Waiting on Wednesday: One of Us is Next & Children of Virtue and Vengeance

One of Us is Next
(One of Us is Lying #2)
by Karen M. McManus
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Publication Date: January 7th 2020
Publisher: Delacorte Press for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780525707967

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The highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling thriller everyone is talking about, One of Us Is Lying! There's a new mystery to solve at Bayview High, and there's a whole new set of rules.

Come on, Bayview, you know you've missed this.

A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one's been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.

Until now.

This time it's not an app, though—it's a game.

Truth or Dare.

Phoebe's the first target. If you choose not to play, it's a truth. And hers is dark.

Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare.

But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it's that they can't count on the police for help. Or protection.

Simon's gone, but someone's determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And this time, there's a whole new set of rules. (Goodreads)

You guys! Not only are we getting a TV show for One of Us is Lying...

we are ALSO getting a Sequel!!

I, for one, am SUPER excited about this book.
I loved the first one, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us next.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance
(Legacy of Orïsha #2)
by Tomi Adeyemi
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: December 3rd 2019
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ISBN: 9781250170996

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After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too.

Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath.

With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi's New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. (Goodreads)

This is another sequel that I'm SUPER excited for!
I read Children of Blood and Bone last year,

and really enjoyed it. I am excited to see what happens next in this sequel!
(Also, that cover is gorgeous!)

•     •     •

Those are my WOW picks for this week! What are you waiting on?!

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

My Thoughts: Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

Vow of Thieves
(Dance of Thieves #2)
by Mary E. Pearson
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 6th 2019
Publisher: Henry Holt
Pages: 480
ISBN: 9781250162656
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy from Publisher | Own

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Available for Purchase:
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Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits. (Goodreads)

Vow of Thieves, the second and final book in the Dance of Thieves duology by Mary E. Pearson, was my most anticipated read for 2019, and I absolutely could not wait to devour it. This book was everything I didn’t know that I needed, and was an excellent way to wrap up this wonderful series. It is also my first 5 star read for this year! And while I’m thrilled to tell you how much I loved the book, I’m also going to tell you how much I will miss it. I hate to say goodbye!

If you don’t already know, I’m a huge fan of Mary’s The Remnant Chronicles series, and since the Dance of Thieves series is a spin-off of that, of course it is a favorite as well. I have loved everything about this whole series, from the wonderful characters, to the amazing world-building. I didn’t know what to expect from this finally book in the series, but was definitely on board for the adventure it provided.

I have to tell you, (not for the first time), that one of my most favorite things about this spin-off series are the characters. The book is filled with SO many characters that you will absolutely love, (and more than a few you will down-right hate), and there’s even a few that you thought you hated, but end up loving instead, and they are all so great. I am so going to miss these characters, especially Kazi, (and her fantastically close little family), who I love just as much as I did Lia from the original series, as well as Jace, (and his wonderful, huge family). Together they are awesome, and I love them both. But seriously, so many great characters in this series.

I also love the world-building for this book, it is so beautifully described that I can picture everything perfectly in my mind. The storyline for this spin-off series is highly addictive and completely fascinating. I wanted to fly through the pages of this book as quickly as I could, but unfortunately life got in the way and I had to read it slowly, but that actually worked out ok because instead of devouring the book, I had the chance to savor it, which is awesome as well. I totally did not want the book to end, and I’m so sad that I have to say goodbye to these characters and stories. Thank goodness I have each book in multiple formats, as I definitely think I will be starting a new tradition of re-reading the books from start to finish every year from now on, just so I can hang with these characters again!

Overall; Vow of Thieves was a wonderful conclusion to the Dance of Thieves series! And while I loved how everything wrapped up in the end, I absolutely hate saying goodbye to these wonderful characters and their fantastic world. If you’ve not yet picked up any of the books in this series, I highly recommend that you check out The Kiss of Deception, which is the first book in the main series. I hope that if you do check out the books, you love them as much as I do! As for me, I am very much looking forward to reading these again soon, and I am super excited to be starting Mary’s Jenna Fox Chronicles soon as well!

Waiting on Wednesday: Vow of Thieves & The Merciful Crow

Vow of Thieves
(Dance of Thieves #2)
by Mary E. Pearson
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 6th 2019
Publisher: Henry Holt
ISBN: 9781250162656

Add to Goodreads

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits. (Goodreads)

It's pretty obvious to ANYONE who follows me how much I love The Remnant Chronicles and Dance of Thieves series by Mary E. Pearson, so of course one of my WOW picks will have to be her newest upcoming release, Vow of Thieves, the second and final book in the Dance of Thieves series! This is my MOST anticipated read for 2019, and it was SO worth the wait. I'm halfway through already, and I love it, and I don't want it to end. :) I can't wait for my finished copy to arrive so I can add it to my collection!

If you haven't yet read these series, you should.

The Merciful Crow
(The Merciful Crow #1)
by Margaret Owen
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Publication Date: July 30th 2019
Publisher: Henry Holt (BYR)
ISBN: 9781250191922

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A future chieftain

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.

A fugitive prince

When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.

A too-cunning bodyguard

Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own? (Goodreads)

Ummm, did you read the summary for this book?!
Does it sound like it's going to be an awesome read, or what??
I am very much looking forward to checking this out as well!

•   •   •

Those are my WOW picks for this week!

Now, what books are you waiting for??

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

My Thoughts: Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

Dance of Thieves
(Dance of Thieves #1)
by Mary E. Pearson
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 7th 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9781250159014
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy/Own

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Available for Purchase:
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A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions. (Goodreads)

Dance of Thieves is the first book in a brand new duology by Mary E. Pearson, and is also a spin-off of The Remnant Chronicles trilogy, which happens to be one of my most favorite series ever! Dance of Thieves was one of my most anticipated reads for 2018, and I was SO very excited to finally read this book. Having finally read it, I definitely was not disappointed, and I think it’s a perfect start to what should be a really awesome duology!

Before I started Dance of Thieves, I decided to re-read The Remnant Chronicles to refresh my brain before starting this new book, and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I enjoy diving back into that series again, but it also gave my brain a nice refresher, and reminded me why I love the series so much. I definitely plan to re-read the series again soon, and if you haven’t yet checked it out, you totally should!

Dance of Thieves was full of a LOT of awesome new characters, and I fell in love with SO many of them, including Kazi, the main character in the story, and her crew. They definitely made the book special, and I’m super curious to see what’s going to happen next in the series for them, as well as Jase and the Ballenger crew, who we also get to know really well in the story. And while all of these new characters are great, one of the things I loved most about this book was getting to see some of my most favorite characters from the previous series! You don’t get to see them much, but definitely enough to put a happy smile on my face, and I’m hoping we get to see them more often in the next book.

The setting of the book reminds me a lot of the previous series, yet it feels completely different as well, which was fun. Mary did an excellent job with the world-building for the book, and I could picture everything so perfectly in my mind. The storyline was very addictive, and I found myself flying through the pages a whole lot quicker than I expected to. The book ends with a pretty massive cliffhanger, one that kind of made my jaw drop open, and I’ll definitely be pining away until I can get my hands on the next book to see what’s going to happen next!

Overall; I really, really enjoyed Dance of Thieves, and I do believe it’s a great beginning to what should be another awesome series by Mary E. Pearson! I will definitely be pining away until I can get my hands on the next book in the series, which is currently untitled, but set to release sometime in 2019, which is definitely not soon enough for me. *grin* I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more information on the sequel, and I can’t wait to check it out when it’s released!

Waiting on Wednesday #324 - Dance of Thieves & These Rebel Waves

Dance of Thieves
(Dance of Thieves #1)
by Mary E. Pearson
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 7th 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
ISBN: 9781250159014

Add to Goodreads

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions. (Goodreads)

Yooooooooou Guyssssssss...
*TWO MORE WEEKS* Until this awesome book is released!
I've been sitting on an ARC of this, and I'm hoping to start it tomorrow, and I absolutely can't wait!!
If you're of fan of the Remnant Chronicles series, you'll definitely want to check out this spin-off series. :)

These Rebel Waves
by Sara Raasch
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 7th 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062471505

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Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace. (Goodreads)

And the new book by Sara Raasch is releasing in two weeks as well!!
I really enjoyed her Snow Like Ashes series,

and I'm hoping this new series will be great as well.
I'm super excited to check it out!!

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

My Thoughts: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Ruin and Rising
(The Grishaverse #3)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: June 17th 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 422
ISBN: 9780805094619
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for. (Goodreads)

One of my main goals for 2018 was to *finally* finish all the books in the GrishaVerse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and now that I've finally done so, I don't know what to do with my life now! Seriously though, Ruin and Rising was a great conclusion to this fascinating series, and even though I didn't want the series to end at all, I'm pretty happy with the way things came together in the end.

Like the previous books, Ruin and Rising had a great storyline, and was filled with a lot of action, as well as twists and turns that will keep you completely captivated as you turn the pages. I really didn't know what to expect from this ending, but the adventure the characters set upon in this story was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I was so bummed when I turned the last page of the story, as I wasn't ready to let these characters go, but all good things must come to an end, they say. Sigh.

One thing that I have loved the most about this series has been the characters. There are really so many characters in this book to love, including the main character, Alina, who grew SO much over the course of the series. It was quite an inspirational thing to watch. I also loved Mal for always being Alina's rock when she needed him, (even though he did make me a bit mad at him in book two). Nikolai quickly became my most favorite character in the book, and I really wish we had been introduced to him sooner, so we could get more of his story. (If Leigh were to write a series around Nikolai, I'd totally read it.) I even had a few feelings for The Darkling by the time the story came to an end, and I was really hoping for better things for him by the end. Alas, that was not to be. Seriously, so many well written characters in this series, and I loved them all.

(Edited to add: I just discovered that Nikolai IS getting his own story! King of Scars)

Overall; Ruin and Rising was a great conclusion to this wonderful, fascinating series, and though I hated to see it come to an end, I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I don't get too attached to series very often, but when I do, it's super hard to let go, and I'm definitely having a hard time saying goodbye to this one. Lucky for me, I still have Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom to read, and even though they aren't part of this series, I do believe they are set in the same world, so maybe that will ease the pain of letting go. *grin*. If you're looking for a great series to read, do check out the GrishaVerse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and I hope you love it just as much as I do!

My Thoughts: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm
(The Grishaverse #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: June 4th 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 435
ISBN: 9780805094602
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. (Goodreads)

I have been trying to actually finish The GrishaVerse trilogy for the LONGEST, and for some reason, I just haven’t been able to read these books as quickly as I had hoped! I originally read the first book, Shadow and Bone, a few years ago, and then I re-read it last year in anticipation of finally reading the rest of the books. Unfortunately that didn’t happen the way that I wanted to it. Part of my reading goal for this year is to read, or finish reading, all of the series that I hadn’t yet read, or finished. The Grishaverse trilogy was near the top of my list, and I’m thrilled to finally be reading it!

Siege and Storm picks up not long after where Shadow and Bone leaves off. I’ll admit that I was a little confused when I first started reading the book, because even though I just re-read the first book late last year, I’ve read a LOT of fantasy books since then, and I admittedly got my stories a little confused. BUT, the more I read of the book, the more the story started coming back in my mind, and it only took a few pages for it all to come flooding back. I didn’t know which direction the story would take in this sequel, but I was definitely ready for the ride, and that is absolutely what I got with Siege and Storm.

One of the things that I have enjoyed most so far in this series has been the character growth, and not only for Alina, but for Mal and all the other characters in the story as well! I also LOVE all the new character additions to the story as well, including Nikolai Lantsov, and Tamar and Toyla, who are all new favorites of mine. They are all seriously so great. Though I have to admit that I’m really worried about Alina and Mal, and I’m super curious to read the next book to see what’s in store for them. Also, more Nikolai in the next book would be fantastic, please and thank you.

Overall; I really, really enjoyed reading Siege and Storm! Having finally read this sequel, I can definitely see why people love this series so much. I’m also pretty thrilled that I can start Ruin and Rising right away, though I know I’m going to be SO sad when this series comes to an end. If you’ve not yet checked out these books, I definitely recommend them, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have so far.

#NowWeRise Blog Tour: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Audiobook)

Happy Monday, Bookworms!!

Today I'm participating in the #NoWeRise Blog Tour for The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi!!

Scroll down to see my thoughts for this awesome book,  and check out the graphic at the bottom of the post to see what Maji clan you belong to!!

Children of Blood and Bone
(Legacy of Orïsha #1)
by Tomi Adeyemi
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: March 6th, 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
Pages: 525
ISBN: 9781250170972
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Magic
Source: Review Copy / Own

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy. (Goodreads)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is one of those books that you see EVERYWHERE, and you have to wonder what the hype is all about because everyone is talking about the book. That was me with this book. The first thing that drew me to the book was the gorgeous cover, and then I checked out the summary for the story and knew I wanted to read it. I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to do so, this story was seriously great, and now I definitely know what all the hype is about!!

The Children of Blood and Bone is the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. I’m not sure at the moment how many books will be in this series, but I hope that it will be a lot, because I seriously want more of this story. The series is off to such a great start with this first book! I recently heard the author describe the book as Black Panther with a magical twist, and that is exactly what I thought of while reading the book. It only took me a few pages to become completely hooked, and once I started reading, I seriously couldn’t stop. Not only is the story great, but the book also has some pretty amazing characters as well, all of which are SO well written. All of these things together make for such a great read.

I had an advanced copy of this book, which is what I originally started reading, and then I discovered the audiobook version of the book. If you follow my blog or social media any at all, you’ll know that I’m completely in love with audiobooks at the moment, so I was completely torn on which format I wanted to read the book in. I had started out reading the review copy of the book, but the sample of the audiobook that I listened to was SO GOOD, that I really wanted to listen as well. So, I ended up doing both!! I followed along in the book while Bahni Turpin narrated the audiobook to me, and it was such an awesome experience. (And I totally need to start doing this for books/audiobooks more often!) If you have the opportunity to check out the book in audio format, I highly recommend it. But, the book version is amazing too. Whichever way you decide to read the book is fine, as long as you just read it!

Overall; I really enjoyed The Children of Blood and Bone so much, it’s definitely one of my favorites of the year so far! I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, which I don’t currently see a release date or book name for, but which I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more information for. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next! Definitely add this book to your TBR, and read it as soon as possible! And feel free to tell me what you thought of the book here, or on social media as well! I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Happy Reading!!

Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. After graduating Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she received a fellowship that allowed her to study West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. When she’s not working on her novels or watching Scandal, she can be found blogging and teaching creative writing to her 4,500 subscribers at tomiadeyemi.com. Her website has been named one of the 101 best websites for writers by Writer’s Digest.
Her debut West African YA Fantasy novel is CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE (Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan). The CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE movie is in development at Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions with Karen Rosenfelt and Wyck Godfrey (Twilight, Maze Runner, The Fault In Our Stars) producing it.
If you want to know everything important about her and her stories, you can read this blog post: Why I Write, Telling A Story That Matters.
If you're an aspiring author, check out her writing tips and free writing resource library here. (TomiAdeyemi.com)

Now it's time to discover what Maji Clan you belong to!

Going by the chart above, I would be part of the Healer Clan!!
*Healers can heal a wide variety of ailments and injuries*

Does that sound awesome, or what?? I'd love to be a healer!!

Did you check the chart to see what clan you would be in??
If so, feel free to share your answer in the comments below!
I'd love to see what clan you are in.

And, again, if you've not yet read this book, you should totally do so!!

Waiting on Wednesday #303 - Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone
(Legacy of Orïsha #1)
by Tomi Adeyemi
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: March 6th 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ISBN: 9781250170972

Add to Goodreads

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy. (Goodreads)

Um, did you read the summary for this book??
If not, go back and read it. I'll wait.
...
Does this book sound awesome, or what??
I'm really getting into fantasy novels at the moment, 

so this book sounds like my kind of read.
And, I've seen a lot of good things about the book,

so I can't wait to finally check it out for myself!!

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

My Thoughts: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone
(The Grisha Trilogy #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 358
ISBN: 9780805094596
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I first read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo way back in 2012 when the book was first released, but I never finished the rest of the books in the series, which is something that I really wanted to do this year. So when Lori and I were thinking of a book to kick off our very first Readalong /Book Club (#AlltheBooksReadalong) pick on Instagram, Shadow and Bone was one of the first books to come to mind. Since I read the book so long ago, and didn't remember much about it, it sounded like an absolutely perfect choice. And it was!!

I'm so glad that I decided to re-read this book before finishing up the rest of the books in the series, as I didn't remember much of anything about it. I kept waiting SOMETHING in the story to be familiar from reading it before, but it didn't really, which was surprising. (Thought it shouldn't be... I've read a couple hundred books since I first read this one. Ha!) This book was a really great read. I enjoyed the storyline and the awesome characters as well. When I turned the last page and closed the book, I wanted nothing more than to start Siege and Storm, the second book in the series, right away. Unfortunately I have other books that must be read at the moment, but I will definitely be working the second and third books into my TBR for the next few months.

Overall; If you haven't already checked out Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, I highly recommend that you do so! I tried to pace myself while reading the book, and I ended up flying through it instead, it was that good. I can see now why others rave about it, and I can't wait to get started on the second book to see what's going to happen next for Alina on her journey.

Review: The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray

The Gilded Cage
by Lucinda Gray

Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pages: 245
ISBN: 9781627791816
Genre: Young Adult | Historical Fiction | Mystery
Source: Review Copy

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After growing up on a farm in Virginia, Walthingham Hall in England seems like another world to sixteen-year-old Katherine Randolph. Her new life, filled with the splendor of upper-class England in the 1820s, is shattered when her brother mysteriously drowns. Katherine is expected to observe the mourning customs and get on with her life, but she can't accept that her brother's death was an accident.

A bitter poacher prowls the estate, and strange visitors threaten the occupants of the house. There's a rumor, too, that a wild animal stalks the woods of Walthingham. Can Katherine retain her sanity long enough to find out the truth? Or will her brother's killer claim her life, too? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The very first thing that drew me in to The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray was it's absolutely stunning cover. I'll admit it, I can't resist a book with such a gorgeous cover. Then I started the story, and was immediately hooked by that as well!

The main character in the story, Katherine, was super easy to like. She spent her whole life growing up in Virginia and was well able to take care of herself when she gained an inheritance and moved to England. You'd think one would have a hard time fitting in in this situation, but she did so perfectly. And when everything started going wrong, she kept her head the whole time, even when people tried to prove that she was crazy. I really enjoyed Katherine as a character!

The storyline for the book was very mysterious, and at times, a little creepy, which I absolutely loved. I loved the time period for the story as well, as it just made the storyline so much more interesting, and of course, made the mystery factor even more mysterious. I also liked that this book was a really quick read, coming in at just 245 pages, I had the book read in no time!

Overall; The Gilded Cage is the first book I've read by Lucinda Gray, but it definitely won't be the last! This story had me hooked, I enjoyed so much about it, and I'm really looking forward to reading more by Gray in the future!

Review: The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson

The Beauty of Darkness
(The Remnant Chronicles #3)
by Mary E. Pearson
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Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pages: 679
ISBN: 9780805099256
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda and the path before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed.

Bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance and action make this a riveting page turner for teens. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The Beauty of Darkness is the third and final book in the Remnant Chronicles series by Mary E. Pearson, and it's also one of my most anticipated reads for 2016. Let me tell you, I was totally not sure what to expect from this book, but, I absolutely loved everything about it. This book is gorgeous and massive and totally worth the wait. I loved all 679 pages of it.

When we first met Lia in The Kiss of Deception, I knew she would be an all-time favorite of mine. She's always been such a strong character. She has proven time and time again throughout this series that she is a smart, capable young woman, and an excellent leader. She fights for what she thinks is right, and is willing to do it all on her own if she needs to. Luckily she had great friends at her back, all of who were supportive and love her just as much as I do.

And there are SO many great secondary characters in this story as well, and I love that we get to see some of the story from their eyes as well as Lia's. Pauline, Gwenyth and Berdi are such great friends to Lia, and are right there when she needs them. The men in the story are great as well, always backing Lia and the decisions she made. I've been team Rafe from the beginning, because I just love everything about him, but, like Lia, I also have a place in my heart for Kaden. These men, I love them. I could go on and on about the rest of the characters, but I'll stop here. Read the books and meet them for yourself!

After the MASSIVE cliffhanger ending in The Heart of Betrayal, I had no idea what was going to happen in this final book, but the adventure Pearson takes us on is a wild, satisfying ride. The details in this book were amazing, and the storyline was completely addictive. The ending of the book had me sighing, which a huge smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes. It was perfection. I really couldn't have asked for a better ending. I really, really hate to see this series end, you guys. I love these books so much, these words aren't doing a great job of describing my adoration at all.

Overall; The Beauty of Darkness is an excellent conclusion to a wonderful series! If love you a good fantasy, and have not yet check out the Remnant Chronicles series, I highly recommend that you do so. This is by far one of my most favorite trilogies ever, and while I'm SO sad that the series has come to an end, I can't wait to read the books over and over again in the future. Check them out!!