‘Dream Keeper’ (The Dark Dreamer Trilogy #1) by Amber R. Duell

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“The Sandman is seventeen-year-old Nora’s closest friend and best-kept secret. He has to be, if she doesn’t want a one-way ticket back to the psychiatrist. It took her too long to learn not to mention the hooded figure in her dreams to her mother, who still watches Nora as if she’ll crack. So when Nora’s friends start mysteriously dying gruesome deaths in their sleep, she isn’t altogether surprised when the police direct their suspicion at her. The Sandman is the only one she can turn to for answers. But the truth might be more than she bargained for…

For the last five years, the Sandman has spent every night protecting Nora. When he hid the secret to the Nightmare Lord’s escape inside her dreams, he never expected to fall in love with her. Neither did he think his nemesis would find her so quickly, but there’s no mistaking his cruel handiwork. The Nightmare Lord is tired of playing by the rules and will do anything to release his deadly nightmares into the world, even if that means tormenting Nora until she breaks.

When the Nightmare Lord kidnaps Nora’s sister, Nora must enter enemy territory to save her. The Sandman is determined to help, but if Nora isn’t careful, she could lose even more than her family to the darkness.

(Please note: This story contains vivid death scenes.)”

Review:

The Sandman and the Weaver of Nightmares.  Wonderful writing and world building, just wonderful, I tell you.  It’s days later, and I’m still thinking about the picturesque night realm that author Amber R. Duell has created. 

The characters are relatable, the fantasy world rich and lovely, even during nightmare sequences, and the abilities of the Sandman and Nightmare Lord were a joy to see in action.  I’m excited to see this series continue.

This is an amazing YA Fantasy that I cannot recommend highly enough.  Especially for fans of A. G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series.

‘Dream Keeper’ will be available on January 29, 2019.

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

'Golden Braids and Dragon Blades: Steampunk Rapunzel' (Steampunk Fairy Tales Book 4) by Melanie Karsak

5 stars

'Golden Braids and Dragon Blades’ Book Blurb:

“Being the heir to Camelot is a tangled mess.

Rapunzel has spent her entire life living in Merlin's cave on the coast of Cornwall. Under the protection of her faerie guardian, Gothel, she’s stayed safe. Safe and bored. Dreaming of a life that looks more like a Jane Austen novel, Rapunzel fears she'll never have the chance to explore Victorian England's modern delights. Or meet a man. Or be kissed. Or anything else remotely resembling normal.

When Red Cape Society Agent Ewan Goodwin's monster-stalking device leads him to Rapunzel—and her unusual pets—the pair’s destinies entwine. Together, they must solve a mystery tied to the very roots of King Arthur's Britannia.

Golden Braids and Dragon Blades is a retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling gaslamp London steampunk universe.”

Review:

Author Melanie Karsak has expertly blended a Repunzel re-telling with King Arthur's legend. Hope to see more of this storyline in her Steampunk Fairy Tale series! While the other entries in Karsak's Steampunk Fairy Tales are also fun, Rapunzel's story is easy to follow if you start with this book.

Highly recommended for YA readers and fairy-tale fans.  Currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

'Golden Curse' (Fantasy and Fairytales #1) by M. Lynn

‘Golden Curse’ - ‘Golden Chains’ - ‘Golden Crown’

Fantasy and Fairytales Series #1-3 by M. Lynn

5 stars

‘Golden Curse’ Book Blurb:

“A curse. A hidden identity. A dangerous love.

Ten year old Persinette Basile was forced to flee the palace of Gaule for her life.

Now at eighteen, she must find a way to return in order to obey a curse on her family line.

The prince won’t know who she is. Not anymore. But she knows him and what he will do if he discovers her true name.

Made to fight for her life to earn her place, she vows to find a way to break the curse no matter the cost.

-------

To. The. Death.

The words describing the tournament turn Prince Alexandre Durand’s blood to ice.

The last warrior standing will win a spot at his side.

As he's thrust onto the throne, forbidden magic, dangerous betrayals, and a complicated love could tear his reign apart.

When the secrets begin to unravel, will Alex stay true to the laws and traditions of Gaule or will he give it all up for a woman who deceived him?

Inspired by the Rapunzel story, this is the golden-haired princess as you’ve never seen her before.”

Review:

The ‘Golden’ trilogy is a beautiful and unique tale drawing inspiration from both Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.  It reads like a fairy-tale in its own right and contains magic, dragons, royalty and a strong, skilled leading lady.  Narration switches back and forth between main characters Persinette and Prince Alexandre to give readers a more complete picture of the kingdoms and their thoughts and feelings as surprises unfold.

Highly recommended for YA readers and fairy-tale fans.  Currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

‘To Best the Boys’ by Mary Weber

5 stars - Incredible YA fantasy stand-alone.

Book Blurb:

“Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. Every year, the poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women are trained in wifely duties and men are encouraged into collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her Mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the maze.”

Review:

While ‘To Best the Boys’ is set in a fictional fantasy world, it would be entirely believable as YA historical fiction if not for the touch of magic and supernatural elements.

Rhen Tellur and her cousin Seleni are strong, fearless ladies and the best of friends despite their different upbringings.  Rhen’s mother was outcast from the posh ‘Upper’ lifestyle she was born into when she married a ‘Lower’ for love.  As such, Rhen has grown up with the love and support of two amazing and smart parents.  Against community ‘norms’ they have nurtured Rhen’s interest in science as well as her baking skills.

Through Rhen’s friendship with Seleni, readers encounter a multitude of teenagers, both stuffy, political Uppers and goofy yet hard-working Lowers; all of whom provide sarcasm and humor in the way teenagers usually do.  (A set of brothers even remind me of Fred and George Weasley.)

As the blurb suggests, the cousins do, indeed, enter the scholarship competition disguised as girls – to best the boys and change their circumstances.  Their time spent in the labyrinth is a joy to read.  But this book is so much more than that.  There’s class and gender inequality, there’s magic in the ever-surprising labyrinth, there’s family love and young romantic love and tugging on heartstrings. 

It’s a beautiful, touching story that I cannot recommend highly enough.

‘To Best the Boys’ will be available on March 19, 2019.

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

'Gilded Cage' (Dark Gifts #1) by Vic James

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“In modern-day Britain, magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.

This is the darkly decadent world of Gilded Cage. In its glittering milieu move the all-powerful Jardines and the everyday Hadleys. The families have only one thing in common: Each has three children. But their destinies entwine when one family enters the service of the other. They will all discover whether any magic is more powerful than the human spirit.

Have a quick ten years. . . ”

Review:

'Gilded Cage' is a brilliantly written, frighteningly plausible dystopia set in Britain with both magic and government-permitted slavery.  While I’m still not comfortable with the slavery aspect of this series; the politics, secrets, and magical skill are too intriguing for me to stop reading.

The 'Dark Gifts' trilogy was completed with the publication of 'Bright Ruin' on October 9, 2018.  Check for 'Gilded Cage,' 'Tarnished City' and 'Bright Ruin' at your local library or bookseller.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  I received a free book from Penguin Random House in exchange for this review.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'The Similars' (The Similars, #1) by Rebecca Hanover

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“When six clones join Emmaline’s prestigious boarding school, she must confront the heartbreak of seeing her dead best friend’s face each day in class.

The Similars are all anyone can talk about at the elite Darkwood Academy. Who are these six clones? What are the odds that all of them would be Darkwood students? Who is the madman who broke the law to create them? Emma couldn't care less. Her best friend, Oliver, died over the summer and all she can think about is how to get through her junior year without him. Then she comes face-to-heartbreaking-face with Levi—Oliver's exact DNA replica and one of the Similars.

Emma wants nothing to do with the Similars, but she keeps getting pulled deeper and deeper into their clique, uncovering dark truths about the clones and her prestigious school along the way. But no one can be trusted…not even the boy she is falling for who has Oliver's face”

Review:

'The Similars' is set in the near-future with believable advancements in technology, including cloning.  The characters were easy to relate to and their emotions and reactions felt real.  All in all, an enjoyable YA series starter about rich prep school kids and how wealth and politics affect their lives.  Highly recommended.

'The Similars' will be available on January 1, 2019.

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

Cover Reveal: 'Temptation' by Micalea Smeltzer

Blurb:

temp·ta·tion

a desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.

After the death of my boyfriend, my whole world is tossed upside down. I lose not only him but my home and, suddenly, nothing is the same.

Then I meet him.

Siva.

My savior.

He’s dark and brooding, the complete opposite of everything I’ve ever known. Somehow, though, I’m able to see the light in him that no one else can. He tempts me ever closer, my heart reaching out to him, even while my mind shouts out me to stay away.

That it’s too soon.

That it’s wrong.

But when temptation becomes too strong, who am I to resist?

Genre:

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date:  October 19, 2018

Cover:

About the Author:

Hi. I’m Micalea. Ma-call-e-uh. Weird name, I know.  My mom must’ve known I was going to be odd even in the womb. I’ve written a lot of books. Like a lot. Don’t ask me how many, I don’t remember at this point. I have an unhealthy addiction to Diet Coke but I can’t seem to break the habit. I listen to way too much music and hedgehogs have taken over my life.

