Friday, March 30, 2018

Giveaway: The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George


I am excited to share with you all the chance to win a paperback copy of Margaret George's incredible book The Confessions of Young Nero! I reviewed this book on the blog last year when it came out and because of that Berkley Publishing was kind enough to offer me the opportunity to give away one copy of the new paperback edition. Find out more about the book below as well as how to enter!


The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George
Paperback, 544 pages
Berkley Publishing
Release Date: March 20th, 2018
ISBN: 97804514733394

"New York Times bestselling author Margaret George has brought history to vivid life with her critically-acclaimed biographical novels of historical figures including Helen of Troy, Mary Magdalene, Cleopatra, Mary Queen of Scots, and Henry VIII. Now, she casts her eye to the last member of Julius Caesar’s dynasty, to remold and humanize the boy of whom history has made a caricature. Emperor Nero, who ascended to Rome’s ultimate seat of power at sixteen, is enshrined in popular memory as a hedonist, a tyrant, and cunning executioner. But the truth behind the caricature reveals a boy, an artist, an athlete, and a ruler who was both a product of his time and his mother Agrippina’s relentless ambition.

THE CONFESSIONS OF YOUNG NERO (Berkley Paperback Reprint; March 20, 2018; $18) is written, like Robert Graves’s I, Claudius, in the form of an autobiography. It reveals with luminescent detail Nero’s complex talents and successes, his childhood, his rise to power, and his instinct for self-preservation which first took root on the moonlit night his insane uncle, the Emperor Caligula, tried to drown him.

Nero’s life—riddled with murders, rivalries, plots, orgies, and incest—is sensational on its own. But for George, THE CONFESSIONS OFYOUNG NERO is not just an opportunity to tell his story. It is an attempt to rehabilitate his image, and to expose the truth and complexities about both a man—and a time period—that has been much mythologized. George spent five years researching the novel, but her idea of resettingNero’s villainous reputation has been building for more than thirty.

When he is just a small child, Nero’s mother, Agrippina, is released from exile by her elderly uncle—the newly crowned Emperor Claudius. Agrippina quickly plucks Nero from his modest upbringing, and embarks on a ruthless pruning of the family tree to ensure what she believes is her son’s rightful place in the Palace. Her naked ambition, cunning, and well-placed doses of poison help the obstacles fall one by one, until a teenage boy is given control of an Empire. Both tempted and terrified to assume his reign, Nero’s indoctrination into the incest, violence, luxury, and intrigue that have gripped Rome’s seat of power for generations will shape him into the man he was fated to become. 

George covers the unfolding of Nero’s life and legacy, including his forced marriage to his cousin Octavia at fifteen; his passion for a beautiful ex-slave and other love affairs; the influence of the great philosopher Seneca on his reign; and his attentiveness to his political duties, including the improvement of Rome’s courts and public amenities. George uses Nero’s expansion of theatres, athletic games, chariot races, and musical performances as a window into the powerful artistic and athletic impulses that governed him, and which made him a champion of the common man—the men among whom he’d begun his life as “Lucius,” until fate made him forever “Nero.”

Like Mary Beard’s revisionist history of ancient Rome, SPQRNERO both challenges our assumptions of that time period and taps into readers’ fascination with the Empire. Readers of Philippa Gregory will adore and find much to discover in George’s latest novel.

The author will continue Nero’s story in a second book this fall, THE SPLENDOR BEFORE THE DARK, which picks up during the ill-fated, final four years of his young life, as he faces his biggest test and challenge: the Great Fire of Rome."

About the author:
Margaret George is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels of biographical historical fiction, including Elizabeth I, Helen of Troy, Mary, Called Magdalene, The Memoirs of Cleopatra, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, and Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles. She also has written a children’s book, Lucille Lost.
You can find out more about Margaret George and her work at her website: margaretgeorge.com



Giveaway:
**This is a US only giveaway, per Berkley Publishing's request. 
Winners will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their complete mailing address. This mailing address will be forwarded to Berkley Publishing, who will be sending you the book; your address will not be used for any other purposes.
If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will have to select another winner. 
Good luck!






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Thursday, March 29, 2018

One Way by S.J. Morden

*One Way is available Tuesday, April 10th!*

One Way by S.J. Morden. Orbit, 2017. Paperback. 368  pages.

Now this was a fun, fast-paced adventure that I found incredibly entertaining.

I was immediately pulled in by the premise of this book and I'm happy to say that I felt it was executed really well. I've recently found that although I'm not always a huge sci-fi fan, I do really enjoy a good space novel, so One Way really fit that bill for me. I've been thinking of this book as a 'And Then There Were None in space,' and that in itself is a good enough description to hook me. The author, S.J. Morden, is a "bone fide rocket scientist" and for me that really gave this book an additional sense of authenticity that made it all the more enjoyable for me.

One Way kicks off when a small crew of ex-cons are recruited to be the first men to set up base on Mars. When a few of the crew members begin dying at random, the deaths that initially appear to be accidents soon start adding up to look a bit more suspicious than initially thought. As you can imagine, the number of suspects is limited and tensions start to rise.

The beginning of this book was a little on the slow side, but that's only because of the setup that had to be done to really get the foundation settled and the story and going. It was never boring, but it did leave me wondering if it would pick up--and fortunately it did. By the time I reached the midway point of this book, it was a complete page-turner and I was having a hard time putting this book down at all. There were a few times when the technical aspects of things took over a bit too much for me and I would sort of skim over the more intricate aspects, but that didn't happen too much to really be a problem. At the end of the day, I'd probably rather have too many details than not enough, anyway.

I really liked the cast of characters that was collected for the crew. They weren't all entirely likable, but they all had a certain authenticity that worked really for the story and helped to tell their own personal backstories. It was hard to keep track of who was who initially, but eventually the personalities of each began to show through and things got smoother. Our main protagonist, Frank, often came across as a fairly generic sort of figure, but I actually thought this worked well in coordination with the other characters, as it basically made him the de facto leader, as it seemed it was most natural and that he was the most clear-headed at all times. Despite his murder conviction, Frank seems to be a fairly decent guy (who ever thought those words would be typed?) One Way has a theme of 'second chance' running through it that I think every character could relate to in some way, and that I'm sure many of us reader could also relate to. I did want a little bit more from each of the characters in terms of fully developing the into three dimensional figures, particularly when it comes to a man named Brack. The characters were still well done, but I just felt like the development wasn't quite there.

One Way wasn't perfect and there were more than a few things that I could have done without, such as placing some sort of classified document at the beginning of each chapter that documents conversations and dialogue between the creators of the company that sends the crew to Mars. Some of these were really interesting and did add a lot to the story, but more than a few felt a bit unneeded and were overall uninteresting.

One Way ends on a bit of a cliffhanger in the sense we find out what's been going and why people have been dying, but it still leaves off right at a point where I cannot way to find out what happens next. I really can't wait to read the sequel!

Overall, I've given One Way  four stars. This isn't some phenomenal, ground-breaking book, but it is incredibly fascinating and highly entertaining nonetheless. I simply did not want to put it down. Morden himself is a retired rocket scientist, which lends quite a lot of credibility to the technical aspects within this book.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


*I received a copy of One Way courtesy of the publisher, Orbit, in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*


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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday: What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released!

This week's upcoming book spotlight is:
What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine
Publication Date: May 8th, 2018
Harper
368 pages
Pre-order: Amazon Book Depository 
From Goodreads:

What Should Be Wild
"Cursed. Maisie Cothay has never known the feel of human flesh: born with the power to kill or resurrect at her slightest touch, she has spent her childhood sequestered in her family’s manor at the edge of a mysterious forest. Maisie’s father, an anthropologist who sees her as more experiment than daughter, has warned Maisie not to venture into the wood. Locals talk of men disappearing within, emerging with addled minds and strange stories. What he does not tell Maisie is that for over a millennium her female ancestors have also vanished into the wood, never to emerge—for she is descended from a long line of cursed women. 

But one day Maisie’s father disappears, and Maisie must venture beyond the walls of her carefully constructed life to find him. Away from her home and the wood for the very first time, she encounters a strange world filled with wonder and deception. Yet the farther she strays, the more the wood calls her home. For only there can Maisie finally reckon with her power and come to understand the wildest parts of herself."



Curses, a manor, and a mysterious forest? Say no more, I'm ready to read this book.
I think this book sounds so intriguing and I haven't heard much about it so I am really curious to find out more!

What do you think about this upcoming release? What are your anticipated upcoming releases?


Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want to Read that Take Place In Another Country

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly book blog meme now hosted by Jana over at The Artsy Reader Girl!

This week's topic is: Books That Take Place In Another Country
Since I just did this topic a couple years ago, I thought I'd switch it up just a bit and instead feature some books set in countries outside of the US that I want to read. I'm choosing outside of the US since I currently reside here in the States. Here are just a few of my picks!

Hikikomori: Adolescence without EndHikikomori: Adolescence without End by Tamaki Saito, trans. by Jeffrey Angles
Setting: Japan
"This is the first English translation of a controversial Japanese best seller that made the public aware of the social problem of hikikomori, or “withdrawal”—a phenomenon estimated by the author to involve as many as one million Japanese adolescents and young adults who have withdrawn from society, retreating to their rooms for months or years and severing almost all ties to the outside world. Saitō Tamaki’s work of popular psychology provoked a national debate about the causes and extent of the condition."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
Jamaica InnSetting: Engand
"In the bitter November wind, Mary Yellan crosses Bodmin Moor to Jamaica Inn. Her mother's dying wish was that she take refuge there, with her Aunt Patience. But when Mary arrives, the warning of the coachman echoes in her mind: Jamaica Inn has a desolate power, and behind it's crumbling walls Patience is a changed woman, cowering before her brooding, violent husband. When Mary discovers the inn's dark secrets, the truth is more terrifying than anything she could possibly imagine, and she is forced to collude in her uncle's murderous schemes. Against her will, she finds herself powerfully attracted to her uncle's brother, a man she dares not trust."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Bohemian Gospel (Bohemian Gospel #1)Bohemian Gospel by Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Setting: Historical Bohemia
"Set against the historical reign of the Golden and Iron King, Bohemian Gospel is the remarkable tale of a bold and unusual girl on a quest to uncover her past and define her destiny. Thirteenth-century Bohemia is a dangerous place for a girl, especially one as odd as Mouse, born with unnatural senses and an uncanny intellect. Some call her a witch. Others call her an angel. Even Mouse doesn’t know who—or what—she is. But she means to find out."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer
Setting: Timbuktu, Mali
"To save ancient Arabic texts from Al Qaeda, a band of librarians pulls off a brazen heist worthy of Ocean’s Eleven in this “fast-paced narrative that is…part intellectual history, part geopolitical tract, and part out-and-out thriller” (The Washington Post). 

In the 1980s, a young adventurer and collector for a government library, Abdel Kader Haidara, journeyed across the Sahara Desert and along the Niger River, tracking down and salvaging tens of thousands of ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts that were crumbling in the trunks of desert shepherds. His goal: to preserve this crucial part of the world’s patrimony in a gorgeous library. But then Al Qaeda showed up at the door."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Glimmer Palace
The Glimmer Palace by Beatrice Colin
Setting: Berlin, Germany
"In the tradition of Michel Faber and Sarah Waters, a literary historical novel about an orphan girl's journey from poverty to film stardom, set against the grand backdrop of World War I Berlin, the cabaret era, the run-up to World War II, and the innovations in art and industry that accompanied it all."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository




Flood of FireFlood of Fire by Amitav Ghosh
Setting: India, Britain, China
"It is 1839 and tension has been rapidly mounting between China and British India following the crackdown on opium smuggling by Beijing. With no resolution in sight, the colonial government declares war. One of the vessels requisitioned for the attack, the Hind, travels eastwards from Bengal to China, sailing into the midst of the First Opium War. The turbulent voyage brings together a diverse group of travellers, each with their own agenda to pursue. Among them is Kesri Singh, a sepoy in the East India Company who leads a company of Indian sepoys; Zachary Reid, an impoverished young sailor searching for his lost love, and Shireen Modi, a determined widow en route to China to reclaim her opium-trader husband's wealth and reputation. 

Flood of Fire follows a varied cast of characters from India to China, through the outbreak of the First Opium War and China's devastating defeat, to Britain's seizure of Hong Kong."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Da Vinci's TigerDa Vinci's Tiger by L.M. Elliot
Setting: Italy
"Laura Malone Elliott delivers the stunning tale of real-life Renaissance woman Ginevra de' Benci, the inspiration for one of Leonardo da Vinci's earliest masterpieces. The young and beautiful daughter of a wealthy family, Ginevra longs to share her poetry and participate in the artistic ferment of Renaissance Florence but is trapped in an arranged marriage in a society dictated by men. The arrival of the charismatic Venetian ambassador, Bernardo Bembo, introduces Ginevra to a dazzling circle of patrons, artists, and philosophers. Bembo chooses Ginevra as his Platonic muse and commissions a portrait of her by a young Leonardo da Vinci. "
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Girl at War
Girl at War by Sara Novic
Setting: Croatia
"Zagreb, summer of 1991. Ten-year-old Ana Jurić is a carefree tomboy who runs the streets of Croatia's capital with her best friend, Luka, takes care of her baby sister, Rahela, and idolizes her father. But as civil war breaks out across Yugoslavia, soccer games and school lessons are supplanted by sniper fire and air raid drills. 


When tragedy suddenly strikes, Ana is lost to a world of guerilla warfare and child soldiers; a daring escape plan to America becomes her only chance for survival. Ten years later Ana is a college student in New York. She's been hiding her past from her boyfriend, her friends, and most especially herself. Haunted by the events that forever changed her family, she returns alone to Croatia, where she must rediscover the place that was once her home and search for the ghosts of those she's lost."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Secrets of Jin-shei (Jin-Shei, #1)The Secrets of Jin-shei by Alma Alexander
Setting: China
"A sweeping epic set in medieval China; it is the story of a group of women, the Jin-Shei sisterhood, who form a uniquely powerful circle that transcends class and social custom. They are bound together by a declaration of loyalty that transcends all other vows, even those with the gods, by their own secret language, passed from mother to daughter, by the knowledge that some of them will have to pay the ultimate sacrifice to enable others to fulfil their destiny."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


Penelope's Daughter
Penelope's Daughter by Laurel Corona
Setting: Ancient Greece
"The award-winning author of The Four Seasons retells The Odyssey from the point of view of Odysseus and Penelope's daughter."
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository







Have you read any of these books? What books set outside of the US do you want to read?


Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

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Monday, March 26, 2018

Master Assassins by Robert V.S. Redick

Master Assassins by Robert V.S. Reddick. Talos, 2018. Hardcover. 

Buckle up and grab some snacks, folks, because this is going to be a long review for a book that has quickly become one of my newest fantasy favorites. Master Assassins is beautiful, dark, raw, jaw-dropping at times, and all-around amazing. Because I run the risk of rambling in a disorganized fashion, I decided that I would organize my review into four main components of the novel that I want to talk about: characters, writing style, setting, and plot. Also, I will be going into depth about what I liked about this book, but I won't go into too much detail regarding any specific characters, plot points, places, etc., simply because I think this book is so enjoyable to go into not really knowing what to expect.

Characters. This is, hands down, one of the best casts of characters in a fantasy series that I've read in a while. I had pretty mixed feelings about each character when they were first introduced, but by the middle of the novel I discovered that I had developed extremely strong feelings to each one and felt incredibly connected to them, more so than I have in quite some time.

Kandri and Mektu are brothers and are our two main protagonists. The two could not be more different, but it becomes apparent that at the end of the day they are still brothers and are still there for one another no matter the consequence. Their entire relationship was so authentic and relatable and really brought life to the story. Kandri is the ever-patient, practical man who has no time for rule-breaking and nonsense, whereas Mektu is this completely unpredictable, semi-mad figure who is always opening his mouth when he shouldn't and getting everyone into trouble. I hated Mektu at times, but I also loved him just as much. I loved both of these brothers, let's be honest. Mektu is the kind of the character that is endearing because he is such an enigma and you can't figure him out, whether he is mad or brilliant or a bit of both (likely the latter), and he was just such a joy to read. The dynamic between him and the other characters is enough in itself to make this book enjoyable.

The other main figures are Chindilan, a sort of uncle to the brothers; Eshett, a victim of human trafficking attempting to find her way home, Talupeke, a warrior who also joins them, and Ariquina, a woman of interest from Mektu and Kandri's past. I worried at first that the female characters would be portrayed in the stereotypical manner of high fantasy novel, usually used as some sort of prop to move the plot forward with little redeeming qualities, the women in this book were none of those things! Each woman brought so much to this story and played such a vital role in a myriad of ways. I was really pleasantly surprised and impressed with how Redick wrote these characters, and I applaud his work. It is always nice to read some well-written female characters in a genre where they aren't always often portrayed so well. I'd love to go into more detail about each one, but this review is already going to be far too long, so I'm holding back for now. Chindilan is a father-figure that I loved. He's blunt, (hard-nosed), and --, but he's also unfailingly loyal and an invaluable person.
(Shout-out to spellcheck for trying to correct Chindilian to 'chinchilla' and Talupeke to 'cantaloupe.')

