Realm of Ruins by Hannah West

Title: Realm of Ruins (The Nissera Chronicles #2)
Author: Hannah West
Release Date: December 4th 2018
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Valory’s power is different . . . it’s dangerous, unruly, and destructive. But can she channel it to crush a cunning enemy and save the realm from chaos?

Welcome to Nissera, land of three kingdoms and home to spectacular magic.

A century after her legendary ancestors overcame a bloodthirsty tyrant, seventeen-year-old Valory Braiosa attends a training academy for elicromancers, immortal beings with magical gifts. Yet Valory’s immense power seems impossible to tame, and she faces imprisonment by the Nisseran authorities. Then a forbidden resurrection spell awakens a long-dormant evil, and Valory may be the only one who can vanquish this terrifying villain. Together with a band of allies—including an old friend; a haughty princess; and a mysterious, handsome stranger—Valory must learn to harness her power and fight back.

Weaving together her imaginative world of gritty fairytale magic with snippets from Beauty and the Beast and other classic stories, Hannah West’s dark and dangerous adventure is a gripping, immersive companion to her acclaimed debut, Kingdom of Ash and Briars. This richly packaged edition includes an illustrated family tree, detailed map, and embossed jacket with shimmering metallic effects.

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I love Realm of Ruins! This is a great adventure story blended with fairytales and magic as we return to Nisseria.

I loved the plot. This is centuries after KIngdom of Ash and Briar and you do not have to read it in order to understand this story. However, there are spoilers so be warned. That doesn’t mean you can’t go back and read the first book. The characters are very different despite being in the same world. I was actually reading both books at the same time. Which made it a fun crossover. Back to the plot though. I loved how even though there a fairytales laced in, this is not a retelling of a particular tale. I was completely absorbed in the plot and I love the magic system. How interesting it is to try to find the balance of power. Each new threat addresses that. This story also deals a bit with nurture versus nature.

I loved when a cast of characters get together and go on adventure. Even more so when the cast is not necessarily what you are expecting but turn into a band that you love. I don’t want to talk about a particular character simply because I don’t want to spoil that they come along.

Valory is such a great character. Someone who has to find how to be in a world that they don’t fit in as a cookie cutter. She has to learn that making hard choices don’t always feel heroic. That sacrifices are sometimes made for the greater good and it’s a hard road. She’s not a perfect and that’s what makes her great. I liked her so much that it would was hard to not to root for her. You wanted her to find her confidence that she is more than what the water, family or the academy tells her what she is.

Mercer is also interesting. I actually kind of felt like he is the guy that is usually you really like but the MC doesn’t necessarily end up with. He’s fun and easily slides in with a group of people. He is also determined and serious about his task at hand.

Kadri is a fun character and her relationship with he betrothed is an interesting dynamic. That they are comfortable with their situation.

I liked that the romance is there but not overpowering. They know they have more important things to worry about than falling in love. I think it’s natural how their fondness grows as they are thrust into situations. It takes them being released of their worries for a short time for them to embrace it.

Completely random thought but I loved when they are packing supplies and they mention needing things for when they go to the bathroom! It made me laugh because I have Ulcerative Colitis so I always think, what would happen to me if I was dropped in a fantasy world. I loved that it’s like yep they can’t just walk for days without stopping. Even if you want them to.

I’m not ready to be done with Nisseria. I hope there are still stories to tell. Even if it’s somewhere else in the timeline. Backwards or Forwards. I think this is one of those series where you are like. Who why didn’t I read this before.

Quotes

These are taken from the ARC so they might have changed in the FC

"You have to be careful, dismissing someone's sadness, even for a short time. Most people don't realize how important a feeling it is."

"You can worry about the future all you like,Valory. But life strikes everyone with woe."

"You can do more than destory."

“All beauty is laced with darkness”

"...there will be atrocities we can't stop. They will happen to innocent people. It doesn't help to cut off one head of a many-headed serpent. You have to stab it in the heart."

"What you did matters more than what you might have done."

