Review: City of Dust by Michelle Kenney

City of Dust
Author: Michelle Kenney
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Release Date: October 2nd 2018

Publisher: HQ Digital

The fight is never over.

Life in Arafel is no longer safe. Not since August’s disappearance, and whispers of a ghost controlling Pantheon.

Meanwhile, Talia stands torn between secretive twin, Eli, and best friend, Max.

Betrayal forces Talia to leave the sanctuary of her forest home as she pursues the stolen Book of Arafel. A book which could destroy the freedom of all those she loves if it falls into the wrong hands. And when she enters the ancient ruined city of Isca, she fights to protect the vulnerable from the iron grip of the Pantheon, while learning to fight for the man she loves.

But with the shadow of the Black Aquila looming ever closer, will she put the freedom of others above her own, or will she follow her heart?

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Blog Tour: The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli

The Caged Queen
Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Series: Iskari #2
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: October 27th 2018
Book Length: 400

Publisher: Gollancz

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished - until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax - the heir to Firgaard's throne - was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax's promises go unfulfilled. Roa's people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises - an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Blog Tour: The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

The Girl in the Tower
Author: Katherine Arden
Series: The Bear in the Nightingale #2
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Fairytales
Release Date: January 25th 2018
Book Length: 384

Publisher: Ebury

For a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or a life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic...

The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.

Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical...

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Blog Tour & Giveaway!: Seize Today by Pintip Dunn

Seize Today
Author: Pintip Dunn 
Series: Forget Tomorrow #3
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Release Date: October 3rd 2017

Book Length: 300 pages
Publisher: Entangled Teen

The third book in the New York Times bestselling and RITA award winning Forget Tomorrow series is a thrilling conclusion to an epic trilogy.

Seventeen-year-old precognitive Olivia Dresden is an optimist. Since different versions of people's futures flicker before her eyes, she doesn't have to believe in human decency. She can literally see the path to goodness in each person—if only he or she would make the right decision. No one is more conflicted than her mother, Chairwoman Dresden, and Olivia is fiercely loyal to the woman her mother could be.

But when the Chairwoman captures Ryder Russell, a boy from the rebel Underground, Olivia is forced to reevaluate her notions of love and faith. With Ryder's help, Olivia must come to terms with who her mother is in the present—and stop her before she destroys the world..

Amazon | Amazon.com.au | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Entangled

Blog Tour: The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

The Last Namsara
Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Series: Iskari #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: October 12th 2017
Book Length: 304

Publisher: Gollancz

In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be dark—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up hearing in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Waiting on Wednesday: Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes

Immortal Reign
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms #6
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: February 6th 2018
Book Length: 400

Publisher: Razorbill

As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US  

Review: Book of Fire by Michelle Kenney

Book of Fire
Author: Michelle Kenney
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Release Date: August 27th 2017

Publisher: HQ Digital

Life outside the domes is not possible. At least that's what Insiders are told. Twins Eli and Talia shouldn't exist. They're Outsiders.

Their home is a secret. Their lives are a secret. Arafel is a secret.

An unexpected forest raid forces Talia into a desperate mission to rescue her family while protecting the sacred book of Arafel from those who would use it as a weapon. As Talia and her life long friend Max enter the dome, she makes some unexpected discoveries, and allies, in the form of rugged Insider August, that will change the course of her life forever.

She'll stop at nothing to save her family but will she sacrifice her heart in the process?

The Fire Sermon meets Gladiator in this brilliant YA debut.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Book Boyfriends

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

ARC Review: The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

The Girl in the Tower
Author: Katherine Arden
Series: The Bear in the Nightingale #2
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Fairytales
Release Date: January 25th 2018
Book Length: 384

Publisher: Ebury

For a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or a life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic...

The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.

Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical...

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Review: Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn

Remember Yesterday
Author: Pintip Dunn
Series: Forget Tomorrow #2
Genre: YA, Science-Fiction, Dystopian
Release Date: October 4th 2016
Book Length: 400

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Follow-up to the New York Times bestselling novel, Forget Tomorrow!

Would you change the past to protect your future?

Sixteen-year-old Jessa Stone is the most valuable citizen in Eden City. Her psychic abilities could lead to significant scientific discoveries, if only she’d let TechRA study her. But ten years ago, the scientists kidnapped and experimented on her, leading to severe ramifications for her sister, Callie. She’d much rather break into their labs and sabotage their research—starting with Tanner Callahan, budding scientist and the boy she loathes most at school.

The past isn’t what she assumed, though—and neither is Tanner. He’s not the arrogant jerk she thought he was. And his research opens the door to the possibility that Jessa can rectify a fatal mistake made a decade earlier. She’ll do anything to change the past and save her sister—even if it means teaming up with the enemy she swore to defeat.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Waiting on Wednesday: The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

The Girl in the Tower

Author: Katherine Arden
Series: The Bear and the Nightingale #2
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fairytales
Release Date: January 25th 2018
Book Length: 384

Publisher: Del Rey

The magical adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home—but soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it comes under siege.

