Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 158

"Book Mail" Thursday #8

I broke my no-buying-new-books rule already and splurged on a few discounted ebooks and I have a couple new books to read this "Book Mail" Thursday thanks to Christmas last weekend...
Paper Princess by Erin Watt and The Architect of Song by AG Howard Despite being a tight year for my grandmother and I this Christmas I got two of the books from my Christmas wishlist this year! I love AG Howard and I can't wait to read The Architect of Song and Paper Princess sounds really great too! 
eBook Splurges: Want to know one of my favorite things about holidays? Authors and Publishers sometimes put discounts on their books. These are some eBooks that I got on HUGE discount this past week because of the Christmas holiday! Intercepted by J.Q. Anderson Discount: 100% off on Christmas Day - FREE!
Unknown by Wendy HigginsDiscount: On Sale Christmas Week for $1.99!
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi MeadowsDiscount: On Sale 12/27/2016 for $1.99!
Salt to the Sea by Ruta SepetysDiscount: On Sale 12/27/2016 for $1.99!
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn HamiltonDiscount: On Sale 12/27/2016 for $1.99
Books I Want to Splurge on In the Future: As a book addict, I'm always thinking about my next book purchase. These are two I want to get in the next couple months...
Ever the Hunted (physical copy, I had an eARC) by Erin Summerill
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Signed Copy)
***What books did you get for Christmas? Have you indulged in any holiday eBook sales? 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #55

The end of 2016 is just around the corner and I'm finishing the year off right with an old favorite. I did try one other book this week so I'll touch a little on both this "WIR"-Wednesday...
The One (Selection Series #3) by Kiera Cass Blurb: Entering the Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she arrived at the palace, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think of it so far: Well, honestly The One became a DNF. I had it sitting on my shelf since August because if you remember, I loved The Selection so I ran out to buy books two and three right away. Halfway through The Elite (Book 2), I stopped liking either the storyline or the series as a whole. A lot of it had to do with Maxon. The character started acting in a way that I just didn't like. Even so, I had The One still sitting on my TBR shelf and I thought since it was a fairly short book I'd breeze through it so I could get to the reread book I usually read around New Year's Eve. I got about four chapters in and I just couldn't continue. I just felt so bad for America. I skimmed through the rest of the book and I know the major plot point things that happen in this book but I just didn't have any interest in finishing the book. I know a lot of people loved the series, but it just didn't sit well with me after the halfway point of book 2.
Now I'm on to my New Year's reread book...
Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore Blurb: Amy Goodnight knows that the world isn't as simple as it seems. She also understands that "normal" doesn't mix with magic, and she's worked hard to build a wall between the two worlds. Not only to protect her family, who are all practicing witches, but to protect any hope of ever having a normal life herself.   Ranch-sitting for her aunt in Texas should be exactly that: good old ordinary, uneventful hard work. Only, Amy and her sister, Phin, aren't alone. There's someone else in the house with them--and it's not the living, breathing, amazingly hot cowboy from the ranch next door.   It's a ghost, and it's more powerful than the Goodnights and all their protective spells combined. It wants something from Amy, and none of her carefully built defenses can hold it back.   This is the summer when the wall between Amy's worlds is going to come crashing down.
Why I Chose This Book / Previous Review: The first time I read this book was around New Year's Eve, so every year I've made it a tradition to reread it again around New Year's Eve. I love Rosemary Clement-Moore as an author and Texas Gothic is my favorite book by her.
Review from last year:
Amy Goodnight always tries to project that she is the normal one in her family of witches. She and her sister Phin are spending the summer at their Aunt's ranch while she is away on vacation. Things start going awry when someone discovers a set of remains on the neighbor's land and Amy's sister wants to try out her new invention the "Kirlianometer"* (I can't remember the exact name) and Amy finds herself bound to a ghost that seems to want to freeze her to death. To make matters worse Amy can never seem to act normal around her sexy but grumpy neighbor Ben. I love this book (I know I've said that already); as usual Rosemary Clement-Moore has the ability of making witty, hilarious, relatable characters. 
This book is for teens and anyone that loves a good story. I've read this book at least 5 or 6 times and I keep coming back. If you're a fan of Rosemary Clement-Moore and if you like her Maggie Quinn series or the Splendor Falls, then you will enjoy this book! Haven't read anything by this author before? Give her a try! She's wonderful and her writing style is sort of similar to Meg Cabot, plus her writing is full of humor.

