To Kill A Kingdom Review

342 pages

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.
The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

Review:
A dark twist on what we know mermaids and sirens to be, this book does not disappoint. The story is fresh, original, and intriguing. The world created in this novel is one of beauty with each kingdom completely different and unique from the other. Princess Lira isn't a typical heroine and neither is Prince Elian a typical hero. Both have a dark side that creates an attraction between them different from the usual. I love that Lira is ruthless and wicked yet has a side that questions her actions and those of her mother, the Sea Queen. I also liked that Elian is completely different from your typical prince, wanting to live a life of freedom and danger instead of safe in his kingdom. This is a fairy tale story with a dark twist that makes it an irresistible read. I definitely recommend this book if you like dark mythological adventures.

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Immortal Reign Review

400 pages

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? 

Review:
As the final book in this series, this does not disappoint. The journey that these characters have taken to try an destroy the Elementals reaches an epic conclusion worthy of the wait. Once again we view through several different eyes as we see all of the decisions being made to save all of the kingdoms. I enjoyed seeing how everyone progresses through love, getting to know themselves and their relationships with the other main characters. I don’t want to give to much away but the growth you see in each person brings choices you won’t expect.  I am sorry that the series is over but glad the author was able to bring it to such a decisive end. I would definitely not recommend starting this novel until you have read the other five. However, I would recommend you start the series if you have not especially if you love epic fantasy novels. 

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Poisoned Blade Review

468 pages

Jessamy is moving up the ranks of the Fives—the complex athletic contest favored by the lowliest Commoners and the loftiest Patrons in her embattled kingdom. Pitted against far more formidable adversaries, success is Jes's only option, as her prize money is essential to keeping her hidden family alive. She leaps at the chance to tour the countryside and face more competitors, but then a fatal attack on Jes's traveling party puts her at the center of the war that Lord Kalliarkos—the prince she still loves—is fighting against their country's enemies. With a sinister overlord watching her every move and Kal's life on the line, Jes must now become more than a Fives champion...She must become a warrior.

Review: 
I enjoyed reading the second novel in this series although I have to admit it left me wanting a bit more. Jessamy is dealing with the aftermath of her leap up the Fives rank and discovers that it isn't all rewarding as she thought it would be. Jes has to deal with the fact that she betrayed Kal and also has to continue hiding her mother and sisters from Gargaron who believes them dead at his order. The romance between Kal and Jes isn't a major focus for the majority of the novel, but we get to see some interesting progress towards the end. Gargaron's plan to take over the empire puts Jes right in the middle with no choice but to continue helping him. Navigating through all of the court intrigues is especially hard for Jes since she is neither Efean or Patron so she has no real status or trust for either side. I enjoyed seeing the growth in Jes although I wished she was more decisive and bold in the things she does. This book has a fair amount of action and by the end I couldn't wait to see what the next entry into this series will hold. I would recommend this book to those who like fantasy novels but definitely make sure to pick up Court of Fives before reading this one.

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The Star-Touched Queen Review

342 pages

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.

Review (ARC):
I absolutely enjoyed this book. The writing is beautiful and the world-building is spell-binding. Maya is a a strong heroine and gets the opportunity to prove it. We get to see Maya grow as the queen of Akaran and the romance between her and Amar does not disappoint. This book is loosely adapted from the story of Hades and Persephone and it definitely does the tale justice. I don't want to go into too much detail and give the book away but it is an enjoyable read and if you like fantasy and mythological tales then this book is for you.

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Crown of Crimson Review

418 pages



First Rule of the Cannon: Trust no one.
Aerietta Elony is destined for evil.
Born into a royal family, it was quickly discovered that she bore the Jezdah mark — an intricate tattoo meant to identify the Children of the Elements. To make sure his people never knew about the danger that hid in their midst, the king had his daughter sent to the leader of the Cannon, his order of assassins, where she would learn to become one of them.
No one was ever supposed to know what Aerietta was, where she came from, or what she was destined to become. She’s never worried what would happen if someone discovered her secrets. But when a neighboring kingdom attacks, and Aerietta is betrayed and captured, keeping her secret will mean the difference between life and death.
When the king of the neighboring land enlists her services to track down one of her traitor companions, she has no choice but to accept. But in order to find her former friend and make it back to the king with her head still attached to her shoulders, she’ll have to keep the enigmatic, inhuman Swordmaster in the dark, which proves to be more difficult than she could ever imagine.
Deception abounds, danger is just as prevalent, but even in this world of demons and magic, the only thing Aerietta fears is herself.
The Queen of Crimson accepts.

Review:
This book is exciting from beginning to end. From the very first page we are drawn into Aerietta's story and able to experience the violence that comes along with it. Aerietta isn't a heroine, far from it, but she is tough and has moments when we can see her struggle with doing the right thing shines through. The world created here seems normal at first but we soon learn there is a mystical edge to it of which Aerietta is a part of. Aerietta is forced to travel with her enemies to save her life, which includes the Swordmaster. The relationship that begins to blossom between the Swordmaster and Aerietta was something of an enigma. It seems that they have both a strong aversion yet attraction to each other creating some tumultuous moments between the two. It's interesting to see Aerietta's struggle to keep her secret from him as well, despite her conflicting feelings for him.There is a lot of action and adventure in this novel as Aerietta travels with her enemies to hunt down those who betrayed her. It all concludes in a cliffhanger leaving you wondering where Aerietta's story will take her next. I definitely recommend this novel if you like fantasy adventure novels.

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Midnight Thief Review

368 pages

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.
Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.
When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

Review:
This novel is an absolute amazing combination of action, adventure with underlying mystery! Set in what seems to be a medieval time, this story is told in third person from Kyra and Tristam's point of view. Kyra is the focus and main character of this story, and she is an amazing heroine although she's also a thief. Kyra hasn't had the best life and enjoys living on the edge to survive. Tristam has had an easier go at it, and has been raised to become a knight and serve the Council. Kyra and Tristam, despite their different upbringings, have something inside them that just wants the people of their city to be treated better. I love the fact that Kyra doesn't let her background or others influence her to do something that she knows to be wrong. I also love that Tristam will do what's right for anyone no matter how he has to find a way to do it. The true nature of the Demon Riders is a definite twist in this story, as is finally figuring out why Kyra has the abilities that she does. There is a bit of romance in this novel but it doesn't distract from the action. This story is explosive, exciting and culminates into a decisive end. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to see what's next for Kyra's future adventures. I definitely recommend this book if you like fantasy fiction.

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Island of Fire Review

464 pages
Release date: September 3rd, 2013

The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers. Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it's up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns - three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers? Meanwhile, Alex's twin brother Aaron continues to build his army in the stark land of Quill, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined...

Review (ARC):
The last book pretty much left off in a dark place so I was especially excited to get my hands on this novel and see what happens next. Alex has so much on his plate now that its hard to imagine how he will ever be able to contend with it all. It's almost a reflection of what his twin Aaron is going through except for the fact that Aaron plotted and schemed his way to power. Alex has to grow up and take on a leadership role which he wasn't completely prepared for and its hard to watch him come to certain realizations about what this new life may mean for him. Then there are Lani and Samheed trapped on an island that puts them through unspeakable horrors. We get to see another one of the islands and it really makes you wonder what other terrible things might be on the other islands surrounding Artime/Quill. This novel is one huge adventure full with triumph, action, and then leaving us once again hanging off the edge of a cliff. I definitely recommend that you read this novel if you love a good fantasy tale, but make sure to pick up the first two novels The Unwanteds and Island of Silence.

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Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy Review

375 pages

After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.

Review:
The first book was pretty short and left me curious about Jack Templar. I was really glad that this story was longer and gave more of an in depth look at the Black Guard and what it really means to be a Monster Hunter. Jack hasn't completely accepted everything about his new life, but he is still amazingly brave and tries to defend those who may not be able to defend themselves. I admire the fact that Jack's friends have found their place at the Monster Academy as well, although it does create some tension between Jack and Will. We're introduced to a new character, Daniel, who seems to want nothing more than to make Jack's life miserable just for bearing the Templar name and expectations. Although Jack has just started at the Monster Academy, he manages to get into all sorts of chaos, and the danger that is Ren Lucre has a huge impact on his life there as well. Although this novel isn't non-stop action, it moves along at a nice pace building up to and ending that is jam-packed with danger and adventure. I definitely recommend this novel if you like monsters, mythology, and kids who fight evil. Make sure to pick up Jack Templar, Monster Hunter first and give that a read before tackling this one.

