Lay Me Down by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #2
110 p.
Publisher: Flower Power Publishing, LLC
Published: 5/12/14
Source: From author for honest review

Able to navigate sleep’s vast dreamwaters, wild child Maisie Lane makes easy money as a courier delivering packages from one dream to another. So what if her employers are on the shadier side of the law? Her sister thinks she’s living for the pleasure of the moment. Pleasure is involved—why shouldn’t it be?—but every step Maisie takes is part of a careful plan. That is, until she crosses into a dream so evil, she has no choice but to run. 

Special Agent Steve Coll is tasked to recruit Maisie for Chimera, the organization that polices shared dreams. At first he’s taken with her funny and carefree spirit, then brought to his knees by her tough and passionate soul. Touching her is forbidden ecstasy, but Steve can’t resist breaking the rules with Maisie. A darkness is gathering, evil preparing to strike, and only Maisie stands between it and innocent lives. No matter what happens, Steve won’t let her stand alone—he’ll die before he leaves her side.

My thoughts:
I read the first one (still a free ebook at your fave retailer) and enjoyed it, but I have to say I enjoyed this one more. I think it is because the complex world here is pretty well established. I also was surprised that the short length didn't feel short to me. It felt like the perfect length. I'm always worried with a short book the romance will feel like insta-love (not a fan) but it didn't feel that way at all, especially when the couple first come at each other in the first book and it isn't love at first sight.

I give this book 4 stars. There is action, romance and some smexy times within the 110 pages. It is great if you want something short but not exactly sweet. It did have it's sweet moments but with so much action, it didn't last. I really enjoyed the characters and this is a series that needs to be read in order. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR with a UF twist.

On My Wishlist: Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow

Oh I've wanted to know about this book since Dan Dos Santos revealed this cover:

Trailer Park Fae
by Lilith Saintcrow
Series: Gallow and Ragged #1
320 p.
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 6/23/15

New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow returns to dark fantasy with a new series where the fairy world inhabits diners, dive bars and trailer parks. 

Jeremy Gallow is just another construction worker, and that's the way he likes it. He's left his past behind, but some things cannot be erased. Like the tattoos on his arms that transform into a weapon, or that he was once closer to the Queen of Summer than any half-human should be. Now the half-sidhe all in Summer once feared is dragged back into the world of enchantment, danger, and fickle fae—by a woman who looks uncannily like his dead wife. Her name is Robin, and her secrets are more than enough to get them both killed. A plague has come, the fullborn-fae are dying, and the dark answer to Summer's Court is breaking loose. 

Be afraid, for Unwinter is riding...

So what are you wishing for this week? 

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Series: Penryn & the End of Days #1
288 p.
Published: 8/28/15
Publisher: Skyscape
Source: NetGalley for review

It's been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain.

Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night.

When angels fly away with a helpless girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back...

My thoughts:
I've heard about this one for quite a while. People raved about it and so my curiosity grew. I decided to wait until more of the series came out but I couldn't wait any longer when this one came up on NetGalley. Yea, okay, I want to read this one!

I have to admit that it took me a bit to really get into the story. We are thrown into the dystopian landscape without much fanfare. Questions abound but as you follow Penryn and she finds her mission, it is easy to slip within these pages and find yourself worried about her and even her angel friend... even if we don't know for sure if he is a friend.

While it still felt as if I wanted a bit more explanation of what was going on, a bit more exploration into this world, I was still engaged and had trouble putting the book down. It's only more than a couple of hundred pages and those pages go fast. I would have loved a much longer book by the end of this one. While it wasn't exactly a cliffie, it left much uncertainty for the next book. 600 pg book (or more)? Please... if it is good, no problems here! :D Most of you reading this would feel the same way. Oh well, I guess I have to locate the next book.

I give this book 4 stars. It was engaging and just enough possible romance to satisfy those that crave it. It didn't concentrate on it because there was so much action, so I would consider this one more YA UF than PNR. I also recommend it to those that enjoy dystopian books.

