Review: Days of Blood & Starlight

Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2) by Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★★

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.


Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

Days of Blood & Starlight is the perfect sequel to Daughter of Smoke & Bone! Not only is it epic as sh!t (excuse my language) but it is also heartbreakingly beautiful. I simply cannot express my love for this amazing series...

Aptly named, Days of Blood & Starlight is far more dark and serious in tone than its predecessor. Not only does Karou have the fate of the Chimera resting on her shoulders as the sole ressurectionist but she also hosts an internal struggle surrounding her feelings for Akiva. There was a much larger focus on Akiva and his history in this book. I loved getting a better idea of who Akiva was and what led him to be that way. Much respect and sympathy was gained for him in this book. Finally, in Days of Blood & Starlight, Akiva became a fully fleshed out character and one of my favorites! In addition to Akiva, I absolutely fell in love with Ziri, a Kirin from Madrigal's past. He plays a HUGE role in the story and plot twist toward the end of the book. His courage, sacrifice, and integrity really shine in Days of Blood & Starlight and I cannot wait to see more of him in the next book!

I loved the addition of  new characters and storylines! The puzzle pieces start to fall together in this book as histories are revealed. It's amazing how Laini Taylor has made things interconnect. How does she think of this stuff!? Really.. it's crazy! It is no surprise that Days of Blood & Starlight far exceeded my expectations! The well placed action, intense emotion, and surprise filled plot left me dying to find out what happens next. Laini Taylor, you have done it once again!

Review: The Lost Prince

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten, #1) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley  
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★★

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Julie is an author that, no matter the topic, I will always love her books. Yes, you may even call me a fangirl. I can always count on her rich, beautiful settings and unforgettable characters. The Lost Prince is no exception.

The Lost Prince is a book that, despite being a spinoff of The Iron Fey series, can be read without reading through the original books. I do, however, strongly recommend reading The Iron Fey series first. Not only are they fantastic books, but they will definitely help fill in some plot gaps for unfamiliar readers.

For those who have read The Iron Fey series, do you remember Meghan’s tiny, little brother, Ethan from the first book? Yeah, he’s all grown up now and shirtless on the cover! Seeing him at a young age and seeing him grown are two opposite sides of the spectrum! I loved the contrast between the two. The fey have tortured him his entire life, so I can completely understand his broodiness and complex personality. You can tell Julie really took the time and effort to develop his character!

The Lost Prince features some fantastic action scenes and quirky characters! I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Ethan and Kerrian. It was vaguely reminiscent of Ash and Puck. So if you’ve liked the banter between those two in the past, you will definitely find some entertainment here. I’ll be honest and say I really wanted a glimpse at the present day life of Ash and Meghan. Luckily The Lost Prince delivered. While the story doesn’t revolve around them, there are still some beautiful scenes between the two. I didn’t know it was possible to miss two fictional characters so much… Special thanks to Julie for not leaving them in the dust.

The Lost Prince is nothing short of a showstopper! It has proven itself to be just as engaging and exciting as the The Iron Fey series. I have no doubts that it will continue to meet or even surpass my expectations of the original books. *Impatiently waits for next book*

Review: Bitterblue

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3) by Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Dial Books 
Format: ARC
Source: Won in contest 
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★☆

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

I was a bit hesitant to pick up Bitterblue, knowing that the protagonist was one of my least favorite characters from Graceling. To my surprise, I found that I really liked Bitterblue. She had more depth as a character than I thought possible after reading Graceling! If you, like me, were put off by  Bitterblue in the first book, don't let that sway you from reading this YA high-fantasy must-read!

Let's face it: Bitterblue is no short read at 545 pages. At times it progressed a bit slowly for my tastes due to the lack of action. Despite that fact, the fantastic character development kept me hooked. I really respected Bitterblue in this book. She was a strong, fair, and independent queen, even if she didn't see herself as such. Her character grew on me more and more throughout the story. Despite the length and pace of Bitterblue, I was blown away by the depth and feeling of the characters within.

