Book Review: The Lost Kingdom

2/5

I don't know what happened with The Lost Kingdom, but I'm so disappointed. I really enjoyed The Clockwork Three and Icefall. They are good, not draw dropping, but enjoyable reads that I'd read again and recommend to others. (Icefall I liked the most.)

The Lost Kingdom had potential. Flying ship? A long lost kingdom from legends? Of course I'd be excited to read this! But I just couldn't get into it. I slugged through the first few chapters, then it got interesting for awhile then I was back to slugging.

Characters were okay, none really jumped out at me. We didn't see (or read) much of Jane, our one female character and I would have liked to learn more. Thought it was neat that well known historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were featured.

In his Authors Note Kirby writes about the really William 'Billy' Bartram and the other characters in The Lost Kingdom. And, honestly, I found that the most interesting.

Now I'm not saying this is a terrible book and you should never, ever pick it up for fear of burning your eyes; but it's not up to par with his previous works.

October New Releases

1. The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

2. Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Search Part 3 by Gene Luen Yang 

3. Perfect Ruin - Lauren DeStefano 

September New Releases

1. Scorched by Mari Mancusi

2. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black 

3. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson 

4. Shadows by Robin Mckinley

August New Releases

1. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

2. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

3. Doon by Carey Coop & Lorie Langdon

4. The Lost Kingdom by Matthew J. Kirby

5. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

May New Releases

1. School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

2. Loki's Wolves by K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr

3. Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield

4. The Savage Blue by Zoraida Cordova

5. Quicksilver by R.J. Anderson

6. The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien

7. Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown

8. The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

9. The Last Academy by Anne Applegate

10. Beauty by Nancy Ohlin

the cover! love, love, love!

11. The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

12. Transparent by Natalie Whipple

13. The Circle by Sara B. Elfgren & Mats Strandberg

14. The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni

15. Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Book Review: Scarlet

"The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner."

5/5

I didn’t really care for Cinder, but after reading Scarlet I think I’ll give it another go. After all I didn’t like The Hunger Games either my first read. I was completely surprised by Scarlet, holy cow. I usually don’t hold much expectation for a sequel. There’s only about a handful of sequel’s I’ve really enjoyed to the point of being better than the first and Scarlet is definitely one of them. 

One of the newcomers to this series and heroine is Scarlet and she is not to be messed with. She is no one’s damsel in distress (though there was occasion she had to be saved). Scarlet is one badass woman. 

Then there’s Wolf (they’re more new characters but I’m just focus on these two). Ah, Wolf the deadly fighter but all shyness and marshmallows at the same time. He’s absolutely adorable and just *fans self*, well, when he’s not being ruthless. 

Another new character is Carswell Thorne, a flirtatious ‘caption’ and criminal.

So, anyways, Scarlet was fucking awesome. So definitely read it, even if you didn’t like Cinder that much Scarlet really amp’s it all up! So looking forward to Cress (anyone else think 

that’s a pretty name?).

-Summery from Goodreads 

ARC Book Review: The Savage Blue

"A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved."

4.5/5

Definitely a great sequel to The Vicious Deep. It took me awhile to get into the book, and not because it was slow the action is practically non-stop, but once I did I couldn’t set it down!

Tristan’s has a lot to go through in this book. With a sea dragon, crazy mermaid princesses, demanding and loony oracles (though I suppose I’d be a bit nuts too having to see the future in everyone), blood-thirsty merrows, the landlocked and all his competitors (which some didn’t seem too bad, they all have their reasons). You’ll meet new characters, some are awesome, others a bunch of psycho’s. And tons of secrets, everyone's got secrets.

Goodness, the betrayals! I wasn’t really expecting them. And Kurt! I feel sad for him and shaking him all at the same time, along with Gwen.

I came across a few mistakes, especially about mythology, and I’m guessing that because it’s an advanced copy? This is my first so that’s what I’m assuming. 