Book Review: Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill Series: Clash of the Kingdoms, Book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: December 27, 2016 Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, a legendary bounty hunter—that is, until her father is murdered. The alleged killer is none other than Cohen Mackay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart.       She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a force to be reckoned with.
My Review: When seventeen-year-old Britta Flannery is caught poaching on the king's land and hauled in by the king's guards a deal is offered to her by the High Lord, Jamis: she will escape the noose and be able to hold onto her home in exchange for helping the king's guard track and capture the man that killed her father. 
The catch? According to the king's guard and the high lord, Britta's father's killer is none other than Cohen Mackay - her father's apprentice and the boy she loves. Britta is beside herself. It cannot be true and yet the evidence and the innate way Britta has always been able to tell when someone is telling the truth or a lie says that it is true. Cohen is the killer. 
She agrees to go along with three of the king's guards - the harsh but fair Captain Omar, the friendly mammoth of a man Leif, and the lewd, nasty Tomas. Tracking Cohen turns out to be an easy task - almost too easy. Could he know that Britta would come after him and be leaving her bread crumbs? 
When Britta does finally catch up to Cohen everything changes. It's immediately apparent to Britta that Cohen has been set up. As she and Cohen band together and cross the border into the country of Shaerdan - Malam's enemy whom they are on the brink of war with - to search for a woman named Enat they soon learn that not everything is as it appears. 
Who is Enat? What secrets does she hold about Britta's parents and even Britta herself? Will Cohen and Britta find out who the real murderer is? Or will Cohen be executed for a crime he did not commit? 
I loved Ever the Hunted. I haven't been this in love with a fantasy novel since finishing Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Mist and Fury. Fans of SJM and other fantasy authors/novels will gobble this up, unable to put it down until the last cliffhanging page. 
I thought the pacing was good, keeping me wanting to see what was going to happen next and the writing and storyline were perfect. I loved the romantic tension between Cohen and Britta as Britta tried to unravel the reasons Cohen left  so abruptly, whether she can trust him, and if they could possibly have a future. 
I did find a few things predictable, like Enat's relationship to Britta's family and Lord Jamis's secret, but overall the book was filled with enough action that those things were easily overlooked. 
The ending leads me to think a potential love triangle is brewing in the world of Britta and Cohen and I'm eager to see if the impending war can be stopped and who Britta's father's murder's accomplice is which leaves me eager to read book two. 
Overall, I think this book is amazing and I loved disappearing into Britta's world.
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars
Ever the Hunted is available today from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Grab your copy today!Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads

Book Review: The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia

The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad―an undercover cop. She transfers to public school in the Downs, where fistfights in the halls don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.
Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him…and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?
My Review: After seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux's boyfriend Noah is beaten to death outside a club, Frankie's life spirals out of control. Earning a DUI after getting wasted at Noah's lacrosse coach's memorial for Noah, Frankie's socialite mother and stepfather and her undercover cop father decide it is for the best if Frankie goes to live with her father in the Downs.
The Downs are a completely different world than the upscale neighborhood Frankie grew up in but she plans to stay under the radar - go to school then her community service and come home. She doesn't want to let anyone in, not even her best friends Lex and Abel. All she wants is to fill in the gaps in her memory and remember who killed Noah.
On Frankie's first day at her new public high school, she spies sexy, confident Marco. Their chemistry is instantaneous and soon Frankie is wrapped up in Marco's world and making a new friend in Cruz, a tough street racer who Frankie bonds with. But not everything in Marco's life is pleasant - and Marco's dangerous hidden life may destroy the little bit of stability Frankie is gaining in her life and put her in the crosshairs of a psychotic killer.
Will Frankie and Marco's love be enough to overcome it all? Do a cop's daughter and a bad boy really have any chance at a future?
I really liked The Lovely Reckless, it's sexy and addicting. It's a really fast-paced, light, easy read and I devoured the whole book in about 24 hours.
Marco is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend that readers will love and Frankie's journey from a broken girl to a girl getting a handle on who she is and what she wants is truly beautiful. The storyline is thrilling and packed with enough obstacles and drama for Marco and Frankie that a reader will want to keep reading and the secondary characters compliment the main characters well.
A few minor things irked me about The Lovely Reckless, just a couple grammatical issues that an editor should have caught and a question about a character - who is Ava? She pops up toward the end as Cruz's sister but the only one of Cruz's sisters named toward the beginning of the book is Teresa. Also, I'm a little unconvinced that after so short a time it was really "love" between Marco and Frankie. To me, it felt more like lust until the ending.
Overall, I did really like the book; it reminded me of a cross between Katie McGarry's Crash Into You and Simone Elkeles's Perfect Chemistry.
My Rating:4 of 5 Stars

"Book Mail" Thursday #7

Christmas came early and I got book mail on Tuesday! 
Just An Illusion - Side A by D. Kelly
As I mentioned last week, I won a signed paperback copy of Just An Illusion - Side A by D. Kelly through a Facebook giveaway and I was excited to get it in Tuesday's mail. The print copy is even more gorgeous than I thought it would be. I loved Just An Illusion - Side A and I can't wait for the B-Side to come out later this winter! 
Waiting On: I broke down and ordered the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition of RoseBlood (because when you preorder RoseBlood you can get a free Thorn postcard signed by AG Howard! More details here)
And I also added three books to my Apollycon 2017 Virtual Signing order... The Affiliate by K.A. Linde
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (US Cover)
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
Do you want to get signed copies of books by some of your favorite authors? Shop the Apollycon 2017 Virtual Signing! More info can be found here.
Neither of the orders I've mentioned will come to me until after the new year (April for the Apollycon order to be exact) so it might be a little while before you see another Book Mail Thursday post from me! 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #54

I breezed my way through The Lovely Reckless and started an ARC I have to finish by January 3rd. This week I'm reading...
Freeks by Amanda Hocking [image error] Blurb: Mara has become used to the extraordinary. Roaming from place to place with Gideon Davorin’s Traveling Carnival, she longs for an ordinary life where no one has the ability to levitate or predict the future.
She gets her chance when the struggling sideshow sets up camp in the small town of Caudry, and she meets a gorgeous local guy named Gabe. But before long, Mara realizes there’s a dark presence lurking in the town that’s threatening the lives of her friends. She has seven days to take control of a power she didn’t know she had in order to save everyone she cares about―and change the future forever.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: Freeks is one of my most anticipated reads of Winter 2017 and I've been dying to get into it. I got the ARC from a blogger friend of mine and my fingers have been itching to read it. Since the book isn't released yet and this isn't my official review, I won't give away any of the details but I can tell you that I am really enjoying Freeks so far. 

COVER REVEAL & TEASER TUESDAY: DARK GODDESS BY AMALIE HOWARD

I am honored to reveal the cover of DARK GODDESS by Amalie Howard, the second book in the Alpha Goddess Series. Isn't it stunning...

DARK GODDESS  by Amalie HowardHardcover, 384 pagesExpected publication: July 4th, 2017 by Sky Pony Press

After an epic struggle that unseated the Asura Lord of Death and placed Serjana Caelum’s best friend, Kyle, on his throne, the Mortal Realm is peaceful and the balance between good and evil—which Sera is sworn to protect—has been restored.

But signs of a new threat to the world of men quickly begin to appear: A scourge of demons descends on the Mortal Realm, and Sera is beside herself trying to locate their source. She sends word to the gods for help, and their answer comes in the form of Kira, the living incarnation of Kali, goddess of destruction.

Stunning and dangerous, Kira plans to protect the heavens at all cost, even if it means destroying the entire Mortal Realm. Soon Sera and Kyle find themselves fighting not just the demon plague, but Kira and her twin. But when an even more sinister threat arises—putting not just the human world but all planes of existence in jeopardy—they must all learn to work together or lose everything they sacrificed so much to save.

