Steelstriker by Marie Lu (Skyhunter book 2)

 

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

“As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all, to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny.

But Mara has fallen. And its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare.

With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine as their newest Skyhunter.

Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara – or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be Talin and Red's only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future.

While the fate of a broken world hangs in the balance, Talin and Red must reunite the Strikers and find their way back to each other.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up six months after the ending of Skyhunter, Talin’s transformation into a Skyhunter is now almost complete. She tries to resist the impulse to willingly comply with the Premier’s demands. With Red and her Striker friends, can they free everyone from the Premier’s dictatorship?

Definitely, a dark tale for our current times that fans of the previous book will want to see how the story concludes.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Skyhunter by Marie Lu (Skyhunter book 1)

 

“A broken world.

An overwhelming evil.

A team of warriors ready to strike back.

Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara.

A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts.

But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding?

Only one thing is clear: Talin is ready to fight to the death alongside her fellow Strikers for the only homeland she has left... with or without the boy who might just be the weapon to save—or destroy—them all.

Loyalty is life.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I absolutely adore Marie Lu. she writes the best closings/epilogues to her books that no other writer can dream to come close to. I was so excited to pick up the start of her newest series. As I started reading, my first thought was that this was going to be a redo of her Legend trilogy and some readers may see it that way. Please don't stop reading but continue on. I love Talin’s character and she definitely has not lived a sheltered life. And the way she risked her life for Red time and time again shows the true strength of her character. Talin’s friend circle is supportive and has a family feel to it. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. 

Book two is expected in 2021.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me book 6)

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

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first four books in the series.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first five books in the series.

“Hello, World. You Won’t Forget Me.”

"Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on."- taken from Goodreads.com

Wow! When an end to what was originally built as a trilogy but continued the story of Juliet Farrar’s over six books. I was a fan from the beginning and I enjoyed seeing where her story took her. after the cliffhanger ending from book five, this final installment is told from Juliet / Ella and Kenji. Action-packed throughout the book, long time fans will be eager to see how the story ends. 

Visit Tahereh Mafi’s website.

Defy the Fates by Claudia Gray (Constellations book 3)

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

“Hunted and desperate.

Abel only has one mission left that matters: save the life of Noemi Vidal. To do that, he not only has to escape the Genesis authorities, he also must face the one person in the galaxy who still has the means to destroy him. Burton Mansfield's consciousness lives on, desperate for a home, and Abel's own body is his last bargaining chip. 

Alone in the universe.

Brought back from the brink of death, Noemi Vidal finds Abel has not only saved her life, but he's made her into something else, something more. Not quite mech, yet not quite human any longer, Noemi must find her place in a universe where she is utterly unique, all while trying to create a world where anyone--even a mech--can be free.

The final battle between Earth and the colony planets is here, and there's no lengths to which Earth won't go to preserve its domination over all humanity. But together, the universe's most advanced mech and its first human-mech hybrid might have the power to change the galaxy for good.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book is how a series should end. The action picks up immediately where book two ended and never stops. Fast paced, thrilling, and intriguing, Abel and Noemi take fans for a wild ride across the universe. With everyone out to get them, these two never give up on their beliefs and not only fight for their friends but for their enemies as well. After finishing this series, I cannot wait to pick up another one of Ms. Gray’s books 

Visit Claudia Gray’s website.

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.

Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me book 5)

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

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first four books in the series.

“Will Juliette’s broken heart make her vulnerable to the strengthening darkness within her?

Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of the other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her—secrets that change everything.

Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge.” - taken from Goodreads.com

After that vicious cliffhanger ending at the end of book four, I was totally excited to find out all of Juliette’s secrets. Told from Juliette, Warner, and Kenji’s POV, readers will be eager to discover all of the shocking reveals that begin the set up for the final book in the series, Imagine Me, to be published on March 3, 2020.

The next novella, Reveal Me, is expected to be published on October 8, 2019, will help to tide fans over.

Visit Tahereh Mafi’s website.

Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray (Constellations book 2)

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

“An outcast from her home -- Shunned after a trip through the galaxy with Abel, the most advanced cybernetic man ever created, Noemi Vidal dreams of traveling through the stars one more time. And when a deadly plague arrives on Genesis, Noemi gets her chance. As the only soldier to have ever left the planet, it will be up to her to save its people...if only she wasn't flying straight into a trap.

A fugitive from his fate -- On the run to avoid his depraved creator's clutches, Abel believes he's said good-bye to Noemi for the last time. After all, the entire universe stands between them...or so he thinks. When word reaches him of Noemi's capture by the very person he's trying to escape, Abel knows he must go to her, no matter the cost.

But capturing Noemi was only part of Burton Mansfield's master plan. In a race against time, Abel and Noemi will come together once more to discover a secret that could save the known worlds, or destroy them all.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Having separated from each other for what they thought was the last time, Noemi Vidal soon finds herself in a trap to lure Abel back to Earth. When the secrets of Burton Mansfield and Earth are exposed, it is up to Noemi and Abel to escape his clutches and stop the attack on Genesis. Unfortunately, this book ends in a serious cliffhanger that will leave fans eager for the final book in the trilogy.

The story will conclude with Defy the Fates out on April 2, 2019.

Visit Claudia Gray’s website.

Legion by Julie Kagawa (Talon Saga book 4)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, Talon, Rogue, and Soldier, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Dragon hatchling Ember Hill was never prepared to find love at all--dragons do not suffer human emotions--let alone the love of a human and a former dragonslayer, at that. With ex-soldier Garret dying at her feet after sacrificing his freedom and his life to expose the deepest of betrayals, Ember knows only that nothing she was taught by dragon organization Talon is true. About humans, about rogue dragons, about herself and what she's capable of doing and feeling.

In the face of great loss, Ember vows to stand with rogue dragon Riley against the dragon-slaying Order of St. George and her own twin brother Dante--the heir apparent to all of Talon, and the boy who will soon unleash the greatest threat and terror dragonkind has ever known.

Talon is poised to take over the world, and the abominations they have created will soon take to the skies, darkening the world with the promise of blood and death to those who refuse to yield.” - taken from Goodreads.com

After the double cliffhanger of the last book, Soldier, readers will pick up the action immediately where it left off. Told from several points of view, fans of the Talon Saga will find out the mission of the Talon organization and Ember’s part in it. After another shocking but more satisfying ending, readers will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the story with Inferno in 2018.

Visit Julie Kagawa’s website.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray (Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray book 1)

“Our Worlds Belong To Us.”

“She’s a soldier.

Noemi Vidal is a seventeen years old and sworn to protect her planet, Genesis. She’s willing to risk anything—including her own life. To their enemies on Earth, she’s a rebel.

He’s a machine.

Abandoned in space for years, utterly alone, Abel has advanced programming that’s begun to evolve. He wants only to protect his creator, and to be free. To the people of Genesis, he’s an abomination.

Noemi and Abel are enemies in an interstellar war, forced by chance to work together as they embark on a daring journey through the stars. Their efforts would end the fighting for good, but they’re not without sacrifice. The stakes are even higher than either of them first realized, and the more time they spend together, the more they’re forced to question everything they’d been taught was true.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I really didn’t know what to expect when I first started this book. Told in alternating points of view from both Noemi and Abel, readers dive into a story full of mystery, intrigue, and romance. Enemies at first, it’s not long before Noemi and Abel realize that they are actually on the same side. Also the romance between human and machine is a slow burn that will have readers cheering the duo on. I really didn’t know how I expected the book to end, be it was phenomenal! With the story somewhat tied up, readers will be clamouring for the next installment in this series.

Book two, Defy the Worlds, (what a teaser!) will be out in 2018.

Visit Claudia Gray’s Website.

Soldier by Julie Kagawa (Talon Saga book 3)

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

“A fighter dedicated to saving humankind from dragons in strictest secrecy.

That was what Garret Xavier Sebastian thought he was part of as a soldier of the Order of St. George. What he learned from a fiery dragon hatchling twisted all he believed in and set him on a collision course with certain death-but not without a chance to put things right.

Betrayed and on the run again, Ember and rogue dragon Riley discover an unthinkable truth about Talon and St. George. They'll need Garret's skills and insider knowledge of the Order to negotiate an impossible deal-and if they fail, there will be no way to stop all-out war.” - Goodreads.com

This being the third of five planned books, more bombshells and surprises are revealed than any storylines being wrapped up. Garret reunites with Ember and Riley to fight the bad guys and the old saying, “three’s a crowd” applies to this situation. Torn between a human and a dragon, Ember needs to figure out a few things about being a dragon and herself before she can make any decisions on her love life. Her twin Dante, slowly realizes that Talon will stop at nothing to achieve it’s goals. Told from four points of view; Ember, Riley, Garret and Dante, readers will once again immerse themselves in the Talon world and learn further insights into Garret’s background.  

Why did Talon train Ember as a Viper and choose their best to be her mentor? Who are EMber and Dante’s parents? Will Dante realize the reasons Ember fled Talon for himself? What happens when Garret realizes how deep the betrayal of everything he knew about himself and the Order goes?

With two huge cliffhangers dropped at the end, readers will be left waiting on book four, Legion, out on May 4, 2017.

Visit Julie Kagawa’s website.

Ingite Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me book 3)

"Fear will learn to fear me."

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first two books in the series, Shatter Me and Unravel Me, Stop! I don't want to ruin Juliette’s story for you. It also helps greatly if you have read the two novellas, Destroy Me (Warner's story) and Fracture me (Adam's story) to get the complete story.

Juliette woke up to find her life had drastically changed. Warner's father shot her in the chest but Warner saved her life. Sonya and Sarah healed her but were taken prisoner by his father. He lets her know that the war is over because his father found out the location of Omega Point. Everyone she loved; Adam, Kenji and James, are believed to be dead. Warner is pleased when Juliette decides she is finally ready to fight against a The Reestablishment. But the two of them have some unfinished business between the two of them. Warner knows how he feels about Juliette but he cannot have his heart ripped out again. Juliette is discovering that what she thought about Warner and his intentions for her are completely wrong. He too wants to fight against his father and hopes that Juliette will help him. He also sees similarities between her abilities and the condition that plagues his mother. All he has ever wanted was to help her unlike his father. Juliette quickly finds that her feelings and perceptions of Warner are changing.

Warner is able to sneak Juliette out of the compound in a tank and takes her to Omega Point. Her hopes are dashed when sees the crater that is left where omega Point would have been. Shaking, Warner drapes his coat around her shoulders and offers her his gloves. He then shouts for her to get down and covers her with his body on the ground when a gunshot fires. It is Kenji and he is ready to kill Warner. Warner disappears and Kenji is elated to find out that Juliette is alive. Kenji begins racing around to find out where Warner disappeared to. Juliette is startled when Warner touches her but she cannot see him. Turns out he has been practicing with his own powers and is able to steal the powers of others without touching them. He is now invisible by siphoning Kenji's power. Time is running out and Warner tries to get her to leave before the two men end up killing each other. Juliette agrees that Warner needs to attend to business back at the compound but she is staying behind. She needs to know what has happened to everyone at Omega Point. Warner reluctantly leaves her behind with a pager so he can locate her. If he doesn't hear from her in four hours, he will come looking for her.

Kenji takes Juliette back to Adam's apartment. Everyone is surprised and glad that she survived. When Kenji tells them that she was shot and Warner saved her, the room erupts. No one trusts Warner and Juliette tries to plead his case, although unsuccessfully. Adam takes her to James' room for a private conversation. No longer together, Adam is floored that she no longer sees Warner as the bad guy. Even more, he cannot believe that she wants to stand and fight against The Reestablishment. He has resigned himself to try and live his life and be there for James. Before he can ask her about her feelings towards Warner, the outer room is once again in chaos. Warner has arrived at the apartment to make sure Juliette returns home safely. Everyone has their guns drawn on Warner and Juliette stands by his side to protect him. He needs no help since he tapped into another’s powers to disarm them. Juliette lets Warner know she has told everyone about him. Explaining her situation, Juliette tells everyone that she is going to continue to fight The Reestablishment if the only thing she accomplishes is rescuing Sara and Sonya. She also tells Warner that she is not going back to the compound with him. Soon, several of the Omega Point survivors voice their support in Juliette's cause.

Soon Adam has it out with Juliette and does it in front of an audience. He cannot accept the fact that the two of them are no longer together. Both of them have changed; Adam needs to be there for his brother and Juliette wants to live her life, no longer hiding or being a coward. And he has noticed that Juliette has feelings for Warner whether she admits them or not. Kenji takes up for her but Adam is adamant that he will no longer fight and that Juliette is no longer welcome to stay in his home. In her heartbreaking disbelief, she pages Warner to come get her. Kenji tries to get her to stay saying that he will make Adam see the error of his decision and Juliette realizing that their relationship is fractured beyond repair.

Can Juliette rally the survivors of Omega Point to her cause of striking out against The Reestablishment? Will Adam and Juliette be able to repair their friendship? What happens when Warner's father discovers his betrayal? Does Adam reveal the real reason for his hatred of Warner? Will Juliette be able to defeat the Supreme Commander, Warner's father? And what decisions does Juliette make about her future?

Visit Taherah Mafi's website.

Prodigy by Marie Lu (Legend book 2)

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

Thirty-five days have passed since Metias’ death and nine since Day and June escaped Los Angeles and the Republic. They have stowed away in a railcar bound for Las Vegas. Day is set on finding the Patriots. He is looking for information on his little brother Eden and to make sure his friend Tess is alright. June is hoping they can help the worsening gunshot wound to Day’s leg. She knows the Patriots will not help them without some sort of payment. Now wanted criminals by the Republic, the two are short on funds.

Las Vegas is a military city, full of soldiers and the worse possible place for the two of them to go. Disguised from the Republic soldiers but marked to find the Patriots, Day is barely able to walk with his wounded leg. The Jumbo Tron screens lining the Vegas strip are displaying a notice that June is missing and a reward is being offered. No mention is made of her being a criminal. When the image of the Elector Primo is displayed and the national pledge begins playing, Day and June must stop and recite the pledge to keep up pretenses. When the broadcast unexpectedly pauses, June and Day notice the surrounding soldiers are holding their rifles as if they are expecting a reaction. Soon, the Elector’s portrait is replaced with a younger version that June recognizes as his son’s, Anden Staviopoulos. They realize that the Elector Primo has died and his son has replaced him. The strip soon returns to business as usual. It is like nothing has happened. Day collapses. His leg has given out.

When questioned by a corporal, they continue to play the drunken soldier and prostitute roles. Wanting to take Day to the hospital, June knows their covers will be blown. Soon a female soldier comes up and plays along with their story. It is Kade, the Patriot who helped Day escape his execution. The corporal leaves them alone and Kade is not happy to see them but takes them back to her barracks. The Patriot headquarters are located inside one of the largest military barracks in Vegas. In fact, the apartment they are using is for high-ranking Republic officers. There, Day is reunited with Tess. Soon Razor, the head of the Patriots, joins them. He has June very convincingly prove her identity. Razor wants to know why Day is there asking for help when he has declined to join them several times in the past. Mo longer needed for his skills, Razor gives them another way to pay the Patriots for what he needs. The Republic is vulnerable and it is the perfect time to spark a revolution. With Day and June’s reputations, they are the perfect for the job he has in mind. They will find Day’s brother, fix his bad leg and help the two of them to escape to the Colonies for one act. Both agree. All they must do is assassinate the new Elector Primo.

Will Day and June agree to the Patriots’ plan? Can June kill the new Elector that she admired at the ball? What happens when Day learns that June has met the Elector before? How will Day and June’s relationship survive when their choices lead them on separate paths? In the end, just who can June and Day really trust?

Day and June’s story will conclude on November 5, 2013 with Champion.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first book in the series, Shatter Me, Stop! I don't want to ruin a fantastic book for you. You might also want to read the novella, Destroy Me first.

It has been two weeks since Juliette shot Warner and escaped with Adam and Kenji to Omega Point. Training to help fight The Reestablishment, Juliette is failing miserably at trying to figure out the extent of her powers. Everyone seems to be leery of the girl with the lethal touch. In turn, she has closed herself off form personal relationships over fears of being rejected. Kenji is the only one who has volunteered to help her train and build new friendships. She and Adam are not pleased that Kenji has been forced by Castle to spend what little time they have together with them. Complicating matters further is the fact that Castle has discovered that Adam had powers of his own. Adam is keeping what they are a secret from Juliette.

When Juliette pushes Kenji to fill her in on just what is going on with Adam, he reluctantly takes her to the training rooms. There she sees the physical pain Adam is in at the hands of Castle. Angry, Juliette loses control and slams her fist into the cavern floor, causing a very minor earthquake-like tremor. She passes out from the effort for three days. Castle is furious that Juliette lost control and almost destroyed his life’s work. Kenji tells her that she and Adam need to clear the air. She meets with Adam and Castle is with him. Castle speaks first while Adam avoids eye contact. Adam has the power to negate other powers. That is why he has the ability to touch her. The more time that they spend together, the weaker Adam becomes. Juliette is ready to let him go and love him from afar than run the risk of killing him. Adam refuses to let her go and the moment they are alone becomes heated. He ends up being rushed to the medical wing after falling deathly ill from the effect of refuting Juliette’s power.

Knowing that the only way to save Adam’s life is to stay away, both Adam and Juliette are distraught over her decision. Tracking The Reestablishment, Castle and the others know that something is up when the patrols are increasing and Warner is seen with his troops. Unable to figure out why, Juliette is trusted to be a part of a mission to find out what is going on. While above ground, she sees Warner. Unable to stop herself, she follows him when he takes a stray dog out of sight of his troops. Hoping to see him be cruel to the animal to get over any lingering feelings for him, Juliette is stunned to see Warner being kind to the dog. Kenji is furious with her when he discovers her and they go on to complete their mission.

Castle finds out that Warner’s father, the Supreme Commander, is in the area. He knows that the brewing war is about to come to a head. Four of their members are captured while out on patrol. Castle receives word that they will be returned if Juliette hands herself over. She readily agrees despite Adam’s objections. Adam and Kenji go with her as back up.

What happens when Juliette meets the Supreme Commander? Does the war begin? Is Juliette captured by The Reestablishment? What part will Warner play in all of this? Can Juliette sort out her feelings for both Adam and Warner? And what secrets are about to be uncovered?

The Shatter Me trilogy will conclude in 2014.

Destroy Me (book 1.5) is a novella from Warner’s point of view about the events that occur after Juliette shot him. Readers are given insight into just what makes Warner tick. A definite read to full understand the events that occur in Unravel Me.

Visit Tahereh Mafi's website.