Review ~ Murder of Crows ~ Anne Bishop

Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
The Others #2
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: 
Goodreads

Synopsis
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside's shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Oh boy! I sure do love this world and spending time with the inhabitants of Lakeside and its Courtyard. I'm guessing you can tell how much I love it considering how quickly I read book #2?!? =)

Murder of Crows picks up essentially where Written in Red ended. The Others are still dealing with the threat to themselves as well as trying to avoid an all out war and also trying to protect Meg from those who'd try to take and/or harm her. And there's another issue - that of Simon and Meg's friendship/relationship and all the ramifications it could have.

I adore all these characters - their dynamics and interactions. Seriously love. But what makes this story that much more rich and engaging is that it's so thought-provoking. I think there are many parallels in Bishop's world and our own. I think there are some lessons we would learn - lessons in things like nature vs nurture, preconceived notions and prejudices, and the cyclical nature of animosity...I have 2 pages of notes! My family knows all about Meg, Simon, and the Others because it's a story that is constantly making me think and I have to share. LOL Maybe it's just me and Bishop didn't intend for all this thinking to occur...but this world affects me.

On the lighter side of things, I'm enjoying watching Meg and Simon as the fall for one another. And while its certainly a slow-burn (I don't even know if anything will ever come of it!) and I wouldn't mind things between them moving along more quickly, things have to move at this pace because Meg is so inexperienced in the world. It wouldn't work with her and Simon any other way.

I also admire how Simon and his Courtyard have taken on Meg's pack, how Simon's Courtyard differs from all others in their dealing with humans, and how it sets an example for all the others and Others.

I liked the new characters I met in this installment - especially Jean and the Intuits and I'm excited to see their impact on the story overall. I'm simply excited, period. I'm eager to see what happens next - what new danger will present itself and how relations between humans and Others will change - better or worse?

There's not a thing I didn't like about this story. And I'll be reading book #3 ASAP.

Review & Mini Blogger Girl Chat ~ Written in Red ~ Anne Bishop

Written in Red by Anne Bishop
The Other #1
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Source: Borrowed from the library
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Me'gs Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Gah! I can't believe I waited so long to read this! Written in Red was so good I was loathe to put it down. The world building was so well done - realistic but with just enough magic to create an escape - along with a fascinating story of creation. The characters - every single one - was so well developed that I feel like I know them all and I'm eager to hang out with them again. And, and, and I adore the fact that Bishop populated this story with strong female characters! There are quite a few "weighty" plot threads and Bishop wove them all together seamlessly. Seriously. So good!

The main story is that Meg escaped from where she'd been held her whole life and she makes it to the Lakeside Courtyward where the Others - vampires, wolf shifters, Elementals, etc. - live. There's something different about Meg and so the Others take her in and she becomes one of their own meaning they will protect her by any means necessary...even warring with the humans set on reacquiring her.

Meg hasn't live out in the world so she's learning every day, which was fascinating. But even more fascinating was watching as she taught the Others. They have an uneasy truce with humans but Meg is showing them that maybe not all humans are bad. The interpersonal lessons were heartwarming. But there was also plenty of action and suspense considering the factions out to get Meg. And while the immediate threat has been subdued - in grand fashion - Meg is still wanted. And I'm anxious for what comes next.

Meg is so genuine and sweet and compassionate. In many ways, she's like a child - not yet familiar with the world and therefore unbiased. You can't help but love her and all the Others prove just that. I'm hoping for something a little deeper to develop between Meg and Simon - a wolf shifter and the official leader of the Lakeside Courtyard.

I could go on and on but suffice it to say Written in Red was fan-freaking-tastic, I can't believe I waited so long to read it, and I will be continuing the series ASAP!

Robyn and I hadn't done a buddy read/blogger chat in quite awhile so we decided to do one for Written in Red. My text is in green, Robyn's is black. Enjoy!

What did you think of the story overall?

I fell into the story right away. I like stories that shift our world to the side just enough to fit a magical one inside. The Others were not likable and remained that way through the whole story and yet I quickly started liking them, even though they ate people! The blood prophet angle was new to me and there were times I felt queasy. I liked Meg immediately. She didn't back down even though nothing in her life was easy or safe. Simon was a growly unpleasant wolf. The supporting cast rocked. I loved the crows. I loved the idea of the Others having so many animal/magical traits that distanced themselves so much from humans they couldn't relate to the odd things humans did that are not actually odd.

I fell into the story immediately too. I loved that the Others were prickly and anti-heroes and heroines but I still ended up liking them...mostly because of how they took care of The Meg. :) I thought the blood prophet thing was interesting. Why are they considered human when they have a special ability? And why was it okay to keep them "captive"? I get humans selling the idea that blood prophets can't be by themselves...that part was sickening though. Simon. *sigh* I flove him! I love how caring he is even if he is super growly and would rather not have to stay in his human skin and doesn't know what to do when something that should smell like prey doesn't smell like prey. I think maybe that is why I loved the cast of characters so much...well, most of them anyway. And The Others in particular. They are scary and they do eat people. But they also take care of their own and they really stepped up when Meg became one of their own.

How did you feel about how the women were portrayed?

This one has me scratching my head as I try to remember feelings on this. The Others didn't seem to have any kind of male/female power struggle going on. Your standing revolved around your power and allies. The only woman really objectified in the story objectified herself and no one liked her for it. I would have liked more female cops/doctors/alpha leaders.

 

I felt like the women were portrayed as strong. I didn't like - can't think of her name - the bad woman. But I loved the scariness of Tess and Winter and yet they're still compassionate - at least where Meg is concerned.

What did you think of how everyone reacted to Meg?

It was one of the fun parts of the story, waiting for a new person to meet Meg. How will they react? Will they want to wrap her in bubble wrap because of the big bad scary Others? Will the Crows adopt her and start leaving shiny stuff for her? Will Simon ever stop growling? In that way, it felt kind of like a historical romance, all the nutty characters revolving around our awesome heroine.

Ooo, I love the comparison to HR. That's kinda true. And they all felt Meg needed taking care of. EVERYONE who met her, really. And yet, Meg was capable in her own way and she was taking care of them as well. I especially liked how she handled Sam. 

Are you totally shipping Meg and Simon?!?

(Are you totally??? what word did auto-correct fix?)

I'm laughing here...I meant, are you shipping Meg and Simon...as in wanting them to get to the good stuff! ;) I hope so hard that they get to the good stuff. :D

This is a new author for both of us, do you ever get new author apprehension? 

I do get new author apprehension. Particularly when it's an author that people, whose opinions I value, gush about the author. What if I don't like the author as much as my friend does? It's happened. But NOT in this case. I had it on good authority (*cough*Carmel*cough*) that this was a series must read.  

The Blood Prophet was a new magical ability for me, but the whole thing made me think of cutting and what a person gets out of it. Did you get that feeling? I couldn't figure out how I felt about that.

I liked having this new magical creature that I'd never heard of before but I did think about cutting initially. Then I decided to let it go. That way I could immerse myself in the story more. I don't know why Bishop chose to make blood prophets the way she did but in the end, it works. At least for me. 

Are we going to get good stuff in this series between Meg and Simon? Like in the next book? What's your guess? 

I certainly hope so! Who knows though. I'm going to guess it'll eventually happen but it might not be in the next book. But MAN do I hope it is!!! 

Who is your favorite character?

I don't know if I can decide...but I think I'd go with Meg. And then Sam. :) But honestly I loved them all. Except for the bad lady, of course. ;) Oh, and it was a close call with Elliot for a few minutes there. 

My TBR List Review ~ June ~ World After ~ Susan Ee

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 


World After by Susan Ee
Penryn & the End of Days #2
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #MyTBRList, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

Confession: I wouldn't have thought I'd have enjoyed this as much as I did knowing Raffe wasn't as big a presence. But there you have it.... :D

For me, World After was fantastic! It was fast-paced, gritty, and enthralling. I'm overly anxious to see how it all ends so it's a good thing book 3 is already on my shelf.