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Tuesday's at the Castle Review

254 pages

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom.

Review:
This is one of those adorable middle grade reads that just make you smile. Princess Celie loves the Castle and probably knows more about it than anyone else in her family. Celie is brave and despite being the youngest in her family, seems to have the best connection with the Castle. Celie's family are all different enough that their personalities cause them to stand out in a major way as individual characters. The Castle itself seemed to have a personality, especially when interacting with Celie, and I loved that it was given an individuality of its own. Of course there are bad guys and I like that they were humorous at times even though they were doing terrible things. I have to admit that this story kept me guessing sometimes with the whole plot against Castle Glower, but it continued to be entertaining. This story is comedic with plenty of action and adventure to spare. I would recommend this for those who like juvenile fiction fantasy fiction with a fairy tale feel.

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Scrap Review

350 pages
Release date: May 17th, 2013

On the brutal streets of Hellip, a village in the vast empire of the cruel King Ibis, you either become good at running from the king’s Blackcoats or you die. This is the lesson that twelve-year-old Tucker Scrap, abandoned as an infant among the orphans of Hellip, learned early. Along with her friends Ash and Kally, Tucker spends her time keeping one step ahead of the unjust laws, stealing what she needs to survive, and pondering her own unknown origins—and those of the enchanted bracelet with which she was found. Now, both Ash and Kally have vanished from the orphanage, perhaps headed for the faraway city where Ibis still rules. When a mysterious girl named Vivian arrives in Hellip with a strange invitation to Tucker, the leader of the orphans decides that this may be her opportunity to find her missing friends. But more than this: it may become an opportunity to recover her hidden inheritance, and to change the fate of an entire kingdom.

Review (ARC):
Although I enjoyed this novel, I feel like I expected more from it than I was given. Tucker Scrap is a pretty brave and plucky character who works hard to survive as an orphan in King Ibis' empire. Although Ash and Kally are supposed to be Scrap's closest friends, we get very rare glimpses of them both and not a complete idea of their characters. The other characters are all multilayered, with some more developed than others. The portrayal of Scrap's life on the streets seemed a bit rushed when it came to experiencing what her life was like as an orphan. Things in the plot itself moved around quickly and ended up being a bit confusing in the transition at times. I loved the magical aspect of the novel and even though I figured out Scrap's background early on, there were things about it that surprised me as well. By the end of this novel I was left with a few questions that I hope will be cleared up in the next novel. If you love fantasy novels then you should enjoy this overall.

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City of a Thousand Dolls Review

361 pages

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die. Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Review:
This was an interesting yet not very quickly paced novel. Nisha is a likable character, very strong and determined, yet she also has a vulnerable side as well. There is some romance but it isn't a main focus or as developed as I would have liked. The relationship between Nisha and Devan seems strange at times, especially since her interest seems to be much more than his. The other characters aren't very memorable in themselves although the talking cats are pretty interesting. The idea of a City where females are trained to be useful in a society where they are unwanted brings something new to this story. I wasn't the biggest fan of the City although it does offer the girls a better chance than they would have on the outside. This isn't one of those epic fantasy novels but the mystery itself is intriguing. Although the adventure isn't very exciting and the character development leaves something to be desired, this wasn't a terrible read. I would recommend this as a good enough novel to pass the time for those who enjoy mystery.

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Story's End Review

416 pages

Long ago, a King ruled the land of Story. . . . During his reign, Heroes, Villains, and characters of all kinds lived out new Tales filled with daring quests and epic struggles. Then the King disappeared, and over the years, nearly everyone forgot that he had ever existed. Now an evil Enemy has emerged, determined to write a new future for Story that he will control. And an ordinary girl named Una Fairchild is inextricably tangled up in his deadly plan. Una and her friends Peter and Indy are desperate to find a way to defeat the Enemy. But Una soon discovers that the real key may lie in her own mysterious ties to Story's past--and to the long-forgotten King, who could be Story's only hope for survival.

