The Last Full Measure by Trent Reedy (Divided We Fall book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Divided We Fall and Burning Nation, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Idaho, Idaho, land where freedom lovers go

Danny Wright started the Second American Civil War—and now he’s out of it, at last. The Feds have left his beloved home state of Idaho, and Danny and his friends JoBell, Becca, Cal, and Sweeney can live free of US dominance. But that new peace comes with considerable costs, from Danny’s disturbing flashbacks of the fighting, to the ongoing food and power shortages, to the Brotherhood of the White Eagle, whose promises of “security” look more like brutality.

From fertile plains to mountains tall, brothers, sisters one and all

Then Danny makes a shocking discovery about the Brotherhood’s final aims, and he joins a group of townspeople on a dangerous journey across a ravaged Idaho. As America collapses into war and chaos, they find a hidden place to build a society of their own. But is it right to stay safe when the world is cracking apart? Danny must work out his answers to the ultimate questions: what is worth living for, and fighting for, and dying for.

We will defend our liberty, Idaho, our lives for thee” - taken from Goodreads.com

In this thrilling conclusion to a war-torn story about the disintegration of the United States, Daniel Wright and his friends flee from the Brotherhood of the White Eagle. They soon realize that isolation isn’t an answer as everything they know crumbles down around them.

Who will survive or die in the end? What happens when not only the United States falls apart but the world erupts into World War III? Can Danny and his motley crew find a way to stop the Brotherhood? Does the United States rise up from the ashes? Will the world itself be saved? How will this story finally end? Visit Trent Reedy’s website.

Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, etc. (Books 1 - 10)

"Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.

So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices." - taken from Goodreads.com

Originally published as separate ebooks (that's how I read them), these stories are best enjoyed if read between City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight. Spoilers do occur and background information is gained for Lady Midnight.

Visit Cassandra Clare's website.

Nemesis by Anna Banks (Nemesis book 1)

“She didn’t expect to fall in love - with her nemesis.”

“Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But Mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift may be able to save Tarik’s kingdom. But should she risk exposing herself and her growing feelings for her nemesis?” - taken from Goodreads.com

I wasn’t sure about this book in the first couple of chapters trying to figure out this new world that the author built but I am so glad I stuck with it. I loved Sepora and Tarik’s interactions and the build up of their relationship. The ending completely shocked me and sets up book two nicely. I also love how the titles relate to the story lines.

Book two, Ally, is due out in 2017.

Visit Anna Banks’ website.

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson (Gold Seer trilogy book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Walk on Earth a Stranger, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book.

Check out Epic Reads if you need a recap on the first book.

“After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Where book one was all about the journey across the country to California, book two has Lee and her surviving friends trying to take a claim and find gold. Uncle Hiram isn’t going to let her get away and will stop at nothing to control Lee and make his own fortune. Fast paced and full of action, our heroine finds out the true meaning of friendship and personal freedom.

How far will Uncle Hiram go to control Leah? Are sparks building between Leah and Jefferson? Can Leah and her friends hold onto their gold claims and make it rich? What happens when Leah is offered her one chance of escape?

Leah’s story will be concluded in 2017 with book three. Visit Rae Carson’s website.

The Darkest Magic by Morgan Rhodes (Spirit and Thieves book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, A Book of Spirit and Thieves, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“In the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes's highly acclaimed Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, danger looms and the mystery deepens as two warring evils vie for possession of one elusive, powerful book.

Modern-day Toronto: Sisters Crystal and Becca Hatcher are reunited after reclaiming the Bronze Codex and narrowly escaping death. They have no one to trust but each other, and the only thing keeping them safe is the book that sent Becca's spirit to Ancient Mytica--the same book that their enemies would kill them for.

Ancient Mytica: Maddox grapples to keep his newly discovered powers under control, while the ruthless goddess Valoria hunts him down.

Modern-day Toronto: Farrell embraces his dark side as he unwittingly falls further under the spell of Markus, the mastermind leader of the nefarious Hawkspear Society, who will stop at nothing to find Crys and Becca--and the remarkable book in their possession.’ - taken from Goodreads.com

Why did I wait so long to read this book! Picking up immediately where the first book left off, the action starts up immediately. More back story about Ancient Mytica, the two goddesses, and the legendary Eva and the Kindred are revealed. Hopefully, this information will come in handy for Crystal Storm. Meanwhile in modern-day Toronto, secrets about the Hatcher family begin to come to light as well as information about Markus King.

What is so special about Becca Hatcher? What secrets does the Bronze Codex hold and why does Markus want it? Why is Valoria hunting down Maddox? Can he and Barnabas find a way to stop her?

Book three in the series will be published in 2017.

Visit Morgan Rhodes’ website.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

“The story of a girl, a boy, and the universe.”

“Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?” - taken from Goodreads.com

Taking place over the course of one day, readers not only get viewpoints of Daniel and Natasha, but several other characters that the two come on contact with throughout the day. The highs and lows that these two go through as Natasha believes in science but poetic Daniel makes her see that fate brought the two of them together. Readers wil be clamouring towards the end to see if Natasha and her family will be deported and what happens with her relationship with Daniel.

Visit Nicola Yoon’s website.

Blood For Blood by Ryan Graudin (Wolf By Wolf book 2)

“The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.

There would be blood.

Blood for blood.

Blood to pay.

An entire world of it.

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.

Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?

This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.” - taken from Goodreads.com

In this thrilling conclusion, Yael, Luka and Felix are now on the run after her failed assassination attempt. When the true depth of just how far Adolf Hitler will go to stay in power is revealed, Yael and the others must come up with a new plan. Unbeknownst to them, a desperate person willingly to do anything to save the ones they love, is in their midst and ready to betray the Resistance.

Can Hitler to stopped? Who is willing to betray the Resistance? What is Hitler’s plan to stay in power? How does Yael’s story end? Visit Ryan Graudin’s website.

Illusion by Martina Boone (The Heirs of Watson Island book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Compulsion and Persuasion, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

“Barrie must rescue her beloved and her family from evil spirits in the masterful conclusion to the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy.

Caged by secrets all around her and haunted by mistakes that have estranged her from Eight Beaufort, Barrie Watson is desperate to break the curse that puts her family in danger—without breaking the beautiful magic that protects Watson’s Landing. To do that, she must heal the rifts that have split the families of the island apart for three hundred years, unravel the mystery of the Fire Carrier and the spirits he guards, and take control of forces so deadly and awe-inspiring they threaten to overwhelm her.

With the spirits that cursed Watson Island centuries ago awake and more dangerous than ever, she finds an unlikely ally in the haunting and enigmatic Obadiah, whose motivations and power she still can’t read—or trust. His help comes at a price, however, plunging Barrie into a deadly maze of magic and wonder, mystery and intrigue that leads through history to places she never imagined she could go.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up immediately where Persuasion left off, Barrie is attempting to figure everything out, make amends and keep everyone happy. In the end, Barrie is going to have to confront some issues from her past before she can move on.

Will Barrie and Eight reconcile? Can the bindings be broken? Why did the bindings and curse occur in the first place? What secrets did Emmett Watson take to his grave? What is the curse of the Fire Bringer? Will the Colesworth gold be found? What are Obadiah’s true intentions? Can everyone have their happily ever afters?

Visit Martina Boone’s website.

Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner

“How do you move on from an irreplaceable loss? In a poignant debut, a sixteen-year-old boy must learn to swim against an undercurrent of grief—or be swept away by it.

Otis and Meg were inseparable until her family abruptly moved away after the terrible accident that left Otis’s little brother dead and both of their families changed forever. Since then, it’s been three years of radio silence, during which time Otis has become the unlikely protégé of eighteen-year-old Dara—part drill sergeant, part friend—who’s hell-bent on transforming Otis into the Olympic swimmer she can no longer be. But when Otis learns that Meg is coming back to town, he must face some difficult truths about the girl he’s never forgotten and the brother he’s never stopped grieving. As it becomes achingly clear that he and Meg are not the same people they were, Otis must decide what to hold on to and what to leave behind. Quietly affecting, this compulsively readable debut novel captures all the confusion, heartbreak, and fragile hope of three teens struggling to accept profound absences in their lives.” taken from Goodreads.com

This book is full of mystery and heartbreak. Otis is struggling with a lot. His best friend and former love has suddenly come back into his life after three years of silence and has dredged up lots of conflicting emotions. His little brother, Mason, died at Meg’s house. The two families who were very close and are suddenly ripped apart when Meg’s family moves to California. Otis is also dealing with Dara, a girl who has become his unofficial swim coach now that her dreams of a swimming career are shattered because part of one of her arms was amputated. Readers will be captivated not only by the glorious prose that is Ms. Garner’s novel but their desire to unravel and journey alongside Otis as he learns not only the circumstances and the impact his brother’s death had on the two families but more about Dara and what makes her tick.

How did Mason die? What were the circumstance surrounding his death? Why did Meg’s family leave town afterward? How did Dara lose part of her arm? Why is she determined to make Otis a better swimmer? Can Otis overcome the grief he feels over his brother’s death? What happens when Meg comes back into Otis’ life? How will Otis’ story end?

Visit Paula Garner’s website.

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (The Illuminae Files book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, IIlluminae, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

“Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Once again, an incredible story. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the inclusion of Hanna Donnelly’s journals, illustrated by Marie Lu. Written in the same dossier format as Illuminae, fans of this series will be eager to see how our favorite characters from the first book fit in with the new ones. With more surprising twists and turns, readers will be clamouring for the end to see what happens next. This book does end with a bit of a cliffhanger to lead off the third book in the series, due out in 2017.

Visit Amie Kaufman’s website.

Visit Jay Kristoff’s website.

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (Kingdom on Fire book 1)

“I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?” - taken from Goodreads.com

On this fantastical twist on Victorian England, the country is at war with the Ancients. Who they are, where and how they came to be is really unknown but sorcerers are unable to defeat them. They are barely able to protect the crown of England and the sorcerer families. Female magic or witchcraft is criminal and punishable by death since it is believed that a witch named Mary Willoughby brought the Ancients to the world. Henrietta Howel, an orphan and teacher at the Brimthorn School for Girls can call forth fire, a fact she tries to keep hidden except from her friend, Rook. Rook is one of the Unclean and feared by society. He bears the scars of being attacked by

Korozoth. When Cornelius Agrippa comes to Brimthorn to see if one of the girls there is the prophesied female sorcerer, Henrietta’s cover is blown when she and Rook are attacked by Familiars. Agrippa sees her burst into flames and attack the Familiars. Henrietta is brought to London by Agrippa to train and she convinces him to take Rook along as a servant.

In London, Henrietta is dropped into the world of high society and sorcerer training along with several boys, who have been training for a couple years already. She is more readily accepted by some but Lord Blackwell is reserving judgement. Unable to perform magic in the beginning, Henrietta begins to doubt herself when she learns of Lord Agrippa’s dead daughter Gwen. Many believed that Gwen was the prophesied one until her death. Now, Henrietta begins to doubt herself.

Is she the prophesied one? Where does Henrietta’s ability come from? Is she a sorcerer or a witch? Which boys will accept her? Does she get commended?

I loved this book which I compared to a female Harry Potter in a magical Victorian England. I cannot wait to see how this story continues.

Visit Jessica Cluess’ website.

The Midnight Star by Marie Lu (The Young Elites book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two book sin the series, The Young Elites and The Rose Society, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book.

“There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she’s achieved.

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Mi Adelinetta! You are the evil villain but really no one understands you. In this final installment of the Young Elites trilogy, you and the other Elites face your greatest enemy and must put aside your differences and work together to not only save yourself but the world in which you live in. As with any great quest, not everyone will survive. As with Lu’s Champion, fans will be torn over the masterpiece that is the epilogue.

Visit Marie Lu’s website. Visit the Young Elites’ website.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Six of Crows, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.”

“Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.” - taken from Goodreads.com

If Six of Crows was the introduction of Kaz Brekker and his crew, then Crooked Kingdom is the in depth analysis of them, their struggles, and how they plan to right the wrongs Van Eck committed against them when he reneged on his deal over the Ice Court job. Shocking discoveries and betrayals are uncovered as our favorite gang of “criminals” attempt to fight their way out of Ketterdam and make new lives for themselves. Will they be successful? Who lives and who dies? Can anyone find their happily ever after?

Fans of the Grisha trilogy will spot several cameos and appearances of some of their favorite characters.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch (Snow Like Ashes book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Snow like Ashes and Ice Like Fire, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite stories for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the series.

Check out Epic Reads if you need a recap on the series.

“Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.”

“Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This series is tied up nicely but not everyone ends up with a happily ever after. Fans of Meira will enjoy going on last last adventure as she works to defeat Angra and save Primoria.

Visit Sara Raasch’s website.