Join my Facebook group for an early look at covers, exclusive teasers, behind the scenes photos, and much more.

Contact Stephanie with SBR Media for any foreign or audio rights questions:  stephanie@sbrmedia.com

Where to find Micalea:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

‘Frequency’ by Christopher Krovatin

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“Nine years ago, Fiona was just a kid. But everything changed the night the Pit Viper came to town. Sure, he rid the quiet, idyllic suburb of Hamm of its darkest problems. But Fiona witnessed something much, much worse from Hamm’s adults when they drove him away.

And now, the Pit Viper is back.

Fiona’s not just a kid anymore. She can handle the darkness she sees in the Pit Viper, a DJ whose wicked tattoos, quiet anger, and hypnotic music seem to speak to every teen in town…except her. She can handle watching as each of her friends seems to be overcome, nearly possessed by the music. She can even handle her unnerving suspicion that the DJ is hell-bent on revenge.

But she’s not sure she can handle falling in love with him.”

Review:

The ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’ has been re-imagined as the ‘Pit Viper of Hamm.’

An intriguing and dark retelling of the Pied Piper, full of teenagers using bad language, detailed rock music references, and a hint of magic.  There is some new adult romance to be had, though that is not the focus of this story, and I’m happy to say that the plot kept me guessing.

‘Frequency’ will be available on October 2, 2018.

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

‘War of the Wilted’ (Garden of Thorns #2) by Amber Mitchell

3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“Like flowers denied water, people are wilting under the emperor's tyranny.

Rose will not rest until the Gardener is dead. But there are bigger battles to fight, and Rayce—leader of the rebellion and the only man Rose has ever loved—believes their best chance at winning the war is to join forces with her sworn enemy.

Saving innocent people is more important than her quest for revenge. But their new ally can’t be trusted—and he knows her darkest secret. One betrayal could leave the war and Rayce’s life hanging in the balance, and Rose will need to make the ultimate sacrifice to save them all.”

Review:

While ‘Garden of Thorns’ did not end on a cliffhanger, per se, ‘War of the Wilted’ picks up where book 1 left off and builds upon its events, while offering more action and picturesque scenery descriptions.  Though Rose has endured many hardships in her past, being at odds with the love of her life while he holds her tormentor captive is a new, harsh challenge for her.

Political turmoil comes to a head and some of the secondary characters are further developed while Rayce and Rose struggle to do what is right for the Rebellion and not necessarily what’s best for their relationship.

‘War of the Wilted’ will be available on October 1, 2018.

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

‘Garden of Thorns’ (Garden of Thorns #1) by Amber Mitchell

3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“After seven grueling years of captivity in the Garden—a burlesque troupe of slave girls—sixteen-year-old Rose finds an opportunity to escape during a performance for the emperor. But the hostage she randomly chose from the crowd to aid her isn’t one of the emperor’s men—not anymore. He’s the former heir to the throne, who is now leading a rebellion against it.

Rayce is a wanted man and dangerously charismatic, the worst person for Rose to get involved with, no matter what his smile promises. But he assumes Rose’s attempt to take him hostage is part of a plot to crush the rebellion, so he takes her as his hostage. Now Rose must prove where her loyalties lie, and she offers Rayce a deal—if he helps her rescue the other girls, she’ll tell him all the Garden’s secrets.

Except the one secret she’s kept for seven years that she’ll take to her grave if she must.”

Review:

‘Garden of Thorns’ is a gripping YA fantasy with a strong narrating female main character.  Author Amber Mitchell provides rich world building and creative cultural and political backgrounds for the different kingdoms.

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

Series Review: 'The Thousandth Floor' by Katharine McGee

4.75 stars for the entire series

Imagine, if you can, all the glitz and glamour and secrets of ‘Gossip Girl’ set 100 years into the future, where the entirety of Manhattan exists in an enormous thousand-floor skyscraper and technology has advanced beyond your wildest dreams.  Add a murder mystery and high school drama to this, and you have Katharine McGee’s expertly thought-out and executed thriller trilogy.

We follow the same characters from 'The Thousandth Floor' to ‘The Dazzling Heights’ and ‘The Towering Sky’ – though the murder victim and the motives change.  In each sequel, McGee adds more details of her vision of the Earth in 2118 and 2119.

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly futuristic fiction recommended for upper-YA readers.

'The Thousandth Floor'

‘The Dazzling Heights’

‘The Towering Sky’

‘Keeper of the Bees’ (Black Birds of the Gallows) by Meg Kassel

5 buzzing stars!

Book Blurb:

“KEEPER OF THE BEES is a tale of two teens who are both beautiful and beastly, and whose pasts are entangled in surprising and heartbreaking ways.

Dresden is cursed. His chest houses a hive of bees that he can’t stop from stinging people with psychosis-inducing venom. His face is a shifting montage of all the people who have died because of those stings. And he has been this way for centuries—since he was eighteen and magic flowed through his homeland, corrupting its people.

He follows harbingers of death, so at least his curse only affects those about to die anyway. But when he arrives in a Midwest town marked for death, he encounters Essie, a seventeen-year-old girl who suffers from debilitating delusions and hallucinations. His bees want to sting her on sight. But Essie doesn’t see a monster when she looks at Dresden.

Essie is fascinated and delighted by his changing features. Risking his own life, he holds back his bees and spares her. What starts out as a simple act of mercy ends up unraveling Dresden’s solitary life and Essie’s tormented one. Their impossible romance might even be powerful enough to unravel a centuries-old curse.”

Review:

‘Keeper of the Bees’ is an excellent companion story to 'Black Bird of the Gallows'! I loved the two lead characters, Dresden and Essie, even more than Reece and Angie. Author Meg Kassel skillfully switches narration between Dresden and Essie, and there is so much more to enjoy due to this. Dresden is a Beekeeper, with all the unpleasantness that comes along with it, but Kassel makes him an interesting and relatable character, trying to do the right thing.

I enjoyed Dresden and Essie’s tale so much that I wanted to spend more time in Kassel’s version of our world, and so re-read 'Black Bird of the Gallows' immediately after. Both books are worth investing time in.

'Keeper of the Bees' will be available on September 4, 2018.

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

'Fated' - Book Eight of The Talented Saga by Sophie Davis

The Talented Saga

Fated: Book Eight

By: Sophie Davis

Release Date: July 29th, 2018

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

Back Cover Copy:

The Epic Conclusion to the Internationally Bestselling Dystopian Romance Series. With over Half a Million worldwide downloads and Twenty Million pages read in Kindle Unlimited, readers are raving about the Talented Saga: "X-Men meets Divergent in a new way." "Intoxicatingly good."

 Talia and Erik thought defeating TOXIC was enough. They were very wrong. With enemies approaching from every direction, they’re fighting for the existence of their species. Not all will survive.

Buy Link:

Available exclusively on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Amazon Universal Link

Author Bio:

"Sophie Davis" is the pseudonym for two best friends, roommates, and now writing partners. The pair met at Penn State Dickinson School of Law in 2005 and instantly bonded over their love of great-books and bad horror movies. After they graduated, when one longed for the ability to read minds so she wouldn't have to study for the bar exam, a Saga was born. When the Talented Saga went on to be an internationally bestselling series, the girls decided to throw caution to the wind and follow their shared life-long dream of being writers.

The duo currently is on the road touring US cities with a poodle and a rescued pup. The pups are their faithful companions—with frequent social media appearances—as the girls navigate the world of Indie Publishing.

Author Links:

Instagram: @seesophiewrite

Twitter: @SeeSophiesWrite

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Insiders

Website

‘Seventh Born’ (The Witchling Academy #1) by Monica Sanz

5 enchanting stars!

Book Blurb:

“Abomination. Curse. Murderer. All names hurled at eighteen-year-old Seraphina Dovetail. As the seventh-born daughter to a witch, she's the cause of her mother losing her powers and, in turn, her life.

Abandoned as a child, Sera dreams of becoming an inspector and finding her family. To do that, she must be referred into the Advanced Studies Program at the Aetherium's Witchling Academy. Her birth order, quick temper, and tendency to set things on fire, however, have left her an outcast with failing marks…and just what Professor Nikolai Barrington is looking for.

The tall, brooding, yet exceedingly handsome young professor makes her a proposition: become his assistant and he'll give her the referral she needs. Sera is quickly thrust into a world where witches are being kidnapped, bodies are raised from the dead, and someone is burning seventhborns alive. As Sera and Barrington grow ever closer, she'll discover that some secrets are best left buried…and fire isn't the only thing that makes a witch burn.”

Review:

I adored this charming clean YA magical novel and cannot wait for the next book in this series! When we meet Seraphina, she is justifiably wild and easy to set off, as she is unfairly targeted and bullied due to her birth order. She is a likable and relatable character with aspirations, goals, and amazing strength of character.

Professor Barrington manages to be absolutely charming at all times, even when he’s a bit infuriating. As Seraphina learns more about him while working together, she grows to trust him and understand his motives. Barrington is the epitome of a ‘historical romance’ gentleman; gentle and kind, but efficient, effective, and capable of anything to protect those he cares about.

‘Seventh Born’ had elements that reminded me of Harry Potter, which is a good thing. Author Monica Sanz introduces a new system of magic, including magic school for teenagers and advanced education for specific careers in the magical community.

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

‘Seventh Born’ will be available on September 4, 2018. 

‘The Cursebreaker Countess’ by Sasha L. Miller

4.5 enchanting stars

Book Blurb:

“Kas is a wanderer, exploring the country and keeping out of the reach of her stepfather's plots to marry her off and steal her fortune. When she stumbles across a field of towers one stormy night, she promptly takes shelter in the sturdiest-looking of the bunch, only to find a woman trapped in a bespelled sleep.

Breaking the curse takes seconds, but dealing with the aftermath may force Kas to return to the home she's been avoiding—and right into the sights of the mage who cursed the princess sleeping in the tower...”

Review:

‘The Cursebreaker Countess’ is a stand-alone fairy-tale type fantasy with hints of steampunk. Please note that this is not a Sleeping Beauty retelling with two ladies, as I originally thought. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by this clean YA fantasy.

Our story begins when Kas stumbles upon Princess Anika’s tower in the middle of a storm. After awakening the sleeping princess, they travel to the palace to ascertain how best to deal with the problem of magic growing weaker and weaker over the years. It seems someone wanted the princess out of the way due to her proficiency with magic, in order to subdue and control magic in the kingdom.

Become enchanted with ‘The Cursebreaker Countess’ on August 15, 2018.

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly historical fiction, with themes of equality vs abuse of power, and a hint of steampunk.

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

‘The Hysterical City’ (The Gold and Gaslight Chronicles #3) by Andrea Berthot

4.5 stars

The third and final entry in this series of related stand-alone Gold and Gaslight Chronicles from talented historical fiction author Andrea Berthot.

Book Blurb:

“After surviving the deadly scandal at Tom Casey’s Broadway theatre, Bonnie Campbell jumps at the chance to accompany Cambrian Branch to his new film studio in Paris. She doesn’t particularly enjoy swooning and making ridiculous faces for the camera, but she hopes the City of Light will help her find her own illumination. She is determined to escape the past, gain her independence, and - most of all - never be trapped or controlled by a man again.

At first, Paris is a dream come true. Bonnie finds a progressive, like-minded friend in Laura Sayer, and a handsome, entrancing mystery in Laura’s twin brother, Leslie. When Bonnie discovers her own talent for directing, the three of them - along with a fierce, proud actress named Marie - team up to create new, daring films that electrify Paris.

But, the city isn’t without its dangers. Laura’s uncle, a doctor at the famous Salpêtrière insane asylum, is obsessed with curing hysteria and believes Tom Casey’s hypnosis victims could provide the answers. Bonnie fears if he uncovers her past she’ll be imprisoned once more, and the city’s growing hysteria over her films only sharpens the doctor’s obsession and focus on her. Meanwhile, the film studio has been beset by sudden, strange disappearances, and Bonnie is worried she or one of her friends could be the next victim.

Both fans of The Gold and Gaslight Chronicles and new readers alike will enjoy this stand-alone/final chapter in which Bonnie and her friends from London, New York, and Paris struggle to find themselves, find love, and finally end the destructive legacy of Dr. Jekyll.

The City of Light might be hiding the darkest, most dangerous secret of all.”

Review:

Similar in tone to the rest of the series, in this third stand-alone novel, we follow a minor character from the second book – Bonnie – as she travels with Cambrian Branch to Paris to work on films. Cambrian’s presence in this book, along with appearances by several other characters from the series’ earlier books helps to recreate the atmosphere I so loved in ‘The Heartless City’.

Paris does wonders for Bonnie; she discovers her natural talent for directing, proves to herself just how strong she is and how much she has grown from her experience in New York, and she falls in with some really great forward-thinking people. Her path to romance with Laura’s twin brother, Leslie, is tons of fun; as the pair start off on the wrong foot.

The Gold and Gaslight Chronicles conclusion, ‘The Hysterical City’ will be available on July 31, 2018.

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly historical fiction, with themes of equality vs abuse of power, and a hint of steampunk.

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

‘The Hypnotic City’ (The Gold and Gaslight Chronicles #2) by Andrea Berthot

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“Philomena Blackwell survived a city plagued with monsters, the gilded cage of high society, and the rule of a heartless man... and she aims to leave it all behind.

It's 1905, and London has finally been freed from Henry Jekyll's terrible legacy - its people cured, its thirteen-year quarantine lifted. The world is waiting, and for a girl who dreams of being its most dazzling star, what could be more enticing than the bright lights of New York City?