There is a lot of talk of truths and lies in Bitterblue. Like watching a terrible car crash, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the horrible reach of King Leck's grasp. What a psycho!? It amazed me how much of a hold he still had on people, even after his death. Much history is unraveled in Bitterblue, and it is not of a pleasant nature. Bitterblue has to decide whether revealing or covering up that history will be best for her kingdom.

Bitterblue will be a hard book to forget. With an endearing and strong protagonist, this book is a must-read for all high-fantasy lovers!

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You'll like Bitterblue, if you've liked these in the past:

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Review: Grave Mercy

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers 
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: eGalley
Source: Provided by Publisher For Review 
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★☆

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Though Grave Mercy is a historical novel, it certainly didn't read like one! Ismae's story is as engrossing and action-packed as it is intelligent and emotionally driven.

What I loved most about Grave Mercy was Ismae's growth from a broken, hopeless girl, to a confident and strong woman. Once taken in by the convent, young Ismae learns skills she could never have dreamed of learning in her old life. She learns thousands of ways to kill and finally finds a home in the convent. Ismae's personal growth was certainly not limited to her confidence and strength: She grew emotionally the most of all. She learned of real love, due to the kindess and trust of Duval.

Robin did a fantastic job developing the relationship between Duval and Ismae! It was such a natural and believable progression. Both Duval and Ismae were constantly on guard with one another, worried the other might betray them. Yet, somehow, over time they were able to gain each other's trust. Their love carried a realness with it that is rare in YA books these days. I also enjoyed the fact that their relationship didn't overshadow their duty. Both Ismae and Duval maintained noble and loyal intentions throughout the book.

Because I couldn’t dedicate solid reading time to Grave Mercy, the pace seemed to slow a bit in the middle. Even during that time, my desire to learn what would happen to the characters never feigned.  Grave Mercy is a strong start to a hopefully fantastic series!

If you liked Graceling by Kristin Cashore then you will like Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers!

Review: Thief’s Covenant

Thief’s Covenant (Widdershins, #1) by Ari Marmell 
Publisher: Pyr
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 240
Source: Received from publisher for review
Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★☆☆

Once she was Adrienne Satti. An orphan of Davillon, she had somehow escaped destitution and climbed to the ranks of the city ’s aristocracy in a rags-to-riches story straight from an ancient fairy tale. Until one horrid night, when a conspiracy of forces—human and other—stole it all away in a flurry of blood and murder.

Today she is Widdershins, a thief making her way through Davillon’s underbelly with a sharp blade, a sharper wit, and the mystical aid of Olgun, a foreign god with no other worshippers but Widdershins herself. It’s not a great life, certainly nothing compared to the one she once had, but it’s hers.

But now, in the midst of Davillon’s political turmoil, an array of hands are once again rising up against her, prepared to tear down all that she’s built. The City Guard wants her in prison. Members of her own Guild want her dead. And something horrid, something dark, something ancient is reaching out for her, a past that refuses to let her go. Widdershins and Olgun are going to find answers, and justice, for what happened to her—but only if those who almost destroyed her in those years gone by don’t finish the job first.

Ok.. so here's the deal: In theory, this book is fantastic! In reality, however, Thief's Covenant didn't live up to my expectations. I was in love with the idea of the book versus in love with the book itself.

My main issue with this book lies in the fact that I felt a constant disconnect between myself and Widdershins. She was spunky, witty, strong, and intelligent - all qualities I look for in heroines. I just never felt dedicated to her cause. I lacked that passion for her character. I didn't feel a push or drive to care what happened to her. That, for me, is what made this book fall apart.

On top of my issues with the main character, I also had some major problems with the pacing. While there was plenty of action in Thief's Covenant, I felt the book moved very slow for some reason. I didn't feel like all that much was happening. I was also confused by the use of flashbacks. They hindered my understanding of the story rather than helping it. I've seen the value of flashbacks in other books, but when they range from two to six years back, it can be rather distracting.

