Review: Fire in the Darkness (Darkness #2) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Fire in the Darkness

Series: Darkness #2
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Twisted Fairy Publishing
Published: August 31, 2013
Pages: 408
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

It's been four weeks since Ember Brycin witnessed what her powers are capable of. The Electrical Current Storm has turned Seattle, Washington into a natural disaster zone. The death toll is in the thousands with countless others homeless and hungry.

And Ember is the one who caused it. Something she will have to live with every day.

Those people who were unable to escape either turned quickly into gangs or live in shelters. Ember, on the other hand, can’t do either. With a price on her head and a Dark Dweller on her ass, she is constantly on the move. Both Light and Dark are hunting her for their own purpose to use her as a weapon or a pawn in the war between the Unseelie King of the Dark and the Seelie Queen of the Light.

Em needs help but doesn’t know who to trust: Lars, the mystery man Torin told her to find? Torin, the Seelie Queen’s personal knight, who has sworn to keep Em safe? Or Eli, who wants to turn her over to the Unseelie King, but whom she has an undeniable, intense connection with?

No matter what she chooses she will probably lose—her life or everything and everyone she loves.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

Stacey Marie Brown really upped her game with the second book in the Darkness series. I'm pretty impressed with how much better it was than the first book. I really enjoyed the first book, but there were a few things that I felt needed refinement. Most of those things were definitely improved in this book.

The flow of the story is much better in this book. I felt that the first book dragged in the middle a bit, but this one didn't suffer at all in that respect. Everything was spaced out very nicely. I liked the plotting much better in this book. The story is engaging, intriguing, and will keep you wanting to read more. You will absolutely want to know what is going to happen next. The plot really does thicken and get so much better.

I liked the world building much more in this book as well. The first book felt more like a contemporary to me since the paranormal aspects were hidden from the main character for most of the book. This book changed that. We get to see the Otherworld in addition to Earth in this book. I really liked the distinctions between the worlds in the writing. 

I loved the addition of new characters in this book. I adore all of the side characters and how they become family to Ember, the main character. Both the Dark Dwellers and the Unseelie King's household become family to her and I liked the way it progressed. I still thought that Ember's character had some annoying traits, but I still like her. She can be a little presumptuous and mouthy, not letting anyone get a word in. This is perhaps a legitimate character flaw that is supposed to bring something to the story, but I found it cringeworthy to read about. I kept yelling at her in my head when she flew off the handle without giving letting anyone else get a word in edgewise. 

I am still on board for the hate-to-love trope being played out in the romance between Ember and Eli. I did feel like their coming together wasn't entirely convincing in the first book, and I still feel that way. It happened too quickly for my liking. But I enjoy their romance as a whole even if it didn't come together in the best way. Ember and Eli are still angsty with each other, though I didn't get the unhealthy "domestic abuse" feel from it in this book like I did in Darkness of Light. I do enjoy their snappy and aggressive banter. It is greatly entertaining. Deep down it shows that the characters are in love, even if they fight it for their own reasons. I have no doubt that their romance will get even heavier in the rest of the series. I am also enjoying the "love triangle/not a love triangle" thing going on with Torin. Torin is in love with Ember and she cares for him, but she has never claimed to love him in the same way. I loved the dreamscape scenes when Ember would pull Torin, Eli, and herself into them. The jealousy was tantalizing. And honestly, any time there is more than one option on the table for romance it makes things way more interesting. 

The only thing that I remotely disliked in this book was that there were way too many spelling and grammatical errors throughout the book. It needed a serious overload of editing, but the writing is solid and the story is golden.

Overall, I am so glad that I decided to continue this series. I have no doubt that this series will end up being one of my favorites. I already adore it and I'm not even halfway through it. If you are a paranormal romance or urban fantasy fan then you should try this series!

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

Darkness of Light (Darkness #1)

Find my review here.

The first book in this series was really good but this book was ten times better. Which series books have you read that have wowed you from one book to the next? What books have you added to your TBR lately?

Review: Darkness of Light (Darkness #1) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Darkness of Light

Series: Darkness #1
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Twisted Fairy Publishing
Published: April 15, 2013
Pages: 310
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.

Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.

When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.

Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This is going to be one of those difficult reviews to write. There were parts of this book that I really liked and some things that I thought could be improved, but as a whole, I did enjoy reading it. 

I loved that I was immediately drawn into the story and that it kept my attention the whole way through. I constantly wanted to know when the mystery was going to be solved and find out who the main character, Ember, could trust. I was able to read this in one sitting so it was definitely compelling. I felt that the pacing was a little slow in the middle. Things don't really start happening until the last portion of the book where the plot is concerned. The middle just felt like teenage school drama and nothingness. Most of the plot is centered around two things: Ember trying to figure out what she is since she is the cause of unusual things happening around her constantly, and the romance that forms between her and Eli. The other plot points seemed dulled by these two things. 

I liked the chemistry between Ember and Eli. It is a hate-to-love trope so there is a lot of back and forth between them that is entertaining. While I enjoyed the chemistry, I didn't feel like the romance was convincing enough. Ember seemed to fall in love with Eli way too quickly, and the entire time he is being downright cruel and nasty to her. It even gets physical and borders on abuse at points so it felt very unbelievable. I don't normally fall head over heels for a man that throws me up against a tree by my neck and leaves gashes in my throat in the process. Some of their dialogues were good, but some of them were almost painful to read. Deep down I am rooting for this romance because I can see the potential, but I am still on the fence over it. Hopefully, it gets better in the next book.

The world-building is decent enough. There are enough details to discern the lay of the land, so to speak. I did feel that it could have used more paranormal or fantasy elements because the majority of the book pretty much felt like reading a contemporary teenage romance. And until the big reveal at the end of the book, the reader doesn't even really know what type of paranormal story this is. There is no mention of paranormal creatures until the end of the book so the reader doesn't even really know where the story is going. This does add some suspense and mystery to the book in a good way, but overall I prefer my paranormal books to have more paranormal in them. It shouldn't feel like a contemporary romance. If I had not read Stacey Marie Brown's Collector series, which is set in the same world, prior to starting this one then I feel like I would have been lost and confused about what type of story I was reading. 

The characters have their good and bad qualities. At least in terms of character development. I like that the characters have flaws and that these flaws influence their personalities and the way that they act in the book. Ember felt a little annoying to me at times, but other times she wouldn't take any crap. At times she felt like a damsel in distress, and I am not overly fond of those types of characters. I am sorry to say that I didn't connect with her as much as I would have liked. If anything, I liked Eli's character more. At least he felt like he had more depth. And honestly, he was a douchebag to Ember most of the time. There were a few shiny rainbow moments where he actually showed some semblance of concern or kindness to Ember, but he was mostly just a dick. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I will be continuing the series. This series has a lot of promise and I am hoping that a few things that didn't click with me in this book improve in the next one. The book in very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone that loves paranormal romance. 

What are some hate-to-love romances that you would recommend? What books have you finished recently?