Favorite Line(s): "Sure, when it comes to fires and evil merpeople I can be concentration guy, but put me in front of a girl crying or puking, and I don't know the difference between my ass and my elbow."

"Of course. All the princesses and pirates and evil sea witches want a piece of me. Why wouldn't some nearly extinct dinosaur want in on it?"


-Won on Goodreads First Reads & summery from Goodreads.

Book Review: Twice Tempted

"Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity."

2/5

I don’t know what happened in this book but compared to Once Burned it was okay.

Leila was alright, a bit too much sometimes, very pushy and annoying.  She wanted more from her relationship with Vald. Even though he clearly stated in Once Burned that he doesn’t do love and marriage. But still badass with her electricity whip! Vlad lost some of his edge which I didn’t mind too much, but he didn’t really seem like himself. I don’t know him as well as others might from reading the whole Night Huntress novels (I only read about one with him in there). 

The little mushy scenes made me cringe a bit. I just can’t imagine Vlad being like that. I thought the last few chapter were the best (Vlad and Lelia as a team are amazing) and am still excited for book 3. Jeaniene Frost’s humor was still there and I was rolling like I always do. 

Favorite line: "The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world that he did not exist."

Even though it not by Jeaniene Frost and actually by Charles Baudelaire but I just loved it. 

Summery from Goodreads 

April New Releases

The ones that I'm looking forward to.

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The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

Walking Disaster by Jamie Mcguire

Book Review: The Smoke Thief

"For centuries they’ve lived in secret among northern England’s green and misted hills. Creatures of extraordinary beauty, power, and sensuality, they possess the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secret–and their survival–is threatened by a temptation that will break every boundary....

Dubbed the Smoke Thief, a daring jewel thief is confounding the London police. His wealthy victims claim the master burglar can walk through walls and vanish into thin air. But Christoff, the charismatic Marquess of Langford, knows the truth: the thief is no ordinary human but a “runner” who’s fled Darkfrith without permission. As Alpha leader of the dra´kon, it’s Kit’s duty to capture the fugitive before the secrets of the tribe are revealed to mortals. But not even Kit suspects that the Smoke Thief could be a woman. 

Clarissa Rue Hawthorne knew her dangerous exploits would attract the attention of the dra´kon. But she didn’t expect Christoff himself to come to London, dangling the tribe’s most valuable jewel–the Langford Diamond–as bait. For as long as she could remember, Rue had lived the life of a halfling–half dra´kon, half mortal–and an outcast in both worlds. She’d always loved the handsome and willful Kit from the only place it was safe: from afar. But now she was no longer the shy, timid girl she’d once been. She was the first woman capable of making the Turn in four generations. So why did she still feel the same dizzying sense of vulnerability whenever he was near? 

From the moment he saw her, Kit knew that the alluring and powerful beauty was every bit his Alpha equal and destined to be his bride. And by the harsh laws of the dra´kon, Rue knew that she was the property of the marquess. But they will risk banishment and worse for a chance at something greater. For now Rue is his prisoner, the diamond has disappeared, and she’s made the kind of dangerous proposition a man like Kit cannot resist....In this bewitching novel, Shana Abé transports us into a world of exhilarating romance and magic"
 

5/5

To start this review I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of romance. You know, the romance books with the busty beauty clinging to the muscled scoundrel on the cover? Or something along those lines. I do read them, once in a blue moon, but otherwise I find them absolutely ridiculous. 

When I first read about this book I assumed it was just going to be about dragons with an under touch of romance. I didn't notice the blaring obvious 'HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF THE YEAR' (and usually historical romances are the worst) on the front cover. But the library mostly covers those with bar codes. And I didn't read the summery well enough either..but it was listed in the 'Dragons' area and I never really thought of mixing dragons with romance novels (duh! but now I know there are quite a lot of books like that).

And so I was surprised with the more romance then I expected. But it actually wasn't too bad. The romance was mild, no sudden 'passionate, intense' moments that make me want to laugh. No, The Smoke Thief is far more entertaining than that. The storyline is interesting and not bogged down by ridiculous descriptions of 'red, hot desire'. The romance moments, which were few, were believable.

The characters, the characters! Clarissa Rue Hawthorne, our heroine, is a jewel thief. She's bright, beautiful, witty, brave, independent and incredibly cool-minded.  She knows how to put on an act when need be. Rue is the first female to make the Turn (which is a smoke like state and then they can turn into a dragon after that) in four generations. When she makes the Turn on her seventeenth birthday she fakes her own death knowing her fate if the tribe learns of her Turn.

Christoff 'Kit', Marquess of Langford, alpha of the drakon, is our hero. He's the sleepy eyed, witty, amused heartthrob. Oh, and of course he's complete drooling material. When he finds Rue and learns she's a Turned female he's determined to have her. Now, that might sound utterly degrading and obsessive but you have to understand the drakon culture. Throughout the book it's stated many times that they are not humans, they are dragons. More animalistic like but don't let that turn you off, he doesn't ravish her on site (thank the lord! or I would have tossed the book if that happened) no, he intends to persuade her with his charming wit.

Zane is a twelve year old orphaned boy whom Rue picked up because he saw her in her Turned state. He's rude, quick-minded, sarcastic, loyal and a bit impulsive. He makes a few appearances in the book but plays a vital role. Zane gets his own starring role in the sequel, The Dream Thief. 

I really recommend this book. It has dragons and a jewel thief after all. The writing is beautiful, especially the prologue and epilogue. Oh, and as a side note for the prologue and epilogue, Others are humans, I got very confused while reading that but it didn't distract from the beautiful woven words.

Summery was taken from Goodreads.

Book Review: Poetic Death Series

I've just finished the Poetic Death Series and I've really enjoyed it. The series consist of four books all set in Lake District Britain (besides a tiny trip to California for a few chapters). Grace Hollister, the main character, is infatuated with the Romantic Period which include Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. She teachers at an all-girls school in the U.S. and is taking a trip to Britain before the school year begins. There, among all her favorite poets old haunts, she stumbles across Peter Fox in quite an interesting way. From there on, through three more books, Grace is swept into dangers and new territories.

I really enjoyed this series. Filled with literature and placed in England. Grace was a likeable heroine enough but there were times when I just wanted to shake her for some of the decisions she made. But doesn't that always happen? There is a bit of romance, very subtle. In the third book it actually starts to move more.

Peter, the love interest, is an interesting character because you never really know what's he's thinking, or even if he really cares about Grace. But y'all just gotta have to read between the lines. Sometimes, like Grace, I just wanted to shake him for not talking! It's like spit it out already! But in some cases I knew why he didn't talk. The secondary characters are odd and likeable a little, but not very memorable. Well, except an ex-girlfriend, a certain grandniece, a biker-dressed librarian and the couple living in Scotland.

I intend to buy these books someday, but sadly they aren't that well known. Which sucks because if you like Mary Stewart, Elizabeth Peter/Barbara Michaels and Susanna Kearsley I recommend this series. It seems they have the same feel to them with the cozy mystery, historical significance and just a smidge of romance.

Wish there was another book or two (because I was sad it was over) but its still a great series all in all with a satisfying ending. I will be watching this author. 

*To check out the book summeries you just have to click on the pictures.

March New Releases

I know this is a bit late but whatever. This are only books I'm looking forward to this month.

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1. The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson

2. Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

3.The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielson

4. Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

5. Hunting by Andrea K. Host

 

6. Trouble in the Tarot by Kari Lee Townsend

7. Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

8. Written in Red by Anne Bishop 

9. Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson

10. Poison  by Bridget Zinn

11. Hidden by Marianne Curley

12. Heart of Glass by Sasha Gould

13. 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma