Review: Curse of the Phoenix

 

Zac and Lu's father is having a hard time parenting them after their mother died. He's spending them to England to spend the summer with relatives they've never met. When he leaves them at the airport, the twins are certain it's going to be the worst summer ever.

But then they discover the stories their mother told them were not just stories. The creatures from those stories are real. And their family must take care of them all - it's their curse.

For the first time ever, Zac can spend time outside - without feeling sick and miserable. Lu vows to watch over him. But the two of them get into more trouble together than apart. Will their trouble cause a rift in the family and change everything?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved how the twins had to learn about this new world bit by bit - layer by layer. I loved meeting the new creatures - even if they were harmful and a bit scary. I loved how the twins came together after being apart for so long - they were really sweet even when they were annoyed with each other. I felt bad for the family - who didn't want the curse and didn't enjoy being caretakers. I really liked the ending!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection - very eye catching 

Source: ARC sent for Review

Library Recommendation:  A great middle grade fantasy for your school and public libraries. Highly recommended. 

Review: Captive

* Blackcoat Rebellion Book 2 *

Kitty Doe's been living a lie. Every time she opens her mouth, Kitty finds herself in trouble. It's not easy pretending to be someone else.

After a fight with her fake fiance, Kitty finds herself accused of treason and sent to Elsewhere.

Life in Elsewhere isn't logical and everyone must lookout for themselves. With no one to trust, Kitty must do what she can in order to survive and get her revenge. 

My Thoughts: A fantastic follow-up to Pawn left me on the edge of my seat through secrets revealed, plot twists, lies, betrayals, and the truth. This book played with my emotions through the ups and downs of people fighting for their lives all the while death, love, friendship, and loyalty hung in the balance. I can't wait to read what happens next! 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Overall Thought: An excellent sequel that left me breathless for the conclusion of the trilogy

What's on my Hold List (95)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

Sequels: I love series, titles I can't wait to read. 

The Job (came out Yesterday): Great series of a thriller with tension and lots of humor. 

One in a Million: The last book in the Lucky Harbor series - I will be so SAD when it's over because I love this series

Captive: I loved Pawn and can't wait to see what happens next. 

Review: Pawn

Kitty's testing didn't go has planned. Now she has to spend the rest of her life making up for the fact that she's unworthy.  Her boyfriend urges her to let them runaway together, but Kitty doesn't want to spoil his chances at being someone in society.

So she slips away and joins the oldest profession. Upon her first night, there's a bidding for her. The person who wins has the power to change her life. He's offered her the chance of a lifetime - to become the Prime Minister's niece: Lila Hart.

Lila died under mysterious circumstances. While it's easy to change someone's face, the eyes are difficult. Kitty has the right shade of blue eyes, making her perfect for the job. She can live her life as is, or she can rise in power.

She doesn't hesitate in making the choice to become Lila, but once she's in the palace, Kitty learns that each choice could be her last. She's never lived in a more dangerous setting, where her every move is watched and weighed. Can she be who they want her to become?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - loving the dystopian vibe. I love the love story between Kitty and Benjy and their obstacles at being together. I love the danger, the action, the secrets, and the threats from the family. I enjoyed reading the plot twists and uncovering more details about this horrific powerful family. I like Kitty finding her way at Lila, but never forgetting her past. I can't wait to read the second book.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting
Source: My Library