Release Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me - The New Republic book 2)

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

“Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her mind and body; it’s the only way to survive the surveillance state of Ark Island. But lately her heart has been beating harder; her thoughts are spiraling; her defenses are coming undone.

And there’s only one person to blame.

James Anderson had a plan. Now he has nothing but problems. Rosabelle might be the ally they need in a fight against The Reestablishment, but no one wants to trust an enemy assassin. It doesn’t help that Rosabelle’s not much of a talker, doesn’t work well in groups, and kills people on instinct. Taking her side has cost James nearly everything—but keeping her alive might help save his world.

If only he could convince his older brother.

Aaron Warner Anderson has a headache. Something dark is coming, and Rosabelle’s arrival is just a prelude. In her, he sees shades of himself he can’t trust, and he can no longer get a read on the girl. She’s a dead battery, emanating no emotional feedback. At least not until James walks into a room…

Volcanic tension, breathless reveals, breakneck action—and a dystopian world that never stops raising the

Welcome back to The New Republic.” - taken from Goodreads.

Without giving too much away, the action in this book picks up immediately following book one. Told from James, Rosabelle, and Warner’s points of view, the story continues to flow nonstop up until that unexpected ending that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book.

Book 3 is due in 2027.

Visit Tahereh Mafi's website.

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

 

“Seventeen-year-old Finley has only ever had one to become a famous podcaster. This includes coming up with the perfect pitch to land her on her school's podcast team. But when her football-obsessed boyfriend, Jensen, decides to also try out—and uses her idea—she's left confused and betrayed. 

Determined to get back at him, Finley and her friends try to find the perfect revenge scheme, but quickly discover that Jensen is almost-impossible to best. Keyword, almost. 

By chance, Finley discovers a knack for kicking and decides to take Jensen's spot on the football team. To help her train, she recruits Jensen's cute but conceited nemeses, Theo. Soon the two discover that their connection runs deeper than football. But Finley can't let herself get distracted, and Theo has secrets of his own. Is true love really better than the perfect revenge?   - taken from Goodreads.

So Jensen was a horrible boyfriend who backstabs Finley and takes her idea and what she perceives as her future. She wants to take what's important to him, the kicking position on the school’s football team. Theo offers to help train her for the tryouts. What begins as a revenge plot soon turns into something more. What will Finley do when it come down to it, take revenge or follow her heart?

Visit Kasie West’s website.

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

 

“Three hundred and sixty-four days.

Framed for a crime she didn't commit, Dania counts down her days in prison until she can exact revenge on Mazin, the boy responsible for her downfall, the boy she once loved—and still can't forget. When she discovers a fellow prisoner may have the key to exacting that vengeance--a stolen djinn treasure--they execute a daring escape together and search for the hidden treasure.

Armed with dark magic and a new identity, Dania enacts a plan to bring down those who betrayed her and her family, even though Mazin stands in her way. But seeking revenge becomes a complicated game of cat and mouse, especially when an undeniable fire still burns between them, and the power to destroy her enemies has a price. As Dania falls deeper into her web of traps and lies, she risks losing her humanity to her fight for vengeance--and her heart to the only boy she's ever loved.” - taken from Goodreads.

Dania is hell bent on revenge to destroy those who are responsible for her false imprisonment. Escaping with a fellow prisoner who supplies her with the tools to change her looks, she is determined to exact vengeance no matter who stands in her way. When she comes face to face with her former friend/lover Mazin, her resolve falters. Will Dania continue on her path even when she learns the truth about her betrayal and the cost to her humanity that it entails?

Visit Emily Varga’s website.

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle (City of Fatome book 1)

 

“In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love…

In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?

Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice - forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?” - taken from Goodreads.

This was a dark fantasy that sees enemies turn to lovers but dark secrets mar their budding relationship. Seraphine must find a safe place to stay while she tries to avenge her mother's murder. Discovering new friends with the Cloaks, it isn't too long before she begins to fall for the dark, brooding heir to the rival Daggers. As their lives begin to intertwine, can Sera bring down the person responsible for her mother's death?

Full of shocking twists and turns up until the last page, readers will be eagerly awaiting for book two.

Visit Catherine Doyle’s website.

