Wrapping the Month: July Edition

Yep, this one is new feature that I'm planning to do at the end of every month now on. Especially since July was busy month for the blog. This is catch-up for what happened during the month and maybe there will be a little sneak peak what happens next month.

 

Fistly, here's a couple of pictures. Of books, naturally: all physical copies I got during July. It might not seem much but for me it is, especially since I've bought all these books myself. And to note, I got tons of ebooks from publishers, authors and blog tours (naturally, it's quite hard to take pictures of those, especially since I've like four different devices/reading apps/programs that I use).

 



(Quality of those didn't turn out to be the best, forgive me. Photos by me)

 

Let's move on.

 

As I'm new on the blogging and I only started on April, I haven't gotten around NetGalley and such places before July. Yes, I did have NetGalley account but not many publishers even grand ARCs if the blog haven't been active at least three months. During July I got enough courage (yes, it took courage to click that request button and then chew my fingernails waiting for the email) to request some ARCs and as you may noticed, I got plenty! Well, for me even two are plenty. Actually I got five ARCs via NetGalley during July and some of them I've read and reviewed already.

 

What's even bigger and I'm so excited about this: I got auto-approved by a publisher! I know, for some this may not be such a big deal but I'm astonished because I didn't even suspect I might get auto-approved. It was a total surprise as I got the email yesterday and I'm so happy!

 

Here's link to all the reviews during July:

The Possibility of Us (3 stars)

The Descartes Legacy (3 stars)

Half Bad (5 stars)

Forged (4 stars)

Trust In Me (3 stars)

Bliss (5 stars)

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate (5 stars)

 

I really need to pick up some pace to my reading, it's been pretty much all over the place as I have either finished a book in a couple of days or it has taken a week or something.

 

During July there was a few new meme's I started to participate, namely Top Ten Tuesday and Feature & Follow Friday.

 

One more thing. The most amazing thing is my new followers (I love the old ones all the same!). I appreciate everyone who wants to follow me, no matter via what social network - whether it's Google+, twitter, GFC, friending on Goodreads, bloglovin' or any other way, I'm thankful. I try always to follow back and connect with other bloggers. To me, you can always come and say hello as I like connecting with new faces.

 

Now go and enjoy books! :)

 

Hugs,

Henna

Waiting on Wednesday #13

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez!

 

Kiss Kill Vanish

by Jessica Martinez

Published by Katherine Tegan Books

Expected publication: October 7th 2014

 

Valentina Cruz no longer exists.

One moment, she was wrapped in Emilio’s arms, melting into his kiss. The next, she was witnessing the unthinkable: a murder in cold blood, ordered by her father and carried out by her boyfriend. When Emilio pulled the trigger, Valentina disappeared. She made a split-second decision to shed her identity and flee her life of privilege, leaving the glittering parties and sultry nightlife of Miami far behind.

She doesn’t know how to explain to herself what she saw. All she knows now is that nothing she believed about her family, her heart, or Emilio’s love, was real.

She can change her name and deny her past, but Valentina can’t run from the truth. The lines between right and wrong, and trust and betrayal, will be blurred beyond recognition as she untangles the deceptions of the two men she once loved and races to find her own truth.

 

 

The cover caught my attention when I saw it. I love it, colours blashes and details and yes, it's very beautiful cover. The title is intriguing too, especially if it's part of the plot or something similar. Synopsis sounds good, too, so I'm eagerly waiting on this one.

 

What are you waiting on?

 

 

Kiss Kill Vanish on Goodreads.

Out now: The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate
by Kay Berrisford
Published by Less Than Three Press
Adult, LGBT, fantasy, romance

Raef, a lonely merman, spends his days watching the dashing Lord Haverford from afar and dreaming of love. When Haverford is robbed by a pirate, Raef vows to reclaim the stolen goods, hoping his victory will buy him the happiness he yearns for with Haverford.

But Jon Kemp does not match what Raef knows about pirates, and the simple quest Raef anticipated turns out to be an epic journey. For while Jon might be a nobler man than Raef believed, he’s still a pirate. Love and loyalty are not on Jon’s agenda, and he certainly has no plans to love someone not entirely human.

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate is out right now! I was lucky to get a chance to read and review ARC of this. You can find my review here and see how much I loved the story. I even ordered my own paperback copy, and I recommend everyone who loves mermans, pirates and exceptional stories to do so.

 

You can purchase the books several places, including

LT3 Book Market

Amazon

Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate on Goodreads.

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I Own the Most Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!

 

After doing this I realized just how much I have only a book or two per author (three usually if there's trilogy). Especially since most of authors that have been included this list are ones I read a lot during my early teens. Seems like I'm not author orientated reader, though there are certain authors whose books I'll always at least check out no matter what.

 

10 J.K. Rowling books

No surprise here. I own the whole Harry Potter series in Finnish including The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Besides that I have The Casual Vacancy and The Cuckoo's Calling.

 

8 Nora Roberts books

Sometimes you just need romance. I own The Circle trilogy which I love passionately and five stand alones.

 

7 Rick Riordan books

Really, no surprise. I love his books though I need to read The Heroes of Olympos. I own the whole Percy Jackson and the Olympians series in Finnish, and the Demigod Files. And the first book of Kane Chronicles.

 

6 Anne Rice books

Well, heh. Actually I only have The Interview with the Vampire, Queen of the Damned and Vampire Lestat but I have copies both in Finnish and English, so.

 

6 Jennifer L. Armentrout books

I counted her books written under the pen name, J. Lynn, too. I have Onyx, Opal, Origin, White Hot Kiss, Trust In Me and Be With Me. Although I haven't got around to read all of these yet but I've read most of them.

 

6 Ian McEwan books

After reading Atonement I fell for McEwan's books and all these copies I've bought during the last eight years. However, I have not read all of them yet. I have Atonement (of course), On Chesil Beach, The Comfort of Strangers, Enduring Love, The Cement Garden and Saturday. And all of them are in Finnish, though I've been meaning to read Atonement in English.

 

5 Veronica Rossi books

Yes, I counted the ebooks. So I own Under the Never Sky trilogy (my favourite trilogy of all time) and the novellas, Roar & Liv and Brooke. I'll probably get Boomerang as soon as possible, too. Rossi is one of the authors I'll read no matter what.

 

5 Lauren Kate books

I own the Fallen series. Well, I don't have Rapture and I haven't read it yet but hopefully soon I get it. Besides that I have copy of Teardrop. (Interesting fact: I bough Fallen when I was in Stockholm, Torment and Fallen In Love when I was in London and Passion was gift. I really should travel somewhere and buy Rapture there.)

 

5 Lene Kaaberbol books

These are the books I read in my early teens, and I loved them. I have three books from the Shamer Chronicles and two books from the Katriona trilogy.

 

4 Maggie Stiefvater, Veronica Roth, Becca Fitzpatrick, James Dashner, Christopher Paolini books

Actually there might be more of authors I own four books but there's the ones I can remember right away. Most of them are series like The Maze Runner, The Inheritance Cycle, Hush Hush or Divergent (I have two copies of Insurgent so that's why there's four books). From Maggie Stiefvater I have The Scorpio Races, The Raven Boys, The Dream Thieves and Sinner.

 

What authors do you own the most books of?

ARC Review: The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate
by Kay Berrisford
Published by Less Than Three Press
Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley, thank you!)
Adult, LGBT, fantasy, romance

Raef, a lonely merman, spends his days watching the dashing Lord Haverford from afar and dreaming of love. When Haverford is robbed by a pirate, Raef vows to reclaim the stolen goods, hoping his victory will buy him the happiness he yearns for with Haverford.

But Jon Kemp does not match what Raef knows about pirates, and the simple quest Raef anticipated turns out to be an epic journey. For while Jon might be a nobler man than Raef believed, he’s still a pirate. Love and loyalty are not on Jon’s agenda, and he certainly has no plans to love someone not entirely human.

 

Publication July 30th

Mermans? Pirates? Together? I found my love.

 

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate is exceptional story told by old fairy tale style. It's an adventure that took me to under the sea and the England's coast with full of mermans, mermaids and pirates - and there's lords and ladys, too, without forgetting cruesome villains. Berrisford is master of words and she tells stunning story about adventure, love and finding your own place in the world. From the very first page, the story took its hold on me and I couldn't anything else than read it - or think of it when I was half forced to do something else.

 

Wonderful characters made this adventure even more enjoyable. Raef is a true sweetheart and his innocence that came with not knowing much about humans and their customs was adorable. He's also brave and loyal, and Raef goes through the biggest character developement during the story. The way how he grows and stands for himself, how he doesn't just sit there and wait for someone to save him but tries to save himself. I also adored how Raef and Jon Kemp were equals and how neither of them tried to leave other outside of their dangerous adventures. Jon Kemp is a honourable pirate, Berrisford made it possible, and I loved his character almost as much as I did love Raef. And together they were quite close to perfection. Berrisford also created some intriguing supporting characters that made the story colourful and even more lively; such as Cecilia, Sarah, George and of course, the villains of the story.

For me, The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate was a lovely adventurous story that I couldn't help but love. The only thing I'd like to change is how long the book is - I'd loved to read more and just below two hundred pages wasn't enough for me. Otherwise the story had everything I hope for a book: great, multifaced characters, intriguing setting and wonderful idea behind the story, plot, talented author and emotions behind the words. Yes, feelings. My heart skipped a beat a couple of times during Raef's journey and I lived every moment with him. And this story came to stay with me for a long time.

 

Exceptional. Stunning. I'd be more than happy to read another book from this 'verse, for sure.

 

I ordered my own physical copy right after finishing the book. I warmly recommend you to do so, too.

5 of 5 stars.

 

Thank you, Less Than Three Press, for giving me a chance to review The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate!

 

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Stacking the Shelves (9)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

For review

 

Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington

Forged by Fate by Reese Monroe

 

And now I solemly swear I won't get any more review copies before I've read and reviewed at least half of the pile I have now. Okay, it's not that large but my school starts in three weeks and even though it won't really kick in until September, I need to organize everything and all. But I couldn't resist Forged by Fate simply because Hades and mythology and I was sold by that. Kill Devil Hills I requested some weeks ago.

Feature & Follow Friday #3

 

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

What is your favorite tv series that you can watch over and over again on Netflix?

First, I need to confess: I don't have Netflix. Lately, I haven't watched that many series at all but no worries, there's still a lot of exceptional tv series that I watch over and over again.

Queer As Folk (US version): There's no need for words. It swept me off my feet and I can't help but love it.

Teen Wolf: My love for Stiles, and Derek is eternal. The show is going towards something I don't much like during new season four but I still love previous seasons and how talented Dylan is.

 

The O.C: I watched it when it aired and I've probably rewatched it six to ten times already. It's just one of those shows that stays with you.
 

 

 

Or add me on Google+.

 

I will always follow back!

ARC Review: Bliss by Lisa Henry and Heidi Belleau

Bliss
by Lisa Henry & Heidi Belleau
Published by Riptide Publishing
Ebook (received from publisher, thank you!)
Adult, LGBT, dystopia, sci-fi, romance

"They're always happy."

Rory James has worked hard all his life to become a citizen of the idyllic city-state of Beulah. Like every other kid born in the neighboring country of Tophet, he’s heard the stories: No crime or pollution. A house and food for everyone. It’s perfect, and Rory is finally getting a piece of it.