Review: Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen

Title: Fake It Till You Break It

Author: Jenn P. Nguyen
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Published: May 28, 2019
Pages: 304
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: ARC
~~~~~

Mia and Jake have known each other their whole lives. They’ve endured summer vacations, Sunday brunches, even dentist visits together. Their mothers, who are best friends, are convinced that Mia and Jake would be the perfect couple, even though they can’t stand to be in the same room together.

After Mia’s mom turns away yet another cute boy, Mia and Jake decide they’ve have had enough. Together, they hatch a plan to get their moms off their backs. Permanently. All they have to do is pretend to date and then stage the worst breakup of all time—and then they’ll be free.

The only problem is, maybe Jake and Mia don’t hate each other as much as they once thought...

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions in my review are my own.

I think that I am in shock right now. There is really no other explanation for how stunned I feel at the moment. Okay, let me explain. Earlier this year I read Jenn P. Nguyen's The Way to Game the Walk of Shame and it blew my mind. It is one of the very best YA contemporary titles that I have EVER read. Like, EVER. The story had everything. A plot that was entertaining and took root inside you, characters that were completely real and grew as the story progressed, and all the feels a fangirl could want. So understandably, when I pick up this highly anticipated book by the same author and get none of those things...well, it kind of feels like getting lost at sea. 

So before I tell you all of the reasons why I ended up adrift in this liferaft, let me just say that this book had a lot of potential. I think that a lot of the issues that I have with this book rest with the execution. I normally love the "childhood friends/neighbors to lovers" trope and I think that the concept of a girl and a boy whose mothers are trying to push them together had so much going for it. I think that with some fine tuning this could have very well been one of those books that wows me.

Unfortunately, the concept wasn't enough to save this one for me. It felt like the concept, a girl and boy whose mothers are pushing them together in hopes that they become a couple, was all that this story was about. Any good story has a lot more going on in the background that just the main trope. There were some things going on with these characters, but they didn't feel real or important. It seemed like the focus was mainly on the fact that their mothers were pushing them together. It felt like Mia's love of theater and Jake's love of music were just filler and had no real purpose. 

Another thing that seemed to stick to the sidelines was Mia and Jake's friends. Mia has ONE other friend in this book, Aly, and Jake has two friends that are siblings, Rose and Greg. Their friends make appearances, but they are sparse throughout the first half of the book. We see a little more of them in the second half of the book, but their absence made the book feel very unrealistic. Teenagers are all about their friends and I found it hard to believe that they weren't attached at the hip. It almost felt like Mia and Jake had no other friends at the beginning of the book. 

The characters had no real depth. I mentioned how their interests felt unimportant and that really made the characters themselves take a huge hit. I just could not connect with these characters in the slightest. I had no real sense of who they were. I mean, this is a book about high school and I couldn't even tell you which high school clique the two main characters would have run with. It was all up in the air. The only high school kids that they remotely interact with are theater kids that Mia works with. And the entire plot point concerning Jake's brother felt forced and unrealistic. Especially with the crappy explanation Finn gives Jake and their mother for abandoning them. I almost felt insulted. Like I had invested all this time reading this book and this is the big reveal? Really? I wanted to like these characters so much but they were so dreadfully dull and fell so flat.

Some of the dialogue in this book was cringe-worthy. I don't know how else to put it, but some of the dialogue was just terribly written. It wasn't natural at all and was almost painful to read. 

While the romance between Mia and Jake wasn't swoon-worthy, it wasn't a lost cause either. There were some cute moments here and there. I did like how thoughtful Jake always was about Mia. Like, he always knew her eating habits and would order her extra food. Adorable. And the way that Mia could tell Jake's mood by the expression on his face. 

Overall, this book just didn't do it for me. I admit that my expectations were pretty high on this one after reading The Way to Game the Walk of Shame. Maybe that was my downfall where this book was concerned? Either way, I will definitely consider picking up another book by this author in the future. I do think that this is a book that many YA contemporary fans will love.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- 2019 New Release Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

It isn't often that I am disappointed by a book. I read a lot of books, but I generally have good luck in picking books that I know I will like. I hardly ever give a book less than 3 stars. Like, ever. I was looking forward to this book since I read The Way to Game the Walk of Shame and it became an imprint on my brain. I love that book so much. This book left me wondering if the same author actually wrote both? It's like comparing a five-tier gourmet cake to one of those microwave brownies. Are there any books that shocked you in this way? Did you try another book by the same author after being disappointed the second time? What books have caught your fancy lately?

Review: From Burning Ashes (Collector #4) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: From Burning Ashes

Series: Collector #4
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Stacey Marie Brown
Published: May 30, 2016
Pages: 525
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

This war is not being played on a battlefield.

