ARC REVIEW: STONE FIELD by Christy Lenzi

Summary:
In a small town on the brink of the Civil War, Catrina finds a man making strange patterns in her family’s sorghum crop. He’s mad with fever, naked, and strikingly beautiful. He has no memory of who he is or what he’s done before Catrina found him in Stone Field. But that doesn’t bother Catrina because she doesn’t like thinking about the things she’s done before either.

Catrina and Stonefield fall passionately, dangerously, in love. All they want is to live with each other, in harmony with the land and away from Cat’s protective brother, the new fanatical preacher, and the neighbors who are scandalized by their relationship. But Stonefield can’t escape the truth about who he is, and the conflict tearing apart the country demands that everyone take a side before the bloodbath reaches their doorstep.

Inspired by Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Stone Field is a passionate and atmospheric story of how violence and vengeance pervert the human spirit, and how hatred can be transcended by love.

Title: Stone Field

Author: Christy Lenzi

Source: ARC via the Publisher

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Publication Date: March 29, 2016

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
 
Holy frickle frackle, this book is amazing. I have so many marked passages and I loved every second of it. Cat is the type of girl you root for because she goes through such a great transition from young adult to woman. It is one that I am fully supportive of.

ARC REVIEW: Inherit the Stars by Tessa Elwood

Three royal houses ruling three interplanetary systems are on the brink of collapse, and they must either ally together or tear each other apart in order for their people to survive.

Asa is the youngest daughter of the house of Fane, which has been fighting a devastating food and energy crisis for far too long. She thinks she can save her family’s livelihood by posing as her oldest sister in an arranged marriage with Eagle, the heir to the throne of the house of Westlet. The appearance of her mother, a traitor who defected to the house of Galton, adds fuel to the fire, while Asa also tries to save her sister Wren's life . . . possibly from the hands of their own father.

But as Asa and Eagle forge a genuine bond, will secrets from the past and the urgent needs of their people in the present keep them divided?

Title: Inherit The Stars
Series: Inherit The Stars #1

Author: Tessa Elwood

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Published: December 8, 2015

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

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

This one is on top of my recommend to everyone pile. It has such a unique writing style that had me hooked from the first moment. I know a lot of people have difficulty with stream of consciousness but it keeps me enthralled for the entirety of the story because I feel like I intimately get to know the character.

I think that this writing choice also hindered the book, though because we didn't get to see the reasons behind the other characters motives that you can get when you use alternating point of views. However, I think Asa was the right character to have the point of view from and considering it was stream of consciousness, I don't think I would have wanted to switch between different characters and get inside their heads in the same way.

The story was good. I liked that Asa did anything and everything to save her family. I understand that her father was also doing the same thing, but him even contemplating his actions made me rooting for Asa. At the same time though, I felt as if I was one with Asa so maybe I had a very biased view of it.

I liked the world building because we were thrust into the world and given bits and pieces as the story went along. We had the definitely foundation of the world before we got into the plot itself. And I liked the idea that Asa was just as unaware as we were and as she learned new things, so did the reader. But this information was conveyed in a way that wasn't too much information all at once because we got little increments of it.

I loved the budding relationship between Eagle and Asa but I would have liked more reflection on Asa's part as to why she was falling for Eagle. I wasn't surprised that she did, I just think that there needed to be a bit more interaction between them for me to fully believe that they were that in love. Otherwise, I had no complaints. Other than I want more.

Overall: 4/5 stars. I highly recommend this one, especially to be read in one sitting so that you can fully immerse yourself in Asa's world and her thoughts.

ARC REVIEW: The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore

Summary: For twenty years, the Palomas and the Corbeaus have been rivals and enemies, locked in an escalating feud for over a generation. Both families make their living as traveling performers in competing shows—the Palomas swimming in mermaid exhibitions, the Corbeaus, former tightrope walkers, performing in the tallest trees they can find. 

Lace Paloma may be new to her family’s show, but she knows as well as anyone that the Corbeaus are pure magia negra, black magic from the devil himself. Simply touching one could mean death, and she's been taught from birth to keep away. But when disaster strikes the small town where both families are performing, it’s a Corbeau boy, Cluck, who saves Lace’s life. And his touch immerses her in the world of the Corbeaus, where falling for him could turn his own family against him, and one misstep can be just as dangerous on the ground as it is in the trees. 

Beautifully written, and richly imaginative, The Weight of Feathers is an utterly captivating young adult novel by a talented new voice.

Title: The Weight of Feathers

 Author: Anna-Marie McLemore

Publisher: Thomas Dunne

Published: September 15th 2015

Rating: 5/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

ARC Review: A Sky Unbroken (Earth & Sky #3) by Megan Crewe

Summary: The rebels have been disbanded, their plans ruined. Betrayed by those she trusted most, Skylar finds herself herded, along with a small group of Earthlings, into a living museum—a human zoo—on the Kemyates’ space station, subject to her captors’ every whim. Any move Skylar makes could result in the extinction of her people—but giving in means losing any hope of freedom.

Meanwhile, Win returns home and evades punishment by pretending to be loyal to Kemya. But he can’t bear knowing that Skylar is imprisoned or watch his fellow Kemyates swallow the Council’s lies about Earth. He must bring the truth to the Kemyate public and see the Earthlings freed—even if it means openly challenging his world’s rulers.

In this final book of the action-packed Earth & Sky trilogy, neither Skylar nor Win knows they are about to uncover an even deeper conspiracy—one that could push the future they’re fighting for completely out of reach.

Title: A Sky Unbroken

Series: Earth & Sky #3

Author: Megan Crewe

Publisher: Amazon Skyscape

Published: October 13th 2015

Rating: 3/5 stars

Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters | TBD

ARC REVIEW: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. 

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first. 

Title: Six of Crows (The Dregs #1)

Author: (Queen) Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Published: 29th September, 2015

Rating: A gigatrillion stars.

A massive thank-you to Jo Volpe for the ARC! And Louisse for jumping out and proclaiming that you were my Threadsister. 

"When everyone knows you're a monster, you needn't waste your time doing every monstrous thing."

First of all, it's no great secret that I am a massive Grisha fan. Leigh's writing is superb and intricate, her characters worming their way into your heart with ease.

Secondly, because many have asked, you CAN read SIX OF CROWS before the Grisha Trilogy! There are some spoilers, but minor ones that wouldn't affect you reading SIX OF CROWS first. The biggest spoiler for a person who has read SoC first is two words: King Nikolai. And a few other bits such as a passing mention of events that happened in Ruin and Rising. None of the characters from Grisha are, sadly, in the story. But Book Two I certainly have my fingers crossed! 

I totally put my book down at the mention of King Nikolai so I could fist-pump at the air. He rules! Literally.

SIX OF CROWS did not disappoint. I'll keep this review short and sweet for now until the book is out. There is a LOT to talk about. So. Much. Returning to the world of the Grisha was bittersweet at first.The pain of leaving behind a bunch of beloved characters in favor of another crew! But very, very quickly these new characters joined the ranks of the Grisha gang.

The story was a roller-coaster of emotions and action. There was not a single dull moment or time that you wanted to skip ahead. Each character was sublime and played their part exceptionally well. Kaz is the kind of man you both want to love but run the heck away from. Each character is so brutal, yet broken in their own way. Rough gems that, once polished, will shine and sparkle. Book Two is going to be explosive. And that's not an exaggeration. I am terribly in love with Matthias and Kaz. And Nina and Inej. And Wylan and Jesper. Whoops, I seem to have listed the entire crew. 

Kaz leaned back. "What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?"

"Knife to the throat?" asked Inej.

"Gun to the back?" said Jesper.

"Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina.

"You're all horrible." said Matthias.

I'll leave this teaser of a review here for now. Until September, gang! This isn't a book that you want, it's a book you NEED. No life is complete without the Dregs in it.

ARC REVIEW: TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

---

I’ll get straight to the point, shall I? That’s why you’re here.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

TRUTHWITCH is a thing of beauty. Easily one of the most compelling high-fantasy books I have ever read. If this book does not become a well-known addition to bookcases and blogs, it will be nothing short of a crime of the most heinous sort.

Set against a rich and vibrant backdrop of myths, legends and stunning locations, this book is a fantasy lover’s wildest dream.

The story revolves around two girls: Safiya fon Hasstrel, a Truthwitch (who has the ability to discern between truth and lie), and Iseult det Midenzi who is a Threadwitch (the ability to see other people’s Threads. Such as ties of love between people.) These girls are the kickass duo you’ve been waiting your whole life for. As different as day and night, yet essentially the same, Safi and Iz will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Witchlands range from colossal mountains to (sometimes) perilous seas. There’s SO many types of Witcheries. There are six elements: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Aether and the ever mysterious Void. If you can think of an ability relating to one of those elements, it’s probably real. How cool is that?! I’m still debating what kind of witchery I’d like to have. Also, if you’re looking for a book that contains mythical beasts, you want this one desperately. You want to meet the sea foxes. Like, ASAP.

Of course, this book has its hot guys! First up you have Merik Nihar. PRINCE MERIK NIHAR. Also known as my brand-new book-boyfriend. Or husband. That works too. He’s a (very hot) Windwitch with one stormy temper. But he’s also fiercely loyal and protective of what he cares about. It’s really quite beautiful to see how strong a character he is even when faced with all these hardships. I cannot WAIT to read more about him. (Did I mention HOT?!)

