Review: The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Title: The Cadet of Tildor
Author: Alex Lidell
Published: January 10th 2013 by Dial
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.

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My Thoughts

Ten or so years ago I discovered Tamora Pierce's novels, which really introduced me to the fantasy genre, and always had a strong female MC. The Cadet of Tildor fits right into the Tamora Pierce comparison, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it.

It did take me a few chapters to really find myself sucked into the story but soon the characters and action had me hooked. At first I didn't think I was going to like Renee much but she changed for the better, and kicked serious butt along the way! I of course am a Savoy fangirl. I swooned for the green eyes, and demanding personality, loved how he cared for his younger brother, and he kicked butt too.

Overall, The Cadet of Tildor was pure awesome. I loved the medieval setting, magic, and sword fights. Renee and Savoy scenes were fun to read (they can both be so hard headed), and there are chapters from Savoy's POV which I enjoyed. So, if you're a fan of fantasy I'd definitely recommend this one.

About the Author

Alex Lidell is a YA fantasy author. She is also a photographer, a horseback rider, and a paramedic. The latter two go hand in hand more often than one would like.

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Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits, #1)
Author: Katie McGarry
Published: 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis:
So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again. 

My Thoughts

So, I have not been on an emotional ride like Pushing the Limits in forever...my heart is still recovering from this epic book and gods does McGarry punch you in the feels. The story of Echo Emerson and Noah Hutchins has given me hope that I can still find YA romance that makes you give a damn and root for the characters.

The synopsis pretty much says everything that I could about Pushing the Limits without giving the story away. There are still plenty of turns to the story and McGarry has written such human characters with so many flaws that you can't help but fall in love with every single one of them. There are no perfect peeps in this one and I love that. The book is from Echo and Noah's POVs and getting inside their heads was magic. Noah with his cursing and Echo's struggle to remember what happened to her kept me crying and feeling their pain as the story went.

Overall, I obviously freaking loved everything about Pushing the Limits. The romance was sweet and hot in spots and the characters one-of-a-kind. So if you love a good romance you can't lose with this one.

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 Favorite Quote

"Sometimes when you see the line, you think it's a good idea to cross it-until you do."

 About the Author 

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie would love to hear from her readers. Contact her via her website, katielmcgarry.com, follow her on Twitter @KatieMcGarry, or become a fan on Facebook and Goodreads.

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Review Tour: Lover, Divine by A. Star

 Let me start off by saying that the fangirl in me is very happy after reading Lover, Divine. I am a huge fan of Diantha Jones who also writes as A. Star and I am thrilled that I was able to take part in this review tour. Thank you, Diantha!

 

Title: Lover, Divine (Mythos: Gods & Lovers, #1)
Author: A. Star
Published: February 25th 2014
Genre: Romance, Mythology, Adult
Rating: 5 Stars
Read Count: 1
Synopsis:
Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam’s divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan’s heart forever.

WARNING: For readers 18+ only. Contains adult language and sexual situations.

 

Lover, Divine is on sale for $.99 March 17-22! 

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My Thoughts

"Fate is one scary bastard."

Lover, Divine is a contemporary Greek mythology story which takes place twenty-odd years before Diantha's Oracle of Delphi series and it tells the story of how Siobhan Law and Apollo (major player in the OOD series) met and fell in love. From the beginning there is no denying that Apollo wants Siobhan who is part of an Influential family, mortals who know of the Greek gods and help with their earthly affairs.
Star's writing kept me hooked as it always does whether it's one of her young adult books or adult and the tension between Siobhan and Apollo is HOT! I also love anything to do with Ireland so with Lover, Divine being set in Ireland and those beautiful accents, I was definitely in love. Music also plays a huge part in the book since Apollo is a musical genius and Siobhan a whiz at the violin and my favorite, the drums.
It's hard to say a lot about the story because for readers who haven't read the Oracle of Delphi series, I could give away some spoilers but the ending is so sweet! You OOD fans know what I'm talking about...
Overall, Lover, Divine was a lovely story. Siobhan is a tough and loving character who isn't willing to take any crap from anyone and Apollo is his smug and gorgeous self as always. The setting and scenes between them are perfect and the input to the Oracle of Delphi books was interesting.
 

Favorite Quotes

“You are fated to me and I will have you. That, my Irish darling, you can bet your pert and proper ass on."

"I was in love. With Apollo, with the music, with the universe."

