Waiting on Wednesday: Honor Among Thieves (The Honors #1) by Ann Aguirre & Rachel Caine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super jazzed about.

Title: Honor Among Thieves

Series: The Honors #1
Authors: Ann Aguirre & Rachel Caine
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: February 13, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction

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Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.

Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.

MY THOUGHTS

A powerhouse author team up? Yes, please! Ann Aguirre is one of my favorite authors. Her Razorland series is one of my absolute favorite book series! I also like Rachel Caine. I have only read the first book in her Great Library series, but I enjoyed it very much. This book will be epic! And it's Young Adult Science Fiction! Science Fiction, people! There aren't enough YA Sci-Fi reads out there so I am stoked!

What are some of your favorite books written by more than one author? Feel free to link to your WoW post! 

Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge

I will be participating in the Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer in the month of March! It will be a time for us to focus on books published prior to March 2018 and make a dent in our TBR piles. There will also be a Twitter Party and the host is generously offering a prize to one lucky participant! Head on over to the blog post and sign up!

SIGN UP

My Goal: 12 Books

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can’t Believe I Read and Why

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a different question for bloggers to ponder over. 

This week's topic is "Books I Can’t Believe I Read and Why". 

1. First & Then by Emma Mills

Goodreads

First of all, I loved this book! It had incredible storytelling and amazing characters. The reason why I can't believe I read this is, first of all, because it is a contemporary. This genre is not my strong suit. I usually much prefer a fantasy world to escape to, but this world was ever as much of an escape for me. The second reason that I can't believe I picked this book up is that it is centered around football. Of course, I had no clue that it was about football when I first picked it up. If I had, I honestly think that I would have passed on it. I am glad that I was in the dark because I loved this read!

2. Unwind Dystology series by Neal Shusterman

Goodreads

This is another series that I loved every moment of! The reason why I loved it so much is the reason why I can't believe I read it in the first place. This series touches upon sensitive issues with regard to reproductive rights. If anything, this series is better because of that. This series really made me think and feel so many emotions. It made me question my own beliefs. This series shook me. If this had no been part of a reading challenge, I may not have picked it up. Now I have another favorite author, so yay reading challenges!

3. Identity Crisis by Melissa Schorr

Goodreads

This is a book that I simply read because it was part of a blog tour. As I stated before, contemporary isn't my go-to genre.  

4. A Daring Sacrifice (An Uncertain Choice #2) by Jody Hedlund

Goodreads

This is another book that I read for a blog tour. The main reason I agreed to read this is that it sounded like a Robin Hood retelling with a female Robin Hood. While it is loosely based on Robin Hood, it is mostly a historical romance. I did enjoy it when I read it, but I normally would not have picked it up.

5. Kings or Pawns (The Kings #1) by J.J. Sherwood

Goodreads

I loved this book so much! The reason I can't believe that I read it is that it is an adult fantasy book. I normally stick to Young Adult fantasy, so this book was a little intimidating.  

6. The Underground series #1-2 by Erin Bedford

Goodreads

I will be honest, the reason I agreed to be a part of this blog tour is that this is an Alice in Wonderland retelling. Plain and simple. I enjoyed the books and I think that the idea behind the retelling is unique, but there were way too many racy sex scenes for my liking. They seemed to dominate the books, which took some of the enjoyment away for me. 

7. Pushing Perfect by Michelle Falkoff

Goodreads

Yep, another book that I read because it was part of a blog tour. This was also another contemporary book. I did enjoy the look into a main character with anxiety issues since I suffer from anxiety myself. 

8. Burned (Burned #1) by Ellen Hopkins

Goodreads

I picked this book up from the library in audiobook format. At the time, I did not know that it was a book written in verse. I most likely would not have grabbed it otherwise. I did enjoy the story though. 

9. Hidden Wings series by Cameo Renae

Goodreads

This series is one that I read because it was part of a reading challenge. I probably would not have read it otherwise. While the romance was guilty-pleasure-ish, the writing and plot needed work.

10. BIOMEGA バイオメガ 1 (Biomega / バイオメガ #1) by Tsutomu Nihei, 弐瓶 勉

Goodreads

This book was my first venture into manga, and I decided that it may not be for me...

What are some of the books that you can't believe you read, and why? Feel free to link me to your Top Ten Tuesday post!

Review: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Princess

Series: The Infernal Devices #3
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
Pages: 570
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Steampunk, Romance
Source: Ebook

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Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. 

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

OH MY GOD, MY HEART!! I feel as if my heart has literally beat itself into nothing. I don't think that I have ever had such physical pain after ending a series. I literally wept through the entire epilogue and an over hour thereafter. I will have THE WORST book hangover this week. This month? Until the end of days? Who knows? Cassandra Clare, you sly dog, you will be the death of me. With all the upcoming Shadowhunter books coming out I may very well die of all the feels and my gravestone will read "Here lies Vanessa, bludgeoned to death by the beat of her own heart while fangirling over Shadowhunters and Warlocks". A magnificent death to be sure.

In all seriousness though, this book and this series really did destroy me. I have so much love for these characters. I feel like they are a part of me, like family. They are precious to me. That is how Clare writes her characters. She is innately talented in creating characters that fill you up with emotions. The reader really does live through them as they read. One of the best things about the characters that Clare writes is the relationships between the characters. The relationships are crafted so expertly, so seamlessly. Another wonderful thing about Clare's character writing is the character growth. The main characters always have so much development as the story progresses. Personal growth as well as growth in their relationships with other characters in the story. Clare is just brilliant with writing characters. 

Another thing that makes this book and Clare's Shadowhunter books so amazing is the scope of the plots in her books. The has a magical touch with creating compelling plots with story arcs spread throughout. The pacing of the plot is always spot on, always fluid. The reader is never bored and is always left wanting more. Clare has a superior way of including heart-wrenching twists in her stories and this book was no different. 

I may be repeating myself from my review of the last book in this series, but Clare's world building is phenomenal! All of her books build off of each other to create a truly unique world. Stories from the same world, but in different timelines. The time that it must have taken her to research and flesh out this world must have been years of her life. Clare is truly a master of creating intricate fantasy worlds that inspire and continue to grow.

Overall, if you are looking for a book to thoroughly destroy you from the inside then look no further. This series will make you feel so many feels! If you are an urban fantasy fan then this book and any of Clare's books will feed your book lust. I highly recommend this book and this series! I feel so strongly about this series that I feel I may have to start shoving a physical copy of it in people's faces and rant about it like a madwoman. Now please excuse me while I inconvenience a necromancer and persuade him to nurse me back to life after being so thoroughly slaughtered by this series!

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- A Series A Month Challenge

- Beat the Backlist Challenge

- Try Something New Challenge

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

I wept when I read this book. This book made me cry like my soul was being severed from my person. What was the last book that made you cry? If you are not a crier, share your genius with us on how you manage to refrain from crying when everyone else falls apart. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Immortal Reign (Falling Kingdoms #6) by Morgan Rhodes

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super jazzed about.

Title: Immortal Reign

Series: Falling Kingdoms #6
Authors: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

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As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

MY THOUGHTS

This is a series that I only started at the end of 2017. It is one that I had been meaning to try for eons. Well, I loved the first three books so much that I read them all back to back. I still have books four and five to finish up before this beauty comes out on February 6th. This has become one of my all-time favorite series!

Name some of your favorite series. What series have you read all the books for all in one go? 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a different question for bloggers to ponder over. 

This week's topic is "Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About". 

1. Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

Goodreads

This is a book that I read back in 2015. I had meant to read the remainder of the series, but I keep putting it off because I will have to reread this first. Rereading is not the norm for me because there are SO many books on my TBR list!

2. Paper Gods series by Amanda Sun

Goodreads

I remember reading this and it was incredible! It left such a lasting impact on my mind. While I can generally remember a lot about this series, the specific details are starting to get fuzzy.

