Sunday 31 December 2017

The Song Rising

***
3/5


The Song Rising is the enjoyable third book in the Bone Season series. It was slower paced and I felt less was going on in the first half of the book but it did really pick up near the end where I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed the adventure, twists, political manoeuvring, and romance that was in this book. One thing this book did better than the previous two was the world building as it was so much better as we got to see more of the UK and hear about the difficulties faced in other countries.

Paige is such a great character as we the reader really feel the tremendous stress she is under with her new responsibilities as Underqueen and the odds of her winning this battle ever decreasing. She is also a good character we feel her belief that she is a failure, and willingness to do whatever she can for her people. There are so many side characters in this series, from Warden to Nick, Eliza and Maria, with so many more in-between, and I believe that there will be more interesting characters to come in the future. I really like the character of Jaxon as he is a really complex and interesting personality.


I really enjoyed the ending of this book and with the story going in a direction I was not expecting I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. I would recommend The Song Rising to fans of the first two books in this series, The Bone Season and The Mime Order.

Thursday 28 December 2017

Successor's Promise


****
4/5


Successor’s Promise is the very good third book in the Millennium’s Rule series but I felt it was not as engaging as the first two novels. However, it was amazingly written with brilliant world building. It had action, political intrigue, romance and magic. On the other hand, I felt like that the structure of the first two books didn’t work this well in this one as Rielle and Tyen interacted more and their stories were so interlaced that I just wanted to know what the other person was doing or thinking.

I understand the conflict Tyen felt in this book but I did wish he would either pick a side or talk about his problems with someone rather than constantly beat himself up. Rielle has grown so much more in confidence in this book but this means she has become less trusting and more protective. Qall was not my favourite character as for the first half of the book he stubbornly did not seem to understand how seriousness of the situation he was in, but he was also a bit mysterious as he was the only character that we could not see his thoughts or feelings.


While this book was not my favourite in the Millennium’s Rule series I did enjoy it, and am looking forward to reading the final book, Maker’s Curse. I would recommend Successor’s Promise to fans of the first two books in this series or other works by Trudi Canavan. 

Tuesday 19 December 2017

Invictus

****
4/5



Invictus is a very enjoyable YA sci-fi novel which is similar to firefly if it had time travel. It is full of action, adventure, mystery and romances which did not take over the plot. This book is jam-packed with twists and turns and I did not expect the revelation about Eliot at all. I love all of the crew as, while Far is the main character, they all contribute massively to the tone and plot of the story.

Far is confident, sassy and daring but is very protecting and caring of his crew. The three other members of the crew are Gram, who is logical, quiet and intelligent, Imogen, who is fun and sweet, and Priya, who is passionate and resourceful. Eliot is such a mystery as we are not sure if she is trustworthy or not but it is clear that she is hurting.


I really liked this book and am planning on reading more books by Graudin, especially if they are as good as this one. I would recommend Invictus to fans of The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer and St Mary’s Chronicles by Jodi Taylor.

Sunday 10 December 2017

The River Witch

****
4/5



The River Witch is a very enjoyable fantasy novel set in the distant future. It is fast paced and an easy read but it was a bit slow to start and find its story. It has adventure and a story full of mystery which I hope we discover more about in future books. It has a hint of upcoming romance but it could also develop into a good friendship and I am looking forward to finding out.

Tabitha is naïve as she trusts everyone and wants a life full of adventure and magic like the stories her mother told her. Lysander is my favourite as he is conflicted and, unlike Tabitha, mysterious as we do not know much about his past and what his real motives are. I also liked the water sprites Ani, Corida and Bellat as they were childish, excitable and impulsive.


This book is the start of a 13-book series and I am looking forward to reading them, especially the next book The Iron Court. I would recommend The River Witch to those who like the sound of a fantasy novel set in the unique setting of future Britain.

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Season of Wind

****
4/5



Season of Wind is the second book in the Clockwork Gods Chronicles and I really enjoyed it. It was very fast paced, and full of action and deception. While I guessed the main plot twist it was still a fun light book and I enjoyed reading about all of the characters.

Janet is determined to protect her friends and save Silvia but also feels way over her head as she gets more involved in the Gods war. I wish Itazura was in this book more as he was my favourite character from the first book and the story seemed to be lacking something with him not in it. However, the other gods made up for it was I really liked the bander and family feeling between Laetatia, Meroquio, and Kova.


This is a very fun story and I am looking forward to reading the next book in The Clockwork Gods Chronicles. I would recommend Season of Wind to fans of the first book Hour of Mischief. 

Thursday 30 November 2017

Daughter of the Burning City

****
4/5




Daughter of the Burning City is a really interesting and unique fantasy book which really sucked me into its story. This book is built on the mystery of who is killing Sorina’s family which has lots of twists and while I guessed some, most really surprised me. This book is well written and had very descriptive and good world building, especially considering most of the book was set in Gomorrah. However, there was a plot hole in the book which did make the story feel a bit to unrealistic but it is a very big spoiler so I will not ruin it.

Sorina is determined but also has many insecurities as she feels like she is a freak and that the only people who like her are the family who she created. Luca is mysterious, sarcastic, but not in a mean way, and can come across as a bit innocent despite really understanding how the world, and more importantly people, works. He is very distinctive in many ways, from his dress sense, to his powers, to his personality. I loved Sorina’s family as they were their own people with their own wishes and fears, and after the first 20% of the book I never got them confused with each other.


This a very good book from debut author Amanda Foody and I am really looking forward to reading more of her books and any sequels to Sorina’s story. I would recommend Daughter of the Burning City to fans of unique fantasy books.

Monday 27 November 2017

Flame in the Mist

**
2/5




Flame in the Mist is an ok fantasy book but it did not hold my interest and I found it forgettable. I didn’t like the romance as it really came across as Stockholm Syndrome as she fell for someone she believes tried to kill her and killed her friends, which is a massive turn off in romances for me. The world building, especially the magic was not explained well at all and even by the end of the story there were lots of unexplained parts.

With Mariko, I wish Ahdieh has shown not told us how smart, resourceful, and observant she is, as I saw hardly any of them qualities in her during this book. The rest of the characters I didn’t really care about them apart from Kenshin, who I understood his motives and his loyalty towards his family.


I was indifferent towards this book which is disappointing as I was looking forward to it.

Thursday 23 November 2017

Fireblood

***
3/5



Fireblood is the second book in the Frostblood saga and while an enjoyable book I felt it was not as good as Frostblood. The story was fast paced and well written but was also predictable and has all of the clichés I would expect from middle book. I really was not a fan of the love triangle as it was not needed and was only there to add drama when Kai and Ruby could have just been good friends and the story would have been practically the same.

Ruby want to discover her potential and find a place she belongs but it is annoying that she is the special snowflake and Chosen One when her character isn’t that interesting. She has also learnt to think more before she acts but still lacks emotional control. We do not see as much of Arcus as I would have liked but he is still stubborn, protective and moody. While I was not a fan of the love triangle, I really liked Kai as he was charming, charismatic and flirty, and was not afraid to express his emotions and vulnerable side.


I felt the ending was a bit rushed but I am still looking forward to the next book Nightblood. I would recommend Fireblood to people who enjoyed the first book Frostblood.

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Frostblood

***
3/5



Frostblood is an enjoyable YA fantasy book which is both fast paced and romantic. It is a book of two halves which had a different tone to them, however the story was full of clichés and predictable. While the world building was good I would have liked other countries to be fleshed out a bit more.

Ruby is short tempered and has a lack of emotional control but is also kind and inquisitive. Arcus is moody and damaged both physically and mentally but he is also loyal and protective. My favourite parts of the book were the banter between Ruby and Arcus and how slow the romance was in building.


I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel Fireblood. I would recommend Frostblood to fans of The Storm Siren trilogy by Mary Weber and the Fairy Queen books by Amber Argyle.

Tuesday 7 November 2017

Turbo 23

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for giving me this book to review.

Another romp through the crazy life of Bounty Hunter and all-round klutz, Stephanie Plumb.  Her latest adventure involves working undercover at an ice cream factory, finding dead bodies, and being undecided between her two romantic partners, as usual.  She is aided and abetted in this by her friend and colleague, Lula, and her slightly dysfunctional family, especially Grandma Mazur.

The plot is not very complicated, and the whole book is very light and easy to read, and provides many a smile, so long as you don’t take it too seriously.  The humour is quite slapstick in nature, and there is always the opportunity to smile and marvel at the chaos that is Stephanie’s life.  The characters in this book are, as usual, larger than life, and not always based in reality, but if you wanted realism, you would not choose to read this series of books.

My favourite character, is, and always has been, Grandma Mazur.  I love the fact that she’s reached the age and attitude where she doesn’t care about anything, is willing to try everything, and is afraid of nothing.  She has buckets of self-confidence and I hope I am as feisty as she is when I get older.


I enjoyed Turbo 23 and would recommend it to people who have enjoyed other Janet Evanovitch novels, or those who like light comedy/crime novels.

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Tarnished City

****
4/5



Tarnished city is a really good YA paranormal dystopian novel which is even darker and violent and the previous book Gilded Cage. It is fast paced and with all of its twists, political manoeuvring and unpredictability it makes you not want to put the book down. It did not suffer from middle book syndrome and I felt the characters have become more interesting and those who were a bit two-dimensional in the first book have developed a lot more.

I felt like Luke had the least character growth in this book, partly because his story arc did not grab me as much but also, he was the character who had developed the most in Gilded Cage. However, Abi had the most growth as she is still determined to save her family but she understands that change is needed. She has also lost her naivety and her belief that her family can stay impartial. Silyen is just as mysterious and complex as before and I still have no clue what his plans are all for. The most surprising character was Gavar as he was so much more interesting in this book and developed into a character I was not expecting.


The ending was a bit confusing and did end on a massive cliffhanger but I am looking forward to reading the next book Bright Ruin. I would recommend Tarnished City to those who enjoyed the first book Gilded Cage, and this series to those who like dystopian alternative worlds. 

Saturday 28 October 2017

Gilded Cage

****
4/5



Gilded cage is a very good dark dystopian alternative UK. It is an unique concept with lots of twists and turns. It had excellent world building, interesting political intrigue and lots of different characters, each with their own voice.

Luke is brave, courageous and honourable as he dislikes injustice but he can be reckless and daring. Abi is a nice character as she is intelligent, resourceful and organised, while being headstrong and loyal to her family. Silyen is an enigma in this story as we don’t know much about him apart from he is magically strong and manipulative.


This is a very fascinating read and I am looking forward to Tarnished City, the next book in the series. I would recommend Gilded Cage to fans of The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon.

Friday 20 October 2017

Island of Exiles


***
3/5



Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me this book to review.

Island of Exiles is a good book with an interesting story and world which is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel. It was well written with good world building, interesting characters, full of action and a romance which was there but did not take over the story. I really enjoy fantasy books but I found the names and titles overly confusing which caused me to feel that it was slow to start. Similarly, the three genders confused me as it was not explained that Ebet were a different gender and for ages I thought it was a spelling mistake. However, I did like that nobody cared about others sexuality, whether they be bisexual, asexual or somewhere in-between, which is not common in most books.

Khya is strong, protective and dedicated but is also stubborn and selfish. There are three other main characters, Yorri who is intelligent, Tessen who I like as he is cunning but good, and Sanii who had a lot of potential which I hope is explored further in future books.


This is an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to reading the next book Sea of Strangers. I would recommend Island of Exiles to fans of unusual fantasy novels.

Saturday 14 October 2017

A Stolen Kiss

***
3/5



A Stolen Kiss is a nice light YA fantasy book which has a Fairytale like plot. It is fast paced, with a magical quest and a sweet romance. However, it is also predictable and a bit forgettable. Apart from Derric, the characters were not that interesting and felt flat.

Maria is a kind character who grows in independence. Derric is the most interesting character as he is selfless, clever and complex and during the book grows in confidence.


This is an enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading the next book A Stolen Crown. I would recommend A Stolen Kiss to fans of Young Adult fairytales. 

Friday 6 October 2017

Freeze

****
4/5


Freeze is a very enjoyable second book in the Midnight Ice series. It is action-packed, romantic and well written. It is fast pace and a nice easy read with a story which was a little bit less predictable than Frost.

