Review: Heart So Broken and Fierce

* Book 2 in the Cursebreakers Trilogy *

The curse is broken in Emberfall, but the royal troubles are not over. Rumors swirl that Prince Rhen has a half brother. No one knows his identity, but rumors swirl that he has magical abilities. Prince Rhen's determined to locate his half-brother and kill him. He can't have magic ruin the kingdom - again.

Grey's been hiding since they destroyed Lilith. He's keeping his secret, the kingdom, and his brother safe.

But forces beyond their control pull them together. Grey must decide his future - no only for himself but for his band of followers.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. The perspectives shifted from the first book, which took me by surprise. And it took me a few pages to get used to the idea, by then I was hooked and had to read immediately. I loved learning more about Grey. I loved his loyalty and his willingness to put the kingdom first. I admired him and his great big heart. I felt terrible for Lia Mara for her family situation, although I admired her strength and determination. I loved her moments with Grey and her sister. I loved seeing favorite characters. I loved the action and the plot twists that I didn't see coming. I can't wait to read what happens next!!!

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic and matches the first cover really well
Source: ARC from BEA 2019
Library Recommendation: This series is a must have series for your public libraries (as is the authors non-fantasy books).

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

If You Like Pins (14)

I haven't done one of these in a long time. But I made a few recently and thought I'd share them. There's no theme to this one. But enjoy!

Travel Romances

Dragons

Girls rocking the fantastical worlds

Graphic novels

Review: Dash of Dragon

Lailu graduated as a master chef and finally found someone to back her restaurant. Little does she know that her master made a deal with the devil in order for funding. Now he's come calling and Lailu learns the truth.

If they don't pay  back the loan within a year, they will lose the restaurant and also their freedom. Lailu is not about to let this happen, she'll do anything in power to stop it - even if it means spying for the elves or fighting dragons.

With the help from a friend and one rival, she comes up with a plan to make her restaurant filled with people. She hates depending on her rival for help, but she can't do it without him. Is her pride worth the sacrifice for her future?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the banter between Lailu and Greg (her rival). It added humor to the story. I enjoyed the moments between Lailu and her fashion loving friend. I loved the world and understanding the hierarchy. I loved the mystery and the spying (along with with the action and danger of course.) I enjoyed the cooking parts, even if they were dishes I would never eat! I loved Lailu coming up with plans. I really hope there's a sequel in the works! 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
If you like:

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library and school library! 

Review: Reluctant Queen

* Book 2 in the Queens of Renthia series *

Daleina ascends to the throne, but it cost her a terrible price. Now she's trying to hold on to her throne, but she keeps having blackouts. Her healer informs her, she's dying.With a heavy heart, she hurries to find an heir. Without one, the spirits will destroy her empire and everyone in it.

Daleina just became Queen and it would take years to train an heir. But she doesn't have that kind of time. She orders her champions to find someone - anyone to take her place. Could their be a candidate that can help save their kingdom?

Champion Ven finds a woman in the villages who has a tremendous amount of power. But she is untrained and has no interest in ruling. She only seeks to keep her children safe. Can she be convinced to save them along with the kingdom?

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved learning more about the kingdom, after Daleina becomes queen. Especially all the political drama and seeing inside the palace (I wonder what the library looks like). I enjoyed Naelin's role and how she found her confidence. I loved seeing favorite characters - like Champion Ven and Bayn. I adored Naelin's children - they were funny and sweet. Lots of danger, betrayal, and secrets. And of course the book ended on a note that makes me long for book 3 immediately! 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I love the colors
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: An adult fantasy book that crosses over for teens. Grab this one for high school libraries and public libraries. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Fantasy Recommendations

This week is another freebie and I've picked 10 books to read if you like Throne of Glass (which I love). Hopefully you'll like these other high fantasy novels. 

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Here we go!

Review: Ever the Hunted

According to societal rules, Britta has no inheritance after her father has been murdered - including the land. During the mourning period, she's not allowed to leave the house. In most cases, neighbors bring food. But Britta's parentage make her an outcast. In order to survive, she's forced to hunt for meat.  She's caught poaching by the royal guard.

Instead of killing her, they make her a deal. She's to find her father's killer. Her childhood friend has been accused of the crime, she's to hunt him down and the guards traveling her will arrest him.

Finding Cohen isn't too hard, he left her a trail. When he convinces her of his innocence, they must find the real murderer to clear both their names - while avoiding the royal guard.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved learning more about Britta and Cohen's past and what went wrong between them. I loved learning about Britta's family and the secrets her father kept from her. The politics between the two nations were intriguing. In that way, this book reminded me a little of the Poison Study series. That dog scene almost broke me. And I'm super curious about the cliffhanger ending. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in the series. (December is so far away!)

Cover Thoughts: Pretty! I like the scroll work.
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Perfect for libraries with readers clamoring for a high fantasy read with a strong girl and romance.

Mini Review: Dawn Study

Despite everything, Yelena and Valek have created their own family with all their friends but before they can ride off into the sunset, they must do what they can to stop their countries from going to war.

The Good:
The characters
The danger
The action
The magic
The banter between characters
The friendship/family
The Plot twists
The Romance

The Bad:
The series is over!

Final Thoughts: I have loved this series since I devoured Poison Study. I'm sad that it's over, but what a fantastic series. It never disappointed me. I can't wait to see what Maria V. Snyder comes up with next!

Frostblood Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Frostblood (Book 1 in the Frostblood Saga)

By Elly Blake

Release: January 10, 2017

The Frost King will burn.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating—yet irresistible—Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her—and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Vivid and compelling, Frostblood is the first in an exhilarating series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies . . . but together create a power that could change everything.

Sounds great right? Read the first chapter of Frostblood on TheNovl.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elly Blake loves fairy tales, old houses, and owls. After earning a degree in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs, including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, and reporter for a local business magazine before finally landing on her current job as a library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids, and a Siberian Husky mix that definitely shows frostblood tendencies.

Are you Frostblood or Fireblood? Take the quiz!

Official Site + Social Media

Visit the Official Site

Follow @elly_blake and @TheNovl on Twitter

Use hashtag #Frostblood

PRIZE PACKAGE
Where Flame And Ice Are Mortal Enemies: Pick a side!

One (1) winner from your site receives:

• a copy of Frostblood
• branded nail polish duo in shades of fire and frost

Giveaway open to US addresses only.

Prizing and samples provided by Little, Brown and Co.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

mini review: Empire of Storms

Aelin's going after her throne - not matter the obstacles in her way. She's not about to let someone terrible rule her lands. She'll do everything in her power to stop him.

The Good: I can't read Sarah J Mass without gushing.
I loved the plot twists
I loved the times I said Oh Shit aloud when something crazy happened
I love the friendships, the loyalties, the witty banter, and the agruments
I loved the romance
I loved seeing old friends - and old enemies

My co-workers love her books, so it's great having people to discuss this series with - for the I can't believe that happened to the oh my god moments.

The Bad: Waiting for the the next book

Final Thoughts: I had the biggest book hangover that it was hard to read another book for a week. That's rare for me.