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Rachel's Deception by Karen Ann Hopkins

Series: Temptation #4
324 p.
Publisher: Indie
Cover Art: Seedlings Design
Published: 5/8/15
Source: From Kismet Touring for review

Growing up Amish is difficult…but leaving it behind is even harder.

Noah was Amish...Rose wasn't. Being together should have been impossible. But somehow they found a way to make it work. They are finally a family, but their happily-ever-after is still a long off. Will Rose and her friends be able to force real change in the community? 

Karen Ann Hopkins returns with a gripping new book in the YA Temptation series. The powerful family saga continues with Rachel's Deception, as events spiral out of control in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview. And Rachel Miller has her own secrets to hide. Noah’s younger sister has been living a double life. That is, until Justin Cameron, Rose's little brother, catches her in the act. Rachel is not the obedient Amish girl that her sister was, and her rebelliousness takes her to a very dangerous world. A world that only her true friends can help her escape from. 

As Rachel questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment, Rose discovers what it really means to be shunned. And an evil shadow looms on the horizon, threatening not only Rose, but everyone she holds dear.

My thoughts:
Although I've always been curious about the Amish culture, I haven't gravitated toward the fiction. Mostly because I don't know much about it so I may not know what is fact or fiction. However this story, while it felt fictional, also seemed to bring in some relevant topic concerning Amish women. It felt genuine and after reading the author's blog post (check out Wed's post HERE) I have to say that I also believe it was genuine. It makes sense that the women in a patriarchal and closed society would have it pretty tough. Especially when having several children as babies and toddlers without help. It astounds me that any one would be sane by the time a few of your kids would be old enough to help.

I enjoyed the story and found the pages slipping by even though there were several POV changes. It didn't get confusing and I liked following many characters. I have to say though it also didn't quite feel like Rachel's book but more of Rose's book. Not sure if that is intentional but I think it was a good thing here especially since there is a sort of love triangle going on within the story. I honestly didn't care for the romance here and I also didn't like how Rachel left things. However, I feel as if I may get more of a better ending in Rachel's romance down the series. I could feel a lot of potential in that area. I really think I'll love it in other coming books. Strange, I know. :)

I also have to admit I haven't read all the books prior to reading this book. I thought I would be fine since this is a "offshoot" series beginner as well as #4 in the series. I wasn't lost but I did feel as if I missed some important information especially about Rose. This makes total sense to me and I feel like I may have to go back to book 1 to remedy my lack of knowledge.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I may have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books but I still found it very entertaining. I recommend this one to those that are curious about a culture we don't often get to see as well as those that enjoy contemporary YA.

Bloggy PS

In case you didn't see it, there is a great post and international giveaway with the author. Just go to the post HERE to enter.

Blog Tour: Rachel's Deception by Karen Ann Hopkins

So glad to have Karen on the blog today. I asked a question about culture since I'm always interested in learning more. Very few of us really know about the Amish culture so this post should be interesting. :)

• Thanks for coming on the blog today! What is it that you find fascinating about Amish life that you don't think most people know or understand?

Thank you for having me today! There are so many misconceptions about the Amish way of life.  Practically everyone knows that the Amish don’t use electricity or drive cars.  But fewer people are aware that Amish children are finished with formal schooling after eighth grade or that the Amish do in fact pay state and federal income tax, the same as everyone else.  

One of the more interesting things that my readers are usually surprised about is that Amish young people get to pick out the person they court (date) and ultimately marry.  In Rachel’s Deception, this actuality is a very important to the central plot.  Once Rachel is sixteen years old, AND officially joins the Amish Church, she can pick her romantic interest.  As long as he’s Amish, that is.  Rose and Noah discovered this hard truth in Temptation, and they continued to struggle with the consequences of their choices in Belonging and Forever. 

But for Rachel, even picking an Amish boyfriend, isn’t an easy answer.  The boy she’s interested in, is part of a family that’s been feuding with her own family for a while now.  There’s no rule against her courting this particular boy, but both families would rather avoid it.  Because in the Amish world, courting is serious business.  Young people usually marry the first and only person they court.  Breaking up inside of a tight knit community where everyone is connected in some way or another to everyone else is a potentially destructive situation, and one that’s avoided at all costs.  Occasionally, it does happen that a girl or boy “quits” the relationship (our term: breaking up).  But those two people are now considered damaged goods in a way.  Again, there’s no punishment to endure, except the gossip of their peers and the possibility that a new love interest’s family might be opposed to the new match.  

Regardless of the twists and turns of Amish courting protocol, they usually end up happily married in the end.  So whatever they’re doing, is working.  

Thank you so much for your interest in Rachel’s Deception, the Temptation series, and my other books: Embers (YA paranormal), Lamb to the Slaughter and Whispers from the Dead (adult Amish mysteries)!  I love to connect with readers and I’d be happy to answer questions about the Amish way of life.  Please contact me at my website: www.karenannhopkins.com or you can message me on FB, Twitter, and Instagram.  

Happy Reading,

Karen Ann Hopkins

Series: Temptation #4
Published: May 8, 15

Growing up Amish is difficult…but leaving it behind is even harder. 

Noah was Amish...Rose wasn't. Being together should have been impossible. But somehow they found a way to make it work. They are finally a family, but their happily-ever-after is still a long off. Will Rose and her friends be able to force real change?
Karen Ann Hopkins returns with a gripping new book in the YA Temptation series. The powerful family saga continues with Rachel's Deception, as events spiral out of control in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview. And Rachel Miller has her own secrets to hide. Noah’s younger sister has been living a double life. That is, until Justin Cameron, Rose's little brother, catches her in the act. Rachel is not the obedient Amish girl that her sister was, and her rebelliousness takes her to a very dangerous world. A world that only her true friends can help her escape from.

As Rachel questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment, Rose discovers what it really means to be shunned. And an evil shadow looms on the horizon, threatening not only Rose, but everyone she holds dear.

About Rachel’s Deception:

Goodreads

Buy: Amazon| B&N

Temptation (Book 1) on Goodreads |Get a Copy Amazon | B&N | Indiebound
Belonging (Book 2) on Goodreads | Get a Copy Amazon | B&N | Indiebound
Forever (Book 3) on Goodreads | Get a Copy Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

The Temptation Series is now on Audible!

Here is some exciting news for all those audiobook lovers out there: The Temptation Series is now available, so get your copy right now! Listen to a sample on audible.

About Karen Ann Hopkins:
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.

Tour Schedule:

Monday, May 18th - pageturnersblog - Guest Post
Tuesday, May 19th - A Bookish Escape - Review
Wednesday, May 20th - Books and Things - Guest Post
Thursday, May 21st - Sassy Book Lovers - Review together with Guest Post
Friday, May 22nd - Lose Time Reading - Review

Monday, May 25th - Literary Meanderings - Author Interview
Tuesday, May 26th - Reading Lark - Review
Wednesday, May 27th - Sassy & Dangerous - Interview
Thursday, May 28th - Actin' Up with Books - Review
Friday, May 29th - Her Book Thoughts - Review together with Guest Post

Monday, June 1st - Bittersweet Enchantment - Guest Post
Tuesday, June 2nd - Supernatural Snark - Interview
Wednesday, June 3rd - Curling Up With A Good Book - Interview
Thursday, June 4th - Manga Maniac Cafe - Guest Post
Friday, June 5th - Bewitched Bookworms - Guest Post

Go to the Tour Page for more info.

Giveaway!

Giveaway Info:

Karen is offering up a fantastic prize pack, with one lucky winner receiving the following:

$50 gift card (Amazon, B&N or iTunes)

A complete set of her books (Temptation, Belonging, Forever, Rachel’s Deception, Lamb to the Slaughter, Whispers from the Dead and Embers!)

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form.

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Audiobook Review: Rogue by Julie Kagawa

Series: The Talon Saga #2
12 hrs. 29 min.
Unabridged
Narrators: Caitlin Davies, MacLeod Davies, Chris Patton, and Tristan Morris
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Published: 4/28/15
Source: Audiobook Jukebox for review

Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can't forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he'd signed his own death warrant.

Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order's headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember's own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George.

A reckoning is brewing and the secrets hidden by both sides are shocking and deadly. Soon Ember must decide: Should she retreat to fight another day…or start an all-out war?

My thoughts:
This audiobook is narrated by several people. While that may put some of you off, I have to say it was quite successful in this book. Each person took the chapter of their POV and it really separated the characters out in a clear manner. While I don't feel that it would have been confusing while reading it, the separation of each character in each voice really brought the book to life. Each narrator also embodied the characters easily and so it was easy to slip into this world while listening.

I was a bit disappointed in this telling as far as the romance goes. I admit I don't care for love triangles and although I expected one from the first book I was curious as to what direction she would take it. While on an emotional level I have to say the author still has me intrigued, I'm just not happy with the direction it is going. To me there is a logical winner and there isn't enough worldbuilding to let me see any other choice. In her other books there was a clear winner, in this one there still is not despite what I just said. While that is good for some people, I would rather see this triangle resolved rather than stretched out. However, that is only my opinion and others may see this same development as exciting.

I did enjoy the adventure itself and the harrowing aspects to the story. I expect a twist and I also expect it is one that Garrett is now investigating. I wonder if we are on the same page or if it takes a different turn than the one I'm expecting. Either way, I'll be waiting for the next installment of this series impatiently.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR YA and those that enjoy Kagawa's stories. I do seem to always enjoy her worldbuilding. I do recommend it on audio and don't let the multiple narrators discourage you from trying it.

Winners!

The winners for:

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Don't forget to enter for:

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Review and Giveaway: Unbound by Jim C. Hines

Series: Magic Ex Libris #3
340 p.
Publisher: DAW
Published: 1/6/15
Source: TBR pile

For five hundred years, the Porters have concealed the existence of magic from the world. Now, old enemies have revealed the Porters’ secrets, and an even greater threat lurks in the shadows. The would-be queen Meridiana, banished for a thousand years, has returned in the body of a girl named Jeneta Aboderin. She seeks an artifact created by Pope Sylvester II, a bronze prison that would grant her the power to command an army of the dead. 

Michigan librarian Isaac Vainio is powerless to stop her, having been stripped of his power and his place among the Porters by Johannes Gutenberg himself. But Isaac is determined to regain his magic and to rescue his former student Jeneta. With no magic of his own, Isaac’s must delve into the darker side of black-market magic, where he will confront beings better left undisturbed, including the sorcerer Juan Ponce de Leon. 

With his loyal fire-spider Smudge, dryad warrior Lena Greenwood, and psychiatrist Nidhi Shah, Isaac races to unravel a mystery more than a thousand years old as competing magical powers battle to shape the future of the world. He will be hunted by enemies and former allies alike, and it will take all his knowledge and resourcefulness to survive as magical war threatens to spread across the globe. 

Isaac’s choices will determine the fate of his friends, the Porters, the students of Bi Sheng, and the world. Only one thing is certain: even if he finds a way to restore his magic, he can’t save them all…

My thoughts:
I think that this one was the most harrowing and the darkest book of the 3 that I've read. This is also a series I think should be read in order. If for no other reason than to be fully introduced to the characters. You really should read the second book to prepare yourself for this one.

