Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Rating: 5 Stars (More like 5,000,000 Stars!)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
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THE QUEEN HAS RETURNED.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

My Thoughts...


Maas has done it yet again, and I'm completely shook with this one. Queen of Shadows blew all the other books in the series out of the water by a long shot. I have been shook by them plot twists, shot in the feels, killed by the badassery, and resurrected by the awesomeness. This book was amazing and epic, I now see why so many fans say this one is their favorites. And don't worry, I'm already kicking myself at the fact that it has taken me until now to read it. I got this title right when to released and it has been sitting unread on myself for two years! TWO LONG AND LONELY YEARS! But I don't regret picking this one up at all, thank the book gods that I did. Maas blew me away with her character development, creative new settings, and of course her shocking and bone-chilling revelations and plot twists. These things together, combined with Maas's fine-toned writing style is what made this one the best in the series for me by far.

I... have... missed... these... characters... so... much! In the two years since touching this book series, I will admit I forget how bad-ass and amazing these characters are. But I loved seeing the character development in this one! I loved seeing Aelin step up and claim her title as the famous lost queen of Terrasen, she has come such a long way in this series and it shows. I also loved seeing Rowan finally admitting (maybe not vocally for a while, and certainly not physically yet) to having certain feelings for a certain someone. FINALLY! Adeion and Lysandra slay my life too. I loved learning more about the infamous/famous general, and seeing two sworn enemies become such close friends and sisters. It couldn't have been more perfect to see all the this and, then some, fall into place in this installment. It had me sing and dancing in the shower again. 

Also, can we please just talk about Morath, like when did that become the evil power house that houses a whole lot more than just a creepy demon army. When did that happen?! Oh yeah, it happened in this book. Yet another reason you love to hate Morath, and even more reasons for me to like this book. I loved the dark and evil feel that Maas gave this city, and love the craziness that Morath is. There is so much shady things going down, which makes me so angry, but also makes me wonder what's going to happen in the next books. Where are you going with this Maas? Cause right now I don't know if I'm going to be able to live through the next few installments.

And how about those plot twists, right? I have never been more shook, and freaking out in my life. There was so much that happened in this installment, you will be shook. All of Adarlan was shook. Maas is famous for her crazy plot twists and in this one she doesn't disappoint. She kept me on the edge of my seat, and kept me up late into the night reading to find out what was going to happen next. I can't wait to see what twists she has in store for me in the next installments!

Queen of Shadows will have readers on the edge of their seats, and will leave them with wanting more. I know it has been for me. Full of shocking and bone-chilling revelations and plot twists, fun and amazing character developments, and creative settings, Queen of Shadows has easily become the best book in the series, hands-down. With this one blowing me away, and with Queen Maas getting better with each installment, I can't wait to see where she's going to take me next!

My Posts on Queen of Shadows...


Monday, July 10, 2017

Happy Paperback Book Birthday to Burning Glass! Also, are you excited for Crystal Blade? Because I am!

The thrilling second installment in the Burning Glass series comes out this fall and I'm so EXCITED!!! I loved this story from the first sentence to the last pages. Sonya and Anton hold such an special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see where Purdie is going to take this story line next. But before we get into the Crystal Blade, let's take a look at Burning Glass. Also today is the day you can get the paperback, so be sure to snag yourself a copy!

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Her gift is the Empire's Curse.

Sonya was born with a rare gift to feel what those around her feel, both physically and emotionally--a gift she's kept hidden from the empire for seventeen long years. But when a tragic accident pushes her into the spotlight, Sonya is hauled off to the palace and forced to serve the emperor as his sovereign Auraseer.
Tasked with sensing the intentions of would-be assassins, Sonya is under constant pressure to protect the emperor. But Sonya's power is untamed and reckless, and she can'e always decipher where other people's impulses end and her own begin. In a palace full of warring emotions and looming darkness, Sonya fears that the biggest danger to the empire may be herself. 
As she struggles to wrangle her abilities, Sonya seeks refuge in her tenuous alliances the charming-yet-violent Emperor Valko and his idealistic younger brother, Prince Anton. But when threats of revolution pit the two brothers against each other, Sonya must choose which brother to trust--and which to betray. 
Seeped in intrigue and treachery, debut author Kathryn Purdie's stunning new fantasy trilogy captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl's quest of redemption. 

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate this map! It's so pretty!


...amazing, gorgeous! I can't get over it! 

If you'd like to see my thoughts on Burning Glass, click here.

  And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The book of the hour, Crystal Blade!

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The peace is unsustainable.

Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?

The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya's expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she's learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn't immune to dark temptations.

Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya's past has returned. And that someone won't be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she's made.

Releases on August 15th!

My thoughts so far...




YASSSS!!! This book is either going to make me, or kill me. I'm so curious to see who is returning from Sonya's past, and I can't wait to see Sonya and Anton's relationship. Also what the heck is going to happen to Valko!? I can't wait to see what Purdie has in store for her readers, and also I can't wait to return to Riaznin and see whats-a-brewin!

If you per-order Crystal Blade, be sure to check out the per-order swag.

 

To get the swag, click here.

Also, be on the look out for the Crystal Blade blog tour. Because I'm going to be a host!


Week One:
8/7/2017- Mundie MomsInterview
8/8/2017- YA and WineReview
8/9/2017- The Fearless ReaderGuest Post
8/10/2017- The Book NutReview
8/11/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:
8/14/2017- Seeing Double In NeverlandReview
8/15/2017- Arctic BooksGuest Post
8/16/2017- Ex LibrisReview
8/17/2017- YA Books Central- Interview
8/18/2017- A Perfection Called BooksReview

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Are you exctied for The Empress? Because I am!

This is going to be a read you're not going to want to miss, because the first one was just that good! I loved the characters, the action, the suspense, and the sci-fi fantasy awesomeness. And with so many answers still needing answered, the excitement is a struggle to contain. But before we get into the squeal; The Empress, let's take a look at The Diabolic.

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A Diabolic is RUTHLESS.
A Diabolic is POWERFUL.
A Diabolic has a single task: KILL in order to protect the person you've been created for NOTHING ELSE.

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.

She must become her.

Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire...

Click here to read a free excerpt!


Also, check out the trailer! 



My ARC review for The Diabolic...

(ARC Review: Only my opinions and reactions from the book as a whole will be revealed. I will not be discussing any major plot points, or spoils.)

Let me just start off by saying that this book was so unique and out of this world exhilarating! Seriously, I can't get over it! It's where the genetic modifications of Maximum Ride, meets the harsh betrayal of Red Queen in space. Just as that sounds, it's full of unique plot twists and full of suspense. And speaking of plots, this one, I have never read anything like this before. It as so incredible! Kincaid truly out-did herself with this one, her passionate and imaginative writing style really made this one a refreshing read. I also really enjoyed the characters thought this story, each had their own obstacles to overcome, and it was amazing to see Kincaid fit them all into a already dense plot line. I'd have to say Nemesis was my favorite. She was a reliable main character, readers learn how the Galactic court works just as she is, forming the critical bond. She is also a major bad ass; round-house kicking, punching, flipping, and killing when necessary. If I ever met her, I wouldn't want to get on her bad side. And finally, with an amazing plot, refreshing writing style, and amazing characters, there can't possibly be anything more to this book. Right? While think again, there's also an epic romance packing into this already full mix. And it's one you're not going to want to miss. The Diabolic is one read you're going to want to add to your TBR pile, pronto! I don't want you to miss it, because you will be missing out on one of my favorite sci-fi reads this year.

And now on to the book of the hour. The Empress is expected to be release on Halloween, October 31st, 2017. And I can't wait to see what Kincaid has in-store for me.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate THIS COVER! So freaking gorgeous!

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The thrilling sequel to S.J. Kincaid’s New York Times bestselling novel, The Diabolic that TeenVogue.com called “the perfect kind of high-pressure adventure.”

It’s a new day in the Empire. Tyrus has ascended to the throne with Nemesis by his side and now they can find a new way forward—one where they don’t have to hide or scheme or kill. One where creatures like Nemesis will be given worth and recognition, where science and information can be shared with everyone and not just the elite.

But having power isn’t the same thing as keeping it, and change isn’t always welcome. The ruling class, the Grandiloquy, has held control over planets and systems for centuries—and they are plotting to stop this teenage Emperor and Nemesis, who is considered nothing more than a creature and certainly not worthy of being Empress.

Nemesis will protect Tyrus at any cost. He is the love of her life, and they are partners in this new beginning. But she cannot protect him by being the killing machine she once was. She will have to prove the humanity that she’s found inside herself to the whole Empire—or she and Tyrus may lose more than just the throne. But if proving her humanity means that she and Tyrus must do inhuman things, is the fight worth the cost of winning it?

My thoughts so far...

Sounds so amazing, right? I might just be biased, because I've read the first one, but this on is going to be epic. I love these characters, and can't wait to see them grow in this one. I also can't wait to see what crazy adventure Kincaid has embarked on, with me just waiting to see what happens next. So, until then Kincaid, I'll be impatiently waiting...