Debut Review: We Hunt the Flame

People lived because she killed.
People died because he lived.
Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book since Hafsah announced it! We've been social media friends for a long time and I was SO happy to see her book published. 

And of course, it's amazingly good. And it just became a NYT best seller! 

There's so much I love about this book. I love how the Hunter is a female and she takes care of her people. I love the newly formed friendships - even though they are tense at times. My heart broke for Nasir. So many pieces of the story are tropes and more I adore: assassins, enemies to lovers, feminism, banter and snark, high fantasy, magic, and fight scenes. I loved the plot twists and turns that I never saw coming. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts:
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries

Review: Your Destination is on the Left

Dessa and her family are nomads, they travel the country with a caravan of family and friends. They vote together on their destinations. But Dessa's tired of not having roots. She desperately wants to go to college for art. Unfortunately, she's been rejected at every art school she applied to.

When an unexpected internship falls into her lap, she jumps at the chance to learn. She wants to prove herself to her new boss and to herself. Can she make a living being an artist? Can she see a future for herself beyond traveling with her family?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the closeness of the family - including the family they made with the caravan. I liked the romance of the book. I enjoyed the moments where Dessa tried to figure out her future and if she was good enough. But most of all, I loved the moments about art - the creation, the learning, the talking about it all. It made me itch to do something crafty after reading this book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great read for creative people wondering about college.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2016 Debuts

This week's topic is 2016 Debuts Novels We Are Looking Forward To.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

I can't wait to read everyone's post and add more books to my growing TBR list!

Upcoming Review: Court of Fives

Jes wants the freedom not allowed to her. She wants to race in the Fives. She trains in secrets and plans to run in the next games.

But the day she's set to run, her father unexpectedly returns.  Everything changes now that he's home. Jes can't sit on the sidelines or she'll forfeit her enrty fee.

She runs in secret, winning the race in everything but name. She pulls up at the last moment so she doesn't have to reveal her identity.

That night, her father's patron dies. Her world come crashing down. Her family's torn apart for her dream for training for the Fives comes true. Dreams have a way of disappointing you though.

My Thoughts: I've heard that Kate Elliot's adult fantasy novels were really good, so I was really looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint.

I liked Jes, how she ran and trained in secret. I hate how her family was torn apart by society's rules. My heart broke for what her family had to endure. 

I hate how Kal can't be free to train either. His birthright also brings upon him a social status that doesn't allow for training of the Fives. 

I like how Jes and Kal's relationship grows.

I loved the training montages and learning more about the games. The games were cleverly made and exciting to read. I love how Jes could puzzle her way though the elements, finding the fastest way possible.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: I love the interlocking circle
Source: ARC for review
Release Date: August 18

Final Thoughts: If you're hooked on American Ninja Warrior, this is the book for you. Games, training, revenge, loyalty, duty, and possible death - this book has all the drama that keeps you turning the pages quickly. 

Review: Finding Audrey

After an incident at school Audrey can't leave the house. She can't interact with people. She can't look at people without her dark sunglasses on for protection. She's been trying to make progress with her anxiety with the help of her psychologist.

Now, she's trying things that scare her. She's looking at the world through the lens of a camera. She's going to try to interview someone outside her family.

She interacts with her brother's new friend. He comes over to the house. He doesn't know about Audrey. Still, his kindness helps Audrey open up around him. She starts looking forward to his visits. Can Audrey find happiness again, on her own terms?

My Thoughts: I adore Sophie Kinsella's adult books and I was SO happy to hear about her YA debut. She has the perfect voice for YA. 

Top things I liked:
The moments with Dr. Sarah - how she tried to explain the rules of making strides towards getting better, but that it was going to be a matter of ups and downs. There wasn't going to be an all out cure - and while Audrey could get better, she could also take steps backwards. I found it realistic and an interesting look at life after a bullying incident.
I also really liked that you never found out what that incident was - you could just imagine the possibilities. 
I loved Frank - from his support of his sister to his love for video games. He was funny, sweet, inventive, and entertaining
Their mother - perfectly written in her own addiction to the Daily Mail, her need to get her son off video games, and the lengths she would go to achieve her goals. Wildly entertaining 
Linus - sweet, supportive, likable, and the voice of reason at times
Audrey - flawed, finding herself, taking steps to overcome her anxiety, 
I loved the moments with Audrey and Linus

Cover Thoughts: It's grown on me, but it isn't my favorite
Source: Sent for review

Final Thoughts: Sophie Kinsella knocks it out of the park with her YA debut, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Shelter

Mickey's starting a new school after the death of his father in a car accident and his mother going off the deep end. She's now in a rehab. He's at a new school.

He makes a name for himself on the first few days - and not in a good way. Mickey makes two good friends - Spoon and Ema.

He needs them to figure out if what Bat Lady said cold be true. Is it possible that his father is still alive? He must know. He tries contacting her again, but is stonewalled.

He's not going to give up. Just like he's going to discover how his girlfriend (of three weeks) vanished into thin air. There's no trace of her.

Mickey's not stopping until he has answers. Will the answers about Ashely lead him to discover more about his own past?

My Thoughts: I met Harlan Coben briefly at BEA - he said this book could change my life. In my crazed moment (which happens a lot when talking with authors), I said something really dorky - along the lines of "I'm ready for my life to be changed." He looked at me strangely for a moment and then we both moved on. Why do I always say stupid things in front of authors???

The book was gripping - I'm sure this will be a cross over that many adults will be reading. I loved the pacing. I was fascinated with this book and watching Mickey uncover layers of the mysteries. I really loved Ema and Spoon was great comic relief. The danger and action were well done. I couldn't put it down. A great first YA novel and I'm so looking forward to reading more about Mickey

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and perfect

Source: from Penguin at BEA

Out in September