Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo (DC Icons book 1)

“Daughter of immortals.

Princess Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mortal. Diana will soon learn that she has rescued no ordinary girl, and that with this single brave act, she may have doomed the world.

Daughter of death.

Alia Keralis just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted by people who think her very existence could spark a world war. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together.

Two girls will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. Tested beyond the bounds of their abilities, Diana and Alia must find a way to unleash hidden strengths and forge an unlikely alliance. Because if they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.” - taken from Goodreads.com

First of all, if you have seen the movie, expect something completely different and for me that was great. A teenage Diana rescues a teenage girl when the ship she is on explodes. Once she brings Alia ashore on Themyscira, things for everyone go disastrously. Knowing she has broken the cardinal rule, Diana consults the Oracle about what she must do to rectify the situation. Alia is the Warbringer, a descendant of Helen of Troy. A Warbringer carries the death of the world. To save everyone, Diana must take Alia to the spring at Therapne to be purified and end the line of all Warbringers. If not, Armageddon will reign over the Earth.

Knowing what she must do to save everyone, Diana begins her hero's quest to the spring but Alai has other ideas and the two girls end of in modern day New York City.  For me, this is where the action and humor picked up for me. I adored the ending and cannot wait for Batman: Nightwalker.

Book two in the DC Icons series is Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu out January 2, 2018.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor (Into the Dim book 2)

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

“For the first time in her life, Hope Walton has friends . . . and a (maybe) boyfriend. She’s a Viator, a member of a long line of time-traveling ancestors. When the Viators learn of a plan to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla, only a race into the past can save the natural timeline from utter destruction. Navigating the glitterati of The Gilded Age in 1895 New York City, Hope and her crew will discover that high society can be as deadly as it is beautiful.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I read the first book in this series 18 months ago and I’ll admit, it took me awhile to get back into Hope’s world. I remembered the gist of the story but there were some details I didn’t recall until they were mentioned in the book and sometimes I still was a bit lost. I love the historical time-traveling plot but wasn’t sure what aspects of 1895 the author would touch on. Let’s just say that I was literally on the edge of my seat for about 100 pages for Hope’s escape from a situation she was forced into. The ending is a bit heartbreaking but I cannot wait to see what time period the Viators are thrust into for what seems to be a thrilling conclusion to this story.

Publication date and title of book three are unknown at this time.

Visit Janet B. Taylor’s website.

Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne (Rosemarked book 1)

“To take on an empire, you must have nothing to lose.”

“A healer who cannot be healed . . .

When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.

A soldier shattered by war . . .

Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.

Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Ok, this book did take me a bit to get into. It wasn’t until Zivah and Dineas begin to interact did the story draw me in. These two are not friends and only begrudgingly agree to work together. As their relationship progresses and they begin to infiltrate their respective areas in the capital city, the action picks up. Told in alternating viewpoints, readers find out what exactly happened to cause the plague outbreak and why. Readers are left with a cliffhanger ending that sets up the upcoming battle.

Umbertouched will conclude the story in 2018.

Visit Livia Blackburne’s website.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Arc of a Scythe book 1)

“Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I have known about this book since November 2014 and was excited to read it since I had just finished the Unwind quartet. Unfortunately, it wasn’t out yet and I don’t know why I have waited so long. The only good thing about this is that the second book is due out in a month and I cannot wait. I LOVED Rowan and Citra’s story and the world building where everyone is immortal until a Scythe decides that it is your time to be gleaned. I was sucked into this story and couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t expecting the ending and my imagination is limitless as to where this story will go.

The story continues with Thunderhead on January 9, 2018.

Visit Neal Shuterman’s website.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

“Anything can happen once upon a con…

When geek girl Elle Wittimer sees a cosplay contest sponsored by the producers of Starfield, she has to enter. First prize is an invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. Elle’s been scraping together tips from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck behind her stepmother’s back, and winning this contest could be her ticket out once and for all—not to mention a fangirl’s dream come true.

Teen actor Darien Freeman is less than thrilled about this year’s ExcelsiCon. He used to live for conventions, but now they’re nothing but jaw-aching photo sessions and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Federation Prince Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the diehard Starfield fandom has already dismissed him as just another heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, closet nerd Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don’t think there was anything that I didn’t love about this book. An interesting twist on the fairy tale of Cinderella, Danielle Wittimer is left with a cruel stepmother and two stepsisters who really never take the time to understand her. A lover of all things Starfield, a defunct television series that resembles Star Wars and Star Trek, it is the one connection she still has with her deceased parents. With a reboot of the Starfield world set to take place on the silver screen, Elle’s voice of her displeasure over the casting of the lead character to a popular teenage actor takes off. With a grand prize of attending the red carpet premiere of the movie at stake, Elle dreams of being in the cosplay contest at the con her father started.

Darien Freeman is a closet Starfield fan and playing Federation Prince Carmindor is a dream come true. When backlash over his casting by fans of the old TV program hit the Internet, he is driven to play the character that diehard fans want to see. Overwhelmed by the all the commitments his father/manager have placed before him, he tries to back out of several events at ExcelsiCon so that he can participate as a fan. Trying to reach the person in charge and failing, he begins to have text conversations with an unknown fan, who turns out to be his biggest critic, Elle.

Told in alternating voices between Elle and Darien, readers will race to the end not only to see how the story plays out but how the author will seamlessly insert her version of the beloved fairy tale. A definite read!

Visit Ashley Poston’s website.

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau (Dividing Eden book 1)

“Twins Carys and Andreus were never destined to rule Eden. With their older brother next in line to inherit the throne, the future of the kingdom was secure.

But appearances—and rivals—can be deceiving. When Eden’s king and crown prince are killed by assassins, Eden desperately needs a monarch, but the line of succession is no longer clear. With a ruling council scheming to gain power, Carys and Andreus are faced with only one option—to take part in a Trial of Succession that will determine which one of them is worthy of ruling the kingdom.

As sister and brother, Carys and Andreus have always kept each other safe—from their secrets, from the court, and from the monsters lurking in the mountains beyond the kingdom’s wall. But the Trial of Succession will test the bonds of trust and family.

With their country and their hearts divided, Carys and Andreus will discover exactly what each will do to win the crown. How long before suspicion takes hold and the thirst for power leads to the ultimate betrayal?” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved the beginning of this duology. Mystery, action, and betrayal are throughout the story. Twins Andreus and Carys’ lives are turned upside down when their father the king and their older brother, the Crown Prince are murdered. To make matters worse, their mother is unable to take over the throw since she went mad over the deaths of her husband and oldest son. Both of the twins are hiding secrets from everyone that threatened to be revealed when they are pitted against each other in a competition to see which one will be the next ruler of Eden. As the competition moves forward, the twins are pulled apart.

A few questions are answered but plenty of mysteries are still left to be revealed.  Eden Conquered, the second and final book is expected to be published on June 12, 2018.

Queen Betrice’s backstory is revealed in an ebook novella, Into the Garden.

Visit Joelle Charbonneau’s website.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

“Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This is the book that everyone should read! I listened to the audio version and when I started I didn’t know if I could get into Starr’s dialect, but it didn’t take long for me to be invested in her story. The author was inspired to write this story by the Black Lives Matter movement. As a reader, I dove into Starr’s story and learned more about various cultures and challenges than I dreamed possible. Ms. Thomas didn’t skip any punches in this book. The one part where Starr’s white boyfriend asked a question about names caused me to chuckle and think about what was said. Towards the end, I was on pins and needles hoping that Starr and her family would come their this ordeal unscathed. Definitely a book worth reading.

Visit Angie Thomas’s website.

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows (Fallen Isles trilogy book 1)

Before

“Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse.” taken from Goodreads.com

I’ll be honest. It took me awhile to get into this book. The story flips between the present and the past as the reader tries to figure out why Mira has been arrested and thrown into the Pit. The author slowly reveals what Mira knows but plenty of surprises occur and mysteries continue. This is a good start to this trilogy as the story will continue in book two, expected in 2018.

Visit Jodi Meadows’ website.

Invictus by Ryan Gaudin

“Time flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past.

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book completely blew me away! I loved the Wolf By Wolf duology and this book was just as good. The reader thinks that they know where the story is going, only for Ms. Graudin to throw a well-placed loop and plotline change to drive the story even further. I loved the interaction between our main characters, the jumps through time and the mystery they are trying to solve. Readers will be quickly turning the pages to see how Invictus ends.

Visit Ryan Graudin’s website.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

“Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized among them. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes – a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love, violating the fair folks’ ruthless Good Law. There's only one way to save both their lives, Isobel must drink from the Green Well, whose water will transform her into a fair one—at the cost of her Craft, for immortality is as stagnant as it is timeless.

Isobel has a choice: she can sacrifice her art for a future, or arm herself with paint and canvas against the ancient power of the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don’t think that I would have necessarily picked up this book if it hadn’t been sent to me in a subscription box I receive. I loved Isobel’s story. She is a tenacious heroine who stands by her convictions in the face of death. The slow burn romance was also a treat. I loved how the story flowed and you never really guessed exactly how it was going to end. With surprises along the way, readers will race to finish this stand-alone novel.

Visit Margaret Rogerson’s website.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

“One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book is amazing!!! I listened to the audio version of the book and loved how each of the four main characters/”suspects” was presented by separated voices. The action kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess who the liar was. Near the end, I was desperate to find time to finish the book and see how it ended.

Visit Karen M. McManus’s website.

