'Stain' by A.G. Howard

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A high-fantasy gothic fairytale inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea.

Once upon a nightmare, her fairy tale begins...

After Lyra—a princess incapable of speech or sound—is cast out of her kingdom of daylight by her wicked aunt, a witch saves her life, steals her memories, and raises her in an enchanted forest ... disguised as a boy known only as Stain. Meanwhile, in Lyra's rival kingdom, the prince of thorns and night is dying, and the only way for him to break his curse is to wed the princess of daylight, for she is his true equal. As Lyra rediscovers her identity, an impostor princess prepares to steal her betrothed prince and her crown. To win back her kingdom, save the prince, and make peace with the land of the night, Lyra must be loud enough to be heard without a voice, and strong enough to pass a series of tests—ultimately proving she’s everything a traditional princess is not."

Review:

This beautiful and tragic fairy-tale is a an expertly written original story loosely based on 'The Princess and the Pea' with small nods to 'Sleeping Beauty,' 'Cinderella,' and 'The Little Mermaid.'

'Stain' is now available at your favorite bookseller or your local library.

‘Vortex Visions’ (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1) by Elise Kova

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.

Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.

The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have.

Powers that might well cost her the throne.

As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.

All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world.”

Review:

I've so enjoyed being back in author Elise Kova's skillfully crafted world of the ‘Air Awakens’ series.  If you enjoy any of Kova's writing, or well-written YA fantasy in general, this is a must-read!

This continuation of the ‘Air Awakens’ series is a joy to read, beautifully written with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions of the castle rooms, caves, and forests that Vi frequents.

‘Vortex Visions’ will be available on February 4, 2019.

#AirAwakens - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.