Rowdy (Marked Men #5) by Jay Crownover

Title: Rowdy
Series: Marked Men #5
Author: Jay Crownover
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: October 21st 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister.

Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

Review

Goodness, what to say about Rowdy's story.  Rowdy has a lot going on and I liked it.  The rest of the Marked Men's story's continue, much to my enjoyment.  Similar to Nash, Rowdy was not a main focus character for me yet I still really enjoyed learning more about him.

Rowdy is a tough guy but also a sweetheart and I loved that trait.  I really really liked the dates he took Salem on and how it was a perfect blend of cute romance with steamy romance. While their romance is fiery it also grows throughout making it feel more real.

Between Salem's sister's drama and Rowdy's family surprises, I was flying through this book.  The plot never lets up. While some of the sister drama was a bit of a turn off, in the end I felt like it really came together.   I am definitely glad to have learned and understood more about Rowdy's character. This was another great addition to the series!

Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

Title: Summer of Sloane
Author: Erin L. Schneider
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Source: Arc from the publisher. Thank you Disney-Hyperion! 

Summary from Goodreads:

Warm Hawaiian sun. Lazy beach days. Flirty texts with her boyfriend back in Seattle.

These are the things seventeen-year-old Sloane McIntyre pictured when she imagined the summer she’d be spending at her mom’s home in Hawaii with her twin brother, Penn. Instead, after learning an unthinkable secret about her boyfriend, Tyler, and best friend, Mick, all she has is a fractured hand and a completely shattered heart.

Once she arrives in Honolulu, though, Sloane hopes that Hawaii might just be the escape she needs. With beach bonfires, old friends, exotic food, and the wonders of a waterproof cast, there’s no reason Sloane shouldn’t enjoy her summer. And when she meets Finn McAllister, the handsome son of a hotel magnate who doesn’t always play by the rules, she knows he’s the perfect distraction from everything that’s so wrong back home.

But it turns out a measly ocean isn’t nearly enough to stop all the emails, texts, and voicemails from her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, desperate to explain away their betrayal. And as her casual connection with Finn grows deeper, Sloane’s carefree summer might not be as easy to find as she’d hoped. Weighing years of history with Mick and Tyler against their deception, and the delicate possibility of new love, Sloane must decide when to forgive, and when to live for herself.

Review

Summer of Sloane was not what I was expecting at all in a surprising way. I was expecting a light summery book with a strong romance element yet instead it was a story of a young girl finding happiness in herself and her surroundings.

Friendship, trust, and starting over are some of the major themes throughout. The friendship aspects were heartfelt and honest, while at times the drama seemed a little much it also seem feasible. Some friendships are hard and Sloane has her fair share of complicated friendships both new and old. She has to face tough decisions and also gets called out for some of her actions. Sloane grows up some during the course of the summer, she learns about choices her family made and choices her friends made that really force her to reevaluate her thoughts.

While I did really enjoy the story line, the character development (specifically Sloane), and the friendship dynamics, Summer of Sloane was not as uplifting and light as I was looking for. It did make me pause and think and really take in the circumstances of the story but I did not finish the book with an overwhelming happy feeling. It was much more along the lines of, ‘Oh, this was pretty good.’ I do recommend it though if you are looking for a character driven plot, believable high school struggles, and a beautiful Hawaii setting.

The Lonely Ones by Kelsey Sutton

Title: The Lonely Ones
Author: Kelsey Sutton
Publisher: Philomel
Release Date: April 26th 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

With parents too busy to pay her attention, an older brother and sister who would rather spend their time with friends, and peers who oscillate between picking on her and simply ignoring her, it’s no wonder that Fain spends most of her time in a world of her own making. During the day, Fain takes solace in crafting her own fantastical adventures in writing, but in the darkness of night, these adventures come to life as Fain lives and breathes alongside a legion of imaginary creatures. Whether floating through space or under the sea, climbing mountains or traipsing through forests, Fain becomes queen beyond – and in spite of – the walls of her bedroom.

In time, Fain begins to see possibilities and friendships emerge in her day-to-day reality. . . yet when she is let down by the one relationship she thought she could trust, Fain must decide: remain queen of the imaginary creatures, or risk the pain that comes with opening herself up to the fragile connections that exist only in the real world? Told in breathless and visual verse, THE LONELY ONES takes readers through the intricate inner workings of a girl who struggles to navigate isolation and finds friendship where she least expects it.

Penguin Random House | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound 

About Kelsey Sutton

Kelsey Sutton is the author of teen novels SOME QUIET PLACE and GARDENIA. She is also the author of two novels for middle grade readers, THE LONELY ONES and BENJAMIN. She lives in Minnesota, where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Bemidji State University. She is currently working on a master’s degree from Hamline University. Her work has received an Independent Publisher Book Award, an IndieFab Award, and was selected as a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2013. When not writing, Kelsey can be found watching too much Netflix, ordering a mocha at the nearest coffee shop, or browsing a bookstore. You can like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @KelseyJSutton.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review

"I want to inform them that I am not silent because I have nothing to say.  I am silent because no one is listening." *

The Lonely Ones was not quite what I was expecting but in a very surprising way.  Some how I missed that The Lonely Ones is written in verse.  I cannot remember the last time I have read something written in verse but it worked for me.  I devoured this middle grade book in one sitting. The verse not only makes the writing beautiful but it also pulls the reader into the lyrical world until the story ends.  