About the Author

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She likes to read it, and she damn sure likes to write it. Her first adult romance/fantasy novella is called Invasion, an alien romance about sacrifice. Lover, Divine is the first release from the Mythos: Gods and Lovers series. Future releases under A. Star include, King, Desired (Mythos: Gods and Lovers #2), the Love & Steampunk series, the Purr, Inc. stories, and more.
 

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--3x Signed copy + swag

 

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Xpresso Book Tours

Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore (Nevermore, #1)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Published: 2011 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars
Read Count: 2
Synopsis:
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear that he'd rather not have anything to do with her, either. But soon Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Can she save Varen from the madness taking hold of him? Or will they both be consumed by the shadows of his nightmares?

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 My Thoughts 

I forgot just how much I love this book until rereading it. Varen Nethers is just...

Nevermore is based around Edgar Allan Poe's work which is a serious plus for me because who doesn't like the gothic romance and horror stories he wrote? Our MC is Isobel Lanley, the popular, blond haired and blue eyed cheerleader who is one tough female character, which I love since I dislike most female characters (it's my curse). She's partnered up with Varen Nethers, hot goth with dark hair, gorgeous green eyes and a sexy lip ring for an English project. Straightaway Varen decides that their project will be about Edgar Allan Poe, the man that Varen is a wee bit obsessed with.

They struggle to find time to work on their project as a jealous boyfriend/friends and an overprotective dad make problems, Isobel and Varen slowly fall in love and Isobel begins to find herself sucked into Varen's dreamworld, 'caused by the sketchbook he carries where he sketches and writes to escape a bad home life. His dreams become real and his and Poe's creatures and characters come to life.

For me, Nevermore will be an all-time favorite and Varen Nethers is my favorite book boyfriend. Miss Creagh's world is one I would love to visit often and the book is quite long but it's worth it. So if you enjoy romance and creepy stories this will not disappoint.

 Favorite Quotes 

"A black silver-studded belt encircled his narrow hips. Beneath the baggy T-shirt, he was thin and pale but strong-looking. She tried not to go pink in the face when she suddenly caught herself wondering if his skin felt warm to the touch or vampire cold."

"In love. In love with the stoic, the sullen, the eternally morose Varen Nethers?

He would never allow it."

 About the Author 

As a child, Kelly would hold elaborate one-kid plays for patient relatives, complete with song, dance, and over-the-top melodramatics. Then, whenever Mom or Grandma called for a break, she would venture outside to slay dragons, run from make-believe ghosts and create magical feasts for fairies out of mud and pinecones.

In the third grade, Kelly wrote her first book titled Pink Lettuce, a story about a young girl who comes to the aid of her mad scientist neighbor, helping him to return his potion-pink lettuce patch to its original green and leafy luster.

Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Today, she finds true joy in transcribing her dramatic daydreams onto the stage of the blank page. When not writing or curled up with a good book, Kelly can be found teaching, learning and performing the ancient art of Bellydance.

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Review: Mistress of the Wind by Michelle Diener

Title: Mistress of the Wind

Author: Michelle Diener

Published: December 18, 2013 by Season Publishing

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis:

Bjorn needs to find a very special woman . . .

The fate of his people, and his own life, depends on it. But when he does find her, she is nothing like he imagined, and may just harbor more secrets than he does himself.

Astrid has never taken well to commands. No matter who issues them . . .

She's clashed her whole life with her father, and now her lover, the mysterious man who comes to her bedroom in darkness and disappears to guard his mountain by day as a bear, is finding it out the hard way. And when he's taken by his enemies, no one is prepared for Astrid's response.

It is never wise to anger the mistress of the wind . . .

A captivating and magical retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. 

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 My Thoughts 

Mistress of the Wind is the second book I've read by Michelle Diener and it was another amazing read for me. Now, I haven't read the original tale so I have no idea how close the stories are but this is a beautiful book in its own right either way.
The book follows Bjorn, the demi-god son of a Vanir (a race of Norse gods) who has been transformed into a bear by his troll of a stepmother Norga, in a bargain they've struck. If he is unable to find the girl he met many years ago and wishes to have for his own, he will be forced to marry his stepmother's daughter. As the synopsis says though Bjorn gets more than expected when he finds his lady, Astrid.
As a big fan of mythology, Mistress of the Wind was new for me since I've never read any Norse mythology. The romance is sweet, the action kick-butt and the characters loveable, especially Bjorn's friend Jorgen. The story is fast-paced and never boring, the world a beauty and Michelle's writing so wonderfully detailed that I felt I was with Bjorn and Astrid on their journey.
So for the mythology, romance and fantasy fans Mistress of the Wind is the perfect read for you.

*Thanks so much to Michelle Diener and NetGalley for letting me review Mistress of the Wind!*

 About the Author 

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction and fantasy. Her Susanna Horenbout & John Parker series, set in the court of Henry VIII, includes In a Treacherous Court, Keeper of the King’s Secrets and In Defense of the Queen.

Michelle’s other historical novels include Daughter of the Sky, The Emperor’s Conspiracy and Banquet of Lies (loosely connected to The Emperor’s Conspiracy).

Michelle’s first fantasy novel, Mistress of the Wind, is set for a December 23, 2013, release.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

When she’s not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her blogging at Magical Musings, or online at Twitter and Facebook.

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Review: Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Title: Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross, #2)

Author: James Patterson

Format: Hardcover, 451 pages

Published: 1995 by Warner Books

ISBN: 0-316-69370-7

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis:

This time it's personal for Cross. The most elusive of killers has abducted Cross's niece, Naomi, a talented law student. Only such a devastating blow could bring the detective back - this time to the Deep South, where old slave prisons are buried in the forests, and houses of horror can disappear as in your worst nightmare. Naomi's kidnapping rips Alex Cross away from his kids and his jazz piano and sends him south with several questions burning in his mind. Why did the police wait seventy-two hours before beginning their search? And what is the head of the FBI doing at the scene of a small-town crime? Meanwhile, somewhere out there Casanova is living a secret fantasy. In his private hideaway, the world's greatest lover has assembled seven of the South's most extraordinary young women for his personal use. It's an accomplishment he can share with only one other soulmate - and that's definitely not his wife back in suburbia. But Casanova doesn't count on the exceptional abilities of one of his harem - or having Alex Cross as a nemesis.

In Los Angeles, a reporter investigating a series of murders is killed. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a beautiful medical intern suddenly disappears. Washington D.C.'s Alex Cross is back to solve the most baffling and terrifying murder case ever. Two clever pattern killers are collaborating, cooperating, competing--and they are working coast to coast.

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 My Thoughts 

Kiss the Girls was another fun thrill ride full of surprises. It follows Detective Alex Cross as he searches for his niece after learning she's disappeared from her college campus in North Carolina. Our psychopath on the east coast is Casanova, self proclaimed ultimate lover of women as he kidnaps the most beautiful and talented women to add to his harem. He kills and tortures easily. The Gentleman Caller is on the west coast and he likes to keep very personal souvenirs from his victims.

This story keeps you glued to the pages and it had me thinking terrible thoughts about what the wackos deserved to get in return for the things the did to their victims. I loved Alex and Sampson as usual and escaped victim Kate was a feisty, kick ass woman.

Warning though, there are some disturbing scenes (Chapter 54 for me) in the book so if you don't like violence much then you should probably skip this one.

Overall I thought Kiss the Girls was a fantastic read with great mystery to it and I'm enjoying learning more about Alex Cross.

 About the Author 

James Patterson has created numerous enduring characters in novels that showcase the intertwined power of plot and emotion. He is the world's most popular writer, with over 240 million copies of his books sold worldwide.

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Review: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Title: Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1)

Author: James Patterson

Format: Paperback, 449 pages

Published: 2003 by Grand Central Publishing (Originally published in 1992)

ISBN: 0-446-69263-8

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis:

A missing little girl named Maggie Rose . . . a family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. . . . the thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher . . . a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him - even after he's been captured.

Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read. 

Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair--at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happens in Alex Cross's precinct. It happens under the noses of Jezzie Flanagan's men. Now Alex Cross must face the ultimate test: How do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath?

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 My Thoughts 

Along Came a Spider is the first adult book I've read by James Patterson. I've read part of the Maximum Ride series and a couple of the Daniel X books so this was a big change but I absolutely loved this book.

The story takes place in Washington, D.C. as Detective Alex Cross takes on psychopath Gary Soneji who in his own words "wants to be somebody" so he decides to get the attention he thinks he deserves by kidnapping two rich kids and murdering whoever gets in his way or strikes his fancy pretty much.

I will admit that I didn't realize how many characters Patterson kills in his books so I was a little disturbed by the murders and gore but it really does take you into Soneji's crazed mind. Alex is a nice character, he does a few things that made me want to smack him but for he has a good heart and wants to protect the innocents no matter what and his partner Sampson helps keep things light sometimes with a smart ass remark or joke.

There are twists and turns along the way and brilliant characters so if you love a good mystery and an interesting main character I definitely recommend Along Came a Spider.

 About the Author 

James Patterson has created numerous enduring characters in novels that showcase the intertwined power of plot and emotion. He is the world's most popular writer, with over 240 million copies of his books sold worldwide.

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Review: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Title: The Lovely Bones

Author: Alice Sebold

Format: Paperback, 328 pages

Published: 2004 by Back Bay Books (Originally published in 2002)

ISBN: 0-316-16881-5

Genre: Fiction, Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis: "My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973." So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her--her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.

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 My Thoughts 
How I am after finishing The Lovely Bones...let's take a look at the gif, shall we?

No book has ever made me feel so happy, sad, weepy and hopeful as The Lovely Bones did. The first chapter starts with hardest part of the book. the rape and murder of Susie Salmon; the girl who will be your guide through the book. Now, I don't normally read anything so depressing but after this I have learned that people need books like this. You feel the fear and pain that Susie suffered, the loss and anger that her family and friends felt and Sebold gives us hope that even after such tragedy it doesn't mean the end.
Overall, if you hate sad books don't read it but in my opinion you'll be missing out. The story is beautiful, moving between Susie's heaven and back on Earth as she watches the years pass and Sebold writes each character with a deep sense of purpose, whether it's one of Susie's fellow victims or a neighbor.

 Quotes 
“Nothing is ever certain.”

“Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had.”

“Each time I told my story, I lost a bit, the smallest drop of pain. It was that day that I knew I wanted to tell the story of my family. Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.” 

 About the Author 

Alice Sebold is also the author of Lucky, a memoir. She lives in California with her husband, the novelist Glen David Gold.

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Review: Ripper by Stefan Petrucha

Title: Ripper

Author: Stefan Petrucha

Format: Hardcover, 416 pages

Published: 2012 by Philomel Books

ISBN: 978-0-399-25524-3

Genre: Mystery, Young Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis: You thought you knew him. You were dead wrong.

Carver Young dreams of becoming a detective, despite growing up in an orphanage with only crime novels to encourage him. But when he is adopted by Detective Hawking of the world famous Pinkerton Agency, Carver is given not only the chance to find his biological father, he finds himself smack in the middle of a real life investigation: tracking down a vicious serial killer who has thrown New York City into utter panic. When the case begins to unfold, however, it’s worse than he could have ever imagined, and his loyalty to Mr. Hawking and the Pinkertons comes into question. As the body count rises and the investigation becomes dire, Carver must decide where his true loyalty lies.
Full of whip-smart dialogue, kid-friendly gadgets, and featuring a then New York City Police Commisioner Teddy Roosevelt, Ripper challenges everything you thought you knew about the world’s most famous serial killer.

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 My Thoughts 

I've always been interested in the Ripper murders (I'm not a lunatic, I promise) so when I found Ripper for a few bucks I took it and ran. The book follows fourteen year-old Carver Young, a wanna-be detective with a knack for picking locks, as he's forced to leave his home at Ellis Orphanage and adopted by the famous Detective Hawking. Carver is also trying to locate his father after finding a letter from him at Ellis and trying to solve the newest Ripper-style murders. I absolutely loved Ripper, the murderer in the book is obviously made up since no one really knows who Jack the Ripper was but Petrucha made it a fun guessing game as we followed along with Carver. Ripper is a fun and adventurous story with lovely characters including Teddy Roosevelt and an interesting setting in late 1800's New York with the Tombs and Blackwell's Asylum.

*Mr. Petrucha has some cool pictures of Ripper New York City in 1895 on his site, check them out here.*

 Quotes 

“Your novels show only the tiniest fraction of detective work, the brilliant crime, the tantalizing clues, the dramatic chase, the final battle atop a lofty peak with ocean waves crashing down below, and then… justice served! If they wrote about the real world, four-fifths of the story would consist of the hero sitting in a library for months and following false leads.”

“Really, boy, unless you're ready to deal with the monster, you shouldn't go looking under the bed.”

 About the Author 

Stefan Petrucha (born January 27, 1959) is an American writer for adults and young adults. He has written graphic novels in the The X-Files and Nancy Drew series, as well as science fiction and horror.
Born in the Bronx, he has spent time in the big city and the suburbs, and now lives in western Massachusetts with his wife, fellow writer Sarah Kinney, and their daughters. At times he has been a tech writer, an educational writer, a public relations writer and an editor for trade journals, but his preference is for fiction in all its forms.

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