The Forbidden Wish (The Forbidden Wish, #1) by Jessica Khoury

This is a retelling of the classic Aladdin tale that really lived up to the challenge. Khoury's tale brings Aladdin and his Genie into a whole new level of story telling. In this version Aladdin is not just a cheeky street rat but a young man who's failure to be the follow up to his father the people want him to be drives him into reckless thievery. Zahra, the geni is not just waiting patiently in the lamp for her next master but has been cast into the lamp as punishment for an act of betrayal that set off historical ramifications across her world. Her story starts even before when a decision made was shown to be a foolish choice within itself. When Aladdin frees her, her only thought is how to manipulate him to gain her freedom. Anything else is out of the question. And Princess Caspida is so much more than just the daughter to an ailing king. She is the last line of defense between her people and the cruel intents of her Uncle Sulifer and his son Darian. She is the personification of her people's last embers of hope.

This is a truly classic tale of love, desire, greed, and forgiveness. Well worth reading and adding to your shelf. Khoury has used her love of stories and understanding of people's relationships to bring you a tale of folklore to treasure.

The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles #1) by Laurie Forest

Elloren is grand daughter of one of the most powerful Gardnerian mages to ever live and by all rights she should become the new Black Witch, powerful and capable of becoming the champion of her people. But little do others realize that Elloren may look exactly like her grand mother but she is nothing like her at all. Elloren is incapable of magic in a society that deems it a disgrace to be so. As she is sent to follow her dream of becoming an apothecary at Verpax University where all manner of people are allowed, Elloren comes to realize that her legacy will cast judgement upon her not only by her fellow Gardnerians but also by those who the Black Witch cast down. As she struggles to establish herself without the power of magic she must try to come to grips with the treachery surrounding her and find out for herself who she truly is and who her real friends and who her true enemies are. The world is about to change again and Elloren could be the pivotal point on which it rotates.

This book reflects many real world issues such as racism, addiction, anti feminists views, the struggles of being oneself in a society that judges upon shallow values. It is also an interesting universe with Verpax University at the top of my to visit list after Hogwarts. The main characters are also well crafted. My overall comment is that this story is worth following but I have to admit to having some issues with the pace of the book which lends it to being 601 pages. There were several points in the book where I couldn't stop myself from wishing it had been pruned more, tightened up a bit. However, still worth the read guys, and yes, there will be a second book to look forward too. Elloren is setting up to be a character that could really rock our reading worlds so here's hoping.

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1) by Laini Taylor

 

Right from the start I fell for this book. Taylor has written the beginning to a story that is crafted for a reader who loves the magic of reading. A young hero who starts as an orphan brought up by monks who have no idea who he is or where he came from. Called Strange as all orphans are, he grows up loving the stories of a fabled land lost to the mists of time. When he is sent on an errand and sees the great library he knows he is where he belongs and so begins the first steps towards what will be Strange's ultimate story. Not yet fully written but page by page his destiny is being intertwined with the very essence of the one story that has enchanted him since he was a small child. The story of Weep, lost to the world for hundreds of years is still being written and Strange will bear witness to its resurgence or its final moments. Along with him will be a coterie of individuals who will be tasked with the impossible job of rescuing Weep from its nemesis, for in the skies of Weep lingers a haunting memory of its worst nightmares and within that nightmare lies the soul of someone who may bring about its salvation. A story of wrongs done, lives shattered, regrets, recriminations, and the shreds of hope that refuse to die. A story about a love that is pure and true and the wrath of revenge that threatens all.

You will not put this book down without the feeling that you have just entered into the beginning of an epic saga. You have just met a new hero the likes of which have not been seen since the times of the ancient Greeks and that thought alone is a reader's dream.

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3) by Sarah J. Maas

If you are reading this and have not read the first two titles in this trilogy, STOP. Go and immerse yourself in a world of characters that hit so many YES! buttons, you'll swear that they were created from magic themselves. These have been a pleasure to read without question, any little niggling details forgiven when you're on the last page, as you realize you've finished what are probably some of Maas's best books. I won't even try to do a review justice as there are many others who have done an admirable job of pointing out just why this series is so good. The only thing I can tell you is that I have added these titles to my permanent collection and can't wait another year for the next title to suck me back into one of the best fantasy series out there.

Go now and pick up the first book and start reading, if you've read them all as avidly as I have, don't quibble, start re reading them again and look forward to the continuation of this world next year as Maas continues to weave her stories with new adventures.

Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) by Victoria Aveyard

This is the second book in the Red Queen series and carries on the story of Mare Barrows and the revolution which she has found herself in the midst of. Being a leader is not what Mare had in mind when she ran for her life. She has been betrayed, seen friends die, killed, all just to survive and now she finds herself at the forefront of the fight, trying to save other red bloods like herself, each one of them on a hit list. Saving them can perhaps keep Mare from having to face the horrors awaiting her and help to defeat the Silvers and their reign of terror. As The Lightning Girl she has become both respected and feared. Mare's greatest secret is that she has become a stranger to herself. Her scars and powers have created her own cage from which she sees herself changing and becoming something that very closely resembles exactly what she is fighting against and when events lead to her worst nightmare she will have to delve deep into her true nature and decide exactly how much of herself she can let go of.

This story continues to provide a gripping, visceral look at events that will determine the future of all and the untold horrors committed by those in power against those who would dare to look forward. Political ambition, world machinations, betrayals, hopes, and schemes are threaded together into a story that continues to deliver on its promise of a spectacular read. A definite recommend.

The King Slayer (The Witch Hunter, #2) by Virginia Boecker

In the conclusion of The Witch Hunter series we find Elizabeth hiding in Harrow from Lord Blackwell, the new King of Anglia. Unfortunately out of sight is not out of mind and both the denizens of Harrow and Elizabeth are only to aware that time is running out for them. The magic that protects Harrow is being infiltrated and everyone is in danger. When an attack is aimed at Elizabeth at her hearing a new truth is revealed, there is a traitor amongst them.

Blackwell is preparing to launch a war against all those who oppose him and Elizabeth has become more important to him then ever for she possesses something that is integral to his thirst for power. What Blackwell doesn't realize is that Elizabeth is no longer the one he seeks and with the need to keep her secret safe and destroy Blackwell, she cannot let herself give in to weakness of body or mind. As she strives to overcome the distrust of those she once persecuted she comes to realize that no matter what she does it can never make up for her past and as John begins to slip away from her she is faced with the only reality she can grasp. She must be what she was trained to be, manipulative, a liar, a killer.

Elizabeth is a full fledged character whose sharp edges are blunted by the fears, hopes, and delusions that we all share. The story line is well developed and full of surprise twists that will make your breath hitch and your heart pound.Each page will entice you further until you realize that Boecker must be a witch herself to ensnare you so deeply in this story.

“I think, in time, you’ll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory.”

This is definitely a victory and quite frankly I find myself wishing for once that this was at least a trilogy because when you find a series this good you just don't want to let it go.

Cruel Crown (Red Queen, #0.1-#0.2) by Victoria Aveyard

If you are currently reading the Red Queen series or you've finished the third book and haven't read Cruel Crown you can skip it all together. However, reading these two prequel stories will help to flesh out the characters and give their universe a more in depth feel.

There are two stories in Cruel Crown: Queen Song and Steel Scars.

In Queen Song we come to learn how Cal's mother was chosen Queen, about her life, and her death. We meet young Elara and learn how deep her treachery really runs. And we learn how some things once set in motion are inevitable. Here we see too how deep family ties can run and how Cal is in some ways very like the mother he lost.

Steel Scars brings us to the red blooded Farley, captain in the Red Guard. As we follow Farley we begin to understand more of her background and her determination to help end the Silver Bloods rule. As she sets out to recruit others to the cause and lay down new connections throughout the reaches of the lands she will come into contact with someone unlike any other she has ever met. In turn she becomes the first to realize how important a young girl will be to the cause and the revolution.

Definitely recommend as it really does make Mare and her world much more distinctive and full fledged.

Hellhole by Gina Damico

Max Kilgore has the kind of name that conjures up images of daring feats and out of this world adventures but he's just another geeky, never done no wrong kind of kid. So when he decides to steal a glitzy kitty for his sick mom, the tension is real. After all, the path to hell is paved with good intentions and bejeweled critters of all kinds. When this one act starts to cause Max sleepless nights he turns to the mountain by his home to dig away the stress and maybe stumble on an undiscovered dinosaur find. But Max winds up unearthing a crater to hell and what comes out of it is Max's worst nightmare in a tracksuit. Not only is the guy a real devil adamant on Max being responsible for making his vacation dreams come true but he's a real asshole to boot. Now Max finds himself having to commit all kinds of petty crime to make him happy. But soon Max realizes that there is no end to the things he'll need to do to satisfy this evil sleazeball and with his mom's life on the line Max will do anything he has to. 

With the help of a young girl named Lore who is all to familiar with the situation Max finds himself in, he'll need to figure a way to get rid of this resident evil if he ever hopes to get things back to the way they were. Armed with just his sadistic cat and a surprising core of strength he didn't even know he possessed Max is ill prepared to pull a fast one on an unsatisfied devil who craves sugars and fats. It's time for Max to think outside of the box on this one and trust in himself.

This book like Damico's other titles is full of hysterical moments that cover a core story of young people facing situations that demand they face their uncertainties and discover their hidden strengths. She keeps it real and doesn't pull any punches but you're all the more thankful for this as her characters ring true and honest. Haven't read one of her stories yet that didn't make me laugh and cheer along. Definitely recommend.

The Unbound (The Archived, #2) by Victoria Schwab

This is the second book in The Archived series which should be read in order.

Mackenzie barely escaped with her life when she managed to stop Owen from fulfilling his plans of destroying the Archives but it didn't stop there. In her nightmares she relives those moments on the rooftop blurring the line between dream and reality. Sleep starts to become a luxury she can't afford. And as a new year begins at a new school all Mac wants is to be normal again. Haunted day and night she soon begins to doubt her sanity and questions are arising at home as well. When an incident occurs that causes her self harm she begins to wonder if she truly is losing touch with reality.

But when people start disappearing without any trace and all they have in common is Mackenzie herself, she becomes convinced that someone in the Archives is out to finish what Owen started and blame her in the process. But with no idea of who it could be who can she trust if she isn't even sure of what's happening herself. As she becomes the prime suspect Mackenzie knows it's only a matter of time before she loses her role as Keeper and possibly more, even her life.

This sequel is more than a match for the first in the series. We finally get a true understanding of the pathos that Mac is trying to work through. The loss, betrayals, and suspicions she is facing are a true test of her perseverance in the face of machinations concealed and the determined force of those who want to see her taken down. Nothing is safe anymore, not even that which she knew to be fact. Will she be able to emerge as herself or will she become just another history tucked away in a drawer, left to remain unread.

As always, Schwab delivers you a heroine who far from being broken by her flaws and experiences, emerges from the fires forged not from steel but by the humanity they refuse to let go of. A definite recommendation for anyone who likes their characters to sweat blood and tears as they fight to remain true to themselves and do what is right.

Paper and Fire (The Great Library, #2) by Rachel Caine

I received this as an arc from the publisher whom I thank. The review is my own.

In this sequel to Ink and Bone Jess is serving in the Library's army but nothing is as he thought it would be. He has discovered something unbelievable, his best friend thought to be dead may be alive, held prisoner by the Library. If there is even a chance Thomas is alive Jess has to grab at it no matter what the fall out is. This time they are all forced to flee Alexandria, wanted fugitives. But in their fight Jess will come across the unsettling fact that no one is what they seem and that the choice presented to him now will cost him every thing he holds dear. They are now on the very front lines of this war.

As we learn more about the characters in this story we begin to comprehend the true depravity that is at the center of a world that is being torn apart. The lives of all hang in the balance and Jess' choices will be the only thing that can save or doom them all. The story line radiates with individual choices and sacrifices, personal greed and destruction on an unimaginable scale. The world is tipping and there is no safety net.

I definitely recommend this series. A great gripping world full of individual struggles that have ramifications for all. Recommend to those who love books that challenge you to place yourself in the situations presented. How well do you know yourself?

Ink (Paper Gods, #1) by Amanda Sun

This is the first book in the Paper Gods Trilogy.

After the loss of her mother Katie Greene finds herself halfway across the world in Shizuoka Japan to live with her aunt while her grandparents in Canada try to see if she will be able to come live with them. Katie struggles with the new language, new cultural ways, and most of all her sadness. Her aunt and her are trying to form a relationship but it is hard to do when what ties them together is the memory of Katie's mom.

Into this roiling mess come new friends who help Katie become more proficient at Japanese and help alleviate her sorrow. But then there is Tomohiro. The first time she meets him he catches her inadvertently eaves dropping as he cruelly dumps his current girlfriend. Not only is Katie in the wrong place at the wrong time but she catches a glimpse of a secret that Tomo is being very careful to guard. His ink sketches move and whats more they're trying to get to Katie.

With her growing attraction to Tomo Katie is confronted with an undeniable fact, there are people and powers that are very interested in him and their growing attachment. Is there any truth to the Japanese legends of people descended directly from a goddess or is she slowly losing her mind with grief. Could it be that like Tomo she too is linked to the sketches somehow. Either way being close to him is causing his capabilities to spiral out of control and it's only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong.

There is an upcoming battle brewing and Katie and Tomo are at the very epicenter of the struggle between the two sides. As their love grows it becomes clearer to Katie that in order to survive and save Tomo from himself she has to do the one thing that has all ready caused her so much pain, she must let go of someone else she loves. With a breaking heart she readies to leave Japan and the life she has come to cherish to make her way to Canada. But will half a world away be enough to stop destiny or is this just the beginning.