What Worked

• The anticipation. Ee kept me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
• The thought-provoking actions of both humans and angels. Seeing how the humans reacted to and in situations, their fear of the unknown and of the "different". It was at times gut-wrenching. Would I react differently? Hmm... And learning more about the "why" behind all that's going on - the angels' appearance on Earth and the destruction they've wrought - was rather chilling. We see angels as benevolent beings and these angels are far from that description.
• The detail. Ee deftly crafted this "world after" with San Francisco as its focal point. Her description of the landscape, the buildings, the people left following the attack is gritty, brutal, and terrifying. She doesn't shy away from the violence wrought by either side.

What Could Have Worked Better

• More Raffe *sigh*

Okay, okay so there's not really much of anything I'd change. I think the actions of the characters is so realistic and I find it fascination to see how far both side - human and angel - are willing to go for what they want...what they're willing to sacrifice - be it to save themselves or those they love. Like I said, I'm overly anxious to see this to the end.

Review ~ Red Rising ~ Pierce Brown #2017HW #ShelfLove

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising #1
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Purchased hardcover
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"I live for the dream that my children will be born free," she says. "That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them."

"I live for you," I say sadly.

Eo kisses my cheek. "Then you must live for more."

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.

Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow--and Reds like him--are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.

Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity's overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies... even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

Since I'm late to the party - story of my life - I'm not going to recount all that went down in Red Rising... because y'all probably already know. I'm only going to explain why, even though there was a point where the story dragged a bit for me, I still loved the heck out of Darrow and this story!

• the setup for the story. I was immediately gripped by the world Darrow inhabited, his clan, his being a HellDiver, Eo. Especially Eo. She served as the catalyst for all that came after and even though what she did was shocking, it had to be done. The shock is what set the wheels in motion.
• the detail and world building. We've colonized the moon and Mars?!? The detail of the tunnels and homes as well as the jobs of Darrow's people had me feeling the heat and the sandy grit from deep within Mars. The world on the surface, the Institute, the castles, the woods, the animals - Brown did an incredible job at drawing all the images in my mind. He also realistically portrayed not only the conditions the kids had to live and fight in - the lack of food, the lack of water, the stench of unwashed bodies and human waste - but also the emotions they felt. The things these kids were asked to do in order to survive caused fear, loathing, hate, but also camaraderie, loyalty, and love. I felt it all.
• Greek and Roman names, deities used. I found it ironic that Society would use these names - herald them - when those societies failed...especially since that was the objective.
• the colors - highColors, lowColors - this is how classes are created and distinguished. Society created a complex hierarchy and despite the elevation, the evolution, of the Golds, not much has changed in the future.
• the parallels I could draw between our world and Darrow's. It speaks to the problems of our current political climate and makes me sad to think humanity hasn't evolved...at least in fiction.
• the atmosphere. Even though the characters are primarily teens (late teens), the feel of the story is mature. The politics, the tactics of war employed, the subterfuge...it all lent to a sophistication not typically found in young adult literature. Watching as these kids adapt to the world they've been thrown into, strategizing for battle and survival, deciding how to best motivate your troops, etc., was fascinating.
• the characters. They're all very well developed. I loved and/or hated them all. All is fair in love and war as the old adage goes and these kids certainly learn that lesson. But Darrow sits atop the heap as my favorite. He's sacrificed much for a dream that wasn't even his. He felt denigrated. He felt rage and the need for vengeance. He felt pain and betrayal He felt exalted. But I think as he continues his mission he may learn that things aren't always simple. Black and white. Or Gold and Red in this case. And I'm eager to be a part of his learning, his continued evolution.

The only reason this isn't a 5 Bookworm read is that the middle dragged a bit. It fit in the story, of course, but it didn't hold me hostage to turning the pages like the rest did. I very much look forward to continuing Darrow's story though.

#2017HW Review ~ The Scorpio Races ~ Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Purchased in Hardcover
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads 

Synopsis
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

First things first - I love Maggie. I always have. Her writing is so lyrical and her stories so engrossing. So it pains me to say that The Scorpio Races didn't grab me immediately. I can't even tell you why but I kept putting it down. Maybe too much YA too close together? I'm not sure but by 100 pages in, I was hooked. And by the end my heart was galloping to the rhythm of the race.

The story revolves around Kate "Puck" Connolly and Sean Kendrick, two souls bound to the island by circumstance, participating in the Scorpio Races in an attempt at gaining freedom. These two are, to quote Mr. Malvern, "a strange pair." Puck describes Sean as having sharp edges and angles. Puck herself, in my opinion, is sharp edges and angles in personality. They're both unconcerned about what anyone else thinks and their closest friends are horses. They have much in common and when they meet each other, they're intrigued. I adore them both but Puck in particular as shes bucks island tradition by presuming to be the first girl in the races. It never occurred to her that she shouldn't be in them.

Some of the things I found so fascinating about The Scorpio Races are:

• freedom as a central theme, both for Puck, Sean, and Puck's brother, Gabe, as well as for the capall uisce, the water horses
• the mythology of the capall uisce and how Maggie made it her own
• the personification of Thisby island, where the story is set

The characters endeared themselves to me and the story was beautifully rendered. I'm so happy I pulled this one off the shelf!

#OctobeRecFest Review ~ Saga ~ Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrated by: Fiona Staples
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Genre: Adult Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Purchased in paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Recommended by: Kristen @Metaphors and Moonlight
Goodreads

Synopsis
When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Collect Saga issues #1-6

I don't typically read graphic novels. There's nothing wrong with them - I've just never been a comic book girl. However, Kristen reviewed the first few in this series and I was intrigued. When I saw a copy while at Powell's with my daughter, I felt it was meant to be and I grabbed it. After finishing it that afternoon, I decided it was serendipitous, indeed.

First off, the illustrations are incredible. They're brilliantly drawn and colored and the detail is so well done. This could be a television show!

Secondly, the story is compelling. We're introduced to a couple who fell in love despite society saying they shouldn't and they're in hiding and on the run. With a newborn in tow.

Thirdly, I like where this story is going. The statements being made against prejudice, blind loyalty, duty to your family and country - well, I liked all that quite a bit. 

Lastly, the story is actually being told from the infant's, Hazel's, POC. And it seems she's going to have a pivotal role in history - being a bi-species girl. And I'm eager to see how her life progresses.

I was impressed with how well this graphic novel was able to pull me in and get me invested in these characters. I need to get my hands on the next installments.

Review ~ A Tour of Souls ~ Diana Modica

A Tour of Souls by Diana Modica
Release Date: August 8, 2016
Genre: Anthology, Contemporary, Fantasy
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
A Tour of Souls is a compilation of poems and short stories touching on various lives. Take the story, Henry, for example - a young albino man in the 1800s falls in love with an African giantess while they tour with the Circus of Freaks. In Living with Ghosts, a woman tries to cope with the loss of her husband and daughter. Pathways finds a woman lost in the woods, revisiting a scene from her youth which she thought was a dream. A desperate reporter in The Interview seeks the meaning of life from a homeless woman. A Tour of Souls gives the reader glimpses of souls that may reflect or repulse their own feelings.

A mix of poetry and short stories, A Tour of Souls is an exploration of humanity via different people and their different perceptions of life. 

Katherine - a story of a daughter's love, Katherine is harsh, gritty, and cathartic. It details a mother's life, her dreams versus her reality. It's lovingly told, although the least smoothly written due to the personal nature. Modica honors a woman's life, both the good and bad, hopefully finding understanding, forgiveness, and peace.

Desperation - real life or a daydream? Desperation is a quick story of a women daydreaming about an encounter with the an of her dreams only to awaken and realize he wasn't quite dreamy. The takeaway for me was that real life isn't always as glamorous as we envision.

Henry Bloom - richly conveyed, a sort of retelling of Romeo and Juliet - two people brought together by their vast differences, kept apart by prejudice. I liked the detail and the play on Bloom in the title and its meaning throughout the story.

In the End - ultimately, a story of hope, In the End takes us on a journey with twelve souls traveling Earth for centuries looking for life, questioning faith, existence...

Island Princess - a story of a young woman losing herself in an attempt to attain perfection. I felt this story made a statement about vanity.

Living With Ghosts - heartbreaking story of loss. Living With Ghosts explores how loss affects a person, how a person might go on living as a shell of their former self.

Pathways - a story about life, treading a certain path, getting lost or taking the wrong path but eventually finding your way home.

The Elephant and the Sparrow - a parable or a fable about humanity and our disregard for others, for Earth, in our quest to fulfill all our needs.

The Interview - injecting a little humor into the collection, The Interview deals with prejudice as a homeless woman tries to teach her interviewer the meaning of life.

Storm - I think Storm is a statement on how/why children of Earth wreak the havoc they do - and what will become us Earth if something isn't done. In the end, I felt it was hopeful.

Life - this poem really spoke to me:

I Stand
Shoulder the load
Heavy, but manageable
I try my footing
Awkward, but steady
I gaze down the road
Beautiful.

The Bell - one of my favorite stories, The Bell explores the consequences of choosing a path in life and later deciding maybe you chose wrongly but knowing that with the right person by your side, you'll persevere. 

The Bus Stop - once again, ironic humor is injected into the collection. The Bus Stop tells the story of a woman who witnesses all the goings-on in the neighborhood where she waits for a bus every day. The irony is in her thinking the folks of the neighborhood probably have certain perceptions of her or don't notice her at all and her being guilty of the same.

All the poems and stories flowed well together, the poems harbingers of what the stories would entail. A few of the stories, I'd have to dig deeper into to make sure I'm understanding but I felt they all conveyed a message. Each of the poems and stories incorporated themes which were introduced in Katherine and I felt it made the collection cohesive. A Tour of Souls is a tour of life, each poem and story a study in a facet of humanity - beautiful and ugly. In the end we find humans have myriad foibles but there is hope for us.

Review ~ Before She Wakes: Forbidden Fairy Tales ~ Sharon Lynn Fisher

Before She Wakes: Forbidden Fairy Tales by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Adult, Fantasy Romance, Historical Romance, Steampunk
Source: I received a copy from the publisher (Loveswept) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: Overall 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
You've never read bedtime stories like these. RITA Award finalist Sharon Lynn Fisher blends dark erotic romance, fantasty, and science fiction in these bold tales of seduction and sensual awakening...

THE GARDEN RULES
After swallowing an acorn sweetmeat, Sylva is transported to a fantastical forest and begins training as a nymph at the behest of her faun master. But before she earns the right to please him, she must complete three tantalizing trials.

THE DRAGONMAID'S SECRET
On the king's orders, a mercenary has come to ransack the village of Roussillon. But when he confronts the town's defender, the dragonmaid Isabeau, he is overwhelmed by the most fiery passions--for this rogue is, in fact, a dragon-shifter.

RAVEN TAKES A PEARL
Pearl is a captive of Master Raven--part man, part crow, part machine. And as she submits to the curious probing of the dark-winged inventor, Pearl discovers that her body responds with an all-too-human demand: desire.

THE KELPIE'S PRIZE
Dragged beneath a fairy pool by a mechanical horse, Vivi finds herself held prisoner by an alchemist claiming to be Merlin himself. Now, to escape an ancient curse, she must play the wanton seductress--and use her body to secure the release she craves.

WILLA AND THE WISP
In the bayou that covers the long-ago flooded city of New Orleans, Willa uses light to keep her safe from the creepers. She never expected that light to take the form of a brightly glowing man--an enigmatic lover who ignites the flame within.

THE DRAGONFLY PRINCE
In post-apocalyptic Ireland, a virgin gives her hand in marriage to broker peace with a genetically modified race. But when a human rival challenges the dark prince's claim, so begins a duel that will push the fair maiden to the limits of pleasure.

This is a collection of short stories.

The Garden Rules - 3 Bookworms
Quite imaginative once the hallucination (?) sequence begins. But I didn't understand the sweetmeats portion. Drugs? I did like the nod to the historical though.

The Dragonmaid's Secret - 4 Bookworms
One word: dragons. I was sold there but truly enjoyed the premise as well as the storytelling. The historical element was an added bonus.

Raven Takes a Pearl - 4 Bookworms
I liked the premise and the steampunk element. The story drew me in and the characters were engaging.

The Kelpie's Prize - 4 Bookworms
A tie with Raven Takes a Pearl for my favorite so far. I liked the use of Merlin and his mythology to tell the story. The steampunk element was well done. And I liked the fey bent as well. Plus, I really liked the characters.

Willa and the Wisp - 3.5 Bookworms
I really enjoyed the fey element as well as the supernatural. It lent itself well to the NOLA setting. I liked the characters but my connection to Jack wasn't quite as strong as my connection to Willa.

The Dragonfly Prince - 4.5 Bookworms
This ended up being my favorite! I liked the premise of the story - the fey element as well as the scientific. I also really found the characters engaging. I was most captivated by this story.

Overall, I enjoyed this collection of stories. They flowed well together, incorporating similar themes. They were all engaging and they were STEAMY! I'll definitely check out more from Sharon Lynn Fisher.

Review ~ The Glittering Court ~ Richelle Mead

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
The Glittering Court #1
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical, Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mire. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide's deception. Complications soon arise--first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complications will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands...

I've not read anything from Mead that I didn't love. I may not have been completely won over with Bloodlines but I ended up adoring that series. *sigh*Adrian*sigh* The Glittering Court won me over in the same way Vampire Academy did. I was immediately immersed in this new world - both historical and fantastical in origin. And Mead also had me entirely invested in Adelaide's life, as well as the other characters. desperate to know what was going to happen and whether everything would work out. 

A few other things that made The Glittering Court a pleasure to read:

• The parallels between Mead's fictional world of Osfrid and historical England as well as current geographical climes.
• The parallels between the class divisions in Osfird and those of today.
• The parallels between the religious persecution being suffered in Osfrid and the persecution suffered by many today, whether religious or otherwise.

The world building was glorious. From the regency-era feel of Osfrid to the frontier feel of Adoria to the gritty, desolate feel of a mining camp, I was able to see it all, feel it all in my mind. Mead took on quite the endeavor when creating this fantasy world set in the past, and she managed with aplomb. Even the idea of training lower class girls to step into marriage in the world of the nouveau riche was clever.

At about 2/3 through, I realized there was a familiar feel where the religion was concerned but that didn't affect my enjoyment. There were also a few things that were predictable but they didn't detract from the story either.

In the end, I was simply impressed with the story and Mead's ability to weave together all these threads and elements to convey a brilliant story. I'm eager for more!

Review ~ Becoming Alpha ~ Aileen Erin

Becoming Alpha by Aileen Erin
Alpha Girl #1
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER B2B, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn't easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as "Freaky Tessa" behind.

But Tessa doesn't realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe's Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves.

Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of "them" and doom her to attending the weirdest high school eve, Tessa can't help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent.

When vampires attack St. Ailbe's and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her newfound canine tendencies might just be the least of her problems.

Oh how I wish I could binge on this series right now! I'm thrilled I gave this story a go. It hooked me right from the beginning and I devoured it in one day!

Tessa, a recent transplant to Texas, is about to start her senior year. She has issues making friends but is trying to be optimistic. See, Tessa can't touch anyone or most anything - even the slightest brush - without getting visions. She's never even had a boyfriend because what girl wants to know, in vivid detail, the inner workings of a teenage boy's mind? When she first 'meets' Dastien, it's altogether different. And then some things happen and Tessa finds herself attending yet another new school - and this one has an exclusive student body.

That's really all I want to say about what happens in the book because I think it'll work best if it's experienced. As I said, I devoured this story. It has a unique setup and I really liked Tessa as a heroine. She's tough and resilient. I liked her relationship with her family. Her parents and her brother, Axel, are loving, protective, and supportive. And I also liked how things were set up at St. Ailde's. It was fascinating learning about the world Tessa now inhabits right alongside her. And watching as she grows more confident in herself and her abilities, as she's working at solving a mystery and then dealing with the fallout over solving it was exciting. I liked how Erin wove in more adult issues with some typical teenage ones - it gave the story a more mature tone.

My only gripe is that despite that mature tone, there is some angst caused by something that could have been solved with better communication. However, I really adored this story and I'm sorry I can't binge on this series right away. I do plan on using some holiday loot on the rest of the series and I will get caught up in it soon!

My TBR List Review ~ Ignite Me ~ Tahereh Mafi

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me #3
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.

Holy WOW! What an ending! I've heard this book was rather polarizing but I obviously fall on the positive side of camp because I can't even fathom what was not to like.

• I adored that Mafi explored the themes of self discovery and self-realization in this way. It's something every teen experiences, although not necessarily under such extreme circumstances. We all have differences in how we were raised, in our abilities, our fears, etc. And I think she also aptly described how things sometimes work out when people grow and change.
• Mafi's prose is incredible, in my opinion. Her use of metaphor - particularly in reference to words and language - is genius. I kept having to stop and read passages to whoever happened to be close by.
• Her characters are so well developed. Their personalities are so distinct and I felt their reactions - especially in certain situations - was so real. No, I may not have liked those reactions, but they felt authentic to me.
• Mafi's depiction of how desolate the world could become sans hope, and how hope, even the tiniest glimmer of hope, can add so much vivid color to our lives was visceral.
• Warner *sigh* I adore Warner. He said something about Adam maintaining his humanity when he couldn't and it made me sad to think that he couldn't see his own humanity - and happy that Juliette could.
• I admired and adored Juliette as well, for reaching deep and finding her strength...for having the courage to become what she was meant to be, embracing it even.

I think that's all I want to say. I'm quite satisfied with how Mafi wrapped things up. And I'm eager to see what she'll come up with next.

#COYER Review ~ Animal ~ Nikki Rae

Animal by Nikki Rae
Release Date: February 28, 2015
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Source: I received a review copy, from the author via Xpresso Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Ava has spent her life running from the monsters that lurk in the shadows, always the prey. She finally thinks she can settle down, have a normal life, and work on not being so scared of the world around her. That is until she runs into her worst fear.

He has finally found the potential family he has always wanted. All he has to do is make his little bird sing. Will Ava escape with her humanity intact?

Animal started out very slowly. The setup was slow. I did understand the necessity of the details once I got further into the story, but it did make me worry initially. While it did eventually capture and hold my interest, the pace never gained any speed.

Ava is a young woman who grew up knowing about vampires. After losing her parents as a teen, she spent her life on the run. She never knew exactly what she was running from but she suffered debilitating anxiety and panic attacks over it. While she lived in a particular location, with her cousin, Toni, she worked at pet stores. Ava had a real affinity for animals - especially birds. When we first meet Ava, she seems rather weak. We watch her suffer from panic attacks, lean on her cousin, and basically stand in the shadows. So it was fascinating to see her be strong, plot and execute plans, and struggle to hold onto her humanity once certain events occurred.

Michael first met Ava when she was a young girl. Her parents worked at integrating vampires into human society. They refused to help him. He has a long and sordid history. As we get acquainted with him, we learn about the ill-effects an upbringing can have. Michael was a character I loathed and yet, at times, I was able to feel empathy towards him. He's a character you want to pick apart, climb inside, and figure out the inner workings of his mind. But he will also scare you - make you want to hide under the covers.

Evan was a great anti-hero, of sorts. He played a crucial role in everything that happened to Ava, both good and bad. And I still can't bring myself to hold the bad against him. He evoked more sympathy from me over his trials and tribulations that Michael did. I genuinely felt there was a good person in him.

Rae's character development is what eventually won me over - kept me captivated. I liked the parallels she drew between Ava and Michael's canary. The dynamics between all the characters was interesting. It was only the pacing, which seemed plodding, and the switch between first person and third person narrative that took away from my enjoyment. (although I think the narrative switch makes sense)

Overall, I liked Animal once I became more invested in the characters. I will certainly read Rae again.