My Thoughts: The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead (Blog Tour!)

The Emerald Sea
(The Glittering Court #3)
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: June 26th 2018
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781595148452
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy

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The final installment in Richelle Mead’s sweeping, enthralling Glittering Court series answers the trilogy’s biggest question: what is the secret that drives Tamsin to win at all costs?

Tamsin Wright is unstoppable. She must become the Glittering Court’s diamond: the girl with the highest test scores, the most glamorous wardrobe, and the greatest opportunities to match with an elite suitor in the New World. Training alongside other girls in the Glittering Court, Tamsin immerses herself completely in lessons about etiquette, history, and music–everything a high-society wife would need to know. Once she’s married, she’ll be able to afford a better life for her family, so the sacrifice is worth it if she can be the best.

When her friendship with Mira and Adelaide, her roommates at the Glittering Court, threatens her status as the top-ranked prospect, she does the only thing she knows will keep her on track: she cuts them out of her life. But when her voyage across the sea goes off course, Tamsin must use her unrelenting grit and determination to survive the harsh winter far north of her intended destination in hopes of making it back to the Glittering Court in time to secure a proposal–and a comfortable future for her family.

Experiencing new cultures and beliefs for the first time, Tamsin realizes that her careful studies haven’t prepared her for everything, and with new alliances formed with roguish tradesman Jago Robinson and good-natured minister Gideon Stewart, Tamsin’s heart begins to be pulled in different directions. But she can’t let her brewing attraction get in the way of her ultimate goal: protecting the secret she holds closest to her heart, the one that would unravel everything she’s worked for if it’s uncovered. (Penguin Random House)

The Emerald Sea is the third and final book in The Glittering Court series by Richelle Mead, and I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely could not wait to get my hands on this book! I was so super curious to see how the story would end for the girls of the Glittering Court, and I'm beyond thrilled to have read this final book in the series!

As I mentioned above, The Emerald Sea is the third book in The Glittering Court series, and this book is all about Tamsin's story, and what happened to her after leaving the finishing school. All of the girls stories in this series have been interesting, but it was Tamsin's story that I was probably the MOST curious about. She was really so different from the other girls, she wanted to succeed so much more than the rest of them, and in this book we find out exactly why that is. Her back-story is a little heartbreaking, and you can't help but root for her as the story goes along. She definitely proves over and over that she's a leader, and that she's willing to do whatever she has to do to survive, and that makes me like her so much more. There were a lot of interesting secondary characters in this story as well, some that we haven't had the opportunity to meet in the previous books, and they were all really interesting! (And a few that were kind of scary, to be honest!)

The storyline follows along the same line as the previous books, as in the first half of the book all of the girls are still together at the finishing school, and then their journeys branch apart toward the middle of the book. After reading the previous books in the series, I absolutely couldn't wait to finally find out what happened to Tamsin on her journey to the new world, especially after what we thought happened to her in the previous books. (Sorry, that is a bit vague, I know, but I'm trying not to spoil anything!) I do think Tamsin has the most interesting journey of all three girls, by far, and that is definitely an understatement. What a wild ride she had!

Overall; The Emerald Sea was a really great conclusion to this Glittering Court series by Richelle Mead, and I'm beyond thrilled to have finally read the book! I really enjoy so much about these books, from the interesting characters, to the fascinating storylines, and I kind of hate to see the series come to an end. Luckily for me I still have the Bloodlines series by Mead that I need to finish, and finishing this series has totally made me want to start on that one soon. :) If you've not yet read The Glittering Court series, do consider checking it out!

The Glittering Court   |   Midnight Jewel   |   The Emerald Sea

Richelle Mead is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series, its bestselling spin-off series, Bloodlines, the fantasy standalone Soundless, and the Glittering Court series. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her next novel. Visit RichelleMead.com to find out more.

Waiting on Wednesday #315 - My Plain Jane & The Emerald Sea

My Plain Jane
(The Lady Janies #2)
by Cynthia Hand
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Jodi Meadows
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Brodi Ashton
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Publication Date: June 26th 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062652775

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You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights. (Goodreads)

Is anyone else super excited for My Plain Jane to release??
I've had an e-arc of it for a little bit now, and I'm dying to start it.
Of course, I really want to read My Lady Jane first,
and I have it on my TBR for next month.
I can't wait to read both of these!

The Emerald Sea
(The Glittering Court #3)
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: June 26th 2018
Publisher: Razorbill
ISBN: 9780698406018

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The dazzling conclusion to #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead's The Glittering Court series.

Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court's hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course. (Goodreads)

Ah, The Emerald Sea! Another book I can't wait to read!
This book is Tamsin's story, and I have been SO curious to read it!
I can't wait to finally do so soon!

Those are my WOW picks for this week,
What books made your pick today??

