Dark Shores by Danielle Jensen (Dark Shores book 1)

“In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences. 

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world. 

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Dark Shores is a book that I had difficulty putting down. The setting is loosely based on the Roman empire and even includes some Latin words. This story greatly reminded me of Tricia Levenseller’s Daughter of the Pirate King. Teriana is a pirate out to save her family and crew when she is sent with one of the empire’s strongest military legion’s. Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh and is blackmailed by the ruling senator of the empire to conquer new land. Teriana and Marcus are enemies thrown together to save those they love and willing to do whatever it takes. 

What I loved about this book was the enemy becoming more storyline. Also, the deception at work to keep the two apart was great. Unfortunately, some questions are left unanswered making the wait for book two just a bit grueling.

Visit Danielle Jensen’s website.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Caraval book 1)

“Remember, it’s only a game.”

“Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.

When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.” taken from Goodreads.com

Wow! This book truly lived up to all of the hype surrounding it. I loved how Scarlett’s story was depicted through the letters and clues between her and the mysterious Legend. The writing is absolutely beautiful and makes the reader feel as if they are right alongside Scarlett as she searches for her sister, Tella. Even though the reader may think they know where the story is going, they will be pleasantly surprised to find out that the story isn’t as predictable as thought.

Even though Scarlett’s story is somewhat wrapped up, the last scene in the book sets up for the conclusion due out sometime in 2018.

Visit Stephanie Garber’s website.