Saturday, March 31, 2018

Stacking the Shelves: The Triple ARC Edition

 "Stacking the Shelves" is a weekly haul meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It allows book buyers to share their accumulation of books with the online book-loving community.

This week was definitely better than last week. While I did hurt my back last Friday (again), with rest and relaxation, it is now perfectly fine. (In case you’re curious, I injured myself at the gym. I felt the riiiiip right as I was doing a squat. It was super fun times.) And the family drama from last week has settled a bit. More importantly, there has been NO SNOW. I’m so excited. Sure, it’s drizzled a couple of times, but it’s been warmer. I love it. I can’t wait until I don’t have to wear a coat everywhere.

Miranda and Caliban by Jacqueline Carey (ARC)
Faller by Will McIntosh (ARC)

For the books this week, I have three. These two are ARCs from work. I have finally brought the last ones home. Whew! At least that’s finally over with. I’m done hauling bundles of ARCs on the subway.

Royals by Rachel Hawkins (ARC)

I was actually lucky enough to get on the blog tour for this one. It was a total coincidence. I just happened to email Penguin Teen’s publicity assistant when she had one place left on the tour. Yay for me! And thank you to Penguin Teen! This one came with some really fun royal wedding swag! I’m super excited to read this one. I’m actually letting my roommate borrow it right now. She reads faster than I do, and I probably won’t get to it until next weekend anyway.

Other than that, I did buy a book this week, but it won’t be in until Sunday or Monday. I’m still under for my book-buying budget, though. So no worries there.

What books have you bought/received lately?

Friday, March 30, 2018

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you watch the gif.


Powdered sugar mustaches are the best kind of mustache. Mmm… Now I want a donut.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

More 2018 YA Fantasy (and One Contemporary) Cover Reveals

There’ve been a few more YA cover reveals in the past couple of weeks (or covers that I’ve just recently discovered), so I thought I’d share the pretties with you and let you know what I think.

Found in Night
(The Dragori #2)
Publication Date: June 12, 2018
Ebook, Oftomes Publishing
Genres: Fantasy, YA, LGBT

Dragon Shifters. Undead. Revenge.

Life has not been the same since the attack on the ship. Affected by the Druid's power, something dark lurks within Hadrian Vulmar, threatening the existence of those around him.

Following a lead, Zacriah and Nyah head into the forest on an expedition to cure him. When they are ambushed by the living dead—bodies controlled by shadow—covered in the Druid marks, they know the Druid did not perish in the sea as they first thought. The Druid is back, and with his return comes the threat of attack.

The three known Dragori are sent on a dangerous quest to stop this dark magick before Hadrian gives into his new power, and the shadowbeings end more innocent lives.

My Thoughts

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I want to. This one has just as pretty of a cover. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be in a print edition. I hope that changes between now and its release. I’d like to possibly own a physical copy.

***

Kiss of the Royal
Publication Date: July 3, 2018
Paperback, 400 pages, Entangled Teen
Genres: YA, Fantasy

In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.

Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.

With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.

My Thoughts

I haven’t read an Entangled book since Julie Cross’s Whatever Life Throws at You, so I’m definitely ready for another dose, especially a YA fantasy. I feel like this should be a low-key, easy-to-read fantasy that I’ll just breeze through. I’m definitely ready for it. The cover is also very aesthetically pleasing. Love the pink and black.

***

Dagger and Coin
(Sword and Verse #2)
Publication Date: November 20, 2018
Hardcover, 416 pages, HarperTeen
Genres: YA, Fantasy

Soraya Gamo was meant to be queen of Qilara, until an Arnath slave rebellion destroyed the monarchy and the capital city. Now, improbably, she sits on the new Ruling Council beside her former enemies, finally holding the political power she always wanted - but over a nation in ruins. As she works to rebuild Qilara, she can, at last, use what everyone once told her to hide: her brain.

