Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: October 1, 2013
Genre: Mature YA, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Pages: 336
Format: Hardback
Purchase At: Amazon.com or The Book Depository

Goodreads Summary

Shocking secrets.
Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who’ve been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It’s kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies.
With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-wrenching treachery.
When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she’s drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can’t remember—but Death can’t forget…

In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

My Review

Death.

Never before has Death looked so good. I give props to Kresley Cole; she wrote this character in such a way that completely changed my mind about the Reaper.

From what I recall of Poison Princess he didn't feature that much in the story, save a few threatening inner monologues between himself and Evie, and the odd flashback here and there. Going into Endless Knight, Death was not my preoccupation, Jack was. The Cajun stole my heart during the first book, and while I still hold a tender place for him, Death shares more of my affections. I'll break the book down into sections and better explain what I loved:

Setting: This was perfect! Throughout the book, the group journeys through the wasteland in search of Evie's grandmother, also avoiding the other Arcana and Bagmen following closely on their tail. Firstly, Endless Knight picks up from where the previous book left off with Evie just having done away with the Alchemist and Jack standing there shocked beyond belief. There is desolation everywhere and from the imagery of blood splattered on the woodwork, dripping from Evie's talons, you get a sense that this world is far from ordinary. Other books I have read in the genre cannot compare to Cole's gorgeous and thrilling world of the A.F. I loved everything.

This is a world that I immersed myself in, picking up the book and not stopping until it was finished. I couldn't get enough of their terrifying circumstances and the world post Apocalypse is so very perfectly written and conveyed.

Plot: I couldn't believe how engaging this story was; I never saw anything coming, save a guess on rare occasions, and even then there was more to the revelations than I could have assumed. Impressed is probably the only way to describe how I feel about Endless Knight. It thoroughly impressed me, and this is a sequel done well. I never felt like putting it down, the writing flowed and a consistent peppering of adventure ensured that I never grew bored or tired.

Cole does dance a fine line between YA and Adult with some of the more mature scenes involving Evie and Death, even the cave scene with Jack seemed more risque than the average young adult book. For this, I have to suggest the book for older readers in the 17+ or 18 and above age range. The scenes are steamy and my contention is that Evie doesn't seem like a 16 year old in all of them. I am not complaining, yet simply noting that if a book is written for a particular age group, it should stick to content appropriate for that audience. Mainly, it would have been more consistent with Evie's character had she acted her age.

Then again, I suppose it isn't every day that the world ends and maybe those scenes are proof that she needed to grow up quickly? It depends. I loved this book either way, but that was me giving younger readers a heads-up.

Characters: Not going to lie, Jack got on my nerves a little at the beginning, he blamed Evie for keeping her powers a secret and had little hissy fits earlier on. Needless to say this was annoying, especially in light of what is later revealed about him and Evie's mom; his emphasis on truth is hypocritical in retrospect.

He would distance himself from the group and be all broody, but later when things worked themselves out and he accepted the truth of the Arcana I loved me some Cajun! I was all vouching for him to get Evie away from Death, sure he was trouble, until I met him.

Officially, I've jumped ships. A little. My feet are kind of half in one boat and halfway on the deck of another.

Death was trouble, make no mistake, but I can't for one second figure out a better reason to be bad than for him. He's a lesson in proper character development, and as I got to know Death better, I respected his character more. He isn't good, what he does at the end keeps him firmly from being that, but I have trouble detesting his character. In a weird way, this is pleasing. I like characters with shades of grey and because of their shared past he seems perfect for Evie; I want them to be endgame.

And Evie, she was the leader I needed her to be. Initiating the treaty with the other Arcana and also defying death, she was fierce and is coming gradually into her own. It is no secret that I've liked her from day one, she is relatable and someone I do not mind rooting for. I'm glad Cole kept her as the girl I fell in love with in the beginning. You get a good idea of what there is to lose, also how things hang in the balance, and as more characters like Lark and Ogen are introduced, other dynamic Arcana included, one thing is for certain: it is anybody's game to win.



