The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Series: The Hazel Wood #1
368 p.
Published: 1/30/18
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
Amazon Affiliate Link: http://amzn.to/2EDxRaB

Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent most of Alice’s life on the road, always a step ahead of the uncanny bad luck biting at their heels. But when Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood, Alice learns how bad her luck can really get: her mother is stolen away―by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother's stories are set. Alice's only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.” 

Alice has long steered clear of her grandmother’s cultish fans. But now she has no choice but to ally with classmate Ellery Finch, a Hinterland superfan who may have his own reasons for wanting to help her. To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to the Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother's tales began―and where she might find out how her own story went so wrong.

My thoughts:

I didn't know what to expect with this book but dark fairy tale is something I do gravitate toward. I was not disappointed and really found the tale to be inventive and unusual. I did see some things that felt like retellings, but it really felt like something new.

I admit it took me a while to get used to Alice and really like her. Part of the problem is that it took a long while to get to Alice's true origin story. Even though that was frustrating in part, you also knew that when you got the story it would have to be close to the end and that it would bring all the elements together. I also was a bit frustrated with not knowing all the fairy tales we encountered. Like the stories were dangled just out of reach and I wish it came with a companion book of the fairy tales. Tales I know would be hard to read as the ones we got to know were dark as if the Grimm brothers took an even darker turn with their tales.

What kept me going was the mystery I was determined to solve and that I really started to like Alice. I really wanted a win for her and I wasn't sure this story would end on a positive note. I won't tell you if it does end well, but I will say that the story felt complete (despite it being the first in the series) and not everything ended in how most stories end. I'm extremely curious to where the author will take the next book.

I give this story 4 stars. Despite the problems I had in the plot, it was very readable and I also found it very unique. I also think that some of the problems with the plot were intentional. It mirrors Alice who is messy and dark and who we learn about as she learns about herself. There is great character growth in this book.

🔮

The Eterna Solution by Leanna Renee Hieber

Series: Eterna Files #3

384 p.

Published: 11/14/17
Publisher: Tor Books

Source: Publisher for review
Amazon Affiliate Link: http://amzn.to/2AVJtUr

The exciting conclusion to a sumptuous gaslamp fantasy series 

Leanna Renee Hieber brings Victorian London and New York to life and fills both cities with ghosts and monsters. Two groups of paranormally talented investigators discover that the Eterna compound—thought to be the key to immortality—is, instead, a powerful protective charm. That protection is sorely needed, for both England and the U.S. are under attack by dark forces.

Having vanquished the demonic pretender to the British throne, the now-united forces of the Eterna Commission and the Omega Department reach America ready to take on a new menace. But like the United States itself, this evil is rapidly spreading from sea to shining sea. Will the new magic our heroes have discovered be strong enough to defeat it? 

With its blend of Victorian details, complex plots, and compelling characters, Hieber's fascinating historical fantasy continues to earn critical acclaim and has a dedicated readership.

My thoughts:

It had been a while since I read the last book, but it didn't take me long to remember what had gone on and I wasn't lost. I also have to say that this book really has me enjoying this series more. I have liked it but not quite loved the books before but I really enjoyed this volume.

I liked how all the characters had come together in this one and I do think it shined because of all the various characters. I had not really felt that the romance of Clara and Bishop made much sense to me before (I liked her previous romance too much and it interfered, I admit) but I think I finally feel as if they belong together. I also enjoyed the other couples as well, but this was my main focus. 

The villain is formidable as the last one and it also all connects together. There are some horrors to be aware of for the squeamish but the book is more of an alternate historical fantasy and not horror so it shouldn't be too hard to handle. 

I give this book 4 stars. It is my favorite in the trilogy and the one that was the easiest to really get lost in. It is a good book for those looking for strong and intelligent women who solve paranormal crime.

🔥

Just a Note

Ah trying to catch up to everything going on and a bit of a catch up with me... 

For those wondering, my mom had a few more tests and her prognosis is better than we thought so that is a relief but she isn't out of the woods yet. Still glad it isn't what we were being told.

My big pup gave me a bit of a scare when he didn't feel well after a trip out of town. I think it came down to not feeling optimal and then he stressed himself and stressed his muscles while traveling. My monster pup showed her true colors and I found out she is a caretaker. She snuggled with him and checked on him constantly. He isn't a snuggler but he totally takes it from her (collective "Awwwww!").

