The Forbidden Wish (The Forbidden Wish #1) by Jessica Khoury

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world. . . .

 When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years--a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes. 

 

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity--only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of the Aladdin story from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/2mg2uK3

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 STARS

I found myself consumed by the intricate world and overwhelmed by the unique plot... There is just one word to describe it and that word is magical.

It started out slow, but once Aladdin came along, the pace picked up and so did my heart beats. He was such a gorgeously flawed character. I swooned hard and fell more in love as the story progressed. If nothing else, you will love the love story. It's not exactly insta love because there is playful banter, but it's definitely a deep rooted thing that feels hundreds of year aged. It's gorgeous and tragic and just so many words wrapped into one.

I had a few minor issues with the plot, but the scenic descriptions and setting overshadowed those. The book world seriously stole my breath. I could see smoke billowing, darkness falling, and bright colors blooming. Each chapter painted a new picture on my mind and I was entranced to say the least. There were shape shifting Jinns... I mean need I say more? It was a crazy whirlwind adventure that mysteriously found a happily ever after.

I recommend it to middle eastern and retelling readers. The writing is seriously top notch.

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best.

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/2i3T9aw

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

I absolutely loved this book... It pulled me out of a month long rut and for that I am thankful. It was a fast paced read with lush scenery and swoon worthy romance. When I say there was romance, I mean it had a VERY strong focus on romance. It went with the royalty/fantasy/magical theme, but there was grit and horror too. I really connected to the characters and found that the words were laced with rich emotion. I felt the fear and passion. I honestly felt as though I was within the pages... No to mention the twists. Oh gosh, they definitely proved to make things interesting! I can't say much, but if you read, I guarantee, you will be surprised. Luna lives a sheltered life, under the protection of her guardians. She doesn't venture out of her tower much, but when she does sneak out, it ends up being a wild ride. She stumbles upon danger and offers up her protection. Her guardians aren't pleased with having visitors, but has to eventually learn to trust Luna's decision. Together Luna and Fowler embark on a journey through dark forests, stilt cities, and creepy lakes. Their relationship slowly blooms like a rose... thorns line the stem, but the overall picture is quiet beautiful. It was a thrilling story with plenty of action. The ending will make some mad because of the cliffhanger, but book 2 releases soon! I can't wait to get my hands on it. Thank you Sophie Jordan for fueling my reading fire again.

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.

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.

The Rose & The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1rLd9is

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

Oh Heck Yes! It's not often I find a sequel that lives up to book one, but this one exceeded all wants, needs, & must haves. I couldn't put it down. I was instantly pulled into Shazi's world from page one and didn't want to let go after the final page. It's safe to say that this one goes on my top reads of 2016 list! If you love mystery, magic, beautiful romance, and royalty in your reads then you MUST pick this one up. 

The Rose and the Dagger started with Khalid and Shazi apart. He was trying to mend his kingdom and she was trying to survive being trapped with strangers she didn't trust. Both missed one another, but knew they had to do their part in order for them to reunite. Shazi began to explore her magic carpet more and realized that she must follow her heart in order to get her happily ever after. With the help of a friend she is able to grasp her magic from within and find a solution to Khalid's curse. It is then that he gets pulled into her magical world and together they seek to destroy a book that controls everything. There is war, lies, and tragedy, but what love story doesn't have turmoil before beauty? It was all consuming, frustrating at times, and just flat out amazing.

As I sit here thinking about it I am baffled by the intricate plot turns and flawless writing style. To find a book that captures the reader is one thing, but this book held my attention through every word on every page. There was a magic feeling that seeped from the pages and it was quite contagious. I wanted to wrap my arms around the book and never let go. My heart was consumed with love for each character and my mind was entranced by the pivotal moments of the story. I was eager to figure out what happened, but also a tad timid when approaching the final page. I didn't want it to end and even after the final word I still craved more. It was a beautiful story with so many high points. I applaud the Author and guarantee that this series will get the attention it deserves. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do. It will make you love reading and it will pull you out of any book rut you are in.

The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

A sumptuous and epically told love story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights

Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.

She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1qGaO8h

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars

"Love- is a shade of what I feel."

That quote from the book pretty much sums up my feelings. 

The Wrath and The Dawn had a way of burying deep within my bones... The writing was so good and the use of metaphors and words to tell such an intense, passionate tale was captivating to say the least. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I know I wasn't expecting to fall in love with so many characters. Each one played an intricate role and each one had their own back story. 

Khalid is the King and each night he takes a new wife only to have her executed the following dawn. Shazi's cousin falls prey to this and that's when see decides to volunteer to be the next wife. She goes into the palace with a game plan- Destroy the King and get revenge. The only problem is that when she begins to lore Khalid in, she also lets her guard down. New feelings quickly arise to the surface... She tries to push them away, but the more she learns, the more she falls. Khalid isn't the only one that wants Shazi though... Tariq, her friend/romance from the past is also on a mission. A mission of protection and love. He doesn't expect to find what he does, but in the end he wants the King gone and Shazi for his own.

It was a tangle of romance, magic, and mystery. The romance seeped from the pages and the magic lingered in the background just waiting to be exposed. Shazi used her web of words to save her own life and Khalid opened his heart to stop his monster ways. Together they were a beautiful, vulnerable mess. It was such an aw inspiring tale about a tragic curse. It had life lessons hidden in the paragraphs and inspiration in the sentences.

I need more! Thank goodness the sequel releases in just a few weeks because after that ending I have a whole list of questions. What is this magic? Will Shazi and Khalid be reunited? How will Khalid protect his people? Like I said, so many questions... Surprisingly though, the book did feel complete. I was happy with how it all played out and now can't wait to see where the Author takes us next. 

I highly recommend this book! My only tip would be to nickname Shahrzad, Shazi ,from the beginning. Let's be honest, we don't know how to pronounce these names and it can be quite frustrating trying to sound them out multiple times per page. It was hard for me in the beginning, but after the nickname was introduced it was smooth sailing. I became glued to the pages and couldn't wait for more. 

The Affiliate by K.A. Linde

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland—an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have...

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1KCkkeF

 

MY THOUGHTS:

3.5/5 STARS

 

Let me start by saying that this cover is gorgeous and the premise is on point. I love YA reads that pull you into a different world and this one did just that. It was a fantasy tale with a royalty atmosphere.

 

Cyrene the main character is chosen to be an affiliate to the queen. She expects to enrich her knowledge and use her skills to serve to the best of her ability. The queen however has different plans. She sees that Cyrene catches the King's eye and quickly becomes cold as ice towards her. Cyrene is forced to work in a field that isn't her favorite and becomes well aware of what she needs to do. Her intense feelings towards the King must dwindle. It's not that easy though... The more time they spend together, the deeper they fall. Cyrene's heart is pulled back and forth and her mind is worn down by a mysterious book and an unclear presenting letter. She makes it her mission to fulfill a prophecy and uncover the magic within her body.

 

For me... This book had all the ingredients to be an amazing story, but lacked depth and that complete story feel. I understand setting us up for the next book, but I would have liked to see a couple of loose ends be tied up before moving on. For instance, a letter to the king saying she had to leave would have been perfect. No explanation needed; just something to show that they were still connected. I feel like she disappeared so much that it was hard for me to fully commit to whatever it was between them. It was hot as fire, then she was running off. I know that was a big part of the story I just felt like some parts didn't completely add up or flow together to provide a completely developed story.

 

However with all of that being said... I loved the overall concept and the fantasy elements that gave it that eerie feel. The warrior test was intense and the tunnel scene was pretty great. It was enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. I was anxious to see what would happen next and to find out more about the book and the prophecy. I loved the King, the Prince, & Eren. I definitely look forward to what comes next in this series.

 

I recommend this one to all readers that love fantasy stories with hints of danger, brushes of romance, and a vivid royal feel.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers Review

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

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?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1XVjhk1

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 STARS

I just finished Grave Mercy and am left aw struck. The world between the pages has managed to lure me in and bury deep within my soul. It was full of suspense, royalty, bitter emotions, and unconditional love. It had many twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat.

It is a story about a young girl who is convent raised to be an assassin. She is taught all the ways to kill and then sent on missions to look for the marque of death. When she is sent with Duval to the palace her world gets a tad crazy. She isn't sure who to confide in other then fulfilling her service to Mortain and her commitment to the duchess. Secrets have to be revealed and lies have to be uncovered... She doesn't expect to feel anything of the sorts of love, but the match is lit and there is no turning back. In the end a slow burn romance turns into a full burn flame.

I just fell head over heels in love with the characters and quickly became envious and jealous of Ismae. Her life was dangerous, but it was also magical, romantic, and intense. I loved how strong she was and how she always followed her heart no matter the consequence... She was a bada$$ heroine that pulled me in and left me captivated.

Overall, this book exceeded all expectations. It consumed me with it's regal setting and left me wanting to bid the lord good night. I definitely recommend it to all readers! Even if you aren't a YA fan... I still think you will enjoy it.

 



Graceling by Kristin Cashore Review

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...

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Uq7sTJ

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

 

This one is my new all time favorite YA book! I was looking for something unique with a magical feel and this one surpassed all expectations. It was suspenseful, romantic, and emotional. It's a story with a paranormal presence and a royal feel. The Heroine is a bada$$ and Po is the book boyfriend of my dreams.

I really can't say much about this story without spoiling key points, but I will say this... It's a story of survival. The gracelings are graced with special abilities and some are not always favored by others. Katsa, the lead female is graced with a very unique ability. She is feared by many and even looks down on herself at times. When her and Po pair up, her eyes are opened to how truly blessed she is. At first they don't care for one another, but feelings quickly form and an unbreakable connection links the two together.

It's an epic romance in my eyes and I never expected the twist near the end. I am looking forward to reading the others in the series & highly recommend this one to all readers!

 

The Museum of Extraordinary Things: A Novel by Alice Hoffman Review

The "spellbinding" (People, 4 stars), New York Times bestseller from the author of The Dovekeepers: an extraordinary novel about an electric and impassioned love affair "an enchanting love story rich with history and a sense of place"; (USA TODAY).

Coralie Sardie is the daughter of the sinister impresario behind The Museum of Extraordinary Things, a Coney Island freak show that thrills the masses. An exceptional swimmer, Coralie appears as the Mermaid in her father's museum, alongside performers like the Wolfman and the Butterfly Girl. One night Coralie stumbles upon a striking young man taking pictures of moonlit trees in the woods off the Hudson River.

The dashing photographer is Eddie Cohen, a Russian immigrant who has run away from his community and his job as a tailor's apprentice. When Eddie photographs the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, he becomes embroiled in the mystery behind a young woman's disappearance. And he ignites the heart of Coralie.

Alice Hoffman weaves her trademark magic, romance, and masterful storytelling to unite Coralie and Eddie in a tender and moving story of young love in tumultuous times. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is, "a lavish tale about strange yet sympathetic people" (The New York Times Book Review).

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1EpZFIN

 

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

This book was unlike anything I've ever read before... It was dark and twisted, with a subtle romance and a thick mysterious plot. While it wasn't at all what I expected... It was really good in an eerie feel kind of way.

It follows two characters through past and present. Their connection to one another isn't vivid, but it's there and it's unavoidable. Eddie sees Coralie in his dreams and she sees him in the flesh. Both are drawn to one another long before they meet face to face, but they have obstacles to overcome first. Cora's father is possessive and uses her in sick twisted ways. She is his money maker and each day she is in an exhibit, is another dark day in her life. She seeks solace in the water and makes friends with a tortoise. Her hope is that someday she will be loved as the monster she believes to be. It is Eddie that opens her eyes and heart to everything she didn't know was possible.

"Edward realized it simply was not in her nature to abandon even the lowliest creature. He felt overtaken by his love for her. Love like this wasn't what he'd planned or wanted or expected, surely it was indeed a trap, for even when you tried to run away, it followed you through the grass and lay down beside you, it overtook common sense and will-power. "

The Museum of Extraordinary Things was a well crafted story with exquisite writing. The Author did a great job at creating a solid foundation with strong character development. While at times it was a tad slow, it continued to pull me back in. The words were quick to tug at my heart strings and the emotions really poured off the pages. The life Coralie lived was hell. She was a puppet and her father was the puppeteer. He controlled every movement, action, and thought. When she finally broke free from his gripp... I couldn't have been happier. It was long tough journey, but in the end I was pleased with how everything turned out.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all readers looking for a unique read. When I saw it had a mermaid theme I was all in. I'm definitely happy that I picked up the book and gave it a chance.

Night Circus by Morgenstern Review

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called "Le Cirque des Reves," and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.  

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1IHArXl

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5/5 Stars

 

Do you know the saying... "escape reality with a good book"? Well this one quickly provided that escape for me. Every time I opened the book I was pulled into a dark, magical world with lots of mysterious elements. At times I had no idea what was going on, but that's what pulled me deeper into the pages. I felt the words consume me and the illusions felt within my grasp. It was a twisted tale, but in some weird way it was also beautiful.

 

The main story was about Marco & Celia. They were chosen to compete using their talents. Neither came face to face for a while so they threw punches in the dark. They played off one another and built these magical tents that brought people joy and hope. In a subtle way their challenge drew them near and created an electric connection. When they were finally brought together in the flesh their passion was instant and in full force. They felt what was forbidden... love. Their coaches warned them and they quickly realized why. The challenge had an awful twist that left a future together out of the question.

 

When I look for books, I look for unique plots that will capture my attention and leave me craving more at the end. This one did just that. I was engrossed in the story and felt a deep rooted connection to the characters. There were multiple stories within this one and even though the Author gave them closure, I still wanted more. The writing was great and the flow was even better. I look forward to reading more by this Author and I highly recommend this one to all who like to "escape reality with a book".