Review: Rings of Fate

 

Aren takes care of her family and their bar, but she has dreams of traveling. She can't move forward with her life until her younger twin sisters are taken care of. When a stranger walks into her bar, everything changes. He's the Crown Prince and he's looking for a bride. 

Aren isn't interested for her, but for her sisters, she'll do anything. She creates the finest clothes for them. And they do catch someone's eye, just not the prince. They both fancy one of his traveling companions. Aren, does catch the eye of the prince, or rather her attitude does. She doesn't fawn all over him like most females. In fact, she makes her non-interest known. And for that, Prince Dietan can't stop thinking about her.

But he has a secret - one that could get him and anyone connected to him killed. He needs to learn about the Rings of Fate at all costs. Only this knowledge could stop the war brewing. Prince Dietan and Aren make a pact of convenience and set off on an adventure.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - and I'm already looking forward to the next book in series. I loved the relationship between Aren and her sisters; it was sweet. I loved the banter between Aren and the Prince. There were a lot of twists and turns here. I enjoyed the fake dating plot - which of course turns into something more. I enjoyed the kitchen moments. Overall, a fun fantasy read. 

Cover Thoughts: Clever

Source: ARC for review

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your adult fiction section

Review: Queen's Assassin

* First in a new duology*

Shadow has been training all her life with her aunts. But now she's told that she can not join the Guild. They said it's too dangerous for her; she's determined to prove them wrong.

Caledon, the Queen's Assassin, killed a man to save a girl in the woods. He's sent to prison, with a task to lay low until the Queen sends someone to break him out.

Shadow believes if she can convince Caledon to take her as an apprentice, then her family won't be able to stop her. She runs off to the prison and breaks him out. She bluffs her way into his life, desperate for a chance. Together, they attempt to uncover an enemy in a foreign court.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I enjoyed how Shadow ran off and created a new life for herself. I loved her determination. I enjoyed the banter between Shadow and Cal. I enjoyed the dual perspectives. I liked how they found themselves create a web of lies for their mission.  I was not expecting the final twist at the end - and I'm so curious as to see what happens next?

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen collection - it's perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Graphic Novel Review: Gotham High

Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and the Jokey, they were Bruce, Selina, and Jack. Just a couple of high school students who would do whatever it took to get the job done.

After being kicked out of boarding school of fighting, Bruce Wayne returns home. Everything has changed, except the fact that he's still haunted by his parents' murder. 

Selina, the girl next door, rules the school. But she has troubles of her own that she's not sharing. 

Her best friend is Jack, the class clown. Both of them can't wait to get out of Gotham.

Jack invites Bruce to a party where things start going downhill. When a student's kidnapped, Bruce's curiosity gets the better of him. But the more he digs, the more he uncovers truths he wish he left buried...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel from Melissa de la Cruz. I've always enjoyed her books, so I was happy to see her expand into graphic novels. I liked seeing the three main characters as teens. I like that each teens has his/her/their own issues and problems. I enjoyed the kidnapping plot, the secrets, the double crossing and betrayals, and the love triangle. I loved the art. Once again, I'm hoping that this the start of a new series.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen graphic novel collection.

Book Trailer:

Holiday Book Review: Snow in Love

Four Holiday short stories featuring a road trip, a job as an elf, a Christmas present surprise, and a scavenger hunt inside an airport - by four awesome YA authors. 

My Thoughts:  I really loved this collection of short stories. I loved the diversity of the stories - from Christmas to Hanukkah from straight to lesbian romances and from characters of different races. I also loved how each story stood out.  I hope there are more holiday stories coming from these authors because I'm already looking forward to book 2!

Cover Thoughts: Cozy
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this romance for your school and public libraries.

Fresh Fiction Review: 29 Dates

I really enjoyed this YA novel by Melissa de la Crus on dating, family pressure, and being sent to a new country for school.

I reviewed it for Fresh Fiction; read my thoughts on this book here. 

Mini Review: Ring and Crown

Book 1 in a new series

Last week I had a giveaway of this great book and compared it to Taylor Swift's song Love Story.

I really really enjoyed this book and here are a few reasons:

* Multiple perspectives

* A kingdom in trouble

* Magic

* The aftermath of War and trying to figure out peace

* Romances and Alliances (Love vs Duty)

* The Friendships

I devoured this book and can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: It's ok.
Source: Book sent for review

Ring and Crown Blog Tour: If You Like...

If you liked Taylor Swift’s Love Story, then you’ll love The Ring and the Crown!

Here's Why:
Both stories contain these:

Prince

Princess

Love

misunderstanding

society

rules

outsiders

romance

hope

castle

waiting

parties

ball gowns

hope

Which made me turn the pages faster to see how the story played out.

Check out the videos for both and see if you agree with me.

Love Story:

Ring and Crown:

Have you Been Following the Tour? Don't Miss a Stop:

April 7: LushBudgetProduction.com

April 8: TheReadingDate.com

April 9: TheCompulsiveReader.com

April 10: YABookNerd.Blogspot.com

April 11: IceyBooks.com

PRIZING FOR YOUR SITE

One winner receives The Ring and the Crown and a crown ring

Prizing & samples  courtesy of Disney Publishing

Giveaway open to US addresses only



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to see more? - #RingandtheCrown

·         Visit the official website

·         Follow Melissa de la Cruz on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr

·         Follow Hyperion Teen on Twitter and Tumblr  

Books I'm Dying to Read: September Edition

Here's a list of books I can't wait to get my hands on come September!

Find Me: A hacker determined to find a killer because it just got personal - sounds awesome

Heaven is Paved with Oreos: Sarah's journal as she leaves home and travels to Rome with her grandmother - loved Dairy Queen

Frozen: Looking forward to this new series by Melissa de la Cruz and her husband.

Burning Sky: Saving the world + Forbidden Love sounds like the perfect combination to the start of a trilogy.

Deadly Heat: Love this series - the ending of the previous book killed me.

Bride Wore Size 12: Can't wait to read more in this funny adult mystery series - love Heather and Cooper

Year of Billy Miller: Kevin Henkes read the first chapter at SLJ Day of Dialog. It was funny and charming. Can't wait to read the rest.

Wake up Missing: I really like her previous books -concussions, secret plots, and escape. Sounds like a great combination to me.

Chaos of Stars: Love her previous books - excited for this one, the human daughter of Egyptian gods.

Russian Roulette: The last of the Alex Rider books - love this series.

Two Lies and a Spy: love the title, haven't heard much about it, but it sounds awesome

Sweet Legacy: Loved the first two books, can't wait to see how it ends.

Scorched: You had me a dragons!

True Spies: Really loved the first book, so happy there's a second one!

Lightning Bay: Love this series! (no cover yet according to Goodreads, it's out this month)

Always on My Mind: Love the Lucky Harbor series, currently reading book 7. These books are perfectly wonderful.

Cave of Wonders: I really like this series - I need to catch up on it.

Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit: Learned about this a BEA - sounds really good. 

Secret Pizza Party: Loved Dragons Love Tacos, happy for a new book and who doesn't love pizza?

Adult Review: Witches of East End

A mother and two daughters have their world changed one summer. As a family of witches, this rarely happens. They've been living amongst the people for so long not using magic that they've become almost normal.

Still, something in the summer air makes them perform magic once again.

Freya becomes engaged, but is drawn to her fiance's brother. She uses her magic at her bar-tending job to help create love matches.

Ingrid, a librarian, uses her magic to help a friend become pregnant. Soon she starts helping women who stop by the library on her lunch hour.

Joanne uses her magic to entertain a delightful young boy. She also can bring people back from the dead and brings back a dear friend's husband.

When one girl disappears from the bar, one woman's husband hangs himself, and one man dies, the Beauchamp women appear to be in trouble both with the supernatural world and with the police. Are their powers causing trouble?

My Thoughts: I really liked the cross-over with the Blue Bloods series. I enjoyed watching favorite characters come into the novel. I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I loved it. On the other hand, while I really wanted to like Frey, I hated her actions. It's just my personal taste, but I don't like characters who cheat on their partners. It made me put the book down for a bit. Upon picking it up again, I found myself turning the pages quickly engrossed in the novel. I adored seeing Ingrid at work - loved that she was a librarian. The book moved right along. I loved uncovering the relationships and the pasts of the Beauchamp women. I loved the mysterious happenings in town and how the three witches worked together to solve them. I'm quite looking forward to the next book in the series, which according to GoodReads - the title is The Serpent's Kiss.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting

Source: Hyperion

Review Bloody Valentine

Three short stories:

Oliver finds himself longing for Schuyler. He knows that she's gone possibly forever and yet...he's in so much pain. He can't get her out of his head. Then he meets Freya. She might have the power to break the bond between Oliver and Schuyler.

Allegra doesn't feel right after what happened in Florence. At the moment, Charles is her twin brother. In this world, a twin brother with a crush on you doesn't fit in. Allegra cares for Charles, but she feels no longer worthy of his love. Instead, out of guilt and anger she pushes him away. Matters don't improve when she starts spending time with Ben.

Schuyler and Jack have been waiting for their bonding - waiting for the time when they will truly belong to each other. Schuyler wants everything to be perfect. She searches for the right dress to make the occasion perfect. There's one thing missing from her big day: her friends. Jack goes to great lengths to reach out to her friends in hopes they will join the couple. But Schuyler's great wish could also be her downfall.

My Thoughts: I love this series and seeing more from my favorite characters made me happy. I enjoy the merging of the past and present which leads to understand more of the present. The three stories made this for a very quick, but satisfying read.

Cover Thoughts: Very bright and intriguing

Source: my library

Next Up: A adult novel with some Blue Bloods cross over characters: Very creepy eyes on the cover. Actually both covers look a bit similar to me. I wonder if Freya will be one of the witch characters... Looking forward to this read.

Blue Bloods Trailer

Review: Misguided Angel

*READ ONLY if you're caught up in the series - contains spoilers from previous books*

Jack and Schuyler fled to Europe to fulfill Schulyer's mission. At the moment, they're on the run as Jack chose Schuyler in an unprecedented affair. While they have their romance, they also have death threats looming over their heads. Mimi is angry - really angry.

Mimi's the interim leader of the Blue Bloods for the time being. She's downplaying her role during school, but she's responsible for their survival. When a homemade vampire movie leaks signaling the kidnapping of one vampire, Mimi's in trouble. The video, taken at a party, threatens to burn the vampire alive - in front of the human world. Mimi knows she needs to find this girl quickly and hush up the vampire rumors in the human world. Not only does she need to save this girl's life but she needs to save her own spot as leader among the Blue Bloods.

It's not easy saving the world while heartbroken. Most people assume she's heartbroken over Jack's betrayal. She's not. She's heartbroken over losing Kingsley.

She calls in the big guns to help solve the mystery of the abduction: Deming Chen. Deming infiltrates the popular group of vampires at the party to start nosing around and asking questions.

Between herself, Oliver, and Deming, Mimi hopes to uncover the mystery before they run out of time.

My Thoughts: The 5th book in the addicting series featuring love and heartbreak, friendship and betrayal, new friendships formed, new secrets discovered and old secrets shared. While I'm routing for Jack and Schuyler, I have to admit that I love Mimi in this book. I love her new role in the Blue Bloods society and her new relationship with Oliver. Plus I'm routing hard for Kingsley. I'm hoping that he's still alive and there's a chance for him and Mimi. As usual, the ending leaves you breathless and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Cover Thoughts: Love it! It's pretty yet mysterious at the same time, fits the book perfectly.

Source: from the publisher

Up Next: out at the end of December! It's an in between novel - "Witness the bonding of Schuyler and Jack." I can't wait to read it.
The next book - number 6- comes out in October of next year called Lost in Time

Van Alen Legacy

Schuyler and Oliver are on the run - and have been for the past year. Just when they think they might catch a break, disaster strikes. Jack appears. And right behind him - a whole slew of Silver Bloods wanting Schuyler. After a battle of sorts, Schuyler decides not to return home. But a sickness pushes her back to New York where she's concoct a plan to keep Oliver safe. Given the battle in Paris, the Blue Bloods now realize the Silver bloods have emerged once again - a fact they didn't want to believe at first. Now that she's back in the city, other forces are at work. Bliss is fighting her own inner demons trying to understand reality. Mimi just might have found her own happiness outside of her dutiful life while she helps track down information. Jack complicates the relationship between Oliver and Schuyler just by being there. Is it worth the risk? How far will the Silver Bloods go and what do they really want and how can Schuyler save the world?


The fourth book in the series starts a year after the showdown Schuyler witnessed. It's takes a little bit to get into the book mostly because so much has happened, but once you're hooked - it's leaves you waiting for the next installment. Romantic drama, danger, inner demons, struggling with yourself vs expectations, and family drama make this series one not be missed. Oh by way - it's about vampires too :)

Blue Bloods News

The fourth book in the series The Van Alen Legacy (de la Cruz's favorite book so far) will be due out in October. There will be roughly 10 books total in the series, but this book will start a spin-off series WOLF PACK (which will be out Spring 2010).
Looking forward to more of these!

Blue Bloods

Schuyler's been imprisoned and force to deal with daily torments and tortures from Mimi and barely an acknowledgment from Jack. She's also still worried about the Silver Blood and she knows the threat is still out there. When her grandfather comes to South America to search for clues, she worries about him. Meanwhile her own life is spinning out of control. Dylan returns, but he's not the same boy. And Oliver wants more from her than she can give, especially since she's still crushing over Jack. While still debating over her choice of boys, Mimi's planning her ceremony with Jack. Once they were tied together, there's not turning back. Schuyler will lose Jack forever, even if she never had him in the first place. Despite the rumors circulating, Schuyler's determination might be her downfall. No one can really have it all...can they?

The third book in the Blue Blood series reveals a stunning conclusion that will leave readers breathless for the next installment. While the love triangles still remain, they're no the main focus of the book. Instead, the mystery of the Silver Bloods comes to the forefront and everyone's a suspect. A deeply satisfying read.

The Raucous Royals: Test Your Royal Wits - Crack Codes, Solve Mysteries, and Deduce Which Royal Rumors Are True.

A fun and enjoyable read, testing readers knowledge of the royal families including several instances where there not enough evidence to support nor deny the rumors therefore leaving the decision up to the reader.

Happy Halloween

1. Here I am handing out stickers to all the children in our Halloween Parade at the library. Pictures were take by Norwich Bulletin photographer. They walked around the second floor of the library gathering stickers and candy

2. Check out some pics from Twilight on EW. I was super happy to see Jacob because from the previous photos I've seen, he looked really young. But look at him now.


3. Melissa de la Cruz gives a RANDOM interview, where she talks about her day and highlights her new book (which I hope to read this weekend)


4. I've decided that I'm never going to be a writer, unless I actually write regularly, SO I've signed up for NaNoWriMo and we'll see how that goes. That might cut down some on my reading time, so if there are not many reviews going up next month, please be patient.

5. It's 2:12 and I haven't eaten one piece of candy. Plenty of other not so healthy things but no candy. That won't last too much longer I'm guessing....