In the Hall With a Knife by Diana Peterfreund (Clue Mystery book 1)

“The game is on. No one is safe.”

“When a storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy, an elite prep school nestled in the woods of Maine, a motley crew of students—including Beth “Peacock” Picach, Orchid McKee, Vaughn Green, Sam “Mustard” Maestor, Finn Plum, and Scarlet Mistry—are left stranded on campus with their headmaster. Hours later, his body is found in the conservatory and it’s very clear his death was no accident. With this group of students who are all hiding something, nothing is as it seems, and everyone has a motive for murder. Fans of the CLUE board game and cult classic film will delight in Diana Peterfreund’s modern reimagining of the brand, its characters, and the dark, magnificent old mansion with secrets hidden within its walls.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I was intrigued to start this new series based on the Clue board game. I played the game as a child but I don’t really remember much of the movie. I really liked the premise of the book but I had trouble keeping my mind on the story with the continued switching viewpoints between all of the characters. I thought that I had the murderer pegged but that story thread turned out to be the cliffhanger setting up the second book.

Visit Diana Peterfreund’s website.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

“Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever... or is it?” - taken from Goodreads.com

I picked up this book because it takes place ever Sophia's Christmas break from school and was wrong. Nothing completely original about a lot but I loved the family aspect of this story. My favorite “date” had to be the one that took place at the drive-in movie theater. No spoilers and what happens here. Read it to find out for yourself.

Visit Ashley Elston’s website.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (The Folk of the Air book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first two books.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first two books.

“He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book and the ending of the trilogy was absolutely perfect!! I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I am going to keep this short. Breathtaking and heart pounding with the action never slowing down. And that was an incredible epilogue. I hate to leave these characters behind.

Visit Holly Black’s website.

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey

“She read a thousand happy endings before she finds her own.”

“From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There, she can avoid the crushing reality of her mother’s hoarding and pretend her life is simply ordinary. But when a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex, the only home Darcy has ever known outside of her books suddenly hangs in the balance.

While Darcy is struggling to survive beneath the weight of her mother’s compulsive shopping, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works…and straight into her heart. For the first time in her life, Darcy can’t seem to find the right words. Fairy tales are one thing, but real love makes her want to hide inside her carefully constructed ink-and-paper bomb shelter.

Still, after spending her whole life keeping people out, something about Asher makes Darcy want to open up. But securing her own happily-ever-after will mean she’ll need to stop hiding and start living her own truth—even if it’s messy.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book sounded interesting when I first saw it and I am glad I picked it up to read. It was an incredibly fast read that I could not put down. Darcy Jane Wells has an unseen attitude for all things literary. Abandoned by her father before birth and a mother pills with life as a Forester, Percy Spencer Tom in the pages of a book instead of being around life. When Asher Fleet, a recent grad Darcy's High School Who is dealing with the effects of a car accident begins spending his break time at the bookstore where she works, Darcy must find the courage to step out from behind a book and begin living her own life.

Filled with a ton of literary references, appropriate quotes, and a mysterious copy of Peter Pan that plays an integral role in the story, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

Visit Laura Taylor Namey’s website.

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

“Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?” - taken from Goodreads.com

A super cute and funny read about to seasonal best friends who decide to go on an adventure of a lifetime on their last night of working together before heading off to college. The illustrations were great.

Visit Rainbow Rowell’s website.
Visit Faith Erin Hicks’ website.

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (Letters to the Lost book 1)

“Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This story did pull at my heartstrings and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see when Juliet and Declan would discover who the other was. Tormented by their grief, these two form an unlikely relationship, anomalously at first. As feelings between the pair grow between their letters and interactions, I was ready for these two to move past their grief. I adored Declan’s friend Rev and I cannot wait to read his story in More Than We Can Tell. I definitely need to read more from this author. 

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

“One big lie. Two forbidden romances. Three days to catch a killer.”

“Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington may seem harmless, but in fact, she's one of Quadara's most skilled thieves and a liar. Varin, on the other hand, is an honest, upstanding citizen of Quadara's most enlightened region, Eonia. Varin runs afoul of Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When Varin attempts to retrieve the package, he and Keralie find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadara's queens dead.

With no other choices and on the run from Keralie's former employer, the two decide to join forces, endeavoring to discover who has killed the queens and save their own lives in the process. When their reluctant partnership blooms into a tenuous romance, they must overcome their own dark secrets in hopes of a future together that seemed impossible just days before. But first they have to stay alive and untangle the secrets behind the nation's four dead queens.” - taken from Goodreads.com 

This book has it all!! Royalty, lies, forbidden love with splashes of fantasy and science fiction into the mix. But what I enjoyed most about the story was the incredible mystery of who was assassinating the queens and why. I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming and was completely shocked. This book an incredible read. 

Visit Astrid Scholte’s website.

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

“Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was another super sweet rom-com from Sarah Dessen. Louna is still heartbroken over the tragic ending of her first love/relationship. It doesn’t help that she works for her wedding planner mother who has also disillusioned herself with the idea of happily ever after. When Ambrose joins Natalie Barrett weddings for the summer, Louna discovers that maybe she can open her heart up again. 

Visit Sarah Dessen’s website.

Children of Blood & Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Legacy of Orïsha book 1)

“They killed my mother.

They took our magic.

They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I had put off reading this book for a while but with book two coming out, I jumped right into the audio version. This was a fantastic listen and once again Bahni Turpin proves why she is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. Tomi Adeyemi weaves an incredible magical fantasy that finds the magic of Orisha diminished by the brutal slaying of the maji by the dominating King Saran. On an unlikely quest to restore the power of the Diviners, Zelie, her brother Tzain and the escaped princess Amari, journey through Orisha while being tracked by the Crown Prince Inan. There is never a dull moment in this action-packed story.

Book two, Children of Virtue & Vengeance is due out Dec. 3, 2019.

Visit Tomi Adeyemi's website.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Alex Stern book 1)

WARNING! This is an adult title. Mature readers only.

"Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Ninth House is Leigh Bardugo’s first foray into ADULT literature. This is a book with adult themes just like Stephen King. The first third of the book is a bit slow as Bardugo sets the storyline and setting and may turn some teen readers off. With that said, this was an incredible murder mystery that left me speechless at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed how the ending sets up the plotline for book two due out on June 1, 2021.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Stealing Home by Becky Wallace

“Fight for your dreams, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Seventeen-year-old Ryan Russell has life perfectly planned. If she keeps up her hard work, one day she’ll take over the family business: owning the Buckley Beavers, a minor league baseball team, and become one of the only female General Managers in the sport.

But when the newest member of the Beavers, child-phenom Sawyer Campbell, shows up, Ryan’s carefully laid plans are thrown a major curveball. Sawyer is far more charming than the arrogant jocks she usually manages, his ambition rivals her own workaholic nature—and he’s completely out of bounds. Fraternizing is against every rule in the Beaver’s handbook.

Then Ryan’s divorced parents butt heads over the future of the Beavers, and her mom plans to sell her shares to a business group known for relocating teams. If this happens, Ryan’s dreams of becoming GM disappear. In a bid to save her future, she partners with Sawyer to use his star power to draw in sponsors who will keep the team in Buckley. But the more time she spends with him, the more impossible it becomes to play by the Beaver’s rules, and she can’t afford a strikeout on the path to her dreams.

Full count with two outs, Ryan’s one pitch away from losing the whole ball game.” - taken from Goodreads.com

When I started this book, I wished I had a free day to have read it all in one sitting. I loved Ryan and Sawyer’s story and couldn't wait to find out the ending. Brought together by their love of baseball, Ryan's determined to hold Sawyer at arm's length. Rule number one is no fraternizing with the players. When both their worlds are turned upside down, Ryan fights to keep her dream alive even if she hurts Sawyer in the process. What I adored about the story is the ending. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next. 

Visit Becky Wallace's website.

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (Dance of Thieves book 2)

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

“Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I wish I had the time to devour this book in one setting but dragging the story out was good for me too. Kazi and Jace's happily ever after is short-lived when they arrived back at Tor’s Watch to find it has been taken over by an unexpected enemy. Without spoiling the story too much, be aware the Kazi and Jace are apart for much of the book. The ending was fantastic and my favorite characters from The Remnant Chronicles make an appearance. A great ending to the series. 

Visit Mary E. Pearson’s website.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

“Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This wasn't my favorite Maurene Goo novel but granted, I did read her newer stuff first. I love how Desi Lee believes that with the best-laid plans, anything is possible, including love. What I couldn't believe are the absolute lengths that Desi went to in order to make Luca fall for her. At times, I wanted to scream at her to stop her foolishness because it kept turning into a disaster. The best part of this story was the fact at the end that Desi learns that sometimes the best things in life don’t go according to plan.

Visit Maurene Goo’s website.

Evermore by Sara Holland (Everless book 2)

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

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

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

“Time is a weapon only she can wield.”

“Jules Ember was raised hearing legends of the ancient magic of the wicked Alchemist and the good Sorceress. But she has just learned the truth: not only are the stories true, but she herself is the Alchemist, and Caro—a woman who single-handedly murdered the Queen and Jules’s first love, Roan, in cold blood—is the Sorceress.