But not everyone is ready to accept the new equality that the Ruling Council has decreed between the Arnathim and Qilarites. So when a slave ship arrives in the city, full of Arnathim captured before Qilara fell—the civil unrest that has been bubbling since the rebellion erupts.

Forced to confront her own prejudices, Soraya struggles to gain the trust of the Arnath people she once disregarded and establish peace in what has become chaos. With the threat of attacks high, Gelti, a former guard captain, trains Soraya in self-defense. As the two grow close, tension within the city ramps up, with danger, betrayal, and deception meeting Soraya everywhere she turns. Friends become foes, adversaries become companions, and the clashing of classes threatens to unravel all the good Soraya has been trying to do. Can Soraya, raised to be a proper Qilarite lady, learn to be a true leader? Or will the sins of her past forever haunt the footsteps of her future?

My Thoughts

Once again, I have yet to read the first book. But this cover is so very pretty. The cover has been out for a while, but I hadn’t added it to my TBR on Goodreads until a few days ago. Thus, it made today’s list.

***

Fire and Heist
Publication Date: December 4, 2018
Hardcover, 416 pages, Crown Books
Genres: YA, Fantasy

In Sky Hawkins's family, leading your first heist is a major milestone--even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It's a chance to gain power and acceptance within your family, and within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated, especially when you're a wyvern--a human capable of turning into a dragon.

Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's wealth and rank in their community.

With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society--a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.

My Thoughts

This one has an intriguing plot, but I’m not a fan of the cover. It reminds me a lot of Haven by Kristi Cook. It’s just a boring, plain cover, and the colors don’t go well together. Maybe it’ll look better in person?

***

Runebreaker
(The Runebinder Chronicles #2)
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Paperback, 384 pages, Harlequin Teen
Genres: YA, Fantasy, LGBT

Magic is sin

Aidan desires only one thing: to rule. Arrogant, headstrong and driven by the element of Fire, he will stop at nothing to bring the evil Howls that destroyed Scotland to their knees. But Fire is a treacherous element, and the very magic that brought him to power could burn his world to ash.

Especially with the blood of his fellow Hunters on his hands.

Driven by a bloodlust he can’t control and dark whispers that may not be entirely in his head, he and his magic-eschewing friend Kianna will do whatever it takes to liberate their broken world. Even at the risk of confronting the Church. Even at the risk of losing his humanity.

But power isn’t the only thing on Aidan’s mind. He’s falling for the intoxicating Tomas, an Incubus who offers everything Aidan desires. For a price.

And if that price burns the world down, well… Aidan is used to playing with Fire.

My Thoughts

Yay! It’s actually a sequel to a series that I’ve read the first book of! This so rarely happens! Unfortunately, though, I’m not in love with the cover like I was with the first book. This cover good, but I the first one was blue and cool. The skulls for the throne is pretty neat though. I’m intrigued.

***

Darkdawn
(The Nevernight Chronicles #3)
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Hardcover, 448 pages, St. Martin’s Press
Genres: YA/NA, Fantasy

A ruthless young assassin's journey for revenge comes to an end in the conclusion of this epic fantasy trilogy.

The Nevernight Chronicle is a complex fantasy series about Mia Corvere, a kick-butt, flawed heroine who trains as an assassin as part of her mission for personal revenge. Her tale takes place in the immersive world of Godsgrave which, although based on ancient Rome and Venice, is imaginative with many original details provided by a beloved snarky narrator.

In Darkdawn, the Republic of Itreya is in chaos. Mia has assassinated Cardinal Duomo and rumors of Consul Scaeva’s death ripple through the street of Godsgrave like wildfire. But buried beneath those same streets, deep in the ancient city’s bones, lies a secret that will change the Republic forever.

Mia and her brother Jonnen must journey through the depths of the ancient metropolis. Their quest will take them through the Godsgrave underdark, back to the library of the Quiet Mountain and the poisoned blades of Mia’s old mentors, and at last the fabled Crown of the Moon. There, Mia will at last discover the origins of the darkin, and learn the destiny that lies in store for her and her world. But with the three suns now in descent, and Truedark on the horizon, will she survive?

