ARC REVIEW: THE SHARDS OF HEAVEN by Michael Livingston

Summary:
The beginning of an epic historical fantasy that rocks the foundations of the ancient world 

Julius Caesar is dead, assassinated on the senate floor, and the glory that is Rome has been torn in two. Octavian, Caesar’s ambitious great-nephew and adopted son, vies with Marc Antony and Cleopatra for control of Caesar’s legacy. As civil war rages from Rome to Alexandria, and vast armies and navies battle for supremacy, a secret conflict may shape the course of history.

Juba, Numidian prince and adopted brother of Octavian, has embarked on a ruthless quest for the Shards of Heaven, lost treasures said to possess the very power of the gods—or the one God. Driven by vengeance, Juba has already attained the fabled Trident of Poseidon, which may also be the staff once wielded by Moses. Now he will stop at nothing to obtain the other Shards, even if it means burning the entire world to the ground.

Caught up in these cataclysmic events, and the hunt for the Shards, are a pair of exiled Roman legionnaires, a Greek librarian of uncertain loyalties, assassins, spies, slaves . . . and the ten-year-old daughter of Cleopatra herself.

The Shards of Heaven reveals the hidden magic behind the history we know, and commences a war greater than any mere mortal battle.

Title: THE SHARDS OF HEAVEN

Author: Michael Livingston

Series: The Shards of Heaven #1

Source: eARC via the Publisher

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: November 24, 2015

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I saw that one of my friends was reading this on Goodreads so I checked out the synopsis and fell instantly in love. This book has magical qualities because it does something that I find a lot of historical fiction can't do: it feels REAL. 

I studied "Classical Studies" in university as my minor which means I can now read, write, and speak Latin and Ancient Greek and know way too much information about things from BCE/early CE than you could ever imagine. So I was enthralled by the idea of a historical fiction surrounding the death of Caesar and the campaigns thereafter. And I have intimate knowledge of these campaigns, so I was gung ho about reading this one. 

And man, if you know ANYTHING, even the teensiest of of aspects of what happened during this time period, you are going to be so in love with this one. It perfectly blends the "this is what we know to have happened" and "this definitely could have happened" so seamlessly that I started to believe that this was the true version of history. 

I did like that only major events and timelines were touched because that is what made it feel so authentic, but I felt like because of this some of the pacing was a bit off. There were times when I had to double check the year at the beginning of the chapter to get a feel for what event we were being lead to or what should be happening next. I think that while it was definitely important that we only were directed to events that did happen, there needed to be a bit more segue between the years and chapters for me to really have a grasp on the story.

Otherwise this was SO GOOD. I have been recommending it to everyone -- and started doing so at about 25% of the novel because I knew it was going to be great. I was also OVER THE MOON to see that there is going to be a sequel! I can't wait for that one now!

REVIEW: A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC by V.E. Schwab

A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC by V.E. Schwab

Summary:
Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

Author: V.E. Schwab

Series: A Darker Shade of Magic #1

Source: Purchased from BookOutlet

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: February 24, 2015

Rating: 5/5 stars

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

A Darker Shade of Magic has that unique kind of ability where it pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of the seat for the entire time and leaves you wanting more once it's finished. The magic system is one of the best I have read in a long time and if anyone asks me for a fantasy recommendation, this will be the first one off my tongue. Can February come a little faster so I can have A Gathering of Shadows, please and thank you?

ARC REVIEW: DID I MENTION I LOVE YOU? by Estelle Maskame

ARC REVIEW: DID I MENTION I LOVE YOU? by Estelle Maskame

Summary:
When sixteen-year-old Eden Munro agrees to spend the summer with her estranged father in the beachfront city of Santa Monica, California, she has no idea what she’s letting herself in for. Eden's parents are divorced and have gone their separate ways, and now her father has a brand new family. For Eden, this means she's about to meet three new step-brothers. The eldest of the three is Tyler Bruce, a troubled teenager with a short temper and a huge ego. Complete polar opposites, Eden quickly finds herself thrust into a world full of new experiences as Tyler's group of friends take her under their wing. But the one thing she just can't understand is Tyler, and the more she presses to figure out the truth about him, the more she finds herself falling for the one person she shouldn't – her step-brother.

Throw in Tyler's clingy girlfriend and a guy who has his eyes set on Eden, and there's secrets, lies and a whole lot of drama. But how can Eden keep her feelings under control? And can she ever work out the truth about Tyler? 

Did I Mention I Love You is the first book in the phenomenal DIMILY trilogy, following the lives of Eden Munro and Tyler Bruce as they try to find their way in an increasingly confusing world.

Title: DID I MENTION I LOVE YOU

Author: Estelle Maskame

Series: Did I Mention I Love You #1

Source: eARC via the Publisher

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Publication Date: December 1, 2015

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I super enjoyed this one. I was a little skeptical because I was like "Am I going to find it weird that stepsiblings fall in love?" but it was handled perfectly. I loved *almost* everything about Eden and Tyler and their complicated relationship.

8 Most Anticipated December 2015 Releases

Frozen Tides
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms #4
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: December 15, 2015
Summary: 
Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

Preorder:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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Half in Love with Death 
Author: Emily Ross
Publisher: Merit Press 
Publication Date: December 16, 2015
Summary: 
It's the era of peace and love in the 1960s, but nothing is peaceful in Caroline's life. Since her beautiful older sister disappeared, fifteen-year-old Caroline might as well have disappeared too. She's invisible to her parents, who can't stop blaming each other. The police keep following up on leads even Caroline knows are foolish. The only one who seems to care about her is Tony, her sister's older boyfriend, who soothes Caroline's desperate heart every time he turns his magical blue eyes on her.

Tony is convinced that the answer to Jess's disappearance is in California, the land of endless summer, among the runaways and flower children. Come with me, Tony says to Caroline, and we'll find her together. Tony is so loving, and all he cares about is bringing Jess home. And so Caroline follows, and closes a door behind her that may never open again.

Inspired by the disturbing case of Charles Schmid, ‘the Pied Piper of Tucson’, Half in Love with Death is a heartfelt thriller that never lets up. 

Preorder:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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This Raging Light 
Author: Estelle Laure
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 22, 2015
Summary: 
Can the best thing happen at the worst time?

Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she's about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend's brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure's soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.

Preorder: 

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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What's Broken Between Us 
Author: Alexis Bass
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Summary: 
Alexis Bass’s heartbreakingly beautiful second novel is a tale of love, loss, and learning to forgive, perfect for fans of Gayle Forman and of Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything.

A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart's brother got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend. Today, he's coming home from prison.

Amanda's been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother's recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he's a monster. Still, she loves him. It's her dark secret, until she starts getting close to Henry again--whose sister is paralyzed from the accident.

A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she'll let his choice destroy hers.

Preorder: 

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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The Trouble With Destiny 
Author: Lauren Morrill
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: December 8, 2015
Summary: 
It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey...

With her trusty baton and six insanely organized clipboards, drum major Liza Sanders is about to take Destiny by storm—the boat, that is. When Liza discovered that her beloved band was losing funding, she found Destiny, a luxury cruise ship complete with pools, midnight chocolate buffets, and a $25,000 spring break talent show prize.

Liza can’t imagine senior year without the band, and nothing will distract her from achieving victory. She’s therefore not interested when her old camp crush, Lenny, shows up on board, looking shockingly hipster-hot. And she’s especially not interested in Russ, the probably-as-dumb-as-he-is-cute prankster jock whose ex, Demi, happens be Liza’s ex–best friend and leader of the Athenas, a show choir that’s the band’s greatest competition.

But it’s not going to be smooth sailing. After the Destiny breaks down, all of Liza’s best-laid plans start to go awry. Liza likes to think of herself as an expert at almost everything, but when it comes to love, she’s about to find herself lost at sea.