Ally by Anna Banks (Nemesis book 2)

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

“Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?” - taken from Goodreads.com

Ally picks up immediately where Nemesis ended. The Quiet Plague is crippling Theoria and Tarik is at a loss on how to stop it. Now engaged to wed Sepora, Tarik is struggling to rule his kingdom and deal with Sepora’s personality. Sepora’s world also comes crashing down when she is betrayed. Without giving away too many details, the action is nonstop throughout this book. Readers will be hanging on to see how Tarik and Sepora survive all that is thrown at them. I raced through the second half just to see how this book finished.

Visit Anna Banks’ website.

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.

Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her and her friends' entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This isn’t your normal Jennifer Armentrout read. Yes, there is a sweet romance but the heart of the story is Lena’s journey of recovery after one bad choice. Not only is Lena’s recovery a physical one but an emotional one on many different levels. Readers won’t be able to put this book down to find out exactly what happens to Lena. Once again, JLA has written a great book.

Visit Jennifer L. Armentrout’s website.

Fire Blood by Elly Blake (Frostblood Saga book 2)

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

“All hail the Fire Queen.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fire Queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, Ruby no longer knows whom to trust. The fates of two kingdoms are now in her hands.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved the first book in this series and was so happy that I didn’t have to wait a year for book two. Fire Blood picks up the action immediately following Frost Blood. I did find the first third to half a bit slow, the second half of this book more than makes up for it. Action packed with lots of secrets and questions answered fans will be eager to finish this trilogy in 2018 with Nightblood.

Visit Elly Blake’s website.

Warcross by Marie Lu (Warcross book 1)

Player Hunter Hacker Pawn

“For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved Lu’s Legend trilogy and Warcross is just as impressive. The worldbuilding that she creates is literally out of this world. Emika Chen is just as strong as June Iparis with a devastating background like Daniel “Day” Wing. Hideo Tanaka is the “boy” genius who created the worldwide obsession that is Warcross and made him rich and famous beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. He does harbor a dark secret but sparks fly between him and Emika early on.

This book is fast paced and unputdownable. A duology, eager fans will be clamoring for the second book after that heartbreaking, jaw-dropping ending. Book two is expected to be out in 2018.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine (The Great Library book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Ink and Bone, and Paper and Fire, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Words can kill.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny…

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library…” - taken from Goodreads.com

The stakes are even higher for Jess Brightwell and his friends as they attempt to bring down the Archivist and restore honor to the Great Library of Alexandria. Starting with the cliffhanger ending from Paper and Fire,  Jess and his friends find themselves as prisoners. Fans of the series find out with another cliffhanger ending, Ms. Caine is expanding what was once a trilogy into a five book series.

Book four is expected to be published in 2018.

Visit Rachel Caine’s website.

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass book 6)

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

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

This is Chaol Westfall's story and it takes place during the same time frame as book five, Empire of Storms. Fans of this series will gain an in-depth view of what makes Chaol tick and drove his decisions in the previous books. Lots of new characters are introduced and information is learned that sets up the final book in this series.

The series is scheduled to conclude in 2018.

Visit Sarah J. Maas’ website.

Everything All at Once by Katrina Leno

“Lottie Reeves has always struggled with anxiety, and when her beloved Aunt Helen dies, Lottie

begins to fear that her own unexpected death might be waiting around every corner.

Aunt Helen wasn’t a typical aunt. She was the author of the best–selling Alvin Hatter series, about siblings who discover the elixir of immortality. Her writing inspired a generation of readers.

In her will, she leaves one last writing project—just for Lottie. It’s a series of letters, each containing mysterious instructions designed to push Lottie out of her comfort zone. Soon, Lottie’s trying some writing of her own, leaping off cliffs, and even falling for a boy she’s only just met. Then the letters reveal an extraordinary secret about the inspiration for the Alvin Hatter series. Lottie finds herself faced with an impossible choice, one that will force her to confront her greatest fear once and for all.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Lottie Reaves is dealing with the death of her beloved aunt Helen, the best-selling, well-known author of a series of children’s books about an immortal brother and sister. (Aunt Helen, think J.K. Rowling famous!) With her high school graduation looming, Lottie suffers from severe anxiety and only her best friend Em and Helen know. After the funeral, the family meets with Helen’s lawyer for the reading of her will. Leaving personal effects behind for her family, everyone is shocked when Helen leaves Lottie a series of letters with very specific directions. As Lottie opens each letter, she finds that her aunt wanted to push her out of her comfort zone as well as divulge a huge secret that she had carried around for years. Lottie soon meets the mysterious Sam, who is also devastated over Helen’s death and has a secret of his own. Interspersed with scenes from Helen’s novels, readers will travel along with Lottie as she mourns her aunt’s death.

Visit Katrina Leno’s website.