So is Tate Patterson. He’s from Tophet, too, but he’s not a legal immigrant; he snuck in as a thief. A city without crime seems like an easy score, until he crashes into Rory during a getaway and is arrested for assaulting a citizen. Instead of jail, Tate is enrolled in Beulah’s Rehabilitation through Restitution program. By living with and serving his victim for seven years, Tate will learn the human face of his crimes.

If it seems too good to be true, that’s because it is. Tate is fitted with a behavior-modifying chip that leaves him unable to disobey orders—any orders, no matter how dehumanizing. Worse, the chip prevents him from telling Rory, the one man in all of Beulah who might care about him, the truth: in a country without prisons, Tate is locked inside his own mind.

Dystopia with LGBT characters? I was sold right then and the synopsis only got me more. Then I started to read and I knew I was going to love it - well written, interesting characters, edgy plot and utopia that turned out to be dystopia. Bliss is one of the books that I must to have on my shelf as a physical copy, that's how much I loved it.

 

Bliss isn't for tender readers. There was issues with consent due the nature of the plot and there was some dark and rough scenes. However, if one can stomach it, it'll be really good. The world building was well written and I liked how we got to see Beulah from Rory's and Tate's point of view, and how that perfection in Rory's eyes turned to something else as the plot thickened and he found out the truth. What I truly loved was the last half of the book as things were dealt with and new discoveries of characters were made.

 

Rory wasn't perfect but in all his imperfection he was lovable character and he was gentle, kind and wanted to do the right thing. I felt for Tate and I liked his character, especially closer the end when his true character was seen - but Rory was the one I admired. He had his own flaws but it made him human. There was interesting and likable supporting characters such as Alexandra, Aaron and Cal, as well as the bad guys who truly seemed to be evil without any morals.

 

Bliss isn't easy read due the consent issues and dark themes it presents. However, Bliss is one of those books that makes reader really think about our world - and how much darker and cruel it could be. I'm a fan of dystopias because I yearn to discover different kind of visions how the world could turn out be, and how everything could be so much worse than it is now. Bliss does all that and it does it good, and there's so much more there. Bliss isn't hopeless, no, it gives both readers and its characters hope for the better future - of love, family and friendship. It's not easy but I devoured the story and I was sad when it came to the end.

 

Bliss is worthy of your time.

 

5 of 5 stars.

 

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to review Bliss!



Bliss on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Review: Trust In Me by J. Lynn

Trust In Me (Wait For You, #1.5)
by J. Lynn
Published by William Morrow Impulse
Paperback (bought)
NA, contemporary, romance

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?

I had great expectations when I started it. When someone mentions New Adult, there's at least twenty shouts for J. Lynn's Wait For You - and it was self-publishing sensation. So I got Trust In Me when I saw it and made a choice to read it without reading Wait For You. Reading the male point of view worked with Walking Disaster so I though, why not with this? It did work wonderfully, I liked Cam and his funny roommate Ollie and Avery was adorable mystery.

J. Lynn's writing is good, it's easy to read and like, and she has talent to make ordinary story lines better with unexpected twists. She did it with this one, too, and I liked the story and the characters. There was a great variety of different kind of persons, just like real life does. Avery's friends were ignored mostly in Trust In Me but I guess they were introduced way better in Wait For You, so it's understable. Just one character irked me - or better voiced, the way she was talked about and treated. Yes, it was Steph, the girl Cam had spend time with before he met Avery and who liked to have sex and dress short skirts and clothes like that. Techically Steph was a female version of Cam and what irked me was how Avery and even Cam made her seem like a slut where's Cam was just a guy who liked sex. Cam kind of defended Steph once but after that it was pretty much ignored and whenever Steph was mentioned there was the tone that suggested Cam and Avery didn't think very highly about her. I'm sorry I'm ranting about this but it made the story lose some of its charm.