Killed by the man she loves, not even death is kind to Zoey. 
Neither life nor her fae powers will let her go in peace. 

In this final installment, Zoey’s strength, determination, and trust are put to the ultimate test. In the fight to protect the people she loves and stop DMG from experimenting on fae, humans, and animals to create soldiers, she learns the reality of how far Dr. Rapava will go to achieve his ultimate mission.

Of course, Rapava is not the only one willing to go to extremes. Vadik is hunting Ryker, and there is nothing he won’t do to get back the property he feels is his: both Ryker and the Stone of Destiny.

To end one evil, Zoey might have to make a deal with another. One she won't be able to get out of. And it could be the worst decision she ever made.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This book was the perfect, most beautiful ending to this series! I am on such a book high right now! This is now, hands down, one of my all-time favorite book series. My head is such a jumble of thoughts right now that I don't know where to start. 

So let's start with the plot. It's insanely good, okay? And the pacing of the story is just perfect. I really love the way that things played out with regard to the plot. The events and obstacles in the plot are spaced out so evenly and everything flows together flawlessly. The plot is full of action and purpose. There are some exciting new developments in the story and some juicy plot twists. Some that I definitely didn't see coming. Some I was generally aware of but did not know how they would play out exactly. I was so happy with how the story ended. The only thing that I would have liked to see was what happened to Amara in the end. 

The characters in this book and the series as a whole are so well written. The character growth in this series is astounding. The characters have come so far from what they were at the beginning of the series. They have gone through so many obstacles and have struggled so much that it has changed them and brought out the best in them. I adore the side characters in this series. I think that the side characters compliment the main characters so much. The chemistry between the characters is amazing. I love the dialogues. Sprig's banter and his conversations with Zoey, Ryker, and Croygen brought me so much joy. (And laughter!) I also really liked the Unseelie King. There was something about him that I adored. I think that it was the way he regarded Zoey. He found her intriguing and didn't treat her as inferior. He seemed to really appreciate her personality traits and at times I think he found them amusing. The relationships that are formed throughout this series are so intense and completely heartwarming. I want to keep these characters in my heart forever. 

The world-building in this book is just as vivid as the first three books. There are plenty of details that perfectly describe the atmosphere of each scene. 

The romance in this book and series is a rollercoaster that you will want to ride. From enemies to allies to friends to lovers...this romance is full of intensity. I felt that the slow burn romance was convincing from the start and incredibly well written. The intimate scenes were hot and the way that the characters regarded and treated each other was beautiful. I will ship Zoey and Ryker hardcore until the end of days. 

Overall, this is a fabulous series that you should definitely experience for yourself. If you enjoy stories that are action-packed, with an invigorating plot, and characters that will make you feel every emotion on the Richter scale then you will be jazzed with this series. It has officially become one of my all-time favorite series. I am going to vigorously read through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books and keep her on my auto-buy list from now on!

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

City in Embers (Collector #1)

Find my review here.

The Barrier Between (Collector #2)

Find my review here.

Across the Divide (Collector #3)

Find my review here.

The lead characters in this series are both badasses. Plain and simple. And I happen to like my characters with a certain amount of badassery. What are some of your favorite badass characters? What books have you finished recently?

Review: Across The Divide (Collector #3) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Across The Divide

Series: Collector #3
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Stacey Marie Brown
Published: December 9, 2015
Pages: 384
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

The hunter is now the hunted. 

Zoey Daniels is becoming the very thing she once despised. Fae. After Zoey and Ryker finally found their way to each other they are torn apart by an ex-girlfriend, a stone, and mortality. Ryker’s powers have fully adapted to Zoey, slowly killing him. 

Now the mysterious feared demon, Vadik, has discovered their location in Peru and has taken Ryker and sold Zoey back to DMG. The very place which gave her life now might take it away. Or someone she loves… Dr. Rapava is so obsessed with building an army against the fae he will do anything to control Zoey and her new found powers. 

Zoey’s has to become an unfeeling brainwashed soldier to survive. But when her survival depends on torturing one to keep another alive, she is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. 

And neither choice is one she can live with.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This book was so damn emotional! Every facet of this book is dripping with emotion. The setting, the plot, the characters, and the romance are chock full of seething emotion. Not that the first two books weren't, but this one was emotional on a much deeper level. Gutteral emotion pours through this book. This book is different from the first two books in other ways as well. The main characters and love interests in this series are separated for almost the entire book. During the time that they are apart, they are both hostages of separate and then the same negative force. They are being tortured and manipulated while they worry over their loved ones. And on Zoey's part, she has to watch and worry over her sister and friend since they are both being held and abused by the same negative force that she is. There is so much pain, anxiety, anguish, sorrow, and through the cracks a small sliver of hope in this book. I almost didn't like that Zoey and Ryker were separated for almost the entire book because they are golden together. Their chemistry is undeniably addictive to read and experience. But this book needed that separation. It built some really powerful emotions in the series and within the characters themselves. This book was really heart wrenching. 

