Review: Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes

Gathering Darkness
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms #3
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: December 9th 2014

Book Length: 407 pages
Publisher: Razorbill

Love, vengeance, and greed spark a deadly quest for magic in the third book of the Falling Kingdoms series 

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic. . . .

THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia’s overpowering magic—all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.

The only certainty in these dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica. . . . but the four element gods of the Kindred have other plans.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble

Review: Untamed by A. G. Howard

Untamed
Author: A. G. Howard
Series: Splintered #3.5
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Retelling
Release Date: December 15th 2015
Book Length: 273 pages

Publisher: Abrams 

Alyssa Gardner went down the rabbit hole and took control of her destiny. She survived the battle for Wonderland and the battle for her heart. In this collection of three novellas, join Alyssa and her family as they look back at their memories of Wonderland.

In Six Impossible Things, Alyssa recalls the most precious moments of her life after Ensnared, and the role magic plays in preserving the happiness of those she loves. Alyssa’s mother reminisces about her own time in Wonderland and rescuing the man who would become her husband in The Boy in the Web. And Morpheus delves into Jeb’s memories of the events of Splintered in The Moth in the Mirror, available in print for the first time.

This collection expands upon Ensnared's epilogue, and includes some deleted scenes to provide a “director’s cut” glimpse into the past and futures of our favorite Splintered characters.

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

Review: Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

Not If I See You First
Author: Eric Lindstrom
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: December 1st 2015
Book Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Poppy

The Rules:

Don't deceive me. Ever. Especially using my blindness. Especially in public.

Don't help me unless I ask. Otherwise you're just getting in my way or bothering me.

Don't be weird. Seriously, other than having my eyes closed all the time, I'm just like you only smarter.

Parker Grant doesn't need 20/20 vision to see right through you. That's why she created the Rules: Don't treat her any differently just because she's blind, and never take advantage. There will be no second chances. Just ask Scott Kilpatrick, the boy who broke her heart.

When Scott suddenly reappears in her life after being gone for years, Parker knows there's only one way to react-shun him so hard it hurts. She has enough on her mind already, like trying out for the track team (that's right, her eyes don't work but her legs still do), doling out tough-love advice to her painfully naive classmates, and giving herself gold stars for every day she hasn't cried since her dad's death three months ago. But avoiding her past quickly proves impossible, and the more Parker learns about what really happened--both with Scott, and her dad--the more she starts to question if things are always as they seem. Maybe, just maybe, some Rules are meant to be broken.

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

Cover Reveal: The Society by Jodie Andrefski

The Society Cover Reveal

The Society
by Jodie Andrefski 
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Entangled Teen 

Welcome to Trinity Academy’s best-kept secret.

The Society.

You’ve been handpicked by the elite of the elite to become a member. But first you’ll have to prove your worth by making it through Hell Week.

Do you have what it takes?

It’s time to find out.

Samantha Evans knows she’d never get an invite to rush the Society—not after her dad went to jail for insider trading. But after years of relentless bullying at the hands of the Society’s queen bee, Jessica, she’s ready to take down Jessica and the Society one peg at a time from the inside out.

All it’ll take is a bit of computer hacking, a few fake invitations, some eager rushees…and Sam will get her revenge.

Let the games begin.

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│The Book Depository│Books a Million

About the Author

Jodie Andrefski has been passionate about reading ever since she was a little girl, when she used to climb trees to escape with a favorite book. She now lives and writes in a small town in Pennsylvania with her teenage daughter. Though still an avid reader, she now prefers a comfy chair over the crook of a tree. An unapologetic coffee fiend, she's even happier if her java comes with pie. Jodie often draws on her background in education and mental health counseling to bring real world experience to her writing. She is a firm believer in the magic of a first kiss, and insists that you should never, ever give up on your dreams.

Author Links:

   

Review: The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski

The Girlfriend Request
Author: Jodie Andrefski
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: January 11th 2016

Publisher: Entangled Crush

Updating best friend to girlfriend is more than a change of status…

Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.

Eli can't figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl next door.

Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated…

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one fake Facebook profile, two best friends who secretly crave each other, and a dreaded sex talk with parents…boy crush in the room included. Pushing a relationship beyond the friend zone has never been so crazy…

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

Cover Reveal: A COURT OF MIST AND FURY by Sarah J. Maas

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY

No, you're freaking out!
I am.

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Oh it's absolutely stunning, I adore it, I want it, I need it. I was worried about the cover because I felt the title was great but somehow lacking compared to the awesome 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' but Sarah has assured that the 'Mist and Fury' part, do have meaning so I'm sure we'll find out when reading ACOMAF. The US cover is SOO much nicer than the UK too agh.

I'm not ready but I need this now.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been waiting for this cover for like... ever! Why make us wait this long? It's torture but it's finally here and the end is in sight, excitement overload! I absolutely loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, it was one of my favourite reads of 2015, I adore everything Maas writes and her new fantasy series is competing for top spot with her stunning Throne of Glass books. Just look at that synopsis and LOOK AT HER HAND!!!

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.

We haven't forgotten either ;)

Don't get me wrong, I love Tamlin. Yes, he's all dreamy and swoon-worthy and yes, ACOTAR would be pretty meaningless if Feyre jumped ship BUT.... Rhysand, oh he's everything. I'm totally on board with him and Feyre and absolutely dying to know what he saw when he looked at Feyre. Also this book has over +600 pages, so we will be getting A LOT of Rhys page time, hallelujah!

This is one of my most anticipated reads of 2016 and I'm freaking out at the thought of reading it, I mean we only have to wait 109 days, but who's counting right? I will go down with my trash ship Feysand Forever <3

“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”

So, what do you guys think of the cover?

It's released May 3rd 2016, so get this on your TBR shelves now..
A Court of Mist and Fury - Goodreads

Review: Not Okay, Cupid by Heidi R. Kling

Not Okay, Cupid
Author: Heidi R. Kling
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: January 11th 2016

Publisher: Entangled Crush

Her wicked revenge, or his wicked heart...

Hazel McCallister loves her life. Perfect grades. Perfect best friend. Perfect boyfriend. Until her perfect boyfriend cheats on her with her perfect best friend. Now Hazel’s in free fall—until her best friend’s brother, Felix, gives her the perfect idea. Reclaim her power by taking revenge on her cheating ex.

Felix James loves his life. Casual relationships. Loads of surfing. He’s as drama-free as they come. But he can’t stand by when his sister steals her best friend’s boyfriend, and the dude insists it was Hazel’s fault. So Felix vows to help turn Hazel into a girl her ex can’t resist—so then she can break his heart.

With an alliance in place, Hazel’s revenge is all but assured. But with each piece of payback, she feels a stronger attraction to Felix, even though revenge will turn her into a girl Felix could never be with. And soon Hazel has to make an impossible choice: revenge...or Felix, the boy who’s stolen her heart.

WARNING! This book contains betrayal, revenge, and that most tempting vice of all, the bad boy you know you can't have.

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

THE ULTIMATE BOOK BLOGGER SCAVENGER HUNT GIVEAWAY!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to my stop on The Ultimate Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt kindly hosted by Alex @ The Book's Buzz and Talina @ Sassy and Dangerous.

The Ultimate Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

Each blogger in the lineup has a post set up for the event. Their post will include a keyword that is highlighted in the bulk of the post. So keep your eyes open for that highlighted word! That keyword will be your entry for the giveaway! At the end of each post, there will be a list of the other bloggers that are participating and you can just follow the links to enter some of their giveaways as well! All giveaways end on January 31st, 2016, so you better get on it! If you're confused and still have questions or concerns, please contact me, Alex or Talina and we'll get right back to you!

Soo... Let's begin

The Ultimate Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt sounds pretty exciting right? So I wanted to try and giveaway this grand prize but sadly I'm not that creative but not to worry all of the fantastic people involved have taken care of that; seriously some of their bookish merchandise giveaways like adorable Funko Pop's, fabulous candles and to die for bookish jewellery are gorgeous, so don't forget to check those out!

Where was I? Oh right... not creative, so I thought I'd play it safe and giveaway Books!

Who doesn't need another one for their collection ;)

So 2016 is going to be a pretty exciting year for books, I literally cannot wait for ACOMAF, The Winner's Kiss, Lady Midnight, The Raven King... the list is endless really. And so I thought instead of giving away a 2016 debut or release that I think everyone would like, I'm going to let YOU decide! It is a scavenger hunt no less, so I hope I can cross off at least one book from your 2016 TBR.

Now because there are TOO many books coming out this year and the giveaway ends on January 31st, I decided to only choose books up until April 2016.

After all, who wants to win a giveaway and then wait half a year for your prize?

Most of the titles I've included are released January and February, so they would be a perfect choice however I know there's some big releases coming March/April so if you really want those and you don't mind the wait then have at 'em!

Also if there's a book that's out early 2016 and I haven't included it but you must have it, then just let me know and as long as Book Depository ships to you then it's all okay!
This is International <3

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out the other bloggers participating in the event and join their giveaways!
Big hugs to Alex for asking me to host,
Enjoy the hunt guys
xo.

Bloggers Participating

Alex @ The Book's Buzz

Talina @ Sassy and Dangerous 

Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

Jazmen @ This Girl Reads A Lot!

C.J. @ Sarcasm and Lemons

Claire @ Cover to Cover 

Cover Reveal: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

The Heartless cover is here yaaaayy...

OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.


Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

I don't think I can handle my excitement for this book.

More Marissa Meyer, more re-tellings, more twists and turns and now she's tackling Wonderland? Surely I can't the only one who absolutely adores everything Alice?! I think if it were any other author then I would be a little nervous because as I've said on numerous occasions A. G. Howard has ruined all other Alice and Wonderland re-tellings. Her Splintered series was phenomenal and will always be my favourite, even though I wasn't the happiest with the end of the series I can't seem to forget her gothic world, gorgeous writing and fantastic characters *cough Morpheus cough*.

You can also check out the excerpt for Heartless here: Heartless Excerpt!

This is a gorgeous cover and I need it now!

It's released November 8th 2016, so get this on your TBR shelves now..
Heartless - Goodreads

ARC Review: Any Other Girl by Rebecca Phillips

Any Other Girl
Author: Rebecca Phillips
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: January 26th 2016

Book Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Kensington

After a disastrous, reputation-destroying party at the end of junior year, Kat Henley has a new plan. When it comes to boys—especially other people’s boys:

Don’t touch.  Don’t smile.  Don’t charm.

In the past, drawing attention to herself helped distract people from what really makes Kat different—having two gay parents. But it’s also cost her friendships. Kat can’t afford to lose any more of those, especially not her cousin, Harper. They’re spending one last summer together at the lake, where they run into an intriguing newcomer named Emmett Reese. After years of trying to prove she’s just like everybody else, Kat has found someone who wants her because she’s not. A boy who could be everything she wants too—if Harper hadn’t liked him first…

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

ARC Review: Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira

Bookishly Ever After
Author: Isabel Bandeira
Series: Ever After #1
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: January 12th 2016

Book Length: 350 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble 

2015 End of Year Book Survey!

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a great start to the New Year. It's crazy how fast 2016 came... even crazier that I'm actually typing 2016, weird! So it's been a great year for books so I thought I'd try the 2015 survey and the impossible challenge of choosing between my most loved books. The 2015 End of the Year Bookish Survey created by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner and and I'm so excited to be taking part.

 

Number Of Books You Read: 118
Number of Re-Reads: 11
Genre You Read The Most From: YA-Fantasy

1. Best Book You Read In 2015?

(If you have to cheat — you can break it down by genre if you want or 2013 release vs. backlist)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout because I would have never actively picked up a book about aliens and I'm so glad people pushed me towards it. Spoiler: I loved it!

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Angelfall series, well I didn't push it but Erika read it based on my review which was amazing. AND she loved it phew!

5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015?

Series - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

Sequel - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.

Series Ender - The Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?

Sabaa Tahir - AEITA!

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin - Historical Fiction. 

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.

9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

The Return in preparation for The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?

ACOTAR! Look at it, you can't say it not 

gorgeous.

11. Most memorable character of 2015?

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius. - Throne of Glass series by SJM.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski, her writing is pure magic.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. It made me appreciate the little things in life and how lucky I am, for that I am grateful.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read? 

The Lux series by JLA.. WHERE HAVE I BEEN? DAEMON BLACK <3

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015? 

“You make me want to live, Rowan. Not survive; not exist. Live.” 

― Sarah J. Maas, Queen of Shadows  - I adored this quote but not because they're my ship and I love them but because it was everything I had wanted for the character at the time, so much hope, joy and much needed love.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015?

Shortest - Mama Cried by Talia Haven (12 pages), Longest - Winter by Marissa Meyer (824 pages)

17. Book That Shocked You The Most

(Because of a plot twist, character death, left you hanging with your mouth wide open, etc.)

The Winner's Curse (Marie Rutkoski), the cliff hanger slayed me, WHY OH WHY?!

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

(OTP = one true pairing if you aren’t familiar)

Aelin and Rowan! Rowaelin forever <3 (Throne of Glass)

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Ash & Puck, the bromance is real! (The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa)

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas is the Queen of Fantasy.

21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Uprooted by Naomi Novik - EVERYONE was reading/reviewing and talking about this book and I regret nothing, it was glorious.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015?

Rhysand, oh Rhys forever the bad boy of my heart! (ACOTAR)

23. Best 2015 debut you read?

An Ember in the Ashes for sure. (Sabah Tahir)

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Falling Kingdoms and Rebel Spring - the divide between the kingdom's- layout, the people, religion, beliefs, society etc, everything was explained perfectly and imaginatively.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins, such a fun book and I loved every second of it.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?

The Winner's Crime cliff-hanger, I will never get over it.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

The Relentless series by Karen Lynch, this series desperately needs more attention it's so underrated. Fantastic series and each book has been better than the last.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Again The Winner's Crime, I'm now slightly depressed thinking of it. agh!

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, a stunning High Fantasy book.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout, we all knew who the bad guy was agh so frustrating.

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015?

Well every blog I visited was new in 2015 and I loved them all!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015?

Rebel Belle - This book was so much fun to read and that enjoyment continued whilst writing my review, I was so excited to share my thoughts with everyone. 

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

The Dark Elements Re-read - Me and Erika (Books, Stars, and the Pages in Between) hosted a re-read of the Darkest Elements series and we had so much fun putting together questions, predictions and of course obsessing over fictional characters!

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I've been involved in a few Bookish Twitter chats and they've been so much fun.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?

Meeting fellow bloggers and readers who understand me and my love of books. None of my family or friends read so I've always felt a little alone in that sense but being able to talk to like minded people and being able to express my bookish/nerdy side is so freeing. I'm so thankful for this and I hope to stay in touch with everyone I speak to.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Not letting statistic's or popularity get me down because once I get in that head space it's near impossible to get out of. My enjoyment is all that matters and I should blog for myself and no one else. Also when life gets in the way -which it always does- and I'm unable to put up a certain number of posts each week or maybe none at all, to not stress about it, just keep going. It's impossible to meet every deadline you want, life is messy, learn from it, plan ahead and keep going.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

I got a lot of love from my Throne of Glass reviews which was great, thanks to everyone to commented.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Erm, most probably on the reviews of some of my favourites books; I would have been able to fangirl with some people and I never pass up the opportunity for that.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Goodreads - I didn't discover it this year but it's an absolute GODSEND!

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completely my Goodreads Challenge of reading 100 books yay :).

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab - it's top of my list!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins.

3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye.

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater!!!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016?

Read more books, meet new readers/bloggers and continue to enjoy reading and blogging and to not let the stats or pressure side of it ruin my experience.

6. A 2016 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare! ACOMAF & TOG & The Winner's Kiss but those are obvious from this survey haha!

So thanks to everyone who made my first year of blogging incredible.

Happy New Year & Happy Reading!