Feature & Follow #16: Books I would Give to Newbies in Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy!

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!


I honestly don't know what genre to put these books into because they can be in multiple so I just used the ones Goodreads classified them into. I didn't want to go with a book (series) that I've already gushed a lot about (like the His Fair Assassin trilogy) so I picked this duology. Its got parallel universes, romance, action, just go read them!

 

Pivot Point & Split Second by Kasie West

 

What book(s) would you give to newbies in your favourite genre and thanks for stopping by!



Review: Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

My apologies in advance for all the blanked-out lines. It was hard to review this book without spoilers and I really wanted to share my review with all of you.

Stolen Songbird

(The Malediction Trilogy #1)

by Danielle L. Jensen

April 1, 2014

469 pages

 

Goodreads  Indigo  Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

For those who have loved Seraphina and Graceling comes another truly fabulous fantasy...

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.

WoW #17: Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms #3) by Morgan Rhodes

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about!

 

Gathering Darkness

(Falling Kingdoms #3)

by Morgan Rhodes

December 9, 2014

416 pages

Goodreads  Amazon  Chapters

Goodreads Summary:

Love, vengeance, and greed spark a deadly quest for magic in the third book of the Falling Kingdoms series

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic. . . .

THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia’s overpowering magic—all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.
The only certainty in these dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica. . . . but the four element gods of the Kindred have other plans.

I have the first two awesome books in this series and even though I haven't read them yet, I just know this one's going to be awesome too!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

TTT #14: Characters I Would Love to be for Halloween

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish where people share their top ten things according to the topic of that week.

 

1. Tessa from The Infernal Devices trilogy - She's so strong.

2. Celaena from the Throne of Glass series - She's very kick ass.
3. Princess Lia from The Remnant Chronicles - She's a princess.
4. Ismae from the His Fair Assassin trilogy - She's an assassin.
5. Katsa from the Graceling Realm series - She's got skills.

6. Hermione from the Harry Potter series - She's bloody brilliant.
7. Gwen from the Ruby Red trilogy - She can time-travel.

8. Lola from the Anna and the French Kiss series - She's got style.

9. Cath from Fangirl - She's adorable.
10. Veronica from Veronica Mars - She's hilarious.

Which character would you want to bet?

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Stan (Summer Series #1.5) by C.J. Duggan

Stan (Summer Series #1.5)

by C.J. Duggan

October 26, 2014
novella

Goodreads  Amazon

Synopsis:

I had plans, big plans, but all that changed the night Bel Evans darkened my doorstep.

Stan Remington is the go-to man; what he doesn’t know about Onslow means one of two things: it doesn’t exist or it hasn’t happened yet.

And when it comes to Onslow, for Stan, being an only child has meant a guilt-riddled sense of duty to help out at his parents’ caravan park every summer. Same old town. Same old story.

Until Belinda Evans.

The wild and annoying doctor’s daughter spends her summer family holidays at Remington’s Caravan Park, and normally she’s not Stan’s problem. But then she sabotages his planned weekend escape. Now Stan finds himself not only caretaking the caravan park on his own, but also responsible for Bel.

Just the two of them.
Under the one roof.
For one long, long weekend.

In a world where mundane routine and small-town boredom is his norm, one weekend changes every element of his world to anything but boring.

 

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Stacking the Shelves #16

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I won an ecopy of this book from Chapter by Chapter. Thank you!!

Crown of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Feature & Follow #15: Which Dead Character Would You Bring Back?

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!


I'm semi back from my break because it was just too hard to stay away from blogging! I find myself still checking book blogs everyday. It's a part of my life now! Now onto today's Feature & Follow topic.

This was a hard one to pick. Since it would be a total spoiler for anyone who hasn't read the book or book series I decided to hide my answer. We all know numerous people died in this last installment but highlight at your own risk ;)

 

I pick Jordan because I wanted this person to have a HEA. Said person deserved one.

Which dead character would you choose to bring back? Maybe just leave the book name so people don't get spoiled and thank you for coming by!



WoW #16: The Hazards of Mistletoe (Hazards) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about!   

 

 

The Hazards of Mistletoe (Hazards)

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

November 20, 2014

novella

 

Goodreads

 

Goodreads Summary:

One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one friendship changed forever.

Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.

I read all the previous books in this series and really loved them so I'm looking forward to enjoying the next stories :D
 

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Taking a Break

I've decided to take a small break this week and won't be posting any reviews. I have a WoW post already scheduled so that will go up. I might also do a StS post later this week since I did get some goodies last weekend. I know I just got back from vacation but I've just not been feeling well. This weekend is my birthday and I don't even feel very excited.....

Still! I want to say thank you to those who have been visiting my blog! I really appreciate you all and I'm so glad I get to talk about books with people who share my love for books :D Thanks so much!!

Lastly, I know posts full of words aren't very fun so here's a picture of my cat "taking a break" ;)

Stacking the Shelves #15

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads awhile back but just recently received it. So happy!! Thank you~

  

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Feature & Follow #14: What song do you keep listening to?

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!


I don't listen to a lot of new music or even just music that's why I chose this one. I know this is pretty old but I never get sick of it and since I haven't updated my iPod in some time, I just keep listening to it :P

 

What song do you keep listening to and thank you for visiting!



Blog Tour, Author Interview, Book Spotlight, Character Interview & Giveaway: Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire #1) by Sherry D. Ficklin

Queen of Someday

(Stolen Empire #1)

by Sherry D Ficklin

October 7, 2014

262 pages

Goodreads  Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

Author Interview

Tell us a little about your writing process.

It usually begins with a fit of inspiration, followed by weeks of crushing self doubt, then a finished manuscript. lol. It's not so much a process as a psychosis.

What's your favourite part about writing?

When I write I get into this zone where everything else in the world just falls away and I can hear the characters in my head. It's kind of amazing. Like magic.

Tell us about one of your happiest moment.

I've been so blessed over the years it's hard to pick just one. I could be sappy and say my wedding or something, but I'm gonna go with the day John Barrowman hugged me at New York Comic Con. I almost died. My Whovians will understand.

What gave you the inspiration to write about Queen Catherine?

I'd been doing research on the Romanov dynasty for my other book, Extracted, when I came across Catherine's story. It's one of those times when truth is more unbelievable than fiction. I knew I had to play with her.

Favourites:

Meal of the day

lunch

Type of food

comfort food. Fired chicken, chocolate, anything caffeinated.

TV show

Doctor Who, Outlander, Castle.

Movie

Chronicles of Riddick.

Book(s)

any and all.

Day of the week

Monday ( I know, I'm a freak)

Thanks so much for answering my questions. I really can't wait for Queen of Tomorrow!

Thanks for having me! :)

Excerpt

“If I could, I would offer you my heart, my soul, and make that be enough. But I know it is not. I know that Peter is your destiny. You are going to be the most beautiful, clever, kind empress Russia has ever seen. And I want to be there for that. But I can’t think about that now because today, in this moment, all I want is you. The thought of losing you cuts me to my very marrow.”

I look away, even as he draws me closer. The war rages inside me, one part wanting nothing more than to kiss him until the sun rises, another part knowing why I can’t.

He tilts my chin up gently.

“If you want to send me away, tell me only that you do not love me, and I will go. I will never speak your name again, never touch your hand. I will pretend that the loss of you hasn’t killed me.”

I sigh, my hard-fought resolve fading quickly.

“I could never say those words, because they would be the gravest lie. Of course I love you. I love you so much that I risk everything just to come to you tonight. If anyone knew— I would be ruined, sent away in a cloud of scorn. No one would ever have me, and I would bear the shame all my days.”

He takes my face in his hands.

“I would have you, in shame or sin, I would have you in any way I could, in any way you could give yourself to me.”

He kisses me again, and I know I’ve lost. Reaching up, I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him to me. He smiles against my lips.

“My sweet Helen, for you I would be Paris, and for your love, I would defy God himself and then return to you for a kiss.”

“Peter and the empress will return in a few days. What will we do? Meeting like this... it’s too dangerous,” I say, unwilling to pull away again.

“Do you trust me?” he asks solemnly.

I nod. “I do.”

“And do you love me?”

“With all my heart and my life, I do.”

He kisses my hair.

“Then trust me. Give me a few days and by the time they return, I will have a plan. In the meantime, if you need me—”

“I always need you,” I interrupt.

He grins.

“If you want to meet me...” I open my mouth to interrupt again, but he puts a finger against my lips, which I kiss. “Leave me a message in a book. John Wilmont’s letters to his mistress.”

I frown. “Am I to be your secret mistress?”

He shakes his head. “No, my love. I will be yours.”

Character Interview with Sophie!

If you had to use five words to describe yourself what would they be?

loyal, flawed, strong, clever, trapped.

What's one thing you cannot live without? Why?

Hope. No matter what else is taken from me, hope remains. It is my only constant.

Who's your favourite author and why?

John Wilmot. His poetry stirs my soul.

What's your favourite quote and why is it your favourite.

"Of all the universe, I only wanted you." I think if you read my story, you will understand why.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

Thank you for having me, and may you all judge me kindly, my journey was not an easy one.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Sophie!

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WoW #15: The Bane Chronicles (The Bane Chronicles #1-10) by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

The Bane Chronicles

(The Bane Chronicles #1-10)

by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan

November 11, 2014

528 pages

Goodreads  Amazon  Chapters

Goodreads Summary:

A Collection of Ten Short Stories centred around Magnus Bane. Each short story is going to be published as an ebook followed by a Full Single Print Coming 2014

Ever wondered about the enigmatic, mysterious warlock Magnus Bane? The only character to appear in every Shadowhunter book, Magnus has a past even more shrouded in mystery than his present. I’ve teamed up with acclaimed YA writers Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan to create the Bane Chronicles, the back (and front) story of Magnus told in ten linked tales.

Look for short stories like Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale; The Rise and Fall of the Hotel Dumort; Saving Raphael Santiago and What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway). Each story will be available as an ebook on a monthly basis starting April 16 with the tale of What Happened In Peru.

Each story will be released monthly online for the next ten months — and then for those who don’t read e-books, the full print collection will be available in bookstores and wherever else books are sold after the Chronicles have been finished.

I don't think this one needs any explanation. I don't know anyone who loves Cassandra Clare's books that doesn't love Magnus Bane.

What are you guys waiting on this week?

TTT #13: Places Books Have Made Me Want to Visit

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish where people share their top ten things according to the topic of that week.

This was a harder topic than I originally thought probably because I wanted to stick to places that I can actually visit. That didn't work out so well since it turns out only the first three picks on my list were real places lol. In no particular order, I really want to see all of these :)

1. Paris from Anna and the French Kiss - The place just sounds SO romantic.

2. New York City from Lola and the Boy Next Door - I need to visit The Big Apple!
3. Barcelona from Isla and the Happily Ever After - Definitely a place worth seeing :)
4. Palm Springs from the Bloodlines series - Adrian Ivashkov is there, I don't think I need to say more ;)
5. 1878 London from The Infernal Devices trilogy - WILL HERONDALE uh huh.

6. Idris from The Mortal Instruments series - I want to see the glass towers with my own eyes.
7. Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series - Honestly, who wouldn't want to visit this magical place.

8. The Kingdom of Adarlan from the Throne of Glass series - I want to meet Celaena! 

9. The Archive from The Archived series - Probably a super creepy place to want to visit but it's so unique!
10. Coldtown from The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - I'd be pretty scared but the thought of seeing an actual vampire town is pretty neat.

What places have books made you want to visit?

Stacking the Shelves #14

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.


Vacation's almost over :( This week, I finally got this ebook. I'm super nervous to read it but I'm hoping to enjoy it!

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Feature & Follow #13: Book Merchandises!

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!

 

I won two Divergent posters from a giveaway awhile back and I love them! I also won some Compulsion swag and I'm super excited for the book to come out! I'm still on vacation so I can't show you but I also have some Harry Potter things at home.

What book merchandises do you have and thanks for stopping by!

Note: I'm still on vacation so I won't be able to comment and follow back right away but I will as soon as I can!