Review:
This sequel does not disappoint as the tale of the land of Story continues. Things have become pretty chaotic since the Enemy's release. Once again we are able to view things through the eyes of several different characters with Una remaining the main character. Although Una is young, she is impressive in her determination to help save Story and defeat her parents. Una is brave yet impulsive, and both qualities help her on her journey with her friends. I'm not always the biggest fan of Peter, but he is also brave although at times constantly self-involved. I loved that we were able to see some of the other areas in Story and discover that not all of the Villains may be as bad as they seem. This novel is extremely fast-paced and takes you on a wild adventure that culminates into an amazing ending. This novel is more for middle grade ages although I believe it is written well enough to be enjoyed by anyone with a love for fantasy novels. I definitely recommend this if you like magic and fantasy tales but make sure to read Storybound first.

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Quintana of Charyn Review

528 pages
Release date: April 23rd, 2013

Separated from the girl he loves and has sworn to protect, Froi and his companions travel through Charyn searching for Quintana and building an army that will secure her unborn child’s right to rule. While in the valley between two kingdoms, Quintana of Charyn and Isaboe of Lumatere come face-to-face in a showdown that will result in heartbreak for one and power for the other.

Review (ARC):
The Lumatere Chronicles has been an exciting series so far, and this novel is no exception to that precedent. Although from the title you would assume that this novel is mostly about Quintana, it actually focuses on the other characters we have come to know and love a bit more. However, this doesn't make this novel any less of an amazing read. Quintana has always been a bit of a mystery, and I'm glad we get a bit more of an insight into her personality. Froi has come a long way from the first novel and he continues to impress me as the man he has developed into. Finniken and Isaboe's life together isn't the easy happy ending you would assume, and we get to see them go through problems like a real couple. Isaboe is very complex, and we see that she still struggles with the things she had to go through to take her rightful place as Queen. There are so many characters who's storylines add to the rich plot of this novel and keep things interesting. This story is masterfully written and continues to keep you guessing until it comes to an end. I definitely recommend reading this if you like epic fantasy fiction but make sure to read Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles first. 

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Poison Review

288 pages

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend. But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses. Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Review:

When I first picked up this novel I expected it to have a fantasy feel but was both surprised and delighted to see it also had a magical one. Kyra is an admirable character; she is strong and highly accomplished and also has a sense of purpose. Although Kyra has made a lot of mistakes in life, when it comes to doing the right thing she stands firm on that path. Fred is a funny yet brave love interest and even though he is a bit misguided at times, you can tell that he truly has a good heart. The other characters are interesting enough, although some are more developed than others. This book is pretty light-hearted and funny, sometimes the story itself is rushed, but beyond that entertaining as a whole. There is a lot of adventure and some romance, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction at the end. I am absolutely saddened to find out that the author died and didn't get a chance to see this book published or write the sequel it so richly deserves. I would definitely recommend reading this if you love fantasy adventures full of magic. 

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The Runaway King Review

352 pages
Release date: March 1st, 2013

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

Review (ARC):
I completely fell in love with Jaron in the first novel and he just doesn't disappoint in the second one. Jaron is an amazingly brave and wily main character, and despite his feelings about being king, he is still willing to help keep his country safe. I think the thing I admire most about Jaron is he doesn't just sit back and let others do things for him but instead he is ready and willing to get his hands dirty. A lot of familiar characters return and we are also introduced to some new ones which are either endearing or horrific. A bit of a love triangle emerges but it isn't a main factor of this story. There are plots to assassinate Jaron and as the mystery behind who is responsible unravels, quite a few surprising revelations are brought to light. There is a lot of action and a great adventure which is both exciting and dangerous. This novel ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next. I definitely recommend that you read this if you love a good fantasy novel but make sure you read The False Prince first.

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Seraphina Review

451 pages

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Review:
This novel has a distinct middle age feel to it which definitely fits the major theme of dragons here. Seraphina has always lived her life in the shadows to help protect her secret from outsiders. Honestly, Seraphina's secret was pretty obvious to me although I wasn't sure of the exact details in which it would manifest. Although Seraphina has inner strength and a need to protect others, she has a type of self-hate which is difficult for her to overcome. I loved Prince Lucian although the love triangle he seems to be getting himself into might turn out to be harder than he thought. The draconian way of thinking is an interesting one of cold rationality without the burden of human emotions unless in human shape. This of course creates quite a rift between dragons and humans, each seeming alien to each other. There is a lot of prejudice between dragons and humans which leaves them constantly one step away from war. Most of this book is filled with Seraphina trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to destroy the peace between the two species. Although this isn't a novel full of action, it consists of political intrigue and intellectual ideas that make for an interesting read. I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I definitely recommend this if you like fantasy novels with dragons and the like.