Aside that problem, the story was good, gripping at times and I enjoyed it. Though, I'd liked to see more about Cam's life without Avery. At first Cam did things without Avery but somewhere the story started to involve only Avery, and their relationship. It seemed that Cam deserted all his other friends or then it was just left out of the story. I like romance, I like stories about relationships but there needs to be more than just relationship in life. Lacking of life without Avery made me lower the raiting because I can't simply overlook it.

However, Trust In Me is a lovely story and I do recommend it for the people who likes to read New Adult stories with contemporary romance - especially if male point of view is your thing.

3 of 5 stars.


Trust In Me on Goodreads.

Waiting on Wednesday #12

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Just Call My Name by Holly Goldberg Sloan!

 

Just Call My Name (I'll Be There, #2)

by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Expected publication: August 5th 2014

 

The happily-ever-after of Holly Goldberg Sloan's acclaimed debut, I'll Be There, is turned on its head in this riveting, emotional sequel about friends, enemies, and how those roles can shift in a matter of moments.

Emily Bell has it all. She's in love with a boy named Sam Border, and his little brother has become part of her family. This summer is destined to be the best time of their lives--until a charismatic new girl in town sets her sights on Sam. Now Emily finds herself questioning the loyalty of the person she thought she could trust most.

But the biggest threat to her happiness is someone she never saw coming. Sam's criminally insane father, whom everyone thought they'd finally left behind, is planning a jailbreak. And he knows exactly where to find Emily and his sons when he escapes...and takes his revenge.

 

 

I didn't even know there was going to be a sequel before last week. I adored I'll Be There because it was different, cute and yeah, super cute. So of course I'll read the sequel - even though some of the synopsis themes doesn't excite me much.. I usually love the first book of series because it's finding someone, it's start of the journey and even if its not easy, it's still something I love. Sequels tend to deal with trust and how failing at communication causes problems - and yeah, I'm not big one of those themes mostly because so often it seems like made-problems and everything would be okay if MC would just talk to her/his (usually her) partner. So. But I'm always ready to give benefit of doubt to this one because I really liked the first one. I hope this will be as different and unique as the first one and not to do same cliches as so many other series does.

Just Call My Name on Goodreads.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Would Want With Me On A Deserted Island

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!
 

1. Perry (Under the Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi): Obvious choice if one knows me. Perry's probably my number one book crush and even without that, who wouldn't want to be with him on a deserted island? He's a leader and he knows how to survive even in most dire situations. Give him a bow and he'll hunt food with his heightened senses.

2. Aria (Under the Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi): Aria is good at surviving, now matter how dangerous situation. She's smart and I'd love her to have my back. She can also sing and wouldn't that be wonderful during campfire at night? Of course, she and Perry are also a great team, so there's that too.

3. Thomas (The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner): Thomas is genious and he can survive anything, and he certainly isn't bad for eyes. There's no doubt whether I'd want him with me or not. He's one of my favorite characters and I'd love to have conversations with him.

4. Jarra (Earth Girl trilogy by Janet Edwards): It seems I'm picking characters who know how to survive. That's okay, I guess. However, why I'd want Jarra with me, is mainly to have someone to talk about history. I'm history geek and she studies it, and it be perfect. And yeah, she's also really smart, cunning and badass if needed.

5. Nathan (Half Bad by Sally Green): Nathan has been through a lot and I'd love to just hug him. And of course, he's powerful in his own right and I have no doubts about his surviving skills. He's not cheeriest person but then again, neither am I. He also got his three gifts so, old school magic. How cool is that?

6. Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan): He's demigod. That's enough, isn't it? I'd love to spend time with him on a deserted island, he'd be so funny and nice. And let's face it, there's ought to be water around on a deserted island and that means Percy could manipulate it. Great for survival.

7. Nico (Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan): He's also demigod - son of Hades for that matter. And yeah, I kind of love him and I'd love to talk to him and spend time with him. His powers could be useful, too. You never know with deserted island. Sometimes they even aren't deserted.

