Review: Miss Mabel’s School for Girls by Katie Cross

Never underestimate the power of a determined witch.

Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.

Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.

Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?

Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.

REVIEW

Bianca is a witch, who has a curse on her.  To remove the curse, she requires to meet Miss Mabel, which seems to be possible only if Bianca wins the Competition in the school.  Three different and difficult tasks are set.  Bianca faces so many struggles inside her own mind in every turn.  The result of the Competition and the things that happen later are something that you won't predict it.

I started this book with so much expectations.  When I was over 30% of the book, I was not even sure whether to like it or even continue it.  Bianca seems selfish and none of the other characters really spoke to me.  So many incidents to this extent just left me thinking about Harry Potter books.  Letum Wood = Forbidden Forest, Leda = Hermione, three enemy students, the deadly curse, the high towers, I could go on.  But, I just went on, because a good friend said this was really good.

If I was proved wrong about my opinion of a book, this was the first time.  I was surprised really. It took a great turn in terms of both the writing and plot around the middle of the book.  I enjoyed it, loved it, adored it.  The author has really got a great story at hand.

Bianca's character, although, seemed selfish at first, was actually brought out full of determination and courage at the end.  I loved the girl especially for the fight she gave all of them.  Camille and Leda, who are Bianca' friends, also end up being liked for all their help.  Miss Mabel is the perfect villain for the story.  The readers will literally want to push her from the top of the mountain, after her actions.

The author never gave me a dull moment in the second half of the book.  It was a page turner and a dark adventure.  Highly recommended.

4 STARS

Review & Giveaway: Restless Earth and Blessing Sky by Emily Mah

Welcome to my tour stop for Restless Earth and Blessing Sky by Emily Mah!  This is a YA/NA high fantasy series.  This is book 1 and 2 of The Sky Chariots Saga. The tour runs July 20 - 31 with reviews, author interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

About Restless Earth:

For over a thousand years, the Tanoa have relied on their Earth Shamen to bring rich harvests, temper stone tools and weapons, and imbue pottery with strength like metal. Now, though, the bloodline has dwindled to one Shaman, Tuwa, who is trapped high in the mountains, holding bedrock together to prevent a volcanic eruption while the rest of her people flee to safety. The only way to save the village is for her to sacrifice herself and buy them the time they need to evacuate.But her grandson, Ahote, refuses to abandon her to die. Rather than do as she asks—marry and bear daughters who might inherit her gift—he sets out to find the one person who might be able to save Tuwa’s life.Kasha is a Tanoa girl in who lives in Solace, a city of the pale-skinned Andalanos. If the Engineers Guild ever discovers her gender or race, they could order her execution—for in violation of the King’s law, Master Engineer Seamus trained Kasha as his apprentice. She is a genius in all things mechanical and earned her master certification when only fourteen years old. Since Seamus’s death, she has been discreetly working his job as the City Engineer.She knows there is no machine or technology that can save Tuwa. In order to complete this task, Kasha must invent a vehicle unlike anything the world has ever seen, and risk exposure and death in the process.

Amazon
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About Blessing Sky:

Master Engineer Kasha lives in hiding. As a Tanoa and a woman, she has no legal right to her title, and risks expulsion or even execution if the Guild discovers her identity. For over a year she has served as the City Engineer of the Andalano city of Solace, home to the Winged Riders and their pegasus mounts.Now, though, her people need her. The last of their Earth Shamen is trapped in the mountains, holding back a volcanic eruption so that the rest of her people can escape. It is a job for only the greatest of all engineers, and that happens to be Kasha.But when her kinsman, Ahote, breaks the most sacred law of the Winged Riders, an alliance with him means certain death. Kasha must work alone to solve the most difficult engineering problem of all time before the summer months are done and winter comes to claim the life of the Shaman and the hope of her people.

Amazon
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COMBINED REVIEW OF RESTLESS EARTH AND BLESSING SKY

The story starts with a volcano on the verge of erupting and Tuwa, the Earth Shaman trying to hold it together, so that the people can escape.  Tuwa's grandson, Ahote, do not like to leave her like this, but he has to find a way to save her.  At that time, a Rider comes offering to take Tuwa in her pegasus, but she refuses.  Also, in order to carry her, he also needs to carry a large amount of Earth with him which is not possible with his pegasus.  So, he says to Ahote that Engineer Kasha can help her.  Ahote journeys with his mother to find Kasha.  