The Last Laugh by Mindy McGinnis (The Initial Insult book 2)

 

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

“Tress Montor murdered Felicity Turnado—but she might not have to live with the guilt for long. With an infected arm held together by duct tape, the panther who clawed her open on the loose, and the whole town on the hunt for the lost homecoming queen, the odds are stacked against Tress. As her mind slides deeper into delirium, Tress is haunted by the growing sound of Felicity’s heartbeat pulsing from the “best friend” charm around her fevered neck.

Ribbit Usher has been a punchline his whole life—from his nickname to his latest turn as the unwitting star of a humiliating viral video. In the past he’s willingly played the fool, but now it’s time to fulfill his destiny. That means saving the girl, so that Felicity can take her place at his side and Ribbit can exact revenge on all who have done him wrong—which includes his cousin, Tress. Ribbit is held by a pact he made with his mother long ago, a pact that must be delivered upon in four days.

With time ticking down and an enemy she considers a friend lurking in the shadows, Tress’s grip on reality is failing. Can she keep both mind and body together long enough to finally find out what happened to her parents?’ - taken from Goodreads.

After the cliffhanger ending of the first book, I wasn't sure where the conclusion was going to go. Needless to say, it was like a train wreck that was impossible to ignore and I couldn't wait to get to the end. Tress Montor just wants to know what happened to her parents that night, but no one is talking. With the events from the first book playing out over the course of the following week, where the story ends will have readers shocked at the level of deception.

Visit Mindy McGinnis’ website.

These Deadly Games by Diana Urban

 

“Let’s play a game.

You have 24 hours to win. If you break my rules, she dies. If you call the police, she dies. If you tell your parents or anyone else, she dies.

Are you ready?

When Crystal Donavan gets a message on a mysterious app with a video of her little sister gagged and bound, she agrees to play the kidnapper’s game. At first, they make her complete bizarre tasks: steal a test and stuff it in a locker, bake brownies, make a prank call.

But then Crystal realizes each task is meant to hurt—and kill—her friends, one by one. But if she refuses to play, the kidnapper will kill her sister. Is someone trying to take her team out of the running for a gaming tournament? Or have they uncovered a secret from their past, and wants them to pay for what they did…

As Crystal makes the impossible choices between her friends and her sister, she must uncover the truth and find a way to outplay the kidnapper… before it’s too late.” - taken from Goodreads.

Another great Diana Urban mystery where the reader will question the actions of our main character. How far will Crystal go to save her little sister in a deadly game of choice? 

I always had the real culprit in the back of my mind even when the author kept me second guessing myself. Crystal’s torturer was a complete shock as was that ending reveal. 

Visit Diana Urban’s website.

Year on Fire by Julie Buxbaum

 

“Can a single kiss change everything?

It was a year on fire. They fell in love. Someone was bound to get burned.

The Spark: Just days before the start of junior year for twins Arch and Immie and their best friend, Paige, a spontaneous kiss shakes the very foundation of their friendship. But some ties run too deep to be broken by accidental betrayal.

The Fuel: Enter Rohan, new to Wood Valley High by way of London, who walks into school on the first day completely overwhelmed by his sudden move halfway around the world. When Paige calls dibs on him—he’s too cute to ignore—Immie is in no position to argue, certainly not after taking the fall for the disloyal kiss. Too bad for Immie that Ro feels like the best kind of familiar.

The Kindling: Former lab partners Arch and Jackson, Paige’s ex-boyfriend, have never considered themselves more than friends. But sometimes feelings can grow like wildfire.

The Flames: When the girls’ bathroom at Wood Valley is set ablaze, no one doubts it’s arson. But in this bastion of privilege, who’d be angry enough to want to burn down the school? Answer: pretty much everyone.” - taken from Goodreads.

Once again, another fabulous read from Julie Buxbaum, There are a couple of Easter eggs sprinkled in the story for fans of her previous books. A complicated love/friendship triangle/pentagon takes center stage in the plot of this story. Stick with this one until the end to see who the arsonist is.

Visit Julie Buxbaum’s website.

The Hollow Heart by Marie Rutkoski (Forgotten Gods book 2)

 

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

“At the end of The Midnight Lie, Nirrim offered up her heart to the God of Thieves in order to restore her people’s memories of their city’s history. The Half Kith who once lived imprisoned behind the city’s wall now realize that many among them are powerful. Meanwhile, the person Nirrim once loved most, Sid, has returned to her home country of Herran, where she must navigate the politics of being a rogue princess who has finally agreed to do her duty.