The ending left me thrilled and equal parts worried. What will happen to Evie...and Jack? I wanted to slap Death and cheer simultaneously because he took control of his life and went about getting the girl he wanted, but I disagree with his method. The way I see it, he's going after what he wants, but her indecision aside, I wish he'd waited for Evie to resolve her feelings; it would have made him the better man.

*Sigh*

And then I remember, he's Death, and will probably never be the "better man" in that sense. I just hope his ultimatum doesn't ruin things for him and Evie's relationship. Cole did it again; I need her next book AASAP: Already As Soon As Possible!

5/5 genies

Tour Stop: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

You Are Mine (Mine #1) by Janeal Falor
Release Date: May 6, 2013
Series: Mine #1
Pages: 273
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts. Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

Purchase: Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Kobo

This Book is on Sale Now for $.99!! 

Advanced Praise for You Are Mine:

“I was blown away by the beautiful writing, haunting themes, and chilling visuals.” ~Becca at Nawanda Files 

“There were times when I had to fight back my tears and the emotion that this book drew from me made me feel so connected to what was going on as if I was actually there. You Are Mine should be on everyones to-read list and I cannot wait to see what Janeal Falor comes up with next.” ~Danielle at Coffee and Characters

“May I kiss you now?”

 No. Kisses leave me feeling sick. “I suppose it would be for the best.”

 He leans closer. I want to pull away. Thomas's kisses were callous. Painful even. The thought of more of that makes me feel queasy. But giving my permission somehow makes it harder to pull away.

His hand reaches up and brushes my face. Flecks of gold are mixed with the green of his eyes. Suddenly, he scoops me into his arms and plops me on his lap. I yelp. “Sorry, I guess I should have warned you first.” 

After straightening my skirt with quivering fingers, I hold myself stiff. His nose nuzzles against the side of my neck. Warm lips brush my jaw and sweep along my cheek until they reach the corner of my mouth. My breath comes in shallow gasps. He smells lightly of citrus.

I don't move. His fingers tangle in my hair. His lips hover over mine. A nervous flutter grows in my chest. The creak of the door opening spurs him into action.

His lips touch mine. Flowing and sunny. They grow firmer. It feels so much better than I thought it could. His fingers run through my hair, the tendrils falling out of their confinement. Heat grows between us. He pulls me closer to him. Not only do I manage to refrain from fighting him, but I want to draw even closer.

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Author Connect: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Website

***GIVEAWAY*** 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

*Drum roll please*

Thank-you, Ned.

I can hardly contain myself, but I might as well let it out, there is finally a cover for the upcoming final book in Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky series, of which I am a very big fan. I was kind of scrolling through the newly released books of the month when I chanced upon this little beauty; it took my breath away.

So no Spongebob, didn't do it, take my breath away that is. I like him, but no. Look below him. Keep scrolling...


And...VOILA!

Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi
Release Date: January 28, 2014

My Thoughts  

I have but one question and that is, can this book release already?! I really do want to devour it NOW. It's so stunning and pretty :) Mostly I like that Aria and Perry are together in this one, they look pretty serious and shiz on the cover. As they walk towards us, it makes me speculate all the wonderful things Rossi has in store for the final instalment in the Under the Never Sky series! The colour tones of the new cover are balanced and fit perfectly with the series, I think, I'm loving it. While I happened upon this one by chance, I need it like yesterday. The cover  is gorgeous and I'm excited to share it with all of you!

What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comments below, what do you think of this stunning cover, and are you as excited as I am? Let me know!

Take care, love you lots!

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The Flute Player: Interview and Giveaway

Shawn Mihalik is the author of the YA novella The Flute Player 

About the Author:

Shawn was born in San-Diego, California, in 1990, where he lived until he was seven.
In high school, he won several awards both as a writer for and editor-in-chief of his student newspaper, The Talon, prompting him to study journalism at Youngstown State University before deciding that his passion for writing was better directed at fiction. He then spent several years in Pittsburgh, learning American Sign Language and working with the deaf and hard of hearing.

Shawn currently lives in Youngstown, Ohio, where he writes novels, poetry, and short stories and explores the characteristics of different varieties of wine. His works include The Final Days of Poetry, a poetry collection; The Flute Player, a novella; and Brand-Changing Day, a novel.
Shawn loves to climb things, especially large things like rocks and cliffs and mountains. He also still reads comic books.