Most of the book takes place within the walls of the DMG, where fae, humans, and animals are being tortured, killed, and experimented on. The world-building in this book really reflects these conditions. It was eerily vivid reading about this place. It makes your heart hurt in the deepest way while you take in the horror of this place. I would honestly say that this book should almost have a trigger warning for those that are sensitive to abuse issues. This book really heavied my heart because of how real this place felt to me. 

The plot is very strong in this book. You get a very clear picture of the issues that the characters are facing and what obstacles they have to face to overcome them and make it through to the other side. There are many different ways things can go for them, and most don't look good. Everyone is an enemy and trust is scarce. I can honestly say that the big plot twist was unexpected. This book is charged with so much emotion that you can't help but keep reading. This is another book that I finished in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Apart from the survival parts of the plot, there are also things about Zoey and Ryker that were unexpected developments. We find out who Ryker's parents are. Things get more intense with the promise Zoey made Ryker make-- to kill her so that he can get his magic back since she knew she was already dying. This plot point is very strong. 

The character growth in this book is some of the best that I have read. It's really phenomenal. The characters are experiencing some of the cruelest and horrific treatment throughout the entire book and it really affects their identities. The emotions laced through the characters in this book reshape them. I loved the growing friendship between Zoey and Croyden. I actually think that he fell in love with her. It isn't actually said in the book, but definitely hinted at. I think that their friendship has awoken something in each of them since they were both loners that never let anyone in. 

The romance is very different in this book. There are a couple of sexual scenes in the book, but they are not real. They are just dreams, or the two main characters connecting their consciousness in dreams. A time that they escape in their minds to each other to find comfort during times when they are being tortured. At the end of the book, Ryker ends up at DMG. He turned himself into them because he knew that Zoey was there. Inside, they blackmail Zoey into torturing him by holding her sister's safety over her. So she does it. This scenario alone is full of so much emotion that I can't see straight. This situation and the other things that they have both went through alone really bring a desperation to the romance. So just because there weren't kissing scenes or even scenes where the main characters were together, it doesn't mean that the romance took a hit. If anything, it is stronger.

Overall, this book exhausted my emotions. I don't know how it is possible for a book to make your chest ache this much continuously throughout the entire book. Usually, it is just a scene or two that will wrench you, but this book has visceral emotion coated throughout. This book does have sensitive and horrific content from beginning to end. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely worth the read. The series as a whole is incredible. It's been a while since a new series has made me feel so much so deeply. This is my new favorite series and I am going to have a fantastic time going through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books when I finish this series. Please give this series a try because you won't be sorry.

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

City in Embers (Collector #1)

Find my review here.

The Barrier Between (Collector #2)

Find my review here.

This book was pretty emotionally exhausting. There was so much trauma in this book that my heart was constantly aching. Which isn't a bad thing. This story is told so beautifully. What was the last book that left you a hot mess because of all the feels? Feel free to share your recent TBR additions.

Review: The Barrier Between (Collector #2) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: The Barrier Between

Series: Collector #2
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Stacey Marie Brown
Published: May 29, 2015
Pages: 416
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

Zoey’s life has taken a dramatic turn. Only a few months ago she was a Collector working for the a secret part of the government called the Department of Molecular Genetics (DMG), tracking and collecting fae. Her life had been changing and improving with a partner she loved and a sister she adored.

Now all that is gone—Daniel murdered by a fae, and Lexi killed when the Seattle area is devastated by a powerful, magical electrical storm. Zoey herself is altered by her association with the Wanderer, Ryker, in life-changing way.

Zoey discovered she was an experiment from the very company she worked for. She could die at any moment of a threatening defect—taking Ryker’s magic with her.

In a race against time, Ryker and Zoey set out to find a way to transfer his powers back before it’s too late. Their journey takes them to the rainforests of South America, dealing with those who are after something Ryker possesses and who will stop at nothing to obtain it for themselves.

What Zoey and Ryker discover can destroy them or tear them a part for good.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

The first book in this series greatly impressed me, but this book was even better! I adore this fictional world where fae come in all different shapes, sizes, and races and are hidden from (most) humans. 

This book leaves off right where City in Embers left off so there is no time lapse in between books. I was glad for it. The plot really expands so much in the second book. It gets way more intense and so many things come to light. I was so compelled to read it that I finished the entire book in one sitting, just as I did with the first book. There were some plot twists that I did not foresee that I was jazzed about. I hate to see them coming so I was pleased that I didn't. The foreshadowing and mystery were woven into the story very well. At times you really didn't know who was ally or foe. I also loved the many different "villains" in the story, because there are a lot! There are three main groups of villains and then there were other threats as well. I liked the balance and how each threat played into the story as a whole. 

I love the world-building in this! Most of the book is set in Peru and the descriptions are just lovely. I felt like I was personally walking through the rainforest, seeing Machu Picchu, going to dive bars, and eating in quaint diners. It was very atmospheric. 

I loved the new characters in the book and how they contributed to and changed the dynamic and the chemistry between the characters. SO MUCH DRAMA, YA'LL! And it is so tasty! Hehe. There were girl feuds that got my blood boiling and bro fights that riled me up. The environment created by the characters was intoxicating. The character growth of the main characters in this book has a lot of depth. They are constantly showing their cards and their true natures, even if they have to go through their own obstacles to get there. The demons that they face in themselves helps them to overcome their obstacles and makes them really decide on what they truly want. 

The romance in this book is damn hot! I don't think that there is any other way to put it. This series had a slow-burn romance, which I love. I adore the way that the two main characters come together and get to know each other so completely. They wrestle with themselves over their feelings though, never really admitting that they have them for one another but definitely showing *ahem, physically, cough* that they actually do. There is a lot of body language and dialogue between the characters that shows their true feelings. And it is glorious!

Overall, this series is quickly lodging itself into my heart. I have fallen in love with these characters and this creative fantasy world. I definitely have a new favorite author! Stacey Marie Brown is a talented storyteller that you won't want to miss out on!

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

City in Embers (Collector #1)

Find my review here.

This series is incredibly creative. What authors do you like that put an interesting spin on the same old paranormal stuff? Feel free to share your most recent read.

Review: City in Embers (Collector #1) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: City in Embers

Series: Collector #1
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Twisted Fairy Publishing
Published: February 4, 2015
Pages: 458
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

Zoey Daniels has been tossed from foster home to foster home, where she grows up fast and tough. When she is placed in her “last-chance” home, she finds a reason to stay and turn her life around: her foster sister, Lexie, who is paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Zoey will do anything to keep her safe. After high school, Zoey is hired by a special government agency, the Department of Molecular Genetics (DMG), where she meets the other reason to remain: Daniel, her co-worker. The man she loves.

But there is something unique about Zoey. She can see fae. Because of this, the DMG hires her to work as a Collector: catching, researching, testing, and using the fae to save human lives. The work never registers on her sympathy radar. She was raised to think of fae as beasts that feed on humans and want to destroy them.

When devastation hits Seattle, Zoey's whole world is turned upside down. The electric storm connects her to a ruthless fae, a Wanderer named Ryker, whose dealings expose them to even more trouble and danger. They embark on a journey, running and hiding from both the government and fae, both of which threaten their lives and those they love.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

OMG, the struggle is real! This is my first venture into the waters of Stacey Marie Brown and I honestly didn't have any expectations going into this book. The synopsis of this book really called to me, and I am happy to say that I was blown away by this book! I am so glad that all the books in this series have already been released because I do not think that I could contain myself if I had to wait to finish this series. 

I was completely immersed in this world. The world-building was entirely convincing. This is an urban fantasy, so this story takes place in our world but has fantasy and paranormal elements on top of our own world. I really liked the blending of both worlds. It was very seamless and shown in such a way that I felt this could actually happen. The realisticness was overpowering. I also liked the subtle blending of genres. This is urban fantasy, but there are elements of paranormal and dystopia as well.

I loved these characters. I felt very connected to them and their character growth was amazing. I loved how the coming together of the two main characters, going from enemies to companions (and maybe more?), not only advanced the romance in the book in a profound way but also strengthened each character individually. Both main characters have difficult pasts and personal demons that they need to overcome. Connecting with the other has brought them something that they didn't have before. The hate-to-love (or at least friendship if not yet love) aspect in the book was very well written. It was a slow burn progression from enemies to respecting each other. And the romance is the same since the hate-to-love trope in the story connects to that as well. We don't get any actual romance between the two main characters, but the romantic and sexual tension is some of the best that I have read. I normally like <i>some</i> actual romance in my books, but if this tension continues between the two main characters then I will gladly delay gratification. 

The premise of this book is what really hooked me from the start. I was really impressed by the ideas in the story. I am such a fan of original and interesting ideas in fantasy and urban fantasy, and Stacey Marie Brown is a breath of fresh air. The plot was very consuming. I was compelled to keep reading and I was entranced by how smooth and clever the plot was. I started this book at bedtime and stayed up through the night until morning just to finish it. 

Overall, I can just say that I have discovered a new favorite author and I am so thrilled! I can't wait to finish this series and start in on Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books. Brown is a wonderful storyteller. If you enjoy moving urban fantasy or paranormal stories with complex characters and serious romantic tension then you will love this book!

Stacey Marie Brown is one of my best indie discoveries. All of her books are incredible. What are some of your favorite indie authors? What books have you been adding to your TBR lately?

Review: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Lord of Shadows

Series: The Dark Artifices #2
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: May 23, 2017
Pages: 701
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Audiobook, Ebook
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Would you trade your soul mate for your soul?

A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of a Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners—sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love.

Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own.

When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows—the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers.

My soul aches in such a way right now that I can scarcely breathe. Time has stopped and all thought has become transcendent. I am a bloody mess right now. This book, this story, these characters...OMG, send help. I feel like my chest has been mauled. I feel savagely broken. I thought that Lady Midnight broke me, but Lord of Shadows has gone beyond that. I never feel quite so happy to be so shattered inside as I do when I read a Cassandra Clare book. And her books get better and better with each passing title in the Shadowhunters universe. 

Clare's books are full of so many emotions. The well-written characters play an important role in her books. Her characters have incredible growth and fascinating story arcs. They are so vivid that they are completely believable. You will feel like you are in the same room with these characters living alongside them. Clare is extremely talented in crafting strong relationships between her characters. Their every interaction will evoke emotions in you. And what I like about Clare's books is that no character is unimportant. The side characters are equally as moving as the main characters. Sometimes even more so. Her characters become ingrained in every part of you until you are breathing them like air. I urge you to let these characters become your oxygen. Experiencing a Cassandra Clare book is like making new lifelong friends. Her characters are special. I don't know how else to put it. 

The other thing that pulls emotion into her stories is the masterful way she plots them. Everything happens for a reason and everything is linked in one way or another. Her plotting is clever, purposeful, and  I can't even fathom her brilliance in crafting stories. She is an unparalleled storyteller. She can truly plot her heart out and do it better than most authors out there. The details, the foreshadowing, the wonder woven into her books, all of it! 

I enjoyed the world building in this one. We've all read at least one Shadowhunter book before Lord of Shadows so we know that aspect of the world building already. It's there, it's awesome. What I liked more about the world building in this book is the way that Clare brought the political issues of the Clave to the forefront of the story. Prejudice and bigotry are powerful themes in this series, and Clare has shown that the Shadowhunter world is not just about slaying demons. These people are real. Just because they are Nephilim does not mean that they don't experience the same things that mundanes do. There are a lot of political ideas expressed in the book. This part of the world building is done extremely well and it sets the tone for the book marvelously. 

I loved the transgender representation. I thought that the character's story was told very well. I liked that it had a purpose and wasn't just thrown in for shock value. It also shines a light on more Shadowhunter rules and laws that are unjust and outdated, which ties into the already pressing issues with the hate surrounding Downworlders and the Cold Peace. 

The romance in this book will mar your heart so thoroughly. I love Julian and Emma's tragic love story. It has brought me so many feels. And I adore the strange relationship between Mark, Cristina, and Kieran. The way that the three of them are coming together is so beautiful and I can only hope that it will end with a polyamorous relationship. I would LOVE to see that representation in Clare's books. I also adore the growing relationship between Ty and Kit, though I am unsure what type of relationship it is becoming. I kind of like that I don't know yet, and honestly, I don't care if it is romance or friendship because it is beautiful to the core. And I don't know if Jaime is going to pan out for Dru, but I can only hope so. I love that girl.

And that ending shook me to the core. I just...oh god. December can't come fast enough for me so that I can read the final book of this series. 

Overall, I urge you to put this book on the top of your TBR list! Clare's books are so good that they could be a religion. I gladly worship her genius. Her stories stay with you long after you finish reading. If you enjoy books that make you feel something then Clare is the author for you. Being tortured by her books is a privilege. I will always volunteer as tribute!

Check out my review for the first book in this series!

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)

Find my review here.

As sequels go, this one was like a golden egg in a field of brown ones. Sequels can be tricky and a lot of them suck, but not this one. Cassandra Clare pushes the envelope with every book in her Shadowhunters universe. Each book is better than the last. Which sequels blew your mind? What books have you been reading lately?