January 26, 2017

Review: Night Broken

Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, book 8) by Patricia Briggs

Night Broken  (Mercy Thompson #8)

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Night Broken (8)

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.

Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.

Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.


Review:

Well, the plus side is that I didn't dislike this as much as I thought I would. My first initial thoughts about Adam's ex-wife coming into town and trying to one up Mercy was indeed annoying. Hand it to Mercy to know when she's being petty, but to take the higher ground. Besides, she always gets even in the end.

The sad thing is that this installment really didn't do much else for me. It honestly felt like the book didn't grab on and expand the two things that make this series good. The characters and the world.

In fact, there was pretty much zero character development besides a few key things. It sucked. Especially because Tad is finally here! For a bit. I loved the idea of Mercy having a brother though! Honey had some good page time, but I don't like this rushed feeling for her to have a romance. What the heck?

Night Broken also highlights one of my least favorite things about the Mercy Thompson books. That unless you're Mercy or Jess, the women are evil witches! (Or simply over bearing and unpleasant to deal with for a while.) They're schemers and of course disparage and hate Mercy. It's really . . . annoying. In this book you can't even attempt to just ignore it.

Props to Briggs for not having anyone kidnapped. (I feel like she should get a gold star when she avoids this trope of hers.) Still the plot was rather dull. I didn't feel invested in it. Especially when Adam goes off to fight, Mercy and him believing that he would die. Please, we all know that the villain would appear in front of Mercy and she'd save the day. (So Briggs hasn't quite escaped her tropes.) Overall this has been my least favorite installment in the series. The ex-wife needed to be handled, and at times it got a laugh out of me, it was dull. Not to mention that the world, nor the characters were explored. It all felt like a side note. Thank goodness for the walking stick. Oh, and we do get one HUGE questions about Mercy's lifespan. Then more questions when she cheats death.

Content Warning: The sex scenes aren't' really graphic, but fans will find them steamier than before. Violence, references to rape, and so on. Physical abuse and some other minor dark themes.

  
2/5 - It's rough, but there's still some hope.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Moon Called (1)
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (1.5)
Blood Bound (2)
Iron Kissed (3)
Bone Crossed (4)
Silver Borne (5)
River Marked (6)
Down These Strange Streets (6.5)
Frost Burned (7)
Night Broken (8)
Fire Touched (9)
Untitled (10)
Untitled (11)
Shifting Shadows: Stories From the world of Mercy Thompson (?)

Moon Called (1)
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (1.5)
Blood Bound (2)
Iron Kissed (3)
Bone Crossed (4)
Silver Borne (5)
River Marked (6)
Down These Strange Streets (6.5)
Frost Burned (7)
Night Broken (8)
Fire Touched (9) 
Silence Fallen (10)
Untitled (11)
Shifting Shadows: Stories From the world of Mercy Thompson (?)

Moon Called (1)
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (1.5)
Blood Bound (2)
Iron Kissed (3)
Bone Crossed (4)
Silver Borne (5)
River Marked (6)
Down These Strange Streets (6.5)
Frost Burned (7)
Night Broken (8)
Fire Touched (9)
Silence Fallen (10)
Untitled (11)
Shifting Shadows: Stories From the world of Mercy Thompson (?)

January 24, 2017

Cover Coveting (10)

 
Cover art is found from Goodreads, Wicked Scribes, ATUF, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

I’ve mentioned it a few times that I had a hard time installing the Anniversary Edition for Windows 10. Well I finally got it installed (had to rush it all of a sudden because deferring it no longer worked). Long story short no matter how much you learn your teacher always knows best.

In my case my mom! Thanks mom.

I few people asked me to post about it if I actually got it to work. So I switched and updated a video card, all USBs unhooked except for keyboard and mouse, uninstalled my wireless Epson (which had SDcard readers and drive issues), and boom! Finally it got pass the 40% freeze of the install.

Dear Microsoft, please never do this again. Small patches that don't kill my computer for months at a time. How about you let us decide when to do updates, internet caps are real.


A Ghostly Mortality by Tonya Kappes

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


A Ghostly Mortality  (Ghostly Southern Mysteries #6) Series: Ghostly Southern Mysteries, book 6

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Shera’s thoughts:

It fits the series well. The tombstone is hilarious.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


All Systems Red  (The Murderbot Diaries #1) Series: The Murderbot Diaries, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Science Fiction

Shera’s thoughts:

Oooooooo, so cool. It's like this dark and gritty space suit!

The design of the suit is so cool. I love how it feels like a forest, but all abstract. 

Besieged by Kevin Hearne

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Besieged  (The Iron Druid Chronicles 0.3, 4.7, 8.6) Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles 0.3, 4.7, 8.6

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

So it's not the best, but I really like that it matches the series fairly well.

Considering it's just a anthology I like it when a collection of them gets a fairly decent cover.

Brimstone by Cherie Priest

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Brimstone Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Historical Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

I adore the artwork of this cover! The mixing of flame and ghost fists the synopsis well.

Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Cage of Darkness  (Reign of Secrets #2) Series: Reign of Secrets, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

I love the window and architecture of the cover. The girl on the cover still doesn't totally work for me.

Call of Fire by Beth Cato

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Call of Fire  (Breath of Earth #2) Series: Breath of Earth, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Ah!!! So stunning. Just the right amount of magic, stunning scenery, and bad ass hair styles!

I really like that the dress feels right. I don't like modern dresses on my High Fantasy covers.

Cold Summer by Gwen Cole

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Cold Summer Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Time Travel

Shera’s thoughts:

LOVE it. However, this is a total cover rip off.

It's a softer look of the Firebird series.

Dating the Undead by Juliet Lyons

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Dating the Undead Series: V-date.com, book 1
(AKA Undead Dating Service)

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Shera’s thoughts:

Oh wow! This totally captures the cheesey awfulness of THE BACHELOR, but with mild vampire flare.

Love the typography.

Disruptor by Arwen Elys Dayton

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Disruptor  (Seeker #3) Series: The Seekers, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Yes! I was right. Book three has three swords on it! You can see it better on the Goodreads series link. The swords match the book number.

So cool.

I really like these covers and the design. Totally unique.

Draekora by Lynette Noni

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Draekora  (The Medoran Chronicles #3) Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Oooooo, this really captures the magic. True, some of the visuals are cheesy.

It's still very lovely to look at.

January 23, 2017

Review: The Diabolic

The Diabolic (The Diabolic, book 1) by S.J. Kincaid

the diabolic S.J. Kincaid

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Diabolic (1)

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. The girl who has grown up by her side and who is as much as sister as a master. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.

She must become her.

Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire...


Review:

Everyone believed Diabolics were fearless, but in my earliest years, all I knew was fear. -Nemisis

Going into The Diabolic I tried to know as little as possible about it. I knew the general basics: There's genetically made beings called Diabolics that are made to love and protect one person. Oh, and it's in space! Yeah! Sounded totally amazing to me. Upon the first sentence (see above) I was hooked. Consumed even.

Nemesis is the Diabolic and Sidonia the girl she is to protect. Nemesis and Sidonia's relationship is awesome to explore. They're devotion to each other is tantalizing, not to mention that one is given freely and the other engineered to feel that way. Yet, around every turn the story became better and better. Taking higher roads and staying away from plot tropes (well for a bit, I'll get to that). Soon there was a Princess Decoy plot where Nemesis must pose as Sidonia to protect her. Then there's revolutions, poignant ideas about humanity, altering/creating humans, class systems, and eventually a romance. At times the story was so unique, but unfortunately took a turn for the predictable.

In one of my updates I praised The Diabolic for having all the trappings of a romance, but for not going there. Yeah, see how long that lasted. Though in all honesty the romance was not instalove and actually took it's time to develop. As it should because Nemesis is for the first time being allowed to experience living and actually develop a personality and explore emotions. Even better is that the romantic interest is worthy of her. He's an idealist who wants a better world, but he's in the muck with Nemesis. Both of them are not saints, they have—and get—blood on their hands the course of this book. The world is harsh and their realities cruel.

The Diabolic manages to touch on very important topics and make your brain explore ideas. What I love is that it's not heavy handed about it. S.J. Kincaid's writing style is at times simplistic and others breathtakingly beautiful. Creating a potent combination. My ebook copy has so many highlights. (Oh, did I have to control myself to not put tons of quotes all up in this review. Check out my Goodreads review to see all the quotes though!)

Sadly the downfall from a 5 star read to a 4 star was two big things. Firstly is the combination of being predictable and a plot twist that was so predictable that it annoyed me. (Kind of take back shocker if you will.) Secondly that Nemesis trusted the man she loved with her biggest secrets, and swiftly doubted him when his enemies came to play mind games. Ugh. Bookworms why is this a thing!!? It kind of took away from the happy ending for me.

The Diabolic is a nonstop rush! The world building is what I keep begging for out of the YA genre. It feels like science fiction and high fantasy tends to get a pass on world building because it's YA and readers just want romance, instalove, angst, and pining. Well not all of us and I was smitten by the depth of world building from the beliefs of these people in the stars and the dying technology. Big ideas are tactfully explored. The insight on human emotions truly swept me off my feet. The romance is well developed. The love triangle isn't one, but is, and I enjoyed the complexity of it. While predictable for readers good at guessing plots, it still managed to be awesome.

Content Warning: Mild making out and alluding to sexual assaults. The lead and other characters actually kill people. Some characters are even tortured and the fights can be graphic.

 
4/5 - A true obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

The Diabolic (1)
Untitled (2)
Untitled (3)

The Diabolic (1)
Untitled (2)
Untitled (3)

The Diabolic (1)
Untitled (2)
Untitled (3)

January 19, 2017

Review: Graced

*Review copied received from author in exchange for an honest review.*

Graced (Graced series, book 1) by Amanda Pillar

Graced  (The Graced Series #1) by Amanda Pillar

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Graced (1)

City Guard Elle Brown has one goal in life: to protect her kid sister, Emmie. Falling in love–and with a werewolf at that–was never part of the deal.

Life, however, doesn't always go to plan, and when Elle meets Clay, everything she thought about her world is thrown into turmoil. Everything, that is, but protecting Emmie, who is Graced with teal-colored eyes and an unknown power that could change their very existence. But being different is dangerous in their home city of Pinton, and it's Elle's very own differences that capture the attention of the Honorable Dante Kipling, a vampire with a bone-deep fascination for a special type of human.

Dante is convinced that humans with eye colors other than brown are unique, but he has no proof. The answers may exist in the enigmatic hazel eyes of Elle Brown, and he's determined to uncover their secrets no matter the cost...or the lives lost.


Review:

Graced and I had a rocky start. The transition of changing POVs felt off and really frequent. With multiple points of views from first person that can happen, and at times I thought the timeline was just a smidge off. It didn't help that when I finally started to really sink into the story Elle and Clay were laying heavy on the paranormal romance tropes. Like Clay was in lust and her smell was soooooo good, but a girl with that bad ass of an attitude is too much work! Blah-blah, instalove/lust. It was silly. Thankfully the real meat of the story doesn't solely depend on them as a couple, though it does enough development later that it didn't bother me too much and I could actually see them become a reluctant item towards the end.

No. The real awesome-tacular thing about Graced was the other characters telling the story. Namely Dante!!! Oh my gosh! Dante. He's clearly evil at the beginning. He's the bad guy, but soon we realize that mentally he's a little off. An eccentric? Maybe. Or maybe he's just had evil parents and he just needed real people to make him more “human”. Dante was the perfect intro into why vampires are evil. Soon though he entered the realm of “grey”. More importantly an anti-hero. He does bad shit, but I love him. He's complex.

Even more complex is his romance in the book! Which made up for the other character's instalove. No really. The build up and humor of Dante developing emotions and feelings is epic.

In fact, the character development and story was so engaging as Graced continued on. Pillar really found her footing as the story kept going and I haven't been this engaged in a new Urban Fantasy book in ages. The true part is that all the grey areas have the characters meeting their “enemies” and finding a common ground. Some of the dialogue is hilarious! Especially as Dante does something despicable to Elle, but she totally ends up liking him. (Don't worry Elle, he's like Lokey. You should hate him, but you just can't.) I could go over each character, but I won't.

I also loved the idea of how Elle is protecting her kid sister. That she would do anything for her. The real villain actually ended up being Elle's grandmother. Who on occasion gave me goosebumps. It's also an intriguing concept of the Graced being hidden and that some of their powers are mentally intrusive. Those are scary powers, scarier to me then vampires or werewolves. At least they're up front monsters.

Oh, and the world! It's dystopian if you want to get down to it, or High Fantasy-ish. Basically there was a peak in technology, a great war among the races, and then boom they lost things. There's some technology, but most of it was lost. I like the prejudices and the minor details that Pillar has put in to make her world stand out. Very refreshing and I loved the history and look forward to seeing more of it outside of the current city that most of the story takes place in.

The truth is that Graced only missed being on my Shera's Top 10 Books of 2016 by a hair. Let me tell you I debated and debated. The anticipation of book 2 though, made it onto my Top 10 Anticipated Adult Books of 2017 list though! The characters are totally awesome! The nuances to them as Graced built up was brilliant! At times the dialogue was so clever I felt like I needed to give author Amanda Pillar a gold star of achievement! Even with a rough start it's hard to resist the addictiveness of Graced, and then it gets so good you forget everything else. If you've been looking for a new Urban Fantasy series—and are leery about self pub/indie pub—Graced is a pretty safe bet. It's been well edited. Besides a great story and I can't spam—err, recommend—it enough!

Content Warning: Homosexual themes, some sex scenes (not too crazy), and of course sexual humor! Murder and some human right issues. Some of the leads do bad things.

 
4/5 - A true obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Graced (1)
Bitten (2) 

Graced (1)
Bitten (2)
Graced (1)
Bitten (2)

January 18, 2017

Top 10 Anticipated Young Adult Books of 2017

As promised my Young Adult list! Yeah! This year paranormal and urban fantasy are in short supply in YA as well. Poor steampunk is also hard to come by. Dystopian reads slowly went from paranormal to more sci-fi, and last year finally science fiction really started getting a foot hold. This year it looks like science fiction and space operas are the name of the printed word. High Fantasy has been on the rise and is still everywhere! (Though I'm hoping it's more High Fantasy less bad romance.)

This is definitely the year of Beauty and the Beast retellings. There were a lot last year, but this year it's cray-cray! Personally I think they're trying to feed off the hunger for Disney's live action remake. Retellings in general are still big, especially fusions.  Not to mention that there are a lot of dragon themed books! Yeah!

So I looked through A LOT of titles and I'm sure I missed some, and for this list I tried to not put too many auto buy authors on here. New and exciting is the goal!

There is no particular order to the list. All books are to be released in 2017 or expected to be. 


A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin  (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. MaasGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, book 3

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

So I confess I didn't read book 2 last year. I bought book 2 right away, but then realized that if I read it right away the wait for book 3 . . . would be too much! I know, I know. That means putting it off makes me have to wait for book 2 even longer. However, if I read it know the wait for the book 3 won't be so long.

Sorry my bookworm sense makes no sense.

Anywho, I loved the first book so much that my mind is in this much turmoil.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Flame in the Mist  (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee AhdiehGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Flame in the Mist, book 1

Release date: May 16th 2017

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the ranks of the Black Clan, determined to track down the person responsible for the target on her back. But she's quickly captured and taken to the Black Clan’s secret hideout, where she meets their leader, the rebel ronin Takeda Ranmaru, and his second-in-command, his best friend Okami. Still believing her to be a boy, Ranmaru and Okami eventually warm to Mariko, impressed by her intellect and ingenuity. As Mariko gets closer to the Black Clan, she uncovers a dark history of secrets, of betrayal and murder, which will force her to question everything she's ever known.

This cover is so pretty! Ah, the radiance.

That aside this just sounds amazing. Japan, samurais, and a gender bender!!!!!! YES! Sure I haven't read any great new gender benders, the classics seem to be the only ones able to do it, but I have faith! And hope. Lots of hope.

Heartstone by Elle Katharine White

Heartstone by Elle Katharine WhiteGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Fantasy  
Series: N/A

Release Date: January 17th 2017

A debut historical fantasy that recasts Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice in an imaginative world of wyverns, dragons, and the warriors who fight alongside them against the monsters that threaten the kingdom: gryphons, direwolves, lamias, banshees, and lindworms

They say a Rider in possession of a good blade must be in want of a monster to slay—and Merybourne Manor has plenty of monsters.

Passionate, headstrong Aliza Bentaine knows this all too well; she’s already lost one sister to the invading gryphons. So when Lord Merybourne hires a band of Riders to hunt down the horde, Aliza is relieved her home will soon be safe again.

Her relief is short-lived. With the arrival of the haughty and handsome dragonrider, Alastair Daired, Aliza expects a battle; what she doesn’t expect is a romantic clash of wills, pitting words and wit against the pride of an ancient house. Nor does she anticipate the mystery that follows them from Merybourne Manor, its roots running deep as the foundations of the kingdom itself, where something old and dreadful slumbers . . . something far more sinister than gryphons.

It’s a war Aliza is ill-prepared to wage, on a battlefield she’s never known before: one spanning kingdoms, class lines, and the curious nature of her own heart.

Elle Katharine White infuses elements of Austen’s beloved novel with her own brand of magic, crafting a modern epic fantasy that conjures a familiar yet wondrously unique new world.

What finally sold me on this is the GR review from a friend who said it's not really a P&P copy cat and has small ties to the book it's supposed to be retelling. Which makes me happy! Come on dragons! they sell themselves.

Dragonriders? Oh, yeah. Though can the women fight too? It doesn't say it up front and there dang well better be female dragonriders darn it!

Of Blood & Promises by Rebekah Faubion

Of Blood and Promises by Rebekah FaubionGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy 
Series: ?

Release Date: 2017

For fans of Sabaa Tahir’s AN EMBER IN THE ASHES and Leigh Bardugo’s SHADOW AND BONE, the tortured romance, twisting mystery, and stunning island world inspired by Hawaii will capture imaginations and leave readers desperate for more.

For unruly Tree-girl Aliah, there is only one thing she loves more than scaling a Banyan’s trunk — Aiken. He’s her protector, her family by law, and the son of her power-hungry guardian. Loving him is allowed. Acting on that love is forbidden.

Aiken promised he would never leave Aliah, but his future lies with the King’s guard, not her. It is his only chance to escape the weight of his father’s control and the torment of loving a girl he can never have. But when Aliah is betrothed to the crown prince, his path to freedom becomes infinitely longer than the seven-day journey from the Great Forest to Capital City.

Thrust into claustrophobic castle life, their faith in each other begins to crumble beneath the pressure. Then the murder of one of Aliah’s friends within the castle walls sends them spiraling in opposite directions. Aiken turns spy for the King’s guard and plummets into the seedy underbelly of Capital City in search of the killer, while Aliah, trapped in the castle for her protection, uncovers a clue to the murderer’s identity and begins to unravel a dark secret at the heart of kingdom.

Bound by love. Torn apart by duty. Aiken and Aliah discover that some promises can never be broken and some secrets are better left hidden.

So this sounds awesome, and I love the unique setting for it all to take place in! I also like that up front it's stating it's a romantic fantasy! Thank you. (I still aspect and demand great world building.)

I love the idea of this also being a murder mystery! Ah, court politics and murder. Mwah-ha-ha.

Roar by Cora Carmack

Roar  (Stealing Storms #1) by Cora CarmackGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy 
Series: Stealing Storms, book 1

Release Date: June 13th 2017

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

When the general idea popped into the synopsis area on goodreads, I was intrigued. Then the real synopsis dropped, and then that cover. Well I'm obsessed! Just read it! Soooooooo awesome.

There are so many possibilities! I love that Aurora Pavan isn't willing to just accept the choices made for her to cover up her weaknesses. Not to mention that she's going to choose option 3!

Shadow Run by Adrianne Strickland & Michael Miller

Shadow Run  (Kaitan Chronicles #1) by AdriAnne Strickland, Michael MillerGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction  
Series: Kaitan Chronicles, book 1

Release Date: March 21st 2017

"Firefly" meets DUNE in this action-packed sci-fi adventure about a close-knit, found family of a crew navigating a galaxy of political intrigue and resource-driven power games.

Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain, Qole, is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique.

As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes Qole holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary.

But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive.

Nev’s mission to manipulate Qole becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but Qole is discovering a deep reservoir of power—and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew.

It still annoys me when synopsis say "blank meets blank"! In the case of this book ""Firefly" meets DUNE" his a potent combination. I'm very curious about it and I really wonder what the humor will be like. Because if you're tossing out Firefly, it better be clever and witty. Dune . . . there's a lot of room to pick and choose.

Either way ignoring the need to  suck people in with comparisons and mentioning other great things, the synopsis sounds pretty awesome.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer  (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini TaylorGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Strange the Dreamer, book 1

Release Date: March 28th 2017

A new epic fantasy by National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy.

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around— and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? and if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.

Welcome to Weep.

This was supposed to release fall of last year, and was in fact on my list last year. Oh, well! I'm still lusting after it desperately this year! At least it's a first of the year release.

I'm still iffy about how the synopsis paints it, but then Daughter of Smoke and Bone had a lame synopsis too. Well that turned out awesome, so I'm really curious what kind of a whammy this book will pack. Not to mention surprises.

Summoner Rising by Melanie McFarlane

Summoner Rising by Melanie McFarlaneGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy  
Series:  Laws of Summoning, book 1

Release Date: March 28th 2017

Excerpt from, The Book of Summoning:

Law One: A summoner is responsible for all creatures it lets through from the netherworld.

Dacie Cantar wishes someone had explained the Laws of Summoning to her before she watched a shadowy creature crawl out of a painting at the local arcade. At least it explains the strange things she's witnessed since moving in with her great-aunt, after her mother’s untimely death. But who wants to be followed by shadows the rest of their life? Add that to being stalked by a strange boy at school, who just might be her Tovaros (aka soulmate), it’s about all Dacie can handle in her new life.

As she nears her seventeenth birthday, will she be ready for her new responsibilities, or will the shadows that stalked her mother until her death, finally consume Dacie, too? And then there’s Law Two…

Really, I love the sound of this. Except the whole soulmate thing. Instalove/lust anyone? Sigh.

Oh, well. I want to find out about Law Two.

The Dragon's Price by Bethany Wiggins

The Dragon's Price  (Transference #1) by Bethany WigginsGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy
Series: Transference, book 1

Release Date: February 21st 2017

Fans of Julie Kagawa’s Talon and Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the Dawn will devour this action-packed fantasy adventure about a girl who chooses to surrender herself to a deadly dragon rather than marry an enemy prince.

When two warring kingdoms unified against a deadly menace laying waste to both their lands, they had to make a choice: vow to marry their heirs to one another, or forfeit their lives to the dragon.

Centuries later, everyone expects the sheltered princess Sorrowlynn to choose the barbarian prince over the fire-breathing beast—everyone, that is, except Sorrow, who is determined to control her own destiny or die trying.

As she is lowered into the dragon’s chamber, she assumes her life is over until Golmarr, the young prince she just spurned, follows her with the hopes of being her hero and slaying the dragon. But the dragon has a different plan. . . .

If the dragon wins, it will be freed from the spell that has bound it to the cave for centuries. If Sorrow or Golmarr vanquish the dragon, the victor will gain its treasure and escape the cave beneath the mountain. But what exactly is the dragon hiding?

There are no safe havens for Sorrow or Golmarr—not even with each other—and the stakes couldn’t be higher as they risk everything to protect their kingdom.

At least this time they fans of blank will enjoy this book. As it should be.

Okay, how awesome does this sound? Way awesome!! Kind of reminds me of this movie (Dragonslayer) where the Princess decided to sacrifice herself to the dragon . . . hope it goes better for Sorrow! 

Untitled by Becky Allen

Untitled  (Bound by Blood and Sand #2) by Becky AllenGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy
Series: Bound by Blood and Sand, book 2

Release Dates: September 2017

N/A

The first book, Bound by Blood and Sand, made my Shera's Top 10 Books of 2016! So I am super jazzed for the sequel.

The first book was an excellent Young Adult High Fantasy that fans of Tamora Peirce's work will love. Especially with all the high fantasy in YA basically being little world building with tons of instalove.

The true rebellion is coming! I can't wait to see where the cast ends up and the choices the lead will make after the huge sacrifice made.


To the honorable mentions! Yeah! This is where I always have to show restraint! (Well as best I can.)  There are so many exciting titles that I just know deserve a spot. So restraint. The ones with bullets at the bottom don't have covers. 

Cage of Deceit
by Jennifer Anne Davis
Cage of Deceit  (Reign of Secrets #1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
Caraval
by Stephanie Garber
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Daughter of the Pirate King
by Tricia Levenseller
Daughter of the Pirate King  (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)
Defy the Stars
by Claudia Gray
Defy the Stars  (Untitled #1) by Claudia Gray
Empress of a Thousand Skies
by Rhoda Belleza
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
Frost blood
by Elly Blake
Frostblood  (Frostblood Saga #1)
Gilded Cage
by Vic James
Gilded Cage  (Dark Gifts #1) by Vic James
Given to the Sea
by Mindy McGinnis
Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis
Hunted
by Meagan Spooner 
Hunted  (Hunted #1) by Meagan Spooner
Pitch Dark
by Courtney Alameda
Pitch Dark by Courtney Alameda
Starfall
by Melissa Landers
Starfall  (Starflight #2) by Melissa Landers
The Alchemists of Loom
by Elise Kova
The Alchemists of Loom  (Loom Saga #1)
The Bone Witch
by Rin Chupeco
The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch, #1)by Rin Chupeco
The Edge of Everything
by Jeff Giles
The Edge of Everything  (Untitled #1)
The Love Interest
by Cale Dietrich
The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich
The Valiant
by Lesley Livingston
The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Time Weaver Heart of Cogs
by Jacinta Maree
Time Weaver Heart of Cogs  (Time Collector #1) by Jacinta Maree
Windwitch
by Susan Dennard
Windwitch  (The Witchlands #2)
Wintersong
by Jae-Jones
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
You Don't Know My Name
by Kristen Orlando
You Don't Know My Name (The Black Angel Chronicles, #1) by Kristen Orlando
 

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