The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross

“He chose betrayal. She chooses vengeance.”

“When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book is not your typical fantasy read. I did find the start to be a little slow but was soon flipping ahead to see where Brienna's story was going to take her. An orphan with no idea who her father is, she finds friends and a home at Magnalia House where she studies. Upon completion of her studies with no future prospects, Brienna is left behind.

This is where the story really picks up in action. When a mysterious patron is found for her, Bri because learns that family is not always those who share blood and finds herself in the middle of a plot to overthrow a cruel King and replace the rightful Queen on to its throne. Faced with shocking revelations and gut-wrenching decisions, Bri finally finds her place in the world.

With maps, detailed family trees and a list of characters, readers will be ready to join Bri on her journey.

Visit Rebecca Ross’ website.

Everless by Sara Holland (Everless book 1)

“Time is a prison. She is the key.”

“In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.

No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.

But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don't remember what exactly brought this book to my attention but I bought it fairly soon after it came out. For one thing, I don't think there is one single thing about this book that I didn't enjoy! Full of mysteries and deadly secrets, Jules is desperate to spare her father's life that she will go against his wishes. Going back to the place where she grew up and was banished from in order to earn a little money, Jewels reconnects with old friends and enemies when making new ones. Stepping into the lion's den, Jules doesn't realize how much danger she is in until it is too late. 

Filled with secrets and jaw dropping revelations, readers will devour this book only to find themselves waiting for the next one.

The story continues with Evermore in 2019.

Visit Sara Holland’s website.

The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin (The Shw Chronicles book 1)

SPOILER ALERT! This book is the first in a companion series to the Mara Dyer trilogy. Noah Shaw & Mara Dyer are both introduced in the earlier books. It would be extremely helpful to read that series first.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first two books in the Mara Dyer trilogy.

“In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right.

This is what happens after happily ever after."- taken from Goodreads.com

If you read the Mara Dyer trilogy, you know that you were constantly asking yourself “what just happened?” This latest installment is no different. After the events in Florida, Noah and Mara have settled in New York City. Told from Noah's point of view, readers get an inside look at his hopes and deepest fears. Now the Shaw heir upon his father's death, Noah wants to turn a blind eye to his father's dealings. But as Noah's gift allows him to witness the final moments of other gifted youth like him, he knows that he needs to stop the murder/suicides before it's too late. Even if he has to confront the one girl he loves, Mara Dyer.

All I have to say is that I didn't see any of the ending coming. While a few mysteries were finally answered, so much more were encountered.

The next book, The Reckoning of Noah Shaw, is due out on November 13, 2018.

Visit Michelle Hodkin’s website.

Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes (Falling Kingdoms book 6)

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

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher on books 4 & 5.
Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first 4 books.

“As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart? “ taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up immediately where Crystal Storm left off, our cast of characters are in a terrible pickle. Over the course of six books, everyone has experienced innumerable losses that have enabled everyone to come out stronger in the end. The trials and tribulations climax in this final chapter of the Fallen kingdoms series. This fan was not disappointed by the ending.

Visit Morgan Rhodes’ website.

Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

“A contemporary novel about a girl whose high school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream leads her to new friends—and maybe even new love.

The day of the last party of the summer, Claudia overhears a conversation she wasn't supposed to. Now on the wrong side of one of the meanest girls in school, Claudia doesn't know what to expect when the two are paired up to write a paper—let alone when they're both forced to try out for the school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

But mandatory participation has its upsides—namely, an unexpected friendship, a boy band obsession, and a guy with the best dimpled smile Claudia's ever seen. As Claudia's world starts to expand, she finds that maybe there are some things worth sticking her neck out for.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Emma Mills is now an auto-read author on my reading list. In Foolish Hearts, Claudia is forced to team up with Iris, the girl Claudia overheard getting dumped by her girlfriend. After a failed joint English paper, the two agreed to work on the upcoming play in conjunction with the neighboring boys' school. Working on costumes for the production, Claudia begins to spread her wings and finally begins to make friends at school.

When Claudia catches the eye of Gideon, a popular boy, she fights her attraction. As she continues to hang out with Iris, a new friendship between the two flourishes. When several problems arise in her family, Claudia learns that she needs to take a leap of faith and live her life.

With the plot revolving around the play A Midsummer's Night Dream and a couple of fandoms, readers will stay up all night to see how Claudia story ends.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

“When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Once again, Katie McGarry has crafted Perfection. Drix and Elle are from opposite sides of the tracks but meet when he saves her from two harassing boys on a carnival midway. Elle is the governor's daughter and Drix is the poster child for his juvenile delinquent rehabilitation program. Thrown together during her father's run for US Senate seat, they find it impossible to stay away from each other even though Elle has been ordered by her father to keep away.

As Drix struggles to find his way back into his family, he tries to uncover who he went to jail for. Drix’s was wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Elle slowly realizes that her parents are controlling every aspect of her life. Unable to stay from one another, Elle and Drix's not only help each other but fall in love.

I really hope the author continues the characters from this series because I would love to see more of Drix’s extended family.

Visit Katie McGarry’s website.

One Dark Thorne by Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns book 2)

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

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

“The battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up the story where it left off in Three Dark Crowns, Mirabella, Arsinoe, and Katharine are in their Ascension year. But what soon happens, most not dared to think. With two queens reluctant to kill her sisters and one who will stop at nothing to wear the crown, no one on the island is truly safe. When a rare power rises up in someone who isn't a Queen, the playing field changes. Full of heartbreak and uncovered Secrets, book two exceeds and expands the wonderful story started in book one. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next book to see who will survive.

Until then, a collection of short stories, Queens of Fennbirn, is out on April 4, 2018.

Visit Kendare Blake’s website.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns book 1)

“Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.” - taken from Goodreads.com

OMG! There was not one thing but I didn't love about this book. Triplet sisters, each with their own special power/gift, are raised separately to fight the other two to the death for the throne. Each is leery of killing her sisters but as the time draws near, secrets have been exposed that change everything. The only good thing about waiting so long to read this book is that I can immediately pick up the second.

Book two, One Dark Throne, is out now.

Visit Kendare Blake’s website.

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano (The Glass Spare book 1)

“A banished princess.
A deadly curse.
A kingdom at war.

Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.

But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.

With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was a unique fantasy Princess Wil discovers that she has a deadly curse that leads to tragedy. Banished by her father, Wil travels to find the one man who might be able to offer her a cure. There are lots of unanswered questions and a heartbreaking ending to set up the second book in this duology one of my favorite reads so far this year.

Book two in this duology is The Cursed Sea due out September 1, 2018.

Visit Lauren DeStefano’s website.