     Without a backward glance, she closed her eyes and jumped into the midst of the blue-black pool, the sticky fluid sucking her body down to its depths like some kind of ravenous beast. As it devoured her, Sera’s mind emptied of all thought…and of all memory as she plummeted into the space where love would be nothing but weakness. She’d learned that the hard way. She stripped away all emotion, all empathy.
     It was time to become the monster.

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BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES: ALPHA GODDESS



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AMALIE HOWARD grew up in Trinidad & Tobago where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees, and dreaming of adventure. 25 countries, surfing with sharks, and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.

An aspiring writer from a young age, Amalie’s poem “The Candle,” written at age twelve, was published by the University of Warwick press. At fifteen, she was  a recipient of a Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Award (a global youth writing competition). A Colby College graduate, she completed dual Honors Theses in both French and International Studies, and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. At Colby, she was cited for her research contribution to Raffael Scheck’s article, “German Conservatism and Female Political Activism in the Early Weimar Republic,” and his subsequent book, Mothers of the Nation. She also received a distinction in English Literature from the University of Cambridge (A-levels) as well as a postgraduate certificate in French Literature from the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, France. Traveling the globe, she has worked as a research assistant, account executive, and global channel sales director for a Fortune 500 company.

She is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, SLJ, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national silver IPPY medalist and a silver Moonbeam award winner. She is also the co-author of the adult historical romance series, THE LORDS OF ESSEX. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.

Find Amalie Howard: Website † Twitter † Facebook † Instagram





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Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas Blurb: The long path to the throne has just begun for Aelin Galathynius. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?
My Review: It's time for Assassin-Queen Aelin Galathynius to begin her quest to regain her throne, but the Lords of Terrasen are unwilling to let go of the past and Aelin's history as Adarlan's assassin and recognize her as the true Queen of Terrasen. 
When an imminent attack on Rifthold by the Ironteeth witches is uncovered, Aelin sends Rowan to save Dorian and bring him to Skull's Bay while Aelin, Aedion, and Lysandra set off to take back Ilium from Erawan's stolen Ardarlan forces. There her ancestor Brannon commands that she search out a lock. Pushing it aside she and her allies sail to join Rowan and Dorian in Skull's Bay where Aelin hopes to call in some debts and build up her army against Erawan. But why is the lock so important? And what does Aelin's destiny have to do with the lock?
Meanwhile,  Elide Lochan is lost within the Oakwald forest and being stalked by monstrous creatures from Morath called ilken. She must find her Queen and she's been charged with delivering a stone to someone unknown to her named Celaena Sardothian. When she's on the brink of being captured by the ilken she is saved by a Fae warrior, Lorcan. Together they tentatively forge a promise that Lorcan will take her to Terrasen under his protection as long as she tells him everything she knows of Morath. But while being hunted by the ilken and hiding amongst a traveling carnival will their search for Aelin truly take them to Terrasen? Or will their path take them somewhere else entirely? Will they be betrayed and captured before they ever reach Aelin? And is it possible that after centuries alone, the heartless warrior's heart may finally be softening towards someone?
When Manon Blackbeak kills one of Iskra Yellowlegs's Thirteen and saves Dorian Havillard from slaughter she's essentially signed her death warrant in the eyes of the Matrons. Will she or her Thirteen escape their punishment? What will happen when the secret of her heritage is revealed? 
As Aelin and her allies converge on Skull's Bay and beyond, new allies will be made, strengths will be put to the test, and new dangers will arise. Will Aelin and her court make it through unscathed? Or will everything go terribly awry? 
Empire of Storms, the fifth installment of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series is a high-risk, heart-pounding adventure. I haven't read the first four books (except for the first 30 pages of Throne of Glass) and initially it took me a few chapters to piece everything together, but even not reading the first books I easily became engrossed in the story. Empire of Storms is a massive book and it took me ages to get through but I loved every minute of it. 
Once again Sarah J. Maas has created a world full danger and intrigue with enough unique characters to fall in love with. Throughout reading Empire of Storms, I got caught up in all the different relationships forming - from Lysandra and Aedion to Manon and Dorian to Elide and Lorcan and even the meeting of Aedion and his father and they all tugged at my heartstrings just as much as Aelin's quest and Aelin's relationship with Rowan did. Maas's excellent writing kept me turning pages, dying to find out what dangers laid ahead and how each character would make it through - if they would make it through. I have to admit, of all the sexy male character in this series, I think Lorcan might be my favorite, though. 
The ending of this book completely blew me away and I can't wait to see what's going to happen in book 6. This book is a must read for fans of the series, but prepare yourself for the heart-stopping ending! 
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Last Minute Bookish Gift Ideas for The Bookworm In Your Life