We also have Aeduan, who is a Bloodwitch. I won’t tell you TOO much about Aeduan, but this picture is needed when describing him. DESPERATELY NEEDED.







Love Aeduan or hate him, either way you’re not gonna forget about him any time soon.

There is also ANOTHER hot guy that I love and adore, but I won’t give you any details about him. I’ll just call him K for now. Precious baby K.




I wish I could tell you all about the other characters that inhabit this book. Every single one of them has a purpose and different agendas. There’s ones that you will love at first, then go ‘OH HELL NO,’ and ones that you hate, then grow to love and cherish. Oh, and there are so many shipping options. Ship it all, people. SHIP. IT. ALL. Book two is going to blow everyone’s socks off (including my own) on the romance front for sure.

A compelling and well-written storyline, twists and turns at every turn, I devoured this book. I finished the book and promptly began to writhe around on the floor of my living room while cursing Susan for the pain she’d inflicted on me. May those thrice-damned seagulls crap on you for that ending! <3


Sizzling romance, killer heroines and heart-in-your-mouth moments, this book is set to become a big hit.

5 FAT AND SHINING HEARTS.

January 5th 2016. Mark this date and tell others. Tattoo it on your forehead and shout it from your windows. Heck, send carrier pigeons to all your friends to spread the news. Either way, do not forget this date, for sheer brilliance hits your shelves on that day.

Pre-order in the UK at:

Book Depository

Amazon UK

Waterstones (not available for pre-order there yet)

Pre-order in the US at:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon US

REVIEW: Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre (s): Fantasy and romance

Publisher:  Bloomsbury

Published: September 2nd 2014

Stars: Five MASSIVE ones

 

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love? 

 

 

 ”She was the heir of ash and fire-”

 

This book was totally and utterly completely different to its predecessors. HEIR OF FIRE was a non-stop thrill ride, but in other ways than THRONE OF GLASS and CROWN OF MIDNIGHT.

HEIR OF FIRE focuses on the lives of four characters – Celaena, Chaol, Dorian and a brand new character, the witch Manon. 

Celaena faces very different issues this book.  Where the last two books are world builders, in a sense, this one is all about character development. And boy does Celaena do some developing! At the end of CROWN OF MIDNIGHT, we see Celaena on her way to Wendlyn, her home kingdom. The kingdom of the fae and her surviving family.

In Wendlyn, we meet a whole new bunch of new characters. Celaena gets herself into more deep, dark trouble and subsequently kicks ass. Of course.  Our heroine grows a LOT. Both mentally and physically. By the end of HEIR OF FIRE, your heart is pounding as if you’re in the book itself. It draws you in and sinks its claws deep into you.

The most notable new characters are Manon Blackbeak and Rowan Whitethorn.

If you attended Celaena’s special birthday livestream, you’ll already be familiar with Manon’s nature. Violent nature, I should add. She is amazing. There is a fine line between sadistic and bloodthirsty, and I’m still not sure which category she falls into. She’s just so intricate, bloody and downright amazing. Also, because of her, I’d very much like to open a wyvern sanctuary. SAVE THE WYVERNS! And give one to me. Please.  

Anyway, back to Manon.  She’s amazing and seriously, she’s going to grow on you to the point you flick back through the book just to reread her parts. She and Abraxos are the most adorable (?) thing ever. It feels weird calling them cute, but they actually are. Get ready for Manon! She’s going to blow you away and gouge your eyes out with iron nails.

Next up… Rowan Whitethorn. 

I could talk about him all day long and not get bored once. Intricate and perfectly lickable, Rowan will blow your underwear off, and that’s not an exaggeration. 

Without going into detail, Rowan is the fae warrior you want to see working out while he’s half naked. HEIR OF FIRE would not have been so amazing without him (and Manon) at all.  He adds so many elements to the book that haven’t been in the previous ones. If anything, he and Celaena remind me of Romitri (Rose and Dimitri from the Vampire Academy books) with how they interact and their whole relationship. It’s totally unique to the two characters and quite frankly, their scenes together are the best parts of the book. A pupil and her (sexy) mentor.

Chaol and Dorian are both in the HEIR OF FIRE as well, but not as much as Celaena. They both have their own story lines, issues and inner demons. Romance is featured in the book, but certainly not as prominent as the last two books. This book is all about character development, and it is beautiful.

This book gets all my love and hugs and kisses and squishes. I love it so much. Even if it is so very different to the last two books. There is so much more to say, but details/SPOILERS. You wait guys, you wait. It’s fiery and explosive, and I mean that literally. 

Massive 5 stars and I’m anxiously awaiting book 4 after such a climatic ending!!

ARC REVIEW: A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas.