My Thoughts: Sherwood by Meagan Spooner

Sherwood
by Meagan Spooner
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: March 19th 2019
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 467
ISBN: 9780062422316
Genre: Young Adult | Retelling | Historical Fiction
Source: Edelweiss / Copy from Publisher

Add to Goodreads

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

Robin of Locksley is dead.

Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on, but the people of Locksley town, persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham, need a protector. And the dreadful Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff’s right hand, wishes to step into Robin’s shoes as Lord of Locksley and Marian’s fiancé.

Who is there to stop them?

Marian never meant to tread in Robin’s footsteps—never intended to stand as a beacon of hope to those awaiting his triumphant return. But with a sweep of his green cloak and the flash of her sword, Marian makes the choice to become her own hero: Robin Hood. (Goodreads)

I was super excited when a copy of Sherwood by Meagan Spooner arrived on my doorstep a few weeks back, and I absolutely couldn’t wait to devour this book! I am a big fan of Meagan’s writing, and I really enjoyed the last book I read by her, Hunted, which was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I couldn’t wait to get started on Sherwood to see what Meagan had in store for us in this new book!

I am a pretty huge fan of fairytale retellings, as I love when an author takes an old story, puts their own twist on it, and makes it something completely new. I always find these stories familiar, yet unique, and I am always looking for new ones to read. Sherwood is a retelling of Robin Hood, and a really enjoyed Meagan’s version of this classic story. Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, I know I read the children’s version of the story a million times growing up, and I appreciated the familiarity in this book. That being said, I really loved the twist in the story as well!

First off, the main character, Maid Marian, is the hero in the story, and I really love the it’s a girl that saves the day. Though I can’t even imagine living in this time period, and trying to do the things that she did throughout the story. (This time period was not kind to women.) But good for Marian for taking charge! I love that! (I’m not going to say much more on that, so read the book if you want to know more!) Just rest assured, she is awesome. Also, there are also a lot of other familiar characters in the book that you’ll remember from the original story as well!

I have to say that the storyline for the book kind of caught me by surprise! Obviously I knew it was a retelling, but it went in a completely different direction from what I was expecting. The first chapter was a bit of a shocker, and was not at all what I expected. While I enjoyed reading this book, I did have a few small issues with it, two being that it was a bit slow at times, and it seemed to end a bit abruptly as well. I also didn’t really buy the relationship between Marian and Guy, despite how hard I tried to like it. Otherwise, this was a really interesting read.

Overall; If you’re a fan of retellings, especially those of Robin Hood, you should definitely add Sherwood to your TBR! I’m really glad to have read the book, and it’s a welcome addition to my shelf along with Hunted, which is also by Meagan Spooner! Check them out, and I hope you love them!

My Thoughts: Hunted by Meagan Spooner (Audiobook)

Hunted
by Meagan Spooner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: March 14th 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 374
ISBN: 9780062422286
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: Library Audiobook

Add to Goodreads

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

Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them.

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast? (Goodreads)

I’ve had Hunted by Meagan Spooner sitting on my TBR for way too long, but this Beauty and the Beast retelling seemed to be calling my name lately. And seeing how I’m in the process of trying to catch up on all the things I’m behind on, I decided to bump it up on my TBR. I am so glad I did. I love a good retelling, and I happen to have a thing for anything Beauty and the Beast as well. This book was not at all what I expected, but it was a really enjoyable read!

As I mentioned above, I have a strong weakness for all things Beauty and the Beast, and since I’m already a big fan of Meagan’s writing, I knew I was going to like this book. And what’s not to like about it? The characters were awesome; I especially loved the main character, Yeva, (Beauty), who is fierce and brave, and held her own in just about any situation she was thrown into. These are my most favorite types of characters, and I’m thrilled that I’m starting to see them more often in books. There were some interesting secondary characters in the story as well, including the Beast, who is mysterious and very dark and dangerous. He’s definitely one of those characters that grows on you over time.

The storyline for the book was also really enjoyable as well! It was a completely different take on the story than I am used to, but it was also familiar in some ways as well, and I liked that. Who doesn’t love a fun spin on their favorite story? I listened to this book in audio format, and I enjoyed it so much, I basically listened to the whole audiobook in one day. I imagine it would be a quick read if I were to actually read the book, which I may have to do again in the future!

Overall; Hunted by Meagan Spooner was such a great read! If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, or just retellings in general, definitely add this book to your TBR! And if you decide to read it, I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. *smile*

My Thoughts: Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Unearthed
(Unearthed #1)
by Amie Kaufman
Website | Twitter | Facebook
& Meagan Spooner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: January 9th 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9781484758052
Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction
Source: Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

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

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is definitely one of my most anticipated reads for 2018, and I absolutely couldn't wait to get started on the book. I have read two books from the Starbound series by these authors in the past, as well as Amie's Illuminae series (co-written with Jay Kristoff), and I enjoyed all of these books immensely, so I knew I would enjoy this book as well. And I did!

The story is told from alternate viewpoints between Mia, a scavenger who has traveled to an alien planet to look for loot to sale, and Jules, a scholar who wants to study the alien culture before scavengers like Mia destroy it all. Mia is a survivor; she does what she has to do it make it through the day to day, and wants nothing more than to take care of her sister, the only family she has. Jules is the brains, wanting to know more and more about the ancient world that could eventually save the dying Earth. When these two form an unlikely alliance, they are pretty much unstoppable.

I've never really been much of a sci-fi fan, at least not until recently, but the more I read the genre, the more I enjoy it. (At least books like these, anyway.) I love the whole alien planet, and being in outer space. This book has all that, and also has a bit of an Indiana Jones feel through the first half of the book, which was interesting, but also a bit slower-paced than the second half of the book. That's where the action really kicked in. But that ending... that ending is what really got me. (Seriously?! How could the book possibly end that way??) Gah. What a great way to ensure I'll be over here pining away for the rest of the year waiting on the next book to be released! *grin*

Overall; If you can't tell by all the gushing I did above, I really enjoyed Unearthed! Especially the last half of it, and after that ending, I will definitely anticipating the release of the second book. Lucky for me I still have the Illuminae and Starbound series to read this year, both series I am starting over so I can read them from start to end, so I'll at least have something to keep me busy while I wait! If you're a fan of either of these series, or just a fan of sci-fi in general, do check out Unearthed when you can!

Waiting on Wednesday #293 - Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Unearthed
(Unearthed #1)
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Website|Twitter|Facebook • Website|Twitter|Facebook

Publication Date: January 9th 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 978148475805

Add to Goodreads

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

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race... (Goodreads)

Are you as excited as I am by the fact that Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have a new book coming out? I am seriously SO EXCITED for this book! Luckily for me, I managed to snag a copy from Netgalley, and I can't wait to get started on it. Read that summary, does it sound awesome, or what?! I really enjoyed the Starbound series which is also by these two authors, so I know I'm going to live Unearthed as well. :) Check it out if you're interested!

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

Waiting on Wednesday #209 - Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Their Fractured Light
(Starbound #3)
by Amie Kaufman • Website | Twitter | Facebook
& Meagan Spooner • Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: December 1st 2015
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423171041



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

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide. (Goodreads)

I read, and COMPLETELY LOVED both These Broken Stars and This Shattered World.
Seriously, I devoured these books. They are amazing!
I can't wait to get back into the story and to reconnect with Flynn, Jubilee, Tarver and Lila,
AND meet the two new characters in the story, Gideon and Sofia as well!!
If this book is anything like the first two, it's going to be AWESOME!!
And I absolutely can't wait. :)
Also, the covers for these books just get more and more stunning!!

What book are you excited for this week?
Leave a link in the comments so I can check out your pick!!

Happy Reading, Bookworms!!

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

Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

This Shattered World
(Starbound #2)
by Amie Kaufman    (Website | Twitter | Facebook)
& Meagan Spooner  (Website | Twitter | Facebook)

Publication Date: December 23rd 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 390
ISBN: 9781423171034
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi
Source: Netgalley

Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war. (Goodreads)

I was super excited to read This Shattered World, especially after having read and loved These Broken Stars last year. I couldn’t wait to see what adventure Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner were going to take us on next, and now having read the book, I definitely was not disappointed.

Our two main characters in the story are Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac, two people that never should have met, as one is a military captain and the other is a Rebellion leader. They have nothing in common, except both living on the terraformed planet, Avon. But once their paths cross, their futures are changed forever.

Jubilee and Flynn were both really great characters, and each for different and similar reasons.  Both were strong and determined and held fast to their beliefs, even when they worried if they were doing the right thing or not. And when they worked together, they make a really great team. One thing that I really loved about the romance between the two was that while it was super intense at times, there was no insta-love between the two. Most of the time the characters were super unsure of each other, but given the situation that they were forced into, a strong bond was formed between the two that wasn’t built on lust, but on learning  to trust. It was a refreshing change to those books where the characters instantly fall in love.

The world-building for the book was really creative, and still really different than that in the previous book. I can’t imagine even living on this planet where this story takes place, and not just because of the almost uninhabitable environment of the planet, but the constant worry about the Fury taking over someone and making them go completely insane. Also there is the storyline for the book, while different, still managed to flow alongside the storyline in the previous book. We even get to see some characters from the previous book, which I absolutely loved that they were included in the novel.

Overall; If you loved These Broken Stars, you’re definitely going to enjoy This Shattered World. This was a really great sequel, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book in this Starbound series once it is released. If you haven’t yet checked out this series, I highly recommend that you do so!

Waiting On Wednesday #147 - This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

This Shattered World
(Starbound #2)
by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Website | Twitter  *  Website | Twitter

Publication Date: December 23rd 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423171034



Available for Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The second installment in our epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

The stunning second novel in the Starbound trilogy is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war. (Goodreads)

First off -- If you haven't read These Broken Stars,
I definitely recommend that you do so.
As soon as possible.
Seriously, the book was fantastic.

I'm ECSTATIC to see the cover for This Shattered World!!
The synopsis for the book sounds amazing.
I can't wait to get back into this world.
HURRY DECEMBER!!

What are you WAITING for this week??

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