Fain is visited by monsters during the night, monsters that visit the lonely ones.  Fain's feels isolated from both her peers at school and her family at home so her adventures with the monsters are her escape and her adventure.  Throughout the course of the book, Fain slowly makes friends and begins to need the monsters less and less.  

The beauty of this book is the elegant verse used to describe the sometimes hard family situation Fain has to live with and the personal journey Fain is going through.  As I was reading I kept highlighting different passages where the emotion and thoughts were so real it was hard to not stop and pause and stare at the words.  I am not typically drawn to verse but am glad I picked up The Lonely Ones.  If you are willing to give verse a try then I am sure you will enjoy this powerful and beautiful story of a lonely young girl who finds the happiness in herself and others.   

* Quote taken from uncorrected proof

Giveaway:

2 Signed copies of The Lonely Ones (US & Canada)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grounded: The Adventures of Rapunzel (Tyme #1) by Megan Morrison

Title: Grounded: The Adventures of Rapunzel
Author: Megan Morrison
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Release Date: February 2nd 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

"Think you know Rapunzel's story? Think again, because the tower was only the beginning..." -- Jennifer Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author of THE FALSE PRINCE

In all of Tyme, from the Redlands to the Grey, no one is as lucky as Rapunzel. She lives in a magic tower that obeys her every wish; she reads wonderful books starring herself as the heroine; her hair is the longest, most glorious thing in the world. And she knows this because Witch tells her so---her beloved Witch, who protects her from evil princes, the dangerous ground under the tower, even unhappy thoughts. Rapunzel can't imagine any other life.

Then a thief named Jack climbs into her room to steal one of her enchanted roses. He's the first person Rapunzel's ever met who isn't completely charmed by her (well, the first person she's met at all, really), and he is infuriating-- especially when he hints that Witch isn't telling her the whole truth. Driven by anger at Jack and her own nameless fears, Rapunzel descends to the ground for the first time, and finds a world filled with more peril than Witch promised ... and more beauty, wonder, and adventure than she could have dreamed.

Review

Grounded is a creative blend of the Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tales. Rapunzel lives in a tower and is cared for by Witch who plays a motherly role. Jack is on a mission and needs to get Rapunzel’s help. What I found to be interesting is Rapunzel reads fairy tales and is self-aware of Rapunzel books/stories.

Jack and Rapunzel do not get off to the best start seeing as Jack is the person who tries to explain to her that Witch is bad and attempts to answer all of Rapunzel's other questions.  Rapunzel is full of interesting questions, like: what is a brother or a sister? Being cooped up in the tower for her whole life, Rapunzel is naive and innocent.  She is faced with the harshness and beauty of the whole world all at once and it sometimes overwhelms her.

The book is very plot driven, as the title suggests, it is an adventure story.  While I did enjoy the book, the middle of the story does slow down a bit while Rapunzel learns more and faces challenges on her journey.  There is a cute potentially budding romance but overall Grounded focuses on the adventure and each character's back story rather than romance.  Because of this I do believe this book can be enjoyed by a younger reader as well!

Rebel Bully Geek Pariah by Erin Jade Lange

Title: Rebel Bully, Geek Pariah
Author: Erin Jade Lange
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: February 16th 2016
Source: Copy provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review (Thanks Bloomsbury!)

Summary from Goodreads:

"The Breakfast Club" gets a modern, high-stakes reboot in this story of four very different teens and a night that changes them forever.

The Rebel: Once popular, Andi is now a dreadlocked, tattooed wild child.
The Bully: York torments everyone who crosses his path, especially his younger brother.
The Geek: Tired of being bullied, Boston is obsessed with getting into an Ivy League college.
The Pariah: Choosing to be invisible has always worked for Sam . . . until tonight.

When Andi, York, Boston, and Sam find themselves hiding in the woods after a party gets busted by the cops, they hop into the nearest car they see and take off—the first decision of many in a night that will change their lives forever. By the light of day, these four would never be caught dead together, but when their getaway takes a dangerously unpredictable turn, sticking together could be the only way to survive.

With cinematic storytelling and compelling emotional depth, critically acclaimed author Erin Jade Lange takes readers on literary thrill ride.

Review

I love 80s movies!  Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller, Sixteen Candles and of course The Breakfast Club. So to hear that Rebel Bully Geek Pariah was a modern high-stakes Breakfast Club, I was all in!

