Upcoming Adult Review: Queen of Blood

 * Book 1 in the Queens of Renthia series *

In the world of Renthia, the Queen rules all, from the humans to the malevolent spirits. But this Queen, even with her strength, can't seem to control all the spirits. The spirits keep attacking her people.

When Daleina's village is attacked by spirits and destroyed, she has some power to stop them. Her family and their house survives. Because of that power, she takes the test of the academy. When she passes, she gives up everything she knows to train for the chance to become Queen.

Deleina isn't the best nor the most skilled student, but she works hard to make up for it. She rarely sees her family. When a disgraced champion comes looking for a student to train, they chose each other. Can two outcasts change the world?

My Thoughts: It took me a few pages to get into this book and then I was hooked. I didn't want to stop reading it! I loved it and I'm so eager for the next one!

The world building was amazing. 
I found the spirits interesting and scary too.
I loved the wolf.
I loved how Ven and Deleina traveled
I enjoyed the romance
I like how Deleina knew she wasn't the best student but was determined to keep going
Ven reminded me a bit of Hamish (minus the drinking)
I loved the way Deleina created groups of friends and how she tried not to let anyone down.
Deleina was determined, courageous, loyal, smart, and thought about the world differently. She's a wonderful heroine. 

Cover Thoughts: Borrowed ARC
Release Date: September 20th
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all adult sections of public libraries (but I think this is also an A/YA crossover title and perfect for Throne of Glass fans)

Come back on Monday for an interview with the author and learn more about the book!

Author Interview: Sarah Beth Durst

Last week I reviewed The Girl Who Could Not Dream and today I'm chatting with the fabulous author, Sarah Beth Durst. I LOVED this book, check out my review. I saw Sarah at BEA in booth and she quickly got me a book and gave me a big hug. I'm so happy to be chatting her today on the blog. Plus the book comes out today, so go grab it!!

If you could dream about one thing only for the rest of your life what would it be?

Dragons.

I love dreams that come with a plot -- the ones with adventure, romance, magic, heroes and heroines, magical talking animals, friendly telepathic dragons...  So if I had to dream about only one thing, I'd want it to be that kind of dream, a fun fantasy.

Did you have an imaginary friend who you wished was real when you were small?

I really, really wanted to, because I thought it would be AWESOME to have an imaginary friend, but sadly, I was always aware she was imaginary.  So I basically had an imaginary imaginary friend that I would pretend to believe in.

Anyone else do this?  No?  Just me?  Sigh.

Do you think dreams are trying to tell us something?

Yes!  Mine tell me I should have been a dragonrider, and also that I will be useless in the zombie apocalypse.  Seriously, in most cases, I think my dreams are just bits of stories and moments and stray thoughts that are bopping around in my brain like pinballs in a pinball machine -- for me, they never seem to reveal any grand secrets or issuing any warnings or prophecies. 

If you had a hidden shop - what would you sell?

The idea behind THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM is that Sophie's family owns a secret dream shop where they buy, bottle, and sell dreams.  And I'd love to have their shop.  Or even just know about it, so I could be a customer!

So often, I've woken up in the morning after a great dream and tried to fix it in my mind, only to have it dissolve into a vague memory.  I wish I could bottle my best dreams and use them to replace those boring real-life-but-something-annoying-happened dreams.

If I couldn't sell dreams... then I don't want to sell magical items, like Elives' Magic Shop in Bruce Coville's Magic Shop books.

Can you tell us about your next book?

Yes!  I'm currently working on an epic fantasy trilogy for adults about bloodthirsty nature spirits and the women who can control them.  The first book is called THE QUEEN OF BLOOD, and it's coming in fall 2016 from Harper Voyager.

Do you have a favorite line or two from the book?

This is from one of my favorite scenes:

"What do you eat, Monster?"

"Small children," he said hopefully.

Mom recoiled.

"Joking," the monster said.  "I am telling a joke.  I am a funny monster, aren't I?"

"Hilarious," Dad said drily.

Monster untangled himself from Sophie and trotted after Mom.  “"Just a few hamsters would be fine.  Or mice.  I like mice."

Tween Tuesday Review: The Girl Who Could Not Dream

Sophie lives above a hidden shop. Her family owns a bookstore but below the bookstore lies a dream shop. Special people can purchase and sell dreams. Sophie helps out her parents, but she actually can not dream.

One morning, she comes downstairs without checking the calendar. Sophie and Monster (her best friend who came to life from a dream) come down stairs and find a man in the bookstore. The man pretends not to notice, but he does ask several questions. Sophie's parents freak out and with good reason.

When Sophie comes home from school, the bookstore and her home are trashed and her parents are missing. Sophie isn't sure what to do, but she knows that she must do something. Should she trust her new friend with her secret in hopes that he might be able to help?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the cozy bookstore and learning about the dream shop underneath the store. I really loved Monster - he was funny, quirky, and very loyal. I loved his admiration for cupcakes.  I liked Sophie branching out of her shell with the dream catchers and even finding friends. I really liked Ethan and how he didn't care that Sophie was weird - he just liked spending time with her. I liked how Sophie dealt with Madison - who wasn't the same as Ethan. She didn't want people knowing about their relationship. But I like how she changed over the book. The bravery the characters showed shone through, along with their determination. Mr. Nightmare was scary and downright creepy. The ending is sweet and heartwarming.

Cover Thoughts: I like it now that I've read the book but before reading it seemed really strange
Source: BEA Arc

Final Thoughts: Charming friendships, dangerous dreams, a creepy villain, and a secret mix together to make a perfect middle grade fantasy read. Run out to the library or bookstore to request this book today!