Overall, I think that there are readers who will find this book enjoyable, however it wasn't for me. I had an incredibly hard time getting into it despite my enthusiasm at the start.

Review: Eon

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Eon, #1) by Alison Goodman 
Publisher: Viking Children's Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 531
Source: Purchased 
Amazon | Audible | Goodreads
★★★★☆

Sixteen-year-old Eon has a dream, and a mission. For years, he's been studying sword-work and magic, toward one end. He and his master hope that he will be chosen as a Dragoneye-an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune.

But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been masquerading as a twelve-year-old boy. Females are forbidden to use Dragon Magic; if anyone discovers she has been hiding in plain sight, her death is assured.

When Eon's secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a deadly struggle for the Imperial throne. Eon must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic...and her life.

Eon was unlike any YA epic fantasy I've read before! It wove fantasy and Asian mythology together seamlessly, creating a world I easily fell in love with.

Eona was a refreshing change to the usual sword-wielding YA heroine. Instead of being physically strong and powerful, she was quite terribly crippled with a damaged hip . Yet, even in that state, she pushed through the pain and fought against it. Not only does she have to fight her foes in this book, but also herself at times. It was inspiring to see her prevail even as the world was seemingly going against her.

Despite the 500+ pages, not once was I bored with the plot. Goodman's writing was so descriptive and engrossing that it was hard to put down. I really loved that this book was fully fleshed out. Goodman's descriptions built a complete picture of the world adding depth and understanding to the story.

With lovable characters, a thrilling plot, and beautiful descriptions, Eon has left me pining for the next book, Eona. 

If you liked Graceling by Kristin Cashore then you'll like Eon by Alison Goodman.

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Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 418
Source: Purchased 
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads
★★★★★

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

I started reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone not knowing anything about the storyline. I had, however, heard many people say that it was one of the best books of the year. That it is a statement I can wholeheartedly agree with now having read it. I found it to be a completely original, compelling, and exciting read.

The premise of this book is a hard one to describe without actually giving away any spoilers. And trust me, you want to go into this plot-blind! Originally, I pictured Daughter of Smoke and Bone as being a very close range, personal book, but I could never have imagined the vastness and epic-ness (yes I just made that up) of it all. Contained within the 418 pages there is a beautiful, transcendent romance, some very unforgettable characters, and lush, thought-provoking mythology! I was very impressed by Taylor's ability to provide a full back story without having it feel long-winded, or it being too short, which can make readers feel cheated. Despite the books length, I was never bored! In fact, I was amazed because, what I thought was a good story in the beginning, grew to be even better - something I didn't think was possible! I devoured the last quarter of the book, and the ending (ahhh the ending!!!) was so perfect! I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a story of fates intertwined, transcendent romance, and adventure. I believe that this is a book that should grace everyone's shelves! Not only does it have a gorgeous cover (one of my favorites of the year) but it is filled with an action-packed, epic story that promises to please readers across genres. As many have said before me: Daughter of Smoke and Bone is easily one of the best books of the year, so don't pass it up!

Review: Mistborn

Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1) by Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Format: Paperback
Pages: 643
Source: Borders 
Amazon | Goodreads
★★★★★

For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Only then does he reveal his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets, and gotten it. She will have to learn to trust, if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

If you are looking for an innovative, epic fantasy, Mistborn is it! This book is so much more than your typical lord of the rings type fantasy. It contains one of the most original and innovative magic systems I have ever seen. I love the way that Sanderson managed to thoroughly describe the world, politics, and magic system without ever making me bored. Trust me, politics in books normally bores the crap out of me! That is a feat in itself.

To start, Brandon Sanderson writes some amazing characters! Not only are they believable and consistent, but they are just plain likeable. And I’m not just talking about the main characters! Some of the most entertaining and heartbreaking scenes involved the secondary characters. There was something about Kelsier and Vin that I just fell in love with. Their relationship was like that of father and daughter. Kelsier, though he could be egotistical and manipulative at times, maintained hope in even the most grim of situations. Seeing Vin go from a scrawny, insecure, abused girl to a confident and trusting woman was incredibly rewarding and inspiring. She certainly grew throughout the story, thanks to the incredible cast of characters.  I could go on and on about how much I love them all… I’m just happy I should have another couple books to get to know them better!

The plot of Mistborn was extremely well thought out. Sanderson constantly had me on edge thinking that the crew might give up or fail. I don’t want to go in depth with the plot and give something away though. I can, however, tell you that the fight scenes throughout the book were amazing and well choreographed. What a treat!

I was excited to find a developing romance in this book as well! I honestly did not expect one but it was a most definitely a pleasant discovery. Once again, you won’t squeeze the details out of me! Just know that the relationship is cute and awesome.

If you are a fantasy fan like me, then I can pretty much guarantee that you will love this book. It was refreshing and original like no other fantasy I have read. I already have the next two books and will hopefully get around to reading them before the end of the year! What was originally supposed to be a trilogy will have a new addition, The Alloy of Law (Mistborn, #4) on November 12th, 2011!




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Review: The Iron Knight

The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Format: Kindle eBook
Pages: 386
Source: NetGalley
Pre-order It!? Paperback
★★★★★

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Wow… just… wow. A perfect end to an amazing journey and an EPIC love story; one against all odds. Julie Kagawa you have outdone yourself once again. Each book in this series is better than the one proceeding it (Note: I was pretty blown away with the first). The Iron Fey series forever holds a place on my favorites shelf, this one being the best of them all.

The Iron Knight begins with Ash continuing his journey to find a way to keep his vow to Meghan. His drive and commitment to this task was inspiring. In this book you get a deep look into Ash’s past. In the other books, Ash was so cold and closed off that it was hard to learn anything about him! I loved reading from Ash’s point-of-view, and I’m so happy to had the opportunity to learn more about one of my favorite characters. Speaking of characters, I love them all. Julie has written some of the most memorable characters I have ever read.

My return to the Nevernever was as pleasing as the last. Kagawa’s settings are so descriptive and imaginative, without being overbearing. I particularly loved the Gauntlet and Testing Grounds. I’ve never read anything like them. They weren’t just action packed, they were incredibly critical to the plot! I love how Kagawa used them as a channel to learn more about Ash’s past.

Kagawa really surprised me with the twist about 1/4 of the way in. It challenged Ash… and turned his world upside down. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how/if he would overcome it. Though it was painful, I loved getting a deeper look into the mind and emotions of the Winter Prince.

The Iron Knight was such a quick read for me… Before I knew it, it was all over. It' so sad to see this series end. Boy, did it have a spectacular ending. And yes, if you must ask, there were tears. This is definitely one of my favorites. If you have not read the rest of the series, get on them now so you can get to this one right away! You won’t be disappointed one bit.

“Coming in 2012, there will be a SECOND IRON FEY TRILOGY. This is for all the Iron Fey fans out there, whom I'm forever grateful for. This series, set several years after the events of the first, will star an older Ethan Chase, Meghan's brother. Yep, Ethan is getting his own adventure, so be sure to be on the lookout for that.” – Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa will be released October 25th 2011.

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Review: Dragon’s Heart

Dragon’s Heart (Pit Dragon Chronicles, #4) by Jane Yolen
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: Paperback
Pages: 391
Source: Publisher
Buy it!? Paperback | Hardcover
★★★★☆

Austar IV isn't the planet it once was, and when Jakkin and Akki finally return to the dragon nursery, their homecoming arouses mixed emotions. Together they've survived the insurmountable, and now they can weather the brutal conditions of Dark After and communicate with the dragons they love. But with this knowledge comes responsibility. What they've learned about survival could transform the planet--or, if entrusted to the wrong hands, bring about its destruction. Akki's insistence that she return to the Rokk to finish her training and begin new experiments drives a chasm between her and Jakkin. Suddenly she finds herself in the midst of a political battle that could claim her life. Only Jakkin can save her. If only he could reach her. . . .

Ahhh I’m so happy that I’ve finally received the opportunity to read/review this book! What a treat! This was the series that first sparked my interested in reading. I picked up Dragon’s Blood way back in my middle school days and I was instantly sold after the first few chapters. I fell in love with the rich world and amazing characters. I’m happy to say that all of those things I loved still remain in Dragon’s Heart.

This continues where A Sending of Dragons, book three, left off. For those who haven’t read this series yet, I will not spoil it by telling you how it ended. I will say that it was a welcome return to the beautiful setting that is Austar IV. Is it strange that it felt like I was going home, back to where it all started? Yolen, as always, does a wonderful job portraying the lush, or should I say barren, landscape that is Austar IV.

While there were quite a few tragedies in this book, it was not emotional at all for me. I felt some disconnect between myself and the secondary characters. It is probably because I didn’t revisit the first three books before jumping into this one. I found myself confused at parts, but that quickly changed as my memory of the previous books returned.

You are in for some surprises with this one! There are deaths that I didn’t see coming, connections between characters I would never have guessed in a million years, and new companions. Unfortunately, I feel as though this book was rushed and anti-climatic… I look back and, though I loved every second I spent reading this, not much actually happened over the course of the book. Most of the loose ends are tied up, but rather than having a feeling of completion, I was left wanting more. I think I was expecting Dragon’s Heart to be much more epic than it actually was. Regardless, it gets 4 stars from me for the conclusion of an amazing series that I am so sad to see end…

Review: Joust

Joust (Dragon Jousters, #1) by Mercedes Lackey
Publisher: DAW/Penguin
Format: Ebook
Pages: 448
Source: Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium
Buy It: Paperback | Kindle
★★★★★

National best-selling fantasy author Mercedes Lackey creates a vivid, dynamic fusion of the cultures of ancient Egypt and legendary Atlantis with the most exciting and believable portrayal of dragons ever imagined. The first book in this thrilling new series introduces us to a young slave who dreams of becoming a jouster-one of the few warriors who can actually ride a flying dragon. And so, in secret, he begins to raise his own dragon..

Vetch, a serf working for a terrible and abusive master, knows nothing but servitude until Jouster Ari comes along. Taking Vetch under his wing, he gives him no more work than he can handle, teaches him the ways of dragons, and trusts him with the care of his dragon, Kashet. Soon after, Vetch has dreams of raising a dragon of his own.

I must address an issue here before I start my review. Many people see this series as comparable to The Pit Dragon Chronicles by Jane Yolen, and in many ways it is… But how many vampire and werewolf books do you see these days with familiar stories and plots? This book was far original enough for me to feel like I was reading something separate and different. It evolved into it’s own type of beast. To be honest, the hope that this series would be similar to The Pit Dragon Chronicles is what originally attracted me to it. I was very delighted to give it a try! Joust did not disappoint!

Normally I would remove a star for this book not having some sort of love story, but it doesn’t need it!! Vetch’s developing passion for dragons took that place for me. I don’t know how Lackey did it, but I was hooked... This book became like a drug for me. I couldn’t stop reading! And yes, because of the attachment to the characters, I did cry.. but only once.

The one problem I have is with the cover. The dragon looks great, but the man on the front is nothing like how I pictured a jouster. Ok, maybe it’s just the helmet... I don’t think I’d want to look like I was wearing a freakin’ vase on my head. Real intimidating. Just my personal opinion.

I’ve read Mercedes Lackey’s books in the past and liked them, but where was this series all my life!? The characters, setting, and plot were all perfectly conceived to build this sure-to-be epic series. I love how Joust ended and cannot wait to delve back into this amazing world.