With only 8 and a half shopping days left until Christmas, hopefully, you've already started your Christmas shopping. In case you haven't here are some last minute bookish gift ideas for the book lover in your life...
Book Themed Candles from A Court of Candles $16.00 I just ordered myself some of these awesome candles and I can't wait to get them! With inspiration from Harry Potter, the ACOTAR series, the Throne of Glass Series, Percy Jackson, Gilmore Girls, Six of Crows and Once Upon A Time these 100% Soy Candles are a perfect gift choice!Bonus: Get 30% off your order all through the month of December using coupon code: DECEMBER30 
Book Inspired Soaps, Bookmarks, and Lip Balms from BehindthePagesStore.com

I've seen these book inspired lip balms a lot on Instagram and they look so awesome. They're fairly inexpensive and would make great stocking stuffers! The downside? The shop/owner is located in Australia, so I'm not sure you would get your order by Christmas. It's worth a try, though!

Book Inspired Items from Evie Seo's Society6 Shop
I love Evie Seo's designs, inspired by many popular books and the range of products you can get each design on is large - from laptop cases to shower curtains to clocks and bedding, there's a gift for everyone. 

Bonus: Today there is a sitewide sale - 15% off plus free worldwide shipping. Order today to receive your items by Christmas! 

T-Shirts, Totes, and Scarves Printed With Entire Books from Lithographs
These awesome designs are printed with the entire text of the novels they're inspired by. From classic to more modern literature, there's something for everyone! Downside: These items take time to make, so you probably won't get your item by Christmas.

A Gift Subscription from OwlCrate
Does someone in your life love YA books? Then give them the gift of an OwlCrate subscription! Every month they'll receive a themed box with a new YA hardcover novel and 3-5 bookish items to tie into the theme. 
Bonus: Get 10% using the code: CITY10 (someone I follow on Instagram is an OwlCrate Rep, this is her code for anyone to use!)

The Old Standbys: Gift Cards or Books 

Can't decide what to get your book lover for Christmas? Bookstore gift cards and books always make great gifts! Feel out your book lover, see what new books they're excited to read. Afraid you'll buy them something they won't like or have already purchased? Go for the gift card and put a smile on your book lover's face! 

***

So there you have it, a few different ideas for what to get your book love for Christmas! What are some of your favorite bookish gifts? 

"Book Mail" Thursday #6

I finally have new book mail to share with you! Over the past week I've received two awesome pieces of book mail, so this "Book Mail" Thursday I'm showing off... 
ARCs of Freeks by Amanda Hocking and RoseBlood by AG Howard!!!
I've already read an eARC of RoseBlood and I loved it; you'll get to read my review on January 10th, but I haven't read Freeks yet and I'm eager to read it after I finish reading The Lovely Reckless. 
Waiting On: I won a signed paperback copy of D. Kelly's Just An Illusion - Side A, so I'm waiting for that to arrive - hopefully soon! 
What I Want to Splurge On / Christmas is Coming! Christmas is just around the corner and this year I actually asked for specific books. Here's what I'm hoping for under the tree this year...
Since it's almost Christmas there really isn't anything pressing I want to splurge on right now. I might add a couple books to my Apollycon 2017 Virtual Signing order and over the next couple months I might get myself a physical copy of Ever the Hunted and the Barnes and Noble exclusive version of RoseBlood or maybe even a signed copy of one of Jennifer Crusie's books from her new online shop, but right now I don't have any pressing book needs. 
What books are you hoping for under the tree? Do you have any cool book mail you want to talk about? Are you waiting on any books?