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The Cadet of Tildor Review

400 pages

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.

Review:
I love a book with a strong female heroine and this one is no exception. Renee is the type of character I admire, strong and practically fearless although she is also headstrong at times. Renee is able to navigate the noble world as well as the rough and tumble life of cadet training. The other characters all have different personalities that make them memorable and most aren't what they seem to be from the beginning. There are a few romantic interests for Renee but that doesn't overshadow her as a character nor the events going on in this book. Tildor is a place of serious unrest so there is a lot of shady things going on especially in the poorer parts of the kingdom. The world created here mixes magic, intrigue, and war in a way that makes it an exciting and fun read. There is plenty of action and adventure as well as a mystery to solve. I definitely recommend this novel if you like fantasy fiction with a historical feel to it.

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Jinx Review

368 pages
Release date: January 8th, 2013

In the Urwald, you don’t step off the path. Trolls, werewolves, and butter-churn riding witches lurk amid the clawing branches, eager to swoop up the unwary. Jinx has always feared leaving the path—then he meets the wizard Simon Magnus. Jinx knows that wizards are evil. But Simon’s kitchen is cozy, and he seems cranky rather than wicked. Staying with him appears to be Jinx’s safest, and perhaps only, option. As Jinx’s curiosity about magic grows, he learns to listen to the trees as closely as he does to Simon’s unusual visitors. The more Jinx discovers, the more determined he becomes to explore beyond the security of well-trod paths. But in the Urwald, a little healthy fear is never out of place, for magic—and magicians—can be as dangerous as the forest, and soon Jinx must decide which is the greater threat.

Review (ARC):
This is such an intriguing and entertaining fantasy novel! I love Jinx although I had to keep reminding myself of his age sometimes when his decisions didn't seem too well thought out. The other characters Jinx meets along the way all have differing characteristics that make them both lovable and memorable. The world created here is one in which magical creatures run rampant and the only place to be safe from them, as far as Jinx knows, is on the path. Jinx has a lot to learn about the world outside of the village he grew up in especially since everyone in his village lives in fear of it. I loved the way that this novel portrayed that the outside doesn't always reflect the inside as well as a message about overcoming your fears. I really enjoyed reading this and can only hope that Jinx is brought back in a future novel. I definitely recommend reading this if you love fantasy and magic novels.

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Prophecy Review

312 pages
Release date: January 2nd, 2013

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.
Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope... Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Review (ARC):
I feel like this novel could have been so much better than it is. I liked Kira, she's strong and one heck of a fighter. However, I feel like for a Demon Slayer she definitely took too much crap from people in the kingdom. Kira isn't very strong in her convictions or sure of herself as a person. The rest of the characters weren't very memorable or remarkable so that made their inclusion in the story seem boring at times. Other than that the action is pretty good and I'm curious to learn more about this strange Dragon King Prophecy. I can't particularly say I recommend reading this novel although it isn't a terrible read, I just hope that the next one is better than this one.

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Splintered Review

384 pages
Release date: January 1st, 2013

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now. When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Review (ARC):

This is one strange book. You think you know the Wonderland story until you read this twist. Alyssa is certain that she's coming down with whatever madness seems to affect the females in her family. As a descendant of the original Alice, Alyssa has been looked at as possibly being crazy all her life. I admire Alyssa as a main character because despite everything she remains strong and finds a way to get answers to what the family curse really is about. The Wonderland in this novel is darker and more terrifying than the one told of in books. Everything is so twisted and different from what you may expect. There are two love interests, one a product of Wonderland and the other of the human world. It's interesting to see the hold both guys have on Alyssa and the motive behind their interest. There is quite a bit of adventure as Alyssa tries to figure out why Wonderland is so familiar and how she can break the family curse as well as pass the tests. The thing I liked the most about this novel is that the world building is extremely creative and intriguing. I definitely recommend reading this if you love twists on classic tales of a darker nature. 

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