Preorder: 

Amazon | Chapters

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Endure 
Author: Sara B. Larson
Series: Defy #3
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Summary:  
The remarkable third novel in Sara B. Larson's bestselling Defy series!

At last, Alexa and King Damian are engaged to be married. But their lives are far from safe. The kingdom of Antion is under siege, and Rylan is a prisoner of the enemy. Even worse, Alexa remains at the mercy of the evil Dansiian Rafe, who controls her mind and can force Alexa to kill or harm Damian at any moment. Despite this, Alexa is determined to rescue Rylan, which soon leads her far from Damian and deep into enemy territory.

When she arrives, what awaits her is deadlier than anything she could have ever imagined: an army of black sorcerers, and a horrifying plot to destroy the world as Alexa knows it. Will she be able to gather the strength to free herself, protect the love of her life, and save the land? Will there ever be true peace?

Acclaimed author Sara B. Larson has woven a stunning, romantic, and evocative finale to the Defy trilogy, that is sure to leave readers breathless until the very last page. 

Preorder: 

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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See How They Run 
Author: Ally Carter
Series: Embassy Row #2
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: December 22, 2015
Summary: 
Inside every secret, there's a world of trouble. Get ready for the second book in this new series of global proportions--from master of intrigue, New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Grace's past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

The twists get twistier and the turns get even more shocking in the second thrilling installment of Embassy Row.

Preorder: 

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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All We Left Behind 
Author: Ingrid Sundberg
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Summary: 
For fans of Simone Elkeles and Courtney Summers, this haunting debut novel is about two teenagers battling their inner demons as they fall in love for the first time.

When Marion Taylor, the shy bookworm, meets sexy soccer captain Kurt Medford at a party, what seems like a sure thing quickly turns into a total mess. One moment they’re alone in the middle of a lake, igniting sparks of electricity. The next, they’re on dry land, pretending they’ve never met. But rather than the end, that night is the beginning of something real, terrifying, and completely unforgettable for them both.

As Marion and Kurt struggle to build a relationship from the fractured pieces of their pasts, every kiss they share uncovers memories both would rather keep buried. Marion desperately wants to trust Kurt and share the one secret she’s never told anyone—but some truths aren’t meant to be spoken out loud. Kurt is also still haunted by his mother’s death, by the people he hurt, and by the mistakes he can never take back.

Explosive together and hollow apart, Marion and Kurt seem totally wrong for each other—but could they turn out to be more right than they ever thought possible?

Preorder:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD
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What December 2015 releases are you most anticipating?

ARC REVIEW: TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS by Leila Sales

ARC REVIEW: TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS

Summary:
Recklessly loyal.

That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Caring for her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone—including her needy best friend and her absent mom—taking her loyalty for granted.

Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn’t even met her.

Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him.


During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either.

Title: TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS

Author: Leila Sales

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Publication Date: September 15, 2015

Source: eARC via NetGalley

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

I liked this one. I had heard from some people that I know that it was disappointing to them and I can get there, but I still liked it. I think it's probably because I *am* Arden: I am a perpetual people pleaser and have written so many blank cheques that eventually one of them might bounce.

REVIEW: SUGAR by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Summary:
I’m the fat Puerto Rican–Polish girl who doesn’t feel like she belongs in her skin, or anywhere else for that matter. I’ve always been too much and yet not enough.
 
Sugar Legowski-Gracia wasn’t always fat, but fat is what she is now at age seventeen. Not as fat as her mama, who is so big she hasn’t gotten out of bed in months. Not as heavy as her brother, Skunk, who has more meanness in him than fat, which is saying something. But she’s large enough to be the object of ridicule wherever she is: at the grocery store, walking down the street, at school. Sugar’s life is dictated by taking care of Mama in their run-down home—cooking, shopping, and, well, eating. A lot of eating, which Sugar hates as much as she loves.

When Sugar meets Even (not Evan—his nearly illiterate father misspelled his name on the birth certificate), she has the new experience of someone seeing her and not her body. As their unlikely friendship builds, Sugar allows herself to think about the future for the first time, a future not weighed down by her body or her mother.

