But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.

 

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: e-arc from publisher via netgalley

 

4.5 Stars

 

I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful book cover (especially the hardback cover edition).With all the hype around it, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant as I hadn't read any reviews when I started it. But this was a great YA fantasy to start my 2018 reading. Everless has great world building and some unexpected plot twists.

 

I knew by the end of the first chapter I knew I had made the right choice in picking up this book. The first chapter opens with a hunting scene which reminded me of The Hunger Games and ACOTAR. I loved the way that the time is money sorcery is translated in this book, I loved this idea when I read the synopsis and was impressed the way it played out. It is a thought provoking idea! We also get to know a lot about our main character in this first chapter. We can see her love for her farther and her frustration at the differing social classes. As well as a hint at a luxury/easier childhood.

 

I loved the interactions between Jules and the various characters in Everless. Her interactions with the Gerling brothers, visiting royalty and her fellow servants. I wasn't expecting her to get along with Lady Gold but it was fun to watch friendships grow between the classes and the different groups of servants.  This genre us often tropey but the author almost plays with these tropes, hinting at them and then directing the story a slightly different way. This book is a great example of how much my opinion of characters changes through out a book.

 

Everless was beautifully written with great world building. This book is unique and has some unexpected plot twists - trust no one  and look for help in the most unlikely places!

2017 Bookish Review: My Favourite Fantasy

I didn't read as many fantasy book as I thought it I did, but here is some of my favourites that I have read this year.

Fantasy Standalone

 

 

Long May She Reign is a recent read for me, but is one of the only standalone fantasy books I have read this year.  

 

Fantasy Duology

 

 I finally got around to reading Six of Crows this year! I have been hesitant to pick it and read it though. Originally it was because I wasn't a great fan of Leigh Bardugo's other series set in the same world (I never made it past the first book), and secondly, all the hype kind of put me off. However, I finally did pick it put to read, and I loved it!

 

 

Fantasy Series I Started This Year

 

There are quite a few series I have started this year, and am now waiting for the release of the sequels. One of my favourite have been The Valiant, which has a strong female lead, some mysterious happens, a great sisterhood, political manoeuvring and even a bit of romance. Highly recommend read if you're into either fantasy or historical fiction - full review here.

The second book in this category would be The Kingmaker Chronicles. I loved the romance between Cat and Griffin as well as the expanding world and backstory.
 

Fantasy Series I Finished This Year

 

I haven't finished that many fantasy series this year but A Court of Wings and Ruin has to be the best.  

***
What have been your favourite fantasy reads of the year? 

 

2017 Bookish Review: My Favourite Reverse Harem

This year I begun to explore more reverse harem books, this is when there is one girl, multiple guys. I loved the My Pack series last year but  here are some of my RH recommendations from the ones I have read this last year.

 

Reverse Harem Standalone

 

 

Their Vampire Princess by Harlow Thomas and Anastasia James is one of the only standalone RH'S I have found, it seems to be a genre that is built of series.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

As the vampire princess of the Night Court it's my duty to choose my prince from four human men, willing to be mine.
All I have to do is choose one to crown.
I never expected to fall in love.
Not with one.
Certainly not with all of them.
Do I abandon my destiny in order to keep my men, or do I risk it all and rewrite the rules?

 

Reverse Harem Serial 

 

 

The Ravana Clan Serial is such a good series/serial. I am not a great fan of serials but this is a well established series, and are available on Kindle Unlimited, so I could read them all back to back.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

All my life I've never fit in. Since the accident, I went from foster home to foster home until I just ran away. I thought life would always be like that. Scraping by, barely living. That is, until I was chosen.

The Ravanas saved me. They brought me to The Fort so I could become a part of their world. Wanted. Secure. Training to be their human guardian is the only way they could let me in. Now, I just have to prove myself.

