REVIEW: Red Queen by Christina Henry

*Thank you Netgalley and Ace for a copy in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: July 12, 2016

Back with the second entry in the Chronicles of Alice series, Henry continues the dark adventures of Alice and Hatcher in this reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. Having escaped the City, Alice hopes to discover a lush world of green where she can find peace no longer haunted by her past with the Rabbit, Cheshire or the Jabberwocky.  In pursuit of Hatcher's long thought lost daughter, Jenny, they instead find a land charred by ash.

Determined in their quest, they journey deep into a dark and twisted forest into the clutches of the mad White Queen, her goblin and destructive magic of the cruel Black King. Alice must learn to trust herself and hone her own inner magic if she and Hatcher are meant to survive.

Henry builds a complex world and darkly expands on some rather infamous characters while delving into this new and imaginative retelling.  In addition to the Alice overtures, there are echoes of other fairy tales. I love the dark, descriptive imagery and this version of Alice is extremely interesting in her strength despite a horrible past. She and Hatcher are certainly survivors and complement each other in their brokenness.

I look forward to the next chapter of their tale and to see where their journey leads. After certain events, I have my predictions that some villains aren't as forgotten as they would like them to be.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author: C_Henry_Author




#redqueen #chroniclesofalice #christinahenry #wonderland #fantasy #magic #dark #fairytale #netgalley

REVIEW: Chemistry (Inquire & Investigate) by Carla Mooney

*Thank you to Nomad Press for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL and the SWON Libraries*

Let me tell you a story...

Once upon a time, I manager to survive two full years of AP Chemistry.  This remains one of the most challenging times in my academic career.  Somehow I passed but that was due in part to my best friend and lab partner, a patient and dedicated teacher and my own 'never give up' attitude to persevere even what I hardly knew what to do next.

That being said, I wish I'd had an available text like Chemistry: Investigate the Matter that Makes Up Your World. The text is colorful, engaging and concise while appealing to multiple types of learners through visuals, text and additional activities.  

This is basically for beginners with chapters including:

1. Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
2. States of Matter
3. Changing States of Matter
4. Compounds, Mixtures and Solutions
5. Chemical Reactions
6. Acids and Bases
7. The Nucleus and Radioactivity
8. Other Branches of Chemistry

Recommended for purchase in public and school libraries for grades 6-9. This text would also be a stellar classroom resource for many teachers.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#chemistry #science #nonfiction #middleschool #ROYAL #learning 

REVIEW: The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire by Dan Howell & Phil Lester

*Thank you to Random House for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL and the SWON Libraries.*

With more than 11 million followers, YouTube stars Dan Howell and Phil Lester present an interactive and multi-genre peak into their quirky lives and how they achieved Internet star status with their unique and weird take on life. The book portrays an interactive narrative that is funny, offers some sound advice.

Recommended for fans and other reader wanting quirky, visually interesting nonfiction. Overall appeal and popularity is modest; therefore, this should be an optional purchase for a public or school library--ages 12 and up.

As a reviewer, my age is showing. Honestly, I have no idea who these two guys are. That being said, the book will appeal to readers who recognize these two from their online adventures or if the cover catches their eye. The format and visage make even browsing an experience, especially use of multi-genre visuals (i.e. collage, drawings) and other engaging forms of expression. They certainly must be trending since I just saw a right up in Entertainment Weekly

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow Dan and Phil: @danisnotonfire  @AmazingPhil



#TABINOF #nonfiction #YAlit #teen #humor #YouTube #review

REVIEW: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

The first in Clare's new Dark Artifices series centering around character first introduced in The City of Heavenly Fire.  Orphaned at the age of twelve by Sebastian Morgenstern, Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn are parabatai, fighting partners, confidants and best friends. Parabatai can be everything to each other--but they can never fall in love.  At 17, their feelings for each other are changing and the true question remains whether passion and love can outweigh the law of the Clave.

Both have had to grow up too fast. In the absence of his parents and older siblings, Julian has had to raise his younger siblings as well as secretly run the Institute on behalf of his mentally incapable uncle.  Haunted by her parent's gruesome murder and convinced that Sebastian Morgenstern wasn't involved, Emma is determined to discover the truth. 

When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents , an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks while keeping their investigation secret and staying alive.

Each clue reveals some surprising secrets and betrayals, especially Julian's hidden feelings, more into the Clave's history of cruelty and why it is forbidden for parabatai to fall in love. These answers are just as eye-opening as they are heartbreaking.

I am hooked on these new characters and their dynamic within the Shadowhunter world. Emma is intelligent and fierce. Julian is dreamy, determined and optimistic. I love their relationship. It is heartfelt but also sexy and passionate; however, the angst and bittersweet status of their declaration will leave readers hoping for resolve but understanding that things will only get much worse before they get better.

Fans of the Shadowhunter world will be glad to see some familiar faces in cameo appearances.  Overall, it is a fun, exciting and engaging read, if a bit long. The audiobook narrated by Morena Baccarin was very well done. Great cliffhanger!!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @cassieclare


#ladymidnight #darkartifices #Shadowhunters #YAlit #romance #angels #demons #teen #audiobook

REVIEW: Paper & Fire by Rachel Caine

*Thank you, Netgalley, for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: July 5, 2016

Jess Brightwell and his allies are back in this second installment to Caine's Great Library series.  Paper and Fire jumps right back into the action. The Great Library continues its stranglehold on knowledge throughout the world as it stamps out any notion of rebellion. Serving in the army is nothing like Jess expected as he and his friends are still reeling from the violence and loss surrounding events at the end of Ink and Bone. He believes he's lost his best friend, Thomas, forever and the girl he loves, Morgan, is locked away in the Obscurist's Iron Tower.

After learning some surprising information, Jess and the others embark on a dangerous mission to save one of their own, secretly plotting to thwart the Library in an action packed narrative spanning not only Alexandria but Rome and even London. Dodging automata creatures and betrayal at every turn, Jess and his friends soon learn that even the places they've once called home aren't safe and that the Library is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to retain its unrelenting power.

What I continue to love about this series is the extended discussion of the power of knowledge and the effect on the world concerning what happens when that power is corrupt. There is this broader exploration of Intellectual Freedom and what can happen in a world where thought and creativity is stunted.  I won't give a lot away but one moment of significance is the discovery and outcome surrounding the Black Archives and the parallel  with our world's fate of the Library of Alexandria.

Overall, great pacing and characterization with plenty of action, a dash of romantic angst, some humor and surprising twists.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @rachelcaine




#PaperandFire #TheGreatLibrary #netgalley #InkandBone #YAlit #IntellectualFreedom #teen #adventure #alternatehistory #intrigue #adventure #review

COVER REVEAL: Archangel's Heart by Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Heart is the 9th book in the

Guild Hunter series

Archangel’s Heart releases November 1st!

Now Available for Pre-order HERE: http://bit.ly/28P4Qel

Add it to your TBR: http://bit.ly/GoodreadsArchangelsHeart

_____________________________

One of the most vicious archangels in the world has disappeared. No one knows if Lijuan is dead or has chosen to Sleep the long sleep of an immortal. But with her lands falling into chaos under a rising tide of vampiric bloodlust, a mysterious and ancient order of angels known as the Luminata calls the entire Cadre together to discuss the fate of her territory.

Accompanying her archangelic lover Raphael to the Luminata compound, guild hunter-turned-angel Elena senses that all is not as it seems. Secrets echo from within the stone walls of the compound, and the deeper Elena goes, the uglier the darkness. But neither Raphael nor Elena is ready for the brutal truths hidden within—truths that will change everything Elena thinks she knows about who she is…

Nothing will ever be the same again.

About the Author

Nalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing.

If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts and free short stories on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. The Rock Kiss books are all stand alone and can be read in any order.

Follow her:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Copula Chronicles by Venessa Kimball

Origin:

“An origin is supposed to be the beginning of everything, but I fear it’s the end...for me... for all of us. My name is Jesca Sera, my reality has been pierced and it is with absolute certainty that nothing will ever be the same in our world again. “ ~ Jesca 

Jesca’s life is full of averages; average childhood, average family, average part-time job with her best friend while she attends college close to home. Life is predictable, controlled, consistent, just the way she likes it, until the odds of averages turns against her and the oddity that that has remained dormant within her can no longer be contained.

Under the surface, Jesca’s strong-hold with reality is slowly slipping away. The seemingly harmless nightmares of her youth have turned sinister with ill intention and a realness meant to provoke true terror. The minor trick of the eye revealing a shadow or glimmer of light becomes vivid hallucinations intent on terrorizing her. Her fear reaches extremes when her professor’s presence coincides with her losing touch with reality, leaving Jesca questioning his stalking motives or influence on her shifting sanity. Confronting him is the only answer, and when she does, she is faced with an inconceivable explanation as to why her life is turning upside down; her role as a keeper of our world to save humanity from a potentially unstoppably apocalyptic catastrophe. Upon learning her purpose, Jesca is thrust into a new world of guardianship where training to use her new found abilities is the life-blood of survival for her and the tribe of guardians. 

Descend:

“A descendant of the architect that pierced my reality, leaving me and the others the responsibiity to inherit the earth then save it from those we never fathomed existed among us. My name is Jesca Sera, my reality has been pierced and it is with absolute certainty that nothing will ever be the same in our world again.” ~ Jesca 

The uncovered corruption and conspiracy upon our world paired with the impending catastrophic event honed in on our galaxy threatening invasion and evolution of our world lies in the hands of Jesca and the other guardians that have inherited the earth. The corruption of our world is spreading like wildfire, the between allies and enemies are being blurred, and Jesca’s growing attraction to the two men fighting for her heart could leave her vulnerable. Jesca and her fellow guardians’ fortitude is further pressed when their battle for earth takes them to the far reaches of Japan’s Aokigahara Forest, where the mysticism it covets brings weighted supernatural challenges they could never have anticipated. The predestined links she and the guardians share will either keep them safe or send them into a tailspin of sacrifices that may leave one if not all of them threatened. 

Ascend:

“With the breach of our world by those intent on invading it, a veil has been opened, giving way to the evolution we needed to stop. Now, I must ascend this veil that has released boundless evil into our world. This inheritance I posses is the key to a legacy bestowed to me; one that I have not yet discovered. My name is Jesca Sera. My reality has been pierced and it is with absolute certainty that nothing will ever be the same in our world again.” ~ Jesca 

With the guardians attempt to stop the global invasion and apocalyptic evolution of the earth, two of the men in Jesca’s life have made the ultimate sacrifice in a daring attempt to save her from near death and keep the veil, a celestial barrier meant to separate our universe from all others, from remaining open. The fate of Ezra and Nate is dismal unless Jesca, Xander, and the other guardians can find a way to get them back, while destroying the evil that has seeped into our world, and sealing the ethereal veil between our universe and the evil that lie beyond it. As Jesca ascends beyond the veil, malignant illusions meant to turn allies against one another are at every turn in this parallel universe. One truth among the illusions is bestowed to Jesca; the celestial inheritance from her ancestors along with the prophecies of what is to come of the guardians and earth.

Legacy:

“I have returned to an evolved earth. A place I no longer recognize. A self I no longer recognize. My name is Jesca Sera. My reality has been pierced and it is with absolute certainty that nothing will ever be the same in our world again. One thing is certain. I hold the blueprint of our salvation.” ~ Jesca 

With Jesca’s return from beyond the veil with Xander, Nate, and Ezra, they are ushered into our evolved world having advanced years since their departure.
The earth’s remaining populous that survived the galactic intersection, the following climatic shifts, and the rigorous genetic manipulation has been stunted by the very beings Jesca and the others encountered beyond the veil. Humankind is being invaded, occupied, and destroyed under their invisible reign. The beings intent? To possess our world and stop Jesca and the other guardians from fulfilling the legacy that could save us all. We are left to hit the ground running upon their return as Jesca brings home new found knowledge of her ancient bloodline and the supernal legacy that has linked her family, the guardians, and the two men she has been torn between throughout her journey. With only Jesca’s visions of what this ancient legacy holds for them, the guardians are depending on the divining glimpses of her ancestry to put them on the path leading to salvation.
The question is, will the stakes be too high and the risk to great for Jesca and the guardians to fulfill their destiny?

The Copula Chronicles is an exciting and engaging series that will captivate readers from start to finish.  Get ready to be on the edge of your seats! Make sure to check out this well written and entertaining series.