3. The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Goodreads

I listened to this series on audio back in 2015. I LOVED this series. It was actually my first foray into audiobooks! I remember a lot about the series, but the specifics are starting to fade.

4. The Union (The Union #1) by T.H. Hernandez

Goodreads

I remember being really engrossed in this story when I read it, but now I can hardly remember anything else. I do recollect a compelling love story in the book. Other than that, I'm lost. There are two more books in this series that I need to get to at some point.

5. The Illumination Paradox series #1-2 by Jacqueline Garlick

Goodreads

I remember loving the romance and world-building in the first two books of this series. Sadly, I remember only bits and pieces otherwise. I still need to read that last book of this series. 

6. Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee

Goodreads

I was so into this series. I was speed reading all three books. I loved the romance and the dystopian world. I can't remember many of the details though. 

7. Storm Siren series by Mary Weber

Goodreads

Another series that I remember really enjoying, but the details have escaped me!

8. Love Me Never (Lovely Vicious #1) by Sara Wolf

Goodreads

I think that the reason why I can't remember the details of this book is that it is a contemporary book. I stick to fantasy for the most part. The romance and the characters in this book were incredible though. The details concerning the story have flown off somewhere. I'll have to reread this one so that I can finish the series. 

9. Artificial (The Kepler Chronicles #1) by Jadah McCoy

Goodreads

I remember being so engrossed in this book. All the science and the dystopian aspect. The characters were incredible and I loved the unconventional romance. That's about all I remember. The second book in this series is out so I need to reread this one.

10. Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1)by Rachel Caine

Goodreads

This book had such an incredible world, but I can hardly remember what happened! I need a reread of this for sure. I need to finish this series!

What are some of the books that you have read but have a hard time remembering details about? Feel free to link up to your Top Ten Tuesday post!

Book Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Watcher Series by AJ Eversley

Title: The Watcher Series

Author: AJ Eversley

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Editor: Q Books Editing

Cover Designer: Cover Art by Salome Totladze

Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

"I knew I was not alone. They would never leave until every last one of us was gone."

Sawyer Russo has sworn to protect humanity, and as a Watcher she's done just that. But the Bots and Carbons that took her city are evolving, and they start picking the Watchers off one by one. One last rescue mission will change everything. When someone betrays them, the line between friend and foe is no longer easily drawn. Sawyer made a vow, and she will fulfill it, even if it means ending the person who deceived them, no matter who it might be.

It all comes down to one choice...

Who can she save?

And who does she have to let go?

Strangers become allies. Lovers become enemies. And a destiny formed before birth unfolds.

Sawyer spent most of her life hunting the very thing she has now become. No longer the Watcher she once was, Sawyer struggles to make sense of her new identity. Though she now has the powers of a Carbon, she is also tied to the control Coleman has over all of his creations.

Desperate for help and answers, Sawyer travels to the United Isles with Max in search of an ally. Not only must she learn to harness her new abilities, she must find a way to mend a broken heart…if her past doesn’t kill her first.

The epic journey continues, and the war for the human race draws ever closer. Join the resistance in the next chapter of the Watcher Series.

AJ Eversley is the author of the WATCHER series. A true north Canadian girl, AJ currently lives in Central Alberta with her husband and dog. When she’s not writing, she can be found binge watching Harry Potter, quoting various movies in everyday conversation, and eating copious amounts of candy.

Author Links:

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | 

Bookbub | Website | Newsletter

Buy Links:

Watcher: http://amzn.to/2BjJphe

Carbon: http://amzn.to/2mYkZot

Excerpt from Watcher:

I knew I wasn’t alone. They’d never leave until every last one of us disappeared.

From the edge of a rooftop high above the boulevards below, I breathed in the cool, damp air as my eyes monitored the near empty streets. Whispers of rain threatened to erupt from the melancholy sky above, as if to echo the sentiment of this place. The ruined city, once a place I called home, was nothing more than a pile of rubble thanks to the Bots and Carbons roaming the streets. Buildings had been torn to pieces, leaving gaping holes in those that still stood, uninhabited but for a few survivors. It wasn’t a livable place, not the refuge I’d known ten years ago, but it was my reality. And as my eyes scanned the dark metropolis before me, I clung to the feeling of freedom before the burden took over me. The silent promises I had made and had yet to fulfill.