Pandora feels betrayed and lonely but instead of giving up she fights to discover the truth about herself and is determined not to let anyone influence her or betray her again. I like the new character Naya as I feel that her story is going to be important and that Pandora will need a friend in the next book. Sam is still an enigma even when we learn more about him, but does he really want what is best for Pandora. Jax is guilt ridden and is torn between his heart and what he believes is right.


I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one Fracture. I would recommend Freeze to fans of the first book Frost.

Saturday 30 September 2017

Frost

****
4/5



Frost is a very enjoyable paranormal novel which is fast paced. It is set in the same world as the midnight fire series, I have not read them yet but it did not impact the story or my enjoyment of it. However, what stopped this book from getting a higher rating was that the story was predictable and not all that original.

Pandora is sassy and independent but is also hurting and is running from her past and while she is a thief, she is ultimately battling wrongs. Jax has good banter with Pandora and is protective but he is suffering from guilt. Sam is very mysterious and I felt I did not get to know him very well but I guess we will discover more in the next book.


This book ends on a cliff-hanger and I am looking forward to reading the next book Freeze. I would recommend Frost to fans of YA paranormal books.

Thursday 28 September 2017

Wintersong

***
2/5



Wintersong is a OK book, which I think I would have liked it better if I had watched Labyrinth. The first half of the book was fast paced but it slowed down in the second half, however, it was well written.

I did not get on with Leisl as while we are often told how selfless she is, she is actually very whinny, self-centred and jealous. The Goblin King was OK but nothing like I expected him to be, instead of charming and manipulating he is insecure. The romance was unsettling from both Elizabeth and The Goblin King. The Goblin King kidnapping your sister to get you is a big turn off, and Elizabeth pressuring The King for sex all the time was repelling as would we be comfortable and accepting of this behaviour if the genders were switched.


Ultimately, I could not get on with Wintersong and DNF at 75%

Monday 25 September 2017

Mask of Shadows

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for giving me this book to review.

Mask of Shadows is a likeable dark fantasy book. Slow paced and I would have liked more world building and a cast of characters I could relate to more. Apart from the gender fluid protagonist, it felt like I had read this story before. Also with the war and the magic being gone from the world, this book felt like a new story but in a world that had already been established in previous books. While I liked that this book added some unique diversity to the YA fantasy genre, I wish that Sal being gender fluid was either given more or less importance in the story. This is because I felt most of the characters understood and accepted Sal but Sal acted as if this was unusual and got very emotional when people did accept them. Also, I will admit that I do not fully understand gender fluidity but one thing that bothered me was that it was Maud who was choosing Sal’s clothing, therefore I felt like it was Maud who was deciding Sal’s gender not Sal.

Sal was determined, hell bent on vengeance and rough around the edges but I just did not connect to them. Maud was my favourite character as she was honest and did not mince her words but as we got to know her better we got to see how caring she is and how much she has struggled. Elise is an OK scholarly character who is kind and intelligent.

This book has an interesting concept but ultimately it did not grab me as much as I hoped. I would recommend Mask of Shadows to fans of Throne of Glass.

Saturday 16 September 2017

Death's Queen

****
4/5



Death’s Queen is a new novel by Janeal Falor which is fast paced and predictable but I never found it boring. There was action, politics and some romance but I felt that this part was a bit too rushed. I really liked this world and the idea of a drink deciding who the next Queen is. I can understand the comparison to the Throne of Glass series but as I found that series to be underwhelming, this book is much better in my opinion.

The Queen (who has no name which makes it difficult to talk about her in this review) has so many walls around herself, which makes it hard for her to open up but she is very strong, does not care about other people’s negative opinions of her which shows in her lack of social skills, but during this book has a good development arc. There are a few secondary characters but my favourite is Nash as he is loyal, intelligent and protective but is also not afraid to speak his mind.


I really enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to reading the next book Death’s Betrayal. I would recommend this book to fans of YA fantasy books with magic, royalty and assassins.