The book is told from the Pariah's point of view (no multiple POVs here) which was a interesting and nice change considering the story focuses on four main characters.  The reader is immediately introduced to the Pariah's mom through a flash forward.  The hints of mystery and high stakes events start off right away.  The following three main characters are introduced quite quickly.  This is where the book gets the comparison to the Breakfast Club.  The four very different characters are presented with a crazy intense situation and must band together to get through the next 24 hours.  This is a primarily a plot driven book with a secondary focus on the friendship building and new bonds.

Rebel Bully Geek Pariah was darker than I was expecting and at times it had some heavier themes. The book has dangerous adventures, bad guys, drug deals, and police chases.  Without giving away too much of the mystery, I definitely enjoyed the (sometimes a bit unrealistic) suspense filled plot with a unpredictable ending.  

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: The Boy Most Likely To
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: August 18, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To find the liquor cabinet blindfolded, need a liver transplant, and drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To . . . well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard.

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle.

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this novel is for readers of The Spectacular Now, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and Paper Towns.

Review

To be honest, I am a little torn over this book. On the one hand, I was overjoyed to be back with this cast of characters. The Garretts are probably my favorite fictional family ever, and I freaking love Tim and Samantha too. I was also pleased to get resolution on a few loose ends from My Life Next Door, like Mr. Garrett's condition and obviously the mess that is Tim Mason (and his feelings for Alice). I loved Tim's voice in this book and I rooted for him as he figured his shit out. I also loved the relationship between Tim and Alice and adding her voice to the mix. These two could banter like nobody's business. And I love how Huntley isn't afraid to write sex-positive YA and how she fights stereotypes and tropes, which is evident in even the smallest of ways - like when Jase is telling Tim that his relationship with Sam is far from perfect and how Nan starts dating the person we'd least expect. I'm not sure I could ever NOT enjoy reading one of Huntley's books. I admire her work so much.

But on the other hand, I have to agree with some of the criticism. The biggest one being the unnecessary drama that enters Tim's life. There was plenty of story to be told without throwing in a curveball and having that become the primary plot focus. And then the way that it ended?!? I am both relieved and extremely pissed off. I am not totally against highlighting the consequences of Tim's lifestyle but I don't really agree with how it was done. I also wanted more resolution on the Samantha - Nan situation. I thought we were going to get it for a second there but alas, we didn't. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a third book from Nan's perspective. There is a lot to her story that we haven't been given. I would totally read it.

I am really sad I didn't love this one, especially since My Life Next Door is my favorite contemporary ever, but I am still really happy that I read it and had the chance to spend more time with these characters. I would also still recommend any of Huntley's books because I think she is extremely talented.

Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young

Title: Hotel Ruby
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: November 3rd 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Stay Tonight. Stay Forever.

When Audrey Casella arrives for an unplanned stay at the grand Hotel Ruby, she’s grateful for the detour. Just months after their mother’s death, Audrey and her brother, Daniel, are on their way to live with their grandmother, dumped on the doorstep of a DNA-matched stranger because their father is drowning in his grief.

Audrey and her family only plan to stay the night, but life in the Ruby can be intoxicating, extending their stay as it provides endless distractions—including handsome guest Elias Lange, who sends Audrey’s pulse racing. However, the hotel proves to be as strange as it is beautiful. Nightly fancy affairs in the ballroom are invitation only, and Audrey seems to be the one guest who doesn't have an invite. Instead, she joins the hotel staff on the rooftop, catching whispers about the hotel’s dark past.

The more Audrey learns about the new people she's met, the more her curiosity grows. She’s torn in different directions—the pull of her past with its overwhelming loss, the promise of a future that holds little joy, and an in-between life in a place that is so much more than it seems…

Welcome to the Ruby.

Review

Hotel Ruby is a fast paced mystery that kept me intrigued through the very last page.  After facing a tragic loss, the elegant and extravagant parties, setting and guests at the Hotel Ruby captivated both Audrey and myself.

The enchanting characters and wild events have such an odd vibe to them, it was easy to tell something was not right but I could not place what exactly was off about the characters.  I wanted to know more and understand what the book had in store, I read Hotel Ruby in one sitting.  At times it reminded me of The Shining, if The Shining met The Great Gatsby.  It was such a different and unique blend of glitz and creepiness that made for a complex, well done story.

Hotel Ruby is unlike most books I have read before, it gives off an almost movie-like vibe to it.  As the mystery unfolded, I guessed some aspects but overall I was surprised until the very end. Even though the characters are develop and parts of the story focus on relationships, Hotel Ruby is ultimately a plot driven book.  There are hints of romance, sadness, loss and an overall good vs. evil vibe throughout combining a wide array of emotions.   I recommend it if you are in the mood for something different and  a bit darker and heavier.

Mini Reviews: A Book of Spirit and Thieves, The Piper's Son, Persuasion & Under a Painted Sky

Title: A Book of Spirits and Thieves
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Spirits and Thieves #1

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Modern-day sisters discover deadly ancient magic in book 1 of this Falling Kingdoms spin-off series!

Worlds collide in this suspenseful, page-turning Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, which explores a whole new side of Mytica—and an even darker version of its magic.

Crystal Hatcher, Modern-day Toronto: It’s a normal afternoon in her mother’s antique bookshop when Crys witnesses the unthinkable: her little sister Becca collapses into a coma after becoming mesmerized by a mysterious book written in an unrecognizable language.

Maddox Corso, Ancient Mytica: Maddox Corso doesn’t think much of it when he spots an unfamiliar girl in his small village. Until, that is, he realizes that she is a spirit, and he is the only one who can see or hear her. Her name is Becca Hatcher, and she needs Maddox to help get her home.

Farrell Grayson, Modern-day Toronto: Rich and aimless Farrell Grayson is thrilled when the mysterious leader of the ultra-secret Hawkspear Society invites him into the fold. But when he learns exactly what he has to do to prove himself, Farrell starts to question everything he thought he knew about family, loyalty, and himself….

Fate has brought these young people together, but ancient magic threatens to rip them apart.

Review

If you like magic,secret societies, action, adventure and trickery then A Book of Spirits and Thieves is the book for you.  I had so much fun reading this one - with the story weaving between Mytica and present day and so many powers at play, all because of this ancient text. But what I love most about Rhodes' stories are her characters. She really excels at characterization and is exceptionally good at creating strong women. She also knows how to write multiple POV really well to craft a well-rounded story. As of now, I am still a bigger fan of the Falling Kingdoms series but this spin-off was pretty solid and I can't wait for more. Who knows which series will hold a bigger piece of my heart in the end!

Title: The Piper's Son
Author: Melina Marchetta
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Summary from Goodreads:

Award-winning author Melina Marchetta reopens the story of the group of friends from her acclaimed novel Saving Francesca - but five years have passed, and now it’s Thomas Mackee who needs saving. After his favorite uncle was blown to bits on his way to work in a foreign city, Tom watched his family implode. He quit school and turned his back on his music and everyone that mattered, including the girl he can’t forget. Shooting for oblivion, he’s hit rock bottom, forced to live with his single, pregnant aunt, work at the Union pub with his former friends, and reckon with his grieving, alcoholic father. Tom’s in no shape to mend what’s broken. But what if no one else is either? An unflinching look at family, forgiveness, and the fierce inner workings of love and friendship, The Piper’s Son redefines what it means to go home again.

Review

The Piper's Son was not my favorite Marchetta book but there is something about her work that makes it impossible for me not to love. They are always so raw and honest, almost unpolished in a sense, which makes them feel so real. It was both a joy and struggle to be back with Tom and the gang from Saving Francesca. A joy because I love these characters and will always want more time with them but a struggle because Tom was a mess. It wasn't easy to read this book but was ultimately worth it to see Tom get his life back under control. I also loved the part of the story that focused on his Aunt Georgie's story. Georgie had to get over her anger and her pride so that she could live happily. I could definitely relate to Georgie's story in the sense that I often care too much about what people think and I feel like that gets in the way of my own happiness. Simply put, I recommend all of Marchetta's work. There is no one else like her.

Title: Persuasion
Author: Martina Boone
Series: The Heirs of Watson Island #2

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Grieving the death of her godfather and haunted by her cousin Cassie’s betrayal, Barrie returns from a trip to San Francisco to find the Watson plantation under siege. Ghost-hunters hope to glimpse the ancient spirit who sets the river on fire each night, and reporters chase rumors of a stolen shipment of Civil War gold that may be hidden at Colesworth Place. The chaos turns dangerous as Cassie hires a team of archeologists to excavate beneath the mansion ruins. Because more is buried there than treasure.

A stranger filled with magic arrives at Watson’s Landing claiming that the key to the Watson and Beaufort gifts—and the Colesworth curse—also lies beneath the mansion. With a mix of threats and promises, the man convinces Barrie and Cassie to cast a spell there at midnight. But what he conjures may have deadly consequences.

While Barrie struggles to make sense of the escalating peril and her growing and forbidden feelings for Eight Beaufort, it’s impossible to know whom to trust and what to fight for—Eight or herself. Millions of dollars and the fate of the founding families is at stake. Now Barrie must choose between what she feels deep in her heart and what will keep Watson’s Landing safe in this stunning addition to a series filled with “decadent settings, mysterious magic, and family histories rife with debauchery” (Kirkus Reviews, on Compulsion).

Review

How I feel about Persuasion pretty closely mirrors how I feel about Compulsion. There are many elements of this story that I really like -  the Southern Gothic vibe, the history between the founding families, the magic and mystery surrounding the plantations and more - yet it continues to fall victim to some trivial things that weigh the plot down - like all the secret keeping/lack of communication and making decisions for others. The relationship drama is a little too repetitive and much for my liking. But the setting and plot keep me coming back for more and Persuasion definitely upped the ante. I have so many questions that I can't wait to have answers to. SO suffice it to say, I am looking forward to the next book despite some of my grievances.

