Surprise release! From Blood and Ash ARC Review

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1)
Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 4.5 hearts
Genre: Upper Young Adult, High Fantasy, Romance
Publication date: March 31, 2020
Publisher: Blue Box Press

Synopsis:

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

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Diverse fantasy - Belle Révolte ARC Review

Belle Révolte

by Linsey Miller

My rating: 4.5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Publication date: February 4, 2020

Synopsis:

Emilie des Marais is more at home holding scalpels than embroidery needles and is desperate to escape her noble roots to serve her country as a physician. But society dictates a noble lady cannot perform such gruesome work.

Annette Boucher, overlooked and overworked by her family, wants more from life than her humble beginnings and is desperate to be trained in magic. So when a strange noble girl offers Annette the chance of a lifetime, she accepts.

Emilie and Annette swap lives—Annette attends finishing school as a noble lady to be trained in the ways of divination, while Emilie enrolls to be a physician’s assistant, using her natural magical talent to save lives.

But when their nation instigates a frivolous war, Emilie and Annette must work together to help the rebellion end a war that is based on lies.

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Epic fantasy with slow-burn romance - Chosen Champion ARC Review

Chosen Champion (Vortex Chronicles #2)

by Elise Kova

Publication date: May 1, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

A princess on the run, with enemies on all sides...

Vi Solaris is on the eve of getting everything she’s ever wanted—her family, her home, her throne—and to save the world she’s going to have to give it all up.

The Empire sees her as their Crown Princess, returning at long last. But Vi only sees visions of fate guiding her to the world’s gruesome end. Across the sea is a man who holds the keys to deciphering her premonitions and thwarting the ancient evil ravaging their world. But to get to him, Vi will have to contend with enemies of the crown, romance she didn’t expect, sorcerer pirates, and a betrayal she never saw coming.

She will learn the hard way that some evils never die... They only bide their time...

Return to Solaris in the second book of Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy filled with even more magic, adventure, and romance. Get ready for twists you never saw coming that will keep you up all night reading!

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Author Interview with Elise Kova

Hi guys! I'm ending this week with an awesome author interview with one of my favorite authors, Elise Kova! We chat about the spin-off series she's currently working on, the importance of book covers, and more, so make sure to keep reading! 

Blog Tour + Review: Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

Hi guys! I'm so excited to share the blog tour of Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan with you all today! This book was amazing,so you should definitely give it a try!

Cover Reveal: The Domina by K.A. Linda

Hey guys! I'm so excited to share the cover reveal of The Domina by K.A. Linde with you all today, and let me tell you, it's gorgeous. Without further ado, let's look at the cover!

Backlist Shelf Control: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Backlist Shelf Control is a new weekly feature hosted by The Reading Faery that will run on Fridays, which is dedicated to sharing backlist books that have been on your TBR for too long. Each week, you talk about a backlist book (any book published 2018 or earlier) that you're excited to read and why you want to read it. If you participate, feel free to comment on my post and share your link, so that I can check out your post!

5 Series With Sequels Coming Out This Year

There are some great series with sequels coming this year, and I'm so here for it! Some series I got into last year, some I started earlier than that, and I'm seriously excited to read all of them. And if anyone else here is participating in Beat the Backlist, like I am, you can read the rest of the series before they get new additions this year! So, I decided to make a list with my most anticipated sequels this year (in no particular order, because I can't do that).

The Faery's Guide to Reading a New Genre

Most booklovers (especially me) have their one favorite genre that they love. Sure, they might try different genres, but there will always be that one genre you love more than any other. For me, that's YA Fantasy. However, I've recently started trying new genres, and I've found several new genres to love. For those of you unsure of where to start with a new genre, here's the Faery's Guide to Reading a New Genre.

A heart-stopping, emotional adventure - Vortex Visions ARC Review

Title: Vortex Visions

Series: Vortex Chronicles #1

Author: Elise Kova

Source: Advance Reader's Copy

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy

Pub. date: February 4, 2019

Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis: A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.

Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.

The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have. 

Powers that might well cost her the throne.

As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.

All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Fierce and feministic - Grace and Fury ARC Review

Title: Grace and Fury

Author: Tracy Banghart

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: July 31st 2018

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.

Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace - someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.

Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Blog Tour: Drink Your Way Through Kiss of the Royal: Tea Edition

Hey guys! I'm really excited to share the blog tour for Kiss of the Royal with you guys today! It's a fun, romantic new fantasy novel by Lindsey Duga being released on July 3rd. I had so much fun reading it, it was unique and I loved Ivy, the feisty heroine, and Zach, the swoon-worthy love interest. Keep reading for my creative post (Drink Your Way Through Kiss of the Royal: Tea Edition), where I've picked out perfect teas to represent the characters, my review of the book and a giveaway!

Title: Kiss of the Royal
Author: Lindsey Duga
My rating: 5 hearts
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Pub. date: July 3rd 2018
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Synopsis: In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.

Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.

With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.

Book links:

Goodreads ** Amazon ** B&N ** Book Depository ** Kobo ** IndieBound ** iBooks

Prepare to be hooked - A Darker Shade of Magic Review

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

Author: V.E. Schwab

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pub. date: February 24th 2015

Publisher: Tor Books

Synopsis: Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. 

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Author: Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: May 2nd 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Synopsis: A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places. (synopsis from Goodreads)

An incredible and unique world - Song of Blood and Stone ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader's Copy from Netgalley in exchange for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: Song of Blood and Stone

Series: Earthsinger Chronicles

Author: L. Penelope

My rating: 4 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: May 1st 2018

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Synopsis: A treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers. 

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart. 

Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagamiri is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and it's people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps. 

Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. 

The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1) by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Falling Kingdoms

Author: Morgan Rhodes

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: December 11th 2012

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis: In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.

As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed... and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined. Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

It's the eve of war.... Choose your side.

Princess: Raised in pampered luxury, Cleo must now embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of magic long thought extinct.

Rebel: Jonas, enraged at injustice, lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country cruelly impoverished. To his shock, he finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Sorceress: Lucia, adopted at birth into the royal family, discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Heir: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, firstborn son Magnus begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword... (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: Apprentice (The Black Mage #2) by Rachel E. Carter

*I received a review copy from the author in exchange for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*
Title: Apprentice

Series: The Black Mage

Author: Rachel E. Carter

My rating: 4 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: January 24th 2017

Synopsis: She survived a trial year at the Academy of Magic, but that was the easy part…

Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction. When she finishes, she will be a war mage, but in order to do so, she has to survive four years traveling across Jerar, training with a master she hates, her old nemesis, Priscilla, and Prince Darren, her sometimes-rival sometimes… more?

Ry’s new apprenticeship is nothing like what she prepared for. War is on the horizon and her lessons aren’t just for practice anymore.

It’s time to fight. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Fantasy Book Recommendations

Recently, I've found a lot of new amazing books that I haven't really seen around much, so I decided to make a post featuring them. That way, I can give these amazing books more attention and at the same time hopefully help you guys find a new great read.

ARC Review: Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: Mask of Shadows

Series: Untitled

Author: Linsey Miller

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: August 29th, 2017

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Synopsis: Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class and the nobles who destroyed their home. 

When Sal Leon steals a poster announcing open auditions for the Left Hand, a powerful collection of the Queen's personal assassins named for the rings she wears -- Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, and Opal -- their world changes. They know it's a chance for a new life.

Except the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. But Sal must survive to put their real reason for auditioning into play: revenge. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: First Year (The Black Mage #1) by Rachel E. Carter

*I received a review copy from the author in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: First Year

Author: Rachel E. Carter

My rating: 4.5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: January 24th 2017

Synopsis: Magic. Romance. Rivals. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, and Tamora Pierce.

Before the age of seventeen, the young men and women of Jerar are given a choice —pursue a trade or enroll in a trial year in one of the realm’s three war schools to study as a soldier, knight, or mage…

For fifteen-year-old Ryiah, the choice has always been easy. Become a mage and train in Combat, the most prestigious faction of magic.

Yet when she arrives, Ry finds herself competing against friend and foe for one of the exalted apprenticeships. Everyone is rooting for her to fail—first and foremost among them is Prince Darren, the school prodigy who has done nothing but make life miserable since she arrived.

Will Ry survive, or will her dream go down in flames? (synopsis from Goodreads)