Heir of Fire: A LOVE Letter

Dear Throne of Glass Novels,

I've been a fan since I first started reading you - after hearing all kinds of buzz. I was so happy to read your first book in lines at BEA. I devoured you and you were one of my favorite books that year. The next year, I found your book at the SLJ Day of Dialogue and I was so happy.

Obtaining Crown of Midnight was one of my goals that year. Knowing your goodness, I saved you until I had a few days where I would be free to read and not yell any anyone who interrupted me or resent having to be social when all I wanted to do was read you. And you blew me away. I was happy for a short time and then all the comfort was ripped away. Although I found peace in wondering where you would take Celaena next. Again, you were among the top reads that year.

I was happy to have the Assassin's Blade novellas to keep me company while I waited for Heir of Fire. Again, I attended BEA and one of my goals was getting this book. I knew the line would start early, but I didn't imagine how early. I waited in line for two hours and when I left the line with my signed ARC, I beamed and carried the book like a prize.

I wanted to sit down and read it right then, but I forced myself to wait. I didn't read it on the train home, but several days later. I saved it for the right time and then I devoured it. I only wanted to read and find out what happened in the wake of the last book. I grew to like the brooding and mysterious Rowan. I grew found of the kitchen staff. At first I was confused about Manon, but soon grew to admire her fieriness and her determination. I felt horror, happiness, confusion, and was terrified for my favorite characters. Heir of Fire is 576 pages long and it still isn't long enough. Whatever the future holds for Celaena, I can't wait to read it. I will follow her anywhere.

~ A loving reader

And readers, if you're wondering what to read next, I have a few suggestions:

Upcoming Book Review: YOLO

 * 4th book in the Internet Girls series *

Maddie, Angie, and Zoe are back. They're attempting to survive their 1st semester at college -without each other. Navigating long distance relationships, pledging a sorority, and dealing with roommates isn't easy all while trying to stay connected with your BFFs from home.

My Thoughts: I've always been a fan of this series and I love seeing the girls go off to college and spread their wings. I love that it's still told through texts and chat messages. I enjoyed seeing the girls acclimate to their new surrounding and deal with relationship drama, friendship drama, and classes. I admire how tight they remain, not losing touch, and always being there for each other - it's impressive. A fun read with familiar friends.

Favorite part: You only Live Once - so LIVE.

And it's true. Lately I've realized that I have done things because I'm afraid of failure. (This could be a whole different blog post) I think everyone's afraid of failure, but I can't let fear stop me from trying - because then of course I'll never accomplish my dreams.

Cover Thoughts: I Like how they match the others
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: August 26th

BEA Advice (2)

Last year I ran a series of advice on things I learned from attending Book Expo America and this year I'll add to it. I"m still waiting to hear if I can go from my boss. But I'm hoping to go. 

While the PW BEA 14: Galleys to Grab came out, it looks like you have to be a subscriber now to read it online (which doesn't help you unless you library subscribes - luckily mine does.) So, I'll tell you what. I'll read it and report back! 

While you're thinking about books, also think about the people in the booths 

Do you know them?

Have they sent your books?

Do you follow them on twitter?

Say hello and ask them about their favorite upcoming books. Get the conversation started, you never know where it's going to lead.

Review: Steelheart

Everything was normal - before super humans. When they started taking over the world - everything changed.

Now humans live in fear. Sometimes without electricity, food, water, or sunlight.

David knows something can be done to change the world. He saw Steelheart bleed. He spends all his free time researching and waiting for the perfect opportunity. 

Now it's here - if only he can convince the Reckoners to listen to his plan. It's a great plan, but he'll need their help to pull it off. Will they trust him enough to agree and try to bring down the most powerful Epic?

My Thoughts: A fascinating read that's very different. I got an ARC at BEA thinking my husband would like it, and he did. But then he made me read it next. I devoured it too. I like how David spent his time researching the Epics for their weaknesses, collecting data on them, and creating theories. I confess it made my nerdy self sigh. I never saw most of the twists and turns coming, which was perfect.  I enjoyed watching the revolution spark and the ideas catch fire. I really liked David and how he found and infiltrated the Reckoners. I enjoyed Cody's banter and Abraham's thoughtful words. A great dystopian novels that stayed in my mind for days after.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: BEA ARC

Tween Tuesday Review: Wolf Princess

Sophie dreams of a winter wonderland: a palace, warmth, and a snow covered world. Could her dreams be a remembrance?

She wonders so much that she breaks the rules to attend a field trip to Russia. Once in Russia, the trip takes a turn for the worse.  Sophie and her two roommates are stranded on a train and then turned out into the dark cold night. They find shelter in a cabin.  In the morning, they're rescued and brought to a palace.

There's they meet a Princess who talks of the past and the family history of beauty, diamonds, and wolves.

Something seems familiar about this tale, but Sophie can't quite put her finger on it...

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one for the setting, the mystery, and the old fashioned feel of the story.  I could feel the cold of winter and I wanted to be there bundled up in furs in the sleigh. Even though it's a contemporary book, it felt like an historical fiction read.  The idea of the lost Princess of Russia made me think of Anastasia. I liked the tension in the book and uncovering the mystery. Wolf Princess felt like the start of a series, so I'm hoping for more books. 

Cover Thoughts: I love it!
Source: BEA ARC

Review: Scorched

Trinity worries about keeping the family museum alive and the bills paid on time She sold her mother's ring for rent money, but instead of paying rent, her grandfather bought an egg for the museum.

It's supposedly a dragon egg. Annoyed, Trinity yells at him and makes him go home while she cleans up for the day.

Almost immediately, she spies a boy about to break the egg. She stops him.  As she's questioning him, men break into the museum. It's not clear what they want, but everyone seems interested in the egg.

The boy helps Trinity escape for the moment. She doesn't understand why she's on the run with this egg and why all these people want her.  Could it have something to do with the voice in her head?

My Thoughts: A start to a new fantasy series that's filled with action, danger, dragons, and a little romance. I like both the brothers - even though they hold very different views. I enjoyed figuring out their relationship. I loved the moments between Trinity and Emmy - especially flying together. The view from the future is horrific, but I love watching Trinity an the brothers struggle to make the world (and the future world) a better place and how they acted upon their ideas. I can't wait for more in this story.

Cover Thoughts: Love it - Love the cover without the jacket more - those scales!
Source: Signed ARC at BEA