Orphaned and cast out as a witch by her village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent, or allow her older sister to make her a match with a Moscovite prince. Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the vast world she longs to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a boy and riding her horse into the woods. When a battle with some bandits who have been terrorizing the countryside earns her the admiration of the Grand Prince of Moscow, she must carefully guard the secret of her gender to remain in his good graces—even as she realizes his kingdom is under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US  

Waiting on Wednesday: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

A Reaper at the Gates
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Series: An Ember in the Ashes #3
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: April 10th 2018
Book Length: 464

Publisher: Razorbill

Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger. The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister’s life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she’d have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias’s devotion—even at the cost of his humanity.

Goodreads 

Review: A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

A Promise of Fire
Author: Amanda Bouchet
Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles #1
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Romance
Release Date: August 2016
Book Length: 441

Publisher: Piaktus

Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US

ARC Review: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Strange the Dreamer #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: March 28th 2017
Book Length: 432

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around— and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? and if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.

Welcome to Weep.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / YA Books Central

Blog Tour: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

The Crown's Game Blog Tour

Hey guys!

Welcome to the my stop on the The Crown's Game blog tour.

I'm so excited to be apart of the tour as I fell in love with this book so much and I can't wait for everyone to read it. So I'll be doing a quick 10 reasons why and a big gushy review filled with all the reasons you should read this book!

The Crown's Game

Author: Evelyn Skye

Series: The Crown's Game #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Release Date: June 30th 2016

Book Length: 399

Publisher: HarperCollins

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.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal: EMPIRE OF STORMS by Sarah J. Maas

EMPIRE OF STORMS

This is literally THE book I am waiting for.
More Sarah J. Maas?
More badass women?
More Aelin?
More The Thirteen?
More Sassy Aedion?
and let's not forget my boyfriend ROWAN WHITETHORN?
Yes please!!

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

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.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Oh did I mention that EoS is going to be 704 pages?
AHHHHHHHH! *fangirls*

I don't have the words to express how much I want and need this book. I am so ridiculously excited but I am sure it will be worth the wait! And after ACOMAF I am so ready because my god, Sarah's books just keep getting better and better. I'll have my review of ACOMAF up soon.... well as soon as I can come up with something to write than isn't read it read it read it!

So, what do you guys think of the cover?

It's released September 6th 2016, so get this on your TBR shelves now..
Empire of Storms - Goodreads

Blog Tour: Soldier by Julie Kagawa (Q&A with Julie and Review; Spoiler - You need this book!)

Soldier Blog Tour

Hey guys!

Welcome to the last stop and I might add the best stop of the Soldier blog tour ;)

Not only do I have a pretty gushy review about all the reasons Soldier is the best book of the series and why you guys NEED to read it, but I also have an interview with the wonderful Julie Kagawa!! I don't quite believe it myself, Julie has been a favourite author of mine since forever so this is a pretty big deal for me, my inner fangirl has been banshee screaming and it's all thanks to the incredible Lorraine, thank you thank you thank you <3.

Soldier
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Talon #3
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Book Length: 416

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

A fighter dedicated to saving humankind from dragons in strictest secrecy.

That was what Garret Xavier Sebastian thought he was part of as a soldier of the Order of St. George. What he learned from a fiery dragon hatchling twisted all he believed in and set him on a collision course with certain death-but not without a chance to put things right.

Betrayed and on the run again, Ember and rogue dragon Riley discover an unthinkable truth about Talon and St. George. They'll need Garret's skills and insider knowledge of the Order to negotiate an impossible deal-and if they fail, there will be no way to stop all-out war.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Retelling, Romance
Release Date: April 26th 2016

Book Length: 342 pages
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you're only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran's queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar's wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire...

But Akaran has its own secrets -- thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most. . .including herself.

A lush and vivid story that is steeped in Indian folklore and mythology. The Star-Touched Queen is a novel that no reader will soon forget.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble

ARC Review: Solider by Julie Kagawa

Soldier
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Talon #3
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Book Length: 416

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

A fighter dedicated to saving humankind from dragons in strictest secrecy.

That was what Garret Xavier Sebastian thought he was part of as a soldier of the Order of St. George. What he learned from a fiery dragon hatchling twisted all he believed in and set him on a collision course with certain death-but not without a chance to put things right.

Betrayed and on the run again, Ember and rogue dragon Riley discover an unthinkable truth about Talon and St. George. They'll need Garret's skills and insider knowledge of the Order to negotiate an impossible deal-and if they fail, there will be no way to stop all-out war.

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble

Review: The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Kiss
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner's Trilogy #3
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: March 24th 2016
Book Length: 484

Publisher: Bloomsbury, thank you so much for my copy <3

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

Goodreads / Amazon UK / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble