Book Spotlight: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION. FULL ON FANGIRLING AHEAD! (also, probably the longest review I've ever written because I simply couldn't shut up about it)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
From Goodreads.com

This book takes off from the first pages. We are introduced to Celaena, an eighteen year old assassin who has been in prison within the salt mines of Endovier. The crown prince Dorian comes to give her the freedom she so desperately needs in exchange for becoming his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. She travels to the Castle of Glass with prince and captain of the guard Westfall. The castle becomes a battleground, with random killings and people out to see Celaena fail. There her new life begins and what an adventure it is. 

I cannot even tell you how amazing this book truly is! Honestly, I’ve been wondering on how to write this review without being all mushy and spoilery for months! There is so much to the story, and it’s written in such an excellent way that it keeps you up at night, begging you to turn just one more page. 

Celaena is a wonderful, complex character who works hard at becoming the best version of herself. She is thrown into the den of the wolves so to speak when she comes face to face with the men - “thieves, assassins, and warriors” - to battle. I loved watching her grow as an individual, discovering parts of herself that made her who she is. She is most definitely a kick butt kind of a character that movies are made about (*nudge nudge*). 

On the other side of Celaena are Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall. Both are there to help her grown and train so that she can win the battle. However, both are also there to teach her things about herself she didn’t think she was capable of feeling. Both Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall are exquisite characters that I loved to pieces (maybe Captain Westfall a bit more) :-D I am partial to Captain (can I get one somewhere please?) because I feel like I can relate to him more, and I loved seeing his character a lot more (please let there be more of him in the coming books) than Dorian (although Dorian is plenty interesting as well). 

The battle scenes and the training in this book were amazing! I loved how well Sarah writes these, almost making it seem like you’re watching a movie! The scenes are so smooth, so realistic, they made ma gasp a few times, worried that one of my beloved characters will get hurt! Celaena can kick some serious butt though! I especially loved Celaena and Westfall dynamic in training and the final battle! Aww, Westfall! :-D

What I’m trying to say with all of these ramblings is that August 7th should be the day everyone, and I mean everyone, goes to the closes bookstore and buys this book! Throne of Glass has rekindled my love for fantasy and I cannot thank Sarah enough for that. She has created a world so full of wonder, complexity, and self discovery I don’t know how you cannot love this book! Throne of Glass is a full ride, filled with action, adventure, and characters you dream about at night! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.
Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.
From Goodreads.com


Thanks ATWAT for the book!

The story picks up three months after the happenings of Nevermore. Isobel is struggling to adjust to a world without Varen, desperately searching for a way to get him back. He was left in a world that is full of deepest and darkest nightmares, created by Edgar Allan Poe himself. Isobel knows what goes on in that world, but who will believe her? Plagued by visions and dreams she can’t explain, she fights to stay normal. She is determined to save Varen and for that she needs to go to Baltimore on Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday and meet the masked “Poe Toaster.” Gwen, her best friend and the only person who knows what happened, helps her and together they work at getting Varen out of that place and keeping Isobel sane. 

I really enjoyed Nevermore when I read it and I was looking forward to Enshadowed for sure. However, it has been far too long since I’ve read Nevermore so I had a little bit of trouble getting into this one. I couldn’t remember some of the details and happenings in book one so it took me some time to actually figure out what was happening. Kelly is so good at her descriptions, and she gives so much of them that sometimes I was getting lost. She creates her world so intensely that sometimes it overpowers your senses and you don’t know what’s going on. 

Overall, I enjoyed Enshadowed in that it was a great book two in the story. I was enjoyed watching Isobel grow as an individual, adjusting to her life without Varen. Kelly explored Isobel as an individual character in the way that portrayed her well. What I missed about this book is Varen. I really loved the dynamic between Isobel and Varen and book one and this book had pretty much nothing. It was so focused on Isobel that I felt like the book missed the whole reason behind Isobel’s actions. I think I would’ve like a little more reminder on why Isobel was doing what she was doing. 

If you enjoy Edgar Allan Poe and if you love stories that keep your mind working, Enshadowed is a book for you! It comes out August 28th!!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed

"I was sixteen the first time my grandmother died . . ."

Sarah Parsons has never been to Amber House, the grand Maryland estate that's been in her family for three centuries. She's never wandered its hedge maze or explored its secret attics; she's never danced in its ballroom, or hunted for the diamonds said to be hidden in its walls.

But as Sarah, her brother, and their icy mother settle into Amber House, she finds herself drawn to both handsome Richard, who introduces her to a world of wealth and privilege, and intriguing Jackson, who dares her to find the diamonds. She discovers she can see visions of the mansion’s history—like her mother as a young girl, unimaginably warm and happy, or the cruel sea captain who lost the jewels long ago. Piece by piece, she uncovers the secrets of Amber House: its ancient crimes, and its fresh betrayals.

Where are the diamonds? Who caused her mother’s unhappiness? And what tragic act still echoes through Amber House? Sarah needs answers soon. Because when her visions threaten the person she holds most dear, she must untangle the web of the past before it traps them all forever.
From goodreads.com
Thanks ATWAT for the copy!

Amber House starts out with a funeral and Sarah coming to the house for the first time. Her grandmother has just died and Sarah, her little brother Sam, and their mother are there to take care of last minute details and sell the house. Sarah quickly meets Jackson, a boy who tells her about the Amber House treasure and together they start on a journey of the house itself. Sarah also meets Richard, the handsome rich boy next door who takes an interest in her. The story unravels in dozens of twists and turns, full of mystery and family history.

  I have to be honest, I fell in love with the premise of the story the moment I read it.  I thought it sounded like a wonderful story, just up my alley, and the cover blew me away. It was exactly how I pictured it. Nice package right? Sadly, the story itself wasn’t what I expected. For me, sometimes, it was difficult to get into what was going on because the scene changes were almost every other paragraph. It read a little bit choppy and some part didn’t seem to finish before a new section was introduced. I think that was my biggest struggle with this story. 

Overall the characters were interesting. Sarah is a nice enough character, even while she seems a little lost a lot of the time. She discovers some things throughout the book and it seemed that she didn’t freak out as much as I would’ve thought a normal person would (I know that may sound weird, but I think you’ll see what I mean after you read the book). The two boys in the story, Jackson and Richard, were interesting enough as well. However, it seemed that there could’ve been a bit more development of their characters. Like I said, most chapters didn’t seem finished to me, Jackson and Richard felt the same. My favorite part of Sarah’s relationships was her relationship with her little brother Sam. I thought that was very well written and I loved having Sammy there to kind of give Sarah that aspect of her personality. 

Honestly, this book was an interesting read. The last few pages were very involved and I loved that more then the rest, I think. The ending definitely left me wondering about book two, which is always a good thing. I very much enjoyed the entwining of family history and the relationship that Sarah developed with her past. I thought it was clearly written and beautifully told. While I didn't love it as much as I hoped, I think this book deserves to be read at least once! It comes out September 1st, 2012!

Happy reading, 

Valia


PS Would love to hear your thoughts!

Sequels Book Spotlight: Once by Anna Carey & Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.
From Goodreads.com
Summary:

Once starts out three months after Eve ends. Eve has been living in Califia, the city filled with women, and missing Caleb. He sacrificed himself in order to get Eve to safety, and she hasn’t stopped thinking about him since. The story takes off from the first pages when an unexpected friend shows up and Eve is once again on an adventure.

Honestly, I think I enjoyed Once more than I enjoyed Eve. This book opened up a lot of doors for Eve and her story. We discover some things about herself that she couldn’t have even imagined. She meets Caleb again and together they make plans, once more, to get out from where they are. I love Caleb’s character to pieces and I really wish there was more of him in the story. That was one part that I loved about Eve. Seriously though, the end of that book made me so angry (in a good way). That cliffhanger is (Oh. My. Goodness.) I pretty much can’t wait for book three! (More Caleb). :-) Once is out now!

Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...
From goodreads.com
Summary:

Spark is book two in Sky Chasers series. The girls have been reunited with the boys, their mission now is to chase down the New Horizon and get their parents back. Waverly is still recovering from what happened to her on New Horizon. Kieran is still trying to keep the ship from falling apart. Seth is still being blamed for everything. Book two is told in three different points of view, which I enjoyed a lot. We get to see a bit more Seth in this book which made me happy. 

Confession, I’m a big Seth fan. I know, I know, thats crazy considering he’s a total crazy person in book one but there’s just something about him. Before his crazy stage I really enjoyed his character and I didn’t feel like giving up on him. Good thing I didn’t! I really liked him in this book! I also enjoyed Waverly’s character growing and Kieran’s. They have to make some tough decisions and both become better for it. I’m excited to read what happens next. Spark comes out July 17th!

Let me know what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Haul full of Books!!! (surprise, surprise)

Hello lovelies!
So I have some super awesome books to share with you! Sorry I've been neglecting your faces! It's been a bit busy around here! But I still love ya all!!! :-)
Now for some books!
Special thanks to: 
Tor Books 
Random House 
Harper Teen 
Around the World ARC Tours


Cover for Amber House:

Isn't it gorgeous? I LOVE it!

Well, that is it for me my lovelies! 

What did you get in your mailbox? 

Hugs!

Valia 

Book Spotlight: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's "Persuasion", "For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.
From goodreads.com

Thanks ATWAT for the copy!!

First, let me start out by saying that I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. I adore her characters, her story lines, her writing. Everything. Seriously, my parakeet, Frederick Austen Fitzwilliam is just an example of that :)

Second thing I should point out is that I also adore Diana’s writing. I’ve never been much on Unicorns but Rampant changed all that for me in one sitting. Diana has a unique voice and characters that I enjoy very much. 

Lastly in things I should say before I write my review is that I was very nervous about reading For Darkness Shows the Stars. You’d think it be the opposite considering the other two points, but it just made me all that much more nervous. I wanted to like it so much, but I didn’t want to like it just because it was a Jane Austen retelling or because Diana wrote it. In the end, it didn’t matter, because I LOVED the book to pieces! Now, for the actual review part. :)

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a story about Elliot North, a Luddite nobility who struggles to take care of her home and her people, when all her father and sister want to do is spend their money. The world is not like it used to be, and Luddite’s take upon themselves to care for those less fortunate ones. One of these is Kai, the mechanics son and Elliot’s best friend. I have to stop and say that Kai and Elliot’s relationship is so real and powerful I fell in love with it from the first letters. The glimpse that Diana gives us into their childhood through those letters was one of my favorite parts of the story. 

Now, Kai leaves to make a name for himself and Elliot doesn’t go with him as promised. When he returns four years later, he is no longer the scrawny little kid everyone remembers, but a Captain. I loved Kai’s character and his struggle to figure out where he stood in Elliot’s eyes and what their relationship was truly like. The hurt that Kai carried was right there, underneath all of his personal armor, and it broke my heart to hear him talk to Elliot and others. I loved Elliot as a character as well because she was the one who had to make all the tough decisions. She stood by her people, even when times were hard, and she learned how to be the best version of herself in the end. 

This story was beautifully crafted and told in a way that would’ve made Jane Austen proud. The world Diana created is unique and realistic, and the relationship she wrote is heartbreaking and powerful. If you love a good romance, this book is for you! 

Happy reading, 

Valia

Book Spotlight: Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible. 

While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.
From goodreads.com
Thanks ATWAT for the copy!
(Can I just start out by saying I LOVE this cover to pieces?)

When Eve gets into an accident, her whole life changes. Whisked away to her mothers facility, she fights to survive her injuries. Or does she? Her body heals at a rapid pace, and questions arise on what really goes on behind the walls of her moms research center. Eve meets Solo, a mysterious guy her age who works for her mom. He takes it upon himself to show Eve the way things truly are and together they embark on a fascinating journey. 

Honestly, I really enjoyed this story. I loved getting a dual view point of what was going on (and sometimes even three point of view). Eve was an interesting character to discover, however, I loved Solo so much more. There’s just so much potential for him as a character and I can’t wait to see how he develops. The relationship between these two was very sweet and real. I really liked having Solo’s input on how he was feeling (I know, I mentioned that already). It was crazy having a novel set in “our time” making everything that much more real. 

Overall, this book is definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to find out what happens next and how the authors are going to unravel the rest of the story. I’ve been thinking up scenarios since I’ve finished the book. Eve and Adam comes out October 2, 2012! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia