REVIEW: Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

*Thanks to Netgalley & Disney-Hyperion for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Publisher's summary:  

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race.

___________

I enjoyed pretty much every moment of this book from the exciting opening--Amelia caught without her backpack by another set of scavvers and then 'rescued' by Jules, then their alliance to find a forgotten temple, some amazing puzzles and hijinx that would have made Indiana Jones proud, a developing friendship/bond, trust and something more.

These characters have superb presence and dialogue. They are as spunky as they are complex.  I found the story adventurous and exciting--a real treat that I had trouble putting down.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Innkeeper Chronicles Vol 1 by Ilona Andrews

*Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Meet Dina Demille, a nice Texas gal who runs a seemingly ordinary, quaint B&B. But Dina’s inn is a magic, thinking entity; her fluffy Shih-tzu, Beast really is a beast; and her guests are the kind that no one on earth is supposed to know about: guests like a dethroned galactic tyrant with a massive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced—and superhot—alpha-strain werewolf.

So don’t expect a normal stay…and don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage….

In Clean Sweep, Dina—with the unwanted assistance of newcomer (and alpha werewolf) Sean Evans and Arland, a cosmic vampire soldier—takes on an extraterrestrial killing machine that could destroy her Inn, her neighbors, and everything she holds dear.

I really enjoyed this book.  The Andrews husband/wife writing team do what they do best, build a fast paced, detailed and adventurous world filled to the brim with action, tension, humor and memorable character.  I love Dina and the other characters for their diversity as much as the snarky humor these authors do so well.

While this is a contained story-line, readers are introduced to enough continuing questions to want to come back for more!  I also cannot speak highly enough of the audio narration as performed by Renee Raudman.  She does a stellar job as she has will all the other Andrews audio titles.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sweep in Peace, finds Dina hosting an anything-but peace summit between three warring intergalactic species; Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char. 

This book was a hoot! I loved the premise and all the details of trying to make the peace summit successful despite some big hurdles.  What I also loved was the crossover from The Edge series and seeing some well loved characters mix with Dina.  However, for me, the best part was Orro, the high strung and masterful chef, who has been disgraced following the poisoning of a diplomat.  I adore him to the moon and back!

Overall, some great twists and surprises to bring back key characters.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

One Fell Sweep sends Dina to the galaxy’s worst penal colony to rescue her sister; and back home to fend off a clan of assassins in pursuit, all while saving a guest’s civilization from annihilation…and searching for her missing parents.

Another excellently plotted adventure with good romantic tension, action, and humor.  I enjoyed the addition of Dina's sister and niece as well as the resurgence of characters and some unexpected twists. Dina is making strides toward finding companionship and answers to her parents' disappearance. 

Fantastic performance in audio again by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

REVIEW: Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

*Thank you to Netgalley and Imprint for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

The only surviving heir to an ancient Kalusian dynasty, Rhee has spent her life training to destroy the people who killed her family. Now, on the eve of her coronation, the time has finally come for Rhee to claim her throne - and her revenge.

Alyosha is a Wraetan who has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the dashing star of a DroneVision show. Despite his popularity, Aly struggles with anti-Wraetan prejudices and the pressure of being perfect in the public eye.

Their paths collide with one brutal act of violence: Rhee is attacked, barely escaping with her life. Aly is blamed for her presumed murder.

The princess and her accused killer are forced to go into hiding - even as a war between planets is waged in Rhee's name. But soon, Rhee and Aly discover that the assassination attempt is just one part of a sinister plot.

Empress of a Thousand Skies will appeal to readers who've enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles as well as the space-adventure/romance trend of the Starbound trilogy, Starflight and the Illuminae files.  This is a fast paced adventure with just enough romance. I enjoyed the alternative POV. The characters have layers and kept me interested. I did find some of the plot a bit predictable, but I'm not always the average readers since I do so much.

Certain points reminded me a lot of Cinder, but that's okay because that is one of my favorites. Rebecca Soler reads the audio--she does the Lunar Chronicles too!  Excellent job!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Book 2 in the Illuminae Files continues with a sci-fi saga on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where readers meet two new characters who will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. Immersed in their lives among the space station, they are unaware that Kady Grant, Ezra Mason and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home not only from these deadly assault teams but also from vicious predators snacking on station residents.  Toss in a malfunctioning wormhole ripping the time/space continuum in two and readers are in for a treat!

“Her eyes shining with the light of it.
Beneath, between, beyond.
Along the endless circle.
Down the ceaseless spiral.
And waiting for her on the other side?
Just like he promised.
...
“A whole sky of different stars.” 

Gemina is another feast for the senses with the narrative told through a dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics. The print version is a visual wonderland thanks to the care given the narrative and layout by Kaufman and Kristoff as well as the absurdly awesome additional illustrations by Marie Lu. The complexity of plot and character development is astounding as is the projected voices of key players Hannah, Nik and Ella.  I was pleased when Katy, Ezra and ADIAN joined the game and can't wait to see what transpires for the third novel in 2017.

A quick addition - while the print is AMAZING, I can't speak highly enough about the full cast audio as well.  I own both and it was truly an experience to immerse myself not only in the text but also the stellar audio production.

Final rating: ALL THE STARS! 

Follow the authors on Twitter: @misterkristoff @AmieKaufman

#Gemina #Illuminae #YA #teen #audiobook #awesomeness

REVIEW: Starflight by Melissa Landers

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: February 2, 2016

Starflight is the first in a new series by Melissa Landers. Teen orphan, Solara Brooks is determined to flee Earth to embark on a fresh start.  Literally branded as a criminal, she hopes that she'll find a new life and employment as a mechanic in the outer realm. Solara is so desparate to escape that she's willing to indenture herself to former classmate, Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular heir to a fuel legacy.

Unforeseen events lead to quite a twist in fate when Solara and Doran end up on the Banshee, a space vessel of dubious reputation.  Soon Doran learns that he's been fraudulently been charged with conpiracy on Earth and that his father has been imprisoned. Dead set on completing his mission and clearing his name, Doran and Solara have to set their differences aside and agree to work together with hopes to avoid the forces gunning for their arrest.

Living in such close quarters on the ship is a challenge to all.  Both learn that they need to reevaluate how they look at the world and each other in order to survive.  Respect, trust and eventually attraction and love bloom. Readers are in store for a emotionally charged space adventure. The cast of secondary characters are compelling as are the villains and some rather startling discoveries. I loved the pacing, creativity and humor. I cannot wait to read book two and determine how certain events will impact other characters, namely Cassie and Kane.

Overall, I was reluctant when I began this book since space adventures aren't always of high interest to me as a reader. However, Landers weaves an artful web that will entice romance and adventure fans as well as those with a love of Firefly, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

Final rating: 4.5/5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Melissa_Landers


#starflight #melissalanders #YAlit #space #romance #bookreview #teen #netgalley