She is drawn across the ocean like a moth to a flame, her heart set on proving that while she may be small on the outside, her soaring talent eclipses even Manhattan’s towering skyline. When she lands a big break, it seems as if the city is ready to fall under her spell - just as she seems to be falling for a handsome young stage manager. But is it her stage presence mesmerizing the audience, or something more sinister behind the scenes?

Philomena has always relied on her fierce will and fiery heart, but a new and more terrible danger lurks in the shadows of Broadway's bright lights, and even a mind as determined as hers may not be immune to its seductive, insidious pull...

Both fans of The Heartless City and new readers alike will enjoy this stand-alone / spin-off tale of Philomena’s adventures on stage - and in love - in NYC.”

Review:

A well-written follow-up of sorts to ‘The Heartless City,’ which follows one of the minor characters established in the first book. As these are stand-alone books set in the same universe, with some of the same characters, the Jekyll and Hyde mystery was wrapped up nicely in book 1.

‘The Hypnotic City’ follows young Philomena Blackwell in the hypnotic city of New York on the other side of the pond. While this is an enjoyable work of historical fiction, the supernatural elements found in the first book are not present here. Similarly, the atmosphere is different, due to both a change in setting and a change in narrating characters. The adorable English boys with impeccable manners and morals are seen on scant few pages of this second entry in Gold and Gaslight Chronicles.

Catch up on both ‘The Heartless City’ and ‘The Hypnotic City’ in preparation for the series conclusion, ‘The Hysterical City’ releasing on July 31st!

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly historical fiction, with themes of equality vs abuse of power, and a hint of steampunk.

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

‘The Heartless City’ (The Gold and Gaslight Chronicles #1) by Andrea Berthot

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“Henry Jekyll was a brilliant doctor, a passionate idealist who aimed to free mankind of selfishness and vice. He’s also the man who carelessly created a race of monsters.

Once shared secretly among the good doctor's inner circle, the Hyde drug was smuggled into mass-production - but in pill form, it corrupted its users at the genetic level, leaving them liable to transform without warning. A quarter of the population are now clandestine killers – ticking bombs that could detonate at any given moment.

It's 1903, and London has been quarantined for thirteen years.

Son of the city's most prominent physician and cure-seeker, seventeen-year-old Elliot Morrissey has had his own devastating brush with science, downing a potion meant to remove his human weaknesses and strengthen him against the Hydes - and finding instead he's become an empath, leveled by the emotions of a dying city.

He finds an unlikely ally in Iris Faye, a waitress at one of the city's rowdier music halls, whose emotions nearly blind him; her fearlessness is a beacon in a city rife with terror. Iris, however, is more than what she seems, and reveals a mission to bring down the establishment that has crippled the people of London.

Together, they aim to discover who's really pulling the strings in Jekyll's wake, and why citizens are waking up in the street infected, with no memory of ever having taken the Hyde drug...

Heart-eating monsters, it turns out, are not the greatest evil they must face.”

Review:

Author Andrea Berthot has skillfully crafted her own spin of the Jekyll and Hyde story we all thought we knew so well. This clean YA historical fiction is masterfully written and a blast to read.

Main characters Elliot and Iris share the narration, granting readers behind-the-scenes access to all their feelings and motives, and also the feelings of every character Elliot interacts with. Though he is often puzzled as to the reasons behind others’ feelings, Elliot consistently tries to do what is right.

While the slow burn romance between Elliot and Iris is lovely to follow, my favorite thing about this novel is the proper English young gentlemen; their impeccable manners and morals and sense of humor and witty banter.

Catch up on both ‘The Heartless City' and ‘The Hypnotic City’ in preparation for the series conclusion, ‘The Hysterical City’ releasing on July 31st!

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly historical fiction, with themes of equality vs abuse of power, and a hint of steampunk.

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

‘Beneath the Citadel’ by Destiny Soria

5 stars - A YA high fantasy with alchemy, magic, and mystery.

Book Blurb:

“In the city of Eldra, people are ruled by ancient prophecies. For centuries, the high council has stayed in power by virtue of the prophecies of the elder seers. After the last infallible prophecy came to pass, growing unrest led to murders and an eventual rebellion that raged for more than a decade.
 


In the present day, Cassa, the orphaned daughter of rebels, is determined to fight back against the high council, which governs Eldra from behind the walls of the citadel. Her only allies are no-nonsense Alys, easygoing Evander, and perpetually underestimated Newt, and Cassa struggles to come to terms with the legacy of rebellion her dead parents have left her — and the fear that she may be inadequate to shoulder the burden. But by the time Cassa and her friends uncover the mystery of the final infallible prophecy, it may be too late to save the city — or themselves.”

Review:

Really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this YA fantasy novel. Narrated by 6 different characters, all keeping secrets, readers slowly learn of the history of the Citadel, its religious leadership, and the relationships between these characters. Though this allows the plot to unfold slowly, this is a very character-driven novel, and so understanding each of their histories and motivations is key to following the plot. As most of the narrators are teenagers (friends, siblings, former/future lovers) their interactions are often teasing, witty, and fun.

I appreciated author Destiny Soria’s approach to ‘magic’ - various abilities, prophecies, and control of certain elements. Not every character possesses one of these abilities, but the world of ‘Beneath the Citadel’ thrives upon the use of elder seer’s prophecies. These prophecies have kept the powerful council in their positions for centuries and led to rebellions for equality.

LGBTQ+ friendly. Gay, bi, and ace characters to be found here. This clean YA fantasy acknowledges character sexuality without making it a central focus point. I liked that the attributes were as mentioned just as casually as their height or hair color.

Can't recommend this book enough! I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Grab ‘Beneath the Citadel’ on October 9, 2018!

#CitadelBook #NetGalley

‘#NeverAgain: A New Generation Draws the Line’ by David Hogg and Lauren Hogg

5 stars - Excellent book, glad the Hogg siblings shared what they went through.

In ‘#NeverAgain,’ Hogg siblings David and Lauren provide insight into their lives; some background about their childhoods and the types of classes they took in Florida’s public-school system that led them to be the informed and knowledgeable people they are today.

Each of the authors also detail what it was like for them, and their friends, during the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. They share their reactions and describe how they came together with fellow students in the aftermath to start a movement: A March For Our Lives.

The book closes with a long, carefully detailed list of all school shootings thus far, starting with Columbine High School in April of 1999. This well-researched chapter includes the names and ages of all victims, and something personal about each of them, to help us remember them.

Though the Hogg siblings outline a 10-point common sense strategy for gun ownership to coexist with human safety, this book is not political in nature. It is a social issues book, relevant to all Americans who value human lives.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to charities such as @ChangeTheRef @AMarch4OurLives @strong_chicago

‘One True Love’ by Linda Kage

3.5 stars - Fun read and great effort for the author's first fantasy novel.

Book Blurb:

“Custom demanded that Prince Urban get a love mark tattooed to the side of his left eye as an infant, just like the rest of his people, but to him, the stupid things have only brought on the scorn of his father, the misery of his siblings, and caused his entire kingdom to go broke from fighting so many wars over the irritating ink stains.

When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.

It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.

Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?”

Review:

Arranged marriages, deadly court intrigue, and a dash of magic make this NA fantasy debut a wild and fun ride.

Grab a copy: One True Love

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

#OneTrueLove #NetGalley

Cover Reveal: 'Keeper of the Bees' by Meg Kassel

“Beauty and the beast like you’ve never imagined!” — New York Times bestselling author Pintip Dunn

Summary:

KEEPER OF THE BEES is a tale of two teens who are both beautiful and beastly, and whose pasts are entangled in surprising and heartbreaking ways.

Dresden is cursed. His chest houses a hive of bees that he can’t stop from stinging people with psychosis-inducing venom. His face is a shifting montage of all the people who have died because of those stings. And he has been this way for centuries—since he was eighteen and magic flowed through his homeland, corrupting its people.

He follows harbingers of death, so at least his curse only affects those about to die anyway. But when he arrives in a Midwest town marked for death, he encounters Essie, a seventeen-year-old girl who suffers from debilitating delusions and hallucinations. His bees want to sting her on sight. But Essie doesn’t see a monster when she looks at Dresden.

Essie is fascinated and delighted by his changing features. Risking his own life, he holds back his bees and spares her. What starts out as a simple act of mercy ends up unraveling Dresden’s solitary life and Essie’s tormented one. Their impossible romance might even be powerful enough to unravel a centuries-old curse.

‘Keeper of the Bees’ by Meg Kassel
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: September 4th 2018
Entangled Teen

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About the Author:

Meg Kassel is an author of fantasy and speculative books for young adults. A graduate of Parson's School of Design, she’s been creating stories, whether with visuals or words, since childhood. Meg is a New Jersey native who lives in a log house in the Maine woods with her husband and daughter. As a fan of ’80s cartoons, Netflix series, and ancient mythology, she has always been fascinated and inspired by the fantastic, the creepy, and the futuristic. She is the 2016 RWA Golden Heart® winner in YA and a double 2018 RITA® finalist for her debut novel, Black Bird of the Gallows.

Meg's website - Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - Goodreads - Amazon

‘Grace and Fury’ by Tracy Banghart

5 stars - A perfect blend of YA fantasy and court intrigue!

Book Blurb:

“Bold, brutal, and beautiful--a must-read fantasy full of fierce sisterhood, action, and political intrigue for fans of The Selection series, Caraval, and The Handmaid's Tale.

In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.

Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace--someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.

Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything.”

Review:

"A fierce, feminist fantasy for fans of Caraval and The Handmaid’s Tale” indeed. 'Grace and Fury' is a captivating page-turner; though it is a clean YA Fantasy novel, the characters do endure hardships and sexism is thoroughly woven into the culture our two narrators are born into.

Can't recommend this book enough! I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

#GraceAndFury #NetGalley

Grab a copy of 'Grace and Fury' from your favorite bookseller or your local library on July 31st, 2018!

‘A Touch of Magic’ (Fae-Touched #1) by Isabelle Adler

4 stars

Solid paranormal romance series opener and no cliffhanger!

Put an amateur magician unknowingly in possession of a powerful magical amulet (Cary) together with a thief who specializes in magical artifacts (Ty) and throw in some mobsters and sorcerers/sorceresses, and you’ve got ‘A Touch of Magic.’ The various magical items and mob interactions were interesting to read about, and the slow burn romance between our two leading men was sweet.

LGBT friendly. #ATouchOfMagic #NetGalley

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

‘Year of Descendants’ (The Clockwork God Chronicles #3) by Aimee Hyndman

5 stars

Amazing third entry in steampunk fantasy The Clockwork God Chronicles. 'Year of Descendants' had me on the edge of my seat; this series seems to get better and better as it goes along. We see greater development of characters, relationships, and godly powers. While this does tie up some of the story line, some questions remain unanswered. Looking forward to the fourth book of The Clockwork God Chronicles, wish it was available to read now!

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

‘Season of Wind’ (The Clockwork God Chronicles #2) by Aimee Hyndman

5 stars!

'Season of the Wind' is a solid second entry in steampunk fantasy The Clockwork God Chronicles! There's more of everything I loved from the first book (witty banter, character development, displays of Godly powers) and even more adventure. Diving into the next book now!

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

‘Hour of Mischief’ (The Clockwork God Chronicles, #1) by Aimee Hyndman

4.5 stars

Excellent steampunk fantasy series opener. 12 Clockwork Gods vs 4 Elder Gods, all with magic abilities. 'Hour of Mischief' beautifully sets up the characters with witty banter, motives, and backstory, while moving the plot forward at a pleasant pace.

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

‘True Storm’ (True Born Trilogy #3) by L.E. Sterling

4.5 stars - Excellent storytelling, non-stop action, gripping conclusion.

‘True Storm’ is the third and final book in the ‘True Born’ dystopian trilogy.  Book 1, ‘True Born’ does an excellent job introducing readers to the characters, their societal hierarchy and history, and the overarching plot of the series.  Book 2, ‘True North’ provides both the main character and the readers with more information but also more unanswered questions.  Follow the links to read the books and my reviews.

At the beginning of ‘True Storm,’ twins Lucy and Margot are safe and together in Dominion City, coping with the aftermath of Margot’s time held captive in Russia and reeling from betrayal after betrayal.  Though Margot’s experiences have clearly changed her, Lucy is happy to have her twin back and remains hopeful that their close connection will heal over time. 

The twins have recently learned that nearly everyone in their lives has kept secrets from them; they’re even keeping secrets from each other now.  Finally, within the pages of ‘Truth Storm,’ all of these secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered.

This gripping conclusion is full of plot twists and surprises for Lucy and for readers.  Though it seems Lucy has gained the attention of at least three suitors, the label ‘love-triangle’ doesn’t quite fit.  She’s clearly head-over-heels for only one of them and her feelings never waver from him.  One of my favorite aspects of this series is how strong and determined Lucy is, and how established her feelings for Margot and Jared are.

‘True Storm’ releases on May 1^st.  Look for this series at your local library!

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

About L.E. Sterling:

L.E. Sterling had an early obsession with sci-fi, fantasy and romance, to which she remained faithful through an M.A. in creative writing and a PhD in English literature––where she completed a thesis on magical representation. She is the author of cult hit YA novel The Originals (under pen name L.E. Vollick) and the Urban Fantasy Pluto’s Gate. True Born, first in the True Born trilogy, won the Athena Award® from the RWA. Originally hailing from Parry Sound, Ontario, L.E. spent most of her summers roaming across Canada in a van––inspiring her writing career. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.

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