Title: Under a Painted Sky
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: March 17, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Missouri, 1849: Samantha dreams of moving back to New York to be a professional musician—not an easy thing if you’re a girl, and harder still if you’re Chinese. But a tragic accident dashes any hopes of fulfilling her dream, and instead, leaves her fearing for her life. With the help of a runaway slave named Annamae, Samantha flees town for the unknown frontier. But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls, so they disguise themselves as Sammy and Andy, two boys headed for the California gold rush. Sammy and Andy forge a powerful bond as they each search for a link to their past, and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. But when they cross paths with a band of cowboys, the light-hearted troupe turn out to be unexpected allies. With the law closing in on them and new setbacks coming each day, the girls quickly learn that there are not many places to hide on the open trail.

This beautifully written debut is an exciting adventure and heart-wrenching survival tale. But above all else, it’s a story about perseverance and trust that will restore your faith in the power of friendship.

Review

Under the Painted Sky is quite a beautiful story. The friendships in this book are really quite special and will likely win many of you over. There are also some incredibly important themes in this book relating to gender, race, good vs bad, basic human rights, and more. Honestly, it's an extremely impressive debut. But it was just a little too slow for my liking and the Oregon Trail adventure was not as captivating to me in the wake of reading Walk On Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson. My rating reflects more of how it made me feel than how I view this book, which is actually very highly.

Compulsion by Martina Boone

Title: Compulsion
Author: Martina Boone
Series: The Heirs of Watson Island #1

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: October 28, 2014

Summary from Goodreads:
Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead—a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn't what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Review

There was so much about Compulsion that I loved. The Southern Gothic vibe. The history between the three founding families of Watson Island. The curses. The mysterious house. The spirits that live on the island. Barrie's mysterious upbringing. Eight. When it comes to setting and plot and characters, Martina Boone pretty much nailed it. I only wish the delivery was a smidge better.

From the moment Barrie arrived on Watson's Landing, it was clear something was up. The house was out to get her, weird things were happening at midnight and everyone seemed to be keeping something from her. It was fun unraveling the history that was there and all of Watson's Landing's mysteries. Throw in a hidden treasure at the Colesworth's place and Martina Boone pretty much had me eating out of the palm of her hand for a while.

But the book didn't go in quite the direction I had hoped... as in the treasure became sort of an afterthought and the plot became very tied up in Watson - Colesworth drama and this weird tension between Barrie and Eight. I was definitely still interested in what was happening but there was so much potential here and I feel like the plot got a little sidetracked. But the ending was still fantastic with a lot of surprises. Like I said, there was no shortage of things for me to love in this book so I still enjoyed reading it despite expecting more.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: March 23, 2010

Summary from Goodreads:

The day the rains came was like any other, blistering air coating the canyon in a heavy stillness....

Just as the rains come after ten long, dry years, a young wizard, Wayland North, appears, to whisk Sydelle Mirabil away from her desert village. North needs an assistant, and Sydelle is eager to see the country - and to join him on his quest to stop the war that surely will destroy her home. But North has secrets - about himself, about why he chose Sydelle, about his real reasons for the journey. What does he want from her? And why does North's sworn enemy seem fascinated by Sydelle himself?

Through a journey that spans a country, magic and hard-won romance are woven together with precision and brilliant design by a first-time novelist.

Review

Brightly Woven has all the markings of a strong Fantasy novel. The plot is well-constructed, with layers upon layers that are revealed with each new chapter read. There is a likable heroine, a mysterious Wizard, and the always-fun hate-to-love romance between the two. An enemy evil wizard that is pretty damn difficult to kill contributes action and suspense throughout the story. And all of this is set against a kingdom-on-the-brink-of-war backdrop, with a new queen forced to make difficult decisions. It was easy to stay entertained, especially with all the work trying to puzzle out North’s intentions.

However, Brightly Woven also had many signs of a debut novel. Most of the story could have been better fleshed out, most notably the romance between North and Sydelle. The hate turned to love a little too quickly and Sydelle forgave North for his indiscretions without much effort. There were also some parts of the plot that could have been given a little more attention. But while I observed that these things could have been handled better, it wasn’t as if they significantly impeded my reading experience.

What did get my panties in a bunch though was that one big thing is left unresolved. And the more we got to talking about it at book club, the more we agreed that Bracken probably hoped to write a sequel. This is obviously a little frustrating because no sequel was or likely will ever be written so readers are left just hoping for the best. I know some readers get very upset/pissed off when this happens so consider yourself warned!

I recommend Brightly Woven if you are looking for a solid Fantasy without having to commit to a series. It might not be perfect but it is still quite impressive and I doubt anyone would regret reading it. And who knows, maybe if it gets enough traction someday we will get a sequel!

Storm Siren & Siren's Fury by Mary Weber

Title: Storm Siren
Author: Mary Weber
Series: The Storm Siren Trilogy #1
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Source: Copy provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review (thanks Wunderkind PR and HarperCollins!)

Summary from Goodreads:
“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

Review

Umm, why aren't more people talking about this book? Because this book, my friends, is amazing. And it has everything - endearing characters, an engaging plot, an interesting world, lots of depth, and one hell of an ending.

