Tag Archives: YA

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

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Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

 

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Description:
Hunting for the bad guys has never been so dangerous . . .

My name is Rory Forseti, and I attend the Colorado branch of Mythos Academy, a school of warrior kids, powerful artifacts, and mythological monsters.

I’m a student, a fierce Spartan warrior, and a member of Team Midgard, a group of kids and adults tasked with stopping the evil Reapers of Chaos. There is one Reaper I’m determined to hunt down above all others: Covington, the man who murdered my parents.

So when the Midgard gets a tip that Covington is going to try to steal a dangerous artifact, I’m ready to fight. But the situation is far more complicated than it seems, and the Reapers aren’t my only enemies.

I’ll have to use all my Spartan strength and skills to survive this. And even then, it might be my blood that gets spilled . . .

 

 

Review:

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep is the second book in her Mythos Academy: Colorado series. I am a fan of the original Mythos Academy series, and was happy that the first book in this series was just as much fun to read.  Having just completed Spartan Promise, I can say this was equally as good, and can’t wait for more books to come. 

Rory Forseti is our heroine in this series, who is also a cousin of Gwen Frost, our Mythos Academy heroine. She is a Spartan warrior, who has many strengths and powers,  which she is still learning how to use.   In the first book, we learned that Rory’s parents were members of the evil Reapers, and when they tried to leave, they were murdered.  In the beginning, Rory had a hard time at school, as everyone looked down at her, assuming she was a Reaper like her parents.   But Rory redeemed herself, when she joined the Midgard (part of the Protectorate, who fight the Reapers), and together the team managed to defeat an attack by the Reapers, and save some of the stolen artifacts. 

In Spartan Promise, Rory and her wonderful team (Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda, etc), find themselves in death defying situations quite often, as the Reapers, led by Covington and Drake, try to steal some powerful and destructive artifacts.  The action throughout the book was amazing, and it was non-stop excitement; with Rory trying to stop the creatures created by the artifacts.  It was very tense during those scary moments.

What follows is an exciting, intense, non-stop action adventure that had us on the edge of our seats.  The slow built romance between Rory and Ian continues to grow, as we look forward to them becoming even closer in future books.  Besides the great secondary characters that are part of her team, and her aunt, I loved the Gryphons that come to help her, as well as the fun with the baby gryphon, Brono, who continues to tease poor Babs, Rory’s talking sword.  Cute fun.

If you enjoy Urban Fantasy, with exciting non-stop action, wonderful heroine and secondary characters, as well as two nasty villains, you should be reading this series.  Spartan Promise was another fun enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep once again gives us a great story that had us unable to put the book down.   If you have not started Mythos Academy:Colorado, then I suggest you do so by reading the first book, Spartan Heart.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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The Blood Race/Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons – Reviews

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The Blood Race/Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons – Reviews

 

The Blood Race
The Blood Race series – Book #!
by K.A. Emmons
Release Date: July 2017

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Description:
All Ion Jacobs ever wanted was to be normal. But when you’re capable of killing with your very thoughts, it’s hard to blend in with the crowd.

Running from his past and living in fear of being discovered, Ion knows he will never be an average college student. But when Hawk, the beautiful, mysterious girl next door unearths his darkest secret, Ion’s life is flipped upside-down. He’s shocked to discover a whole world of people just like him — a world in another dimension, where things like levitation, shape-shifting, and immortality are not only possible… they’re normal.

Forced to keep more secrets than ever before, Ion struggles to control his powers in the real world while commuting between realms — until his arch enemy starts a fight he can’t escape. Now he has sealed the fate of the Dimension, severing their connection to the real world, and locking himself inside forever. But a deadly threat hidden in plain sight may cost Ion more than just his freedom — it may cost him his life.

The Blood Race is the first book in K.A. Emmons’ riveting new sci-fi/fantasy thriller series. If you like epic urban fantasy, fresh takes on super powers, deep allegories, raw emotions and intricate plots that surprise you at every turn, you’ll love the first novel in Emmons’ page-turning series. Grab your copy of The Blood Race and delve into a new dimension today!