Review: The Last Archangel

Title: The Last Archangel
Author: Michael D. Young
Source: Received for review from NetGalley.
★★★☆☆

Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.

I was not able to get through this book… Around about 65% through I forced myself to give up and accept that I couldn’t keep dragging it out… After 2 weeks of trying to get through The Last Archangel, I figured it was safe to quit. I wanted to like this. I really, really did. In theory and summary, this sounds like a book I would end up loving. But in reality,  the formula was just too wrong for me.

First I will start with what I liked about this book: It has a very original concept. Never before have I read something that is so rife with culture and mythology. Young definitely did some research for this.… He makes paranormal, seem normal, if that makes sense. Young was able to make me believe that things like angels, demons, giants, cherubs, and Atlantis could actually exist without being seen.

Now, for the things I didn’t like…

(1) This could not hold my attention for more than 10 minutes. It seemed like there was quite a bit of action, but I was unable to fully invest myself in it (and I usually love reading action scenes).
(2) 65% into the book and no love story, no background on this mortal woman he loves so much (well only a little). I just couldn’t feel the passion that Young was trying to portray! I was very disappointed about this. I would have liked to see a passionate love flashback every once and awhile to make me understand WHY Xandir was jumping through hoops to save her.
(3) I felt no connection with the characters and had no desire to see whether they succeeded.
(4) My time spent reading this, was time spent wondering what else I could be reading.
(5) I had to force myself to read.

In conclusion, this book may be worth a shot if you are a fan of angel-themed books, but it definitely was not for me! And don’t read this if you are looking for an epic love story (not that I was, but I hoped it would turn into one). This could have been a great book, but it was lacking in so many different areas that I think it was unable to recover.

Review: Tempted

Title: Tempted (House of Night, #6)
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Source: Audiobook (Purchased)
★★★★☆

Zoey needs a break after some serious excitement. Sadly, the House of Night school for vampyres doesn't feature breaks on its curriculum - even for a High Priestess in training and her gang. Plus juggling three guys is no stress reliever, especially when one is a sexy Warrior so into protecting Zoey that he's sensing her emotions. Wider stresses lurk too, and the dark force in Tulsa's tunnels is spreading. Could Stevie Rae be responsible for more than a group of misfit fledglings? And Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from the immortal Kalona and his dark allure - but they also show that only Zoey can stop him. She's not exactly keen to meet up, but if Zoey doesn't go to Kalona he'll exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. She just has to find the courage to do what's necessary, or everything that's important to her will be destroyed.

A little background: This series and I have had quite a few issues. I started out loving it and then somewhere around the 4th book I was so tired of all the damn drama! Basically at any one point in time Zoey has at least 2 or 3 boys after her. It drives me up a wall!! So much good plot was wasted with her indecision between them all. Zoey couldn’t just make a choice, but instead pulled them all along with her. She was strong in so many ways, but definitely very weak when it came to guys. I decided to give the series one more shot via audiobook, and I am happy that I did (Even if the girl narrating sounded like a valley girl).

I must say that this book has changed the way I look at the series. Sure, there is still drama, but the story is turning quite heavy and mature now. Be prepared for people close to Zoey die in this…  I quite enjoyed how the Casts split the chapters up by characters. I felt that it added much needed depth and understanding. It’s always nice reading from another point of view. Oh, and watch out for the ending… It was shocked me pretty bad.

Unfortunately, I cannot expose more of the story without giving away HUGE spoilers. I think I will continue pursuing this series now that it seems to have gotten through it’s tough spots. Try this series out. If you push through the rough patches around the 4th and 5th book you will be rewarded by the continuation of a good, solid, and original story in the 6th book in the House of Night series, Tempted.