 Unfortunately not everything had a good side. We lost a young family member recently. I hadn't seen him in a while, but you only had to meet him once to know that he was a beautiful soul. He was also just a child. He will be missed by so many of us. 

💔

While I don't often post many things personal, I thought those that had reached out to me about my mom might want to know how she is doing and I just had to share about monster pup. The last one was just on my mind a lot.

All I have left to say is that I hope everyone is doing well and hug someone you love.
Back to your regularly scheduled blog very soon.

❤️

The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

Series: Winternight Trilogy #2
363 p.
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 12/5/17
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
Amazon Affiliate Link: http://amzn.to/2Bl05sN

The magical adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home—but soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it comes under siege. 

Orphaned and cast out as a witch by her village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent, or allow her older sister to make her a match with a Moscovite prince. Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the vast world she longs to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a boy and riding her horse into the woods. When a battle with some bandits who have been terrorizing the countryside earns her the admiration of the Grand Prince of Moscow, she must carefully guard the secret of her gender to remain in his good graces—even as she realizes his kingdom is under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop.

My thoughts:

I was surprised by the first book, The Bear and the Nightingale (my review linked) and eagerly awaited this book. I have to admit that, at first I was thinking this book might suffer from second book syndrome as Vasya kept making bad choices. She is learning something totally new so that is expected, but sometimes frustrating for the reader. Still, as things moved on and I became more curious. Once she became reunited with 2 of her older siblings I was totally invested.

This story is a retelling of Russian myth (actually several), we do get a tale that feels familiar in the embodiment of death who falls for a mortal the consequences. It is also a tale of a strong girl who learned what she didn't want out of life in the first book and what she was willing to do to avoid the consequences of her decision. While we are still dealing with the echoes of that important choice she now finds she must decide on what she wants and if she is willing to fight for it. In other words she doesn't just need to know what she is moving away from but what she needs to move toward. She finds her voice and her strength from within and every bit is needed to not just survive a cunning villain but also those that felt betrayed by her choices who also, in turn, betrayed and loved her.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. If you haven't tried this series, I think you should! I really enjoy all the characters especially Vasya, Morozkzo (who will break your heart), and Slovey (her horse! I love that horse!). I also would start with the first book. While this trilogy hasn't ended, this one did not end on a cliffy, but questions linger and you are pulled into wanting the next book now. You could wait for the last book to appear, but seriously, I would just start enjoying it now.

🐎

Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy: Colorado #1
Spin-off from: Mythos Academy Series
279 p.
Publisher: Indie
Published: 11/5/17
Source: From Author for review
Amazon Affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2kvMUOR

New school year, same old problems . . .

At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers.

Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I’m still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won’t let me forget about my parents.

But something strange is going on at the Colorado Academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters.

I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I’m also the only one who can save it . . .

My thoughts:

This is the first book in the spin-off series of the Mythos Academy books with Gwen Frost as the heroine. In this book, Rory Forseti, Gwen's cousin who we briefly met, is the heroine in this series set in Colorado. Since I'm a fan of Jennifer Estep's writing and also a fan of anything set in CO I knew this was a total win for me. I was correct. I enjoyed my time at the CO Mythos Academy. For those that have not read the main series, I do suggest it, but I think you could read this book first. I still think that you would feel as if you are missing something and you would be right. I really loved that first series and I do think you will as well.

If you are familiar with this world you will be easily transported there in this book. It does have the same feel as the other series and the same kind of adventure. We get a more seasoned warrior in this book but she also is inexperienced in life having just felt betrayal from people she would never expect. Recovering from that, bearing the bullying at school and tempted with a choice on almost every level we find ourselves engaged with Rory and rooting for her from the beginning. We are also introduced to a new talking sword. As much as I did like Babs, she hasn't quite stolen the spotlight from Vic just yet. However, the griffins have totally stolen my heart.

Btw, can I have a griffin? Would go great with the Fenrir wolf I want as well (you'll get those references if you read the books in this world!).

I give this story 4 stars. It is a great reintroduction and expansion to the world I knew and enjoyed. There is no real romance in this book, but there is a lot of potential! So those who like a slow romance may find themselves enjoying this series. I recommend it to those that love a fun fantasy world.

⚔

For a limited time, the first 3 Mythos Academy series books (the series that started it all) and a prequel novella is on sale. The series is listed at $2.99 as of this writing. I'm not sure how long it will last. 

Affiliate link:

...and just like that it goes back up. Keep your eye on this link above if it goes on sale before the year is out. It should change if it does!