The whole kingdom believes that Jules is responsible for the murders, and a hefty bounty has been placed on her head. And Caro is intent on destroying Jules, who stole her heart twelve lifetimes ago. Jules must delve into the stories that she now recognizes are accounts of her own past. For it is only by piecing together the mysteries of her lives that Jules will be able to save the person who has captured her own heart in this one.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up immediately where Everless ended, Jules continues her journey to find a way to stop Caro before it's too late. The way this story ended came as a complete shock to me. I wasn't expecting the twist that came at the end. My only regret is that I didn't pick up the second book sooner. 

Visit Sara Holland’s website.

Rebel by Marie Lu (Legend book 4)

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

“Respect the Legend. Idolize the Prodigy. Celebrate the Champion. But never underestimate the Rebel.

With unmatched suspense and her signature cinematic storytelling, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of Legend for a truly grand finale.

Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother.

A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero. These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.

As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him. At least not on his own . . .” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved the first three books in the Legend series even though Champion broke my heart. That book still has the best ending I think I will ever read. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to get my hands on this unexpected gift of a fourth book that takes place roughly one month after the epilogue from Champion.

Without going into too much detail, this book centers around the Wing brothers and their lives in Ross City. Eden is now a young man who is seeing the injustice around him and Daniel who no longer knows how to relate to his brother. And yes, June does play an integral role in the story. Once again, Marie Lu spends a fantastic ending for fans.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Serpent & Dove book 1)

“Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I got to say that I love a good enemy to lovers plotline and this book absolutely blew me away. Thankfully, I had a free day where I could finish the second half of this book in one sitting. A witch being forced to marry a witch hunter made for a great slow burn romance as well as individual journeys of self-discovery for both Lou and Reid. Comic at times with great supporting characters, true friendships, and several unexpected reveals, this is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. Lou and Reid are definitely one of my favorite book relationships of all time. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. 

Book two, Blood & Honey is due out on August 31, 2020.

Visit Shelby Mahurin’s website.

Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine (The Great Library book 5)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first four books in the Great Library series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you. 

“With the future of the Great Library in doubt, the unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone must decide if it's worth saving in this thrilling adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This is the fifth and final book in The Great Library series. After the four previous books, I had become extremely invested in all of the characters. At over 12 hours in length for the audio version, I had a hard time hitting stop. Readers/listeners will be eager to see and all this story finally ends. A great masterpiece for sure.

Visit Rachel Caine’s website.

Eclipse the Skies by Maura Milan (Ignite the Stars book 2)

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

“Ia Cōcha never thought she’d be working for the Olympus Commonwealth. But that was before she found out her trusted brother Einn was trying to tear apart the universe. Now, Ia, the Blood Wolf of the Skies, has agreed to help the Royal Star Force on one condition: when she finds him, she gets to kill Einn herself.

Brinn Tarver has just come to terms with her Tawny identity when the public lashes out against her people, crushing her family. At her breaking point, she starts to question everything she believes in—including Ia.

After the death of his mentor, Knives Adams is doing his best to live up to a role he didn’t ask for as Aphelion’s new headmaster. Still, with each new step deeper into war, he feels torn between his duties and the pull of Ia’s radical—sometimes criminal—ideas.

As they fight to keep darkness from eclipsing the skies, their unpredictable choices launch this breathtaking sequel to explosive new heights.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved the first book in this duology so much that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second one. I don't know what it is about the subgenre, but I have really enjoyed reading “Space Opera” books. After seeing some of the reviews for this title on Goodreads, I was leery to finish the story because of the possible ending that had been foretold. I even did something I usually don't do and read the last three chapters to see if my fears were true. Fortunately, this book was the perfect conclusion to the story. Our characters really grew throughout the course of this final book. My only regret is that my time with these characters was so short. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next. 

Visit Maura Milan’s website.

American Royals by Katharine McGee (American Royals book 1)

"What if America had a royal family?

When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.

As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her. And then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart." - taken from Goodreads.com

I picked up this book knowing that I needed something completely frivolous to read next. The whole concept of George Washington becoming the first American King after the Revolution was completely unrealistic to this is history major but I did love how the author wove certain aspects and places of history into the story. This title was one that I knew I would either love it or hate it. Thank goodness I completely loved everything about the story. There is just something about royalty and romance that hooks me in. What I wasn't expecting was the ending and finding out that this is actually the first book and a new series. Now to wait for book two next fall. 

Book two is untitled but due out in the fall of 2020.

Visit Katharine McGee’s website.

Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns book 4)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in the Three Dark Crowns series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first three books.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first three books.

Check out Epic Reads if you need a recap of the first three books. 

“After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared. 

Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted. 

In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.

The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I couldn’t wait for the end of this story and I almost didn’t want to finish it and discover the ending. If I am truthful, this book ended exactly the way I thought it would. Does that make me happy? I’m not sure. Not a completely satisfying ending (I needed more background information on some of the history) and a bit open-ended, I was left a little underwhelmed. I literally devoured the ending so that I could see who survived. Hopefully, the survivors go on to find their happily ever afters.

Visit Kendare Blake’s website.

House of Salt & Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

“In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I had heard lots of good things about this book so I decided to give it a try. I adored this book so much that I had a hard time putting it down and even peeked at the ending to see what would happen. Thank goodness I didn't spoil too much of an unexpected and haunting ending. Based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, our story opens up with our main character Annaleigh, the sixth born sister attending one of her older sister's funeral. Four older sisters and their mother have all passed on and the town folks believe that the Thaumas sisters are cursed. When a mysterious young man enters her life, Annaleigh is determined to prove that there is no curse and that someone is seeking vengeance on the Thaumas family. Chilling, haunting, and mysterious read with a romantic interest thrown in, readers will devour this book.

Visit Erin A. Craig’s website.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Avecedo

“A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world.

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself.

So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.

Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.” taken from Goodreads.com

My students know that I’m not a fan of poetry but any free verse novel that I do “read”, I actually listen to. The Poet X had caught my attention when it was first published but I didn’t pick it up until just now when I listened to the audio version read by the author. Elizabeth Acevedo is a National Poetry Slam Champion and brings her words literally to life. An absolutely heartbreaking yet encouraging read about Xiomara and her struggles with her domineering mother. The author is also an audiobook narrator for other author’s novels. This will definitely not be my last listen by the author.

Visit Elizabeth Avecedo’s website.

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan (Something Dark and Holy book 1)

“Let Them Fear Her”

“A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.

A prince in danger must decide who to trust.

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings. 

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Fantasy books are my favorite genre and I was excited to get my hands on this book. The only real problem that I have with starting a new fantasy series is emerging myself in a new world. Loosely based on a Gothic Russia/Poland with a polytheistic religion, it took me a bit to truly get invested in the story. Once I did, there was no going back. I thought I knew where the author was going with the story but it was just a tease before she pulled the literal rug out from underneath my feet with that shocking ending.

I am now eagerly awaiting the second book in the Something Dark and Holy trilogy, Ruthless Gods, due out on April 7, 2020.

Visit Emily A. Duncan’s website.

Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer

“When his dad is caught embezzling funds from half the town, Rob goes from popular lacrosse player to social pariah. Even worse, his father’s failed suicide attempt leaves Rob and his mother responsible for his care.

Everyone thinks of Maegan as a typical overachiever, but she has a secret of her own after the pressure got to her last year. And when her sister comes home from college pregnant, keeping it from her parents might be more than she can handle.

When Rob and Maegan are paired together for a calculus project, they’re both reluctant to let anyone through the walls they’ve built. But when Maegan learns of Rob’s plan to fix the damage caused by his father, it could ruin more than their fragile new friendship...

This captivating, heartfelt novel asks the question: Is it okay to do something wrong for the right reasons?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was my first Brigid Kemmerer book despite the fact that her Elementals series has been in a box by my bed for years. Fortunately, this will not be my last book by this author. I literally blew through this book in two days. Maegan and Rob’s story sucked me in and didn’t let go until the end, which was a heartbreaking mixture of emotions. Kemmerer’s contemporary novels are now on my auto-read list. 

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

As She Ascends by Jodi Meadows (Fallen Isles book 2)

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

“MIRA, THE HOPEBEARER

Mira Minkoba is on the run with her friends after a fiery escape from the Pit, where she’d been imprisoned for defending the dragons she loves. And she wants answers. Where have all the dragons been taken? Why are powerful noorestones being shipped to the mainland? And did the treaty she’s been defending her whole life truly sell out the Fallen Isles to their enemies?

MIRA, THE DRAGONHEARTED

As her connection to the dragons—and their power—grows stronger, so does Mira’s fear that she might lose control and hurt someone she loves. But the only way to find the truth is to go home again, to Damina, to face the people who betrayed her and the parents she’s not sure she can trust.

Home, where she must rise above her fears. Or be consumed.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I think I waited a bit too long in picking up the second book in this trilogy. I had problems recalling a lot of the details from the first book. Unfortunately, I found the beginning of the book to be very slow. It literally takes Mira and her friends forever to escape and go somewhere else after leaving the pit. Once the action picks up, the story really moves forward. As shocking revelations are revealed, Mina must make a choice as to who she will become. The ending sets up the final book in this trilogy.

Book three, When She Reigns, is due out Sept. 10, 2019.

Visit Jodi Meadows’ website.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

“Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make it out of her neighborhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri’s got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri’s life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it—she has to make it.

On the Come Up is Angie Thomas’s homage to hip-hop, the art that sparked her passion for storytelling and continues to inspire her to this day. It is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; of the struggle to become who you are and not who everyone expects you to be; and of the desperate realities of poor and working-class black families.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I enjoyed Angie Thomas’ sophomore novel so much better than her first and more than I initially expected. As Bri’s story unfolded, I help my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. A couple of times the incident from The Hate U Give is mentioned but reading that book first isn’t necessary. Once again, I listened to the audio version and Bahni Turpin is a phenomenal voice to the author’s words. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next. 

Visit Angie Thomas’ website.

Maybe This Time by Kasie West

“One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love

Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year's Eve parties. Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas.

Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all . . .

Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I love reading Kasie West’s books and her latest is no exception. What was different about this story was the timeline over which it took place. Over the various events in this small town, our main characters not only meet and interact but eventually fall in love. I also liked how the flower theme and meanings of various flowers were interwoven into the story. I do wish we could have seen more interaction between Sophie and Andrew then only nine times in the story.

Visit Kasie West’s website.

Whisper of the Tide by Sarah Tolcser (Song of the Current book 2)

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

“Caro has settled into a routine: Wake, eat breakfast, try to figure out who is going attempt to assassinate Markos today. The currents aren't exactly calm. Markos is in constant danger, and his claim to the Akhaian throne is largely unsupported. Without military strength he doesn't have a chance. Relief appears on the horizon when a powerful Archon wants to side with Markos in his fight for the throne. But in exchange for an army, Markos must marry the Archon’s daughter. They must decide which is more important: their love for each other or the fate of Akhaia. And Caro will have to decide if her destiny is to sail with the tide, or chart her own course.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I had put off reading this book for a while especially since I couldn’t find a recap of the first book. Fortunately, I surprised myself by not needing it at all. A few characters from the first book didn’t return but I feel like the author dropped a major hint involving a minor character. I hope that there is a third book or spinoff to flesh out this new storyline.

Visit Sarah Tolcser’s website.

Defy the Fates by Claudia Gray (Constellations book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Defy the Stars and Defy the Worlds, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Hunted and desperate.

Abel only has one mission left that matters: save the life of Noemi Vidal. To do that, he not only has to escape the Genesis authorities, he also must face the one person in the galaxy who still has the means to destroy him. Burton Mansfield's consciousness lives on, desperate for a home, and Abel's own body is his last bargaining chip. 

Alone in the universe.

Brought back from the brink of death, Noemi Vidal finds Abel has not only saved her life, but he's made her into something else, something more. Not quite mech, yet not quite human any longer, Noemi must find her place in a universe where she is utterly unique, all while trying to create a world where anyone--even a mech--can be free.

The final battle between Earth and the colony planets is here, and there's no lengths to which Earth won't go to preserve its domination over all humanity. But together, the universe's most advanced mech and its first human-mech hybrid might have the power to change the galaxy for good.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book is how a series should end. The action picks up immediately where book two ended and never stops. Fast paced, thrilling, and intriguing, Abel and Noemi take fans for a wild ride across the universe. With everyone out to get them, these two never give up on their beliefs and not only fight for their friends but for their enemies as well. After finishing this series, I cannot wait to pick up another one of Ms. Gray’s books 

Visit Claudia Gray’s website.

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

“10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she's just performed her hit song "Heartbeat" in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She's about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She's in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger.

11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She's very cute. He's maybe curious.

12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same.” - taken from Goodreads.com

With this book, Maurene Goo has become one of my must-read authors. I loved The Way You Make Me Feel, but Lucky and Jack captured my heart that I found it nearly impossible to put this book down. Lucky is a huge K-pop star living a completely sheltered and controlled life. Desperate for a hamburger after she finishes her latest concert tour, Lucky sneaks out of her hotel after taking a sleeping pill. What occurs next is a Good Samaritan named Jack finding and taking care of her, not knowing her true identity.

When Jack, a freelance paparazzo, discovers who he has brought home, he devises a plan to capture candid photos of the squeaky-clean star to further his career. What Jack doesn't expect is to fall in love with Lucky. This book is absolutely beautiful. Maurene Goo fans, there's even a tiny little glimpse of the characters from The Way You Make Me Feel. 

Visit Maurene Goo’s website.