Tuesday 5 September 2017

Redux

****
4/5



Redux is a really great second book in the Tricksters series with lots of twists. It was fast paced, with good world building. This book was more intense than the last as it is set in the real world and when the characters die, they actually die, but I did miss the fantasy element of the Nexis. While I am not a fan of love triangles or squares, I found this one interesting as it did not go on too long and it had the extra element of who was in the Nexis with Ella.

Ella is intelligent but also wracked with guilt, and she is willing to do anything to fix her mistakes. I wish we got to see more of Gus but he is loyal, resourceful, conflicted and daring. We got to learn more about Quentin, how persuasive he is and how much responsibility was on his shoulders, which made me like his character as he was so interesting. I enjoyed how we got to know new characters as well as established ones becoming more developed.


Like the last book I was a bit confused at the ending but I also enjoyed it as all of the main questions were answered but it was also left open enough for another book, which I would enjoy as I liked reading about this world. I would recommend Redux to fans of the first book Nexis.

Wednesday 30 August 2017

The Tower Must Fall

**
2/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Curiosity Quills Press for giving me this book to review.


The Tower Must Fall had an interesting premise and had lots of fairytales mentioned. However, the story was slow paced and the writing felt a bit jumpy. Marek was easy going, clumsy and naïve but also a dreamer and is dedicated. Eyno was not comfortable in her own skin and was looking for redemption. The Tower Must Fall was an OK book with an interesting story and a lot of unanswered questions.

Friday 18 August 2017

Ever the Hunted

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group for giving me this book to review.

Ever the Hunted is an enjoyable YA fantasy book which is fast paced and full of action, romance and magic. However, it is nothing new in this genre and is a bit predictable.

Britta is skilled, determined and competent but also is distrustful of people. Cohen is your average YA hero with nothing new as he is brave, loyal and protective. However, I wish we got to know Lief a bit more as I really liked him and he was an interesting character.


I was not a fun of the ending and the hinted love triangle in the next book Ever the Brave. I would recommend Ever the Hunted to fans of Slumber by Samantha Young and Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision.

Sunday 6 August 2017

Dreamscape: Saving Alex

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Pikko’s House for giving me this book to review.

Dreamscape: Saving Alex is a fun YA fantasy book with adventure, action and romance. This book had a cool concept as I enjoy video games but it did not grab me in the first half of the book but it did pick up in the second half. I liked and enjoyed the world, even if it was a bit unoriginal and I wish it had more gaming elements to it.

I was not a fan of Alex in the beginning as she was whinny, annoying and full of angst but I understood as I bet if I was in her position when I was her age I would have acted the same, if not worse. But she does grow and develop during the book. Arrow is a natural leader who is loyal and protective.


Though I guessed it would happen I was not a fan of the ending and I hope that if there is a sequel it will get a better ending. I would recommend Dreamscape: Saving Alex to fans of Nexis by A L Davroe and The Dark Realm by Anthea Sharp.

Monday 31 July 2017

Cogling

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Curiosity Quills Press for giving me this book to review.

Cogling is fast paced and each chapter ended on a small cliff-hanger which made me want to read just a bit more. This book had action, romance and adventure but it is also predictable and need more world building. However, the tone changed about two thirds way through the book as while it is a YA book it became more adult in its violence and romance.

Edna is kind, caring and naïve but also courageous and stubborn. Ike is secretive, resourceful and charming. There are a few secondary characters like Harrison, Rachel and Hilda.


I found the ending rushed and I would recommend Cogling to fans of YA steampunk books.

Saturday 29 July 2017

Demon Princess

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Weapenry Co-Op for giving me this book to review.

I liked Demon Princess as it was an easy fun read and straight forward if a bit forgettable. I liked that there was not cliché love triangle as there could have been. This book needs more world building and the timeline should be clearer as it felt like days had passed not months. Characters needed to be more fleshed out so we got to know them better, especially Adriana’s brother and father.

Adriana is spoiled and sheltered, but also intelligent, observant and full of willpower. Keldrin is a kind and caring good guy who is considerate and helpful. Aldric is mean snivelling and ambitious to the extent that he does not care who he hurts.


I enjoyed Demon Princess and would recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare.

Thursday 27 July 2017

Into the Storm

***
3/5


Thanks to Shelby K Morrison for giving me this book to review.