8. Kira (Partials by Dan Wells): She knows how to survive and she knows her way with medicine. That would be super useful and heck, she's smart and badass and there's nothing I don't like about her. I'd bring her with me on a deserted island any given day.

9. Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling): He has magic but I'd take him even without it. Yes, he's quite difficult persona but he's one of my favorite characters and I do have a weak point for assholes and bad boys. I'd bring Draco whether he would be useful or not - and I think he would be, he's cunning and smart and yeah, he can fly with a broom.

10. Kale (Denazen series by Jus Accardo): The last but not the least. Kale's touch kills. That could be really useful if the island wasn't as deserted as firstly thought. His touch could be used on hunting, too. And he's just so cute, I could tell him all about things and sosial norms he didn't know.

Who would you take with you on a deserted island?

Stacking the Shelves (8)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

Purchased

White Cat by Holly Black
Run by Gregg Olsen
Why We Took The Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf
Survive by Alex Morel


For review

 

Bliss by Lisa Henry & Heidi Belleau

Press Play by Eric Devine

The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate by Kay Berrisford

 

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, Running Press and Less Than Three Press for a chance to review your titles!

I know, I know, I'm horrible terrible bad girl when I'm not supposed to buy new books. But I have my reasons: one, you can never have too many books, two, my parents gave me some money when I visited my godmother in the capital city, three, well I got White Cat ridicilous cheap so. Run and Survive, sounds good and different from what I've resently read so it's ideal. I have never read book translated to English even though I've read lots of translated book, so Why We Took the Car will be interesting to read.

I requested Bliss and The Merman and the Barbarian Pirate last week and I was deliriously happy when I got them. I still can't believe I got ARCs of them and yay. Press Play was honestly one of those 'what the heck, I want it' -ones so yeah.

 

Well, my studies start soon so I won't be getting many books then so I'll enjoy these few weeks when I get lots of books!

Feature & Follow Friday #2

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

 

Post a funny Youtube video (doesn't have to be book related.

 

I love Pirates of the Caribbean movies and I had to choose from countless of scenes but I think Jack's entrance on the first one is the best. It's so funny and so Jack.

 

 

 

Or you can add me on Google+.

 

I will always follow back!

Review: Forged by Jennifer Rush

Forged (Altered, #0.5)
by Jennifer Rush
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Ebook (bought)
YA, sci-fi, novella

Before Anna and Sam, there was Dani and Sam.

There's one rule that all Branch operatives must live by: No attachments. When Dani O'Brien entered the Branch, she planned to trade her freedom so that her family could have a better life. But joining up with the mysterious organization is more than she bargained for. Branch head Connor watches over her closely--too closely. The training is brutal, the experiments are secret, and the missions promise to be anything but ordinary. The only thing getting Dani through each day is the hope that she'll run into Sam--a young man, about her age, who wears the world on his shoulders.

Firstly I have to point out that even though synopsis promises more about Dani and Sam, I think that it should be said more of Dani. Sam was there, yes, but Dani and her thoughts were the main point. It was more of Dani and Connor than Sam. So if you're waiting for epic story of Dani and Sam and their past, don't hold your breath.

 

Forged gives insight of Dani's character. I didn't like her much during Erased, I've always preferred Anna (and Sam with her) and even though the short story made Dani more likable I still didn't connect with her on a level that would make her one of my favorites. As big sister I can respect for Dani's intentions and motives driving her (mainly Anna's safety and happiness) and I do, but the choices she makes and the way she acts makes her if not complety unlikable then close enough. Connecting with narrator, with main character is important for me and even though I adore Rush as a writer, Forged lacked much mainly because of Dani's character. I'm still pleased that I got chance to read it if nothing else then to understand Dani better.

 

If you're waiting for questions of Branch answered, then stop. Forged raised more questions than answered - about Branch, Dani's and Sam's relationship and about Connor. However, it's still interesting story to read if not a little too short but I still liked it. It was fluid and intriguing. Not same sort of page turner as Altered and Erased but maybe it's good - after two fast-paced page turners Forged gave a chance to breath and enjoy the story.