Meanwhile, Kasha is a Tanoa and a girl, both of which is not accepted from an Engineer in Wingsmount.  But, that's what she is.  She is afraid that her title and job will be revoked from her any time.  It's only a matter of time, before the Riders find her true identity.  She gets a letter from a Rider saying that he needs help to save a Earth Shaman.  Kasha decides to help Tuwa and starts inventing.

The story itself is quite eccentric to use the right term.  It's simple, but not the usual type of story. The characters have great depth and I really can't find fault with any of them.  I can't think of one character, who is unnecessary to the plot.  The author brings in new revelations as the story proceeds, and the adventure of both the protagonists will keep you hooked to your book.

I read both the books in a few hours - it's that short.  I will definitely read the next book in the series. The author has outdone herself with her books.

5 STARS!

About the Author:

Emily writes as both Emily Mah (for science fiction and fantasy) and E.M. Tippetts (for chick lit). Her short stories have appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, The Black Gate, and anthologies like The Dragon and the Stars, Shanghai Steam, and The Change: Tales of Downfall and Rebirth.  Her E.M. Tippetts novels have been on the Amazon Top 100 numerous times, and her novel, Someone Else's Fairytale was semi-finalist for the Best Indie Book of the Year -  Kindle Book Review, and a runner up in Romance for the Best of the Independent Book Awards - eFestival of Words. She is a graduate of the Clarion West Writer's Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy and Viable Paradise Writers Workshop, and she often teaches the unit on self-publishing at the Taos Toolbox Writers Workshop.When she is not writing or chasing small children, she manages E.M. Tippetts Book Designs, her company which offers formatting, cover design, and editing services to authors and publishers.

Website | Facebook | Twitter @EmilyMah | YouTube
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Giveaway:

Three (3) winners will receive signed ebooks of Restless Earth and Blessing Sky by Emily Mah
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Ends Aug. 5th
prizing provided by the author, hosts are not responsible in any way.

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Review: Summer Queen by Amber Argyle

Author: Amber Argyle

Pub. Date: June 23, 2015

Publisher: Starling Publishing

Pages: 280

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

A fugitive from the king she refused to marry, Nelay ventures out to save her family from the invading army only to discover the fate of her entire nation rests on her shoulders. 

But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

REVIEW

When I saw this book cover, I was so enthralled by it that I felt like I have to read this book.  Then I read the description and I just thought maybe it will not be as good as I expect.  By then, I accepted to review this and so, it's on my TBR list.

When I started reading, the magic that happens with all great books happened.  The real world disappeared completely and I started feeling bad to leave the book, even to eat and sleep.  And I am not even exaggerating on this.

The story begins with Nelay, a priestess, plotting to escape the King Zatal, who wants to marry her to save his land.  But, Nelay never wanted to be the Queen of Idara.  She wants to save her family and become High Priestess once she is back.  She pays the tribesman, Rycus, to get her from Idara to her family, without getting caught.  Rycus, along with his men, travels with Nelay in the hot desert lands, where anyone could be lost and dead.   What begins as a simple plan turns into much much more than that and even Gods and fairies are at play here.  Stuck in the tangled mess of the fight she cannot win, Nelay has to choose at every turn of her life, even when it comes to losing her love, ambition and life.

I didn't know that this was the second book in the series until I completed this one.  So, I assure you that you wouldn't need to read the first book to enjoy this one.

Nelay is a girl, who is ambitious, strong-willed and high-spirited.  Although at first she is just brought out a strong protagonist, her heart and spirit is known little by little as the story proceeds.  The best thing about this book is the character development.  All the characters have depth enough for the readers to really understand their mental state.  Rycus and his men are great company to the readers during the adventure..especially the stories of Rycus.  There is nothing I can predict in this book. Whatever I thought will happen, never happened.  Why I didn't read anything from this author before this is still a mystery to me. :)

Extremely well written and fast paced, this novel is one hell of a great book, that you wouldn't want to miss for anything.

5 STARS!

About the Author: 

Amber Argyle is the number-one bestselling author of the Witch Song Series and the Fairy Queen Series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

Amber graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people.

To learn more about Amber, visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. 

GIVEAWAY

3 winners will receive the eBook bundle of The Faerie Queen Series. International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Week One:

6/15/2015- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

6/16/2015- The Mad Reviewer- Review

6/17/2015- Arkham Reviews- Review

6/18/2015- In Love With Handmade- Review

6/19/2015- In Libris Veritas- Review

Week Two:

6/22/2015- Mythical Books- Review

6/23/2015- Books Are Magic- Review

6/24/2015- The Bibliophile Chronicles- Review

6/25/2015- My Bookish Empire- Review

6/26/2015- bookaholics anonymous- Review

5 STAR #Review & #Giveaway: The Midnight Spell by Kody Boye and Rhiannon Frater

There are only some books that 'feels' special, right when you close after reading them.  This is one of those special book and I would readily recommend to anyone.

