Waiting on Wednesday (75)

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Empire of Storms is definitely one of my most anticipated books for the year. I absolutely love this series. There are so many twists and turns, you never know what's going to happen. One thing can change everything. I'm so excited for the release!

Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down? 

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Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (73)

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: September 20, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest. 

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Raquel

Waiting on Wednesday (72)

Ruined (Ruined #1) by Amy Tintera

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This book sounds really good. I'm looking forward to listening to this book in audiobook. Luckily it will be released in the next couple of weeks so I don't have to wait long.

Expected Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

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What book are you waiting for???

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (60)

White Hot (Hidden Legacy #2) by Ilona Andrews

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This book was originally releases this month but it got pushed back  to 2016 and I am so bummed about it. I listened to the first book, Burn for Me, in audiobook version which was great. The beginning was a little slow but after that a lot happened. Certain parts I replayed over and over again. Overall I really enjoyed Burn for Me and I am really excited to see where the story goes.

Expected Publication Date: June 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

It is listed on the website as late spring/early summer 2016

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada's "talent." But there's no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice . . .

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (59)

Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms #4) by Morgan Rhodes

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am really looking forward to this book. Even though I have only read the first 2 books so far, this series just keeps on getting better and better.

Expected Publication Date: December 15, 2015

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (50)

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: March 10, 2015

I absolutely love this cover! It is beautiful and I am so excited to get my hands on this book. I know it will be a good read!

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

Quotes from The Orphan Queen (Taken from Goodreads):

“I was going to have to face the man who'd destroyed my kingdom, and the boy who was the reason.” 

“Try to be polite."
"I'm always polite."
"You're always eyeing people's valuables. That's hardly polite.”

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (49)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

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Raquel

xoxo

Blog Tour: Review- Dwellers of Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown

Dwellers of Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown 
(Darkness #3) 
Publication date: February 27th 2014 
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:
Some days feel like years, but in Ember Brycin’s case just the opposite is true. She had only been in the Otherworld for a day or two when she returned back to the Earth’s realm. But it is three years later on Earth. Em is now 22. It would matter if she was human, but she’s not. She is a Dae, part Demon and part Fay, with a little Dark Dweller thrown in to make her even more of a freak.

Seeing Seattle rebuilt only confirms she has been gone three years. For her it was not long ago that the Seattle area was just rubble of concrete and death. All done by her hand.

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is her undeniable connection to Eli Dragen, who is sexy, gorgeous, and even more volatile and frustrating. But her problems go way past him. The Seelie Queen of the Otherworld still holds Mark, Em’s father, and her friends, Ryan, and Josh as hostages. Em needs to rescue them without, once again, getting caught and being used as a pawn to help the Queen regain possession of Earth. At the same time Ember is in hot water with Lars, the Unseelie King, after breaking her contract with him.

As some secrets have come to light others seem to become even more enigmatic. The only truth Ember knows is,everyone is harboring secrets. As Eli’s past is revealed, Em understands more clearly why he acts the way he does and how much their lives are intertwined. But she also knows Eli is holding something back, something that could change their relationship forever.

Em herself continues to wrestle with her feelings toward Torin and her own secret she’s withholding from Kennedy. As the tension for war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark), the tension at the Dark Dweller’s compound mounts even more as they prepare to obtain the sword no matter what the price. But is Ember the answer to the location of the sword? Is she the one to fulfill the prophecy? As usual nothing is ever what it seems.

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My Thoughts:

Since the moment I started reading this series I was hooked. It is an addictive read and once you start you really can’t stop. I would spend every moment I had reading, while working and on my breaks all because I was eager to know what was going to happen.

Dwellers of Darkness picks up just where Fire in Darkness leaves off. Ember just came back from the Otherworld having been told that 3 years have passed on Earth. Ember has broken the vow she made with the Unseelie King while running from the Seelie Queen. Not to mention, she has to deal with her feelings for Eli Dragen. War is about to start between the Light and Dark Fae and Ember is right in the middle of it. She must find the one weapon that can kill the Seelie Queen before it is too late.

First I must say, Eli Dragen is HOTTTTTTT. The connection between Eli and Ember, you could feel it, it was a tangible entity. They have such strong chemistry; it is crazy how 2 people can have that kind of connection. I love how they are always in tuned with each other, always protecting each other no matter what. They both can be immature at times but they are stronger together than apart. The banter between the 2 of them is one of the reasons that made me want to keep reading non-stop.

Dwellers of Darkness is a great book for readers who enjoy fantasy and immense sexual tension. I really enjoyed it. We find out some more secrets about Ember’s family and their past. Even though the major events in the book were predictable, I am really looking forward to the final book to see how everything plays out. 

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Author Bio:

Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.

When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.

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Blog Tour: Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell

Title: Traitor's Blade

Author: Sebastien De Castell

Release Date: March 4th, 2014

Publisher: Penguin Canada

Pages: 384

Source: Received for review for blog tour

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Synopsis:

The King is dead, the Greatcoats have been disbanded, and Falcio Val Mond and his fellow magistrates Kest and Brasti have been reduced to working as bodyguards for a nobleman who refuses to pay them. Things could be worse, of course. Their employer could be lying dead on the floor while they are forced to watch the killer plant evidence framing them for the murder. Oh wait, that’s exactly what’s happening…

Now a royal conspiracy is about to unfold in the most corrupt city in the world. A carefully orchestrated series of murders that began with the overthrow of an idealistic young king will end with the death of an orphaned girl and the ruin of everything that Falcio, Kest, and Brasti have fought for. But if the trio want to foil the conspiracy, save the girl, and reunite the Greatcoats, they’ll have to do it with nothing but the tattered coats on their backs and the swords in their hands, because these days every noble is a tyrant, every knight is a thug, and the only thing you can really trust is a traitor’s blade.

My Thoughts:

Traitor’s Blade was so much more than I expected it to be. I don’t usually read fantasy but when I got the opportunity to work with such a well known publisher like Penguin Canada, I had to do it. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I did. I was completely entertained throughout the whole book and that is rare especially if it does not center on romance. I really enjoyed it!

Falcio is the first Cantor of the Greatcoats. The Greatcoats were admired and considered to be heroes until their King fell and the Dukes took over. Now, they are known as Trattari, which is the worst thing an honourable Greatcoat can be called, it is also a very loose term for a traitor (actually it is meant something worse). Falcio and his team, Brasti and Kest are trying to fulfill one last mission their King requested before he died.

This book was engaging and I honestly could not get enough. I found myself staying up late every night because I wanted to finish it; I needed to know what was going to happen. Traitor’s Blade is a fantasy novel but it is a light one, it almost reads like a medieval novel. I absolutely loved it. There were twists and turns I did not see coming. And what I can say about the fight scenes other than they were phenomenal. I am just happy the Greatcoats are able to fight as well as they can because I have no idea how they got out of some of the situations they were thrust into.

What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Falcio, Brasti and Kest. I found myself laughing out loud at their banter. It’s priceless! I loved Falcio as a character. There is something so genuine and likeable about him. He is still an honorable man even if everyone thinks Greatcoats steal, have no honour, branded traitors. He will always follow the law of the Greatcoats, no matter what.

I loved the author’s writing. It was so easy to get lost in the world. I was addicted 100%. The ease in which the author can tell a story, in such an enjoyable way, anyone and everyone will love it. This is an excellent start to a great new series and I am so excited to see where it is going to go. 

My Rating: 

5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley

Title: The Golden Dynasty

Author: Kristen Ashley

Release Date: August 22, 2011

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 421

Source: Purchased from Amazon

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Synopsis:

Circe Quinn goes to sleep at home and wakes up in a corral filled with women wearing sacrificial virgin attire - and she is one of them. She soon finds out that she’s not having a wild dream, she’s living a frightening nightmare where she’s been transported to a barren land populated by a primitive people and in short order, she’s installed very unwillingly on her white throne of horns as their Queen.

Dax Lahn is the king of Suh Tunak, The Horde of the nation of Korwahk and with one look at Circe, he knows she will be his bride and together they will start The Golden Dynasty of legend.

Circe and Lahn are separated by language, culture and the small fact she’s from a parallel universe and has no idea how she got there or how to get home. But facing challenge after challenge, Circe finds her footing as Queen of the brutal Korwahk Horde and wife to its King, then she makes friends then she finds herself falling in love with this primitive land, its people and especially their savage leader.

My Thoughts:

I don’t even know how to describe how much I loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, a lot. I was happy and devastated, and sad as well. Not many books have the ability to bring out all those emotions in me.

We start off with Circe about to be picked by a Korwahk warrior to be his bride. She has no idea how she got there. All she remembers is going to sleep in her bed in Seattle and the next thing she knows she is running for her life in a different universe. She is wearing different clothes; she doesn’t know the language and the culture. She thinks it is a dream and wishes strongly to wake up in her own bed back in Seattle. Through The Wife Hunt, Circe is picked by Dax Lahn, the king of Suh Tunak to be his bride, the queen of his people. It is a hard adjustment for her at first but through challenges she begins to accept the culture of the Korwahk, and little by little she begins to find her footing.

I first decided to read this book because in one of the reviews I read, someone compared it to Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. They were my favourite couple and their story did not have a happy ending. As soon as I started reading this book, I found it was similar in ways but also very different. I LOVED it! I am so happy I read it.

This book is so magical, I still can’t stop thinking about it. I stayed up almost a whole day because I wanted to finish the story. After that, I read my favourite parts again and again. There is something captivating about how Circe and Lahn overcome their language barriers; Circe overcoming The Wife Hunt , the brutal way she was became Lahn’s wife and of course the culture which is nothing what she is used to. I have to say she did a great job adjusting, not many people would be able to and not as quickly.

I loved learning about the customs, the ways and the traditions of the Korwahk as much as sometimes it frustrated me. Some of their ways were just barbaric and brutal and downright cruel. For example, a warrior can do anything he likes, ANYTHING, with his bride. Some things were hard to stomach but it worked in the storyline and made the story all that more believable.

This is definitely one of my favourite books by Kristen Ashley. This will definitely be one my all time favourites. I know this story will be one of the books I go back to because I want to relive every feeling I had when I first read it. Kristen Ashley has this way of weaving a story and molding it to be unforgettable. Bravo, Kristen Ashley, Bravo!

Favourite Quotes:

“I could not dream a better you.” 

Oh my God. 
Oh… my… God. 
Did he just say that? 
I stared into his warm eyes. 
He just said that. 
And that was so sweet, so unexpected but so welcome, my breath arrested and all I could do was continue staring at him. 
He wasn’t done. “A better wife, a better queen. Not even in a dream could I create better than you.” 

"I gave up a world for you." 

“Then I whispered, “I love you, my Lahn,” and heard the swift hiss of his intake of breath. Then he buried his face in my neck and whispered back, “Loot kay hansahnalay na, my Circe.” And I love you, my Circe.” 

My Rating:

5+++stars out of 5

Raquel

xoxo