Ally by Anna Banks (Nemesis book 2)

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

“Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?” - taken from Goodreads.com

Ally picks up immediately where Nemesis ended. The Quiet Plague is crippling Theoria and Tarik is at a loss on how to stop it. Now engaged to wed Sepora, Tarik is struggling to rule his kingdom and deal with Sepora’s personality. Sepora’s world also comes crashing down when she is betrayed. Without giving away too many details, the action is nonstop throughout this book. Readers will be hanging on to see how Tarik and Sepora survive all that is thrown at them. I raced through the second half just to see how this book finished.

Visit Anna Banks’ website.

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.

Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn't looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her and her friends' entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn't even guaranteed?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This isn’t your normal Jennifer Armentrout read. Yes, there is a sweet romance but the heart of the story is Lena’s journey of recovery after one bad choice. Not only is Lena’s recovery a physical one but an emotional one on many different levels. Readers won’t be able to put this book down to find out exactly what happens to Lena. Once again, JLA has written a great book.

Visit Jennifer L. Armentrout’s website.

Fire Blood by Elly Blake (Frostblood Saga book 2)

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

“All hail the Fire Queen.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fire Queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, Ruby no longer knows whom to trust. The fates of two kingdoms are now in her hands.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved the first book in this series and was so happy that I didn’t have to wait a year for book two. Fire Blood picks up the action immediately following Frost Blood. I did find the first third to half a bit slow, the second half of this book more than makes up for it. Action packed with lots of secrets and questions answered fans will be eager to finish this trilogy in 2018 with Nightblood.

Visit Elly Blake’s website.

Warcross by Marie Lu (Warcross book 1)

Player Hunter Hacker Pawn

“For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I loved Lu’s Legend trilogy and Warcross is just as impressive. The worldbuilding that she creates is literally out of this world. Emika Chen is just as strong as June Iparis with a devastating background like Daniel “Day” Wing. Hideo Tanaka is the “boy” genius who created the worldwide obsession that is Warcross and made him rich and famous beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. He does harbor a dark secret but sparks fly between him and Emika early on.

This book is fast paced and unputdownable. A duology, eager fans will be clamoring for the second book after that heartbreaking, jaw-dropping ending. Book two is expected to be out in 2018.

Visit Marie Lu’s website.

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine (The Great Library book 3)

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

“Words can kill.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny…

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library…” - taken from Goodreads.com

The stakes are even higher for Jess Brightwell and his friends as they attempt to bring down the Archivist and restore honor to the Great Library of Alexandria. Starting with the cliffhanger ending from Paper and Fire,  Jess and his friends find themselves as prisoners. Fans of the series find out with another cliffhanger ending, Ms. Caine is expanding what was once a trilogy into a five book series.

Book four is expected to be published in 2018.

Visit Rachel Caine’s website.

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass book 6)

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

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

This is Chaol Westfall's story and it takes place during the same time frame as book five, Empire of Storms. Fans of this series will gain an in-depth view of what makes Chaol tick and drove his decisions in the previous books. Lots of new characters are introduced and information is learned that sets up the final book in this series.

The series is scheduled to conclude in 2018.

Visit Sarah J. Maas’ website.

Everything All at Once by Katrina Leno

“Lottie Reeves has always struggled with anxiety, and when her beloved Aunt Helen dies, Lottie

begins to fear that her own unexpected death might be waiting around every corner.

Aunt Helen wasn’t a typical aunt. She was the author of the best–selling Alvin Hatter series, about siblings who discover the elixir of immortality. Her writing inspired a generation of readers.

In her will, she leaves one last writing project—just for Lottie. It’s a series of letters, each containing mysterious instructions designed to push Lottie out of her comfort zone. Soon, Lottie’s trying some writing of her own, leaping off cliffs, and even falling for a boy she’s only just met. Then the letters reveal an extraordinary secret about the inspiration for the Alvin Hatter series. Lottie finds herself faced with an impossible choice, one that will force her to confront her greatest fear once and for all.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Lottie Reaves is dealing with the death of her beloved aunt Helen, the best-selling, well-known author of a series of children’s books about an immortal brother and sister. (Aunt Helen, think J.K. Rowling famous!) With her high school graduation looming, Lottie suffers from severe anxiety and only her best friend Em and Helen know. After the funeral, the family meets with Helen’s lawyer for the reading of her will. Leaving personal effects behind for her family, everyone is shocked when Helen leaves Lottie a series of letters with very specific directions. As Lottie opens each letter, she finds that her aunt wanted to push her out of her comfort zone as well as divulge a huge secret that she had carried around for years. Lottie soon meets the mysterious Sam, who is also devastated over Helen’s death and has a secret of his own. Interspersed with scenes from Helen’s novels, readers will travel along with Lottie as she mourns her aunt’s death.

Visit Katrina Leno’s website.