Original Title: The Midnight Spell

Author: Kody Boye and Rhiannon Frater

Publisher: Permuted Press

Release Date: February 28th, 2013

Source: From Xpress Book Blog Tours

Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult
Buy: Amazon | B&N

Adam and Christy have been best friends since kindergarten. Always the perpetual outsiders in their small town in Texas, they’ve always had to deal with nasty comments from their classmates. Adam is called “gay” while Christy is called “witch.”

On both counts the bullies are right.

Their junior year in high school seems destined to be the same old same old until Christy decides to cast a love spell for Adam at the midnight hour. The next day an alluring and mysterious new boy enrolls at school and sets hearts a flutter, including Adam’s. Meanwhile, Christy’s mad crush on the handsome Ian seems to be going nowhere fast. Struggling to capture the heart of Ian while trying to come into her full witch powers is tough enough, but when a great evil arrives in town that threatens everything they hold dear, she realizes that finding a boyfriend is the least of her and Adam’s worries.

Soon Adam, Christy, their potential love interests, and their good friends Drifter and Olivia, will have to battle a force of darkness that has killed in their town before and will again.

REVIEW

What do you ever want from a fantasy novel?  Just tell me..is it vampires, warewolves, witches, ghouls, or is it plain fun?

Whatever you want, these two amazing authors are giving it.  I love you, guys!  I don't want to miss this book for the world.

Adam and Christy are two best friends since forever.  Adam is gay and Christy is a witch (literally).  There is no other gay guy in town and as Adam feels lonely, Christy does a midnight spell to find his true love.  The very next day, a very handsome guy named Mark joins as a new student in their school and he is pinging high side on the gaydar.  And this year, they just has some new friends, Olivia (the new girl) and Drifter.  Adam's friends try to bring Adam and Mark together.  Christy feels something weird about Mark.  And Christy's forever crush, Ian, is suddenly noticing her.  And there is something more bad happening in town.

This book is pure fun.  I enjoyed it to the maximum.  I know many books that portrays love, friendship, parent-child relationship and especially gay guys.  But, this is the book that made me accept and understand like reality.

Friendship: Wow.  I am just jealous of these kids.  Maybe the world is against them.  But, these two don't need much of anything other than each other's company.  I felt so happy and I remembered my happy-happy school days while reading them.  The authors did 100% justice to the plot, that has the main root to be friendship.  The four kids are all cute in their own way and the loyalty they show towards each other is hug-worthy.

Parent-Child Relationship:  This book has the most awesome relationship between a parent and a child.  Two best examples!  I just get enough of them.  There were many laugh-out loud moments during those conversations.  The BEST!  And the parental characterization is just perfect.  I can't imagine any better parents.  As much as they embarrass the kids, the love and bonding between the family is transparent.

Homosexuality: Trust me when I say I am new to this reading about homosexuals.  But, this is the first book that made me realize that it need not necessarily be a topic discussed in all seriousness in books.  It's just a plain normal subject.  They are just normal humans and they deserve respect.  Yeah, there is bullying and harrassment, just because the guy is gay, but the acceptance between friends and family is a refreshment.

The suspense element of the story shows the authors' talent in story-telling.  The authors have kept me busy and engaging throughout the read by giving one twist after another.

I highly highly recommend this book to every single human out there.

I strongly shove this book onto your faces.  You SHOULD read them.  What??  How else can I make you read, if you are not going to listen to me, after all those ramblings?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Rhiannon:

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of over a dozen books, including the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor), as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog), and other horror novels. In 2014, her newest horror novel, The Mesmerized, will be released by Permuted Press. Dead Spots will be published in 2015 by Tor. She was born and raised a Texan and presently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).  She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

You can find her online at:Website: rhiannonfrater.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astheworlddies
Twitter:  twitter.com/rhiannonfrater
Blog:  rhianonfrater.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rhiannonfrater/
Email: rhiannonfrater at gmail.com

Kody:

Born and raised in Southeastern Idaho, Kody Boye began his writing career with the publication of his story [A] Prom Queen’s Revenge at the age of fourteen. Published nearly three-dozen times before going independent at eighteen, Boye has authored numerous works—including the short story collection Amorous Things, the novella The Diary of Dakota Hammell, the zombie novel Sunrise and the epic fantasy series The Brotherhood Saga. He is represented by Hannah Brown Gordon of the Foundry Literary + Media Agency.