 

4 of 5 stars (more likely 3.5 stars)

 

Forged on Goodreads.

Waiting on Wednesday #11

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas!

 

A Wicked Thing

by Rhiannon Thomas

Expected publication: February 24th 2015

 

A spinning wheel. A prick of a finger. A terrible curse.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairytale.

Her family is long dead. Her “true love” is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. Everyone expects Aurora to marry her betrothed and restore magic and peace to the kingdom before revolution tears it apart. But after a lifetime spent locked in a tower for her own safety, Aurora longs for the freedom to make her own choices. When she meets a handsome rebel, he tempts her to abandon everything for a different kind of life.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her.

With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

 

 

It's easy, it's retelling and sounds really intriguing. I'll be interesting to read about what happened after Aurora woke up. And the cover is beautiful. Why all good ones seems to be so far away? Come on, already, 2015! 



Review: Half Bad by Sally Green

Half Bad (Half Life, #1)
by Sally Green
Published by Penguin
Paperback (bought)
YA, paranormal, fantasy

You can't read, can't write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.

You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.

You hate White Witches but love Annalise, who is one.

You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.

All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys. And do that before your seventeenth birthday.

Easy.

There's so many aspects that got me interested in Half Bad. Firstly, it was the name and cover. Cover's brilliant, really, and with a name like that I'm pretty much sold. I was little guarded about the idea of witches mostly because I've read so many witchcraft books and mostly they haven't been good ones. Besides genious J.K. Rowling no one has written about witches the way it would have blew my mind. However, Sally Green did it. From the page one I was taken by the world Nathan lived and all that old school magic. Half Bad isn't good - it's expectional.

Main character is important part of the story and sadly many times main character isn't the force that keeps me reading. However, Nathan was wondrous main character. I loved that Green chose male main character for a book about witches because mostly there's all those witch stories with female leading characters. Nathan was right choice and he was truly interesting characters. The journey with him was heart wreching and captivating, and all I wanted was to hug him and kick White Witches asses for treating Nathan badly.

Green's all characters were well defined and while Nathan's character developement was biggest, there were so many characters that I loved. Even the one's I despised because of their actions were well written and real. I adored Gabriel (who wouldn't!), Arran and Ellen alongside Nathan. Marcus, Bob, Trev, Gran, Rose and countless others were intriguing and I want to know more about them. The sequel, Half Wild, couldn't be here soon enough and waiting for March 2015 is going to be tortureous.

Half Bad is stunning, captivating story which I devoured and yearned for more constantly. There was so many emotions running through me during the book and there still is - and I finished some days ago. For a debut novel Half Bad is expectional. I'm going to read every book Green ever writes, that's for sure. She became one of my favorite authors fast.

Read it. You won't regret it.

 

5 of 5 stars and everything else I can give.

Half Bad on Goodreads.

Stacking the Shelves (7)

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

Purchased

 

 

 

 

Roar and Liv by Veronica Rossi

Brooke by Veronica Rossi

The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian

I Am the Weapon by Allen Zadoff

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Forged by Jennifer Rush

 

 

For review

 

Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

 

 

It looks like I went nuts this week with all these books but I have reason! I finally downloaded Adobe Digital Editions which it the reason why I could (finally!) get a couple of much desired ebooks. So I got Roar and Liv, Brooke, Forged and The Wicked We Have Done crazily cheap prize. I've yearned after them since forever and now I have them! Sinner and I Am the Weapon was ordered a couple of weeks ago but they arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more happy.

 

Queen for Someday I got via NetGalley and let me say this: my first review copy via NetGalley! I was so nervous to request it but so happy when I got approved. Also, Russian Royals? Hell yes.

 

 

Thank you, NetGalley and Sherry D. Ficklin for giving me a chance to review Queen of Someday!

Feature & Follow Friday #1

 

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks question:

 

If you had a time machine (i.e. a TARDIS), where would you go?

 

As a history student, that's hard question because there's not much places in the past where I wouldn't like to go. Exploring personally the past that I read so much about, oh boy, I'd love that. Of all the places, I probably would go first Middle Age in Europe. That's a long time period but I'd say High Middle Age - right where the large cities started to born, where universities were builded and nurtured, and where kings and queens (well, that time mostly kings) ruled Europe. Yeah. I'd like to especially visit France and England during that time.

 

 

Or you can add me on Google+.

 

I will always follow back!

 

Review: The Descartes Legacy by Nina Croft

The Descartes Legacy
by Nina Croft
Published by Entangled Edge
Ebook (received from author, thank you!)
Adult, sci-fi, romance, mystery

Lucas Grafton has spent the last ten years hunting the Conclave, a secret organization who took everything from him: his wife, his child, his very identity. Now he has a lead—an imminent terrorist attack on London—code-named Descartes.

Born with a genetic illness, Jenna Young has always known she was different. But the unexpected death of her father catapults her into a world of murder and terrorism she never expected. In order to stay alive, she must solve a twenty-five year old mystery—and her only ally a hard bitter man in search or retribution, her only clue the Descartes Highlands, an area on the near side of the moon.

Luke’s need for revenge collides with Jenna’s hunt for the past, and together they must stand against the Conclave. All the while uncovering the truth behind Jenna’s illness, a truth that will make Jenna question her very humanity.

Fast-paced, edgy story about a woman, Jenna, caught up something she had no idea was even possible and a man, Luke, who have been after the Conclave's blood for over decade. At some points, The Descartes Legacy makes reader's heart beat faster and there was times when it seemed impossible for the main characters survive. Croft knows how to write suspense and keep reader on his/her toes while developing character's relationship.

The Descartes Legacy is more mystery and action packed story with underlying romance, and sci-fi themes. There's a couple of steamy scenes and it's visible how Croft writes more romance than anything else. However, mystery and sci-fi themes didn't cause any problems for her as the story flowed forward with a firm pace.

Only thing I felt lacking was Jenna and Luke's relationship's developement. Yes, they had steamy scenes and they fit together perfectly but I yearned more of those little moments they had together. It would have been nice to stop for a couple of more minutes with all that action packed and on the edge of destruction -thing going on.

I liked The Descartes Legacy but it didn't blow my mind, hence the three stars. I recommend this one especially for those who enjoys lots of action with mysteries all around but still wants a little romance and steamy couple.

 

3 of 5 stars.

 

The Descartes Legacy on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Waiting on Wednesday #10

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Half Wild by Sally Green!

 

Half Wild (Half Life, #2)

by Sally Green

Expected publication: March 25th 2015

 

After finally meeting his elusive father, Marcus, and receiving the three gifts that confirm him as a full adult witch, Nathan is still on the run. He needs to find his friend Gabriel and rescue Annalise, now a prisoner of the powerful Black witch Mercury. Most of all he needs to learn how to control his Gift – a strange, wild new power that threatens to overwhelm him.

Meanwhile, Soul O’Brien has seized control of the Council of White Witches and is expanding his war against Black witches into Europe. In response, an unprecedented alliance has formed between Black and White witches determined to resist him. Drawn into the rebellion by the enigmatic Black witch Van Dal, Nathan finds himself fighting alongside both old friends and old enemies. But can all the rebels be trusted, or is Nathan walking into a trap?

 

Cover revealed earlier this week and all I have to say, look at that beauty! I recently finished Half Bad, the first of the Half Life trilogy and I must say, it was stunning. March, darling, come soon because I can't wait what happens next to Nathan and his friends. And seriously, bring me more Gabriel. If you haven't read Half Bad yet, do it. It's really good (my review of it is coming later this week!)

 

Half Wild on Goodreads.