Soon Sugar will have to decide whether to become the girl that Even helps her see within herself or to sink into the darkness of the skin-deep role her family and her life have created for her.

Title: SUGAR

Author: Deirdre Riordan Hall

Source: Audiobook via the Author as part of a giveaway

Publisher: Skyscape

Publication Date: June 1, 2015

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook in a giveaway.

So this one was really intriguing to me. I'm a big girl, I'm overweight. I know that. I'm chill with it. But I also love myself. Now. There was a time I did not. And Sugar does not love herself in the beginning of this novel. So seeing her go from "I hate myself" to "I may be okay with myself" was really great.

Actually, everything about Sugar's character was great. I loved her as a character and I loved her story. Her familial relationship and the interactions she had with other kids at school were so real and raw. I felt like I WAS Sugar and going through all this with her. I think it was smart of have this book in first person because you felt like Sugar and could experience everything as if it was happening to you.

I did, however, have a problem with Even. He was literally too good to be true. I don't think he said one mean thing the entire novel. Which, like, come on. I get that we should look for more than physical beauty but you still NOTICE. And it was as if he was blind to it, which just didn't feel realistic to me.

As well, it felt like there was lots of filler between actual events. There seemed to be one huge important plot point then a couple trips to the mall or a school day in between that didn't really add much before we got to another plot point. It got a little boring at some points, but to be fair, that's life, right?

There was a lot of this that I thought could be taken out and the story would still make sense, but it was a good story and I really enjoyed seeing Sugar transform throughout this ovel. It was inspiring. It also made me eat a lot more McDonald's because it was ALL SHE TALKED ABOUT.

Waiting on Wednesday: FROZEN TIDES by Morgan Rhodes

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is one that I have been excited for for a while...

FROZEN TIDES by Morgan Rhodes

Summary:
Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

Title: Frozen Tides
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms #4

Publication Date: December 15, 2015

Publisher: Razorbill

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

This series is freaking amazing and I am so excited for the next installment! I was lucky enough to meet Morgan Rhodes at an event in September and I know just from hearing her speak that this book is going to blow our collective minds. Make sure you check this one out when it drops in December! (Right around Christmas time, I see you marketing peeps)

8 Anticipated Releases Coming Out November 2015!

So this is a giant WoW but I am talking about all the books that I can't wait for next month. Since we are in October, that means all the books I want in November! These books are ones I've heard good things about and/or I just really want to read. I will include links for Goodreads and Preorder purposes! I tried to mix it up with a bit of every genre in here, but obviously since I limited it to 8 books I couldn't get *every* genre. Hope you guys check some of these out!

FIRE FALLING
Author: Elise Kova
Series: Air Awakens #2
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Publication Date: November 19, 2015
Summary:
Soldier… Sorcerer… Savior… Who is Vhalla Yarl?

Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo

DOUBLE REVIEW: THE GATEWAY SERIES by Heather Marie

Summary:

To seventeen-year-old Aiden Ortiz, letting the dead walk through his body to reach the other side comes with the territory. Being a Gateway isn’t an easy job, but someone’s gotta send Bleeders where they belong. Heaven. Salvation. Call it whatever you want. Dead is dead. But when his search for Koren Banks––the girl who went mysteriously missing seven months ago––leaves him with more questions than answers, he finds himself involved in something far more sinister and beyond his control. 

With the threat of the Dark Priest's resurrection, and his plan to summon his demon brothers from hell, Aiden is left to discover his identity before the Dark Priest's curse infecting his blood consumes him, and before the world as he knows it succumbs to the darkness of hell on earth.

Title: THE GATEWAY THROUGH WHICH THEY CAME

Author: Heather Marie

Series: The Gateway Through Which They Came #1

Source: Digital Copy via the Publisher

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Publication Date: August 25, 2014

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

"I think I've had my fair share of what the fucks for a while."