You can visit him online at kodyboye.com

GIVEAWAY

The authors are giving away a e-copy of "The Midnight Spell" to one winner of the Rafflecopter.  The giveaway is open internationally and is open until May 31st, 2014!

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Review: Maggie Malone and the Mostly Magical Boots by Jenna McCarthy, Carolyn Evans

You know I love middle grade books; but this book is the one I can't recommend to everyone.. Read on!

Original Title: Maggie Malone and the Mostly Magical Boots

Author: Jenna McCarthy, Carolyn Evans

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Release Date: May 6th, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

For Maggie Malone every day is Freaky Friday with the help of her very special new boots

When Maggie Malone's Aunt Fi gives her a pair of used, scuffed, plain brown boots for her birthday, she's less than impressed. Why couldn't her life be more like Tween pop sensation Becca Star? Instead Maggie's stuck going to a new school in ugly boots. Until she wakes up in Becca's shoes-literally. Maggie's new boots are magical. They won't make broccoli taste like macaroni and cheese, but they will let her spend a day in the life of anyone she chooses.

REVIEW

Maggie Malone is having the worst day of her life.  Her new school Pinkerton is just the real hell she don't want.  Why does her father has to change her schools all of a sudden?  How is she ever going to make new friends?  This is not getting any better when her best-presents-giving-aunt gives her a battered boots as her 12th birthday gift.

But, these boots are something special.  Wear the boots and enter into someone else's world just as that someone else.  And nobody told Maggie about that and now she is the popular Pop star, Becca Starr!  For one day!  She IS her favorite rock star, Becca!  Literally!  Oh well, things are not always what they seem...

This is a new to me author, so I didn't have any expectations.  And this is a very safe genre - middle grade..you can't go wrong very bad here.  So, when I picked it up, I was open to whatever they throw at me.  Actually, although I was not surprised big time, I really enjoyed this one.  There is no engaging message or plot.  This is a simple one day from a celebrity's life.  And I enjoyed knowing it.  I was always attracted to 'behind the scenes' activities casted on television.  So, this naturally made me enjoy.

I still felt like I still don't know enough of Maggie here.  It's a short read and as I said it's just a sheet in the life of some celebrity.  So, there is not much covered about the main character.  But, in this short span of reading time, I felt like I have known the celebrity, Becca Starr, better than Maggie.

And yeah, about the boots!  Well, it's a middle grade 'fantasy', after all.  And except for moving you to someone else's life, the boots doesn't do anything much.  So, if you expect some sparkling Tinker-Bell fantasy here, please back out.  This is more like Dorothy's shoes, just a very minor version.

The prose style is simple and easy for the kids to enjoy.  Middle graders will devour it, if they are interested in behind-the-scene information.  But, adults can just get this in a library for a short read..this is not a keeper for you.

3.5 STARS!

5 STAR ARC #Review: Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer (@BrigidKemmerer‎)

Now that Brigid explained about all of the other brothers, it's time for the story of Nick.  And it's certainly the one to hear..

Original Title: Secret

Series: Elemental #4

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: January 28th, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…

Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.

Keep his grades sky-high or he’ll never escape his hometown.
Keep his brother’s business going or the Merricks will be out on the street.
Keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his own twin—-or he’ll lose his family.

Keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who’s supposed to be his “girlfriend’s” partner.

Of course there’s also the homicidal freak Quinn has taken to hanging around, and the Elemental Guide counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers.

There’s a storm coming. From all sides. And then some.

Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

REVIEW

Nick Merrick, an air elemental, has a secret; one he keeps with himself for so long that he learned to live with it..but, miserably!  Quinn, Becca's BFF, is the only one who knows the secret and she is helping him hide it.  But, when Nick sees his mate, all the secrets are coming out in the open..not only Nick's, but Quinn's too.  And they are not sure how to handle it..

This book covers some serious issues, which is truly addressed well.  It's kind of difficult to write this review without revealing any spoilers.  But, I will am going to give it a try.

Quinn, although lacks self-confidence at first, but acts hardcore on the outside, clings to Nick, just because she likes him and he most probably won't hurt her.  But, when it comes to giving Nick some space, she meets Taylor, the fatal enemy of the Merrick's brothers.  Taylor is not new character; but we see a new face of him.  And then there is another Guide in town to kill the Merrick brothers and he cannot be taken lightly.

I am really proud of the maturity in brothers, especially Michael.  The guy is so young, but faced with so many tough situations.  Of course, he handles them all very well, understands his teen brothers and makes a life for himself.  I am very glad that he finally got his own girl friend, one who understands him better.