Review: Dragon Wing

Dragon Wing (Death Gate Cycle, #1) by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Publisher: Spectra
Format: Ebook
Pages: 417
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Goodreads
★★★☆☆

Preeminent storytellers Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have redefined epic fantasy. Since the publication of their Dragonlance series, millions of readers have enjoyed their imaginative world-building, rich characterization, and intricate storylines. Now these bestselling authors bring their talents to one of the most innovative fantasy creations ever in Dragon Wing, the first volume in The Death Gate Cycle.

I really, really like the concept behind this book. It is a truly unique fantasy world that Weis and Hickman have created. Dragon Wing contains quite the crazy combination of genres/themes: post-apocalyptic, classic fantasy, and a fusion of technology and magic. They managed to seamlessly combine all of these genres into a unique, innovative world that readers will find addicting.

With that said… I loved the first half of this book, then somewhere along the way I got tired and bored with it. I kept thinking about stopping and starting a new book, but I had already invested so much time into it, I figured I should at least finish it (I’ll admit there was some skimming). For whatever reason, whether it was the writing or me, Dragon Wing was unable to keep my interest.

I did not mind jumping back and forth between the different characters, in fact, for once it was actually refreshing. If you are a fan of character-driven chapters, you will like this.

I really do believe that many people will embrace this story and this world! The characters are interesting and well developed and the setting is just awesome. I even found myself researching this world and it’s realms outside of reading. So why did I lose interest? I have NO idea. It has all of the elements that would usually make a book a winner for me. I am very perplexed by this.

That’s about all I can say about Dragon Wing. I don’t want to spoil anything for someone who may want to read this. Give it a shot if you think you may be into a classic fantasy story with a twist.

Review: Graceling

Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #1)
By Kristin Cashore
Harcourt Children's Books
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. – goodreads.com

Review
First off, how could you not pick up this book!? Look at that amazing cover… The one at the top of this post is actually the UK cover… Personally I think it is much, MUCH better than the US cover. I’ve put the US cover to the right of this review. Now, tell me the US cover does not look girly…? It’s kind of a shame because the main character Katsa is much better portrayed in the UK cover. She is by no means girly!

The story was very well written! Cashore did a great job describing the characters and setting without being over descriptive or tiring as some authors do with fantasy books.

Katsa was a great character to observe! She starts out as having no control over her life. Yes, she has a very powerful grace, but it is her king, who is also her uncle, that controls her. She revolts and we watch her become her own person, no longer willing to inflict punishment on those who don’t deserve it. It is also interesting to watch her inner struggle, thinking of herself as a monster for having her grace. She is a very complex and strong character that never once bored me.

The entwined love story in this seemed to progress naturally and I really fell in love with and rooted for the characters!

I highly recommend this. It’s a quick read (at least it was for me). Check it out if you get a chance. I was in torn between giving 4 or 5 stars for this one, but because I liked the concept so much I give it 5 stars.

Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Kindle eBook
Pages: 368
Source: Amazon.com
Buy It: Paperback | Kindle
★★★★★

My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

What I Loved

• How attached I became to all of the characters.
• The action- MUCH more than the rest of the series.
• The romance- Meghan's relationship with Ash is definitely solidified in this book.
• The unpredictable, open, but satisfying ending. Have kleenex handy!
• Lastly, RAZOR the gremlin. What a great character. Very well written.

What I Didn't Like

• The crazy feeling of loss and sadness knowing I have to wait until the fall for book #4 in the series..
• The standard this sets for YA fantasy books... Will I ever find a series that compares??

Review

This series will forever hold a special place in my heart and bookshelf (Uh, I mean...kindle space), particularly this book. For me, this was the best in the series so far. It had everything I wanted more of from the other books, specifically action and romance. I wanted to see Meghan and Ash's relationship fleshed out. Here that definitely happens.

Ahh the romance... Who doesn't love romance? The difference between the romance in this book and the romance in the other two books is exactly this: Here the romance makes sense. In the other books it seemed too "Twilighty" to me. You don't just instantly become infatuated with a person! In "The Iron Queen" Meghan and Ash have a background and have been through many hard times. This makes their love far more believable and understandable. The thing that I like about Julie's writing in this book is that the romance was not overdone nor underdone. In my opinion, it was very balanced. If you've been waiting for more romance between Meghan and Ash, this is the book!

