The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/267C9Q7

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

Fairies, suspense, mystery, magical scenery, romance, and bada$$ characters.... What more do you need?

I was so impressed with this book... Fey aren't usually my go to subject, but gosh from page one I was swept away to this dangerous world with magical creatures and lush landscape. I didn't want to close the book. The characters were tough, honorable, and fun and the plot was a twisty little mind f.

It's about a brother and sister that live in a town where monsters lurk in the shadows and a horned boy lives in a glass casket. Both of them love the so called Prince and when he breaks free of his glass prison, they make it their duty to find him. Quickly they are pulled into his world and left with many problems to solve. Each one has their own secrets though so between the lies, lust, and danger they try to figure out who they are and what lies in their pasts.

The story was fast paced and the suspense was nail biting. I loved the creepy feel and was consumed by all of the unique characters. Not to mention, there were two romances! Two absolutely edible romances that were quirky yet intimate. 

It's a YA read, but is totally suitable for adults. The writing is mature with swearing and sex talk. It was the perfect blend of young adult and high fantasy. I highly recommend it. 

I'm off to buy more from this Author now...

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1TXG2on

MY REVIEW

5/5 STARS

"I am tied irretrievably to my enemy" 

Two enchanters enter a game that only one can win. It's a magical war that exposes strengths and extorts weaknesses. Vika and Nikolai each have a mentor and while they both want to win, neither want to kill. Each enchanter gets a turn to impress the Tsar and as the moves are made, collaboration begins. Together they build a magnificent island filled with lush scenery, vivid dreams, and in the end... a bland death ground. It's a tragic tale that's laced with intricate magic and intense romance. A fast paced read with twists and turns in every chapter. 

"He was a poisonous autumn crocus: deadly beautiful with no antidote." 

Just thinking about The Crown's Game gets me all kinds of excited. Talk about a fantastic read with exquisite writing. This book was seriously one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. It was unique and captivating and just in a league of it's own. The romance was subtle, but also completely captivating. It pulled on my heartstrings and left me breathless at times. I loved the magical game and I felt such a pull to all of the characters. I honestly can't believe this one was a debut... You know the books that make you want to highlight every word because each one is powerful and worthy of remembrance? This one was like that! The writing seemed as though it came from a seasoned Author. I applaud Ms. Skye and can't wait to read more from her! I definitely recommend this book to all readers.

Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

A novel in verse, Paper Hearts is the story of survivial, defiance, and friendship. Based on historical events about a group of girls who were slave laborers at the munitions factory in Auschwitz.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1RNlTtD

MY REVIEW:

5/5 STARS

This was a poignant tale about survival, fear, hope, and friendship. Emotions seeped from the pages and deep rooted sympathy filled my soul. 

It was about two girls that ended up at Auschwitz and found friendship in one another. Vlatka and Fania were pulled from their homes and sent to a work camp filled with ugly hatred and brutal punishment. Both lost family and both craved freedom. Together they protected one another and helped instill hope in their hearts. Vlatka found strength in her purple blouse that cost a whole days ration and Fania found strength in a paper heart filled with encouragement. Both pieces were banned, but both girls would not let go. In the end it was the simple things, friendship, and bravery that carried them home. 

My heart was truly touched by this book. I found the brutality to be inspiring. It really made me feel appreciative and blessed for the most simple of things. I looked at my pen and paper completely differently. It no longer was just a piece of tree and an ink cylinder. It was a sliver of hope and power. A way to tell a historic story that should be shouted from the rooftops. I found the words insightful and important. I wanted to jump into the story and wrap my arms around the girls. I wanted to tell them how brave they were and how inspiring their story was. To know this was based on a true story just makes it that much more enthralling. I highly recommend it to every reader. This is a piece of history we should immerse ourselves in in order to always be reminded of how truly blessed we are...

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

A princess must find her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day.

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1UniqGn

MY REVIEW

3.5/5 STARS

I struggle with reviewing this book only because of it's pace. As much as I loved the royal premise and fantasy elements, I just could not get over how slow the story was... It's not the fact that the book was 450 pages. Its the fact that in all those pages, barely anything happened. Cut the page count in half, delete repetitive scenes, and erase the over detail and this book would have been amazing. I'm afraid the Author just overdid it. 

While the scenic descriptions added to the overall feel of the book, I did not need to hear about the water 10 times. I also didn't need to know everyone's every move. I like mystery in my stories and with this one you get burdened by each character's inner battles. You also get a major twister that will make you scratch your head and think wth? I'm not sure where it came from or if I missed hints leading up to it, but it blindsided me and I was confused to say the least. Assassin... Prince... ? 

Besides the tedious overkill, I enjoyed the love triangle and the dialogue. With that being said... I needed MORE dialogue. When the characters interacted the pages flew by. I was intrigued by attitudes and consumed by the passion of words. I loved the interaction between all of the characters. I really connected to the story as I read their conversations. The dialogue is sparse though... As stated before it's a lot of first person emotional thoughts and feelings. It didn't kill the story for me, but it didn't make it any better either. 

I think I struggle with this one because I've read so many similar reads... Can I say this one stands out? No. Can I say I'll read the sequel? Yes. I liked where the story was going and still have a cravings that need met. I need to know what happens to Rafe and Lia. Kaden could go MIA though. His character is meh at most. 

All in all. It was a slow read that pulled you away from reality and dropped you into a high fantasy world with lots of descriptions. I liked the plot and am interested in the romance. I recommend it to readers that like slow build stories with a intricate fantasy world.

Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

This emotionally-charged novel about three high school seniors who in the midst of planning their futures after high school are instead faced with present circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to make choices, take responsibility, and truly become an adult.

 

Lani Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing program.

Dawson Burke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s angry at his dad for moving them to Windemere right before senior year. He grudgingly accepts that he must wait till graduation before he leaves.

Sloan Quentin can belt out a song and knows that her band is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms.

When the lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality hits harder than anyone could have imagined.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1X6KFxd

MY REVIEW

4/5 STARS

Thank you Penguin & Random House Kids for the ARC! 

Losing Gabriel wasn't at all what I expected. I think in the back of my brain I expected the cliche contemporary read with a roller coaster romance and an immature plot. However, McDaniel gave us a complex story with twists and turns, emotional turmoil, life struggles, and heart ache. The premise felt very mature and the overall outcome was quite beautiful. 

Lani, Dawson, and Sloan... They all went to school together yet never knew how much their lives would intertwine. The book starts with a brief intro to each character and then focuses on the romance between Sloan and Dawson. She wants to be a rockstar. He has college plans. All that changes though when something big happens between them. Eventually that something big tears them apart only to bring them together again. Enter Lani, the nursing student who finds Dawson attractive and Gabriel adorable. It is her job to protect them and when tragedy strikes her heart is shattered. It takes self exploration and forgiveness to put her back together again. 

The concept was great and overall I really enjoyed Losing Gabriel. I did however feel that the beginning and end were the strong points. The mid section was a tad slow and I didn't enjoy how the story jumped so much time. I also felt that the subject matter could be triggering to anyone who suffered abandonment or infertility. Sloan is a tough character to read about. Her behavior is despicable at times and truly, I never really grew to like her. Besides those minor things I think it is suitable for readers 15+ that enjoy books about life's struggles.

I Shall be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe

An extraordinary novel about a strong-willed woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight beside her husband, inspired by the letters of a remarkable female soldier who fought in the Civil War.

Rosetta doesn't want her new husband Jeremiah to enlist, but he joins up, hoping to make enough money that they'll be able to afford their own farm someday. Though she's always worked by her father's side as the son he never had, now that Rosetta is a wife she's told her place is inside with the other women. But Rosetta decides her true place is with Jeremiah, no matter what that means, and to be with him she cuts off her hair, hems an old pair of his pants, and signs up as a Union soldier.

With the army desperate for recruits, Rosetta has no trouble volunteering, although she faces an incredubous husband. She drills with the men, proves she can be as good a soldier as anyone, and deals with the tension as her husband comes to grips with having a fighting wife. Rosetta's strong will clashes with Jeremiah's while their marraige is tested by broken conventions, constant danger, and war, and she fears discovery of her secret even as they fight for their future, and for their lives. Inspired by more than 250 documented accounts of the women who fought in the Civil War while disguised as men, "I Shall Be Near To You" is the intimate story, in Rosetta's powerful and gorgeous voice, of the drama of marriage, one woman's amazing exploits, and the tender love story that can unfold when two partners face life's challenges side by side. "From the Hardcover edition."

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/25s48cP

MY REVIEW:

5/5 STARS

My heart hurts and my stomach aches. This book wrecked me, but in the best way possible. When an Author can write a story that is based around a tragic historical time and make it beautiful I am held captive by ink. This book made me feel like few others have. It pulled me in and swallowed me up. My whole heart was filled with hope and compassion and towards the end the words slowly broke me. Tears filled my eyes and butterflies eased their way to my stomach. Each page led to an intense inner battle that not only affected the fictional world, but also my reality. My mood fell somber and I had to let the words carry me through the final pages.

To say Rosetta is a fierce heroine is an understatement... For the pains that she experienced and things she willingly gave up for love made her not only strong on the inside, but also on the outside. She took on a new role and did everything she could to protect the one she loved. She served her country and fought like few other women could. The relationship between her and Jeremiah is one of devotion, sacrifice, friendship, and compassion. Things weren't always simple, but together they faced it with unity. It was a classic timeless romance they shared, but also a tragic gut wrenching love. It brought commitment into focus and showed us that it's not about the time together, but how we spend that time...

The book seemed to wrap around me like a ribbon... With each page, I turned in another circle. And another. And another until finally my arms were bound at my sides with nowhere to go. It took self identity and strength to cut the ties and get the freedom I searched for. I picture that is how Rosetta felt... Wrapped up in secrets, lies, and love. Completely and utterly lost until the point of being found. I imagine that she always felt safe in the shadow of Jeremiah, but desperately needed to find herself in order to let go completely. Love grounded her, but fight is what pushed her to live.

I obviously was overwhelmed and have all kinds of personal feelings I could spill, but I will stop and leave you with this. If you love an epic love story with historical roots and inspirational ties, BUY THIS BOOK. It shall be near to your heart forever. That I can promise you.

Assassin's Heart by Sarah Ahiers

In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/203fVuE

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 STARS

Wow! This Author is a mastermind at creating a unique world filled with danger, intrigue, magic, and love. I was captivated by the descriptions and intrigued by the haunting plot. This world is unlike any other I've ever read about. It's a world where hunters stalk their prey at night wearing masks of bone with intricate details in the color that represents their family. It's fantasy meets horror. It's honor meets fear.

Lea is the main character and a clipper. Her job is to murder for Safraella. She knows her poisons and takes pride in her kills. By placing a coin on the deceased' tongues she can give her victim a chance at life again. She is a kick *ss heroine with a tough persona. However, her heart is set on the forbidden. She loves a guy from another family... Each night they spend time together on the rooftops or dining in privacy. They know it's dangerous, but can't stay away. It's takes tragedy to tear them apart to the point of no return. Lea's home is burnt to the ground with her family inside. She is the lone survivor and desperately seeks revenge. She doesn't know it, but the revenge she seeks may just be against the person she loves most. Through her feelings of guilt she presses on to take down the family that took hers away. She seeks out a long lost family member to help and he is quick to shove her away. The boy living with him however is intrigued by her presence. They strike up a deal and end up using one another to get what they want. A new love blossoms, deaths occur, and in the end belief and love is their resurrection. 

This book had so many awesome points. The magic laced within the pages really brought the fantasy feel I crave. There was no choice but to leave reality behind when reading... It brought unique characters with unique stories. I was held captive by the twists and turns and couldn't wait to see how it all played out. The romance was unconventional and for that I am thankful. Talk about a swoon worthy couple. Les and Lea were the best book couple ever! There was kindness in him and fierceness in her. Together they protected one another with their lives. It was very Romeo and Juliet and I loved it. 

Overall, I can't say enough wonderful things... I enjoyed the book and how it was different from all the other fantasies I've read. I can't wait to read more by this Author.