ARC Review: Bring me their hearts

Zera is a Heartless – the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly.

Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she’s discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles.

Crown Prince Lucien d’Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him – every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him – until the arrival of Lady Zera. She’s inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince’s honor has him quickly aiming for her throat.

So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all.

Winner takes the loser’s heart.

Literally.

Review

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

The premise of this book was awesome, it took a really interesting premise popular in fairytale retellings, although this is not a retelling. It take the idea of someone losing their heart and it being put in a jar and still being alive. It was very cleverly done and it kept unfolding mysteries and facts that kept me interested the whole way through.

Zera was a great main character. She was fun, sassy, and loyal, yet staying true to herself. The Prince was fun, I liked discovering the many sides of him, I loved his interactions with Zera, how he said one thing but obviously means another. The bodyguard was probably my favourite character, he is so funny and clearly very loyal to the Prince.

The setting was really clever and the history mentioned throughout was really interesting. All the characters were great although sometimes it was hard to work out their motivations.

The ending felt a little rushed, this was only an issue because the rest of the book was perfectly paced. Also the end, wow, I did not see that coming at all. I cannot wait for the next book.

4 out of 5 stars

Advertisements

Reread Review: Touch of Frost

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody’s head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I’m determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died…

Original Review

I enjoyed this, it took a little while to get into it. I found some of the writing a little annoying, sometimes the main character would find something and not know who it belongs to then describe it as his or hers, may have been an error, but happened a few too many times, and it was really annoying. Other than that the story was really good, it had lots of myths and legends in it. The characters were good, the plot was enjoyable, if not a little predictable. I worked out what would happen just before half way through. Gwen was an interesting character who learned as we did, she was new to the school, and did not believe most of what she was taught. The story progressed well, I loved some of the other characters, I liked how Gwen made friends and her Gran is probably my favourite character. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

Four Stars out of five

Reread Review

I didn’t find any errors this times, either they updated it or I just didn’t notice this time. I still loved Gwen and the other characters. I liked Daphne more this time round, probably because I knew what she was really like. I could remember the main story but not smaller parts, it was really good to rediscover them. I am looking forward to rereading the rest of the series too.

ARC Review: A Jot of Blood

Adolescence is hard enough, but add magic to the mix and things have a way of getting complicated in a hurry. Even at Coventry Academy, one of the best schools in the world for the magically inclined, some ‘gifts’ mean nothing but trouble. What do you do when anything—your clothes, your food, the accidental brush of a fingertip—can instantly reveal the dark secrets of your closest friend … or, worse, a mortal enemy?

Coventry may have been Lire Devon’s haven since she was a little girl, but there are some who despise and even fear her rare clairvoyant power. Now, after years of simmering resentment, Lire’s nemesis, a sorceress with beauty, status, and well-connected friends, has thrown down the gauntlet. The challenge will push Lire’s resourcefulness to its limits and beyond—to a place where arcane dangers lurk and the price of power is knowledge too excruciating to bear.

Warning: The contents of this book include one surly werewolf, a snarky invisible prankster, and enough indelicate language to make a succubus blush.

Review

This was very different than  I expected. I also enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. I really like Lire as a character, she was fun, grew well as a character. Cal and Zach were great too, I loved their introduction, it was fun and unique. I really enjoyed finding out about the different kinds of magic. I thought the way Lire learned more about her powers was well done and has got me wondering what else she can do.

The mystery was good, it kept twisting and turning, keeping me guessing. I want to know more though, I want to know more, I am very much looking forward to the next book. The conflict between Lire and the popular girl (cannot remember her name) was interesting, seemed like jealousy on the popular girls part.

Cal, was a great character, I can see him being a very popular book love interest. He is strong and fun and a great friend. And yes he sounds like a catch.

I will be reading the next book in the series. And raving about this book to anyone who will listen.

Want a book with magic, werewolves, vampires, fun, excitement and a lot of mystery, go on pick this up you won’t be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars

Similar books

R4R Review: S.T.A.G.S.

Nine students. Three bloodsports. One deadly weekend.

It is the autumn term and Greer MacDonald is struggling to settle into the sixth form at the exclusive St. Aidan the Great boarding school, known to its privileged pupils as S.T.A.G.S. Just when she despairs of making friends Greer receives a mysterious invitation with three words embossed upon on it: huntin’ shootin’ fishin’. When Greer learns that the invitation is to spend the half term weekend at the country manor of Henry de Warlencourt, the most popular and wealthy boy at S.T.A.G.S., she is as surprised as she is flattered.

But when Greer joins the other chosen few at the ancient and sprawling Longcross Hall, she realises that Henry’s parents are not at home; the only adults present are a cohort of eerily compliant servants. The students are at the mercy of their capricious host, and, over the next three days, as the three bloodsports – hunting, shooting and fishing – become increasingly dark and twisted, Greer comes to the horrifying realisation that those being hunted are not wild game, but the very misfits Henry has brought with him from school…

Review

I thought this was a fascinating book. It’s a mystery book with a difference. You know who was murdered and who by just not the how or why. Greer is a good main character but is a little naive at times especially when it comes to boys. I thought the plot was good, maybe a few holes but very interesting and well put together. The suspense was well done and kept me guessing throughout the  whole book. The characters were fun and interesting and had good growth.

The ending wasn’t my favourite it left too many holes and unanswered questions, if it had just stopped a chapter before it would have been so much better. But overall it was a good exciting book and a nice quick read.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: Draekora (Medoran Chronicles #3)

“I swear by the stars that you and the others slain tonight will be the first of many. Of that you have my word.”

With Aven Dalmarta now hiding in the shadows of Meya, Alex is desperate to save Jordan and keep the Rebel Prince from taking more lives.

Training day and night to master the enhanced immortal blood in her veins, Alex undertakes a dangerous Meyarin warrior trial that separates her from those she loves and leaves her stranded in a place where nothing is as it should be.

As friends become enemies and enemies become friends, Alex must decide who to trust as powerful new allies—and adversaries—push her towards a future of either light… or darkness.

One way or another, the world will change…

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

I love this series, it explores many different worlds which gives an unique angle. I was a little mystified at one point thinking that it going off on a tangent, but it brought it back to the story after a while. I did like the twists, they left me trying to get my head round some of it., but in the best way.

The story explained some key details of the past that really helped the story. Favourite characters were back along with some exciting new ones. It was nice to see Alex’s powers developing. I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.

4 out of 5 stars

If you are looking a great series about magic and adventure I suggest you pick in the first one.

The second one in the series is

 

 

Review: Three Dark Crowns

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

I have seen a lot of reviews about this book, most seem to have struggled with the first 80% of this book. As did I. It has such a great premise I cannot help but get drawn in. But the story falls a little flat, there isn’t too much to it and it’s easy to put down and not want to pick up again. Since each of the queens had their own POV and they each had similar people in their lives it was quite easy to get mixed up at times. Especially between Luke and Luca, although Luca is female, I felt her character was very interchangeable with Luke’s.

I felt like we did not get to know enough about the island and the mainland, there were a few references, but I often felt like I only knew half the story, half the history that I should have to make sense of it.

I also thought that the first book would cover the whole fight to the death but it barely scratched the surface. I am hoping the next book in the series will be much quicker paced and full of action.

The last 20% was amazing, if the whole book was the same pace, it would have been one of the best books I have ever read. If the last part had not been so good I am not sure I would ahve even given it 3 stars, but as it is, I gave it 4.

I do recommend this book, it does have it’s good points and hopefully the series will pick up.

4 out of 5 stars

Similar books in my Opinion

 

ARC Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

Tags

historical fiction

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

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

Although this book is the third in a series, it can be read perfectly well as a stand alone. It is listed as historical fiction and although it is set at least 100 years ago, there wasn’t much history in it. It was much more about the romance, usually I am not a fan, but this was quite enjoyable.

The story was sweet and full of secrets, although some were pretty predictable. I liked getting to the characters, it was done in a very clever way, we got to see all sides of the characters by getting to know them through how other characters saw them. It’s a very clever way of knowing characters in all ways possible.

Cecily was a good main character, she had her regrets but she grew and eventually let herself have fun and fall in love. Nathanial, had a great life, he worked hard, had his problems but he had his family who supported him in everything. I loved how his character grew and gave into the prospect that there was more to life than work.

I wish there was a little more history in it. I wasn’t even sure of when it was set, just more references to historical events, who was on the throne etc.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I would read more by this author.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: Pretty Wicked

The daughter of a local police detective, fifteen-year-old Ryann has spent most of her life studying how to pull off the most gruesome murders her small Colorado town has ever seen.

But killing is only part of it. Ryann enjoys being the reason the cops are frenzied. The one who makes the neighbors lock their doors and windows on a hot summer’s day. The one everyone fears but no one suspects.

Carving out her own murderous legacy proves harder than she predicted. Mistakes start adding up. And with the police getting closer, and her own father becoming suspicious, Ryann has to prove once and for all that she’s smarter than anyone else—or she’ll pay the ultimate price.

Written in a mature YA voice. Some graphic content.

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

This book was unlike anything I had read before. The book was told mainly from Ryann’s POV, who was trying to make herself into one the most infamous names in history. The story follows her escapades and her trying not to get caught. She tries to juggle her school work, keep her family and friends from finding out what she was doing and trying to work out who she was going to kill next and putting it into action.

It was interesting because in most crime and thriller novels the killer is not revealed until the end, in this one it’s on the very first page where we become acquainted with the murderer. You got to know her and her relationships.

I enjoyed the story and seeing if she was going to get caught or not and by who. It was interesting to see all the lies she came up with to cover her tracks, sometimes I do think her family and friends believed them too easily though.

This book is YA and deals with serious issues, the main one being murder. For such a book I think Ryann was portrayed too young and immature at times. Her character was very blase about the situation.

All in all it was a good book but the character would have been a little better more mature and acting smarter.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: The Escape of Princess Madeline

The Kingdom of Soron is known for many things: its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom… a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength, and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.

But freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits. The kingdom is in turmoil over her capture—her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards joining forces in the hunt to rescue her. Follow Princess Madeline in this adventure to find freedom and love.

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

I thought this book was sweet and a good coming of age story. The characters were fun and very well thought out. I like the champion, he never gave up on her. It took a lot of courage and worked well with his character. Madeline was a little selfish to begin with but then she grew well through the book and turned into a decent young woman.

The setting was exciting and seemed like a very beautiful place, minus the bandits of course. It was a short book but well worth the read.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: Rise of the Flame

Six races. Four realms. One human girl who can bring them together in peace… or war.
Lilae has been hunted since the night of her birth, for she is heir to a god’s throne. But everything that her surrogate family has done to protect her may have been for nothing. After Lilae is stripped of her powers and enslaved by the emperor of the Mithrani, she finds herself desperate to survive in a strange new world.

On the other side of the world, Liam leads his army across the realm to protect the Tryans and the fairies from those who would do them harm. But when their odds of survival become next to impossible, he must set out on a journey to find a dragon, a child, and the blessing of a fallen god to aid him in the inevitable realm war.

The path forward for both Liam and Lilae seems clear, until their dreamscapes collide. But while they draw strength from their connection, Lilae may be falling for the emperor who should be her greatest enemy.

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

This book took me a long time to read, about a month but I have been very busy so it has felt a little bit like a marathon. A very enjoyable marathon though.

I like Lilae, she was clever but she’s a little naive. It gave her depth and showed her young years, so it worked very well. I liked her relationships, she had some good ones but some bad ones too, which made it more realistic.

Liam was fun and sounded like a really good leader. I can see many girls swooning over him.

The good. The characters were interesting and all very different. The story line was clever and kept me going back for more. I liked the different powers people had and it was interesting to find out who had what. There were lots of twists, most I didn’t guess.

The bad. At time it felt a little all over the place, there was too many POV’s, there were a few main ones but I didn’t really like how they slipped other ones in here and there. Especially when they are only there for one small chapter then go back to being a back ground character. I sometimes found it hard to tell who was the main POV. I would have preferred a little more about each of the races. The names were just thrown out and not explained.

This book is already published yet there was quite a bit of grammatical  errors. I don’t normally comment on such for reviews books but since it has been out for at least 9 months, I think that is something that should be sorted.

Overall a very enjoyable book, full of lots of wonder and exciting quests.

4 out of 5 stars

Similar books in my opinion