Wings of Shadow by Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers book 3)

 

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

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

“I had a sister, once…

Veronyka is no longer an orphaned stable boy or a nameless Phoenix Rider apprentice: she is the daughter of Pheronia Ashfire, the last queen of the Golden Empire…and the niece of Avalkyra Ashfire, the resurrected rebel queen who tore the empire apart.

We shone brightly, burned fiercely.

Now that the secret is out, everyone at the Eyrie treats Veronyka differently, and with Tristan still a hostage of the scheming Lord Rolan—and Sev with him as a spy—Veronyka feels very much alone. Except for her beloved phoenix, Xephyra, of course, and her new friend, Kade, who has his own reasons for wanting to save Tristan.

Was it always going to come down to this? Sister against sister? Darkness against light?

Veronyka is determined to do whatever it takes to get Tristan back, even if that means revealing her identity to the world and inheriting a throne she’s not sure she wants. But when she discovers that Avalkyra has bonded with a strix—a legendary creature of darkness that feeds off the life force of others—Veronyka realizes she has more to deal with than an encroaching war with the empire. Val is willing to destroy everything to get her revenge on a world that rejected her, and if Veronyka wants to bring peace to the empire and Pyra alike, she must face down her sister once and for all.

The world began with Ashfire queens…perhaps they will also be its destruction.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was a thrilling and dramatic end to this stupendous epic fantasy trilogy. In this battle between “sisters”, only one Ashfire can come out on top to rule. Not everything is wrapped up neatly in a bow, but the ending is extremely satisfying. One of my all-time favorite fantasy series. I cannot wait to see what this author’s next book will be.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto’s website.

Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers book 2)

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

“Veronyka, Tristan, and Sev must stop the advancing empire from destroying the Phoenix Riders in this fiery sequel to Crown of Feathers, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake calls “absolutely unforgettable!”

You are a daughter of queens.

The world is balanced on the edge of a knife, and war is almost certain between the empire and the Phoenix Riders.

Like Nefyra before you, your life will be a trial by fire.

Veronyka finally got her wish to join the Riders, but while she’s supposed to be in training, all she really wants to do is fly out to defend the villages of Pyra from the advancing empire. Tristan has been promoted to Master Rider, but he has very different ideas about the best way to protect their people than his father, the commander. Sev has been sent to spy on the empire, but maintaining his cover may force him to fight on the wrong side of the war. And Veronyka’s sister, Val, is determined to regain the empire she lost—even if it means inciting the war herself.

Such is your inheritance. A name. A legacy. An empire in ruin.

As tensions reach a boiling point, the characters all find themselves drawn together into a fight that will shape the course of the empire—and determine the future of the Phoenix Riders. Each must decide how far they’re willing to go—and what they’re willing to lose in the process.

I pray you are able to pass through the flames". - taken from Goodreads.com

Even at 640 pages, this story does not drag in the least. Secrets are revealed and alliances begin to form for what promises to be an explosive conclusion to this phenomenal series. Book two ends with several cliffhangers but once again I’m reminded why this series has become one of my absolute favorites!

Book three is expected to be published in 2021.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto’s website.

Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers book 1)

“I had a sister, once…

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

I promised her the throne would not come between us.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

But it is a fact of life that one must kill or be killed. Rule or be ruled.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Sometimes the title of queen is given. Sometimes it must be taken. “ - taken from Goodreads.com

This book started a bit slow for me but boy did it pack a punch by the end. Crown of Feathers has everything that a fantastic fantasy read needs; secrets, deception, mystery, and romance. When everything comes tumbling down and reveals are made, readers will be floored. Even better, that incredible epilogue will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book to see how this fantastic story moves forward. Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!!

Book two, Heart of Flames, is due out February 11, 2020.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto's website.

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls book 3.5)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, Shiver, Linger and Forever, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story about one of my favorite fictional couples for you.

“Can this sinner be saved?”

Isabel Culpepper and her family left Mercy Falls, Minnesota for Los Angeles, California to attempt to start a new life after the death of her brother Jack. Finishing the last five months of her senior year of high school is the least of her worries. Her parents have separated and she and her mother live with her mother’s sister and her daughter. With few friends, Isabel works as a model for a fashion designer. She has the aloof personality down pat. She has attempted to get over Cole St. Clair, whom she left behind in Mercy Falls where he had become a wolf. She wasn’t expecting Cole to come crashing back into her life.

Cole St. Clair has drastically cleaned up his rock star life since he was bitten and became a wolf. Booze and drugs no longer give him the release that shifting into wolf form does. He is back in California to not only restart his musical career but make amends with Isabel. Signing on to be the star of a web show where the stars are known to become train wrecks, he is determined to be a success instead. When his initial meeting with Isabel doesn’t go as planned, will Cole be able to win her back or will he slip back into his former rock star life?

One of my favorite book couples, I was extremely excited to read more about Cole and Isabel’s story. Snippets of Sam and Grace’s life back in Minnesota are sprinkled throughout the story.

Visit Maggie Stiefvater’s website.

Of Neptune by Anna Banks (The Syrena Legacy book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first two books in the series, Of Poseidon and Of Triton, Stop! I don't want to ruin the series for you.

All Emma and Galen want is a break from everything that has happened over the past summer. They just want to escape to the mountains for some time alone but Grom doesn't want them to since the agreement with the Archives is still new. Antonia, Emma's grandfather and the Poseidon King, tells Emma of a place near Chattanooga, Tennessee that the discovered while searching for her mother after she disappeared. He believes that she should visit a town called Neptune but doesn't tell her why. While it's not the Rocky Mountains, she and Galen head off for some alone time.

While traveling, the two of them stop by the side of the highway. The situation heats quickly but is extinguished when someone knocks on the window to see if they need help. Pulling themselves together and not wanting to break any Syrena rules, Galen suggests that they stop since he doesn't want to drive in any bad weather. Emma looks online and sees that there are some caves and springs nearby. They decide to explore one.

Upon finding a spring, the two of them go swimming. Galen finds it odd that no birds are feeding on the school of minnows just below the Warner's surface. He assures Emma that they will be safe from the lightening underwater. Below, they find the entrance to a cave. No fish are around and. Galen wants Emma to stay behind him but eventually they go in side by side. Galen notices that the water feels different to him. Emma kisses his concern away but then he feels it. The pulse in the water isn't lightning strikes nor is it Syrena. Emma finally notices what he is talking about. Galen has a look of panic on his face and realizes that something is ahead of them. A school of fish swims out and Emma tries to question them. She notices that Galen is still staring in front of them. Then, Emma sees a boy swimming without any gear or equipment. He comments that she has the gift of Poseidon and introduces himself as Reed.

Emma quickly realizes the Reed is also a half breed like her. She asks him where he came from and he tells her Neptune. It turns out that Neptune is home not only to half breeds but full Syrena and human who keep their secret. Since half breeds are illegal, Emma wonders how they have evaded detection for so long. With Reed unable to keep his attraction to Emma a secret, Galen becomes possessive. They take Reed back to Neptune and discover that it looks and functions like any other small town except for the mermaid connection. The only "human" in town is a botanist, Mr. Kennedy, who for the past month has been looking for new plant specimens. Against Galen's better judgment, the two check into the B&B to learn about Neptune.

Why did Antonis want Emma to go to Neptune? What do they discover there? Is Mr. Kennedy really a botanist? How has the community gone undetected for so long? Will Emma and Galen be able to weather this latest complication to their relationship?

Visit Anna Banks’ website.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (Wolves of Mercy Falls book 3)

SPOLIER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, STOP! I wouldn’t want to ruin the series for you!

All Sam Roth ever wanted was to be human. He hated shifting every winter into a wolf. Now that his wish has come true and he is with Grace, the girl of his dreams. But Grace is now the one who cannot seem to stay firmly in her own skin and the town of Mercy Falls eyes Sam with suspicion regarding Grace’s disappearance. Cole St. Clair is not only battling the wolf thing but his own demons. Finding a cure for the wolf’s bite is now his number one priority but Isabel Culpepper intrigues Cole even more. With demons of her own, Isabel holds Cole at arms’ length, while supporting Sam and Grace the best she can.

When fellow teenage wolf/”runaway” Olivia is found dead, the people of Mercy Falls are out for blood and Isabel’s father is leading the witch hunt for the wolves. When Tom Culpepper gets the protection lifted against the wolves and an ariel hunt is planned, time is running out for everyone involved. Can Sam not only save Grace but the wolf pack he considers his family before it’s too late? Will Cole be able to find the right trigger for the wolf disease and a cure before the hunt takes place? Will Isabel be able to be there for her friends?

Carefully read the last chapters and all of your questions about your favorite wolves will be answered with some speculation about the future.

Visit Maggie Stiefvater's website.

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate is an orphan who live in a market town by a river. Kate was raised by her woodcarver father afer the death of her mother from childbirth. She was named Katerina Svetlana after her mother but when she is intoduced to the butcher, he says that he calls her plain Kate. The butcher laughs and says that judging by her appearance, Plain Kate is a good name and it sticks.

From an early age, Plain Kate is taught woodcarving skills by her father until she is quite good. Growing up in a superstitious village with the odd appearance of having two different colored eyes and the ability to carve with a knife, Plain Kate is viewed upon by the villagers as an oddity. When a sickness referred to as "witch fever" strikes the village, fingers begin to point her way. Her situation goes from bad to worse when her father falls ill and dies before Plain Kate can become his apprentice. Soon a new master carver from the guild arrives and Plain Kate finds herself homeless.

Plain Kate decides to live in the bottom drawer of her father's market stall. She is soon joined by three motherless kittens whom she cares for. Plain Kate earns some money by carving amulets and other items for the townspeople who don't wish to patronize the master carver. Two kittens go off on their own but the one she named Taggle becomes her companion. Soon several visitors arrive in the town. Linay, who could be described as an albino, sells trinkets to ward off witchcraft in the village square. Turns out Linay is a witch. He offers Plain Kate her fondest wish for the price of her shadow She turns him down. When devasting situations occur in her village, the townspeople begin pointing fingers her way. Harshly awakened by an axe destroying her stall one night, Plain Kate decides her luck has run out. She turns to Linay for help leaving the town. He will help her, for the price of her shadow. She agrees and Linay warns her to find a place to fit in before someone realizes her shadow is gone.

Plain Kate is shocked to discover that her cat Taggle can now talk. He tells her that her greatest wish was a companion to talk with and now she has him. They go off to find the supplies Linay provided them with. Plain Kate decides she must take the woodcarving she made for the baker to him. When she goes to drop it on his doorstep, she has forgotten that he would be up at the early hour. The baker is concerned about where she will go and offers to take her to the Roamers, who are leaving the town, to see if Plain Kate can go with them. When Mother Daj learns that Plain Kate is a woodcarver and her cat a mouser, she tells her that they can travel with them for one month. Plain Kate sees this as a test and is eager to please.

Will Plain Kate be able to find her place in the world? Can she be accepted by the Roamers before someone notices her shadow is missing or will her secret be discovered? And what does Linay want her shadow for?

Visit Erin Bow's website.

Linger: Wolves of Mercy Falls book two by Maggie Stiefvater

"This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one."

SPOILER ALERT! Please do not read any further if you have not read Shiver. I don't want to ruin the story for you.

A few months have passed since the conclusion of Shiver. Sam is trying to get use to being in his human form. He can venture out into the cold Minnesota weather and not worry about his body shifting back into wolf form. For now, he just wants to be with Grace and has trouble accepting that he can make plans for his future. On the other hand, Grace is unwell. She is running a high fever and suffering from headaches. Waves of nausea hit her and at times Sam can smell wolf on her. Is Grace's former wish now coming true when she no longer desires to be a wolf?

Isabel Culpepper is still mourning the death of her brother Jack. She blames herself for his death since her idea for a cure didn't work for him like it did for Sam. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she meets one of Beck's new wolves when he starts shifting between his wolf and human forms. Cole St. Clair is looking to hide from his human life. A famous rock star, he has grown to resent who he has become and is loking for escape. When Isabel meets Cole, there is an immediate attraction between them, two tortured souls looking for peace. But can the two of them find it together or separately?

Told from four different points of view; Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole, readers will be left hanging at the end of the book until the conclusion of the trilogy with Forever due out in 2011. And once again, I love how the font color matches the dust jacket of the book, mossy green.

Visit Maggie Stiefvater's website.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver is a love story between a human girl and a wolf/human boy that is told in alternating viewpoints between the two. I love the fact that the book's typeface is the same pale blue color that's on the cover.

As a child, Grace was attacked by a pack of wolves as she was swinging in her backyard. Except for one, the wolf with the yellow eyes who portected her. Every winter, Grace would watch the wolves in the woods behind her house. She was always on the lookout for her special wolf with the yellow eyes.

Sam is Grace's yellow-eyed wolf during the cold months and a teenage boy during the warm ones. Sam is a werewolf and has been in ove with Grace since the day of her attack. He watches her from the woods as she looks out the windows and admires her from afar during his time in human form. He is always hoping they would meet and Grace would recognize him.

When Jack Culpepper is attacked and seemingly killed by the wolf pack, the townspeople of decide to take matters into their own hands and hunt down the wolves. Grace is distraught and takes off to save the wolves. When she comes home, she finds an injured Sam in human form at her back door, Grace realizes the true secret of the wolves of Mercy Falls.

Readers will be caught up in this climatic love story as Sam and Grace race to find a way to stay together before the cold changes Sam back into wolf form forever.

Check out Maggie Stiefvater's web site.

The following "trailer was created by Maggie with hundreds of paper cut-outs and multiple photographic frames per second. Music composed & performed by Maggie Stiefvater & Kate Hummel."