My Thoughts: Legend by Marie Lu (Series Review)

Legend
by Marie Lu
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Publisher: Speak
Genre: YA | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Dystopia

Legend (Legend #1)
November 29th 2011 • 305 Pages
ISBN: 9780141339603

Prodigy (Legend #2)
January 29th 2013 • 371 Pages
ISBN: 9780399256769

Champion (Legend #3)
November 5th 2013 • 369 Pages
ISBN: 9780399256776

In a violent, futuristic, half-flooded Los Angeles governed by martial law, fifteen year old Day lives on the streets as the country's most wanted criminal. When a murder forces him to cross paths with June--a wealthy, brilliant fifteen year old girl loyal to the state--the two are thrown into direct opposition and combat. But are they truly meant to be enemies? Or is there more to their society than meets the eye? (Marie Lu)

I was more than a little late to jump on the bandwagon for Marie Lu’s Legend series, but the series had been sitting on my bookshelf for THE LONGEST, and I was determined to finally read it, (as well as the Warcross series), this year. Now that I’ve finished the series, I’m totally kicking myself for not having read it sooner!! Here are my thoughts on the books!

(I thought about reviewing each book individually, but decided instead to try something new, and review the WHOLE series together. This is my first time doing this for a book series, if I remember correctly, so bear with me during this new process!!)

I went into Legend not really knowing what to expect, because even though the series is super popular, I never really looked up to see what it was about. I’m actually glad that I did this, because I went into the first book completely clueless to the storyline, and I just settled in for the ride.

So, what did I like about the series?? First, the storyline. I really enjoyed the fantasy and dystopian storyline. It has been a while since I last read a good dystopian, and even though I have read a LOT of them, I’m always curious to start a new one. Sometimes the story can seem so familiar, that I instantly lose interest, but that didn’t happen at all with the Legend series. The storyline was completely fascinating, and I was completely hooked.

Another thing I really liked about the series were the characters. June and Day come from completely different worlds, yet whose paths cross in the most unexpected way, and they end up having to work together, even though it’s the last thing either of them want. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over the course of the series, and I LOVED their ending when I read the very last chapter of Champion. There are some pretty great secondary characters in the story as well, one of my most favorites being Eden, Day’s brother.

I also want to add that I even though I own all of the books for this series, I opted to listen to it in audio format, and I’m so glad that I did. All of the audiobooks for this series are narrated by Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan, and they both did such a fantastic job with the voices and narration.

Overall; The Legend series by Marie Lu was on my list of book series to *finally* read this year, and I’m so thrilled that I have finally read it! I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters, and it was a great series all-around. I’m super curious for more info on the newly announced 4th book in the series, which is set to release sometime in 2019! While I wait for more news on that book, I will be working my way through Marie’s The Young Elites series, and then I will be officially caught up on her books!! If you’re a fan of good dystopian, sci-fi stories, do check out the Legend series!!

Waiting on Wednesday #292 - Still Me by Jojo Moyes

Still Me
(Me Before You #3)
by Jojo Moyes
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Publication Date: January 23rd 2018
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
ISBN: 9780399562457

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From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets--not all her own--that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places? (Goodreads)

Did you know that there's going to be a third book in the Me Before You series?
There is!
I am SO super excited to read Still Me, as I loved both Me Before You and After You.
I'm planning to re-read both books this Fall before this new one is released in January,
and I can't wait to get back into the story!

**"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 #291 - Artemis by Andy Weir

Artemis
by Andy Weir
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Publication Date: November 14th 2017
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780553448122

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Available for Pre-Order:
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Jazz Bashara is a criminal.

Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent.

Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first. (Goodreads)

I have been waiting to read this book for what seems like forever,

and now I have an eArc of it, AND I'M SO EXCITED!!
I loved The Martian so much, and I'm super excited for this new book,

which is set on the MOON! Yeah!

My Thoughts: Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

Jane, Unlimited
by Kristin Cashore
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Publication Date: September 19th 2017
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Pages: 464
ISBN: 9780803741492
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy/Own

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Jane has lived an ordinary life, raised by her aunt Magnolia—an adjunct professor and deep sea photographer. Jane counted on Magnolia to make the world feel expansive and to turn life into an adventure. But Aunt Magnolia was lost a few months ago in Antarctica on one of her expeditions.

Now, with no direction, a year out of high school, and obsessed with making umbrellas that look like her own dreams (but mostly just mourning her aunt), she is easily swept away by Kiran Thrash—a glamorous, capricious acquaintance who shows up and asks Jane to accompany her to a gala at her family's island mansion called Tu Reviens.

Jane remembers her aunt telling her: "If anyone ever invites to you to Tu Reviens, promise me that you'll go." With nothing but a trunkful of umbrella parts to her name, Jane ventures out to the Thrash estate. Then her story takes a turn, or rather, five turns. What Jane doesn't know is that Tu Reviens will offer her choices that can ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But at Tu Reviens, every choice comes with a reward, or a price. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Jane, Unlimited is much anticipated, long awaited new release by Kristin Cashore, and boy was it worth the wait! I read Kristin's first book, Graceling, in the Graceling Realms series many, many years ago, and really enjoyed the book. I haven't had a chance to finish that series, (even though I own all the books), but I was super excited to read something new by her. Jane, Unlimited was definitely an interesting read!

This book was full of so many interesting and mysterious characters, including the main character, Jane, who seems to be the most ordinary person in the bunch. It was interesting to follow Jane through the story, and I seriously love her obsession with umbrella making. I like that the secondary characters were peculiar and mysterious, and that I never knew what to expect next from them. 

The storyline for the book was a little interesting. I didn't really catch on to the format of the book at first, and when I started a new 'section' of the book, I wondered why it seemed to be the same story, just told differently. (I'm not sure if I'm explaining this very well.) Basically this book is like a 'choose your own ending' book. We get the first half of the story in the beginning, then throughout the book, we get 'alternate' endings, and you can basically choose which you like the best. I don't think I've ever read a book like that before, and it was definitely interesting. Reminded me a bit of the movie Clue!

Overall; Jane, Unlimited was an interesting and unique read by the super talented Kristin Cashore! It was well worth the wait, and having read the book, I now want to make the time to finally finish Kristin's Graceling Realms series, which I'm hoping that I can get to soon!

Waiting on Wednesday #281 - Warcross by Marie Lu

Warcross
(Warcross #1)
by Marie Lu
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Publication Date: September 12th 2017
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780399547966


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

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu—when a game called Warcross takes the world by storm, one girl hacks her way into its dangerous depths.

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

In this sci-fi thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu conjures an immersive, exhilarating world where choosing who to trust may be the biggest gamble of all. (Goodreads)

Does this book sound completely fascinating, or what??

Emika sounds really awesome, and I can't wait to 'meet' her!
I've only read one book by Marie Lu before, but I have ALL of her books on my TBR.
I'm super excited to get started on Warcross!!

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

Top Five Reasons Why I'm Excited for Traitor of the Throne! (& Rebel of the Sands Giveaway!!)

Hey Bookworms!!

Today I'm sharing my *Top Five Reasons why I'm SUPER Excited for Traitor of the Throne* by Alwyn Hamilton, and sharing a giveaway so YOU can win your own copy of Rebel of the Sands!

I've just recently finished my reread of Rebel of the Sands, which I started in anticipation of the Traitor of the Throne release in March. I was super excited to have the opportunity to reread Rebel of the Sands, as really wanted to have the story fresh in my mind before I started Traitor of the Throne. This reread, of course, just made me even more excited to start Traitor, and I can't wait to dive into the story!!

Check out my Top Five reasons why I'm excited for
Traitor of the Throne:

1. Amani Al'Hiza.

Amani is the main character in this series, and she alone is reason enough to be excited for Traitor of the Throne. This girl is AMAZING. She's strong and courageous, and proves over and over again throughout Rebel of the Sands that she can take care of herself. I love Amani, and I absolutely can't wait to see what she's up to next in Traitor of the Throne.


2. The Secondary Characters.


I had to put Amani in her own category because she's just so awesome, but I also have to mention the secondary characters that are in the story! There are SO many well written characters in this book, and I can't wait to see what all they're up to, and to meet all the new characters that I'm sure will be in Traitor to the Throne as well!