 

Review:

The Blood Race by K.A. Emmons is the 1st book in her new The Blood Race series.

Ion was an outcast, he didn’t fit in, he always felt different, going from school to school, he’s always felt a freak, and after the latest incident at the new school, Ion was at his wits end !!!

Hawk isn’t interested in much, she keeps herself to herself. And when her “Sensei” wants her to take on Ion to “teach” him about what and who he is, she isn’t interested, but after persuasion from Sensei, Hawk takes up her task.

Ion is shocked and stunned when Hawk approaches him, at first he is wary, then scepticism and then disbelief, why wouldn’t he know if he had powers ? Then once Hawk shows him a different world, his fears double, he doesn’t believe her at first…..

This new world accepts his differences, but he can’t let go of his old life, trying to blend both is a difficult task, and one both Hawk and Ion don’t  think possible …..

We are then introduced to the villain of the story, and believe me, there is no redeeming qualities about this person !!!!

Wow !!!! What a great read. Something totally different from the usual paranormal read. Very well written, the descriptions of the world and characters just jump out of the page.

Can’t wait for book two ?oh thanks for the cliffhanger…… it  definitely makes you want to find out what happens next ?

 

 

Worlds Beneath
The Blood Race series – Book #2
by K.A. Emmons
Release Date: July 2018

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Description:
I used to think that seeing was believing, but now, as I struggle to stay alive below the ravine, I begin to realize that – good or bad – I will see whatever I believe.

“Who are you, Icarus, that the earth opens its mouth to receive your blood?” Sensei’s words were my last thoughts before I fell into the bottomless ravine, plunging toward my own death, and bringing about Hawk’s at the same time. Or so I thought.

I woke up underwater. I awoke in a strange and unfamiliar world, filled with maze-like forest, shadows, and nightmares seemingly as vivid and dangerous as reality. I had no idea who I was, or how I got there – I couldn’t remember anything, until I remembered her: Hawk. The other half of my soul.

I knew that in order for her to stay alive, I had to survive and find a way out. But that’s easier said than done when you’re trapped in a realm as deadly as your every thought – and dominated by a hierarchy of ravenous wolf packs.

Alerted by a dream, I realize that Hawk has left the Dimension to come find me. For an instant, I rediscover hope. But that hope quickly burns to ash when I realize that we may not be the only ones down here. Someone else with a thirst for her blood may have survived the fall too. And I may have just lured her right into the jaws of a predator even fiercer than the wolves.

 

Review:

Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons is the 2nd book in her The Blood Race series.

Hawk and Icarus are separated by dimensions, but she isn’t willing to leave him there, their relationship might need work, but being the half of a person means something to Hawk, so she braces herself to find him. But in some parts I get the feeling she is still fighting how she feels. 

The ongoing story of Ion/Icarus as he struggles to find his way in either world. Hawk’s (attraction to Ion/Icarus) and her disassociation with her friends and family (she is beginning to realise that you need at least someone in your life to lean on ? But with so many letting her down (especially Icarus) 

You find out in book one why and how Ion becomes Icarus (no I can’t tell you) but it will make sense. 

The worlds that the author has created is so well written that you can imagine the darkness of the forests that Icarus is trying to get out. The dreams, are they real ? They feel real, and when the dreams turn to nightmares…… 

And the unfolding story between Icarus and Hawk, is a slow and well thought out story, all their emotions are there to read on the page. 

Sometimes it’s hard to write about a trilogy without giving too much away (especially if you haven’t read the first book) and you definitely need to read the first one. 

Usually the second book is a let down in the trilogy, but not this one, it was just as good as the first book. 

So many twists and turns, lives intertwining, people in love with other people, and hungry wolves that are constantly hunting for prey. Each chapter is dedicated to one character. It’s their point of view we see. 

Can’t wait to read the final installment. 

Reviews by Julie B.

Copies supplied for Review

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The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen…but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she’d only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head…

 

Review:

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her new YA Origin series, which is a spinoff of her wonderful Lux series. I am a huge fan of Armentrout’s Lux series, and was thrilled to find out that she was returning to this world. I totally loved reading The Darkest Star, and so happy to be back home again.

Evie Dasher, our heroine, is convinced to go with her friend Heidi to Foretoken, a notorious club that Luxens and Humans can mix, but at seventeen, Evie is forbidden to go there.  While at the club, the place is raided, and she meets the club’s owner, Luc.  

Luc is extremely handsome, not to mention very powerful.  Much to Evie chagrin, Luc seems to know everything about her, and all she knows is that he is a Luxen.  Luc helps her escape the club, but her life is about the change, as he plans on being a big part of her life going forward.

Evie will find out her mother knows Luc, and as time moves on, other people close to her know him too.  In a short time, Evie finds herself attracted to the beautiful Luc, and meets some of his friends. She learns some of the truths from her mother about who her father really was. Why does Luc know everything about Evie? What are the secrets that some are hiding from her?

What follows is a wonderful story, where a rogue Luxen is killing some students, creating dissention in the school between those against the aliens, and those on their side.  The danger escalates putting Evie in danger, as the villain is someone from the days before the war. 

In time, Evie will learn all the truths and secrets about her life, and about Luc.  Though I understand her refusal to believe the truths, she was a bit stubborn early on, but in time she allows herself to open her heart to Luc, and accept the truth about her past, and forgive those who kept those secrets.

Armentrout does a fantastic job of grabbing our attention early on, and never letting go.  She keeps us on our toes, as she slowly reveals different twists or revelations that catch us by surprise.  The Darkest Star was an exciting, fast paced, intense & intriguing story that was also fun, with a sweet slow build romance between Evie and Luc. Evie will learn and see for herself just how powerful Luc really is.

I loved Evie and Luc, and also was thrilled to get to see some of our old favorites such as Daemon and Archer.  I also like some of the new characters, such as Evie & Luc’s friends.  It was great that we get to learn more about the Origins that was barely hinted in the previous series.

The Darkest Star was fantastic YA thriller, wonderful déjà vu sweet romance, and though the story ended satisfactory, there are so many questions still to be answered.  I cannot wait for the next book, and what Jennifer L. Armentrout has in store for us. Thank you Jennifer for bringing us back to this world.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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RIVER OF ASHES by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor-Review & Giveaway

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River of Ashes (St. Benedict 1) by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor-Review and Giveaway

 

DEATH BY THE RIVER (River of Ashes) St. Benedict 1by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: YA, thriller

 

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About the book: Release Date October 2,2018

A High School “American Psycho”

SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET.
SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD.

Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.

The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.

A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.

As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.

And that someone will pay with their life.

WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting to the reader.
Abandon hope all ye who enter here ..

•••••••••

REVIEW: RIVER OF ASHES (formerly Death by the River) by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a YA, stand alone, thriller that follows high school seniors (and twins) Leslie and Dawn Moore, and high school quarterback Beau Devereaux.

WARNING: DEATH BY THE RIVER contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual abuse, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Leslie, Dawn and Beau DEATH BY THE RIVER follows the tumultuous relationship between high school seniors Leslie and Dawn Moore, and Beau Devereaux. Months earlier star quarterback and spoiled rich son of the town’s largest employer, Beau Devereaux found himself attracted to sassy and mouthy Leslie Moore but her rejection sent him into the arms of her identical twin Dawn. Seeking revenge for Leslie’s brush-off, Beau begins to make life miserable for his girlfriend’s sister, while pushing forward with his plans to take what he wants, at all costs.

DEATH BY THE RIVER (River of Ashes) is a startling, energetic and dramatic look at a psychopath in action. Long buried secrets come to the surface as Beau’s violent tendencies leave broken bodies and broken souls in its’ wake. There is only one way to stop Beau Devereaux but stopping Beau means, quite possibly, ending another life.

DEATH BY THE RIVER (River of Ashes) has most of the hallmarks of a YA story line including jealousy; mean girls; cliques; rich vs poor; semi-oblivious parents ensconced in their own personal hells, as well as a high-school population terrorized by repeated abuse from one of their own.

Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor pull the readers into a haunting nightmare of a psychotic mind. The premise is dark and powerful in its’ presentation as the frenzy and hysteria begin to unfold.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Alexandrea Weis

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans .

•••••••••••

Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.

He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.

Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.

One of his favorite quotes is:  “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.”  ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Alexandrea Weis is offering winner’s choice of either an ecopy of DEATH BY THE RIVER or anyone of the author’s previous releases  to THREE (3) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Alexandrea Weis on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY

8. Giveaway runs from October 14-19, 2018

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Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone – a Review

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Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone – a Review

 

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Description:
Next-door neighbors and ex-best friends Hannah and Emory haven’t spoken in months. But their paths cross unexpectedly when, one night, Hannah finds Emory’s boyfriend, Luke, doubled over in his car outside her house. The paramedics rush him to the hospital, and for three minutes, Luke is clinically dead. And then he isn’t. As Luke struggles to understand why he lived, he turns first to Emory for comfort, and then to Hannah for an explanation through her strong faith. With Hannah’s help, Luke records a video about his experience, and suddenly his video goes viral, thrusting him into the limelight while Emory watches helplessly, unsure of where his new experiences leave their relationship. But when a devastating secret comes to light, all three must reexamine the things they hold true. In alternating chapters, a skeptic and a believer piece together the story of the close relationship they lost and the boy caught somewhere in the middle. New York Times best-selling author Tamara Ireland Stone deftly crafts a moving portrait that examines the intricacies of faith, love,

 

Review:

Little Do We Know is a coming of age contemporary story by Tamara Ireland Stone. Ex-best friends Hannah and Emory are next door neighbors. They have been best friends for as long as anyone can remember. There is exactly thirty six steps between their bedroom windows. 

But a few months ago they had a fight and they have not spoken since. Neither one of them can take back what they said to each other that night. 

With the fight weighing on both of them, they want nothing more than to bridge the gap between them. But they just don’t know how.

Emory is planning on attending UCLA after graduation, and she plans on having the time of her life with her boyfriend Luke before they attend colleges on opposite sides of the country. 

Hannah’s entire life is based around her families faith. But when she unexpectedly finds Luke unconscious in his car in front of her house, this may be the thing that finally brings the best friends back together. Or is it possible it will tear them even further apart?

I loved the character of Emory. She is confident and knows what she wants out of life. My favorite part was that she has been writing down quotes from Luke every day since they met. I past this on to my daughter who is in a similar situation and she loved the idea!
I love how vulnerable Emory becomes when you finally learn about what started the fight between her and Hannah. I thoroughly enjoyed the Our Town scenes and wanted to see the play in person. 

Luke becomes a pivotal character when he loses consciousness and almost dies after a football injury. He becomes the glue that will begin to form the friendship again between Emory and Hannah.  He became my favorite character as he himself also become vulnerable and completely open about what has happened to him.  I enjoyed his honesty and realism in dealing with his situation.

Hannah started out all about her faith and her beliefs. And as things begin to happen she starts to question everything. And as painful as it is to read her going through all of this – it was raw, real and poignant.  The series of events that leads you to finally find out what the fight was about is riveting. I could not put the book down as I wanted to know what was going to happen next and if Hannah and Emory ever return to their friendship. 

A wonderful coming of age book, dealing with religion, teenage turmoil, and the unpredictably of friendship.  This will be a book that I will have my teenage daughter read – as it deals with many things teenagers face during their lives. And it deals with them in such a way that benefits each one that is dealing with their own situations. Highly recommend for an amazing summer read! 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong – a Review

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Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong – a Review

 

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Description:
Three years after losing her brother Luka in a school shooting, Skye Gilchrist is moving home. But there’s no sympathy for Skye and her family because Luka wasn’t a victim; he was a shooter.

Jesse Mandal knows all too well that the scars of the past don’t heal easily. The shooting cost Jesse his brother and his best friend–Skye.

Ripped apart by tragedy, Jesse and Skye can’t resist reopening the mysteries of their past. But old wounds hide darker secrets. And the closer Skye and Jesse get to the truth of what happened that day, the closer they get to a new killer.

 

Review:

Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong is a standalone YA thriller.  Aftermath focuses on the fallout after a shooting at the local high school, and the affect it has on those closely related to the tragedy. 

Skye Gilchrist, our heroine, is 13 years old when we meet her.  She is at school, having a conversation with her friend (maybe soon to be boyfriend), Jesse.  They are called to the principal’s office, and hear news that will change both of their lives; a school shooting with both of their family members tragically killed.  Jesse’s brother was shot and killed, but Skye’s brother was one of the shooters, killed by the cops.

Jesse Mandal, our hero, and Skye’s friend tried to talk to Skye to tell her that he does not blame her, but she was grieving for her brother Luka, and never allowed Jesse to talk to her.  Skye and her family left town shortly thereafter, and with her mother ill, she returns three years later to stay with her aunt.  She dreads going back to school, rightfully so as everyone treats her like a pariah; and when she sees Jesse, she is surprised that he too would not acknowledge her.

Soon Skye will get threatening notes, videos sent to her phone, and horrible treatment from the students.  Jesse never blamed Skye, as she was not at fault, and regretted how he ignored her the first day; since he was hurt that she never called or wrote to him. Jesse keeps his distance early on, but quietly follows her, as he sees her being harassed, and when she is stuck in a room at school which is set on fire, Jesse will begin to help Skye to find out who is threatening her.  Their friendship and eventually romance (background only) will bring them together again. 

What follows is a very tense last half of the book, as the stakes rise when Skye finds herself in dangerous harmful situations a few times.  Everyone at school, including the officials blame all the threats, notes, fire  as Skye being behind them, trying to get attention.  Jesse and Skye try to find the clues as to who wants to harm her, and why.  This was a wonderful intense mystery, and as we get closer to the end, becomes a real thriller.

I really liked both Skye and Jesse, as they were very good together.  I found it a bit heart wrenching to see her being treated that way by almost everyone, especially since she had nothing to do with the shooting.  I also loved Jesse’s mom who was a respected Doctor, and stood up for Skye.  Armstrong touches a number of issues along the way, such as grief, anger, bullying.

The tension became even creepier as we raced to the exciting climax, with Armstrong throwing us so many curves and surprises.  The mystery was so good, I was surprised to discover who and why.  Aftermath was a great read, with a subject very much real in today’s world, but Armstrong made this into an exciting intense thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I suggest you read Aftermath, which was so well written by Kelley Armstrong.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Furyborn by Claire Legrand – a Review

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Furyborn by Claire Legrand – a Review

 

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Description:
Follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world…or doom it.

When assassins ambush her best friend, the crown prince, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing her ability to perform all seven kinds of elemental magic. The only people who should possess this extraordinary power are a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light and salvation and a queen of blood and destruction. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven trials to test her magic. If she fails, she will be executed…unless the trials kill her first.

A thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a mere fairy tale to bounty hunter Eliana Ferracora. When the Undying Empire conquered her kingdom, she embraced violence to keep her family alive. Now, she believes herself untouchable–until her mother vanishes without a trace, along with countless other women in their city. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain on a dangerous mission and discovers that the evil at the heart of the empire is more terrible than she ever imagined.

As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world–and of each other.

 

 

Review:

Furyborn by Claire Legrand is the first book in her new Empirium YA fantasy series. Furyborn starts off with a bang, as we meet the feared Blood Queen Rielle, who has just given birth to a baby girl.  Knowing that evil wants her baby, Rielle gives her child to a young boy to take her away and protect her; feeling the  anger of the evil being coming, Rielle takes her own life.  What a way to start and grab our attention.  Furyborn follows two women, one in the past and one a thousand years later, with both women being extremely powerful and destined to either destroy or save the world.

One Pov is Reille Dardenne (before she became the Blood Queen), as we learn about her and her two best friends, Audric and Ludivine.  Rielle has always had secret powers that her father and trainer would teach her how to control everything.  When she comes across Audric being attacked, Rielle comes to his rescue using her hidden powers, which will change her life forever. 

The Prophecy claims that sometime in the future the evil angels locked away for centuries will return and wreck havoc across the world, and two women will rise; one made of Blood and the other of light. “a queen of light and salvation and a queen of blood and destruction’.  The King and his court are disturbed by the revelation of Rielle’s powers, with some threatening to have her killed.  She is forced to prove that she is indeed the Sun Queen and loyal to the kingdom by undergoing seven trials of different elemental magic, of which she must complete every one, or be executed.

Eliana Ferracora is a bounty hunter (1000 plus years after the death of Rielle), also known as the Dread of Ornline.  Eliana has been trained by her mother to be an assassin and bury her feelings within, and do what is expected of her as a bounty hunter for her kingdom .  Eliana protects her family, as she needs the money to take care of Remy ,her brother and her mother to survive, and forces herself not to let what she does consume her.  When her mother disappears, Eliana is desperate and agrees to help Simon, one of the leaders of the rebellion, in order to find her mother.  Eliana is an amazing fierce and tough heroine, though her stubbornness was annoying at times.  Eliana has the ability since she was a child to self heal, but had no idea why.  Though there is no romance between them, there is a bond that will develop between Simon and Eliana and she will learn the truth about whom and what she is.  

What follows is an intense exciting dark and intriguing story switching between two time periods separated by over a 1000 years.  Rielle will fight with help from her friends, Audric and Ludivine to survive her violent trials, as well as from the angel who helps and makes her even more powerful.  Corien, the angel is truly the villain in both time periods.  It was amazing to see Rielle fight and rise above the terrible challenges for each elemental magic.

Eliana will become part of the rebellion in order to survive, protect Remy and find her mother; she will also come to understand the role she will eventually have to play. In a desperate attempt to save Simon and the rebels, she will learn more about her inner powers. 

Claire Legrand does a masterful job creating the two main characters, as well as many of these fascinating characters (Simon, Remy, Audric, Ludivine, Navi, etc).  The storyline between the two women flows seamlessly and keeps our interest throughout this complex world. 

These two women are fierce, strong, with flaws and weaknesses, and both very different, but their spirit is enduring.   Two storylines a thousand years apart, that weave together flawlessly that surprised me how well Legrand wrote this.   There are some surprises along the way, and though we know what happens to Rielle in her time, the book leaves off with Eliana stepping up into the role she was destined to be.  Furyborn was very well written by Claire Legrand, and has us impatiently waiting to see if the Sun Queen will rise and save them all. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Onyx & Ivory by MIndee Arnett – a Review

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Onyx & Ivory by MIndee Arnett – a Review

 

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Description:
They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king years ago. Now Kate lives as an outcast, clinging to the fringes of society as a member of the Relay, the imperial courier service. Only those most skilled in riding and bow hunting ride for the Relay; and only the fastest survive, for when dark falls, the nightdrakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: she is a wilder, born with magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals. But it’s this magic that she needs to keep hidden, as being a wilder is forbidden, punishable by death or exile. And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by nightdrakes in broad daylight—the only survivor her childhood friend, her first love, the boy she swore to forget, the boy who broke her heart.

The high king’s second son, Corwin Tormane, never asked to lead. Even as he waits for the uror—the once-in-a-generation ritual to decide which of the king’s children will succeed him—he knows it’s always been his brother who will assume the throne. And that’s fine by him. He’d rather spend his days away from the palace, away from the sight of his father, broken with sickness from the attempt on his life. But the peacekeeping tour Corwin is on has given him too much time to reflect upon the night he saved his father’s life—the night he condemned the would-be killer to death and lost the girl he loved. Which is why he takes it on himself to investigate rumors of unrest in one of the remote city-states, only for his caravan to be attacked—and for him to be saved by Kate.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime

 

 

Review:

Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett is a fantasy duology.  We meet our heroine, Kate Brighton, who is a Relay Rider, for the imperial courier service.  Three Years ago, Kate was considered part of royalty, as her father was the right hand man for the High King of Rime.  When her father was killed because he tried to assassinate his king, Kate became an outcast, with nicknamed Traitor Kate, because she refused to accept that her father was a traitor.   Kate is one of the best relay riders, and when we meet her, she is pushing her horse to the brink in order to make it back before nightfall, when the barrier walls go down.  No one wants to be out in the open at night, as the monster Nightdrakes kill anyone they find.   We also get to meet Kate’s best friends, Bonner, a blacksmith who has developed revolvers; and Signe, her bff, who  also helps Bonner, by creating the gunpowder needed.  Signe was very outgoing, fun, sassy and good friend to Kate.  These two know that Kate harbors a secret that can never be revealed.  She is “Wilder”, those with magical powers, who are looked upon as a danger to the kingdom; all those suspected of being a wilder, are captured by the Inquisition and put to death. 

On one of her relays, Kate overhears a battle ongoing, and rushes to help; only to find a new species attacking the prince of Rime and his soldiers.   Daydrakes are new, and Kate using her revolver manages to kill many of them, and saving the prince.   Corwin Tormane, our hero, and Kate’s former boyfriend from her royal days, is surprised to see Kate.  She has never forgiven him for allowing them kill her father, instead of sending him out in exile.   But both still find themselves with the old feelings, which will be the start of a slow built rekindle of a romance.

Corwin, travels with his best friend and right hand man, Dal and the prince’s soldiers.  They ask Kate for her help in discovering more about these new revolvers, in order to help them fight off the Nightdrakes and these new Daydrakes (sort of dragons who cannot fly).   She reluctantly introduces them to Bonner and Signe, and soon all three will accompany Corwin and company back to Rime, where she hasn’t been in three years.

Upon his arrival home, Corwin and his older brother Edwin will be forced to undergo trials, to determine who will be crowned King.  It was interesting to see all the illusions and dangers both brothers have to face to survive.

What follows is an exciting adventure, where Kate will return to the Kingdom where she grew up, and try to find the truth about her father.  What she will find are some surprises about him, and learn more about The Rising, which is a rebellion of “wilders” in hiding, who want to come out and live normal lives, not in fear of being put to death, because they were born with certain powers.  Most wilders do not use their magical powers to hurt anyone, unless in defense of their lives.  Kate can sway animals, Bonner uses his magic to help make the revolvers, and some have elemental magic.   But the powers that be in Rime, including Edwin, and the governing monarchs fear and hate wilders and plan to eliminate them all. 

Kate, Bonner, Signe will find themselves in danger, when a surprise powerful enemy in Rime’s government kidnaps them to use their powers.  Corwin, Kate, Dal wil have to fight to save themselves, as well as the Rime kingdom who will not listen to reason, and tries to kill them.  This leads to an ultra exciting climax that will lead into the next book of this duology.   There were a number of surprises and twists along the way that made this story even better.  Kate was a fantastic heroine, and I loved her and Corwin together, hoping they will continue to rekindle their love for each other.  The secondary characters were great, from Dal, Signe, Bonner, and even some of the villains were very well done.  Mindee Arnett has done an excellent job with the world building, and I for one cannot wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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