Diverse and relatable - Little Black Bird ARC Review

Little Black Bird 

by Anna Kirchner

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Publication date: June 20, 2020

Publisher: Gurt Dog Press

Synopsis:

Magic is dying out, but it will not disappear without a fight.

Wiktoria is a seventeen year old with a secret: she has psychic powers. Her uncontrollable telekinesis hurts her and others, setting fires and throwing objects in the air, no matter how hard she tries to hold it back. All she wants to have is a peaceful, average life, but it’s difficult when you’ve been cursed to destroy the magical world.

Her carefully maintained facade of normality starts to unravel when she’s hunted down by local sorcerers and their Guardian, and accused of unleashing banished demons back into the human realm. When a murder shakes up the magical community, everyone agrees that the only way to save the world is to kill Wiktoria.

Her only ally is a boy who can read her mind, shares her dreams and makes her question her sexuality. Together, they face mythical creatures and uncover ancient legends, and they soon realize that there is no such thing as simply good or evil. Whether they break the curse or allow it to fulfil its destiny, the magical world will be forever changed.

Little Black Bird is a tale of trust, friendship and family, and what it means to discover one’s true path.

Add to Goodreads!

Suspenseful, intense & complex - Hexen's Binding ARC Review

Hexen's Binding (Hexen's Cross #2)
by J. Kowallis
My rating: 5 hearts
Publication date: September 23, 2019
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Bryden changed everything. History that once was, is no longer. And life doesn't exist as it once did. Hellia lurks in the shadows between worlds, but the specter of the once-powerful hexen is the least of Taran Grim's worries. Something happened that day in Bryden. Something Taran failed to see. And Coll might be the one paying the price.

Add to Goodreads!

An intense roller-coaster - The Burning Shadow ARC Review

The Burning Shadow (Origin #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 hearts
Publisher: Thor Teen
Publication date: October 8, 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

When Evelyn Dasher crossed paths with Luc, she was thrown headfirst into the world of the Lux—only to discover that she was already far more involved in their world than she ever suspected.

Because the Luxen aren’t the only ones with a hidden past. There’s a gap in Evie’s memory, lost months of her life and a lingering sense that something happened, something she can’t remember and nobody is willing to tell her. She needs to find out the truth about who she is—and who she was. But every answer she finds only brings up more questions.

Her search for the truth brings her ever closer to Luc, the Origin at the center of it all. He’s powerful, arrogant, inhumanly beautiful, extremely dangerous…and possibly in love with her. But even as Evie falls for him, she can’t help but wonder if his attraction is to her, or to the memory of a girl who no longer exists.

And all the while, a new threat looms: reports of a flu-like, fatal virus that the government insists is being spread by Luxen. A horrifying illness that changes whoever it touches, spreading panic across a country already at its breaking point.


#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with this steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

Add to Goodreads!

A Complex and Exhilarating Adventure - Storm and Fury ARC Review

Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Publication date: June 11, 2019

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Add to Goodreads! 

An Unforgettable Story With Masterful Storytelling - Escaping from Houdini Review

Title: Escaping from Houdini
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #3
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 5 hearts
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Mystery
Pub. date: September 18, 2018
Publisher: JIMMY Patterson
Synopsis: In this third installment in the #1 bestselling Stalking Jack the Ripper series, a luxurious ocean liner becomes a floating prison of scandal, madness, and horror when passengers are murdered one by one…with nowhere to run from the killer. . 

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.

But then, privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea. It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer’s horrifying finale? (synopsis from Goodreads)

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)

A twisting adventure - The Darkest Star ARC Review

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

Title: The Darkest Star

Series: Origin #1

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: October 30th 2018

Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis: When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Blog Tour: Drink Your Way Through The Geography of Lost Things: Tea Edition

Hi guys! I'm so excited to share the Blog Tour for The Geography of Lost Things with you all today! The Geography of Lost Things is a Young Adult Contemporary book by Jessica Brody, being released on October 2nd by Simon Pulse. You can check out the tour schedule here. I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of the book, and I absolutely loved it. It was such a sweet, beautiful story. Keep reading for my choices of tea for the main characters, a giveaway, and more info on the book!

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

Revet & Excerpt Tour: The Fragile Ordinary by Samantha Young

Hey guys! I am so excited to share the blog tour for The Fragile Ordinary by Samantha Young! The Fragile Ordinary is a new Young Adult Contemporary Romance. It's a heartfelt and beautiful new young adult novel, set in Scotland, about daring to dream and embracing who you are. Order your copy today! And keep reading this post for my review of the book, an excerpt and a giveaway!

A true emotional roller-coaster - This Savage Song Review

Title: This Savage Song

Series: Monsters of Verity #1

Author: Victoria Schwab

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: July 5th 2016

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Synopsis: There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives. (synopsis from Goodreads)

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)

Magical and fun - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Author: J.K. Rowling

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pub. date: November 18th 2016

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Synopsis: J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Characters as Dancers: Hexen's Cross Edition

Which dance style would fit the characters from Hexen’s Cross the best? In this post, I will match some of the characters from Hexen’s Cross by J. Kowallis with the dance that would be perfect for them. Read on to find out why Taran should dance ballet and why Coll would be an amazing tango dancer! Or, you can check out my five-star review of the book (by the way, you totally need to read it).

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)

A fresh take on old mythology - Hexen's Cross ARC Review

*I received an Advance Reader's 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: Hexen's Cross

Author: J. Kowallis

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: May 1st 2018

Synopsis: The magic calls her. 

A prophecy binds her. 
The ancestors guide her. 

Dr. Taran Grim, a young professor of occult studies, knows the written history of witches better than anyone in her field. And she should. She’s one of them. 

After a mysterious stranger arrives at her office inquiring about the mythical staff of Woden, Taran’s curiosity reveals a millennia-old prophesy directly tied to her. The answers wait in Bryden, England and the only person who can help her gain access to the hidden valley is the descendant of Ruhmactir, and a member of the shape-shifting Geri clan: Collens “Coll” Donovan. 

But the Donovans have secrets of their own, and Taran’s underdeveloped magic is wreaking strange havoc on her life. If she can’t manage her magic and strike a truce with Coll, they’ll fail to prevent the prophesied event known as Deireanhexe: the end of the hexen race. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Top Five List: New Adult Books

To end this New Adult Theme Month, I have a Top Five list with my favourite New Adult books. If you’re looking for recommendations, or just curious about what books I’ve read and loved, keep reading this post! And at the end of the post, I’ll post the giveaway for one of my favourites, that ends soon, so make sure to get those entries in!

Book Spotlight + Favourite Quotes: The Animal Under the Fur by E.J. Mellow

Today I have a book spotlight for one of the books that most surprised me last year. While I love the author, The Animal Under the Fur is a genre I don't usually read, but since it was by E.J. Mellow, I had to try it, and I didn't regret it. The writing that truly transports you into another world, characters that make you laugh, cry and swoon, and a plot that will make your heart stop, only to race faster than ever. So when I was planning my New Adult month, this book was one of the first ones that popped into my mind. Now, keep reading for all the info on the book and my favourite quotes from the book!

Emotional and unputdownable: The Prophecy ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an advance reader's 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: The Prophecy

Series: Titan #4

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: March 8th, 2018

Synopsis: History is on repeat…

Seth never thought he’d have a future. But now he’s on the brink of having it all with Josie: A tomorrow. A family. A forever. And all that's standing between him and that forever is the Titans. If he helps Josie entomb them -- without killing them, a nearly impossible task for him -- everything he could ever want will be in reach. But he soon realizes that as a god, every little choice he makes can reshape the world for the better… or worse. And in meddling with the Titans, Seth may have just set into motion catastrophic consequences that will force the Olympians to enter the mortal realm and reshape the delicate balance of power that keeps the world from total collapse.

A price must be paid…

Entombing the Titans is Josie’s top priority. After all, it was what she was born to do. But the plans her father put into play to help her are no longer an option, and the odds she and Seth face in forging their own path are grim. The escalating violence between halfs and pures only increases the danger closing in on them and their friends. Josie knows their chances of succeeding in their task are slim at best -- and if they fail, they might lose everything. But she also knows she's not fighting just for herself -- she's fighting for the man she loves, for their future, for the world. Together with the Army of Awesome, Josie and Seth will face the unthinkable. And to win this war, the ultimate sacrifice must be made.

For the end is here and the Prophecy will be fulfilled…. (synopsis from Goodreads)