 

Reverse Harem Young Adult (Becoming more New Adult) Series

 

 

I have been impressed by the Kit Davenport series so far, I loved her deeper back story and how it mixed into her thieving, and her current investigations. I also enjoyed the mystery behind her special abilities. This book is kind of on the boarder between young adult and new adult as there is increasingly more sexy times but there is more to the storyline than just the romance and relationships.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

I want vengeance so badly that I can almost taste it. It's all I've ever wanted. So, I did what any privileged, adopted boarding school girl would do. I slapped on a secret identity and became an internationally renowned thief, known as The Fox. Nobody knows me. Nobody can catch me.

Or so I thought...

It turns out; I have what they want. Special abilities. And trust me, these abilities are coveted--and dangerous. Now, I don't know who to trust or where to go. Peril lurks on every corner as I try to uncover my past and origin. Teaming up with unlikely allies may be my only chance at survival or my biggest mistake. Only time will tell.

I'm Kit Davenport and this is only the beginning.

 

Reverse Harem New Adult / Adult Series

 

 

Their Vampire Queen is a series which is much darker, and bloodier than the other RH's. This book begins a bit like the well known vampire romance, where a girl learns more about her supernatural heritage. But this book doesn't vampire as a fluffy and nice but more primal and bloody vampires. While the reverse harem romance is full of suspense and sexiness.

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Ever since her mother was murdered by monsters five years ago, Shara Isador has been on the run. Alone, scared, and exhausted, she’s finally cornered in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Out of hope with nowhere else to turn, she’s ready to end it all when two men come to her rescue.

They say she’s a lost queen descended from Isis, and they’re her Blood, vampire knights sworn to protect her. It all seems like a crazy nightmare, until the alpha offers his blood. Then she realizes she’s never wanted anything more. Except maybe his body… and his friend’s, too.

But they’re not the only ones searching for a lost queen. Shara must learn how to wield her new powers quickly and conquer her fears if she intends to keep them all alive.

 

***

 

I feel as though this a growing genre with a lot of independent authors getting involved. I couldn't write a post on RH without mentioning C.M. Stunich, and although none of her book made it onto my list this year, she has a lot of series which I have read the first book of and I am waiting for that email to say the next one is released (The Seven Mates of Zara Wolf coming in just a few days!!).

 

I would love to know if there is anyone else who has read any RH this year, and what is was you would recommend?

 

October Book Haul

Guys! I am so sorry I have disappeared and haven't posted anything in ages! Between studying and work and I have no time to sit down and write anything other than Uni assignments. This weekend has turned into a snow weekend, so have a few minutes to get some bookstagram pic's done and some of my  'Beat the Backlist' books. So here is my October book haul

 

I was doing really well in October for not buying any more books. I slipped into Waterstones on one of my Christmas present scouting trips and got tempted! I think the November Fairyloot is going to have The Last Namsara in it (re-read the synopsis when I got home and I think it has to be the book being described in the box details), but I will find out soon enough as I got my tracking code the other day. Will have to wait and see.

So how is everyone's Christmas preparation going? Everyone started there Christmas shopping by now? 

BOOK REVIEW: There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis From Goodreads

Love hurts...

Makani Young thought she'd left her dark past behind her in Hawaii, settling in with her grandmother in landlocked Nebraska. She's found new friends and has even started to fall for mysterious outsider Ollie Larsson. But her past isn't far behind.

Then, one by one, the students of Osborne Hugh begin to die in a series f gruesome murders, each with increasingly grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and her feelings for Ollie intensify, Makani is forced to confront her own dark secrets.  

 

Add on Goodreads

Source: Bought from Waterstones

 

 

My Review
4.5 Stars

It's the end of Halloween week and Bonfire's Night today so I hope everyone has been enjoying their fortnight of parties. I don't really celebrate Halloween -had a night in front of  back to back Adam's Family films instead- but I decided that this year to would read a scary book (at least compared to ones I normally read), and I saw this YA horror everywhere on Friday the 13th so decided I would make it my Halloween read this year, after all it is written by a contemporary romance author and it is YA so I figured it wouldn't be overly petrifying or gory. Anyway, I started late on the 31st and finished it the next day and here is what I thought about it:

 

I have to admit the first chapter confused me, the main character Makani wasn't mentioned at all, it was the kind of confusing I normally get from a prologue not a first chapter. However, this first chapter does an amazing job of introducing the kind of book you are getting into, spooky and mysterious, full of anticipation and - of course - murder.