I think that this one also feels more complete. Not just with the storyline, but with the characters as well. They fully feel family-like and are learning exactly who they can count on. You also will get some unexpected violence in this book and no character is completely safe. Isaac is both headstrong, impulsive and intelligent as he is in the other books. Smudge is still a loyal and cute pet (still can't get over how much I like that spider). Lena and Nidhi both are much intertwined with Isaac and they make a great family unit (if not odd). You also get some other great secondary characters in ones you both know and are introduced into this book. Yes, those that like good character building should really enjoy this book.

The ending of this book is quite complete. I wasn't sure if it was a trilogy or if it was just part of the series. In fact, it is part of a series with Revisionary (book 4) set to be published in Feb. 2016. Yes, I will read it. Just because the story has a good ending doesn't mean it actually ends... or that the questions end. I have several I'd like to see if they get answered in the next book. You know I'll be reading it. :)

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. It completes the story arc as well as solidifies the characters. I recommend it to those that enjoy fantasy and adventure as well as reading! :)

Giveaway!

I actually received 2 HC books of Unbound. So, I'm giving the second one away! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below. US only since I'm sending this myself.

Good Luck!

Codex Born by Jim C. Hines

Series: Magic Ex Libris #2
326 p.
Publisher: DAW
Published: 8/6/13
Source: Library

Isaac Vainio’s life was almost perfect. He should have known it couldn’t last. 

Living and working as a part-time librarian in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Isaac had finally earned the magical research position he dreamed of with Die Zwelf Portenære, better known as the Porters. He was seeing a smart, fun, gorgeous dryad named Lena Greenwood. He had been cleared by Johannes Gutenberg to do libriomancy once again, to reach into books and create whatever he chose from their pages. Best of all, it had been more than two months since anything tried to kill him. 

And then Isaac, Lena, and Porter psychiatrist Nidhi Shah are called to the small mining town of Tamarack, Michigan, where a pair of septuagenarian werewolves have discovered the brutally murdered body of a wendigo. 

What begins as a simple monster-slaying leads to deeper mysteries and the discovery of an organization thought to have been wiped out more than five centuries ago by Gutenberg himself. Their magic rips through Isaac’s with ease, and their next target is Lena Greenwood. 

They know Lena’s history, her strengths and her weaknesses. Born decades ago from the pages of a pulp fantasy novel, she was created to be the ultimate fantasy woman, shaped by the needs and desires of her companions. Her powers are unique, and Gutenberg’s enemies mean to use her to destroy everything he and the Porters have built. But their plan could unleash a far darker power, an army of entropy and chaos, bent on devouring all it touches. 

The Upper Peninsula is about to become ground zero in a magical war like nothing the world has seen in more than five hundred years. But the more Isaac learns about Gutenberg and the Porters, the more he questions whether he’s fighting for the right cause. 

One way or another, Isaac must find a way to stop a power he doesn’t fully understand. And even if he succeeds, the outcome will forever change him, the Porters, and the whole world.

My thoughts:
I'm not sure I could add more than the blurb above, but I have to say that I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first. I think it is because the main characters are established and even though we are still exploring this world, the worldbuilding is also established. What I really enjoyed about this one is that we get a look at Lena at the beginning of every chapter. We follow her from when she was first "born" to the present. We really get to know this secondary character.

I'm still astounded that Charlotte's Web is no longer the only story that has allowed me to love a spider character. I didn't mind Aragog in the Harry Potter books but s/he was not exactly lovable. This flaming spider (quite literally) has become a favorite character of mine in the story and I'm glad that the rest of the characters seem to be just as attached.

I give this book 4 stars. I really had fun with this one and while there is so much more for me to know the book felt complete. The bad guys are bad and there are a few that you aren't really sure where they fit on that spectrum of badness. I can't wait to find out more. I recommend this series to those that enjoy reading (all of us?) and those that like a fun UF adventure.

Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines

Series: Magic Ex Libris #1
308 p.
Publisher: DAW
Published: 8/7/12
Source: Library

Isaac Vainio is a Libriomancer, a member of the secret organization founded five centuries ago by Johannes Gutenberg. Libriomancers are gifted with the ability to magically reach into books and draw forth objects. When Isaac is attacked by vampires that leaked from the pages of books into our world, he barely manages to escape. To his horror he discovers that vampires have been attacking other magic-users as well, and Gutenberg has been kidnapped. 

With the help of a motorcycle-riding dryad who packs a pair of oak cudgels, Isaac finds himself hunting the unknown dark power that has been manipulating humans and vampires alike. And his search will uncover dangerous secrets about Libriomancy, Gutenberg, and the history of magic...

My thoughts:
Well, what better book to get from the library to read? I've been wanting to read this book since it first came out and what I got was a magical adventure. One that was fun and wished I had the magical powers to reach into a book and pull out magical things. Harry Potter anyone? LOL

The worldbuilding here is tricky but I think the author does a pretty good job at explaining things. It seems to cover most of the plot holes that could have occurred. The reason why certain things could and could not be taken from books. Also what it does to the magician taking these things. We are still left with a few minor holes but I think that is to be expected and would be impossible to cover everything in a first book.

I enjoyed the ride and the magic involved but I didn't love the romance in the book. Oddly enough I didn't hate it either. I think if it was solved differently in the end I would feel differently but it was an odd ending to that part of the book. I will not divulge more than that cryptic statement with the exception that I will say that this is the first book that makes a triangle perfectly reasonable for at least one character. *evil laugh* (now you have to figure that one out... )

What surprised me is Smudge. I am a firm believer in arachnophobia so color me surprised when I loved this spider! Granted he isn't real in the sense that he came from a book but then again, that might be the only way I would love a spider like that. Oh and he explodes into flame. :D

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that love to read and those who love magic. I especially recommend it to those that enjoy the fantasy and sci-fi genres. You will find a lot in common with the hero in this book.

The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan

Series: Memoir by Lady Trent #3
352 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 3/31/15
Source: From publisher for review

Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal. 

Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.

My thoughts:
I did think that this series was a trilogy but it looks like it is a full series if the ending is any indication. While it isn't really a cliffie, it does dangle more adventure to come. More dragons to be discovered.

This book is also like the other 2. We get sort of an alternate history lesson as if dragons walked amongst us and how we would have treated him. Lady Trent is an adventuress who studies dragons and dragon lore. And as with the other 2 books we get wonderful drawings by Todd Lockwood interspersed into the story. These drawings really make the story come alive IMHO. The biggest adventure is saved to the end as with the last story so it ends with a bang and a new discovery. What that leads to we will have to find out in the next book.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars and I'm curious as to where her discovery takes her and I'm quite curious as to how some of the secondary characters fit into the storyline. There is a young man who is taken with Lady Trent and I suspect we will see more of him as his mysterious background comes to light. I want to know more about that! I recommend it to those that like alternate history fantasy books.

On My Wishlist

I haven't done one of these for a long time and it was about time I wished for some books... you know like I do every day... LOL

Here are a few on my list:

Ink and Bone
by Rachel Caine
Series: The Great Library #1
352 p.
Publisher: NAL
To Be Published: 7/7/15

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.… 

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. 

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service. 

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Spider's Trap
by Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #13
384 p.
Publisher: Pocket Books
To Be Published: 7/28/15

Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance. 

One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death…

So what are you wishing for? :) 

Hexed by Michael Alan Nelson

Series: The Sisters of Witchdown #1
290 p.
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 5/5/15
Source: From publisher for review

Luci Jenifer Inacio das Neves, Lucifer for short, isn't your typical teenaged girl. She's a thief who survives by stealing bad things from bad people in the magical and mystical underworld hidden beneath our own. So when a policeman's daughter, Gina, is kidnapped by a force he can't explain, Lucifer is the only one who has a chance at getting his daughter back.

With the unsolicited help of Gina's friends, including Gina's boyfriend David, Lucifer's investigation leads to the unfortunate truth of the kidnapping. Gina was taken to an otherworldly dimension by a creature of unspeakable evil: one of the Seven Sisters of Witchdown. Against all odds, Lucifer must use every magical tool hidden in her trick bag to steal her way into the Shade and bring Gina back before the Sister sacrifices her for her own dark ends. But the closer Lucifer gets to Gina, the closer she gets to David. And David to her. Lucifer must risk her life by confronting demons, witches, and the cruel demigoddess controlling her destiny - all to save the one girl who stands in the way of Lucifer finally finding love.

My thoughts:
This is a book that is based on a comic series. I haven't read the comic so I was curious as to how this translates into book format. It is well written and I think that even those YA readers who are rather young would enjoy this one. It does have a horror element to it so I guess it depends on the reader as to how well they would be able to handle it. Those that read adult horror will have absolutely no problems with this one.

While I did enjoy Lucifer and how she got her name, I did not enjoy the romance that developed here. I also didn't care for her attitude about the romance. It was someone I just didn't see her falling for but I did get how she craved normalcy. The distraction of the boy just didn't ring true to me and I would have loved to see her more confident at least when she wasn't directly dealing with the relationship. She might be a girl, but one that supposedly lived though a great number of tragedies.

While I didn't enjoy her foray into a romantic relationship, I did like the adventure and the insurmountable odds she was pitted against. It was a bit repetitious in the telling of the story, but I do think kids wouldn't mind it at all. I give this book 3 stars and do recommend it to the young YA crowd that likes horror. It's not too scary but gives enough horror to satisfy.

Review and Giveaway: The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett

Series: Demon Cycle #1
453 p.
Publisher: Random House
Published: 3/23/15
Source: TBR pile

As darkness falls after sunset, the corelings rise--demons who possess supernatural powers and burn with a consuming hatred of humanity. For hundreds of years the demons have terrorized the night, slowly culling the human herd that shelters behind magical wards--symbols of power whose origins are lost in myth and whose protection is terrifyingly fragile. It was not always this way. Once, men and women battled the corelings on equal terms, but those days are gone. Night by night the demons grow stronger, while human members dwindle under their relentless assault. Now, with hope for the future fading, three young survivors of vicious demon attacks will dare the impossible, stepping beyond the crumbling safety of the wards to risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Together, they will stand against the night.

My thoughts:
I've been wanting to try this book for a while now. I won this one and a few extras to giveaway (stay tuned at the end of the post). I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but I know that several of my fantasy loving bloggy friends did enjoy this one. I couldn't wait to dive in.

I find myself in this story between 3 POVs. It isn't hard to discern one from the other and I knew there had to be a reason we were following 3. We mostly get the tale of Arlen and since this is really his story it makes sense. Plus his journey is the most complicated one. The other POVs were Leesha (healer) and and Rojer (entertainer). I knew they would all come together in the end since we see that each prospective journeys would complement each other greatly. In some ways I couldn't wait to see them together and in others I didn't mind waiting patiently while the story unfolded. I was glad I waited.

This is a character driven book even though the worldbuilding is lush. It isn't bogged down by politics but is driven by the coming of age stories of all 3 characters. We learn what they fear and how each finds who they truly are in the world. How they learn to cherish their gifts and what it could mean not only for themselves but also for the world. It was a great beginning to this adventure.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. While you might come across a small plot hole or two in the worldbuilding the characterization comes through and really shines in the story. Plus often those holes are filled as the series progresses. While I can't wait to continue reading in this series I'm hesitant since the next book is about a character we were introduced and I did not like at all (but then you really weren't supposed to like him). I do think it will turn out to be another great addition but I do hope he gets his butt kicked. LOL

Yes, since I was given more than one book I'm giving 2 away! US only (sorry postal charges!). I do think this is a fantasy even those that don't often read this genre will enjoy. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter! Good luck!