Playlist

AUTHOR

Hannah West is the author of Kingdom of Ash and Briars and its companion, Realm of Ruins. She's always loved writing about magic and fairytales, but her time studying abroad in Orléans, France inspired her to finally write and publish a fantasy novel. She's a freelance writer and vegetarian living in Texas with her husband and their rambunctious blue heeler.

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Giveaway finishes: 17th December 2018


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Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Title: Girls of Paper and Fire
Author: Natasha Ngan
Published: November 6th 2018 by Jimmy Patterson Books

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for...and the most cruel.

But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.

In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.

Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

TW: violence and sexual abuse.

Girls of Paper and Fire is a very unique and interesting story. I loved the world building but I struggled a little with the main character.

I thought the world and the world building for the story were amazing. As much as I didn’t not love what being a Paper Girl meant. I felt like I had a really good grasp on what the palace looked like in my mind. I also felt like the politics were easy to follow as well. Between the different cast of Paper, Steel and Moon.

So I for some reason had a really hard time picturing the Demon people. I kept thinking of the Disney version of Robin Hood. So the idea of her being a concubine for one, seemed even creepier. The book deals with prostitution and rape. There are some scenes that definitely make your heart bleed.

I couldn’t connect with Lei and I wanted to, especially because I loved Wren so much. I kind of started to want Wren to be the main MC though. There are things I liked about Lei. I understood that she was naive in the way of many things and now had to come to the palace and be thrust into something she doesn’t fully understand. How she had never really experienced certain feelings simply because she never really had the chance/exposure to do so. She was content working in her families herb shop and would eventually get around to it. As she continues on in the palace though, I felt like she doesn’t grow or change. Her naivety starts to put people in danger and that’s what bothers me. I know the things she does are not always intentional but I don’t like how she doesn’t always seem to learn from them. I do like the fact that Lei is loyal and kind. That even though she might not agree or understand with a certain friends feelings, she is still a friend to her. I can’t really put my finger on why I didn’t connect with Lei but I just couldn’t.

I loved Wren. I thought she is such a cool character and I want to be friends with her. I love how she has the fierceness to her but she also very understanding. She grew up in a different world and so she sees things in a different light than Lei. So it gives her this perfect balance for the two of them.

Aoki and Blue are too other characters that I really enjoyed. They are both complicated in their own ways. They have different reasons for being at the palace and different feelings about it. I felt both of their stories were interesting.

Despite my mixed feelings on Lei, I did really enjoy the romance. It was such a natural progression into it. Sweet and kind with both give and take.

The story is definitely unique and interesting and I love the vivid imagery it creates in my mind.

The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson

Title: The Wren Hunt
Author: Mary Watson
Published: November 6th 2018 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Every Christmas, Wren is chased through the woods near her isolated village by her family's enemies—the Judges—and there’s nothing that she can do to stop it. Once her people, the Augurs, controlled a powerful magic. But now that power lies with the Judges, who are set on destroying her kind for good.

In a desperate bid to save her family, Wren takes a dangerous undercover assignment—as an intern to an influential Judge named Cassa Harkness. Cassa has spent her life researching a transformative spell, which could bring the war between the factions to its absolute end. Caught in a web of deceit, Wren must decide whether or not to gamble on the spell and seal the Augurs’ fate.

The Wren Hunt has the creepily weird, draw you in quality. It was kind of that unexpected book that I turned out to love. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Especially all of the strange and unusual lore.

I really found the world of magic interesting in the story. There are three lines...the Judges, the Augurs and the Bards but it’s believed that the Bards are wiped out. Each sets of the these lines draw power from different things and utilize those powers in different ways. I actually found the Judges most interesting since they draw mostly from natures. The trees, plants and so forth. I also loved the old lore that is also woven in.

I really didn’t like Wren’s Augur family. I felt like they kept putting her in situations without giving her all the facts. They also all kind of seemed selfish to me but I don’t know maybe I was reading them wrong. They just kind of bothered me and I felt she could go live off in a cottage by herself and do her own thing. I guess that’s not really how being part of a Grove works. They kept secrets and when she would find out they would act like oh ya sorry about that. Just something that majorly impacts your life. They super bugged me.

I feel like about halfway through the book is when there is change. A change in Wren as well as the people around her and things start getting really weird. We finally start getting a better picture of Arabella and the traditions of both the Augurs and Judges. It’s really interesting to watch the story evolve the way it did. I definitely could not put it down.

So many great characters but of course I was most interested in Wren, Tarc and Cassa. Wren is kind of this person that doesn’t necessarily fit in perfectly anywhere. Kind of like a peg in a square hole. Whether it being that she has very different Augur powers from the rest or the fact that her mother is MIA and she doesn’t know about her father. I think of her kind of like a blowing seed trying to find a place to root.

So when she meets Tarc it seems like their chemistry as friends and more almost makes no sense and perfect sense. They are different sides of the coin but manage to find common ground. I loved seeing them together.

I also really liked her interactions with Cassa. As strange as they sometimes might be. Each time Wren spoke to her, you could tell that she is more observant and sharper than she might even get credit for. Of course she is the head of Harkness House. I just thought she was super interesting.

I truly loved The Wren Hunt and it caught me in it’s snare. Even though it left me in a good spot I still need more.

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris Cover Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

presented by Entangled Teen!

Be on the lookout for this upcoming Entangled Teen title!

What do you think of the cover?

Look up the word “nerd” and you’ll find Lily Cooper’s picture. She’s got one goal: first stop valedictorian, next stop Harvard. Until a stint in the hospital from too much stress lands her in the last place a klutz like her ever expected to be: salsa dance lessons.

Look up the word “popular” and you’ll find Stone Torres’s picture. His life seems perfect—star of the football team, straight-A student, lots of friends. But his family is struggling to make ends meet, so if pitching in at the Torres dance studio helps, he’ll do it.

When Lily’s dad offers Stone extra cash to volunteer as Lily’s permanent dance partner, he can’t refuse. But with each dip and turn, each moment her hand is in his, his side job starts to feel all too real. But in dance, as in life, one wrong move and someone could get hurt.

Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Publisher: Entangled Teen

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted bookaholic and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

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Carols and Chaos by Cindy Anstey

Title: Carols and Chaos
Author: Cindy Anstey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: October 9th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

A lady's maid and a valet become entangled in a yuletide counterfeiting scheme in this romantic Christmas YA adventure.

1817. The happy chaos of the Yuletide season has descended upon the country estate of Shackleford Park in full force, but lady's maid Kate Darby barely has the time to notice. Between her household duties, caring for her ailing mother, and saving up money to someday own a dress shop, her hands are quite full. Matt Harlow is also rather busy. He's performing double-duty, acting as valet for both of the Steeple brothers, two of the estate's holiday guests.

Falling in love would be a disaster for either of them. But staving off their feelings for each other becomes the least of their problems when a devious counterfeiting scheme reaches the gates of Shackleford Park, and Kate and Matt are unwittingly swept up in the intrigue. Full of sweetness, charm, and holiday shenanigans, Carols and Chaos is perfect for fans of Jane Austen and Downton Abbey.

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Nothing to get you in the Yuletide spirit like a little love and mystery. Carols and Chaos is a fun YA Historical Fiction that falls in line with its predecessors for delivering that good feeling.

So for the me the plot got off on a little bit of slow start. I think we were more focused on the introduction of characters and time for Matt and Kate to become a little more acquainted. Once the mystery started to really shine through the pace picked up and I felt more into the story.

I loved that once we really get into the thick of the mystery, the story was both still suspenseful but fun. There are definitely moments where you think oh no but also has comedy weaved in throughout.

I loved Kate and Matt. They had such a natural chemistry right from the start and their exchanges were both witty and sweet. I also love how Kate is the type of character who knows who she is and just exudes awesomeness out of her pores. I really liked her. Matt is the kind of guy you want to hang out with, like ya that guy, he’s good people.

I love that it’s a historical fiction at Yuletide time. I used to work at a historical village and I loved dressing up and working in the Mansion at Christmas. We would make these awesome orange/clove ball ornaments that made my fingers bleed (pushing whole cloves into oranges is not easy) and the place would be decorated up with the greens. So it reminded me of that and it’s such a great warm feeling.

So this story is a spin-off of Suitors and Sabotage but you do not need to read that to read this. If you are looking for your comfort book for the Holiday this is definitely one I can recommend.

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester.

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This Mortal Coil & This Cruel Design by Emily Suavada

Title: This Cruel Design
Author: Emily Suvada
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Young Adult -- Science Fiction

Cat thought the Hydra epidemic was over, but when new cases pop up, Cat must team up with an enemy to fix the vaccine before the virus spirals out of control in this thrilling sequel to This Mortal Coil, which New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman says “redefines ‘unputdownable.’”

The nightmare of the outbreak is finally over, but Cat’s fight has only just begun.

Exhausted, wounded, and reeling from revelations that have shaken her to her core, Cat is at a breaking point. Camped in the woods with Cole and Leoben, she’s working day and night, desperate to find a way to stop Lachlan’s plan to reprogram humanity. But she’s failing—Cat can’t even control her newly regrown panel, and try as she might to ignore them, she keeps seeing glitching visions from her past everywhere she turns.

When news arrives that the Hydra virus might not be as dead as they’d thought, the group is pushed into an uneasy alliance with Cartaxus to hunt down Lachlan and fix the vaccine. Their search takes them to Entropia, a city of genehackers hidden deep in the desert that could also hold the answers about Cat’s past that she’s been searching for.

But when confronted with lies and betrayals, Cat is forced to question everything she knows and everyone she trusts. And while Lachlan is always two steps ahead, the biggest threat to Cat may be the secrets buried in her own mind.

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Review For This Mortal Coil

Wow, so This Mortal Coil is packed full of Coding, DNA, hacking, suspense, apocalyptic world, twist and turns. I both couldn’t put it down and had to take a break sometimes. It was a great story and loved how easy it was to understand the Science parts of it.

So in the world of This Mortal Coil everyone is fitted with a panel in their arm that pretty much acts like how you would picture futurist VR worlds to work. You can do everything from texting/calling to changing what you look like and downloading an app to heal yourself. Despite all of this, Mother Nature still finds it’s way in and people have retreated to underground bunkers do to a breakout of a plague called Hydra.

There is lots of talk about DNA, coding and hacking systems. I never once found any of it confusing. It was actually really interesting and written in a way that I felt was easy to understand. You might not grasp every concept perfectly but you get the jist of it enough to understand what is happening. I really loved learning about the characters and what makes them all tick. In a DNA respect and through the panels in their arms.

So the plot is very fast paced and a curvy road to get to the end. There were plot twist throughout, so much so that I don’t want to talk about anything. I’m afraid I would give something away. What we do know and that is important is that Catarina plays an important role in finding the Vaccine for Hydra.

Again I loved the characters. I thought they were all super interesting, from their background to their motivations for their actions. I can’t wait to see where they go in the future. Catarina most of all, is very cool. Really, she’s brilliant and savvy yet even though she lives for code, still keeps her compassion. She is not a robot or a slave to technology.

Review for This Cruel Design

Wow...so wow. This Cruel Design is an amazing sequel to This Mortal Coil but I almost wish I had written my review while reading. So much happens!!!!! So much!!!! Again Emily Suavada takes on a journey that is fast paced and interesting.

Crap...okay. There is no good way to talk about the book without giving away too much so I’m not going to delve into the plot too much. We pick up right where This Mortal Coil leaves off and Cat is trying to reconcile all that she has learned with all that she knows. Yet she knows there are still so many more mysteries about herself and Lachlan that she has to uncover. As well as, understanding where Jun Bei fits into everything. When it looks like the virus might not be as dead as they thought. The characters are once again on a course to save humanity as they know it.

So we do meet some new characters that bring some perspective on the past lives of the experimental children. As well as fill in some missing pieces for Cat. Again I really like how these stories explore different ideologies about merging tech into our lives. From one spectrum to the other. How far are you willing to be modified? I liked nothing was forced on you as being wrong but let you see why people chose the different ways to live. It was super interesting.

Again I love how Suavada makes what could be confusing topics, coding and DNA, and makes them easy to understand. I never felt like I was lost or confused. I could follow the thought pattern to what each person was trying to accomplish.

I love the writing and I love the story. I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for the next book. Not after everything that has happened. I felt a little thunderstruck at the end, but in a good way. Like, wait, what?? I’m so excited to continue on.

Emily Suvada was born and raised in Australia, where she went on to study mathematics and astrophysics. She previously worked as a data scientist, and still spends hours writing algorithms to perform tasks which would only take minutes to complete on her own. When not writing, she can be found hiking, cycling, and conducting chemistry experiments in her kitchen. She currently lives in Portland, OR, with her husband.

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West by Edith Pattou

Title: West
(East #2)
Author: Edith Pattou
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

In the sequel to the beloved high fantasy East, Rose sets off on a perilous journey to find her true love when he goes missing in a thrilling tale of danger, magic, adventure, and revenge.

When Rose first met Charles, he was trapped in the form of a white bear. To rescue him, Rose traveled to the land that lay east of the sun and west of the moon to defeat the evil Troll Queen. Now Rose has found her happily-ever-after with Charles—until a sudden storm destroys his ship and he is presumed dead. But Rose doesn’t believe the shipwreck was an act of nature, nor does she believe Charles is truly dead. Something much more sinister is at work. With mysterious and unstoppable forces threatening the lives of the people she loves, Rose must once again set off on a perilous journey. And this time, the fate of the entire world is at stake.

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So I read East and West together so I feel like I’m still stuck in the world. Ha ha. I did really enjoy the stories and I loved the way they are written. Both books are fast paced and interesting, with something always happening.

So when I started reading West, I didn’t read the description so I wasn’t even sure if it was going to be a continuation of Rose and Charles story or maybe Neddy would be more in the front row. As soon as I started to read about Charles getting on the ship, I thought, oh no Charles not again. Poor poor Charles.

So in East I had loved the lure/superstitions about the birth direction and I wished Arne could make me my own Wind Rose. In West I really loved the Wind magic. I thought it was so creative the way that it is made a part of the story. It’s the kind of magic that seems natural and makes sense. I really enjoyed it being a part of the story.

Just like East, the story is told in alternating perspectives and the way that Edith Pattou is able to keep the story moving by doing this is impressive. You are never confused and annoyed by the writing style, I think it really keeps the story going and makes it more interest. Plus Pattou’s writing just has that lyrical Fairy-Tale quality to it that makes you feel kind of dreamy while reading. I really liked the plot as well and the way there are different elements that you recognize from other stories.

I love the characters! I had a fondness for the Fairy-tale Snow White and Rose Red when I was a kid. I’m not even sure why, to be honest. So I found myself instantly being drawn to the White Bear and Rose. Rose is just so fearless, clever and kind. She’s that person that you want to be friends with. Charles is just, oh poor Charles, he’s just a good guy so you find yourself rooting for him. I enjoyed Estelle but I wasn’t as connected to her as much as Neddy and Seb. Everyone in the story has their own special personality that makes you love them.

If you like Fairy Tales this story is perfect for you. It’s not a retelling, it’s definitely it’s own thing but the way it’s written is just very magical. I had my eye on East for a very long time and I’m glad I finally read them.

Edith Pattou is the author of several fantasy novels, including East, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults. She is a graduate of the Francis W. Parker School, Scripps College (B.A., English), Claremont Graduate School (M.A., English) and UCLA (M.L.I.S.). She is married to Charles Emery, a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. They have one child, a daughter.

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