THE PERILOUS SEA by Sherry Thomas

Rating: A
Release Date: 9/16/14
Synopsis:
After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

My thoughts on the book:
The Perilous Sea is one of the best books I've read all year. I couldn't put it down. Thomas' writing, for the most part, is fantastic. The character growth is steady and believable. There is a sense of urgency throughout the novel. The ending resolves a lot of issues brought up in the book, but also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and Thomas actually shocked me with a twist at the end. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. Nothing is what it seems in this book, and I cannot recommend it, and the series, highly enough. 

Iolanthe shows her strength by battling with and accepting some things that displease her. She really grows up, and I enjoyed learning more about her past right along with her. Titus, likewise, becomes more lovable, and I found myself rooting for him the entire time. We got to learn more about Kashkari, too, and he is becoming an extremely interesting, and brave, character. A lot of the characters surprised me in this installment, and I can't wait to see what happens with them next. 

The novel starts out with Iolanthe in the Sahara with magical amnesia. I was as confused as she was because it'd been awhile since I'd read The Burning Sky. I felt like I was remembering things right along side the main character, and I enjoyed that immensely. Thomas seamlessly navigates us through the story by going back and forth between the time when Titus and Iolanthe have magical amnesia and the events leading up to that time. This method held my interest and kept me turning the pages. The world-building is superb, and I felt like I was in the various settings with the characters. Thomas also threw me for a loop at the end. I was completely blown away by one of the plot twists, but looking back, it made sense. My only complaint is the same as my complaint with the previous installment, and that's her overuse of the phrase "on (insert character name here)'s person)" when on the body or just the character's name would have sufficed. I'm not sure why Thomas loves this phrase so much, but I wish someone (like her editors) would remove it from her vocabulary permanently. 

Overall, I'd recommend this novel and series to anyone who loves high fantasy. The Elemental Trilogy definitely stands out in the YA Fantasy genre and is worth a read. 

Pre-order The Perilous Sea

THE GIRL AND THE CLOCKWORK CAT by Nikki McCormack

Rating: A
Synopsis:
Feisty teenage thief Maeko and her maybe-more-than-friend Chaff have scraped out an existence in Victorian London’s gritty streets, but after a near-disastrous heist leads her to a mysterious clockwork cat and two dead bodies, she’s thrust into a murder mystery that may cost her everything she holds dear.

Her only allies are Chaff, the cat, and Ash, the son of the only murder suspect, who offers her enough money to finally get off the streets if she’ll help him find the real killer. 

What starts as a simple search ultimately reveals a conspiracy stretching across the entire city. And as Maeko and Chaff discover feelings for each other neither was prepared to admit, she’s forced to choose whether she’ll stay with him or finally escape the life of a street rat. But with danger closing in around them, the only way any of them will get out of this alive is if all of them work together.

My thoughts on the book:
I went into The Girl and the Clockwork Cat thinking it'd be a cute, light story to read, but it's so much more than that. McCormack combines two of my favorite things (steampunk and cats). Also, she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to dealing with life on the streets, and her sensory descriptions make Maeko's life seem very real. The characters themselves also come across a realistic and easy to relate to. Furthermore, McCormack's world-building is top notch. I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. 

Maeko is a terrific leading lady. She's strong and independent. She doesn't compromise herself or her values for anyone. Maeko is no damsel in distress, so this isn't your typical rebellious and impoverished girl meets rich guy who takes her in and saves her. Nope. Maeko doesn't need saving, and if she did, she'd save herself. Yes, she worries about what people think sometimes, but don't we all? She still holds fast to what she believes, for the most part. However, her beliefs do change over the course of the novel. Maeko grows a lot in this book, and I can't wait to see what she chooses to do next. Ash is an okay love interest, but I really loved Chaff. He's a good guy, even if he is a little rough around the edges. Chaff has had a rough life, but he's not angsty, and I respected that. Ash is a bit of a pansy, in my opinion, but he does toughen up as the novel progresses. I also adored Macack, the cat. He has tons of personality. 

The story itself is intriguing and unique. I really liked the feeling of suspense about the murders and not knowing who could and could not be trusted. I also enjoyed McCormack's world-building. I felt like I was in Victorian London. The author even uses English colloquialisms, which give the entire story an air of authenticity that many books set in London lack. The writing is fluid and the pacing is top notch. I was never bored and nothing felt rushed. There is a bit of a love triangle, but this book doesn't focus much on romance. The love triangle itself is more about Maeko deciding what kind of life she wants (does she want to stay on the streets or have a more comfortable life?) than it is about which boy Maeko has a bigger crush on. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, which left me hoping the next installment comes out soon. 

Overall, I'd recommend this story to anyone who loves a good steampunk read, but is looking for something a little bit different. This book has heart, and it is easy to get lost in the world that McCormack created. Do yourself a favor and give this novel a try. 

Order The Girl and the Clockwork Cat!

Follow Friday #48

This is a meme hosted every Friday by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, where book bloggers answer a question each week and check out how others answered it. It's a cool way for bloggers and viewers to connect and learn more about each other!

This week's question: Are you also a writer and what genre or did you ever consider writing?
Answer: Yes, I am a writer! I'm actually writing a Paranormal New Adult book right now based on Irish Celtic mythology. It's a struggle because this will be the first book I've completed (I've written 100 pages then given up when the plot just went haywire before), but I'm excited to finish this one and query it and see what happens. I'm not expecting it to get published since it'll be my first complete work, but I'm still going to try. I love writing, and the research that goes along with it, so I'm content just to create things that matter to me, whether they get published or not. 

Do we have any other writers out there? If so, what genre(s) are you writing/planning to write?

RUBY CIRCLE by Richelle Mead Cover Reveal!

Hey guys, I'm super excited to share the cover of the last Bloodlines book! It's gorgeous, and I can't wait to read it.

Release Date: 2/10/15

Synopsis:

The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

What do you guys think of the cover?

UNTAKEN by J.E. Anckorn Cover Reveal!

I'm excited to reveal the cover for young-adult, action-adventure, science-fiction Untaken, by J. E. Anckorn, which is scheduled for release October 16th, 2014. The stunning cover was created by the talented Amy Chitulescu. About Untaken: It turns out that a real alien invasion is nothing like the Sci-fi shows 14-year-old Gracie loves. Not when it’s your own family who are swallowed whole by those big silver ships. Not if it could be you next. In her search for her family, Gracie meets Brandon, a high school dropout who would never have been caught dead hanging out with a dork like Gracie before the world ended. Gracie isn’t too crazy about Brandon either, but he has one thing she doesn’t: A plan. Brandon’s uncle has a cabin up in Maine, and If Gracie and Brandon can survive long enough to get there they can hide out until the Space Men pack up their ships and leave. Until the army guys come to rescue them, says Brandon. Brandon is big into army guys. Gracie has to admit that Brandon’s Awesome Plan probably would have worked out great if wasn't for Jake. They found 5-year-old Jake, laying half-dead under the remains of someone’s ranch house. He’s a good kid, even if he won’t-or can’t- talk. But Jake has a secret, and when Gracie finds out what it is, the fragile new life they’ve started to forge looks set to break apart. When the people you’ve been counting on to put the world back together start hunting you down, alien invaders are the least of your worries. Add Untaken to your Goodreads 'to-be-read' list. -- About J. E. Anckorn: J. E. Anckorn has been an artist and writer ever since she began to surreptitiously doodle on school supplies instead of learning about practical things, like osmosis and mathematics. After barely surviving a freak mathematical osmosis disaster, she set out to travel the world, living in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong before returning to her native Britain- just in time to marry an American and leave for the U.S.A. She still failed to learn anything about osmosis, but did manage to cultivate an accent that is unintelligible to almost everyone. (It happened through a mysterious net movement of information from the outside environment into her brain. If only there was a word for that!) This led to her development of a new language, based almost entirely on polite yet uncomprehending nods. In between these adventures, she has worked as a toy designer, copywriter, and freelance illustrator. She lives in Boston, with a small grumpy dog, and a large, slightly less grumpy husband. Find J. E. Anckorn Online: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday #44

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

This week I'm waiting on Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper.

Release Date: 09/23/14

Synopsis:

A sweeping historical romance about a witch who foresees her own murder--and the one boy who can help change her future.

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.

Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

Why I'm Waiting:

I'm really into Historical Fantasy novels lately, so I'm sure I'll love this one. The premise sounds unique and intriguing. 

What book are you waiting on this Wednesday?

EMBERS by Karen Ann Hopkins Cover Reveal + Giveaway!

Hey everyone! Karen Ann Hopkins is a fantastic author, and I am super excited to share the cover of her new book, Embers, with all of you. So, without further adieu, I give you Embers.

Release Date: 10/21/14

Synopsis:

There are descendants of angels walking among us. Ember is one of them. And she may be the only hope mankind has as the rapture approaches and evil rises.

Embers is an epic paranormal adventure about an eighteen year old girl who discovers that she's immune to fire and any other injury when she’s in a horrific car crash that kills her parents. Following a violent episode with her aunt's boyfriend, Ember flees Ohio to live with an old relative in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Ember's exuberance at escaping a bad home life soon turns to trepidation when she finds out that she's a Watcher, a descendant of angels. While Ember learns about her heritage and the powers that go along with it, she strikes up friendships with two young men who live in a frightening walled compound in the forest. Inexplicitly drawn to one of the men in particular, an impossible romance develops. But it is cut short when Ember discovers that her new friends are fighting on the opposite side of a war—one that’s been raging between two factions of Watchers for thousands of years. When the compound’s inhabitants threaten the townspeople, Ember takes action, sealing her fate in the ancient battle of good versus evil—and the grayness in between. Ember is up to the challenge, until she realizes that she isn’t only fighting for the lives of the locals and the souls of her new friends. She also might be one of the few champions who will make a stand for all of mankind as the rapture approaches and the end of days begin.

Embers is a dark and gritty YA novel that’s the first book in the series, The Wings of War.

Excerpt:

Sawyer sobered quickly.  The obvious hurt on his face made me regret my words.   

“You’re right.  I’m a monster.  I won’t argue on that account.  But your kind isn’t squeaky clean either.  Just because your ancestors were arch angels doesn’t give you the right to police the world.”  His eyes narrowed. “Do you know how many humans have died from wars that Watchers caused?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied.  

I was already suspicious about Watchers.  Ila scared the crap out of me sometimes with her demeanor and righteous words.

But Sawyer didn’t need to know that I questioned the Watchers myself.  His opinion didn’t count.

When I turned back to him, ready to change the subject, I wasn’t prepared for the darkening of his already almost black eyes.  He leaned in closer and our breaths mingled.  In and out I breathed, allowing his familiar woodsy scent to fill my nose.  I know Sawyer.  Oh, I know him.

Don’t do it, Ember.

But I couldn’t stop.

When he kissed me, my lips parted automatically.  

Deep down, I wanted him, desired him madly, and had from the first time I’d seen him in my dreams.  

    And in that instant, I didn’t care that he was a Demon.

About the Author:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.

Giveaway:
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