I expected to like Storm Siren but even still, it exceeded my expectations. From the start of the book - with Nym on the auction block - I was instantly hooked and things only got better from there. As a fan of magic, I LOVED the world of Elementals that Weber created. I thought the kingdoms-at-war backdrop and the complexity of Nym's situation - being asked to fight for the very people who enslaved her - made for a compelling storyline. And I just LOVED the characters. My heart went out to Nym, at the life she's been forced to endure as a slave and the deaths that weigh on her conscious from the power that she fears. She was such a layered character and grew in so many ways over the course of this book. I absolutely adored Colin - his humor, his kindness towards Nym - and eventually warmed to Eogen too, once his behavior was explained away. And let's not forget the villains in this book. It's always fun to have a host of bad guys to fear/hate and there are no shortage of bad guys (or girls) in this story. And the good guys didn't always win in this one, which is something I tend to appreciate.

Nym leanring to control her power was a large focus of this book as the war was developing in the background. I loved her training sessions with Colin and the victories they did have. But that ending. THAT ENDING. Damn. It was one hell of a ride and all I can say is thank goodness I had the second book already. It wasn't an easy ending - I can understand why everyone had their panties in a bunch - but the good ones aren't always. If you love surprises, you can expect a good many in this book.

There is so much about this book that I could talk about. It really was phenomenal.

Title: Siren's Fury
Author: Mary Weber
Series: The Storm Siren Trilogy #2
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Source: Copy provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review (thanks Wunderkind PR and HarperCollins!)

Summary from Goodreads:

"I thrust my hand toward the sky as my voice begs the Elemental inside me to waken and rise. But it's no use. The curse I've spent my entire life abhorring—the thing I trained so hard to control—no longer exists."

Nym has saved Faelen only to discover that Draewulf stole everything she valued. Now he’s destroyed her Elemental storm-summoning ability as well.

When Nym sneaks off with a host of delegates to Bron, Lord Myles offers her the chance for a new kind of power and the whispered hope that it may do more than simply defeat the monster she loathes. But the secrets the Bron people have kept concealed, along with the horrors Draewulf has developed, may require more than simply harnessing a darker ability.

They may require who she is.

Set against the stark metallic backdrop of the Bron kingdom, Nym is faced with the chance to change the future.

Or was that Draewulf’s plan for her all along?

Review

Siren's Fury was a solid follow-up to Storm Siren. It wasn't better than Storm Siren, in my opinion, but it was still a great read that expanded upon what we were introduced to in book one.

I thought it was a great twist to have Nym lose her power after wishing it gone for most of her life. I also thought it was great that she took on a dark power that started to change her - just like the enemy she was fighting against. These two developments really put things in perspective for Nym (and readers) which furthered her growth as a character and made for some interesting reading material. My only complaint is that this book largely focused on Nym and Draewulf's strange back and forth battle as they advanced on a neighboring kingdom and lacked the same action and suspense as book one. But I loved getting to spend more time with these characters - new and old alike. I only wish there were a couple more :( (those who've read this book know who I'm talking about).

And what appears to be Weber's style, the ending was epic. So much action and chock-full of surprises but also not without loss. That being said, I really like where things ended and cannot wait for the the last book. This series so far has been a huge success and I really think more people should  be falling in love with it. It definitely adds something to the YA fantasy pool.

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee

Title: This Monstrous Thing
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: September 22nd 2015
Source: eARC from Publisher (thanks HarperCollins!)

Summary from Goodreads:

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

Review

Steam-punk, moody, gothic-ly picturesque. 

This Frankenstein re-telling captures the classic from its origin, This Monstrous Thing tells the story that inspired Mary Shelly to write her world famous Frankenstein.  The characters in this book parallel the lives of both the creator and the inspiration of the classic novel.  The setting was one of my favorite aspects; I loved all the steam-punk technology within a Gothic Europe.  I could visualize the dark blues and blacks, cloudy skies, and soot covered buildings.

The technology was a huge area of political unrest.  Alasdair is a Shadow Boy, he repairs humans with steam punk body parts.  Even though he is helping people, many townspeople believe that to do such a thing would be to go against God's will.  There is a moral debate that follows the plot as an under lying theme.  Adding a subtle but interesting facet to the story.

The character development was very well done, each character was well rounded with a multi-dimensional personality and moral compass.  My one reservation was the pacing of the plot.  The plot just seemed to fall flat for me, even though I enjoyed the characters, I did not feel a strong pull towards the actual story and action.  I was not jumping to finish it nor did it leave lasting emotions. This Monstrous Thing was engaging enough with some added danger and mystery to make it an enjoyable, middle of the road,  read!

Letters to Zell by Camille Griep

Title: Letters to Zell
Author: Camille Griep
Publisher: 47North
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Source: ARC from Publisher (thanks 47North!!)

Summary from Goodreads:

Everything is going according to story for CeCi (Cinderella), Bianca (Snow White), and Rory (Sleeping Beauty)—until the day that Zell (Rapunzel) decides to leave Grimmland and pursue her life. Now, Zell’s best friends are left to wonder whether their own passions are worth risking their predetermined “happily ever afters,” regardless of the consequences. CeCi wonders whether she should become a professional chef, sharp-tongued and quick-witted Bianca wants to escape an engagement to her platonic friend, and Rory will do anything to make her boorish husband love her. But as Bianca’s wedding approaches, can they escape their fates—and is there enough wine in all of the Realm to help them?

In this hilarious modern interpretation of the fairy-tale stories we all know and love, Letters to Zell explores what happens when women abandon the stories they didn’t write for themselves and go completely off script to follow their dreams.

Review

"Love is hard work, not magic.  There's no secret formula, there's no right person; it just takes a certain amount of chemistry and then working your ass off.  Being honest about who you are and what you want and then hoping for the best.  The magic part comes later. At least in my experience."

Letters to Zell blends real modern day issues, humor, and fantasy and then delivers it to the reader in the form of letters from some of the most famous fairy tale princesses (Snow White, Aurora, and Cinderella).  The entire book is a collection of letters written to Rapunzel from her 3 closest friends. Rapunzel never writes back and there were times throughout the story I did really want to know what she was thinking and what her response would be to some of the crazier letters.  Each character has their own unique personality and is facing their own personal struggle.  Letters to Zell tackles some tougher subjects such as happiness in marriages, infidelity, self worth, and finding true happiness.

The topics and struggles the princess face are heartfelt and expressed through their letters to Zell. The author does an excellent job of bringing out the emotions of each individual character through their own written word. Even though the princesses are facing some heavier life decisions, the author finds a way to add humor to the story and keep the reader completely engaged.  By no means is this an action heavy book; this book looks at the deeper feelings of three totally different but connected characters.

Letters to Zell is so different than any other retelling I have read; between the book's format and the unique world, I was hooked.  Each princess has to complete their 'pages' to get their happily ever after but throughout the book they learn they want more than just their classic fairy tale.  Letters to Zell is an epic story of love, friendship, and self-expression.

Dead Upon a Time by Elizabeth Paulson

Title: Dead Upon a Time
Author: Elizabeth Paulson
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: August 25th 2015
Source: ARC from Publisher (thanks Scholastic!!)

Summary from Goodreads:

It's a fairy-tale nightmare . . .

One girl is kept in a room where every day the only food she's given is a poisoned apple. Another is kept in a room covered in needles -- and if she pricks her finger, she'll die. Then there are the brother and sister kept in a cell that keeps getting hotter and hotter. . .

A sinister kidnapper is on the loose in Kate's world. She's not involved until one day she heads to her grandmother's house in the woods -- and finds her grandmother has also been taken. Already an outcast, Kate can't get any help from the villagers who hate her. Only Jack, another outsider, will listen to what's happened.

Then a princess is taken, and suddenly the king is paying attention -- even though the girl's stepmother would rather he didn't. It's up to Kate and Jack to track down the victims before an ever after arrives that's far from happy.

Review

Dead Upon a Time is an imaginative, dark, and creepy blend of classic fairy tales in a page-turning thriller.  The main character while like-able is a town outcast.  She is constantly turned away even when truly in need.  The reader quickly feels sympathetic for the young girl.  She is alone with no parents and now has a missing grandmother (**see the hints of Red Riding Hood**).  These small hints and traces of other fairy tales were so fun to pick out and find throughout the book.  Some of the more subtle ones took me much longer to notice.  It was a great addition to the mysterious story line.

The dark mood kept me on my toes, I was surprised all the way up to the end of the book; a trait I look for in my mysteries.  The romance while typically prominent in fairy tales, was not a major factor in Dead Upon of Time.  Speaking of the romance, Jack's character was a welcome addition to the plot.  While there were hints of a developing romance it never overshadowed the suspense of the plot.

This short book is a quick read, weaving a combination of fairy tales to create an unpredictable and enjoyable book.  I definitely wish the story continued; the writing was unique, descriptive, yet concise.  I recommend Dead Upon a Time if you are looking for a creepier blend of fairy tales.  I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Paulson.  

Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman

Title: Legacy of Kings
Author: Eleanor Herman
Series: Blood of Gods and Royals #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Source: BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

Imagine a time when the gods turn a blind eye to the agony of men, when the last of the hellions roam the plains and evil stirs beyond the edges of the map. A time when cities burn, and in their ashes, empires rise.

Alexander, Macedonia’s sixteen-year-old heir, is on the brink of discovering his fated role in conquering the known world but finds himself drawn to newcomer Katerina, who must navigate the dark secrets of court life while hiding her own mission: kill the Queen. But Kat’s first love, Jacob, will go to unthinkable lengths to win her, even if it means competing for her heart with Hephaestion, a murderer sheltered by the prince. And far across the sea, Zofia, a Persian princess and Alexander’s unmet fiancée, wants to alter her destiny by seeking the famed and deadly Spirit Eaters.

