Glittering Court Release Day Blitz

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

I really Enjoyed this book, check out my review here. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RICHELLE MEAD is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series and its spin-off series, Bloodlines. Originally from Michigan, she now lives in Seattle, Washington.

ENTER TO WIN A COPY:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of ten (10) copies of The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead (ARV: $10.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on March 28, 2017 and 12:00 AM on April 5, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about April 7, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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Review: Glittering Court

Elizabeth Witmore, Countess of Rothford, simply isn't interested in the marriage her grandmother deems necessary. So she steals her maid's identity and joins The Glittering Court - a marriage service for the New World.

First the servants must be trained properly in the arts of becoming a wife. As a former countess, Elizabeth (now Adelaide) understands all of these rules. However, in hiding her true self, she must make the others believe that she doesn't know everything they're teaching her.

When she realizes that the man who brought her to the court is in trouble, she vows to help him. But in helping him she risks her own future. Is he worth the risk?

My Thoughts: The Selection meets British aristocracy and the Gold Rush. I really enjoyed this book - I liked Elizabeth/Adelaide. She had opinions and feelings and she wasn't afraid to voice them. I liked her two best friends: Mira and Tamsin. I enjoyed her moments with Cedric - their banter, their friendship, and finally when that turned into something more. I like how the place and setting tied in with Britain and also the Old West. I found those parts fascinating and enjoyed how they were blended together. 

Cover Thoughts: Full of sparkle
Source: My Library
Library recommendation: Recommended purchase. Great book to give readers of historical fiction and/or fans of the Selection.  

Final Thoughts: I'm very interested to see where the next book leads.

BEA Recap: Author Moments

This year at BEA, I had some great moments meeting and chatting with authors. Here are few pictures I snapped to remember.

The Harlequin booth always has a group of knock out authors. Two of my favorite romance writers were there, Susan Mallery (Fool's Gold) and Kristan Higgins. I was very happy to chat with both of them for a minute. I just finished Hold Me, the first in the newest Fool's Gold trilogy. And next up I'm going to read If You Only Knew.

I got a hug and a signed copy of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between from Jennifer E. Smith which I read and LOVED. (Review coming soon.) 

My librarian friend snapped this picture of us.

I stood in line for ages for Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl! For some reason I had it in my head that it was a graphic novel. I'm happy to be wrong. I'm really excited to read this book - and happy for my signed copy. We talked about how Black Widow needs her own movie!

I've heard such great things about the Daughter of Deep Silence, so I was excited to meet Carrie Ryan and grab a copy.

Super happy to see Liza, whom I chat with on twitter signing her YA debut Hello? - which sounds like a fantastic friendship story and I can't wait to read it!

Carolyn Mackler was signing the Infinite In Between about five teens throughout their high school careers. I'm really excited about following their friendship for four years. Plus I'm really looking forward to her MG debut: Best Friend Next Door. (I  just ordered this from my local library)

I sat in Richelle Mead's line for almost 2 hours because the line started, I really wanted to read Soundless (fantasy based in Chinese folklore), and because I really needed to sit down and rest. It was perfect. I chatted with people in line, had a snack, and then hugged the book tightly. 

I was first in line - something that NEVER happens. 

I got the book signed for my father-in-law and he wrote a little note in it for me.

Super nice! 

photo credit: Pam Jaffee

After that, I wondered over to the line for Meg Cabot, happy I got up extra early for a ticket. 

Those of you who read this blog regularly, know that I'm a huge fan of Meg Cabot's - she's the reason I became a YA Librarian. 

We've met a few times before, so we snapped a picture. 

 I just finished Royal Wedding (and a re-read of the books prior to this one). We talked about that while I had the book signed for a friend.

It was the PERFECT ending for a fantastic conference. I couldn't stop smiling!

Mini Review: Ruby Circle

 

* Book 6 in the Bloodlines series *

Sydney and Adrian fight for their future together while fighting for ones they love. Jill's been kidnapped and they will do anything to get her back. Unfortunately, they're stuck behind the walls at Court for their own safety. That won't stop them for long...

The Good: 
Seeing Sydney kick butt on more time.
Leverage
That ending made me sigh with happiness.

The Bad:

It's over and I don't think more spin-off series are coming.

Final Thoughts: Great end to the series, I'll miss these characters, but I'm glad to see where they ended up. 

What's On My Hold List (96)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

Dogwood Hill: I adore this series and never to see the end of the O'Briens.

All Fall Down: I love Ally Carter and can't wait to start her newest series.

I was Here: I really liked Just One Day and Just One Year - looking forward to reading more Gayle books this year.

Ruby Circle: I can't wait to see how it all ends!

On My Holds List (85)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

YA Books:

Nantucket Red: Sequel to Nantucket Blue - I want to know what happens next!

The Fault in Our Stars: Yes, I'm finally going to read it, even though I know it will make me cry like a  baby

Will and Whit: I read Page by Paige for my book club at the library and one of the girls was talking about this one.

Silver Shadows: That ending! I need more.

Contest: Vampire Academy

With a week to go until the movie hits the big screen, we're celebrating by giving away a copy of the first book! I loved this book series and I'm super excited for the movie.

Check out the trailer:

Excited?

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Enter to win 1 copy of Vampire Academy

(sorry US only)

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Review: Indigo Spell

 *Third book in the Bloodlines series*

Sydney's attending a wedding, to show that relations between the Moroi and the Alchemists are improving. At the wedding, she takes great lengths to hide her feelings and her true relationship with Adrian. Among her peers, Sydney tries to blend into the background.

Already, her questions have raised some eyebrows. When Sydney realizes that  she's been lied to, she takes matters into her own hands. She tracks down the elusive Marcus Finch.

 She learns what he knows -and isn't happy. Will his information change her path? Between uncovering the truth and tracking down a magical killer, Sydney doesn't have a lot of free time to decide her fate.

 
My Thoughts: I'm SUCH a fan of this series. I'm even starting...to like Adrian. I didn't like him from the previous books, but now...he's captured my interest. I really enjoy this group of characters and their chemistry together. I love their loyalty to each other and how they've grown as friends - despite their pasts. 

I loved watching Sydney uncover more information about the Alchemists and their history. She's a very strong character - fiercely determined, loyal, and brilliant. However, I admit waiting for the chinks in her armor to appear.  I liked watching her struggle with her feelings and with her sense of duty.  I adored Jill for stepping in when she did. I felt horrible for Eddie - I hope to see more of him in the next book.

I found the magical subplot intriguing. Mrs Terwilliger is smart, crafty, and powerful. I like her interactions with Sydney. She's good at poking holes in Sydney's preconceived thoughts. 

Clearly, I love watching Sydney grow as a character with the help of the secondary characters. All in all, a fabulous read filled with action, danger, and romance!

Cover Thoughts: Still not a fan.
Source: My Library.

Review: Golden Lily

* Bloodlines book 2*

Since Sydney handled the situation so well, her stock has gone up among the Alchemists. She's praised and her actions have been held up for approval. While Sydney realizes she did well in that one instance, she knows that she doesn't always have the Alchemist's best interests in mind.

She's hanging out with her charges - for fun and not just for the sake of protection. She's dating a boy. She's learning, against her will, about magic.  In short, she's starting to care.

Can she achieve the fine balance between her job and her personal life?

My Thoughts: I really like this series, although my heart still belongs to the Vampire Academy series. The characters are growing on me and showing character development. The action, danger, and the mystery surrounding Jill and Adrian keep the pages turning fast. 

I like Sydney's brains. She's super smart and not afraid to show it. I admire that. She loosens up a little in this book, which is fun to watch. I like getting to know Adrian better -I'm starting to warm up to him a little after watching him deal with his father. My heart went out to him. I also found Angeline more mature and interesting. She provides a bit of humor too! 

I'm curious about Jill's future and the vampire hunters. I think they're going to make the next book very interesting! 

Cover Thoughts: Meh - never been a huge fan of these covers
Source: my Library
Fun Fact: Richelle Mead's books are often my go-to book for adults who read Twilight and come back looking for more vampire books. As a result, they're very popular with the adults at the library.

Teen Character Book Outfit: Sydney Sage

I adore Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy series. I just finished The Golden Lily, part of the spin off series Bloodlines. Sydney is pretty conservative - here's something I picture her wearing. 

The pin will also go up on my Library Pinterest Board

Contest and Review: Bloodlines

*occurs After the Vampire Academy series*

Sydney's given an important assignment - even though she's in the doghouse with the other alchemists after helping Rose. She volunteers to go to save her sister from being inducted into the alchemists. Instead of being grateful, her sister takes her interference the wrong way.

Sick at heart, Sydney leaves for a mission with her worse enemy. She's to assumer a new identity in order to protect Jill, the newly found Moroi princess. Sydney and Jill are to become roommates at a boarding school. Eddie lives at the school as their brother. Adrian lives nearby - still nursing his broken heart.

Jill just wants to be normal, but as Sydney digs deeper, she learns the real reason for her protection. Her instincts tell her that something isn't right. There's a rogue alchemist on the loose...

Can Sydney keep Jill safe?

My Thoughts: It took me a few chapters to get into the story - but then I was hooked. While I'm not a huge Adrian fan (and prefer Dimitri), he still interests me. When I first heard about the spin-off series, I really thought Jill was going to be the main character. Instead, the books center around Sydney protecting her, similar to Rose protecting Lissa. There were a few parts of the book that didn't fit in for me - mainly the scenes where Sydney throws a fit about her weight/clothing size change. I liked her relationship with Jill and Adrian. I loved her sleuthing skills. I feel that she's different - yet similar to Rose, which is great. She's really strong, determined, protective, and sweet. So looking forward to Golden Lily out next June.

Cover Thoughts: Like many, I'm not a fan of the covers -but I do like seeing the tattoo

Source: Signed by the author at BEA

*********CONTEST***********

A BEA, I snagged a signed copy of Bloodlines and a Bloodlines bag.





Rules:
1. Be a blog follower
2. Leave a comment about this book or the Vampire Academy series
3. with your EMAIL
4. The contest deadline expires September 28th at Noon EST
5. Sorry, shipping is only available in the US.
6. Winner will be selected with Random.org

Review: Last Sacrifice

Rose is in jail, awaiting her trial for the murder of Queen Tatiana. Rose isn't good at being patient and away from the action. She can't stand being locked up. It's driving her crazy.

Then her father lawyer comes for a visit telling her the trial date has been moved up. Now, instead of having a month, they might have two weeks. Rose knows that's not going to be enough time to uncover the real murderer.

She doesn't have much time to worry because on the date of the funeral, her friends break her out of prison. Now she's on the run and supposed to go into hiding.

But Rose never does anything the easy way. She also has a secret to uncover from the late Queen. Can she clear her name and put the kingdom back to rights or will she be forever on the outside?

My Thoughts: Perfect ending for an amazing series. I'm not going to say too much, because reading something on twitter spoiled the ending for me, but just rest assured that it's the best ending ever.

I'm SO looking forward to the spin-off series. I can't wait to find out what happens.

Cover Thoughts: Love it! I love how the gate ties all of them together.

Source: My Library

Review: Spirit Bound

*Read ONLY if you've read the previous books in the series, as there are SPOILERS*

After Rose's graduation test, she joins the real world. While she awaits her assignment, she heads for the royal court with Lissa. While they're there, Rose plans an adventure neither of them will ever forget.

If they're ever going to save Dimitri, it's going to be now. After some research and with a plan in mind, they travel to Alaska - home to Victor Dashkov. He alone has the information Rose needs to save Dimitri. Unfortunately, he's under severe lock and key.

Once they break him out and uncover the truth, it's only a matter of time before Dimitri tracks down Rose. While she's determined to save him, he's determined to kill her so they can be forever joined. When they finally do meet, who will win the battle of wills and emotions?

My Thoughts: I waited to read this one - I have an issue with finishing series book when I know that they are ending soon. Last Sacrifice is almost upon us, so I needed to get my butt in hear. Plus I just read today that there's a spin-off series in the works for next year. I Loved this book -as I have the previous books. They're filled with raw emotion: love, betrayal, disbelief, understand, jealousy, and horror.

Cover Thoughts: I like it

Source: BEA (SIGNED!) - also reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Fun Fact: Spin-off series starting will Bloodlines will be available in August 2011!

Spotted: New Vampire Acadaemy cover

What do you think?

I really like it. I'm still not done with Spirit Bound yet....

Spotted: Vampire Academy News

Did you hear?

Not only might there be a movie, but there might be a sin-off series as well!

*squeals with joy*

I still need to read Spirit Bound, but I'm wicked happy about this news!!!!!

Blood Promise

Rose made the choice to hunt down Dimitri in the Strigoi form and kill him, but she has no idea how hard her decision will make her life. First of all, she has to leave Lissa. Then she has to find Dimitri. In a roundabout way, she ends up at his family home in Russia, where she tells them her story. They mourn his death and welcome her into the family. Anyone can see how she feels for him. Rose wants nothing more to stay there, but she knows she's just at the beginning of her journey. When she tracks down Dimitr, she can't help but fall under his spell as he keeps her prisoner. He wants her to turn to the dark side with him. Rose doesn't want to when she's herself, but then he comes in and confuses her. Is she strong enough to escape and do what she came to do?

I love this series. It's so full of twists and turns - surprising the daylights out of me. Plus each book hangs ona massive cliff hanger that makes the wait time very hard. I love the cover. I love the relationship between Lissa and Rose - and how that's changing.

Cover Released:

Love it
What do you think?

Vampire Academy author speaks out

Waiting Waiting Waiting for Blood Promise....
but here's the author chatting about the book series in general

Blood Promise

Here's a little something to tide you over if you're eagerly awaiting this book as I am, then check out the new Vampire Academy website.

I think the cover looks gorgeous and I can't wait to read the next installment.

Keep checking back at the website for a sneak peek at the book coming out at the end of August