Quiet and cold as it always was, the darkness hung like the night even at the peak of daytime. Smog and cloud lingered over the city, leaving us in a constant state of gloom with the threat of rain hanging over us. The only light that shone in this dark city was Sub 9, the enemy’s headquarters. The lone building lit up in the distance as I stood bathed in darkness, hidden in the shadows. Darkness was my friend, my confidant, my ever constant reminder of who I was and my purpose here.

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Review: Netherworld (The Chronicles of Koa #1) by K.N. Lee

Title: Netherworld

Series: The Chronicles of Koa #1
Author: K.N. Lee
Publisher: Booktrope
Publication Date: May 11, 2013
Pages: 224
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, New Adult
Source: ARC

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Book Depository 

Book one of the critically acclaimed #1 international bestselling series critics and fans are calling Blade meets Ocean's Eleven. 

Demons, ghouls, vampires, and Syths. The Netherworld Division is an organization of angels and humans who are there to keep the escaped creatures from the Netherworld in check in this action-packed paranormal thriller. 

Introducing Koa Ryeo-won, a half-blood vampire with an enchanted sword and a membership to the most elite vampire castle in Europe. 

A vengeful demon threatens everything Koa has worked hard to protect. Not even Halston and his legendary infinity gun can stop him, but Koa's mother might be strong enough to do it--if only her curse can be broken. 

There is one vampire that can help. 

First stop, the Ivory Tower, where only the most notorious supernatural beings are kept. But even that won't be enough. Koa must prepare herself to return to the place that nearly killed her. The Netherworld.

MY REVIEW

I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it. This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

I really enjoyed this story as a whole, but I had some issues with it as well. 

Starting off with what this book does well, it has a very unique take on vampires and Nephilim. I can honestly say that I haven't read anything resembling this world that Lee has created before in other books. The concept of the story is very good and I think with some polishing it could be incredible.

I felt like this book was way too short and lacked detail. It felt like the bare bones of what a book should be. It has the main concept, the characters, and the plot, but it lacks the details needed to fully understand the scope of the story being told. This also brings me to the characters. While I liked these characters, I didn't love them. I didn't feel a connection to them that would make me fall in love with them. At times I didn't feel like I knew them at all. This is where details would have been most advantageous in the story. As far as the world-building goes, more details is never a bad thing in a fantasy book. There were points in the book, especially when the main characters enter the Netherworld, that were confusing to follow. The author was telling instead of showing. An instance of this is when Lee tells the readers that the main character can fly. There is no explanation as to why, nor is there a description of her attempting it. She just flies. It didn't go into any details regarding this power that the main character has. Every time she flew I just pictured Superman, but I know where Superman's power comes from so his power of flying doesn't confuse me. Every time she flew it was very unconvincing and ridiculous to me. Details are the backbone of a story. Without them, the story falls flat and doesn't engage the reader. 

I found the narrative a bit choppy and unconvincing at times. I also think that this book could use a serious sit down with an editor. There were misspellings and mispunctuation galore, and sometimes there was even the wrong form of a word used. While these things may not bother some people, they sadly impacted the enjoyment of the story for me. 

The ending was a bit abrupt. I wouldn't really call it a cliffhanger though because there wasn't anything really hanging in the balance. I think that I would have preferred a cliffhanger, to be honest. The story just stops. I kept scrolling through my e-reader thinking that I didn't have the complete file downloaded to my kindle app. 

This book (and this series) has great potential. It definitely has some missed opportunities in regard to the world building and character growth, but the story is original and catching. I think that with some refining this story could be so much more. I will definitely be continuing the series. I know that this book is the first by this author, and I think that over time her writing can only get better. I am excited to see what else K.N. Lee has to offer. I would recommend this series to those that enjoy action-packed urban fantasy stories. 

This book is written by an indie author. Do you read indie authors? Why or why not?