In the Herrani court, rumors begin to grow of a new threat rising across the sea, of magic unleashed on the world, and of a cruel, black-haired queen who can push false memories into your mind, so that you believe your dearest friends to be your enemies.

Sid doesn’t know that this queen is Nirrim, who seeks her revenge against a world that has wronged her. Can Sid save Nirrim from herself? Does Nirrim even want to be saved? As blood is shed and war begins, Sid and Nirrim find that it might not matter what they want…for the gods have their own plans.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved Marie Rutkoski’s Winner’s trilogy and couldn’t wait to see where the story of their daughter Sid would take her. The second book gave me more information about the lives of Kestrel and Arin and I loved it. With Sid back at home, Nirrim has gone a little power crazy since her deal with the God of Thieves. Once Sid is able to solve her mother’s illness and worked out her perceived differences with her parents, it is up to her to stop the growing threat that Nirrim has become.

This was a satisfactory end to the story but I do hope that the author delves back into this world at a later date. 

Visit Marie Rutkoski’s website.

The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis (The Initial Insult book 1)

 

“Welcome to Amontillado, Ohio, where your last name is worth more than money, and secrets can be kept… for a price.

Tress Montor knows that her family used to mean something—until she didn’t have a family anymore. When her parents disappeared seven years ago while driving her best friend home, Tress lost everything. She might still be a Montor, but the entire town shuns her now that she lives with her drunken, one-eyed grandfather at what locals refer to as the “White Trash Zoo,” – a wild animal attraction featuring a zebra, a chimpanzee, and a panther, among other things.

Felicity Turnado has it all – looks, money, and a secret that she’s kept hidden. She knows that one misstep could send her tumbling from the top of the social ladder, and she’s worked hard to make everyone forget that she was with the Montors the night they disappeared. Felicity has buried what she knows so deeply that she can’t even remember what it is… only that she can’t look at Tress without having a panic attack.

But she’ll have to.

Tress has a plan. A Halloween costume party at an abandoned house provides the ideal situation for Tress to pry the truth from Felicity – brick by brick – as she slowly seals her former best friend into a coal chute. With a drunken party above them, and a loose panther on the prowl, Tress will have her answers – or settle for revenge.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Missing parents in a damaged friendship takes center stage and this mystery draws heavily from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe. Told in alternating points of view, readers will be drawn into what happened the night that Tress Montor's parents disappeared and Felicity Turnado is the only witness. Once best friends, the girls are at odds during a Halloween party where things are taken a bit too far. Fans of this book will be eagerly awaiting the final installment after the cliffhanger ending.

This duology will conclude with The Last Laugh in 2022.

Visit Mindy McGinnis’ website.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin book 1)

 

“For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book has an incredibly beautiful cover with a girl on it but don’t let that fool you about this book. The story is told from two different points of view; Malik, a refugee who is looking for a better life for him and his sisters, and Karina, the daughter of the sultana. When Malik’s little sister is kidnapped and Karina’s mother is assassinated, these two are thrown together unknowingly to use one another to save their respective loved ones. I fell in love with this African fantasy that is full of fantasy, adventure, and romance. The ending kept me on my toes and the betrayal cut deep but will leave readers clamoring for the next book.

The story will continue with book two, A Psalm of Storms and Silence, in 2021.

Visit Roseanne A. Brown’s website.

Supernova by Marissa Meyer (Renegades book 3)

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

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

“All's fair in love and anarchy...

Nova and Adrian are struggling to keep their secret identities concealed while the battle rages on between their alter egos, their allies, and their greatest fears come to life. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed as anarchy once again threatens to reclaim Gatlon City.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was an EPIC conclusion to this trilogy! Secret identities are revealed and long-standing mysteries are solved, to several shocking plot twists. By the end, Nova learns what it is to be a hero and a villain. But that epilogue! Come see me when you have this book because we need to talk. 

Visit Marissa Meyer’s website.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

“Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book was every bit as great as the author’s second book, Winterwood. The story of Sparrow, Oregon and what happened to the Swan sisters is told both in present-day with Penny Talbot and what happened two hundred years earlier. With both Penny and newcomer Bo Carter keeping secrets from each other, it isn’t long before the reader is swept away by the shocking and sad history of the town and its people.

Visit Shea Ernshaw’s website.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

“A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial―like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.

When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Everyone was telling me that I needed to read this book so when I realized the audio version is performed with a full cast, I had to give it a try. Boy was I glad that I did. Sadie is told from two points of view, Sadie herself and radio personality West McCray, who is making a podcast of Sadie’s story. The audio version of Sadie includes full productions of West’s podcasts and they are incredible. This book was heartbreaking and kept me on the edge of my seat. For me, the story made a lasting impact.

Visit Courtney Summers’ website.

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer (Renegades book 2)

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

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

“Time is running out. 

Together, they can save the world. 

But they each other’s worst nightmare.

Nova’s double life is about to get a lot more complicated:

As Insomnia, she is a full-fledged member of the Renegades, a syndicate of powerful and beloved superheroes. She works with Adrian’s patrol unit to protect the weak and maintain order in Gatlon City.

As Nightmare, she is an Anarchist - a group of villains who are determined to destroy the Renegades. Nova wants vengeance against the so-called heroes who once failed her when she needed them most.

But as Nova, her feelings for Adrian are deepening, despite the fact that he is the son of her sworn enemies and, unbeknownst to Nova, he has some dangerous secrets of his own.

In this second installment of the Renegades trilogy, Nova, Adrian, and the rest of their crew – Ruby, Oscar, and Danna -- are faced with escalating crime in Gatlon City, while covert weapons and conflicting missions have Nova and Adrian questioning not only their beliefs about justice, but also the feelings they have for each other.

The line between good and evil has been blurred, but what's clear to them both is that too much power could mean the end of their city – and the world – as they know it.” - taken from barnesandnoble.com

If you thought the cliffhanger at the end of Renegades was murder, you don’t know what it’s like to hang on by your fingertips. Archenemies definitely doesn’t suffer from second book boredom. Readers/listeners get to delve deeper into the lives and backstories of Adrian and Nova as the two grow closer as she continues to set her plan in motion. With that brutal ending, the stakes will be even higher with the concluding book to the trilogy, Supernova, due out on November 5, 2019.

Visit Marissa Meyer’s website.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer (Renegades book 1)

“Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I have been holding off reading this book since it first came out. With the second book out, I decided to go ahead and give the audio version a listen and I'm glad I finally did. I will say that the story starts out extremely slow. With this being the first book in a new series, the world building and background stories of the two main characters takes several chapters to flesh out.

Nova Artino is an Anarchist, the bad guys, and the niece of Ace Anarchy, who was killed by Captain Chromium, the head of the Renegades, the good guys. Ace was the last remaining member of her family. Her parents and sister were killed by a rival villain gang as she hid hoping that the Renegades would come to save her. They didn't, but Uncle Alec/Ace did and took her in. Nova, aka Nightmare, became the youngest member of the Anarchists.

When Nova’s assassination attempt on Captain Chromium fails, nightmare becomes wanted by the Renegades. Nova's Anarchist family believes the best way to exact Revenge would be for Nova to compete in the Renegades trials as a renegade, Nova could glean inside information on how to bring them down. What she doesn't count on is finding new friends.

The most important thing Nova and readers will discover is what does it really mean to be a hero or a villain. As it turns out, there really isn't a clear-cut answer. And that last sentence is a game changer!

Book two, Archenemies, is now out.

Visit Marissa Meyer’s website.

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill (Clash of Kingdoms book 1)

“Ever the Outcast. Ever the Brave.”

”Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Classic epic fantasy that reminded me a lot of Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Somewhat satisfying conclusion with the mystery still unresolved but those last two pages really set up the plot for book two. Visit Erin Summerill’s website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima (Shattered Realms book 1)

SPOILER ALERT! Flamecaster is set in same world as her Seven Realms series. A generation (twenty years) has passed. Reading the previous series isn’t necessary to enjoy this book but it will have a much bigger impact.

“A wizard prince in exile, thirsting for revenge. A girl with a curse, striking back against a ruthless king. Together, they will burn the kingdom to its rotten core.”

“Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death. “ - Goodreads.com

I LOVED the Seven Realms series and hated to leave it. I was super excited to read about the next generation. I don’t want to go into too many details and spoil the opening any more than has already been done. The vast majority of the book does occur four years later after the horrific beginning for the two main characters. Details of the lives they now live play out before their meeting. A couple of great supporting characters are also introduced who have a secret twist to the previous series. The insta-love that occurred between the two was just a bit of a turn off but overall, I cannot wait to see where Ms. Chima takes the story.