There are three couples here and all are awesome.  I can't stop reading this and when it's over, I can't wait to read more..  Another successful installment from a trusted author!  She will never fail to amaze me.

If you haven't started this book yet, you should seriously start now.

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

I have had this book for so long sighing every time I see it my Kindle and saying that I will definitely get back to it one day.  And now finally I got to read it and I just don't want to stop reading..

Original Title: Spark

Series: Elemental #2

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

Source: Own copy

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

REVIEW

Gabriel Merrick has been a total idiot in the previous book, Storm.  And we are finally able to get to Gabriel's POV.  Gabriel has trouble being in control with his element - FIRE.  And there were fires in town.. And although Gabriel is not the one starting it, his own brother doubt it.  Between that, he was banned from his school game, until he passes his math test, which he was never able to do until now.  His life seems to get as low as possible, except for one bright thing - Layne.  Layne, who always wears turtlenecks and jeans and appears nerdy with glasses, is all Gabriel can think about.

I liked the couple..more than Chris and Becca in "Storm".  Gabriel is totally reckless, totally out of control in his moods and totally hot.  I hated him picking fight with Nick.  I hated him not giving a crap about what others think when the words come out of his mouth.  But still..the guy is trying..  Although Gabriel solves his problems with fists, he always stands up for everyone he cares about and I love him about it.  His stunt with the Layne's father made me both shocked and amused.

Her dad took a step forward.  "I'll have you arrested and charged with trespassing and statutory rape."
"Then I'm going to need another fifteen minutes."

Seriously????  That's what you say to your girl friend's father?  I want to hit him in the face and then I was laughing so hard..  Whatever..I just don't get this guy.

I enjoyed the initial banter between Quinn (Becca's friend) and Gabriel..

"Oh, you don't like that?  What about this?"  She licked her finger and stuck it in his ear.
He smacked her hand away.  He'd never punched a girl, but she might be the first.

Layne is a strong girl, although she seems timid at first.  After reading all her secrets, I am sure she is great for Gabriel.  I don't want to give more spoilers, speaking about Layne.  I will just say that the girl had faced her share of torture and she deserves to be happy.

Some more shocking secrets are revealed at the end.  And rest of the brothers are maturing as well.  They are kids for God's sake, and they are facing troubles and responsibilities more than they can take - all with a guy in their head always trying to shut them off completely.

I can't stop reading and I immediately started with my ARC of "Secret"..

Brigid Kemmerer has proven it yet again that she can hold the readers' attention until the end and make them crave for more!

5 TERRIFIC STARS - Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

This book reminded me of why I love fantasy.. or in general, why I love reading.  Rosamund Hodge is a marvel at world building and knowing this book is her debut just makes her a writing God.

Original Title: Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hedge

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: January 28th, 2013

Source: Review copy from the publisher, thank you!

Genre: Fantasy, Young adult

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

REVIEW

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE TITLE

This is so carefully thought out.  Yeah, this book is loosely based on "Beauty and the Beast".  But, it's nothing like the original, but I think it's equally beautiful in a dark way.  Our protagonist is not the kind soul that you hear about; she is flawed, she is cruel, she is rude and selfish...  "Cruel beauty" sounds such an apt way to describe her.  And that applies to this book too..  It's so beautiful, in a completely different way.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COVER

When I first saw the cover, I didn't think much about it.  Now, I really just want to give a standing ovation to the designer.  The rose, the dark lonely endless corridors and the girl alone in all this - makes so much sense.  It's beautiful.  What is more beautiful is the words on the book.

Her mission was to kill him

Her destiny was to love him.

When this might sound as a simple plot line, this isn't.  It's as complicated as it gets.

ACTUAL REVIEW

When it started, I was having a very moody time, that I wanted to pick up another book.  That continued until 25% of the book.  Remember that this is not because of anything to do with the plot, but with the mood of the novel.  It was so gloomy, so even when I am sitting in a room filled with bright light, I was feeling all dark and glum.  This dark feeling didn't go throughout the book, because of the setting, but I got so immersed in it and started enjoyed so much after some time, that I want to give up my breakfast and sit with my book.

Both the main characters, Ignifex and Nyx, were not the regular good people, which is usually written about.  They are bad and they do bad things to hurt the people they love.  But, that's what make it realistic about the characters.  Jealousy between the siblings is normal; yes, it happens even to the adults.  And when Nyx's father 'sacrifice' her, instead of her sister, in order to 'save' their land, Arcadia, I understand the love-hate feeling she starts to develop towards her sister.  She is human, after all, and the need to be loved and get married like regular girls sure made her heart filled with some poison.  But, again, I know we are all capable of such thoughts.