1. The world of Drommar is certainly unique. What childhood stories/fairy tales helped provide inspiration for the creative fantasy land?

To be honest, I'd never read a lot of fantasy when I was younger. I've always been more of a sci-fi and literary fiction fan, but Peter Pan has always been one of my favorite books, and it, along with C.S. Lewis's Narnia series, certainly influenced me when I wrote The Flute Player and created Drommar.

2. Do you see yourself writing more of this genre in future? If so, what might you have in mind? 

Maybe. I don't have any plans to write something else like this—that is to say, of all the things I'm currently writing or have ideas for, nothing is in this genre—but I might, someday. I think there's a lot that can be done with fantasy that hasn't been done before.

3. Name the place you write best in and why. 

Nowhere specific. I've written in basements, and I've written in coffee shops, and I've written on balconies, and I've written on a bench beside the Allegheny River. In fact, I like to be able to write anywhere, because I like to write every day, if I can, and I never know where I'll be. That said, I do write best if I'm alone and it's early in the day.

4. If you could have lunch with any novelist, (dead or alive), who would it be? If they are deceased, kindly explain their significance in your life and the reason for their resurrection.

David Foster Wallace. I started to take my writing seriously when I began reading Infinite Jest, and I can measure a significant portion of my growth as a writer, a reader, and a person by my consumption of that novel (when I started reading it, it took me almost a year to read the first half of Infinite Jest, and then I put it down for about nine months and didn't touch it, and then I came back to it and read the second half in two short weeks).

I'm currently reading Wallace's posthumous unfinished novel, The Pale King. I've delayed reading it for a while because I knew that, once I read it, I'd never again have the privilege of experiencing a new work of Wallace's for the first time. I'd love to tell him that.

5. About Oliver and Alexandria's relationship, is there a future for them? If so, how do you see things progressing? 

While the ending of The Flute Player may come across as ambiguous at first, I think a quick reread (and, if necessary, search about the history of Nantes, France) will show that there decidedly isn't a future for their relationship, although I'm sure Alexandria's influence will show up in Oliver's music for the entirety of his career as the flute player.

6. If a traveling peasant were looking to take up work or residence in Drommar, how might you suggest he go about the task? Would having connections to the renown Flute Player of the village make his case more favourable?

If a traveling peasant managed to find his way into Drommar in the first place, I think the residents of the village would be far too concerned with where he came from to worry about giving him work. Of course, they probably wouldn't be able to see him, so the flute player might be the only hope of connection he would have.

7. Would you be friends with Oliver? In what ways are the two  of you alike, or different?

I would definitely be friends with Oliver. I'm not much like Oliver anymore, but he's probably a pretty close representation of the me that I was five or six years ago when I was his age.

8. What other profession might Oliver assume if he weren't the Flute Player of the village? Following his meeting with Alexandria, do you see him taking on his role better? 

He'll definitely take on the role of the flute player better than he did before meeting Alexandria; in fact, I think he's fully embraces it now because of her. If he weren't the flute player, I'm not sure what he'd be. It's an excellent question, though, and I'd love for the readers to think about it.

9. What changes does Oliver undergo throughout the story, and is he a different person at the end? How so?

This is interesting. Oliver wants to be a different person when the story starts. He wants a different life and more freedom and a different role. But by the end of the story, he's still has that role. The difference is that now Oliver has embraced what he didn't want at the beginning; he's recognized its importance and taken ownership of that, of himself.

10. What do you hope readers take away from The Flute Player?

That life is good. That we can be the person we want to be and that what others want us to be doesn't matter.

Find Shawn: Facebook / Twitter / Google+

Shawn Mihalik is an inspiring author with a unique prose and voice. Find my review of the book here and for your chance to WIN an Ebook of his novella, see the Rafflecopter below! The Giveaway is International and open to anyone with an eReader. At the end of the giveaway, one winner will be chosen. Have fun and enter responsibly!

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Review: The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*


The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: April 4th, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Mature YA
Series: The Athena Effect
Pages: 200
Source: Review Copy
Format: eBook
Purchase At: Amazon.com or Smashwords.com

Goodreads Summary

As their story continues, Calvin and Caledonia find themselves madly in love, on the run, and nearly out of money. When Cal stumbles upon a way to cash in on Cali’s powers, their life on the road becomes a life of leisure. Despite the easy money and newfound luxury, Caledonia’s conscience begins to trouble her.

A disturbing warning only serves to confirm her misgivings, making her question her purpose in life. Finally, a shocking discovery about the true nature of her powers points the way forward, sending the two Cals on a dangerous rescue mission.

Caledonia tries her best to right the wrongs of the past, but will she only end up provoking new and even more dangerous enemies?

My Thoughts

This is a very easy book to like, and more so, read and fall into. I liked being effortlessly drawn back into the complexities of Cal and Cali's life. The novel literally picks up where The Athena Effect left off, and while both Cal's are still on the run, they are still very much in love. With the threat of recapture at the hands of Max looming in the backs of their minds, Cal and Cali need to lie low. Initially they stick to camp grounds, distant roads, and avoid drawing attention to themselves by living modestly off the few funds they have left. This doesn't last long however, and as the money quickly disappears, one thing leads to another and the young lovers find themselves on a journey neither could have ever bargained for. Monumental secrets regarding The Athena Effect as well as Cali's heritage are unravelled, and as the long hidden truths come to light, everything changes.

Firstly, let me say that the stressful conditions mentioned above do nothing to disrupt the romance between Cal and Cali, and I loved seeing them grow and really mature as characters. Truthfully I don't see why anyone would want to keep them apart; they fought like hell to be together and they just work. I like their relationship because Cal and Cali are made for each other and you really can't picture them happy and apart. Things like that just shouldn't happen, so you can imagine how beyond pleased I was that Derrolyn kept them together. As is expected, they do fight to a degree, and rather realistically, but the arguments never grow so out of control that there is talk of permanent separation. It was good to see them keeping things in perspective and managing disagreements like the capable adults I knew them to be.

*snaps for Derrolyn*

WOOT.



Yeah, girl!

As a second book in the series, The Mackenzie Legacy adds a substantial amount of detail and revelation to the series overall; it is mind-blowing how much changes and the impact of these developments. Derrolyn carried the story over seamlessly, and The Mackenzie Legacy proves itself a worthwhile sequel because it does help the series progress. There is just so much excellent and right with this book that I was hard pressed to find the bits just short of brilliance.

There is a strong connection felt with almost all the characters. Cali struggles with honing her abilities while still adjusting to the world outside her cabin, coming to terms with the truth of the experiment that ultimately claimed the lives of her parents and still largely governs hers. Cal helps her a lot through these struggles, but battles with his own share of insecurities. Every time he worried that Cali would leave I wanted to shake him a little and be like, she isn't going anywhere! Yet if I had done that, the pleasure of watching him work through it on his own would have been lost. He supports her and accepts everything, even Cali's more dangerous connections, such as her bond with the twins Layla and Michael. He would do anything for her, truly the author is successful in showing much more than telling the lengths each Cal is willing to go for the other.

As a backdrop to the story, the setting is great, and the added tension of characters being on the run made for a suspenseful read. There is a healthy amount of mystery and romance throughout the plot which pretty much guarantees readers will gasp at least once, if not twice. The writing improves in The Mackenzie Legacy, and although some portions of the book felt a bit rushed, and some resolutions hurried, this book ultimately makes for an exciting and rewarding read. I definitely recommend it - reader discretion for the more mature scenes is advised - and I am an even bigger fan of the series than before.

Get your hands on this series now!

3.5/5 genies: A satisfying continuation to a great series, The Mackenzie Legacy isn't a book to miss and fans of the series will be thrilled with startling revelation, touching romance and a suspenseful, rewarding plot.

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WIN: "The Mackenzie Legacy" AND Charm Bracelets

Hey Guys!

I'm so excited to share this post with you, mainly because I have a huge prize up for grabs! One winner will get 3 fabulous prizes, one beautiful charm bracelet and both books in The Athena Effect series! Derrolyn Anderson, the author, has generously included her newest release, The Mackenzie Legacy in the prize, so be sure to enter for your chance to win! If you're unfamiliar with the series, please see the blurbs below:


The Athena Effect by Derrolyn Anderson
Published: August 30, 2012
Format: ebook
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 221

Goodreads Summary 

Country girl Cali has been kept a secret her entire life, raised in isolation by two very troubled people. Despite her parent’s disturbing fits, Cal is perfectly content, living at one with the nature that surrounds her, and finding adventure inside the pages of her beloved books. When an awful tragedy tears her away from her remote cabin in the woods, nothing she’s ever read has prepared her for a world that she knows very little about.
Girls and motorcycles are what bad-boy Cal’s life is all about. Brought up in a raucous party house by his biker brother, he’s free to do as he pleases, going through the motions on his final days of high school. Aimless, Cal stopped thinking about his future a long time ago.
 Attacked by a gang of thugs while running an errand for his brother, Cal is in serious trouble until a fierce girl appears out of nowhere to intervene. She chases off three grown men, sparing Cal a brutal beating before disappearing into the night like a spirit. He can’t stop thinking about his mysterious rescuer, and when she turns out to be the weird new girl at school who goes out of her way to avoid him, he can’t contain his curiosity.
He’s never met anyone like her before, and the more he learns about the unusual girl who shares his nickname, the more he wants to know. Cal can’t help falling for Cal, but can he keep her from falling victim to a dangerous enemy from her parent’s tragic past?

The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson
Published: April 4, 2013
Format: eBook
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 200

Goodreads Summary

As their story continues, Calvin and Caledonia find themselves madly in love, on the run, and nearly out of money. When Cal stumbles upon a way to cash in on Cali’s powers, their life on the road becomes a life of leisure. Despite the easy money and newfound luxury, Caledonia’s conscience begins to trouble her. A disturbing warning only serves to confirm her misgivings, making her question her purpose in life. Finally, a shocking discovery about the true nature of her powers points the way forward, sending the two Cals on a dangerous rescue mission. Caledonia tries her best to right the wrongs of the past, but will she only end up provoking new and even more dangerous enemies?

If you haven't read The Athena Effect, then not only are you missing out, but this is your chance to read the novel, and its sequel, for freeeeeeeeee. Haha, kidding, but on a serious note, I read The Athena Effect months ago and really liked it. I'm so excited that the author has written a second book in the series! The ending of the first one was kind of a cliffhanger so that bummed me out a little, but now I can't wait to read more of Cal and Callie in this next instalment since the first book was great!

For those interested in the bracelet, this is what you stand to win:

It has adorable little hearts, motorcycles and Hamsas that totally emulate the whole series and its vibe; I'm really happy to be giving one gorgeous bracelet away :D


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quick Rules:

- Be fair, no cheating y'all! I will be checking.
- The Giveaway is International (as long as you have an eReader for the books). I will forward both email address and mailing address to the author as soon as the winner is chosen.
- Make sure to fill in your details in the Rafflecopter below so that I can contact you!
- Have fun! I know that this is kind of implied, but I couldn't help myself. GOOD LUCK!

Have you read the series, what do you think of the books so far? Let me know!

Love you lots,

XX

Review: The Flute Player by Shawn Mihalik

The Flute Player by Shawn Mihalik 

Rating: 3.5 of 5 genies

Published: March 12, 2013

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Pages: 67
Publisher: Asymmetrical Press

Source: Review Copy

Format: eBook

Purchase At: Amazon.com 

Goodreads Summary 

For nearly ten years, young Oliver has begrudgingly accepted his position as the flute player of the peaceful village of Drommar—a responsibility thrust upon him after the previous flute player, and Oliver's best friend, drowned in a tragic childhood accident. Now on the cusp of adulthood, a mysterious young woman enters Oliver's life, and he begins to question the nature of his world and the importance of his place in it.

The Review

Shawn Mihalik’s The Flute Player has all the makings of a fairy tale classic. His protagonist, Oliver, instantly brings to mind The Pied Piper from days of old and I couldn’t help casting similarities between the two. It was almost as if Oliver was a less grounded Piper before he eventually finds himself and matures; Oliver’s journey could very well have been that ancient flute player’s story. If he lived in Drommar, that is, and this point is exactly where everything alters. In bringing to life the little town, Mihalik does an excellent job of making this story unique and completely engaging. If anything, my linking Oliver to the Piper is further proof of how stunning this little tale truly is. The Flute Player is fast-paced and wonderful, and readers will be happy to know that a great fantasy belies the book’s modest packaging.

To be sure, Oliver was the perfect protagonist for this book. His character is crafted in such a way that the growth and self-discovery he experiences are occurrences celebrated by those invested. By the time the conclusion came, I found myself caring a great deal more for the characters than I initially thought I would. Truthfully I didn’t know what to expect at first. I knew the story centered on a young man being burdened with the task of playing the flute for his village. Having very little choice in the matter, the position was thrust upon him following his childhood friend’s demise. There was mention of a mysterious girl and…a Volkswagen Beetle? Crossing my fingers, I hoped for the best and ended up getting so much more than expected!

For instance, the prologue prose at the beginning provides a whimsically fitting prelude to the story. There are vague instructions of how to get to Drommar and the writing is just so well done, it sucks the reader right in! The actual text reads as if it were extracted from an anthology of Hans Christian Anderson’s collection and the likes. The story itself is not specifically targeted at juvenile readers, yet it appeals to and will attract a wide range of audiences. All that is necessary to appreciate The Flute Player is a respect for honest fiction; this book is poignant and more than meets the eye.

For a book of its length, The Flute Player is rich in story, and Drommar provides a dream-like setting for all that unfolds. The mystery girl, Alexandria, is only visible to Oliver and while he alone can see her, the other characters are at a loss. There is a reason she lands in the village and this by far is one of my favorite aspects of the short novel. She comes seemingly out of nowhere, drawing the recluse Flute Player into the forest, a truly magical place, and you simply have to read the book to learn more; the secret behind her sudden appearance is well worth it.

Moreover, there exists a dualism between Oliver’s world and Alexandria’s; she completely alters the way he sees himself as well as his responsibilities to the rest of Drommar. Due to her influence, Oliver comes to an acceptance of his given role. Their relationship is sweet and tender, romantic, and both characters care deeply about each other. Seeing the depth of their friendship, what they were willing to sacrifice to see the other happy, was touching and you can bet that I was rooting for them. A longer epilogue would have answered many of my longstanding questions and tied everything up in a better way, but the nature of the story is fantasy and not everything has a definite conclusion in such cases. Keeping this in mind, it makes sense why the conclusion was not precise or clear-cut; in this case, some things are left to the imagination.

As a whole, this book struck me as being carefully thought out. I’m not saying it was perfect, there were certain flaws, but the author took care in developing the concept. Mihalik knew where he wanted his story and characters to go, and for the most part, he delivered.

The world building could have been more fleshed out; I would have enjoyed learning more about Drommar. Since Oliver is the main source of information, he is limited in his appraisal of the world and isn’t allowed the freedom to explore or live his life independently. For fear of him perishing like the previous Player, he appears twice daily before the villagers in the morning and evening, and remains for the most part locked away. As you can imagine, with him being so distanced from them, what is learnt of the village from Oliver’s perspective is fairly sparse information. Even though Alexandria helps him break out from his sheltered existence, the town people relying on one individual to get them through the day, their moods and attitudes being interconnected with his and the songs he chose to play, were still a mystery by the end. Ultimately, I found the dynamic between Oliver and the village folk to be quite interesting and not nearly explored enough.

Still, The Flute Player is an engaging, thoughtful piece. At the request of the author and his representative, I was happy to review this book. The read was quick, enjoyable and well worth my time. I liked it, and the minor issues mentioned aside, an opportunity to read The Flute Player should not be missed. A fantasy tale that adds to its genre, this book is recommended!

Will you be reading The Flute Player? What do you think of the book based on the review? Let me know in the comments below!

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*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
My rating: 3.5 of 5 genies
Published: December 14, 2012
Source: Review Copy
Format: eBook
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance

Goodreads Summary

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.
A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.
She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

Excerpt from A Shade of Vampire

I’d been meandering along the shore for about an hourwhen I suddenly sensed that I wasn’t alone. Someone was approaching me frombehind. My heart leapt. I was so sure it was Ben, that when a stranger showedup beside me, I couldn’t hide my disappointment.

He must have noticed, because a smirk formed on hislips. “Were you expecting someone else, love?”

I eyed him suspiciously, remembering how many times myfather had told me not to talk to strangers. I looked him over, taking in hisappearance. My eyes widened. I couldn’t find words to describe how fine a manhe was. He was almost beautiful. The first thing I took notice of was how hisblue eyes were about three shades brighter than any I’d ever seen before. Itwas such a stark contrast to his pale – almost white – skin and dark hair.Standing beside me, he was easily more than half a foot taller. His height,broad shoulders and lean build reminded me of Ben, but he had a presence thatwas far more imposing than my best friend’s.

My gaze settled on his face.

I realized that he was inspecting me just as closelyas I was him. His eyes on me suddenly made me feel uncomfortably vulnerable. Igave my father’s advice a second thought, but quickly canceled out all notionsof heeding to his counsel when I reminded myself that he stopped caring a longtime ago.

I straightened to my full height and mustered all thecourage I had to keep myself from running away from this stranger.

Big mistake.

The confident smirk didn’t leave his face for even amoment.

“Like what you see?”

“A bit full of yourself, aren’t you?” I scoffed,annoyed by his audacity.

He stepped forward, closer to me, and leaned his headtoward mine.

“Don’t I have the right to be?”

He knew he looked good and wasn’t about to act like hedidn’t.

“Whatever,” was my oh-so-brilliant comeback.

My shoulders sagged with defeat as I took a step back,unsettled by how close he was now. I rolled my eyes and did a one-eighty, notquite in the mood to play whatever game this stranger was proposing.

I would soon realize that I was about to play his gamewhether I liked it or not.

He grabbed my arm and turned my body to face him. Thismotion alone made every single internal alarm I had within me go off in afrenzy.

This man was danger and I knew it. I tried to wriggleaway from his touch, but I was no match for his strength.

“Tell me your name,” he commanded.

I was about to refuse, but was horrified to findmyself blurting out my name in response.

“Sofia Claremont.”

As soon as I revealed my name, his eyes lit up with akind of sinister approval. Then he reached for my face and traced his thumbover my jaw line.

“Hello, Sofia Claremont. You’re one stupid girl fortaking a walk alone at this time of night. You never know what kind of evil apretty little thing like you could happen to come by.”

I found myself wondering exactly what kind of evil hewas. But I was suddenly overcome by the sensations that were surrounding me. Mysenses took in everything at once. I heard the waves, felt the sand, smelledthe ocean salt, tasted the flavor of cherry and saw the stranger’s manicappearance as he stuck a needle to my neck. The effect was instant. I wasbarely able to gasp, much less scream. I went from sensing everything tosensing absolutely nothing.

My last consciousthought was that I may never see Ben again.

My Thoughts

I was approached by the author to write a review for this book at a time when Goodreads seemed to be blowing up with A Shade of Vampire updates. Every status from my friends reading it seemed to be positive, and almost every reader was enthused with the YA Paranormal novel. Needless to say, I may have squealed like a little girl when Bella Forrest asked me to read it.

This is a great, sweet story. I don't know exactly what I was expecting going in, maybe a short read and some romance, but this book certainly does pack a punch. A fascinating New Adult Paranormal novel, I really enjoyed getting into the story and its mechanics, primarily the Shade. The beginning did not immediately rapture my audience, but the latter half completely drew me in! I grew to adore Sofia and Derek, they are a cute couple, and I like that she makes me love him more.

At first Derek came off as a sulking, brooding prince, afraid to take up his responsibility, and I thought that if I had to hear him complain again about his being awake, and not in his prior four hundred year old slumber, I would put the sleeping spell on him myself. Then he meets Sofia, recently abducted and forced into life as the Prince's slave at the Shade. She changes everything for him, provides Derek with reason to stay awake, and really just makes him a better person. Not going to lie, I'm still not swooning hard for him, but I do like his character and think that there is much left in store for Derek.

Sofia is an empathetic heroine, sensitive and easy to read about. She has a deeper connection to her senses, something that doesn't really make sense at the beginning. I kind of asked myself why it mattered that she was so in-tune with the senses, but the author's reasoning behind this particular character trait clicks halfway through the book. I will not spoil the surprise, but let's just say that it makes sense and does work out.

The main conflict in the book is between the Hunters and Vampires, Hunters hunt Vampires and Derek is supposed to save his race from extinction, a weighty role when you consider that Derek himself was once a Hunter! I liked the inner turmoil, and how every character had some drive. There are dark themes in this book, slavery and mentions of torture and bondage; kids 16 and under shouldn't read this without some consent from an adult. The overall mood is dark and haunting, the story switches from both Derek and Sofia's perspective, affording readers a more personal encounter with the characters. I couldn't help but feel that amidst the dark lushness of the Shade, Derek and Sofia's affection for each other shone beautiful and warm.

I liked this book and recommend the read to fans of the Paranormal and Romance genre. As I mentioned, the story isn't massive in length and I felt that it didn't immediately take off, and at times it felt like not much was happening since the characters stayed primarily in the same place. In the end though, that is a minor concern and my experience with A Shade of Vampire is positive; I have my hands itching for the sequel!

A great début, 3.5/5 genies!

LINKS:

Buy A Shade of Vampire from Amazon:

USA,paperback or USA,eBook

UK,paperback or UK,eBook

Add A Shade of Vampire to your Goodreads shelf!

That's all, Loves! Take care!!

XX

Waiting on Wednesday (7) : The Chaos of Stars

*Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill@Breaking the Spine and is a weekly meme allowing for bloggers to connect and share their most anticipated reads.*

Hey guys!

This week I'm waiting on...

The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
Publishing: September 10th, 2013
Pages: 352
Genre: YA, Mythology, Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads Summary

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

What are you waiting on?? I love the cover, and when the awesome folks at Cuddlebuggery shared it earlier this week I knew I was 100% sold. This book was on my wishlist prior, but I had no idea a cover had been released :) Out of all the books I am dying to read this year, The Chaos of Stars  is most definitely near the top of that list. 

I'm interested to know what you think, what books are you dying to read? Share in the comments below, Loves.

Until next time, take care!

XX,

Cover Reveal: Rebel Spring

Hey Loves,

So I know for the past few months I haven't exactly been the best blogger in terms of memes, but I am trying to ease myself back into doing them, focussing mostly on the ones which interest me. I love beautiful covers and stumbled upon this one this week...

Rebel Spring (Falling Kingdoms #2) by Morgan Rhodes
Expected Release: December 3, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, Adventure
Pages (estimated): 432

Goodreads Summary

Auranos has been conquered and the three kingdoms — Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia — are now unwillingly united as one country called Mytica. But alluring, dangerous magic still beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...

CLEO is now a prisoner in her own palace, forced to be an ambassador for Mytica as the evil King Gaius lies to her people

MAGNUS stands to eventually inherit the new kingdom but is still obsessed with his feelings for his adopted sister Lucia

LUCIA is haunted by the outcome of the breathtaking display of magic that allowed her father to capture the kingdoms

JONAS watches at the palace gates, a troop of rebels behind him, waiting for him to tell them how he plans to overtake King Gaius

When Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land. Because Gaius is not just burrowing into a pile of rock. He’s tunneling directly into the Watchers’ Sanctuary. And his actions will have cosmic consequences.

Praise for Falling Kingdoms

"[It] will gut you emotionally...make you ache, cry, and beg for the sequel as you turn the last page. I absolutely loved it.” —Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Queen

"This triple-layered tale of bloodshed, heartbreak, and tangled court intrigue kept me turning pages very late into the night.”—Lesley Livingston, author of Wondrous Strange and Starling

"From an opening dripping with blood, magic, and betrayal through complex interweaving plots detailing treachery, deceit, and forbidden love, this novel...will immediately engage readers and keep them intrigued.” —Booklist

It sounds good, right? I haven't read Falling Kingdoms yet, but the consensus among most of my blogging friends seems to be that it is a book well worth reading! I have my fingers crossed for this series, it has loads of potential, and I see it doing well for itself. Have you read Falling Kingdoms, excited for Rebel Spring?

Let me know. Take care!

XX,