Defy

Debut author Sara B. Larson's Defy is the first of the series of the same name.

Alaxa Hollen is a fighter.  Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting  to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard.  But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian.  With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

The Breakdown:
1. If you, like myself, are a fan of Graceling and Throne of Glass series, you will like this book. Larson sets up a story with lots of action, secrets and a little bit of magic.  I liked that the setting of the two kingdoms, Antion's rain forest and Blevon's arid landscape, shows the contrast between the kingdoms that is reflected even in their leadership.

2.  Alaxa/Alex is my favorite type of heroine, strong and awesome. She does not need a man to save her.  She does have some serious emotional upheaval in her life with finding out the two guys she is attracted to know that she is a girl, and dealing with her role in saving Antion.

3. Damian is quite the enigmatic character.  When first introduced, he has a cold mask of indifference and appearance to be pampered, lazy prince.  When that mask starts slipping, he has so many secrets that learning who he really is takes the whole book. It will be interesting to see how he develops in the next book.

4. I loved that Rylan was so loyal to Alex.  He has a little bit of the boy next door vibe to him, but he is definitely capable of some serious angst moments.

5. With the way this book ended, it will be interesting to see where Larson takes this series since she resolved most of the major issues from this book.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Days of Blood & Starlight
by Laini Taylor

Shifting Shadows

Shifting Shadows is a collection of short stories from Patricia Briggs world of Mercy Thompson.  I have read a couple before, Seeing Eye and Alpha and Omega, so I will not be reviewing those.

Silver: Story of the first meeting between Samuel and Ariana.

The Breakdown:
1. I loved that in this story Briggs gives not only how Samuel and Ariana meet, but of Bran and Samuel's captivity with the witch, Bran's mother.

Fairy Gifts: Thomas, a vampire, saves a Fae and she repays him with a wonderful gift.  Years later he is able to repay her gift.

The Breakdown:
1.  Thomas is an interesting vampire, who is turned to be his father's enforcer in his beginning, and he ends up with interesting gifts because of his saving of a powerful Fae's daughter.

2. Proves once again that the Fae are untrustworthy, even when dealing with their own. It is always interesting to see how well an author can have the Fae avoid the truth without out right lying.

Gray: Elyna's Mistress is no longer living, and with the ties broken she returns home to Chicago and to memories of her life before being a vampire.

The Breakdown:
1. I loved this story because it shows that some vampires never wanted to be what they are. Elyna was taken and turned against her will, and missing nothing more than her life with Jack, her husband.

2. This story goes a long way to show that true love cannot be effected by evil.  Plus I love the love Elyna develops for those humans she considers family.

The Star of David: David confronts his past regrets as he comes to the aid of his daughter.

The Breakdown:
1. I like that this story explains why David hates being a werewolf so much.

2.  It is was touching to see the father and daughter rebuild the bonds that had been broken so many years before.

Roses in Winter: Kara's story after she moves to Montana to join the Marrok's pack.

The Breakdown:
1. I really likes Asil, the Moor, character in the Alpha and Omega series, and this story made me love him even more.  He is kind and patient with Kara, and I think she has given him something to live for despite his protest.

2.  I liked Kara's character.  She is a frightened child but she is determined too.  She has a way of worming her way not only into Asil's heart, but Bran, Leah, and Devon's too.

In Red, with Pearls: Story focused on Warren and Kyle.

The Breakdown:
1. This was probably my favorite story of the collection.  I have loved Warren since the beginning of the Mercy Thompson series, and I think he and Kyle make a fantastic couple.

2.  This story has a little bit of mystery to it which is always a plus.  And I think it goes a long way to in helping Warren and Kyle have a closer relationship.

Redemption: Ben's story and how he is changing since becoming part of Adam's pack.

The Breakdown:
1. Briggs has always hinted that Ben has had a rough past, and in this story she gives his story finally. Which honestly was a little darker than I had originally expected, but it explains so much about him.

2.  This story always show how he has changed since being with Adam.  He still very rough around the edges, but he is learning to protect others.

Hollow: Mercy is called to rid someone of a ghost haunting them.

The Breakdown:
1. I always love seeing Mercy at work with her senses and powers.  She has a big heart, and does what it takes to help.

2. I always love reading scenes with Mercy and Adam. They are one of my favorite couples because they are equals in their partnership.

Outtake from Silver Borne: Reunion between Samuel and Ariana.

The Breakdown:
1. Since Silver started this book, it was nice that Briggs came full circle with the reunion and rekindling of the relationship between Samuel and Ariana.

Outtake from Night Broken: Adam at the hospital with Mercy at the end

The Breakdown:
1. Loved the scene between Adam and Coyote where Coyote wants to know if Adam is brave enough for Mercy.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Defy
by Sara B. Larson

Sirensong

Sirensong by Jenna Black is the final book in her Faeriewalker series.

When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented to the Seelie Court, it's no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead.  But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggest Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne.  So she and her father better do as they're told...

The journey through Faerie is long- and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard's son, Keane, just can't seem to get alone, and Kimber's crush on Keane isn't making things any easier.  When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time... and makes it clear that he hasn't given up on making her his own.

Arriving at Titania's beautiful palace should be a relief.  But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania's granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives.  Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court- or worse, the Erlking- catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead.

The Breakdown:
1.  Black does a great job of concluding her Faeriewalker series in this book.  She does a great job of not only introducing Dana to Faerie, but in finally getting all Dana's secrets out that she has been keeping from her friends and family.

2. I still really like the Erlking.  While he definitely has his own agenda to keep, he never outright lies to Dana, and really does his best to protect her.

3. I really like that the relationship between Dana and her father continues to develop.  While he is very reserved at times in his feelings, I can tell he really loves her.  He does what he can to protector her, even when it could possibly cost him his life.

4. I like that Dana is slowly dealing with her trust issues.  She is learning what it means to be a true friend, and while she has some miss steps, she is starting to really get it by the end.

5.  I do like that this book did not magically solve all of Dana's problems, but resolved the major issues that the series presents. She still has to deal with her life as a Faeriewalker and a teenager with an alcoholic mother, but things are easier for her by the end.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Shifting Shadows
by Patricia Briggs

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire is the latest Throne of Glass novel by Sarah J. Maas.  WARNING: If you have not read Crown of Midnight, do not read this review because there are spoilers for that book.

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 of Celaena has of destroying the king lies in the 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 the 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 fore 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?

The Breakdown:
1. The Throne of Glass series is one of my favorite, and Maas did not disappoint with this installment of it.  There is lots of excitement and development for the characters in this book.  A couple of great twist, and just one more reason not to trust the Fae. Maeve is treacherous Faerie queen, and definitely has hidden agendas where Celaena is concerned.

2.  I loved that Celaena made some real character progress in this book. She finally deals with her past, and Maas does a great job of giving the story of her when she was just Princess Aelin, She, also, learns to accept who and what she is, and what she is meant to do.

3.  Choal, also, made some great progress in his book.  He has been struggling with knowing who and what Celaena is, and now knowing that Dorian has magic, how to protect him.  He seems so unsure, at first, where he will stand in the battle.  I was excited when he finally drew his line and picked where he stood.

4.  My heart breaks a little for Choal and Celaena as a couple.  It is obvious that they both care for each other so much, but they don't know how to deal with the secrets and truths revealed between them.  It will be interesting to see how things play out once they are reunited.

5. Maas introduce several new characters into this book.  Rowan, the Fae warroir prince, sent by Maeve to train Celaena.  At first he is so cold and cruel, but as he learns more of Celaena, he really starts to open up.  By the end, I simply adored his character, and what he means to Celaena.  Manon is a Ironteeth witch who has been recruited by the King of Adarlan to fly wyverns.  She is interesting in her fierceness, and cruel way of life, and it will be interesting to see what role she will play in future books and where she will fall once the true battle begins.   Then there is Aedion who is a general for the King of Adarlan, but happens to be Aelin's cousin and was to be her sworn sword.  He is playing a dangerous game, but I like his attitude and his determination to be by Aelin's side once more.

6. Oh, and the ending has me wanting the next book like yesterday. I can't believe the next book's title has not even been announced. I don't want to wait!

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
Sirensong
by Jenna Black

2 for 1 Nikki Glass

Pros and Cons by Jenna Black is a Nikki Glass novella.

As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down- but this time, her latest case leads to unexpected revelations of lies and betrayal...

The Breakdown:
1. It was nice to see Nikki in a normal case in this story.  No descendants of gods, just your everyday humans with some dangerous secrets.

2. This story did give a little deeper glimpse of Jack, which it was nice to see beyond his trickster face.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read



Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black is her third Nikki Glass novel.

No longer the leader of the Olympians, Konstantin has now gone into hiding. Konstantin is vulnerable and Anderson believes now is the perfect time to destroy his nemesis.  He orders private eye Nikki Glass to use her powers to locate Konstantin, and she balks at the idea until a series of attacks leads her believe that Konstantin is gunning for her and Anderson instead of remaining safely in hiding.

Nikki's search is complicated by Cyrus- Konstantin's son and the new leader of the Olympians- who threatens retribution should his father be killed.  The complication mount up as Nikki begins to suspect that Konstantin might be behind the attacks after all.  The only person who hates Konstantin more than Anderson does is Anderson's estranged wife, Emma, who has joined the Olympians.  And Nikkie knows Emma would be more than happy if Anderson and his people embroil themselves in an all-out war against the Olympians- a war they cannot hope to win.

As Nikki tries to figure out who the true enemy is, she deals with her tumultuous relationship with Jamaal, who struggles to control his death magic.  But being loved by a descendant of a death goddess is the least of Nikki's worries...

The Breakdown:
1.  Black does an excellent job of keeping me guessing during the story.  There are several twist that it is shocking when the culprit behind everything is finally revealed.

2.  I like that there was some quality Nikki-Jamaal time. It is nice to see them getting closer, even if Jamaal continues to fight the attraction.

3. I did feel that Nikki character developed was a little stalled in this book.  She continues to battle her issues with abandonment, and holding those who love her at arms length without really making any progress.

4. I have searched Black's website and Goodreads, and I can find no news of the next book.  I sure hope this is not the end because it leaves too many things unresolved, like Nikki and Jamaal's relationship and the impact of what happened at the end and what it has to do with Anderson's secret.

To Read or Not to Read:
If there are not plans for more Nikki Glass novels, Skip it.

Currently Reading:
Heir of Fire
by Sarah J. Maas

Bonus Book: Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is the first of the trilogy of the same name which I listen to on my recent trip to Raleigh.

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winded 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 otherworldly 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 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 results is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

The Breakdown:
1.  Like Karou, Taylor is an artist, but she uses words instead of drawings.  She creates such vivid imagery with her descriptions. I can picture the elegance of old city Prague, and the vibrancy of the Marrakesh market place.  I can easily conjure the imagine of the monstrous beauty of the Chimaera, and the inhuman and hard beauty of the Seraphim.

2.  Karou is wonderfully talented, and entertainingly smart and sardonic.  She quest for what most people want, a place that she belongs, to know who she is. I think she is one of the most well written characters in YA fiction.  Taylor develops her so thoroughly that I really feel like she a personal friend.

3. I simply adore Karou's best friend, Zuzana.  She is proof that great things come in small packages.  She is caring and loyal to Karou, despite Karou's many secrets.  She supports Karou through her darkest hour.  She got such a fantastic attitude and personality that I found myself laughing in many of the scenes she is in.

4. Then there is Akiva, who is the very definition of a tortured beauty. It was amazing how Taylor takes him from a soulless warrior who feels so little, to a character that feels too much.

5. I have not been writing reviews of my audio-books recently, but this one was so amazing I had to share my thoughts on it. Taylor unfolds this story so well. The journey from Karou's naive life to one that is full of knowledge of who she is, and Akiva with his determination.  Karou and Akiva's pull toward each other was so beautiful. Plus what is learned at the end has me wanting to know so much more, and how their story will play out.

6. My only disappointment is learning that The Poison Kitchen in not a real cafe in Prague. Because I would eat at a place like that in a heartbeat.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Gilded

Debut author Christina Farley's Gilded is the first book in her series of the same name.

Sixteen-year-old Jae Hwa Lee is a Korean-American girl with a black belt, a deadly proclivity with steel-tipped arrows, and a chip on her shoulder the size of Korea itself.  When her widowed dad uproots her to Seoul from her home in L.A., Jae thinks her biggest challenges will be fitting in to a new school and dealing with her dismissive Korean grandfather.  Then she discovers that a Korean demi-god, Haemosu, has been stealing the soul of the oldest daughter of each generation in her family for centuries. And she's next.

But that's not Jae's only problem.

There's also Marc. Irresistible and charming, Marc threatens to break the barriers around Jae's heart. As the two grow closer, Jae must decide if she can trust him. But Marc has a secret of his own- one that could help Jae overturn the curse on her family for good.  It turns out that Jae's been wrong about a lot of  things: her grandfather is her greatest ally, even the tough girl can fall in love, and Korea might just be the home she's always been looking for.

The Breakdown:
1. Farley makes a wonderful mix of today's Korean culture and the Korean mythology. I really loved the mythological aspect of this book. It was so beautifully written that I could believe that the myths of old have no problem coming to life in the modern day Korea. This makes me want to visit Korea, now.

2. Jae is one bad-ass girl, black belt in Tae Kwon Doe and an expert archer with the Korean Horn Bow. Girl can take care of herself which I love in my heroines.  She can be funny at times, and she is loyal to her family and friends. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she accepted what was happening to her. Farley could have easily made the story drag with Jae coming to grips of the myths becoming reality.

3. I was slightly disappointed with the character of Marc.  Don't get me wrong, he seems like a great guy, but I felt like Farley needed to develop him more.  Farley makes him smart, and he cares about Jae, but I feel like he need some more substance to him.  I do hope that Farley continues to explore his character in future books.

4.  I am excited to see where the rest of this series goes. Farley has hinted that Jae is more than a normal girl, and that the Spirit world of Korea is not done with her yet.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Rogue Descendant
by Jenna Black