I had thought the words so often, they felt like nothing in my mouth, like no more than a breath of air, and as easily as breathing I went on:
“The truth is, Mother died because of you, and now I have to die for your sake too. And neither one of us will ever forgive you.”
Then I shoved her aside and strode out of the room.

Yes, this is cruel..and she regrets it immediately; now you get a glimpse of who her protogonist is?  But, if you read the novel, you will really know what made her like that.

When she is pushed into the demonic castle to marry the Gentle Lord, the prince of the Monsters aka Ignifex, she hated her father, her sister, the Gentle Lord and herself (for being selfish).  Nyx is trained all her life to seduce the monster and kill him, even though it might mean killing herself in the process.  Now, Ignifex, her enemy, likes her for what she truly is.  Noone knows the true her; she had made sure to hide the venom in her to everyone.  Nyx can't help but feel happy for someone who loves her knowing everything about her, even though that someone is a monster, who bargains with innocent people and lead them to misery.  And there is this other problem where Nyx seeks comfort with - Shade, Ignifex's shadow.

"This house has many danger.  I cannot save you from most of them." I let go and forced a smile.  "I wasn't born to be saved."

Nyx soon learns that her plan to save the world is flawed and there are so many secrets that she didn't know.  In that palace which is a better-to-be-in-a-horror-movie-than-to-be-here labyrinth, Nyx should find a way to save her people and also make the decision of choosing between the "love and trust of Ignifex" to the "love and trust of her family and countless other people".

The world building was amazing or should I say darkly artistic?  As I said, the author has maintained the sullen mood of the book throughout, leaving me with the need to go out in the sun and breathe when I finished.  If you read about the world of Arcadia, you would know it's a wild imagination.  I don't want to spoil the setting for you, but I assure you that it's one of the best.

The writing was terrific.  The author has brought in so many Greek mythological parts in the book.  Though I felt this to be an info-dump at the start, after some time, these were small distractions between the complicated plot line giving me some break.

I enjoyed this book so much that I feel like crying.  Do I even have to say it?  Just read it!  But wait, you don't like fantasy?  Then read it just to feel Rosamund's extraordinary writing skills.

Over-the-top plot, graceful writing, achingly beautiful romance and outstanding setting.  This is a masterpiece!

Review: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

This is the first series that I got for review, when I started blogging.  Now, this series ends and I am one of the die-hard fans of Maria Snyder.  And I am a happy and satisfied girl..

Original Title: Taste of Darkness

Series: Healer #3

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Release Date: December 31st, 2013

Source: Review copy from the publisher

Genre: Fantasy, Young adult

This book starts just hours after the second book, Scent of Magic, ends.  Kerrick is trying just to be alive and he disappears without any word to Avry or anyone else.  Avry is on the search for Kerrick and when he is not found, she doesn't lose hope, but takes steps to help Ryne's strategies.  Meanwhile, Kerrick is developing new abilities or should I say less human and more forest abilities?  And new enemies keep coming up, more gruesome and more cannibalistic.

"Taste of Darkness" is as interesting and suspenseful as its previous healer books.  There is a lot of twists in the plot and Maria has not yet written a book that can be easily guessed.  Avry is the second kick-ass female character after Rose (from Vampire Academy series), that I LOVE SO MUCH.  And that's saying something, as it's very difficult to compare Rose with any other character.

The new enemy, the Skeleton King - well, that's the enemy I loved; that is the creature that made the book more..unputdownable.  I hated this hideous thing to the core and that is what made it more enjoyable when it all ended.  The strategies to the war are excellently thought-out and very well written down.

The old characters are good to look into in this novel.  The characters have grown a lot from the beginning; especially Flea.  I am the one who was smiling when the Poppa Bear made his appearance.  And when the rescue mission started and it's just like the old times; an excellent team operation.

If you want to read this book, you need to have read the previous ones, as the author has started off directly and without any side notes for new readers.  But you know, this is a series, so start from the first.  You won't regret it.

If I have to point out one thing that didn't impress me, it's the end that is brought out to Tohon (come on, that is actually not a spoiler!).  Of course, it's a small thing, but it still gnaws at me; I want a grand kill at the end. And the author has made up for with some romance and clean ups at the end.  But still, that guy is cruel and a sadist; he deserves a more painful death (Call me whatever you want, but I want him punished).

Perfect ending to a perfect series!  I am satisfied and going to dig more of Snyder's books..

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SERIES!

SERIES ORDER

1.  Touch of Power - Review | Amazon | Goodreads

2.  Scent of Magic - Review | Amazon | Goodreads

3.  Taste of Death - Amazon | Goodreads

5 STAR ARC Review: My Sort Of Fairy Tale Ending by Anna Staniszewski

When I read the second book in this series a few days ago, I immediately requested the review copy for the third one.  Not because it can't wait; no, it's not that.  These type of books makes your reading more light, fun and lovable.

Original Title: My Sort Of Fairy Tale Ending

Series: My Very UnFairy Tale Life #3

Author: Anna Staniszewski

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Release Date: November 5th 2013

Source: Review copy from publisher

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Happily ever after? Yeah, right.

Jenny's search for her parents leads her to Fairyland, a rundown amusement park filled with creepily happy fairies and disgruntled leprechauns. Despite the fairies' kindness, she knows they are keeping her parents from her. If only they would stop being so happy all the time-it's starting to weird her out! With the help of a fairy-boy and some rebellious leprechauns, Jenny finds a way to rescue her parents, but at the expense of putting all magical worlds in danger. Now Jenny must decide how far she is willing to go to put her family back together.

REVIEW

Jenny goes in search of her missing parents to the fairy world.  But, if you imagine fairy world in your mind, just forget it and read on.  It's just a worn out amusement park, where all magical being were - kind of - tortured.  Well, Jenna is a prisoner now in the hands of the completely insane fairy queen.  With some help from a fairy boy, will she bring down the entire rule and also save the magical community as well as her parents?  Tough...

Great world building and great characterization.  In so few pages, I started liking the characters so much.

I liked the way the story winded up.  It was clean, just like a fairy tale.  Nothing to be sad of; I finished it just with fond memories.

If I am still a kid at school, I would want my teacher to read/recommend these type of stories to me.  It's fun and kids will love this.  Highly recommended for those who love middle grade fantasy novels.

5 STARS!

SERIES ORDER

0.5.  Jenny’s First Adventure - Read for FREE at Goodreads
1.  My Very UnFairy Tale Life - Amazon | Goodreads
2.  My Epic Fairy Tale Fail - Amazon | Goodreads | My review
3.  My Sort of Fairy Tale Ending - Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Ward Against Death by Melanie Card

I think I have to include more of mature YA fantasy books in my reading pile.  That would have helped me appreciate this book more.

Original Title: Ward Against Death

Series: Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer

Author: Melanie Card

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: August 2nd, 2011

Source: From Rockstar Book Tours

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.

But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.

However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive…

REVIEW

Edward de'Ath, twenty-year old necromancer and physician, is called to wake a dead nobleman's daughter, Celia.  When she wakes up however, Ward didn't expect for her to ask his help to find her murderer and he absolutely didn't think he would accept her plea and follow run after her.  Ward has his own share of problems with the law before adding kidnapping a rich girl to it.  But, soon Ward understands, inside this attractive, brave and beautiful girl, Celia is pure trouble.  She is part of the Assassin Guild and her skill with weaponry and her cunning persona scares Ward.  In spite of all these differences, the couple manages to go through many difficulties to find the murderer and find themselves in love.

Ward is considered puny at first, but he is intelligent, kind and gentle.  The character development of Ward is amazing.  From a scared running-from-law shy person, he turned out to be a bold powerful one.  Kicked out from Physician's Academy, Ward learns to do surgery by stealing dead bodies.  He practices necromancy without liking it, but even without his knowledge, he is pretty good at it.  He always thinks of him as inferior, but when situation arises, he is still doing his job with everything he got.

Celia is a cunning, strong, kick-ass heroine, who makes use of any situation to her advantage, without thinking about others.  She is the member of the Assassin's Guild and we also know at the end, that she is a means to something big.  Spending time with Ward made her care for another person and also fall for him.

Apart from the characters, the world building is good as well.  It will take time for the readers to understand the world, but being the first in the series, this is expected.  Melanie is a great story teller and it shows.  Enjoyed every moment of it.

The cover art is okay, but it doesn't much say about the book, except that Celia comes back from the dead and something to do with physician's tools.

No cliffhangers.  But, some things are left open to go on with the next books.

Filled with action and adventure, this book is a great start to the series and have a great hope for the upcoming books.

4 STARS!

Giveaway and Blitz: Ward Against Darkness by Melanie Card

Original Title: Ward Against Darkness

Series: Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer

Author: Melanie Card

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Release Date: August 27th, 2013

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Links: Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository

The last thing Ward de'Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can't allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire. But the mansion is filled with monsters--human and undead--and Ward has no way of telling who's friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She's still dead and he's still alive . . . for now.

ABOUT MELANIE

Melanie has always been drawn to story telling. In fact, she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t telling a story in her head or on paper. In grade school, they had journal writing time which she turned into story telling time, weaving tales of magic and adventure that mimicked the fairy tales and myths that she loved to read. It was there, with the help of two very special teachers, that she nurtured this love and started her journey as a writer.  She writes fantasy, paranormal romance, and everything in between, seasoned with a good dash of adventure and mystery. Join her on my tales of magic, adventure, and romance.

AUTHOR ONLINE: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away the following to the winners of the Rafflecopter.

Prize 1: Signed copy of Ward Against Death and Ward Against Darkness and a $25 gift card (Amazon or B&N) US Only

Prize 2: $15 gift card (Amazon or B&N) US/Canada

Prize 3: 2 eBooks International

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5 STAR Review + Giveaway: Atone (A Fairytale Trilogy) by Jessica Grey

Again, I am saying - if you write fairy tale retellings, just let me know.  I am never going to back down on this genre.  But, please always do some justice to the original plot.. just like this novel.

Original Title: Atone: A Fairytale

Series: A Fairytale Trilogy #2

Author: Jessica Grey

Publisher:  Tall House Books

Release Date: July 8th, 2013

Source: From Xpresso Book Tours

Genre: Fairy tale retellings, Fantasy, Young adult, Paranormal Romance

Becca Ward knows that magic is real...

Two years ago not only had she and her best friend Alex found a real-life Sleeping Beauty in the middle of Los Angeles, they also discovered that they were powerful in their own right. They’ve managed to keep both their fae powers and their friend Lilia’s identity as a medieval princess a secret and live a normal life. Now their normalcy is threatened by the return of their former advisor at the Gem and Mineral Museum—and Becca’s least favorite person, Nicholas Hunt.

...and she’s about to find out that more than one fairy tale is true.

Nicholas has been obsessed with proving Lilia’s identity and the existence of magic. While working on an archeology dig he discovered an ancient fae artifact—a mirror that is imbued with a powerful protection spell that twists his obsession, and his body, until he is more beast than man. In order to protect her friends, Becca is forced to help him, and she is surprised to find that in spite of his outward appearance, Nicholas is no longer the beast she remembers. Will she let herself be the beauty that breaks the curse, or will she let her prejudice against him stop her from discovering true love?

REVIEW

Becca Ward has some 'metal' powers in her.  Her best friends, Alex and Lilia, are also magical.  When Nicholas poses a threat to their identity, Becca tries to find him and do what is necessary to keep him silent. This is going to be a problem, because Becca has never liked Nicholas.  And helping him is going to be difficult.

Nicholas Hunt, an archeologist obsessed with magic, comes across a magical mirror.  The spell in the mirror changes him to a Beast.  Even more unexpected is the girl who comes to help him, with whom he has always had a hostile relationship.  But, she is the one that brings out the man inside all his Beastly appearance.

The plot is not original (being a retelling and all), but it's a refreshing, cool take on the original plot.

The characters and the world building are amazing.  Each character is different and they stand alone independently.  Even the minor's characters, like Becca's cousin, are adorable and all of them keeps reminding me of some person that I meet in real life.  The understanding between Becca and her friends is something every person would crave for.  As I said, the characterization is great and memorable.

Having not read the first book in the series, there were some struggles initially to catch up with the plot, but soon Jessica brought out some scenes to explain briefly about the past happenings.

Becca is a strong protagonist and someone who has her own faults and still enjoys her life.  And Nicholas, although seems to be a jerk previously, changes drastically in his beast form.

The hostility, friendship and romance between Becca and Nicholas was so charming.  At least now I know how Beauty and Beast got close together emotionally.  When I started reading this, I seriously didn't expect this book to rock, but oh boy, it totally did.

And did I mention the climax?  Well, I love you Jessica!  That was one of the best HEA I have read.  I have always thought that Belle and Beauty's kiss at the end of Disney movie is the best kiss scene ever.  I was so happy that I was able to feel some of that magic here.

Loved loved loved!  Jessica --- Here you have earned another fan for you!  One of the best "Beauty and the Beast" retellings and one of my favorite reads this year!  And Jessica, thanks for not ruining my love for the original version and making me fall in love with fairy tales some more.

Do I even have to recommend this to you after all this?  Go on, read this already.

5 STARS!

Image courtesy: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/romantic%20kiss?before=60 http://collider.com/beauty-and-the-beast-disney-joe-ahearne/

GIVEAWAY Jessica is giving away one signed copy of Atone to one winner of the below Rafflecopter giveaway.  Open internationally.

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