 

We get introduced to Makani in the second chapter, and at times in about the first half you could almost forget that you were reading a horror. You can see the authors contemporary romance roots as it focuses on the buddy romance and the day to day life of a student in a small town. However, there was this undercurrent of fear, and I loved the way that the development and spreading of rumours was portrayed, as the student body theorised and speculated on who the murderer could be. As the reader I was analysing everyone, suspecting every comment and thought, and dreaming up what 'dark secrets' Makani might have tried to leave behind.

"There we rumors about everyone. Makani knew better than to believe any of them outright. Rumours, even the true ones, never told the complete story" -  Page 10

There is a 'natural' acceleration of the murders, which left me turning the pages to see who from the Osborn student population would actually survive. I think it was this anticipation which make this book so great in my eyes, firstly because we get to see the murders from the victim POV you begin to see a 'trade mark' and you know when a murder is coming. Also there is the anticipation to know who the next victim is, and then of course who, the murderer is! I liked that at the end we got a bit of hint as the motives behind the killings but no definitive explanations.  

 

  

This book was the perfect YA horror story and was exactly what I was looking for. Stephanie Perkins, has created a book which somehow mixed  a story of teen romance with a hunt for a serial killer. It has the great measure of a creepy, mysterious, murderer on the loose, while also, allowing the readier to put the book down and sleep at night. But also making them want to reach for it the moment they wake to find out what going to happen next. Can't rave about this book enough, highly recommended. I would love a sequel or even a epilogue novella, as I would to see how Osborn picks itself up after the loss of so many of it's residents, and to see how the survivors cope with the direct aftermath, and the last it effect it has on their lives.

 

 

  

BOOK REVIEW: Royal Outlaw (#1) by Kayla Hudson

Synopsis from Goodreads

Mariel was born royal, but has spent most of her life as an outlaw, working for the Resistance—an underground organization attempting to overthrow Natric’s corrupt monarchs. When the royal grandparents who left her for dead long ago offer her the future crown, she declines, but when they threaten the life of her commoner father she is left with an impossible choice: become something she hates or watch her father die.

As Mariel fights against the new responsibilities and expectations that confine her, forgotten memories of her mother’s murder threaten her sanity and a creature who hunted her as a child returns to finish off his prey. Mariel quickly discovers that she may be a master sword-fighter, but not all enemies can be defeated with a mere blade . . .

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon

Source: kindle unlimited

 

My Review

(4 Stars)

 

So I have to admit that I pick up (or more accurately downloaded) Royal Outlaw because from the title and the cover it looked a bit like a Robin Hood like re-telling with a female heroine. Although there are similarities with Mariel being born into royalty but now lives as part of the resistance as a outlaw and thief, I would recommend going into this book from more a fantasy expectation. Otherwise your (like myself) will be surprised my the magicians, the snake-shifters, unicorns and other non-human creatures.

Despite my self-made confusion, I still really enjoyed this book. Mariel was a great character a kick-ass heroine, with sword swinging skills and lock-picking ability as well as being well educated and intelligent. It has interesting and sometimes funny as she is thrown into the life of an upper-class lady, my, my the trouble she can get herself into! However, my favourite character by far has to be James, the air of mystery as well as caring and protect nature - just love him. I would have liked to see more of Mariel's father, from the few scenes we get with him it seems like they have a good relationship but it would have been good to see more interactions between them. I would have also liked to see more of zreshlans, but I am guessing we will get to see more of them in the sequels.

Apart from the characters, the main plot drive and what keep me turning the pages has to be Mariel's memory loss and the mysterious assassin which she can't remember. I don't want to go into this part of the plot as it is the mystery of the unmemorable horror which kept me reading.

Royal Outlaw was a bit different from what I was expecting but a great read. I enjoyed watching our kickass outlaw heroine as she is thrown into the royal life, her attempts to be dismissed as heir and discovering her forgotten past, all while under the threat from a childhood assassin.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Young Elites (#1) by Marie Lu

Synopsis from Goodreads

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

 

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Bought

Series: Book One of The Young Elites Trilogy

 

MY REVIEW

4 Stars

 

The Young Elites is one of those book which everyone was raving about a few years ago, at the time I didn't get involved but was still interested as I had read the Legend series and enjoyed it. So this week I decided it was time to finally start blasting through some of the book which I bought last year but hadn't read yet, so I picked Young Elites up without reading the back (and it has been quite a few years since I read any Marie Lu books) so I went in completely blind.

From my vague recollections I thought this book was gonna be more dystopian/ post apocalyptic setting. So was surprised with the dramatic opening chapters introducing us to this fantasy world, in which we meet Adelina who is in the equivalent of death row, awaiting her death for murdering her father.Although we get thrown into the middle of this situation we are quickly given a bit of a back story - something I was really glad about, the books i have read recently have withheld backstories to 'add to the mystery', so this made a nice change.

Adelina appears to quickly make a few friends within the society, I personally particularly like Raffaele as a character he is very perceptive and isn't scared to say it as it is. He is also world wise but he still has such a calm and caring personality. I felt as though the romance was a bit predictable but Adelina, oh Adelina ... she does manage to dig herself a hole by keeping such big secrets and you could tell it was all going to blow up in some way. I just didn't see it all going down quite like that! That ending was a complete shock and I really don't know how Marie Lu is going to take this series forward, but it will be interesting to see how these experiences impact our characters in the next book.

The Young Elites, was everything I was expecting, a few much loved tropes, some shocks and surprises, and some interesting grey characters which will leave you wondering who acted in the wrong.

 

         

RE-READ REVIEW: Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Synopsis From Goodreads

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty... no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.
At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust... and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

 

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Buy from Amazon (UK)

Source: Bought Second Hand

Series: Sadly Still a Standalone

 

 

This is my second review of Rites of Passage, my original review from my first reading of this book back in April can be found here. I don't know how many of my follows have heard of the BBC TV series Our Girl (?) but we are due to start the third series next week. I mention Our Girl because as I re-read this book I began to draw parallels between this book and the first series of Our Girl (which I have just finished re-watching in preparation for the new series). 

 

So Our Girl follows Molly Dawes on her first tour as a army medic in Afghanistan, while Sam is trying to survive Military School, but there are some similarities in their situation. Both are in a male dominated world trying to prove their worth as soldier's as well as making a point that woman are as strong as men - they are both got a bit of a determined streak. They both have to battle with those in there rank (and above) who would rather see the back of them, although this is less of a feature in  Our Girl than it is in Rites of Passage where this is the major plot. There relationship with there fellow recruits/soldier's go though similar flows, in that swing from them wanting her gone (with a few sticking up for her) to becoming a group of over protective brothers. There is also a bit of an alikeness in regard to the romance apart from one difference which I won't share in case of spoilers.

 

Anyway moving away from my Our Girl comparisons, I still I love this book. I was as hooked almost as much as the first time, it keep me up reading and it was the first thing I reached for in the morning. There were a few wee details that I had forgotten so it was fun to rediscover them. I had completely forgotten the last few pages, which just made me want a sequel all over again. Just looking back at my original review and this time I had remembered the harshness of the academy so this wasn't as gripping for me, as the first time I just didn't know how much 'worse' it could get for girls but this time I had more of an idea. Also the romance didn't feel as though it took me as long to get to this time and I enjoyed watching there interactions before they showed any romantic interest.  

 

Still highly recommend Rites of Passage, and for all those who enjoyed Our Girl I particularly recommend you check this book out, and let me know if you see the same similarities as me.

 

 

WEE REVIEW: Un.Requited (Slayter #1) by Reese Morgan

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Across Hayden’s neck sat an ugly scar, a vivid reminder of what she’d become. She looked horribly wild, untamed, her eyes too bright and focused, like an animal. In order to keep her family safe from both herself and the enemies she attracts, Hayden must trade a life of normalcy for one of constant uncertainty and threat.

Expecting to find her place among others like her, she soon realizes that even among werewolves, she’s an exception. Burdened with constant discrimination and falling into a dangerous attraction, Hayden must struggle to find her footing after being made a pawn in a game between two powerful Alphas

 

 

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Buy from Amazon (UK)

 

Wee Review

(3.75 Stars)

 

Teenage werewolf books... well there are a hundred and one to choose from, and I am glad I stumbled across this one. Quite a few teen werewolf novels aren't worth a second glance but I enjoyed this one. We join Hayden after she has received her life changing scars (the result of a vicious werewolf attack) a confused 'newborn' she tries to continue life as normal but soon she get noticed by the werewolf community and she joins a pack.

I think the thing which made this book for me was Morgan's ability to create deep characters full of personality. Although some of the minor character don't get much 'screen time' I felt as though I got a insight into their personalities. The only thing on this point is I would have liked a bit more interaction between Hayden and her mother, she has this one moment of homesickness but then she is just forgotten again.

There are some typical werewolf tropes, with a potential love triangle, a domineering, distant, young Alpha with secrets, a secret werewolf community with it's own political games and old fashioned views.

Un.Requited is full of mystery and a few murders making it a quick paced story full of well developed characters and budding relationships. The big question is which relationships will remain platonic and which will flower into something more?

 

***

Book Haul September 2017

This month I decided to finally try Kindle Unlimited (I have a few wee reviews to share with you soon-ish), so I don't have that many physical books to share with you today.

 

The first one is Hemlock by N.J Layouni which was a book which made into my  Top 10 Books of 2015, it is a great underrated book. I actually won this book from the author, I originally read this book as a e-book but now I am so excited to have a physical copy to add to my bookshelves.

 

 

My second book need no introduction, I haven't read this latest addition to the Throne of Glass series yet but I saw it in the shop and just couldn't resist.

 

 

Has anyone hear Hemlock or got around to reading ToD yet?

Waiting on Wednesday #31 - September Releases (11th - 30th Sept 2017)

After that manic flurry of releases in the first week of September the number of releases has begun to slow. Meaning that I only have three books to share with you today, but I am just as excited for them:

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Before

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse.

 

Release Date: 12th September 2017

Add on Goodreads

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

Jodie Meadows is a fairly well known author (one I still have my TBR for far too long) and this sounds like a unique fantasy. Dragons, I mean who can say no to a good dragon book? A main character who isn't all kick-butt (don't get me wrong I love kick-ass heroines, but sometimes it good to remember that other people have their own battles and strengths that aren't always physical). A twist on the 'chosen one' trope? can't wait to see how this one pans out.   

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

 

Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.

 

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Release Date: 12 Sept 2017 (Kindle Edition)

 

Why Am I Waiting?

 

This is my latest addition to my 'to-buy' list and to be honest the bright pink cover and the title is what drew me to this book. I am never been ( and can't see myself ever being) a big horror fan, but occasionally I fancy a high stake mystery, and with it being described as a 'fun, quick-witted' story I am willing to give this intriguing books a try. Plus it is Halloween relatively soon so thinking this might be a good October read? 

 

 

Shortened Synopsis from Goodreads

 

The magicians want her to lead.The sorcerers want her to lie.
The demons want her blood.
Henrietta wants to save the one she loves.
But will his dark magic be her undoing?

In this seductive and explosive second book in the Kingdom on Fire series, Jessica Cluess delivers her signature mix of magic, passion, and teen warriors fighting for survival. Hand to fans of Victoria Aveyard, Sarah J. Maas, and Kiersten White.

 

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Release Date: 19th September 2017

 

Why Am I Waiting? 

 

I read the first book in this series just the other month (find my review here), it took me a wee while to get into it but once I got into this alternative Victorian styled London I really enjoyed it. I hope to get read this sequel soon, so I can get the answers to my questions while the story is still fresh in my mind. I also can wait to see how the relationships which started in the first book develop as the time passes and new challenges present themselves.

 

***