Writing Style. Many people seem to be describing this as 'literary fantasy,' and I'm pretty much inclined to agree with that statement. Redick's style is, first and foremost, stunning and clearly thoughtfully done. The cover and title of this book does not really match what I expected from the book, but now that I've finished the book there is a certain appeal to them. I actually like how both the title and cover give a somewhat different impression from what this book is, and I think it adds something to the overall brilliance of this book and not being able to really predict anyone's actions.

The narrative has such a strong voice, incredibly mature and meaningful, but also not over the top. It has a certain flow to it that was incredibly compelling and told the story in the most engaging way possible by really pulling the reader into the events and feelings of the characters. I'm partially inclined to describe the style as a raw, almost brutal tone at times, but that doesn't feel quite right because it is also eloquent and affecting. There is a softness intermixed with more jarring aspects, and I think that is part of what makes this book such a masterpiece. Also, there is an abundance of humor that is both obvious and not so obvious, which I appreciated to no end. I was truly never bored with this book, and that isn't always the case.

On a more technical note, Master Assassins is written in present tense with a semi-parallel narrative that splits between the current happenings of our characters and flashbacks of these characters' lives while growing up. Prominent and frequent flashbacks are always hit or miss with me, but in this case they were an absolute hit. The flashbacks added so much depth and intrigue to these characters and what was currently happening, and I loved delving deeper into the backstory of the characters' lives.

Setting. The world-building is fantastic. It's incredibly detailed and realized, but it's not so complex that you become lost or can't figure out what is happening--it's approachable. I haven't seen anything about what might've inspired the world of Urrath, but I would be fascinated to hear what did help to mold this world that is both desolate and also full of so much life and culture.

In addition to the physical world, Redick has also created a fascinating religious component, one that was both mysterious and intimidating, yet also incredibly intriguing. There is this sort dark, tragic element to the religion that made it feel more like something akin to compulsion than anything else. I could read too much into things, but all I have to say is that I was completely hooked by this aspect.

Plot. This book had one of the best plots I've read in a long time, and that is befcause it was completely unpredictable from start to finish. I had only a vague notion of what this book was about going into it--which is my preferred manner of reading, usually--but this time I really didn't expect anything in particular or know much about it other than the fact that Mark Lawrence and Patrick Rothfuss both highly recommended it. I cannot say how much I loved the unpredictability and it's honestly one of the things that made this book so exciting to read. This story starts off with two brothers living as soldiers who don't really have any grand plans to do anything other than that, and by the end of the book the beginning almost feels unrecognizable. There's nothing really stereotypical because it just felt so different from other books I've read and this made the adventure that much more enjoyable. There is so much mystery around everything that happens and everything people say--I just couldn't get enough of it.

Another thing that I loved was how Redick managed to interweave so many different threads of both major plot elements and minor details into something so epic and fluid. If I tried to recount what happened in this book, it would end up sounding so jumbled up and perplexing that you would think I'm crazy (which, let's be honest, that's still questionable) and this book is confusing. But it's not! This book does require careful reading to pick up all the subtext, but the book itself is just so masterfully written that it feels effortless (though I'm sure Redick put a lot of hard work and effort into writing it!).

The last point I want to touch on that is really more theme-oriented than plot-oriented is that of war. There are constant undertones regarding war in this book, and not just one army vs. another army types of war. War within yourself, between yourself and others, between yourself and the elements--it's endless. What I liked about this theme was that it felt as if at times this idea of war was treated with the general serious sentiments people usually have towards war, but there was also a weariness and tiresome quality attributed to it, a less-serious look that brought a lot of interesting thought to the matter.

Overall, I've given Master Assassins five stars (surprise, bet you didn't see that one coming!). I also would like to thank Mark Lawrence once again for turning me onto such a fantastic book. If there is one thing I've learned, it is that I should always take Lawrence's advise when it comes to books because so far I've read three books that he's raved about, and we are at 3/3 brilliant. If you are a fantasy fan or simply a fan of great writing and storytelling, then go pick up this book!

**Added note: The author shared with me a wonderful post he made on his website about his feminist intentions in this book, which I found a very interesting and important read and would encourage others to read it as well. I didn't see this post until after I finished the book and my review, so it was a great discussion to tack on. It can be found here.


Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository
*This is currently available in both hardcover and paperback.
**No, I am not being sponsored to write any of this, I just like to provide information and encourage people to read awesome books.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Anticipated April 2018 Releases!


April is just around the corner, so it's about that time where we get excited for many anticipated April releases! April is shaping up to be a huge release month, and the nineteen that I have listed isn't even half of it. What books are you most looking forward to being released in April?

CirceSky in the DeepGrey Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #2)Daughters of the Winter Queen: Four Remarkable Sisters, the Crown of Bohemia, and the Enduring Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots
The Winter RoadSpace OperaUnbury CarolBeyond a Darkened Shore
WestNeverlandFrom Unseen Fire (Aven Cycle #1)The Gloaming
Lost GodsThe Defiant Heir (Swords and Fire #2)Blackfish CityIsle of Blood and Stone (Isle of Blood and Stone, #1)
WonderbloodAce of Shades (The Shadow Game #1)Ash PrincessHouse of Spines

Circe by Madeline Miller || April 10th -- Amazon | Book Depository (review coming soon!)

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young || April 24th -- AmazonBook Depository (review coming soon!)

Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence || April 3rd -- Amazon | Book Depository (Review)

Daughters of the Winter Queen: Four Remarkable Sisters, the Crown of Bohemia, and the Enduring Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots by Nancy Goldstone || April 10th -- AmazonBook Depository

The Wolf by Leo Carew || Apri 3rd -- Amazon | Book Depository

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente || April 10th -- AmazonBook Depository

Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman || April 10th -- AmazonBook Depository

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake || April 19th -- AmazonBook Depository

West by Carys Davies || April 24th -- AmazonBook Depository

Neverland by Margot McGovern || April 1st -- Book Depository

From Unseen Fire by Cass Morris || April 17th -- Amazon | Book Depository

The Gloaming by Kirsty Logan || April 19th -- Book Depository

Lost Gods by Micah Yongo || April 5th -- AmazonBook Depository

The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso || April 19th -- AmazonBook Depository

Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller || April 17th -- AmazonBook Depository

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier || April 10th -- Amazon | Book Depository

Wonderblood by Julia Whicker || April 3rd -- Amazon | Book Depository

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian || April 24th -- Amazon | Book Depository

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody || April 10th -- AmazonBook Depository (review coming soon!)

House of Spines by Michael J. Malone || April 1st -- AmazonBook Depository

What are your anticipated April releases?

Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

I am also an Amazon affiliate, so if you'd prefer to shop through Amazon, just click the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog! (above the 'Follow by email' box, you may need to turn off adblock to see it!)

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Middle Grade Mini-Reviews: The Problim Children by Natalie Lloyd & Witchborn by Nicholas Bowling



The Problim Children by Nataie Lloyd
Katherine Tegen Books, 2018. Hardcover. 304 pages.
About the book
I loved The Problim Children! This was an incredibly fun, imaginative, and entertaining read. The Problim children are probably one of my new favorite fictional families--perfectly wacky, yet incredibly adorable all at the same time. There are seven children, each child for a different day of the week: Mona, Toot, Wendell, Thea, Fida, Sal, and Sundae--and, of course, their pet pig, Ichabod. I worried that such a large cast of main characters would be confusing, but I quickly caught on and was able to discern each character due to each one's unique and endearing personality.

There were a few minor aspects of this book that seemed to drag on on a bit too much or that were simply given too much focus, but these did not overtake my enjoyment in any way.The best part of this book was how Lloyd managed to work in a very open-minded mentality among the children about being accepting of different personalities and lifestyles in a way that was completely subtle yet incredibly effective. It was beautifully done, and I am absolutely going to be buying a copy for every child I know once they hit the middle grade age (or any fellow adult who wants a fun book!). Overall, I gave The Problim Children four stars!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

*I received an ARC of The Problim Children in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating of the book.*


Witchborn by Nicholas Bowling
Chicken House Ltd, 2017. Paperback. 368 pages.
About the book
Witchborn was probably seventy-percent cover-buy/thirty-percent "ooh a witch story!" purchase. This cover grabbed me because I have such a thing for gorgeous detailed covers like these and I love ravens. Then I discovered that this was about witches and takes place in 1577, and well, I was sold.

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I expected,  but nonetheless it was still a really interesting book. It was fairly slow-paced, which is why I might recommend it for an older or more mature middle-grade reader, as felt that there were times when it balanced on the line of middle grade and young adult both in subject matter and style. It's definitely middle grade, but almost in the Tamora Pierce-sense where it can easily be read by any age. I wanted to see more magic from Alyce rather than simply moving the plot along to reach a destination. I did, however, love the dark and mysterious atmosphere that permeated this entire book.
Overall, I gave Witchborn four stars! This would be a great read for any witch fans!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


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Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Waiting on Wednesday: Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released!

This week's upcoming book spotlight is:
Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron
Publication Date: May 15th, 2018
Roaring Brook Press
272 pages
Pre-order: Amazon Book Depository 
From Goodreads:

Out of the Blue
"Sometimes, I imagine alternate endings to the story: last-minute miracles, touches of magic. I picture how things might have gone, if I wasn’t there. If I’d left just a few minutes later. If I hadn’t been alone. It doesn’t make any difference. One way or another, the crash always comes. 

Ten days after Jaya Mackenzie’s mum dies, angels start falling from the sky. Smashing down to earth at extraordinary speeds, wings bent, faces contorted, not a single one has survived. 

Hysteria mounting with every Being that drops, Jaya’s father uproots the family to Edinburgh intent on catching one alive. But Jaya can’t stand this obsession and, struggling to make sense of her mother’s sudden death and her own role on that fateful day, she’s determined to stay out of it. 

When her best friend disappears and her father’s mania spirals, things hit rock bottom and it’s at that moment something extraordinary happens: An angel lands right at Jaya’s feet, and it’s alive. Finally she is forced to acknowledge just how significant these celestial beings are. 

Set against the backdrop of the frenzied Edinburgh festival, OUT OF THE BLUE tackles questions of grief and guilt and fear over who we really are. But it’s also about love and acceptance and finding your place in this world as angels drop out of another."

I actually just came across this one the other day, but I'm already so intrigued by it! I'm getting some Laini Taylor vibes from that synopsis, and I'm really just interested to see how this storyline is handled. 


What do you think about this upcoming release? What are your anticipated upcoming releases?


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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My (Imaginary) Spring TBR!

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly book blog meme now hosted by Jana over at The Artsy Reader Girl!

As I've mentioned on this blog before, I don't really make traditional TBR lists. I do have a 'want-to-read' list on Goodreads and I always have specific books in my head that have priority,  but I don't physically separate out TBR books or make a list. That being said, I decided to make this list with books that have higher priority and that I'm hoping to get to within the next few spring months.

I separated this list into two categories: 1) books I already own, whether via ARC, publisher, or purchase, and 2) books that I don't own, including both backlist and books that aren't out yet and I'm hoping to read. I think we also all know by now that I don't adhere to the 'ten' rule very well, so I actually have a total of thirteen books listed. What are you gonna do? 
*Also, if there's a book on this list that isn't out yet, I'll add the release date next the title. Now let's get ready for spring!

Books I already own:

The Wolf (Under the Northern Sky #1)
1. The Wolf by Leo Carew 
(finished review copy, releases April 3rd, 2018)
"The Wolf is a thrilling, savagely visceral, politically nuanced, and unexpectedly wry exploration of power - and how far one will go to defend it. Violence and death have come to the land under the Northern Sky. The Anakim dwell in the desolate forests and mountains beyond the black river, the land under the Northern Sky. Their ancient ways are forged in Unthank silver and carved in the grey stone of their heartland, their lives measured out in the turning of centuries, not years. By contrast, the Sutherners live in the moment, their vitality much more immediate and ephemeral than their Anakim neighbors. Fragile is the peace that has existed between these very different races - and that peace is shattered when the Suthern armies flood the lands to the north." Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Cicero, #1)
2. Imperium by Robert Harris
"Of all the great figures of the Roman world, none was more fascinating or charismatic than Cicero. And Tiro -- the inventor of shorthand and author of numerous books, including a celebrated biography of his master (which was lost in the Dark Ages) -- was always by his side. Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, Imperium is the re-creation of his vanished masterpiece, recounting in vivid detail the story of Cicero's quest for glory, competing with some of the most powerful and intimidating figures of his -- or any other -- age: Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and the many other powerful Romans who changed history." Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3)
3. Obsidio by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman
The conclusion to the Illuminae Files trilogy is here and I can't wait to pick this up and find out how it all ends. I confess, though, that I'm a bit scared to because I know how ruthless Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman are. Deep breaths. (I'm actually reading this one right now!)
Read about the book (but not if you've not read up to Gemina!)
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Torn (The Unraveled Kingdom #1)
4. Torn by Rowenna Miller 
(finished review copy, releases today!)
"TORN is the first book in an enchanting debut fantasy series featuring a seamstress who stitches magic into clothing, and the mounting political uprising that forces her to choose between her family and her ambitions, for fans of The Queen of the Tearling." Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Arm of the Sphinx (The Books of Babel, #2)
4. Arm of the Sphinx by Josiah Bancroft
(ARC)
"The second book in the word-of-mouth phenomenon fantasy series about one man's dangerous journey through a labyrinthine world." Read more about the book!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Grey Bastards (The Lot Lands, #1)
5. The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French 
(ARC, releases June 19th, 2018,
*note: the book has a new different cover than the one pictured)
"LIVE IN THE SADDLE. DIE ON THE HOG. 
Such is the creed of the half-orcs dwelling in the Lot Lands. Sworn to hardened brotherhoods known as hoofs, these former slaves patrol their unforgiving country astride massive swine bred for war. They are all that stand between the decadent heart of noble Hispartha and marauding bands of full-blood orcs." Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Sky Is Yours
6. The Sky Is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith
"A sprawling, genre-defying epic set in a dystopian metropolis plagued by dragons, this debut about what it’s like to be young in a very old world is pure storytelling pleasure." Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


Do not own/Not yet published:

Macedonian Warrior: Alexander's elite infantryman
1. Macedonian Warrior: Alexander's Elite Infantryman by Waldemar Heckel, Ryan Jones, Christa Hook
"During the reigns of Philip II and Alexander the Great, the Macedonian Army (the phalangites) were reformed and drilled into an invincible fighting force with unique tactics and weaponry. The Macedonian warrior during his service would march over 20,000 miles in the most diverse climates and terrains, fighting in four of the epoch battles of the time. This book examines their initial training, rise to an elite unit under Alexander the Great, and eventual defeat at the battle of Pydna, 168 BC."
Military history was one of the many areas I focused on in my histories, and I think this book sounds fascinating!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Legendary (Caraval, #2)
2. Legendary by Stephanie Garber
The sequel to Caraval! I didn't flat-out love Caraval as much as I hoped, but I love the setting and the magical game so much that I can't help but enjoy these books. I can't wait to read Legendary!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Witchsign (Ashen Torment, #1)
3. Witchsign by Den Patrick
"It has been seventy-five years since the dragons' rule of fire and arcane magic over Vinkerveld was ended, and the Empire was born. Since, the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane across the lands. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witchsign. So each year the Emperor sends out his Vigilants across the continent to detect the arcane in these children. Those found tainted are taken, and never seen again" Read more about the book.
Buy the book:  Book Depository

The Beast's Heart
4. The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross (Releases May 3rd, 2018)
"I am neither monster nor man—yet I am both. I am the Beast. 
The day I was cursed to this wretched existence was the day I was saved—although it did not feel so at the time. My redemption sprung from contemptible roots; I am not proud of what I did the day her father happened upon my crumbling, isolated chateau. But if loneliness breeds desperation then I was desperate indeed, and I did what I felt I must. My shameful behaviour was unjustly rewarded."... Read more about the book.
Buy the book: Book Depository

The Hunger
5. The Hunger by Alma Katsu
This is a reimagining of the Donner Party with some supernatural twists... this is one of those books that I never knew I wanted, but I want to read it so badly. 
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3.1)
6. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas (Releases May 1st, 2018)
A Court of Frost and Starlight is the highly anticipated novella that takes place after the events of the A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm expecting it to be a really fun and enjoyable installment, so fingers crossed it is.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Have you read any of these books? Are you excited for any? What books are on your Spring TBR?


Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

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