**"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: Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead

Midnight Jewel
(The Glittering Court #2)
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: June 27th 2017
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781595148438
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Historical
Source: Review Copy / Own

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In MIDNIGHT JEWEL, Richelle Mead goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the Glittering Court, delving into the dark, political underbelly of Cape Triumph through the eyes of one girl who dares to fight for her freedom.

A refugee of war, Mira was cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where the conditions were inhospitable at best. In a life-altering twist of fate, she is given the chance to escape once more, and she takes it, joining the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. There, Mira finds herself subjected to persecution, not only from her fellow Glittering Court jewels, but from her suitors, as well—men she would potentially be expected to give her life to.

By day, she goes through the motions, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity, even making a couple true friends in the process, the forthright ladies’ maid Adelaide and the ambitious laundress Tamsin. But by night, Mira hatches a different plan entirely—one that, if exposed, could get her hanged in the highest court of Adoria.

MIDNIGHT JEWEL is the extraordinary story of a girl with few options who courageously forges a new path, finding love, passion, lifelong friendships, and maybe even a way to freedom. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I was really, really excited to finally read Midnight Jewel, as I read The Glittering Court last year, and was completely fascinated by the story. I had hoped to reread The Glittering Court again before starting Midnight Jewel, but unfortunately didn’t have time, but once I started on this story, most of the details from the book came flooding back, and I was completely able to enjoy the story.

I’m not really sure what I was expecting when I started reading the book, other than knowing that it was Mira’s story, and I was definitely curious about that. I think I expected this story to take place after the events of the first book, but it was actually basically the same story as the first book, just from Mira’s perspective. (I assume the storyline for the third book will be the same as well.) It was interesting to see the events from Mira’s perspective, and it seemed like we got even more of the story this time around than we did the first time, but maybe that was just me remembering things differently. I really wish I had had time to reread the first book before starting this one. Sigh.

There are a lot of characters in the book to love; some that are new to us, and some that we already know from the first book. I love Mira’s strength and determination, and she proves over and over again throughout the story that she could take care of herself. It took me a while to warm up to the love interest in the story, Grant, which is kind of weird because I usually love the strong, brooding type. I love that Adelaide and Tamsin are in the story as well, and I actually can’t wait to read Tamsin’s story next!

Overall; I did have a few issues with Midnight Jewel, but I did enjoy reading the book, especially since it was from Mira’s perspective! The storyline wasn’t what I expected, but I did enjoy it, and I’m super excited to read Tamsin’s story next, which is currently untitled, but I’m hoping to see some information for soon!

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!!

Waiting on Wednesday #220 - The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

The Glittering Court
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: April 12th 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
ISBN: 9781595148414



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A dazzling new fantasy series set in a mix of Elizabethan and frontier worlds that’s dripping with romance from Richelle Mead, #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy.

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

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

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

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

Um, hello... DID YOU SEE THAT COVER?!?!
It's gorgeous! And the story sounds fantastic as well.
AND, it's Richelle Mead, so you know it will be awesome!!
I am SO super excited for everything about this book.
Hurry April 2016!!!

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

Review: Soundless by Richelle Mead

Soundless
by Richelle Mead
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Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781595147639
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: First To Read

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From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever... (Goodreads)

As soon as I heard about Richelle Mead's Soundless, I knew I would have to check the book out. I've read all of Mead's Vampire Academy series, as well as the first book in the Bloodlines series, and really enjoyed those books. I was really looking forward to reading something new by her, especially when I discovered that it was about Chinese folklore. I was definitely intrigued!

Fei was a very, very interesting main character. She came from a village where everyone was deaf, and where most people were rapidly losing their vision. Due to the precarious conditions of the mountain around her village, it was only reachable via zipline, and supplies were limited and were spread thin throughout. When Fei is awoken one night with the ability to hear, she knew things in her life were about to change, and not for the better. With the help of her newly acquired hearing, and an unlikely partner, she sets out on a journey to get her village the help it so desperately needs, but soon discovers that things are not at all what she expected.

I really, really enjoyed the storyline for the book. I had never  before heard of the folklore that it was based on, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I also really enjoyed the writing style for the book. Since everyone in Fei's village was deaf, they all communicated through sign language, and Mead did a great job of reflecting that in the writing in the story. It was really interesting to read it this way, and even though I thought I would, I didn't have a hard time keeping up with who was speaking throughout the story. It was really interesting.

Overall; I found Soundless to be a very quick, enjoyable read. It was nice to read something by Mead that wasn't vampire related, even though I really enjoyed those books as well. I'm super excited for Mead's next series, The Glittering Court, that was just announced last week and due to release in 2016!! It sounds awesome, so add it, and Soundless, to your to-be-read list today!!

Waiting on Wednesday #195 - Soundless by Richelle Mead

Soundless
by Richelle Mead
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Publisher: Razorbill
ISBN: 9781595147639



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

From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever... (Goodreads)

  I'll admit,
I'm pretty freaking intrigued about this book!!
It's Richelle Mead, y'all... And Chinese folklore..
This is definitely going to be awesome.
I'm so 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.**