Watch the Trailer:

Youtube channel with all videos:  https://www.youtube.com/user/vkimball7

Buy It:

Copula Chronicles: http://goo.gl/MmyJI1

Origin (Book1): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29516882-origin

Descend (Book2): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29517100-descend

Ascend (Book3): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29517356-ascend

Legacy (Book4): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29517740-legacy

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @VenessaKimball

#CHBB #CopulaChronicles #VenessaKimball #intergalactic #fantasy #books

REVIEW: Wednesday (Timeless #3) by E.L. Todd

Hawke and Francesca are back in this third installment to Todd's Timeless series.  Having weathered a turbulent storm, they've found each other again.  For a time all is perfect; however, when a devastating loss resurfaces Hawke's past, his dark side returns and so do their woes.  He fears he'll endanger Francesca and as their relationship crumbles, she vows to never make the same mistake again.  But even as she moves on the memory of having Hawke's love lingers and he's determined to win her back but knows he has to work to overcome the fear and anger associated with his past.

I continue to enjoy this series even if the on again, off again relationship between these two is an emotional roller coaster ride. Just when they make progress, they jump several steps back. While this works in fiction, if this was RL, we'd never encourage a fellow friend or family member to continue to engage in such a draining and sometimes toxic relationship.   Within the narrative, such behavior creates tension and drama for excitement toward the big make up.

I still feel for poor Kyle. He's a good guy and certainly deserves more than he's gotten with Francesca but he is also a bit of doormat and needs to man-up and move on from her.

Overall, I understand the series format but stand behind my view that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday would be that much stronger as an edited and combined piece of work.  I'm looking forward to finishing the series and reading more about Axel and Marie's romantic backstory.

Check out my previous reviews of Monday and Tuesday!  A big thanks to @InkslingerPR for the review opportunity.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_L_TODD



#Wednesday #Timeless #ELTodd #romance #realisticfiction #angst #relationships #books

REVIEW: The Last Star by Rick Yancey

The Last Star is the final book in Yancey's 5th Wave trilogy. Here's what readers know so far:

• The end of world came in waves as Others (let's call them aliens to simplify) sought to paralyze life on Earth.
• 1st wave - lights out (EMPs to knock out machinery and electricity)
• 2nd wave - surf's up - huge tidal waves knockout coastal cities
• 3rd wave - Pestilence - eliminate the bulk of the population through illness
• 4th wave - Silencers - the Others appear on Earth and plan to wipe out the remaining human population. Important lesson: not all 'humans' are human.
• 5th wave - The Fifth wave is where the Others plan to bomb every city on Earth via the mothership.
• Teenage Cassie Sullivan, Other with a Conscience, Evan Walker, and Squad 53 leader, Ben 'Zombie' Parish plus others including Cassie's little brother, Sam, and snarky and now Other enhanced Ringer have gone AWOL and are the only ones to know the End Game of the 5th wave.

This crew has to work together to thwart the Others and quite literally save the world and the human race. The primary theme is that of humanity and what traits make us human. Emotions run high and there is significant drama about making sacrifices and so on. 

Honestly, this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. I adored The 5th Wave and its sequel, The Infinite Sea. But the magic was snuffed out and I found myself underwhelmed and more than a little confused by how all this culminated to a conclusion.  I pretty much hated all the characters with the exception of Evan who was by far the most human but wasn't entirely human at all. The ending is downright depressing and left me feeling pretty blah.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars



#laststar #5thwave #YAlit #teen #scifi #book #letdown

COVER REVEAL: Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Expected publication: 
July 19, 2016

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same.

Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her.

Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him?

But as the Fae Prince begins to close in on Ivy, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself.

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans…

Don’t miss the first title in the series, WICKED, now just $.99 for a limited time only!

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo

_______________________________________ 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Links:

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads

REVIEW: The Lost City of Z by David Grann

For a non-nonfiction reader, The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon is right up my alley.  I love a good historical mystery based on fact and the search for a legendary city of riches speaks to my love of fantasy and classical humanities background.

Grann's narrative explores two parallel narratives. First, a glimpse into the past and one of the 20th century's greatest exploration mysteries: What happened to explorer Percy Fawcett and his quest for the lost city of Z?

In a fateful 1925 excursion, Fawcett, his son and his crew travel deep into the Amazon hoping to discover an ancient lost civilization, rumored to be El Dorado. Thousands before them had died in such a pursuit; however, Fawcett believed he had the scientific facts for success. Never returning, their disappearance is one of explorations' greatest enigmas. Did they perish from disease or another environmental woe? Or, were they killed and/or held captive by an Indian tribe?