3. The Story.

I can't seem to get enough of the world that Alywn created in Rebel of the Sands. The descriptions of the setting are perfection, and the story is one that will keep you completely captivated as you turn the pages. It's full of action and suspense, magic and mystical creations, and, most importantly, djinni! I can't wait to completely immerse myself in this world again with Traitor of the Throne!


4. The Cover.

I'm not really a fan of cover changes mid series, and while I still love the old covers a lot, I actually really love the new covers for Rebel and Traitor as well! Amani looks amazing and fierce on these covers, and I definitely love that.



5. That Ending.

If you've read Rebel of the Sands, you'll know that it ends in a way that will leave you pining away for the next book in the series. I am absolutely dying to know what is going to happen next for Amani and her friends in Traitor of the Throne! Not too much longer until we find out!

There  you have it, just a few reasons why I'm excited for Traitor of the Throne.
So tell me, are you excited as well???

If you've not yet read this series, you totally should!
Keep reading to learn more about Rebel of the Sands,
and it's lovely author, Alwyn Hamilton.
And don't forget to enter to win your own copy as well!!

_____________________________________________


The Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of ten (10) paperback copies of Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (ARV: $10.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on February 13, 2017 and 12:00 AM on March 6, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about March 8, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

_____________________________________________

REBEL OF THE SANDS Summary:

She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands. Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from. Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him... or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

_____________________________________________

Author Bio:

Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and spent her childhood bouncing between Europe and Canada until her parents settled in France. She grew up in a small town there, which might have compelled her to burst randomly into the opening song from Beauty and the Beast were it not for her total tone-deafness. She instead attempted to read and write her way to new places and developed a weakness for fantasy and cross-dressing heroines. She left France for Cambridge University to study History of Art at King’s College, and then to London where she became indentured to an auction house. She has a bad habit of acquiring more hardcovers than is smart for someone who moves house quite so often. Follow her at @AlwynFJH.

Waiting on Wednesday #262 - Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story
by Melissa de la Cruz
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Publication Date: April 11th 2017
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781524739621


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

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Witches of East End and The Descendants comes the love story of young Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler.

1777. Albany, New York.

As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.

Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.

In the pages of Alex and Eliza, #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz brings to life the romance of young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. (Goodreads)

I know I'm not the only Hamilton fan that is SO EXCITED for this book!
I've been waiting for Hamilton inspired books to come out,
and we're finally going to get one.
I already have my copy pre-ordered, and now I just need it to be April 2017 already!!

**"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 #255 - Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

Once and For All
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: June 6th 2017
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780425290330


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

As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine.

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants.

Sarah Dessen's many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself." (Goodreads)

A new book from Sarah Dessen!!
Can we all give a huge squeal of delight??
Sarah is an auto-buy author for me,
so I had the book pre-ordered before I even read the description.
*wink*
This book sounds great, as all of her books do.
I can't wait to add it to my collection!!

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

Review: The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

The Rose and the Dagger
(The Wrath and the Dawn #2)
by Renee Ahdieh
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Publication Date: April 26th 2016
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9780399171628
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: For Review | Own

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The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."
I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.
In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I started reading The Rose and the Dagger just moments after finishing The Wrath and the Dawn. I enjoyed the previous book so much, I was super curious to see how The Rose and the Dagger would compare. Once I started reading this book, I was completely captivated, and, if possible, I think I love it even more than the first book!

Shahrzad is quickly becoming one of my most favorite heroines. I love that she's so determined and willing to do whatever she needs to do to save the ones that she loves, even when putting herself in danger to accomplish it. Her relationship with Khalid is perfection, and I loved all the swoon-worthy moments between the two. They are definitely one of my favorites couples of all time.

There are so many secondary characters in this series that I love, a few that we met in the first book, and some we meet for the first time in the sequel. They are all so well written, you can't help but love them, except for the ones that you'll love to hate, and there are more than a few of them as the story goes along.

The storyline for the book picks up right where the previous book leaves off. I dove right into the pages, dying to know what was going to happen next, especially after that ending in The Wrath and the Dawn. I do believe this book was an even wilder ride than the first book, as it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There are quite a few twists and turns throughout the story as well, and I love that it kept me guessing. And, the book seriously has the most perfect ending. Everything came together wonderfully, and I was left completely satisfied after I closed the last page. I love it when that happens.

Overall; I adored this series so very much, and implore you to check them both The Wrath and the Dawn and The Rose and the Dagger! This series was full of adventure and romance, and it will keep you completely captivated as you turn the pages. I know it did for me, and Renee Ahdieh is definitely now on my list of authors to watch to keep an eye out for. I can't wait to read more by her in the future!!

Review: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

The Wrath and the Dawn
(The Wrath and the Dawn #1)
by Renee Ahdieh
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Publication Date: May 12th 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Pages: 395
ISBN: 9780399171611
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: Own

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One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I purchased The Wrath and the Dawn after it had been out for a while, and then it sat on my shelf for an even longer while before I finally picked it up to read. I've only read one other book that was a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, so I was curious to see how this book would compare. I definitely was not disappointed, and I'm now kicking myself for not having read the book sooner!

I was completely captivated by the main character in the book, Shahrzad. She was such a great character, so strong-willed and full of determination throughout the story, this is a girl who sets her mind to something and goes after it. She also has an amazing gift of storytelling, and I was completely fascinated by all the tales she told. I'm so curious to see more of her as her story goes along.

There are so many secondary characters in the novel that I have grown to love as well, and some that I've grown to hate, and they are all so well written. I could go on and on about them all, especially one guy that has nearly stolen my heart, but I'd rather you read the book and meet them yourself! (And come back to tell me what you think when you do!)

The storyline in the book is completely engrossing. I have not read the original tale of A Thousand and One Nights, but these retellings of the tale definitely make me want to check it out. I love the setting and the descriptions of everything from the food and clothing and more. Also, there's romance in the book, and it was SO well written. Not too much, but just enough to make you swoon. *Wink*.

Overall; I really, really enjoyed The Wrath and the Dawn, and I'm starting the sequel, The Rose and the Dagger, right away, as I must know what's going to happen next, and how it will all end for Shahrzad. Definitely pick up this book if you're a fan of A Thousand and One Nights retellings, as I know you will enjoy the book as well.

Review: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

The Glittering Court
(The Glittering Court #1)
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: April 5th 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781595148414
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: First To Read

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The Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling author Richelle Mead.

"Brilliant and original, Mead’s new series starts off with a bang and will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end."
—School Library Journal

For a select group of girls, the Glittering Court offers a shot at a life they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. To high-born Adelaide, whose wealthy family is forcing her into a loveless marriage, the Glittering Court represents something else: the chance to chart her own destiny, and adventure in an unspoiled, prosperous new land across the sea.

After a chance meeting with the dazzling Cedric Thorn, Adelaide poses as a servant to join the crop of impoverished girls he promises to transform into proper ladies. But her familiarity with upper class life comes with a price: she must hide her identity from her new friends, mysterious refugee Mira and fiery former laundress Tamsin, and most importantly, from Cedric himself—even though she’s falling in love with him.

Everything begins to crumble when Cedric discovers Adelaide’s ruse, and she catches the eye of a powerful young governor, who wants her for a wife. She didn’t leave the gilded cage of her old life behind just to become someone else's property. But nothing is as daunting—or as wonderful—as the potent, forbidden attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. One that, if acted on, would make them both outcasts in a wild, dangerous, uncharted world, and possibly lead them to their deaths. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I've been a fan of Richelle Mead's writing for a really long time. She's one of the first authors I picked up when I first started reading the young adult genre, and I am always excited to read something new by her. I especially knew I'd have to read The Glittering Court as soon as possible, because it sounded super exciting and creative. And it totally was!

Adelaide was an interesting main character. She wasn't happy with her current situation, and when the opportunity arose to change it, she took the chance even when she had no idea what she was getting herself into. I enjoyed reading about her time with The Glittering Court, as it was not only fascinating to see what she had to go through, but I also loved watching the friendship grow between Adelaide and her two new friends, Mira and Tamsin. These two girls were really great secondary characters, and I'm hoping to learn more about their stories as the series continues. Also, there is Cedric Thorn, who was charming and completely adorable, and totally swoon-worthy.

The storyline for the book was really creative, described as The Selection meets Reign, both of which I've read/watched, and enjoyed, so I was instantly interested. Reading the book kind of felt like reading two different books, as the first half was completely different than the second half of the book. But it was all still very interesting, and I flew through the second half of the book much faster than the first half. The book closed in a way that left me both satisfied, but curious enough to keep reading if there are more books in the future. I'm assuming that there will be, and I'm super curious to know what will happen next for these three great friends.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading The Glittering Court. The characters and storyline were both very interesting, and the book cover is just stunning. I can't wait to add this book to my collection, and to continue the series as it goes along!!

Review & Giveaway: Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke

Wink Poppy Midnight
by April Genevieve Tucholke
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Publication Date: March 22nd 2016
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780803740488
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Mystery
Source: For Review

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Available for Purchase:
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Every story needs a hero.
Every story needs a villain.
Every story needs a secret.

Wink is the odd, mysterious neighbor girl, wild red hair and freckles. Poppy is the blond bully and the beautiful, manipulative high school queen bee. Midnight is the sweet, uncertain boy caught between them. Wink. Poppy. Midnight. Two girls. One boy. Three voices that burst onto the page in short, sharp, bewitching chapters, and spiral swiftly and inexorably toward something terrible or tricky or tremendous.

What really happened?
Someone knows.
Someone is lying. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Wink Poppy Midnight is the first book I've read by April Genevieve Tucholke, although I've had her Between series on my to-be-read list for quite a while now. I was excited to finally read something by her, especially when it was recommended for fans of such novels as We Were Liars, The Raven Boys and The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

The story is told from three different characters points of view; Wink, Poppy and Midnight.  Each of these characters are interesting, and all for different reasons. Wink is the outcast, the freckled girl with the wild red hair, who lives on a farm with her huge family and who never lets it get to her when people try to bully her. Poppy is the popular girl, the girl who gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants, no matter what she has to do to get it. She's the bully of the story. And Midnight is the sweet boy who finds himself totally drawn to both Wink and Poppy for completely different reasons.

The storyline for the book was quite interesting, and the writing was beautiful, and strange, and even lyrical at times. The story was very much addictive, as well as a very quick read; I flew through the pages. I love that it was super mysterious, and kept me guessing throughout. I had no idea if what I thought to be true was really true. The ending really caught me by surprise, as it was not what I expected at all! I love a book that can keep me guessing.

Overall; Wink Poppy Midnight was my first read by April Genevieve Tucholke, but it definitely won't be my last! Having enjoy this book so much, I'm really looking forward to reading some of her previous work now, and Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is the first on my list to read, hopefully soon!

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The Giveaway

Hero, Villain, Liar

Let's say you're writing a story of your own.
Who would be your hero? Your villain? Your liar??
Choose a character from your most favorite book, tv show or movie as your choice,
and leave a comment with your picks below!!

My hero would be Princess Lia from The Remnant Chronicles series,
because she's strong and awesome in so many ways.



My villain would be President Snow from The Hunger Games.
Because he's about as evil as they come.



My liar would totally be Evan Walker from The 5th Wave.
Because, well, he's just the cutest little liar ever. ;)



Now, enter below to win a copy of Wink Poppy Midnight & more for yourself!
Don't forget to leave a comment with your choices as well.
I'm dying to know who you'd pick!!

Giveaway Details:

US Only
March 1 – March 26
3 winners will receive a finished copy of WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT,
SLASHER GIRLS & MONSTER BOYS,
and a mystery ARC from our Summer 2016 list!!


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Review: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands
(Rebel of the Sands #1)
by Alwyn Hamilton
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: March 8th 2016
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780451477538
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: FirstToRead

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She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him...or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Rebel of the Sands is one of those books that you think you will want to read, so you add it to your already too long to-be-read list, and think that you may get to it one day, eventually. Then you start seeing reviews and tweets for how awesome the book is, and you just know that you MUST READ IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Don't be the person who wants to wait to read this book. Be the person that MUST read it as soon as possibly can!! I'm so glad I did.

There were seriously so many great characters in this book. There are some that you are going to absolutely love, including the main character, Amani, who is a badass sharpshooter who can nail any target with a pistol, and take care of herself when she needs to. And there's Jin, who single handedly changes Amani's world forever almost as soon as they meet, as well as his crew of friends who are awesome. I could go on and on about all the characters I love in this book, but I'd rather you read it and meet them yourself.

And with the good, comes the bad. There are more than a few characters that you're going to really dislike as the story goes along, and unfortunately, a lot of them are related to poor Amani. What a tough life this girl has had, I found myself relating to her in so many ways throughout the story. I felt so bad for all that she had been through, but I loved watching her grow SO much as a character as the story went along.

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started reading Rebel of the Sands. The reviews that I read were pretty vague, and that's what I'm going to do with this review. I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I'm going to keep it simple.  What I got from this novel was a completely addictive and entertaining story that had me flying through the pages. Not only were the characters awesome, but the storyline was completely captivating, and I was hooked from the very first page.

Overall; I enjoyed Rebel of the Sands so very much. Not only was the book entertaining and captivating, it was also a really quick read. I do hope that you will check it out yourself and that you enjoy it just as much as I did. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, and I hope we don't have to wait too long to get it!

Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

The Forbidden Wish
by Jessica Khoury
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: February 23rd 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781595147677
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: First To Read

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She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world...

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
When I discovered that The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury was an Aladdin retelling, I KNEW I would have to read the book. This is actually the first Aladdin retelling that I've read so far, and I enjoyed it so much! While I've never actually read the real story of the Arabian Nights, I grew up watching the Disney version of Aladdin, and because of that, there was so much in this book that felt familiar as I turned the pages. (Yes, I know the Disney version probably doesn't even compare to the original folk lore, but it's all I can compare to at the moment.) Either way, I really, really enjoyed this story!!

The Forbidden Wish is told through the eyes of Zahra, the most powerful Jinni, who has been trapped in her lamp for hundreds of years. When she's finally found by Aladdin, he releases her into a world where Jinni's and magic are forbidden, and she's forced to hid what she really is. And when the King of the Jinn offers her a chance at freedom, she must decided if it's worth betraying the boy she's falling in love with.

Ok, having the genie be a girl was awesome. I loved the gender reversal so much more than I expected to. Zahra was so many kinds of awesome, and, pardon my French, she was a bit of a bad-a**.  Yes, she was an all powerful Jinni, who could take a normal wish and twist into something sinister if she wanted to, but she also had a kindness to her that I totally loved. She was strong willed and caring, and wanted nothing more than her freedom. And Aladdin, of course, who was completely forbidden to her. I really loved everything about Zahra.

Aladdin was so much like the character in the Disney movie, the sly thief who is always looking for trouble, but who also has a huge, caring heart. He had the ability to fit into any situation that he was throw into, and the people loved him even when they didn't want to. I loved the budding romance between him and Zahra, as they made such a good pair.

I also loved the setting for the book. It was so well described, I actually felt like I was in the desert along with Zahra and Aladdin. The storyline was very much addictive, and when I was not flying through the pages of this book, I was thinking about it, wondering what was going to happen next. I was completely engrossed, and I loved every minute of it.

Overall; I really don't think I've been this excited after reading a retelling in a really long time. I enjoyed SO many things about The Forbidden Wish, from the characters and setting, to the familiarity of the story. I loved it all. I will definitely be adding a copy of this book to my shelves, and I really look forward to reading more by Khoury in the future!!

Life Lessons from Gayle Forman & Giveaway!!

Hey, Bookworms!!

Today I'm joining the lovely folks at PenguinTeen to celebrate

the paperback release of I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman!!

For the release, we are sharing our favorite inspirational quotes

and life lessons that we've learned from the awesome Gayle Forman!!


If I Stay is my most favorite book of Gayle's at the moment,
and a few of my most favorite quotes from the book are:


"You can have your wishes, your plans,

but at the end of the day, it's out of your control."


And...

"Sometimes you can make choices in life
and sometimes choices make you."


Since becoming an adult and having kids, I've found both of these quotes to be SO true.
You can make all the plans in the world, but in the end, everything is out of your control.
You just have to go with the flow sometimes, and see what life brings you.
Sometimes it can be a completely wonderful thing and sometimes it can be the worst thing ever.
And most times in life, the choices make you.


Go HERE to see more favorite inspriational quotes from the lovelies at PenguinTeen!!


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Now for the Giveaway!!


5 winners will receive a complete set of Gayle Forman paperbacks!!

US only

Ends: 2/15/16

Titles included:
I Was Here

Just One Day, Just One Year, Just One Night box set

If I Stay, Where She Went box set


Good Luck!!

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