My Thoughts

Man, this cover is awesome! The only thing I don’t like about this series’ covers are the masks. They’re creepy. I’m sure they play an important role, but they freak me out. I’m excited to buy this whole series and binge read, though.

***

The Caged Queen
(Iskari #2)
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Hardcover, 400 pages, HarperTeen
Genres: YA, Fantasy

The second book in Kristen Ciccarelli’s lush Iskari series.

Lavish, romantic, and dotted with magic, The Caged Queen is a new story in the world of The Last Namsara—one that fans of the first book will flock to.

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished—until the day a terrible accident took Essie’s life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax—the heir to Firgaard’s throne—was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa’s people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she’d give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax’s promises go unfulfilled. Roa’s people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises—an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Reliquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

My Thoughts

This cover is good. I’m not over the moon for it, but it matches and it has gold font. That makes it a good one. I haven’t read the first book in this companion series…? I’m unsure on whether or not this is a direct sequel. I’m afraid to look into it more for fear of spoilage. I own the first book, so I plan on getting The Caged Queen and binge reading the two books.

***

What If It’s Us
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Hardcover, 448 pages, HarperTeen
Genres: YA, Contemporary

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

My Thoughts

This book ruins the fantasy-only vibe I was going with for this post. *sigh*

Okay, so this cover is adorable. It has me excited for a contemporary YA book. I’ve been kind of over that genre for the past year or so. However, I’m not a huge fan of Adam Silvera’s books. More Happy Than Not was definitely not a happy book. I think I’ll wait for the reviews of this one to trickle in before I decide if the ending will satisfy me or not.

***

Those are some recently revealed 2018 covers. What do you think? Do you like them?

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday: Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Onyx & Ivory
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Hardcover, 512 pages, Balzer + Bray
Genres: YA, Fantasy

They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king years ago. Now Kate lives as an outcast, clinging to the fringes of society as a member of the Relay, the imperial courier service. Only those most skilled in riding and bow hunting ride for the Relay; and only the fastest survive, for when dark falls, the nightdrakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: she is a wilder, born with magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals. But it’s this magic that she needs to keep hidden, as being a wilder is forbidden, punishable by death or exile. And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by nightdrakes in broad daylight—the only survivor her childhood friend, her first love, the boy she swore to forget, the boy who broke her heart.

The high king’s second son, Corwin Tormane, never asked to lead. Even as he waits for the uror—the once-in-a-generation ritual to decide which of the king’s children will succeed him—he knows it’s always been his brother who will assume the throne. And that’s fine by him. He’d rather spend his days away from the palace, away from the sight of his father, broken with sickness from the attempt on his life. But the peacekeeping tour Corwin is on has given him too much time to reflect upon the night he saved his father’s life—the night he condemned the would-be killer to death and lost the girl he loved. Which is why he takes it on himself to investigate rumors of unrest in one of the remote city-states, only for his caravan to be attacked—and for him to be saved by Kate.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.

My Thoughts

I read Mindee Arnett’s Avalon duology, and I loved it. I’m excited to see what she can do with a fantasy story. I don’t know too much about this book because I refuse to read the full description. One, because it’s so freakin’ long, and two, because I kind of just want to go in a little blind. I know it’s YA, and it’s fantasy. I don’t think I need much more than that.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Top Ten Books That Take Place In Another Country

It’s Top Ten Tuesday time!

If you’re unaware, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly original feature created by The Broke and the Bookish, and it’s now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there’s a new Top Ten theme that the blogger responds to with their own list of answers.

This week’s theme is… *drumroll please*…

Books that Take Place in Another Country

I don’t read a lot of books that take place in countries other than the States, or fantasy worlds. These are just ones I could remember enjoying.

***
You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Rift by Andrea Cremer


Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk

Ransom My Heart by Meg Cabot

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
 

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

***

Alright, there you have it. My list of books that take place in another country. What did you put on your list? Let me know in the comments section.