Sceadu by Prashant Pinge

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Book summary:

All this while, Matilda’s shadow had been growing larger and larger. Suddenly, it lunged out of the ground and swallowed her, like a python does its unsuspecting prey. 

Nine year old Matilda ends up with a century old book through a series of strange coincidences. And disappears. Her brother and cousins are forced to suspend their hostilities and pursue her to Sceadu, a land inside the human shadow. Once there, the reluctant visitors find themselves chased by the vicious Hefigans, creatures of Sceadu. However, everything changes with the revelation of an ancient prophecy that foretells the doom of the world they left behind. 

With the stakes suddenly raised, the children must now navigate the dangerous terrain, overcome grave challenges, and unlock the secrets of the shadow. But can they do it in time to thwart the plans of the treacherous Hefigans? Or will they succumb to the guile of a ruthless enemy who is equally determined to destroy mankind? 

Sceadu is a fast-paced adventure which blurs the boundary between the physical and the psychological, the real and the mythical.

          I will first tell you something about this book I didn't know before I started reading it. This book is actually MG story. So I just wanted to let you know. It's not a bad thing, though, as I haven't read any for some time and well it was nice to go back to it.

          As you usually have it in MG stories, this is an adventure story. And I can tell you it's a really interesting one. We are with Matilda here. She is a girl that loves to read (high fives girl) and one day she gets to read an interesting book, which changes her life (don't they all). Suddenly, her shadow is not just that a shadow but it get a more powerful meaning in this story. It all stays in realms of dreams, for some time but well not all things can stay hidden. The worst thing for her is that she is not alone now, when her cousins visit this is not only about Matilda, but she drags them into all this, without intending to.

         So we end up in a new world and this one was mix of some known things, but also of some to me unknown things. It was a really interesting mix which I liked to create in my head. It was adventurous and above all entertaining. They were so different that it was really interesting to see them working together.

         But as it happens in MG books, this book was predictable to some extend and full of coincidence. It's not that I don't think it's bad, but I could see through it. I'm sure that younger readers will consider more like a big plot twists, than I did.

         But all in all, I must that that it was an interesting read and with all that a really fast one. 

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Until the next time,

*Copy of this book was provided by the author, Prashant Pinge. Thank you!

Waiting on Wednesday (#129)

You know the story. This is a meme created by Breaking the Spine and every week we pick books we're waiting for. Here are our picks for this week.

Glass can't wait to read...

A part time student, CNA, and caretaker for her slightly deranged mother, Clara Mckiney doesn’t have time for a relationship. That’s why her friends with benefits arrangement with sexy and ridiculously charming Jax Hensley works perfectly.

But Jax has other ideas.

The moment Jax met Clara he was instantly drawn to her wittiness, confidence, and gorgeous smile. Even though he agreed to the friends with benefits arrangement, he secretly hopes for more than their weekend hook ups.

When Jax's estranged mother mysteriously disappears, he sees an opportunity to spend more time with Clara. After convincing her to return home with him, a new agreement is made. One road trip and week together to find out why his mom vanished into thin air.

Things are about to get complicated. 

Expected publication date: January 19th, 2015

Tanja can't wait to read...

It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.
When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed. Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil gets blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth.  

Expected publication date: January 20th, 2015

Happy Wednesday,

Iced by Karen Marie Moning

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Book summary:

The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be. 
Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.
Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux. 
When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.
Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

           I've never wrote reviews for the first five books in Fever series (and I LOVED it), so why am I writing it for this one? Heaven knows. But I feel like it, so yeah I won't add anything extraordinary as we all know that Moning is rocking this genre, so here goes my blabbing.

          Firstly, this is just me wondering...Do you people listen to The Red Hot Chili Peppers? Yes? No? Well you see I was a huge fan years ago (still am, but not to that extend) and there is that song that goes Dani the girl is singing songs to me...well lemme tell you, this Dani the girl is telling me a hell of a story here.

           While Mac grew on me during the course of the previous 5 books, I must say that I'm happy to see Dani leading it now. It's just that I experienced with her something I never did with Mac, but Dani and I connected right away. I really loved her quirky sense of humor and the way she sees the world. It might be silly and stupid to some, but dudes if I was 14 and having that power I'd be thinking highly of myself too. Speaking about her age and some scenes in this book, well it didn't bother me so of course I found an excuse. First is that, let's face it Dani was never a kid to start with, and with the condition that the world is here, well things changed, A LOT.

        Only thing I'd add is Moning, this was really CRUEL. I couldn't breathe for fecking 30 pages of this book. I turned pages like a maniac and not even I knew I could read that fast. So let's not do that again! Cause, DUDE! I nearly had a heart attack.

        Now, I'm grabbing a spot in line for Burned! Don't hate me cause I didn't have to wait for as long as some of you did, but we'll be best buddies in line while we wait for the 8th book. Right! (I can make a hell of a Turkish coffee. I'll just leave it here...)

Rating: 5 stars.

Until the next time,

(ARC Review) Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols

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Expected publication date: January 13th, 2015, Simon Pulse 

My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

"In this second book in The Superlatives trilogy from Endless Summer author Jennifer Echols, Harper and Brody think they’re an unlikely match, but the senior class says they belong together.

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents’ bitter divorce left her wondering what a loving relationship looks like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody the “Perfect Couple That Never Was,” her friends have been pushing her to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn’t lack female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He’s confused about the match too. Yet they find themselves drawn together—first by curiosity about why the class paired them, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they’re attracted to each other, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating clearly. If they’re the perfect couple, this shouldn’t be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But they feel so changed from making the effort, they can’t forget each other. What if this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?"

       It is no secret that I love Jennifer Echols. She is probably my favorite contemporary young adult author. Why? Because her novels are swoon worthy and sweet, but she also doesn't sugarcoat certain things or shies away from writing about sexuality. Second book in Superlatives trilogy was not exception. (You can read my review for Biggest Flirts here.)

      Five reasons why Perfect Couple was super:

• Angst and drama. Sometimes these very things are the reason why I don't like a book, but Jennifer Echols is a queen of well written angst. You cannot breathe because of all tension and sparks flying all around, even if there is this tiny little detail that bothers you (no, I won't tell you - spoiler alert). 
• Fun, but at the same time deals with some serious topics. Like, relationship with your parents and finding your own path. Being yourself. Finding self-respect and telling your douche-bag boyfriend that you can do so much better than him. Not being afraid to say what you think and going after what you want.  
• Writing was flawless. As always when it comes to Jennifer Echols novels. Considering that they are more mature young adult, bordering with new adult, you will not find cliche descriptions, conversations or  characters. 
• Not feeling guilty... about your sexuality. This is the best message that all of her novels have. 
• Smiling and swooning. Perfect Couple is definitely one of the feel-good novels, so if you need something to cheer you up, to make you feel giddy like your walking on the clouds, this is a prefect book for you.

Happy reading,

 

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

If you think this review was helpful, please, consider liking it on Goodreads.

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

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Book summary:

A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn…

Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above. 

       Do you guys believe in coincidence? I did not, but then it happened. Just a day after I finished this story we started with Sexing the Cherry which in it's base also has the story of 12 Dancing Princesses or well a deconstruction of it. Anyhow my point is that I have never actually read the original story before reading Princess of the Midnight Ball so yeah I couldn't stop wondering...

       Speaking of retellings well it took me some time to start seeing them as individual stories rather than creatures from my nightmares that are trying to destroy my childhood. Once I did I couldn't but get addicted so nowadays I'm hunting them down. Luckily I have help and when Rashika told me that I should read this of course I did!

        While this series does share the original base with the fairy tale it still builds differently in some ways. We get a story about 12 sisters whose shoes are found every morning worn out and it creates a mystery that their father wants to solve. So of course he calls for help and we get an soldier who just returned from the war. So their journey starts, when the soldier has to find a way to trick the princesses and find the solution to this puzzle.

       To be frank I have a really mixed feelings for this book. While it offered me, personally, some thing will not surprise those who have read this fairy tale before, as this story is not much different than original. Also while I did get to enjoy the romance here, it didn't help that there was not much character development. All but the two main character who made this book really interesting. Then there is humor, as I couldn't help but laugh out loud so many times. It made this book really enjoyable at the end of the day and that's what I was looking for.

      Basically, if you want to be entertained a bit while struggling with your exams or any stressful thing, go for this one.

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Until the next time,

Top 10 Books Glass Is Looking Forward the Most in 2015

      It was really hard to pick only ten books for today's post because there are so many 2015 releases I cannot wait to read. Some of them are on Tanja's list - like new book by Melina Marchetta (finally) - so I won't repeat those today.
      Let's see, shall we?

1. Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

I was so excited when I heard that these two ladies will write a novel together. Oh, this will be epic!

2. Long Way Down by Krista and Becca Rithchie

Conclusion to the story about my favorite couple in the series - Daisy and Ryke. Yes, yes Connor is great and all, but still I like Ryke the best.

3. Beautiful Redemption by Jamie McGuire

Travis Maddox is, together with Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless series by S.C. Stephens , my favorite book boyfriend, but his brothers are not that bad too.

4. Thoughtful by S.C. Stephens

Let me just sit here for a while and make moon-eyes, maybe scream once and than faint from happiness. S.C. Stephens is author that made me love new adult novels, even before term "new adult" became popular. I know that this is only Kellan's POV and not completely new story - but I do not care! I can't wait to read Thoughtful! 

5. Falling Away by Penelope Douglas

Bully and Rival are some of my favorite angsty and drama filled novels, so it's no surprise that I am excited to read Jaxon's story as well. 

6. Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker

Burying Water is on my top ten list of 2014 reads and I am dying to see what will happen next with other characters in this series.

7. Confess by Colleen Hoover

It's Colleen Hoover! Do I even have to say anything else? 

8. Sweet by Tammara Webber

I have to confess that I might have screamed really loudly when I saw last week that Tammara Webber will publish third Contours of the Heart novel. 

9. Lola Carlyle's 12-Step Romance by Danielle Younge-Ullman

  I adored Falling Under, so when I heard that  Danielle Younge-Ullman will publish new novel this year, I was so happy. Big thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me a review copy.

10. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

This year we are saying goodbye to Adrian Ivashkov and Sydney Sage. As much as I am sad because of that, I have to admit that it is time for this series to come to an end. 

There you go, guys, my top ten list of 2015 upcoming titles. What do you think? Did I chose right? 

Love,

Waiting On Wednesday (#128)

You know the story. This is a meme created by Breaking the Spine and every week we pick books we're waiting for. Here are our picks for this week.

Glass can't wait to read...

If A Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever. But what if he didn't love you, first?
No-nonsense Liis Lindy is an agent of the FBI. Deciding she is married only to her job, she breaks off her engagement and transfers from Chicago to the field office in San Diego. She loves her desk. She is committed to her laptop. She dreams of promotions and shaking hands with the director after cracking an impossible case.
Special Agent in Charge Thomas Maddox is arrogant, unforgiving, and ruthless. He is tasked with putting away some of the world’s toughest criminals, and he is one of the best the Bureau has to offer. Though, as many lives as he’s saved, there is one that is beyond his reach. Younger brother Travis is faced with prison time for his involvement in a basement fire that killed dozens of college students, and the media want a conviction. Travis’s only savior is his unusual tie to the mob. In a deal that will spare his brother, Thomas has agreed to recruit Travis into the FBI.
Liis is stubborn, defiant, and yet somehow softens Thomas’s rough edges, making her the perfect agent to accompany him to the ceremony. Posing as a couple, they must travel to Travis & Abby’s beach vow renewal and give him the news, but when the pretending ends, she finds herself wondering if they were pretending at all.
In the second installment of the Maddox Brothers books, experience firsthand the mysterious world of the elusive Thomas Maddox, and how good love can be when you’re not the first, but the last.

Expected publication date: January 27th, 2015

Tanja can't wait to read...

 With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within. A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices.

Expected publication date: January 6th, 2015

Happy Wednesday; 

 

Top 10 Books Tanja's Looking Forward the most in 2015

After we have shared our top tens for the previous year, well it's time to see what we're looking forward the most in this year. Today you'll see my top ten list and on Thursday Glass' will share hers.

So let's start...

1. Shaming the Devil by Melina Marchetta

One word (actually two) MELINA MARCHETTA! I don't care what this thing is about but as far as I'm concerned it could be just Melina's grocery list and I'd be over the moon.

2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

After The Grisha series I want to read everything this woman writes. So this one will be highly anticipated book for me.

3. The Missing by Sarah Beth Durst

The Lost, aka the first book in this series left a really strong impression on me and I've been dying to read this one ever since. I just hope that we'll get a publication date soon. 

4. Winter by Marissa Meyer

It'll be heartbreaking to see the end of this series, but I have no doubts that this one will be as good as the previous three. I just hope that we'll get it sooner than expected. 

5. End of Days by Susan Ee 

Waiting for the books in this series sometimes feels like waiting for Godot. I mean they do eventually come out, but you always go crazy in the process. So let's hope that we'll really get this one in May. 

6. Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews 

Even thought I still haven't read the seventh book in this series I know that as soon as I do I'll regret it as then I'll have to wait till this one to get my Kate dose. I'm an addict, sue me. 

7. Liar of Dreams by Libba Bray 

I've decided to wait a bit with The Diviners so I can read them together, will I mange that - absolutely not. Will I love it - absolutely yes. Zemira knows me well and she knows what to recommend to me. 

8. A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I'll keep it cool and pretend that I'm really glad that this book is coming out in May, I mean there is plenty of books for me to read till then. BUT REALLY I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE NOW!

9. An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Now this truly seems like something completely new and you know I'm a sucker for new and unique stories. I hope that this one will be that. Luckily it's ONLY till April we have to wait.

10. Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss 

Now this is really turning into Waiting for Godot. I mean Pat, stop toiling around and give us the effing book, already. I love you and all but you're killing me. 

I hope that you've got a list of books that you're waiting for and I'm sure that we'll love them.

Until the next time,

(ARC Review) The Originals: The Rise by Julie Plec

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Expected publication date: January 27th 2015, HQN Books

My rating: 3 stars

Book summary:

"Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?"

Buddy read with lovely Emma from Never Judge a Book by its Cover. 

      I don't usually read books that are based on popular TV shows, but when I saw that there will be a story about my favorite antihero, I decided to make an exception and read it. Because, seriously, it is Klaus Mikaelson!

What I liked?

• It felt like I was watching new episode of TV show. I was surprised by how much writing reminded me of the show - I could picture everything in my head and I almost could hear their voices. 
• Background story. The Rise is great addition to the show and I believe that fans will enjoy it a lot, because it offers small flashback to the past of the most notorious vampires in New Orleans.
• Fast, action-packed and fun. Once you start reading this, it goes really fast and before you know it, you'll read the last page.
• Glimpse of humanity. It was interesting to see more personal side of the trio and, what is even rarely, Klause being in love. 

What I didn't like? 

• Not recommended for people who don't watch the show. I have a feeling that you would be left with more questions than answers and that you will think that it is uncompleted. The Rise is the companion novel, great, fun and quick read that fans would enjoy, but I don't think other would appreciate it as much.
• Cheesy and overly melodramatic in the end. It started good and there were all things I love about Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah, but somewhere along the way it took turn to worse and I ended more annoyed than happy. I was especially disappointed with Klaus. 

      Final judgement? Great choice if you are suffering because there are no new episode of your favorite show at the moment. I believe that The Originals fans will appreciate this book.

Happy reading, 

 

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

 If you think this review was helpful, please, consider liking it on Goodreads.

Glass' Top 10 Books in 2014

I was so lucky with books I picked up in 2014, it was much better year than 2013 I felt less pressured to read for blog or because all my friends had read certain book. It was definitely year marked by great new adult romances and fun buddy reads. 

So, here are my top ten 2014 books. 

1. The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

This book was the biggest surprise for me last year, mostly because I had mixed reactions on previous books written by this author. Finding five greats have became part of my everyday routine and I still get back to it sometimes to reread my favorite parts.

2. Maybe Someday and Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover

Why are these two books on my list? Besides the fact that I love them to pieces? Tanja read them and loved them. That was one of the most epic moments if 2014. I recommended her new adult novels and she gave them five stars. :)

3. His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin LaFevers

It is fantasy and it is historical - not my usual picks, but I just adore these stories about kick-ass female assassins. 

4. Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

The Colorado Mountain is my favorite KA series, but if I have to pick one, it will be Sweet Dreams. Come on... Tatum Jackson? Yes, please!!!

5. Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher

Weird and twisted and so good! Plus, her writing is perfect and music she mentions in this books happens to be some of my favorites.

6. Reclaiming The Sand by A. Meredith Walters

One of the popular discussion topics in 2014 was diversity in YA, but no one mentioned same thing when it comes to new adult novels. Story about a bully and Asperger's, girl being a bully, second chances and growing up... Reclaiming The Sand should be on your must read list this year.

7. Tease by Amanda Maciel

 Speaking about bulling, there is no way I could skip this book. It was one of the hardest reads for me in 2014 and it was not because of the things that happened in the book itself - Amanda Maciel made us confront ourselves with Tease, with all bad things we might have done and never really thought about it. 

8. Take Me On by Katie McGarry

This is the most perfect book by Katie McGarry so far. There is no young adult author that knows how to write epic romance stories like this woman does. 

9. Burying Water by K.A. Tucker

After Ten Tiny Breaths which was mediocre for me, I thought that K.A. Tucker won't ever appear among five stars ratings on my list. I was wrong. Burying Water was so different from her debut novel and so much better. 

10. Addicted/Calloway Sisters Series by Krista and Becca Ritchie

2014 ended in the best possible company - fictional and real. Ritchie twins were quite popular among my friends last year, but I was a stubborn mule who refused to read their novels. Siiri from Little Pieces of Imagination finally managed to made me read it and I am so grateful because this series is one of my absolute favorites. Also, it was even more fun to read it because of all lovely ladies who talked with me on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads - thank you all. 

And there you go - my top 10 picks in 2014. It was a great year and I honestly hope that this one will be even better. 

Love,