Weaving fantasy with the salacious and fascinating details of real history, New York Times bestselling author Eleanor Herman reimagines the greatest emperor the world has ever known: Alexander the Great, in the first book of the Blood of Gods and Royals series.

Review

Legacy of Kings has so much going on that I am having a hard time figuring out where to start my review. Maybe with an introduction to the characters (since there are so many)? There's Katerina, a small-town girl with special abilities and a tragic past who is hell-bent on seeking revenge. Her childhood friend and sweetheart, Jacob, who sets out to compete in the Blood Tournament in an effort to make a name for himself. There is Alexander who will some day be known as Alexander the Great but is currently known as the deformed and powerless Prince. There's his most loyal friend Hephaestion whose pride constantly gets the better of him. And his power-obsessed sister who is determined to prove herself worthy of respect, no matter what. There's also Queen Olympia who is dabbling in something dark and dangerous all in the name of love. And lastly, across the sea, there is Zofia, who runs away from an arranged marriage only to find herself in a more unfavorable predicament. 

I think that's everyone who matters, but as you can see, it's a LOT. I love multiple POVs but even I have to admit that this might have been just a TAD too many. Yet, I enjoyed the story that each of their perspectives weaved together. It was a promising start to a new series with history and mythology, magic and mystery, deception and power-plays and more. I don't really now all that much about Alexander the Great but  I love getting glimpses of history, even if they are fictitiously told. And I am really intrigued by the characters I've met so far and the roles they will play in the future. 

It wasn't a perfect book, I can't say I was 100% immersed in the story 100% of the time, but there was enough that I liked to keep me entertained throughout this massive book. And I am not sure how much my expectations got away from me. It could also be that because there were so many characters, I didn't form a deep bond with any one of them just yet. But again, I see the potential and I am excited for the next book. Now that the foundation is set, I think this series could turn into something really great. So yes I recommend this one. Just don't expect TOO much just yet. :) 

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

Title: The Witch Hunter
Author: Virginia Boecker
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 2nd 2015
Source: ARC received from publisher

Summary from Goodreads: The magic and suspense of Graceling meet the political intrigue and unrest of Game of Thrones in this riveting fantasy debut.

Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.

Review

Dark, magical, and entertaining - three words that I would say sum up my feelings on The Witch Hunter. The vivid imagery painted such an enchantingly dark image of witchcraft, hunters, and royal politics; it was one of my favorite aspects of the book!  While at times the plot did slow down, there was still a great mix of world building and action throughout the story.  With that being said, here are 5 reasons I really enjoyed The Witch Hunter:

1. Awesome dark magical witch dinners - Nicholas Perevil is one rad wizard! What I would do to sit at a table full of magical folks...

2. Surprising twists and turns - There were aspects of the plot that took me by surprise and kept me on my toes.

3. The romance -  The romance was not a huge player in the story; instead it complimented the adventure and action.  While there were some hints of a love triangle, I think in the end the romance was a nice slow build and ended with a fairly solid one love option.

4. The ending -  The ending was a well-delivered conclusion with enough explanation yet still questions and intrigue setting up for the rest of the series.

5. Adventure - I enjoyed the adventure and crazy scenarios that Elizabeth continued to conquer.  She was a stubborn, yet very strong, female lead.  She had to face her fears and adjust her stereotypes to survive and face the various challenges.

The Witch Hunter move along at a much slower pace then I sometimes preferred at times but I still found this book to be a fun, enjoyable read.

The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

Title: The Glass Arrow
Author: Kristen Simmons
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: February 10, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.

In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

Review

The Glass Arrow is a strong standalone Dystopian novel and I can see why many have fallen in love with it. Growing up in the wild has led Aya to be fiercely independent and skilled at surviving. When she is captured and brought to the Garden for auction, she does everything in her power to escape and make it back to her family. I admired her tenacity and loyalty even if it sometimes clouded her judgement. Overall, she was easy to like and root for.

The brewing romance in the middle of the book wasn't my favorite and I think it's execution was the biggest shortcoming in the story. I thought it was a little weird that she becomes so attached to someone in such a short period of time when she couldn't even have a two-sided conversation with him. His attentions were at least explained away later, but hers were mostly chalked up to loneliness. But this book really shines in the final 3rd and thats when everything comes together. It was pretty much nonstop at that point and I really enjoyed it. 

The premise of this book - that women are used for breeding and then discarded - is a dark and difficult one to swallow, especially since many of the women accepted and even embraced their fate. Women in this society were treated no better than cattle for slaughter and there were moments in this book that made me sick to my stomach. But at the same time, this book was not as dark as I prepared myself for it to be. I've read much darker. And I just wanted to put that out there in case some of you shied away from reading this one book because of how harsh it was built up to be. I'm not saying it's easy, but it's not graphic or overwhelming.

Aside from my comments on the middle third, I don't really have any complaints about this book. It was a pleasant read with many likable elements. I wouldn't say I read a lot of dystopian, but The Glass Arrow definitely stands out from what I have read. It just wasn't a favorite. But not every book can be.