Shifting to his own quest for truth, Grann chronicles his own exploration into a treasure trove of diaries and other writings as he embarks on his own journey for answers to this mystery. Readers will be compelled from start to finish as we discover what truths Grann finds along the way.

Overall, I enjoyed this work if a bit long.  If I'm going to read nonfiction, this is the kind I crave. I kept imagining a lost Indiana Jones movie and how Harrison Ford would have ventured through the jungle, escaped multiple dangers and discovered the city only to have to hide its existence once again to save the world from utter destruction! (A bit like Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull but not awful!)

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @DavidGrann



#lostcityofz #eldorado #mystery #nonfiction #exploration #history

REVIEW: Fall with Me (Wait for You #4) by J. Lynn

Just when I think I've already met my favorite couple in the series I'm surprised by falling in love with new characters. We met Roxy in the last book. A super cool, artistic waitress at Mona's with a definite attraction for hot cop, Reece.  The queen of avoidance, Roxy has spent the better part of a year dodging Reece after one fateful night of misunderstandings but Reese is determined. When events from her past collide with the present, Roxy will have to rely on Reece even if she fears a broken heart.

Charlie, her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime 6 years ago and the person who put him in there, Henry, is out of prison and wanting to make amends. Roxy’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence she's quick to presume Henry's to blame. Reece isn't so sure but he's determine to protect Roxy until they discover who is stalking her and victimizing other young women in the surrounding community. 

Roxy is super fun and snarky but her struggle to forgive herself for her role in Charlie's condition is heart-wrenching.  She's equally frustrating with her delay in being truthful with Reece about their previous night together and the fact that super freaky things are happening inside her apartment. Reece is a pretty swoon worthy hero but this is one of those romance novels where I would have liked to have alternating POV and a bit more insight to his thoughts and how he's processing the trauma in his past and his relationship with Roxy.

Loved the angst and the super hot sexy times.  Most of the favorite previous characters make an appearance too.  I adore psychic, stripper Katie and predict some major bombshells for Cam and Avery!

Another outstanding audio narration by Sophie Eastlake (@sereads)!!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout




#fallwithme #waitforyou #jenniferlarmentrout #newadult #romance #books #swoon

REVIEW: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

“Let us pick up our books and our pens,” I said. “They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” 

What a heartfelt and inspirational read!  Malala is a young Muslim woman from Pakistan who has spent her short life advocating for education.  She was targeted by the Taliban in 2012 where she was shot in the head.  Malala recovered and has continued her outspoken campaign throughout the world including being a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. That's pretty outstanding considering she's still only 18 years old.

Malala is a remarkable human being with a positive message that we should all admire.  It sickens me that there are those in the world that would try to intimidate and act to silence such a young woman who only strives to do good. I wholeheartedly recommend this to readers (teens and adult) who want to be inspired and discover that it is possible to make a difference through the power of knowledge and education.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” 

If I had one criticism is that there are aspect of the book that make this a big info-heavy and for a reader who isn't familiar who the culture or area of the world or history, there is a lot to take in. Secondly, I would have enjoyed the audiobook more if the narrator had sounded a bit more like a young girl.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#iammalala #malalayousafzai #education #memoir #books #nonfiction

REVIEW: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan is back with another highly entertaining addition to the demigod world of Percy Jackson and Camp Half-Blood!

Rather unhappy with Apollo's action during Gaia's uprising, Zeus punishes his son by banishing him to Earth.  This has happened before, with Apollo eventually winning his father's good graces once again; however, Apollo has never been powerless or stuck in a 15-year-old, pudgy, acne ridden body.  With the help of some familiar and new faces, he makes it to Camp Half-Blood only to learn that demigods are going missing and there is a dangerous new enemy afoot.

Despite the fact that plenty of gods, monsters, and mortals have it out for Apollo, he has to focus his energies on saving the day (and of course, himself!).

Riordan doesn't disappoint with another fast paced and equally hilarious entry into the mythology laden world first introduce in The Lightning Thief. The true gem is Apollo's attitude, which departs so much from the demigods reader's have grown to love since 2005. Apollo is so used to being the handsome, athletic and talented golden god of medicine, music and so much else that it is quite amusing as he discovers that he really is none of those things for the time being.

Other great features are the chapter titles in haiku and the supporting cast of characters. I can't wait for another installment!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @camphalfblood



#hiddenoracle #trialsofapollo #rickriordan #greekmythology #humor YAlit #teen #audiobook

REVIEW: Calamity (Reckoners #3) by Brandon Sanderson

Thank you to Delacorte Press for a copy in exchange for a fair review on behalf of my ROYAL membership through the SWON Libraries.

Calamity is the conclusion to Sanderson's Reckoner series. Much of David's life has led to this since that fateful moment Calamity appeared in the sky, granting certain people incredible powers. However, this moment doomed David's life as Steelheart murdered his father and set him on a profound journey to eliminate Epics as part of the Reckoners.  It has been a bumpy ride full of loss and love and with this final chapter, the group still has more good to do.

David and the others continue with their plan to save Prof (or kill him if they have to) and ultimately destroy Calamity. First they need some new allies and some cool tricks before they head in search of Prof. Overall, the action sequence are great as are the engaging characters.  There's good banter and general plot pacing.

However, I finished the book feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.

Why?

Well, for one, 85% of the book was about fighting Prof, which I liked, but if the novel is titled Calamity, I want to ending of that plot resolution to to feel rushed, which I believe it was.  There wasn't adequate explanation of all the big reveals and surprises introduced for the narrative and its characters.  As much as I adored Steelheart, this was a huge let down. As I reader, I was left with far too many unanswered questions and without a sense of satisfaction.  How is Prof going to deal with what he did? So, Calamity is gone, now what? What's up with Firefight? Where's Oblivion? What's going to happen now?

I do hope that Sanderson revisits this world to provide readers with more of these answers.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @BrandSanderson



#calamity #reckoners #YAlit #teen #books #superhero #villain #fantasy 

REVIEW: Forever and Always (1-3) by E.L. Todd

This collection includes the first three books in Todd's Forever & Always series.

#1 Only for You

Scarlet and Sean have been best friends for years. A wreck when his girlfriend dumps him, Sean and Scarlet spend time together but when one drunken night they sleep together, Scarlet confesses her feelings and he doesn't feel the same. Heartbroken, Scarlet flees to Seattle to be with her brother and put the pieces of her life back together including repairing their damaged relationship and rebounding with her brother's hot best friend.
Both Sean and Scarlet are miserable but she probably would have moved on if Sean hadn't arrived to profess his love and apologize.

For me, this started out okay. I'm a sucker for the best friends to lovers trope but Scarlet and Sean's relationship felt forced and lacked finesse. I just do not care for Scarlet's character. She's not much by the way of admirable female protagonist. She stays silent about sexual harassment at work and at the slightest setback with her love life, Scarlet drops everything and runs away.  I just can't admire and feel for her in any way since once in Seattle she continues to make irrational choices that hurt herself and others.

Sean isn't much better and isn't your typical 'hero' character.  In fact, he's pretty douchey.  I'll give him a bit of credit that he probably didn't know Scarlet was as into him as she said she was but don't sleep with your best friend, then bed her friend and co-worker (in your friend's bed) the morning after.

I'd have been okay with the ending but moving on ruined things for me.

#2 Forever and Always

Scarlet and Sean are back together but don't blink it probably won't last...and it doesn't.  Sean wants her to come back to New York but she just isn't ready. Agreeing to a long distance relationship, Sean heads home only to find his ex, Penelope, at his doorstep claiming that she's pregnant and he's the baby daddy.

Pretty much acting like a huge jerk, Sean breaks Scarlet's heart again before learning that Penelope is using him. When Scarlet learns Sean has gone on a depressed bender, she gets him back on track but says they can't be together since he's hurt her too much already.  He shows back up to woo her by the end and prove that she is what he really wants.

This book made me really angry. Sean is a big jerk and Scarlet is an idiot.  I'm not sure I like the secondary characters either who are supporting this destructive relationship between the two. More alarming is the violent characterization of Sean when he all but attacked Penelope - he may not have hit her but he thought about it and I really disliked the verbal abuse.

#3 Edge of Love

Sean and Scarlet are happy and engaged. They travel to his family home in CT to share the news but it is a pretty terrible visit. The environment is tense, family secrets are revealed and there is an unexpected visitor that ruins the weekend. If that wasn't as bad as it could get, when they return to Seattle, they argue over the wedding, leaving Scarlet to move out. When another secret is revealed, their relationship reaches a downward spiral with their future in question.

At this point, I kept reading to find some redemption for the characters but there was none. These two are just not good for each other. Their relationship is destructive and degrading.  Okay, they are really into each other physically and like having sex. Is it necessary for Sean to call her a slut and a whore even if he admires her behavior? Totally uncalled for and not sexy to read.

Sean's reaction to basically everything should have Scarlet and readers seeing red flashing warning lights. Freaking out about who she talks to and what she does? Then...Scarlet has to grovel and apologize?  No. Thanks. This is abusive behavior plain and simple.

At the end, I was just over it all. These two deserve each other and I wasn't all that shocked or surprised by the ending and what the outcome might mean. It reminded me a bit too much of the forced and added plot twists in Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed by E.L.James to try to make it seem like there is more content that just relationship drama and hot sex.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed especially since I enjoyed Todd's Timeless series (books 1 & 2). Scarlet and Sean are just so flawed and unlikable that I couldn't move past these feelings as a reader. Even the erotic scenes just didn't work and lacked tension and finesse due to the toxic relationship between the main couple.  I do think Todd has improved her writing over time and the evident characterization and pacing flaws are less prominent in other works.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars


Thank you to @InkslingerPR for the review copy.


#foreverandalways #eltodd #romance #angst #newadult #review

REVIEW: Stay With Me (Wait for You #3) by J. Lynn

Stay with Me is the third in the series and my favorite thus far despite my lukewarm feelings when I read it first in 2014.

Calla, 21, hasn't done a lot of things thanks to a rather rocky childhood which includes surviving a devastating house fire which killed her two younger brothers, ruined her parents marriage, and sent her mother spiraling into a depraved life of drugs and debauchery.  Calla carries these physical and emotional scars with her but keeps secrets from everyone, especially her close circle of college friends. She's determined to finish school and live a happy, successful life in spite of her past.

Her plan is shattered when she discovers her mother has stolen her college money and run up a huge debt in her name.  Forced to return to her small home town, Calla has to clean up her mother's mess, again.  When she arrives at her mother's bar, Mona is AWOL and the place is hopping with sexy ex-soldier Jackson aka Jax James pouring drinks. He gives her a job and makes it perfectly clear that he wants more.

I didn't love Stay with Me the first time I read it. I liked it a lot but there was something missing.  It think that was simply reading the series from the start.  The character building to get to Calla's story had to be established.  I love Calla and all her body issues. She's snarky and intelligent and funny and vulnerable. Jax is the perfect ex-soldier, hottie. He's a natural protector which is what Calla needs but he's also alpha enough to coax her out of her shell and to love her for her.

The romance is believable. The mystery/thriller aspect to the plot is intriguing and the sexy times are super smokin'.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout


#staywithme #waitforyou #jenniferlarmentrout #romance #newadult #bodyimage #bookreview

REVIEW: Be With Me (Wait For You #2) by J. Lynn

Be with Me is the second in the Wait for You series and follows Teresa (Tess), Cam's little sister as she falls for his best friend Jace. A survivor of physical abuse, Teresa's life is in transition since a potentially career ending knee injury has derailed her full time dance studies.  Trying to heal, she's beginning college classes and trying to ignore her growing feelings for her brother's best friend.

Jace has some secrets of his own which stunt his ability to commit to anyone for fear of being hurt. What he feels for Teresa is all too real and he has a lot to work out in the emotional department if they're going to have a happy ending.

Besides their romance, the novel centers profoundly around surviving physically abusive relationships.  Teresa got out of one and when she sees that her roommate might be in a similar situation, she speaks up despite a devastating outcome.

I adored this book too. It continues to build upon characters introduced in book 1 and I love that Cam and Avery are back.  I like Teresa and Jace. The attraction is believable as is the smoldering build-up of their relationship. The trials and tribulations are expected for character development.  The pivotal story climax for Teresa had me on the edge of my seat.

All in all a great romantic, sexy book with plenty of heart.  Check out the audiobook read by Sophie Eastlake!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout


#bewithme #waitforyou #jenniferlarmentrout #romance #newadult #domesticviolence #bookreview

REVIEW: Wait For You (#1) by J. Lynn

Book 1 in the Wait for You series follows Avery Morgansten as she embarks on her freshman year of college in West Virginia. Determined to escape what happened to her at a Halloween party five years ago, she's left Texas and her family behind as well as the constant, degrading bullying from part of her past.  All Avery wants to do is to blend in and make it to classes on time; however, life is anything but predictable.

Enter Cameron at 6'3'' and full of swoon-worthy charm from is dark hair to his striking blue eyes.  He's remarkably charming and seems to be there literally every time Avery turns around.  As their friendship and attraction turns to more, something special might be over before its truly begun. Avery must face her past in order to have the future with Cam they both deserve.

I loved it! There is a realness to the characters and developing relationship.  I love the snark but also the vulnerability of Avery. She's been hurt badly but it growing as a person and is a strong woman. I adore Cam and his approach to breaking down Avery's walls.  It is always nice to have an alpha man character that shows some restraint and isn't quite as in your face annoying as in some books.

Without spoiling too much, I do think Wait for You sends a positive message to rape survivors that meaningful romantic relationships and a successful life are possible in light of such trauma. Avery's journey hasn't been an easy one but she has endured and come out of it stronger.

I really enjoyed the pacing and introduction of other characters. The audiobook narrated by Sophie Eastlake was quite expressive.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout




#newadult #romance #waitforyou #angst #survivor #bookreview #jenniferlarmentrout

REVIEW: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks as an African American woman and mother who died in 1951 from cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Her profound story doesn't end there.  Cells named HeLa have been vital for developing the polio vaccine, uncovering the secrets of other cancers, viruses, in vitro fertilization, cloning, gene mapping and so much more.

The true travesty is that Lacks' cells were taken without her knowledge and remained alive decades following her death.  For all the good she's played in the global medical field, Lacks was buried in an unmarked grave with her children having little knowledge of the mark she left while they still live in obscurity, feeling violated and seeing no profit from the billions made off of their mother.

This novel is as fascinating as it is sad. Author Rebecca Skloot has done an amazing job working to give Henrietta and her family a voice and illuminate to the world the dark times of medical experimentation. The unethical and racially discriminatory practices so many like Lacks endured are profound and deserve to be criticized and thrust into the light.

Not always a big fan of non fiction or biographies, I was deeply moved by this story and its presentation.  I highly recommend the audiobook.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars





#HeLa #HennriettaLacks #medicine #privacy #biography #injustice

REVIEW: Charged by Jay Crownover

Charged is the second book in Crownover's Saints of Denver series.

Avett Walker is known for her poor decision making.  When listening to her latest abusive boyfriend lands her in jail facing some serious charges, she'll need all the help she can get to turn her life around. Enter Quaid Jackson, the high powered, gorgeous and sexy as hell attorney retained to defend Avett.

The last thing she wants to do is listen to Quaid's no-nonsense routine, especially when he holds her future in his hands.  Likewise, Avett, with Technicolor pink hair and an equally feisty demeanor, is impulsive and unlike any client Quaid has ever had. The more time they spend with each other, the more the attraction builds into a charged frenzy with more than a few rocky stops and starts on the way to forever.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I devoured it in nearly one sitting as I do most of Crownover's titles.  I've been waiting what seems like forever for Avett and her 'Legal Eagle' to get it on and have their own story.  Crownover didn't disappoint.  The great storytelling formula first established with Rule and her other novels is back.  She lays the groundwork with interesting and compelling characters but also includes well developed plots, good dialogue and super sexy times.

“The trick is staying found, I think. It’s easy to get lost when your life is constantly in a state of disarray. The right path gets obscured as quickly as you make it.”

He put a hand on my shoulder and told me solemnly, “That’s why you find something or someone that guides you, someone that won’t lose you, and someone that you don’t mind getting lost with when that inevitably happens.” 

While Avett and Quaid aren't my favorite couple, they rank up there pretty high.  Like Crownover's other couples, these two balance each others weaknesses and provide unique support not found through any other person.  I wish there had been more with Quaid and his family but maybe that's an excuse for an additional book or short story (hint, hint! - Jay!!!). I can't wait to learn more about Wheeler and for Church and Dixie to finally get a book too.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JayCrownover



#charged #legaleagle #jaycrownover #SoD #romance #sexy #books