Here we see Meghan become stronger and more passionate about her mission. We see her grow as a character. She is no longer the self conscious girl from the first book. She has faith in her abilities and more importantly knows what needs to be done. I love this... It was strangely inspirational looking back at her from the first book. At first I thought the ending was terrible, but I didn't know then that there was another book on the way. I was like "WHAT!? HOW CAN YOU END THE SERIES LIKE THIS!?" I cannot explain my relief when I discovered that the next book is set for release this fall.

Overall, every second of this book was a joy to read. I would have given it more stars if possible! Warning though: Be prepared for some tears. I was sick with the stomach flu and exhausted but I just could not put this down. I ended up passing out with it the first night. Took me two days to finish.. Do not pass this series up!

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First Impressions: The Iron Queen

The first chapter is really focused on the relationship between Ash and Meghan. It is filled with Romance but jumps right back into the action :) I can't wait to see where this goes.

Review: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Format: Kindle eBook
Pages: 304
Source: Amazon.com
Buy It: Paperback | Kindle
★★★★☆

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

What I Loved

• Almost everything!
• Meghan and Ash's forbidden romance.
• The open, but very strong ending.
• When I realized how much Grimalkin actually runs things.
• The believable, strong, and very consistent characters.
• The great plot twists that keep you on your toes.

What I Didn't Like

• The ups and downs of Meghan's relationship with Ash can be a bit tiring at times (similar to the Twilight series to me). She doesn't really know much about him, yet she is infatuated? Don't get me wrong I absolutely love Ash's character, but it would have been great to see the relationship fleshed out a bit more before they were so head over heels for eachother.

I usually HATE all faery-themed books. The only reason I went out on a limb and tried this series is because someone else, who also hates faery-themed books, said not to pass this series by.  It has been really hard for me to find a series that constantly improves.. Usually you have authors who write the first book and its great, but then the sequel is a horrible letdown. The Iron Fey series is perfect in this regard.

There is a great story to be found here. I loved all of the characters and I found myself getting really attached to them... not wanting the book to end. The world that Julie Kagawa has created is nothing short of magnificent. Can I live there? Please? It was so fleshed out and wonderful. Kagawa most certainly outdid herself here. This book has left me wanting, no...NEEDING, more of Meghan Chase's story! I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!

To-Read Tuesday: Dragon's Heart

Let me give you some background info before I explain my choice here:

Jane Yolen is solely responsible for me reading fantasy books. Had I not picked up the first book of the Pit Dragon series at my public library one summer as a child, my tastes could have greatly differed. As soon as I finished Dragon's Blood, the first in the series, I had to own them all. I think every reader has a book or series that drove their passion for reading. Dragon's Blood was that for me.

Originally designed to be a Trilogy, the Pit Dragon Chronicles now has a new edition. 20 years after the last book was written. Dragon's Heart, volume 4 of the Pit Dragon Chronicles, was released February 2011:

"Austar IV isn't the planet it once was, and when Jakkin and Akki finally return to the dragon nursery, their homecoming arouses mixed emotions. Together they've survived the insurmountable, and now they can weather the brutal conditions of Dark After and communicate with the dragons they love. But with this knowledge comes responsibility. What they've learned about survival could transform the planet--or, if entrusted to the wrong hands, bring about its destruction. Akki's insistence that she return to the Rokk to finish her training and begin new experiments drives a chasm between her and Jakkin. Suddenly she finds herself in the midst of a political battle that could claim her life. Only Jakkin can save her. If only he could reach her. . . ." Amazon.com

Once this is released in e-book format I am going to be all over it. I hope you will take a moment to consider this wonderful series, or at least the first book: Dragon's Blood. Thanks for reading and watch out for another front-cover friday coming soon.