Visit Cinda Williams Chima’s website.

The Rose Society by Marie Lu (Young Elites book 2)

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

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

“Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.”

It has been three weeks since Adelina Amouteru and her sister Violetta, left Kenettra. She feels a tremendous amount of guilt over Enzo Valenciano’s death and not trusting the Dagger Society  sooner. Even though she helped rescue Raffaele Bessette, the Daggers still cast her away and she now considers them her enemy. The sisters are in Merroutas to flee the Inquisition's eyes but also to see if they can locate another Young Elite by the name of Magiano. While searching, the two girls are approached by a street vendor who is operating a gambling game. Among the participants is a young malfetto boy. Adelina and Violetta believe that may have found Magiano. Violetta is able to sense Elites by their powers. When the malfetto boy wins, the other participants aren’t happy. After collecting his winnings, he leaves, not sensing the danger behind him. The men who lost their money, follow him down an alley. The girls decide to follow as well. They find the men accosting the boy. Adelina decides to help him. Using her power of illusion, she begins torturing the men. Violetta talks her back to reality and they realize the malfetto boy has escaped. Adelina and Violetta realize that the boy isn’t Magiano. He isn’t the Elite that Violetta sensed. Adelina hears a familiar voice speak to them and Violetta whispers that it belongs to the Elite she sensed earlier. They turn around to see the game operator staring down at them from a balcony.

The sisters tell him that they are searching for Magiano. He wants to know why they are searching for an imaginary person that mothers tell stories about to get their children to behave. They ask why he is so successful at his gambling operation and he reports magic. He also thanks the two of them for helping his young assistant. He wishes them luck in finding their Young Elite. When he says Young Elite, recognition dawns on her. It turns out that the reason Adelina recognizes his voice is that he was in the prison cell next to hers before her scheduled execution. He tries to play it off but realizes that she is Adelina Amouteru. He lets her know that she saved his life that day but doesn't say how. He does tell them that they would have better luck finding Magiano at the Little Baths of Bethesda, one of the abandoned bath halls of southern Merroutas. He warns them that they better have a good reason for seeking him out and leaves. It turns out that the gaming operator is actually Magiano. The sisters will have to prove their worth before he will agree to join up with them. When they complete the task he gave them with what seems to be disastrous results, Magiano is eager to join their ranks. Adelina wonders what drives Magiano; greed or revenge.

Raffaele has assumed leadership of the Dagger Society since the death of Enzo. He and the remaining members have traveled to Beldain to meet with Queen Maeve. Very few of their supporters have been in contact with them since they fled Kenettra. Raffaele realizes that Maeve is an Elite. Her former companion, Lucent, was blamed for Tristan’s ,Maeve's brother, death and banished by Maeve’s mother. Lucent is surprised to see Tristan alive. Raffaele asks Maeve how that is possible and she explains that no one knew that Tristan died. She kept her power a secret. Maeve wants to wrestle control over Kenettra from Giulietta. If Raffaele helps her bring Enzo back to life, his powers would be tenfold. In order for it to work, Enzo has to be tethered to someone. Maeve wants to use Raffaele but she will find someone else if he refuses. Raffaele recognizes that something is off about Tristan now.

Teren Santoro, Leader of the Inquisition Axis, is fiercely loyal to Queen Giulietta. In fact, he is her lover and co-conspirator. He has been enamoured with her since they were children. Now that she is sitting on the throne, it seems her agenda towards malfettos has changed. She wants their “slaves” treated better but Teren is driven to rid Kenettra of all malfettos. He is fighting with himself over his desire to be with Giulietta and to carry out his own personal agenda.

Why does Magiano decide to join forces with Adelina and Violetta? Will Raffaele help Queen Maeve with her plans for Enzo and Kenettra? How come Giulietta wants to save the Malfettos

now that she is on the throne? Why is Teren so determined to rid Kenettra of its malfettos? What happens when Adelina encounters Raffaele and the Black Daggers?  Will Adelina and Teren cross paths again? Who survives? Will Adelina always be a “villain" or can she be redeemed?   Does Adelina’s fame/notoriety help or hinder her endeavors?    

Stay tuned for book three in the Young Elites trilogy due out in 2016 to see how the story ends.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.