Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Assassin of Truths (Library Jumpers #3) by Brenda Drake

Title: Assassin of Truths

Series: Library Jumpers #3
Author: Brenda Drake
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Pages: 403
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: ARC

The gateways linking the great libraries of the world don’t require a library card, but they do harbor incredible dangers.

And it’s not your normal bump-in-the- night kind. The threats Gia Kearns faces are the kind with sharp teeth and knifelike claws. The kind that include an evil wizard hell-bent on taking her down.

Gia can end his devious plan, but only if she recovers seven keys hidden throughout the world’s most beautiful libraries. And then figures out exactly what to do with them.

The last thing she needs is a distraction in the form of falling in love. But when an impossible evil is unleashed, love might be the only thing left to help Gia save the world.

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MY REVIEW

I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author and volunteered to review it.

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

I have been eagerly awaiting the finale to the Library Jumpers series, and the wait was worth it! This series has grown so much since the first book. This series really captured my heart with its unique take on magic and fantasy. And what book lover wouldn't adore books where the main characters are warriors that visit libraries around the world on a regular basis? 

So yes, one of the most incredible things about this book and this series is Drake's addictive brand of urban fantasy. The world that she has created is untouchable by other young adult urban fantasy reads. There really isn't anything like it on the market. At least, not that I have read. I love the original concepts. There may be individual similarities to other young adult fantasy books, but the heart of this world is in a league of its own. The magic system and the hierarchy of different races are totally captivating.

The characters throughout this series are ones that you come to truly love. Drake writes her characters in such a way that they become a part of you and you rapidly become attached to them. I love the relationships that are built in this series. They make the characters really stand out and speak loudly to the reader. No matter where the plot was going, I was always invested in the lives of the characters. I was overjoyed in their happiness, and I cried along with them in their pain. 

The plot was strong and I really enjoyed the story and how things ended. There were surprises and twists in the story that I just didn't see coming. This book kept me on my toes. The pacing was perfect and I have no complaints about the execution. I didn't feel like the boss fight at the end of the book could have been more climactic when everything was said and done. There was a lot of buildup to it, but then it just sort of ends abruptly. 

The romance in this book didn't feel as swoon-worthy as in the last book, but I have to say that I liked where things went. I liked the person that Gia ended up with in the end. I was rooting for them the whole time. And as far as the other boy that had her affections, I am glad that they were able to work things out and stay friends in the end. It really ended well after all the drama in the last book where the romance was concerned. I also liked seeing some of the side characters end up happy in their love lives as well. It was a pretty perfect end. 

Overall, this is just a fantastic series! This book really met my expectations in every way. If you are a fan of young adult fantasy, then this series should be on your radar! With its unique premise and lovable characters, you will not be disappointed! I am eager to read more fantasy from Brenda Drake!

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1)

Goodreads | Amazon

My Review

Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2)

Goodreads | Amazon

My Review

Brenda Drake grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother's animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. With kids of all ages populating Brenda's world, it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical for both younger readers and the young at heart. And because she married her prince charming, there's always a romance warming the pages. Her favorite books are The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Kings Row by Henry Bellamann, and Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. When she's not writing, she hosts workshops and contests for writers such as Pitch Wars and Pitch Madness on her blog, and holds Twitter pitch parties on the hashtag, #PitMad. In her free time, Brenda enjoys hanging out with her family, haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or just reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Dragons of Nova (Loom Saga #2) by Elise Kova

Title: The Dragons of Nova

Series: Loom Saga #2

Author: Elise Kova

Publisher: Keymaster Press

Publication Date: July 11, 2017

Pages: 488

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk

Source: ARC

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Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust — hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything — and everyone – she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh. 

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills — and quick-shooting accuracy — makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons. 

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall. 

I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author.

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

The Dragons of Nova was one of my most anticipated releases of 2017! Elise Kova works magic into the pages of the stories she writes. Plain and simple. If she has a fairy godmother then she is on a roll, but if I had to guess, Elise Kova needs no fairy godmother. She casts her own spells and defines herself. (Girl power!)

One of the things that I love most about this book is the world building. There is just SO MUCH in this world, and everything flows together nicely. I mean, I am left awestruck by all the details. I love the blending of different fantasy elements. I have such reverence for Kova's ability to create such intricate worlds. And the Loom Saga is no different. There is so much to love about this amazing world. I liked the distinctions between the world of Loom and the world of Nova. The differences in both societies were woven beautifully into the story. 

The other thing that keeps drawing me back to Kova's books is the characters. The Dragons of Nova has such intense characters, and the character development is astounding. There is nothing that I hate more than a fabulously created fantasy world and no character growth. Kova has knocked this one right out of the park. She is spot on with the evolution of her characters. I loved all of the internal battles that the main character faces in this sequel. So much happened in her past and she has to deal with the past as well as her growing affection for someone that she used to perceive as her enemy. I really loved Florence's character growth the most in this. She really starts coming into her own and starts making decisions for herself. She is changing right alongside the world she lives in. I like how she reacts to the changes in her world and always does what she feels is right. 

I loved the romance in this book. It was a slow building romance from the first book. The two main characters start as enemies, but their journey and experiences together bring them to admire one another. It's one of the best kind of love stories. Seeing someone with different eyes and building from that. 

The plot of the story was great from the first book, and it only continued to dazzle in this sequel. It got deeper and more intricate. The world building and character growth only strengthen the plot and make it grow even more intriguing. 

Elise Kova's Air Awakens series is still one of my favorite series to this day. Her books will always hold a special place in my heart. The Loom Saga shows how much she has grown as a writer, and it shows how much passion she has for her art. She leaves me in awe with every book of hers that I read, and I cannot wait for the next one! I highly recommend The Dragons of Nova to fantasy lovers and everyone that loves superb world building and character growth. And just as a reminder to other young adult readers, this book is part of an adult series so there are intimate scenes in the book. Elise Kova has tales to tell, and I am eager for more of them!

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga #1) by Elise Kova

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom. 

My Review

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Air Awakens (Air Awakens #1) by Elise Kova

A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

And the rest of the Air Awakens Series:

 

Goodreads Links: 

Air Awakens | Fire Falling | Earth's End | Water's Wrath | Crystal Crowned

My Reviews:

Air Awakens | Fire Falling | Earth's End | Water's Wrath | Crystal Crowned

Golden Guard Series 

(Prequel series surrounding characters from the Air Awakens series.)

Goodreads Links: 

The Crown's Dog | The Prince's Rogue | The Farmer's War

Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the Loom Saga. 

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Blog Tour & Reviews: The Underground Series by Erin Bedford

Title: Chasing Rabbits

Series: The Underground #1
Author: Erin Bedford
Publisher: Embrace the Fantasy Publishing
Publication Date: September 29, 2016
Pages: 324
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales
Source: ARC
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Alice was wrong – Wonderland wasn’t so wonderful after all.

Kat never expected to be back in her hometown, but when house sitting turns into a mad rabbit chase, Kat finds herself with a whole new set of problems.

A two-headed bird with a Game of Thrones obsession, a party full of tea addicts, and a Cheshire Cat who could seduce the pants off her grandma? And if the citizens weren’t bad enough their prince was off his rocker.

This wasn’t your run of the mill Wonderland. This was the Fae world, where rules are rules, and some things are exactly as they seem.

REVIEW
I received this book for free from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Alice in Wonderland has always been my all time favorite fairy tale story. On this retelling I am landing right in the middle. On one hand, there were some things that I felt needed improvement, and on the other hand, the premise of the story is incredibly unique and I enjoyed this book a lot.

In this retelling, the first thing that you will notice is the very original premise. The fae angle was quite clever for a Wonderland retelling. The plot is fairly strong, only needed a little clarification in a few spots throughout the story. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that the final twist at the end of the book did not have a great explanation. I definitely thought that more details were needed there, and throughout some other parts of the story. The author does a great job with the flow of the story. It never felt too slow, or too fast. The plot was compelling, and I was desperately turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

The world itself was very creative. There were some instances where more detail was needed, but for the most part I liked the world building.

The writing itself could have been more polished. I found many spelling and grammatical errors. I also felt like it read more like an text message than a novel. There was slang every other paragraph, and some of the wording did not seem appropriate for the context.

I enjoyed many of the characters in the book, but the main character and I were at odds throughout the book. Kat was snarky, foul mouthed, and quite annoying at times. She lusted after every attractive male in the story, which I hated. She claimed to be a "one-man" kind of girl and that a "casual" relationship is not her thing, yet at the beginning of the book she admits to having had friends with benefits which is as casual as it gets. Yet, at other times she was very likable. I very much liked the Cheshire Cat. He was a very interesting character that I had many different opinions of as the story progressed. The Mad Hatter is a character that is briefly touched upon in the book, which I liked. In most retellings, the Mad Hatter is one of the main focuses of the story. He makes a brief cameo in this story, and we don't even get to hear him speak. We just get a physical description, which I also liked. The Unseelie Prince was another character that I enjoyed, although I felt he could have been more developed. Trip and Mop were darling little characters. Alice was a little mysterious, and I didn't entirely like her. She seemed very daft. "The Shadows" was an interesting and mysterious character.

There was a scene in the book where Kat is almost rapes by a fae, and I felt that is was totally unnecessary. It didn't connect with anything else in the book, and if I am honest, it was rather disturbing.

Overall, this book has a lot of promise. I enjoyed it very much, all of the quirks aside. I would definitely recommend it on the originality alone. There are sexual situations in the book, so this one if not for a younger audience. I think that with some polishing, this could be an outstanding novel. I definitely plan on continuing this series.

Title: Chasing Cats
Series: The Underground #2
Author: Erin Bedford
Publisher: Embrace the Fantasy Publishing
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Pages: 250
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales
Source: ARC
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Sometimes the smallest debt comes with the highest price.

Kat went down the rabbit hole and came out changed. Now everyone wants something from her and she is hard pressed to give in to any of them.

Only the irresistibly mysterious Cheshire Cat seems to be on her side. But even he has secrets of his own. Secrets that cause him to show up beaten and bloody on her doorstep.

Dancing around lost friends and determined ex-lovers will be a feat on its own. Doing it and staying sane? Impossible.

Warning: For mature readers.

REVIEW
I received this book for free from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Chasing Cats is a very interesting sequel to Chasing Rabbits, an Alice in Wonderland New Adult re-imagining/retelling. 

The most amazing thing about this book, as with the first book, is the very original concept. I think that Wonderland being a Fae world is extremely interesting and original. Since Wonderland is so whimsical, the Fae aspect really works extremely well. 

The plot this time around was a little slow moving, and fell a little flat. While I liked where things ended up at the end of the book and I am excited to see what comes next, I felt that the buildup to the end was almost nonexistent. It felt like the entire book was just about Chess and Kat's sexual tension and relationship. I would have liked more interactions with Dorian, or some more about him and his struggle with his feelings for Kat/Lynne. I would also have liked to see more of Mop and Trip, as well as the Shadow Man.

Chess is still my favorite character in the series. He is very mysterious, and he is hard to figure out. I am hoping that he doesn't turn into a villain, because that would destroy me. I adore Chess! He seems so conflicted and sad inside. He has been through some terrible things and I really feel for him and his sorrowful past. (At least, what little we know of it.) While I don't hate Kat's character, I liked her less in this book. I did like Kat's kindness to Alice when she appears again. It made me like her a little more. Alice in another mysterious character that is hard to figure out. I would have liked more of Dorian in the book, as I said before. I liked him in the first book, but his treatment of Kat in this book made me really dislike him. Though, I guess that is not a surprise by the end of the book. I am really hoping that things turn around with Dorian. The Seelie Queen is the epitome of a villain. She is heartless and evil at the core. 

While the idea for this series is excellent, the writing falls a little short. It is more conversational than literary. There is a lot of slang that really takes away from what the book could be. If the colloquialisms were polished up, then the writing would be great. The parts where there is no slang sound fine. I did find a lot of misspelled words and grammar issues, but those are also easily fixed with editing. 

There were many surprises while reading, which I enjoyed. I hate predictable books, and Chasing Cats has plenty of twists to keep you guessing. It really grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading. 

This book slightly touches upon prejudice, and I liked that it did. Most of the Fae look down up "half-breeds" and some of the characters struggle with the prejudices against them. 


Overall, this was a very fun book with a lot of action and discovery. I am very invested in this series, and I cannot wait for the third book! I recommend this book to all that like New Adult fantasy and fairytales/retellings. Keep in mind that this is a New Adult book and contains explicit scenes, so it is recommended for a mature audience. 


Both books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Erin Bedford is an Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author, a computer programmer by day, and a hobby hoarder.

Creating fantastical worlds have always been a secret passion of hers and she couldn't imagine writing any story without some kind of lovey-dovey or smexy goodness in it.

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