Into the Storm is the enjoyable third book in the Legend of the Liberator series. It was well written and had a good story but it did not grab me as much as the first book. I’m glad that the romance that has been hinted at for the first 2 books has finally happened but I felt it was full of angst and really showed the characters age.

Aia makes so many mistakes in this book as she lets others push her around and she does not turn to or rely on the people closest to her who she trusts. Cole feels useless and not able to be helpful and I was not a fan of his jealousy. Elle was an interesting new character and I liked how her feelings were conflicted and I understood her anger.


This book ends on a cliff-hanger and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I would recommend Into the Storm to fans of the first two books in this series, From the Ashes and Among the Flames.

Monday 24 July 2017

Smells like Weeia Spirit

***
3/5


Thanks to Elle Boca for giving me this book to review.

Smells like Weeia Spirit is a fun paranormal crime series with a bit of romance and action. This book was fairly predictable apart from one incident which truly surprised me and it was brave and unexpected from Elle to do this.

Danni is dedicated, intelligent and she is finally getting a hang of living in Paris and being ignored by her boss. Sebastian is the same as ever handsome and loyal, and Iaen is the perfect balance to Danni and they are a really good couple.


I am enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading more of Danni’s adventures in Paris. I would recommend Smells like Weeia Spirit to fans of the first 2 Weeia Marshals books and those who enjoyed the Weeia series.

Wednesday 19 July 2017

Child of the Empire

***
3/5


Thanks to Michaelbrent Collings for giving me this book to review.

Child of the Empire is a very enjoyable fantasy novel which has a slight steampunk feel to it. Even though the main protagonist is a teenager this book can easily be read by adults as it is not full of angst. This book has lots of twists but the first half of the book has more world building and the second half is more action packed.

Sword wants to feel like she belongs, but she is also naïve and trusting. There are a lot of other character in this book including kind Garden, protective Armour, surly Arrow, enigmatic Wind and Cloud, and secretive Devar. The bad guys were a bit too evil for me, as I prefer when I can understand their motives rather than them being evil for evils sake.


The ending was a bit rushed but I am looking forward to reading the next book Child of Sorrows. I would recommend Child of the Empire to fans of Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.

Saturday 15 July 2017

The Vale of Ghosts

**
2/5

Thanks to Jeffrey Aaron Miller for giving me this book to review.


The Vale of Ghosts is an OK book but did not capture me and was slow paced. Ann is curious and reckless but is also is likeable and relatable. This book is not bad and I hope sometime to come back to The Vale of Ghosts as I think my feeling of this book had more to do with what was going on in my life than the book but I DNF at 35%

Thursday 13 July 2017

The Boy with Words


***
3/5


Thanks to C. E. Wilson for giving me this book to review.

The Boys with Words is an enjoyable book with plot twists, especially one major one near the beginning, and mystery. The romance was sweet but I did not enjoy it that much as it was not practical and I was not a fan of how it ended. There was a lot of missing plot points and unanswered questions such as with shade and the dictatorship.

White is inquisitive and stubborn but also can be distant and got frustrated easily. Kes is accepting, nice and rational but he is not very tactful and over protective. Would have liked to learn more about Salt, Pepper and Shade as I felt their stories had unanswered questions.


I felt that the ending was too open-ended and I would have liked it concluded a bit more fully. I would recommend The Boy with Words to fans of C. E. Wilson’s other books.

Monday 10 July 2017

Briette

***
3/5


Briette is the fourth book in The Nine Princesses Novella series and is the darkest of them so far. I struggled to get into it at the beginning mainly because me and Briette are totally different people. This book had lots of twists but I did miss the romance in this book, but then again it wouldn’t have fitted Briette’s character. I was surprised that the thief story line was not mentioned in this book. Briette is a rational character, who is calculating, logical and a perfectionist. I am looking forward to the next book about Lacey and I would recommend Briette to fans of The Nine Prinesses series.

Friday 7 July 2017

One Wish Away

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Weapenry Co-Op for giving me this book to review.

One Wish Away is an enjoyable and fast paced paranormal book. While some parts of the book were light, I found it was much darker than I was expected. I found this story very predictable especially as most of the story twists where mentioned in the synopsis.

Marielle struggles with trust issues and has a fear of abandonment and because of this she can be emotionally distant, but she is also selfless and kind. Faris is cocky, sensitive and emotional but he is a bit too protective and it is almost creepy.


This is an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I would recommend One Wish Away to fans of YA paranormal romance novels like Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young.

Monday 3 July 2017

Edenhart's Rivalry

***
3/5


Thanks to J N Tomczak for giving me this book to review.

Edenhart’s Rivalry is an enjoyable book which typical fantasy elements with a battle against evil, destiny and mythical creatures. It is a book two halves, one in Edenhart and the other in Rimscour. It is slow paced but is very descriptive and had a plot twist in the middle of the book that I was not expecting.

I really struggled to connect with Aurora at the start as she seemed to be more worried about people’s expectations than being a good leader to her people but she grew more confident and became a stronger person. There are a lot of other characters which I really liked including supportive and stubborn Percy, wise Mitas, caring Red and mysterious Tristan.


I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series The Great Siege. I would recommend Edenhart’s rivalry to fans of YA fantasy books.

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Among the Flames

****
4/5


Thanks to Shelby K Morrison for giving me this book to review.

Among the Flames is the very good second book in Legend of the Liberator series. This book was well written with an interesting story and good world building. It did not have as many twists as the previous book and was also less action packed as the story was more about building the rebellion and getting the knowledge about the Church out.

Aia is a natural leader who wants to help everyone, whether they be Benders or not. She is also kind and has grown in confidence and self-belief since the first book. I would have liked to have got more of Cole’s POV as he is my favourite character because he is so complex and interesting. I would have liked more romance between Aia and Cole as while it felt right for them to not get together in the first book I would have liked it in this one. Fynris is a conflicted character who would do anything to protect his son, even if he knows what he is doing is wrong.


I really enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series Into the Storm. I would recommend Among the Flames to fans YA fantasy Books and those who liked the first book From the Ashes.

Sunday 2 April 2017

Princess of Tyrone

****
4/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Curiosity Quills Press for giving this book to review.

Princess of Tyrone is a very enjoyable, fun and cute sci-fi retelling of sleeping beauty. It is fast paced and has lots of references to other fairy-tales. However, I did find it predicable and needed a bit more world building.

Apolline is strong, daring and is able to stand up for herself, but she is also sarcastic, a tomboy, honest and honourable. Allard is genuine, friendly and charming, he is also really relatable as he wants to be the best king he could possibly be.

I liked the villain Bryanna as she was understandable and I could see how she became who she was. There are lots of supporting characters like the fairies, Sophronia, Fantine and Ashlan, the father figure, Charlie, and Beau and Nathanial who I hope we get to see more of in future books.


I am looking to reading the next book in the Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles, Myths of Mish. I would recommend Princess of Tyrone to fans of The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.

Friday 31 March 2017

Stitching Snow

***
3/5


Stitching Snow is an enjoyable sci-fi fairy tale based on Snow White. It has action and a slow build romance, but it is a darker story than I was expecting. It is predictable and needs more world building, also the first half of the book is slow paced but it does pick up during the second half.

Essie is tough, resourceful and lonely, and I liked that she was not girly and is independent. Dane is brave and loyal but he is a bit forgettable as he seemed just like most other YA heroes. I really liked Cusser and Dimwit but I would have liked to get to the other 5 drones better.


I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more from Lewis. I would recommend Stitching Snow to fans of the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Spindle

***
3/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for giving this book to review.

Spindle is a historical fantasy novel set in the 1890’s, which is about the continuation of the sleeping beauty story. It is fast paced and I read late into the night to find out what was happening next. I felt that the story bogged down in the middle with the suffragettes and Briar wavering about using the spindle.

Briar is protective of her family and feels the weight of responsibility on her shoulders for all of the book. Henry is my favourite character but I wish he was in this book more than he was, he is flirty, dependable, helpful and kind.


I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to fans of unusual fairytale retellings.

Monday 27 March 2017

Blood, Ink & Fire

**
2/5


Thanks to Netgalley and Upturn Publishing for giving me this book to review.

Blood, Ink & Fire is a dystopia novel with a really interesting concept. However, I really struggled with this book for three main reasons; it lacks world building, it pacing as really slow, and uninteresting characters.

Noelle feels like she is different and that she does not fit in anywhere apart from with her best friend John, however, I didn’t care about her or what was happening to her. All of the other characters lacked depth and was not described well, for example I did not realise that John was blind until quite a while after meeting him.


Really interesting story idea but I felt it failed to deliver and I DNF at 25%.

Sunday 26 March 2017

Mindcop Dossiers

***
3/5


Thanks to T A Uner for giving me this book to review.

Doctor Mars

In the early 22nd century, Mars has been terraformed and is inhabited by humans. Liberty Rise is a gifted mutant, who is a member of the Mars Colonial Police Force, and uses her power to manipulate time, to help solve crimes. When a murder investigation involves the scientist Dr Hitzig, it threatens the safety of not just Liberty but all of Mars.

Doctor Mars is an enjoyable sci-fi/paranormal crime novella which has action and a bit of romance. It is fast paced which makes the book seem even shorter but it has a unique concept and a good setting.

All of the characters are strong, distinctive and interesting including the bad guys. Liberty is a very strong female character who is resilient and intelligent and I look forward to seeing more of her.

The ending had something I did not expect and this novella is an enjoyable introduction to the series and I look forward to reading the next book. I would recommend to fans of sci-fi crime short stories.



I, Mars

Liberty Rise is still haunted by the death of her boyfriend Cal. Now Mars Colonial Police Force have another threat to deal with, from their enemy Slow Fly. He has taken control of a mining outpost on Phobos, one of Mars’s moons. However, when Liberty discovers some information about Cal, the stakes become even higher but will she be able to cope with the truth?

I, Mars is the enjoyable sequel to Doctor Mars, and although it is a fairly short story it goes a bit more in-depth than the previous book. This book is well written, has an interesting story, and good world building.

I liked how determined Liberty was, even if it would cost her career, and she is smart but also less reserved than in the last book. There are interesting side characters but I cannot say my favourite without spoiling the book, but I hope there is more of him in the next book. 

This has a great potential to become a really good book series, and I would recommend I, Mars to fans of the first novella, Doctor Mars.



Forever Mars

Forever Mars is an enjoyable sci-fi story which is faced paced. It is predictable but also action packed. There is more world building in this novel compared to the previous ones but I would like it if there was more.

Liberty has good instincts and will do anything to fight for justice. Lok is a new character and he is likeable as he is trying to understand humanity and friendship. However, I am bored with Slow Fly as the baddie now, as I know that Liberty and MCPF will beat him, and I hope in the next book there will be a new villain.


I liked this book and am looking forward to reading the next book. I would recommend Forever Mars to fans of the first two Mindcop Dossiers books.

Saturday 25 March 2017

Dragon Bonds

***
3 Stars/5


Thanks to Netgalley and City Owl Press for giving me this book to review.

Dragon Bonds is the enjoyable conclusion to the Return of the Darkening series, which is full action, adventure and friendships. I found this book the most confusing as I was not always sure what was happening, and had no idea how old the main characters are meant to be.

Thea is dedicated, courageous and stubborn as she has been in the previous books but also a bit short-sighted. Seb is adventurous, intelligent and practical but also a nice guy who is pure of heart. I loved the bond between Seb, Thea and Kalax, and how they bring the best out of each other.


I found the ending very rushed and lefty many unanswered questions. I would recommend Dragon Bonds to fans of the first two books, Dragon Trails and Dragon Legends.

Thursday 23 March 2017

Dragon Legends

***
3 Stars/5


Dragon Legends is the enjoyable sequel to Dragon Trails which is fast paced and full of adventure. Like the first book I found it hard to tell how much time had passed. Also it was annoying how both Thea and Seb are both special and the chosen ones.

Seb s protective and very likeable but is also more cautious in this book; he is also helpful and generous. Thea I felt was all over the place in this book and had lots of mood swings, but she was always loyal even though she struggling with both sides of her life. However, I felt like they behaved younger and more innocent than they actually were.


I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the concluding book Dragon Bonds. I would recommend Dragon Legends to fans of the first book Dragon Trails.