Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monster

After a year spent trying to prevent a catastropic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson–a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any “normal” friends.

But things don’t stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: The magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters–the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millenia–only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name…the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends–Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson–must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family–one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon’s son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

Review

I really love the scapes theses demigods always seem to get themselves into. Nothing in this world is as it seems and that makes the book so much fun. I love how new characters keep making so many twists and turns. I love this series, even as an adult there is so much interesting myths in this series, I cannot wait to read the next three to find out what happens and how this story ends.

4 out of 5 stars

Until All Curses are Lifted

The laws are enforced by magic.
If you break the law, you’re cursed.
But the rich and powerful twisted the laws to allow for… exceptions.

Marshal has been cursed since birth for his unknown father’s crimes. When he discovers he’s also heir to immense magical power, he must flee for his life. His half-brother wants the power for himself and has hired an assassin to pursue Marshal and his mother. No one has ever escaped from a curse, but it’s the only way for Marshal to be truly safe.

Seri wants to become the most powerful mage in history. But the magic that holds the world together is failing and no one knows why. While the ground itself shakes, someone begins murdering mages. In danger from all directions, Seri must learn how to use her unique abilities before everything falls apart.

Neither of them know they are being watched from another realm…

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

I found this really interesting book. I had no idea where it was going and loved it! It did not fall under any usual rules and was nothing like I had every read before. The concept of people being cursed when commiting a crime, was very clever, it was interesting how people treated each other with this hanging over their heads. There was also bindings which happened if you saved someone’s life or helped them in a significant way, you were bound to them until they managed to repay the favour. The bindings seemed almost as cruel as the curses since they could not go too far from the person who saved them.

Marshal was a great character, it was interesting reading about a character who can not communicate in almost anyway. But since you see his POV you can see he is a smart person, which I found very good. It was fun to see how people treated him but he was still a great person and didn’t hold it against anyone.

Siri was fun to read about, she loved learning and discovering mysteries. I loved her new type of magic. I am looking forward to seeing where her story goes in the next book.

THere is plenty of places this can go and I cannot wait to read the next book.

4 out of 5 stars

The Shadows Between Us

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen.

Review

I was a little unsure if I would like this book when I started it. I only read it because it was a fairyloot book. But I was pleasantly surprised. It found it unlike anything else I have ever read. I like the idea of a Shadow King, but I would have liked a little more fantasy elements into it. I am not too fond of books that just hint at fantasy usually. This was much more a murder mystery-ish with lots of court politics, which in this book was really good.

I loved Allesandra, she really was a piece of work, but she did everything with such sass that I loved it! She thought the world and everyone in it, should treat her with respect that she showed no-one. I really enjoyed her evolution into an almost caring person, well caring for one person.

The plot twists came out of no-where but they were not so random that they annoyed me. Alessandra did luck out of a few situations which is a pet peeve of mine. I did love how random some situations were though.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and will most likley read it again.

4 out of 5 stars

The Apprentice Sorceress

A lady does not raise her voice.
A lady does not tear her gowns.
A lady does not contradict a gentleman.
A lady does not practice magic…
Until now.

Lady Violette has done everything she can to be a perfect lady in waiting to the royal princess of Jerdun. She’s followed the princess halfway across the world and lived through a war. Now the princess is stranded in a foreign city as an enemy army draws near, and Violette is stranded with her.

As more refugees from the conflict pour into their city every day, tension mounts between various factions, and a strange powers begin to stir inside Violette. A magic that protects her, but also seems impossible to control. Magic is not a womanly art, after all, and if anyone should learn of Violette’s powers she could lose her standing in society, her reputation, perhaps even her place at the princess’s side.

The only one she trusts with her secret is Ned, an impish squire and fellow refugee from the war. Instead of being repulsed by her powers, Ned admires Violette. For her part, she can’t deny the attraction she feels for Ned, but he has secrets he refuses to share, a wall that he keeps up between them.

Still, Ned helps Violette finally master her powers, but even mastery has its price when an unscrupulous nobleman looks to use Violette for his own purposes. Torn between serving her princess and saving herself, Violette will have to decide how deep the bonds of loyalty run, and just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for her own happiness.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was well thought out, it was a sweet story about magic and lady who is bound to do what she is told rather than what she knows is right. I found the whole book very intrigueing although I would have liked a little more magic.

I liked Violette although I was a bit confused about her age, she was meant to be 16 I think but had already been married and widowed? She was a little rash at times but it made an interesting read.

The setting was good but I would have liked a little more description. Also the war, I am not sure if it was described in the previous book in the series, since as far as I am aware it’s a series but they are all stand alones. I would have liked a little more insight into the war.

Overall I found it a very interesting read.

4 out of 5 stars

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse – Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena – Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Review

I really enjoyed this. It was different than I expected. I found the myths very exciting and the little twists were interesting. I loved the story and how it flowed. Although it’s a kids book it doesn’t infere that the children reading it cannot read books with intellegent plots.

I loved learning along wit Percy about all the gods and goddesses that he thought was legend. I read it quite quickly and found myself utterly engrossed the whole way through.

I liked the idea of the prophecy and trying to work out what it meant exactly and what other people might have been told on their trips to see the oracle.

Overall a really good childrens book and I am looking forward to reading the second one.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: Join or Die

A group of outcasts, struggling to survive in a school filled with monsters.

An average kid, growing up in Las Vegas, Alex Ayers life skids off the rails when a dragon shifter comes for him. Alex is a Creature, monsters from myths and legends. And he’s in line to lead all the Creatures in the world, if he doesn’t get killed first.

Now forced to attend a school filled with every horror he’s ever imagined, Alex draws together a group of friends to become his own mini-army.

A depressed vampire facing an identity crisis.

A class gossip with white hair and a frosty outlook.

A werewolf who plays with magic.

A Valkyrie straining against her berserker’s rage.

Can Alex keep his friends safe, fight for his own life, and catch a killer, all while keeping his grades up? And what will his future hold, as he begins his change into a Creature he knows nothing about?

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a little while to get into this book, but I am finding that with all books just now so mostly likely just me. I liked learning along with Alex, it as fun book with some serious aspects. A group of kids put into a dangerous school or situation is nothing new but the scion idea was a new one on me. I still don’t fully understand it but I am hoping that in the next book all that will be explained.

Alex was a great main character, he took to the odd situation really well. I liked how he handled himself, he did feel a little older than the 14 he was meant to be. The other characters were a bit meh for me, felt like they were there just to make up numbers.

The great hunt was very good. I really enjoyed that part. It was probably the most exciting part for me. I raced through the whole hunt in one sitting and was almost late to work.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, I have pre-ordered book two and cannot wait to read it.

4 out 5 stars

Death Warden

A teenage assassin. An impossible choice. The fate of everything hangs in the balance…

Sixteen-year-old Reen swore she’d never take another life. Divinely selected to assassinate a few in order to save many, she learned to jump from shadow to shadow and claim her victims without question… until she was ordered to kill the boy she loved. But when an ancient plague returns threatening to infect everyone she knows, she is forced to resume her deadly duties.

Battling a disease that turns people into nightmarish monsters, Reen must track down and terminate those responsible before the city falls, and the evil spreads beyond its borders. But the closer she gets to the source, the more she uncovers sinister secrets that will shake the foundations of her world and everything she believes.

Can Reen defend her realm without losing her soul?

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

This book was very unique, yes assassins are nothing new but they way the victims were chosen was very different and very interesting. I loved Reen, she was a great main character, I loved seeing the story through her eyes. The different time lines were interesting. I liked learning how Reen got to where she was in the present timeline of the story.

I actullay did like knowing Erend was going to die before we were really introduced to him, I had fun guessing how and why he was going to die. I did find him too similar to Bastien though, it just seemed a little lazy to me.

I liked how the monsters were kinda zombies but never described as such, which was good for me since I don’t really like zombie books. Also they were not the main point of the story. There was a lot more too it. Cron was Kronk from the Emporers new Groove (in my head anyway).

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would read more from this author.

4 out of 5 stars

A River of Royal Blood

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

Review

I loved the premise of this book. It started off well. I did take a while to read this but with everything that’s going on, that’s not surprising. I liked the idea of how a princess becomes a queen. Does seem cruel but it makes sense for a world full of cruel magics. I did like how Eva had people who clearly cared for her a lot. I was worried it was goign to be a book where the MC is completly alone.

I didn’t like how there a lot sexualised for no reason. I know you get romance but it seemed like every character looked at every other character in a sexual way. It just got in the way of really good scenes in my opinion.

I loved the fantasy side, would have liked a little more description on the different races in the book and their individual magicks. The history was exciting and well delivered, but I do still feel I don’t know enough about the history.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and am I looking forward to the next one.

4 out of 5 stars

Long May She Reign

Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mix of fantasy and science, although there was a few science parts that were wrong. I liked Freya and how she stood up for herself and her Kingdom even though it would have been an easier option to bow out and save herself.

Fitzroy was an interesting character. I would have liked a little more character development but other than that I loved when he showed up. He kept things interesting. The romance was sweet but not full on, which is the way I like it.

Freya made a great Queen and I loved her progression. How she started shy and just going along with what her advisors say and she slowly realises she is the one who has to make any changes for the kingdom.

The ending was amazing in some ways but lack lustre in others. The final battle sounded amazing. But the ending of how the poisonings happened were a little lack lustre. I would read more books in this setting for sure. It’s be nice to see what becomes of Fitzroy.

4 out of 5 stars

Crowns of Croswald

In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret…

For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic––and her life––is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, full of magic, full of lots of exciting stories. The detail was fantastic, really well put together. Although I did feel Ivy acted like she was 12 rather than 16. The school sounded really fun and a place I would love to study. The story was a little full on at times but I loved how there wasn’t a boring moment, always something new to learn and fall in love with. Although the pace could do with a little slowing.

Fyn was a great character, would like to see more him and to see what he is hiding. He seems to be turning up to often for it to be random. As is often with magic school books, rules are often gotten around easily for the sake of the story.

Ivy was an interesting main character, we got to learn with her, which is my favourite type of story. She did get a little obsessive with Derwin Edgar Night but I liked how she was the only person who could remember him. Theories were swimming around my head as to what was going.

The ending scene in the ballroom was the best scene in the whole book for me. I loved it.

Overall a really good introduction to a new series.

4 out of 5 stars