A first hand knowledge of Japan from the author has been blended into a great fantasy filled with action and excitement done in a lovely lyrical style. The sketches that run through the book give the reader a real feel for the poetry of Japanese style art and as you read along you are given an interactive art exhibit which really enhances your connection to the story. All in all this is a definite recommend to anyone interested in Japan and its culture, art, or just a lovingly written love story. A definite recommend.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Colette Iselin is living a lie. Her once prosperous family is now divided and her, her mother and brother have become less well to do than they once were. But with two friends at the top of the social scene who are definitely not down trodden, Colette needs to keep up appearances, especially as she is spending the next week on a school trip to Paris.

Paris, the city of romance and culture. Colette's family hails from France so once she sets foot there she feels like she belongs. Even if there are a series of horrible murders occurring within walking distance of Versailles, the magic of Paris and a certain young Frenchman are undeniable. But when Colette begins to see strange visions and catches glimpses of a pale woman following her where ever she goes, she begins to realize that her family history may be the key to solving the murders and preventing her from being the next victim.

Colette's current struggle to climb the social hierarchy may be a reflection of her family's past attempts to do the same at all costs. Will Colette fall into the same trap and have to face a reckoning of her own or will she find a way to bravely find her own path.

This is a quick, enticing read with a good blend of history, mystery, and French allure. Add a twist of romance and a sprig of social commentary and you've got yourself a good read.

Ink and Bone (The Great Library, #1) by Rachel Caine

Books are forbidden for personal use for the protection of the masses. Only the Great Library of Alexandria, custodian of all knowledge and reservoir of the personal histories of the world's populations can safely handle the responsibility of this charge and keep the vying nations from trying to control this avenue of power. But forbidden or not books though rare can be bought for the right price. The Brightwell family is gaining from the demand for these items and no questions are asked if the price can be met. But the cost for supplying customers can be death or worse. Automatons guard the Library and its sisters, on the lookout for thieves and Burners. 

When Jess's father buys him a chance to test to join the Library he is torn between the possibilities a job with the Library would present him and the expected inside information his family could use in their black market orders. But Jess realizes that this may be the opportunity he's been looking for. A chance to deal directly with the forbidden books that he so seldom sees. But in a world held at bay there are those who would overthrow the regime, Burners who use Greek Fire to emphasize their belief that books should be for all not just the few. Countries at war who are tired of the Library's stagnant control, and those hidden within the very Library who realize that if the Library is to survive the truth behind its doors must be revealed.

The power of words can be deadly but in Alexandria there lies the possibility of a greater evil threading its way through the very foundations of civilization and the only people who may be able to halt the progress are initiates vying for six positions which may very well cost them their lives.

Full of intrigue, fast paced action, and a world on the brink of disaster, this is the first in a series that promises to satisfy any one who has ever felt the undeniable pull of a book and cannot imagine living without them.

Half Lost (The Half Bad Trilogy, #3) by Sally Green

This is the last installment in the Half Bad series and it is going to break your heart.

Nathan is facing a losing battle against his grief and longing for revenge. His sanity is fragile as he struggles to comprehend the ease and rising number of deaths he is facing as the Alliance struggles to pick up the remaining pieces and make one last defiant stand. But in their greatest moment of need, Nathan is balanced dangerously close to the edge as visions start to haunt him in which the one person who would never betray him does just that.

Gabriel has stood by Nathan since the beginning but as he watches him slipping away from him he begins to fear that no matter how strong his love for Nathan is it may not be enough to keep him grounded and each day burdens Nathan with the losses of more comrades as he begins withdrawing from Gabriel and everyone else. Convincing Nathan to leave and find peace with him is proving impossible and when Nathan lashes out in anger Gabriel finds himself with a choice to make.

This series has introduced characters who have lived through the atrocities of war and been dehumanized by those in power. It has created characters like Nathan who battle the same demons we do in reality. It has introduced us to the uncertainties of human nature. In short this series has given us characters who live and breathe beside us and the author has given us an ending where tragedy and heartbreak are mitigated by the promise of a more fulfilling future. The last few pages of this story are absolutely beautiful in their ability to shed light on the re emergence of a man's soul from the depths battle sends it. Nathan's last act in the story is sheer poetry. Love is the light that stops this series from being just another battlefield tale and Green makes it clear that that is exactly what she has written, a love story.

Half Wild (The Half Bad Trilogy #2) by Sally Green

Nathan is one of the most hunted witches in history but he has a bigger problem right now, his new power to shape shift. Inherited from his father when he was given his three gifts he has no idea how to control it and it does not want to be controlled. Nathan knows that in order to survive he will have to find a way if he is to rescue Annalise and save himself.

Nathan faces off against one of his bitterest foes and discovers that there is more than he knows heading his way. War is being declared and enemies must learn to trust each other enough to make it through. But this time the ones held closest to the heart may be the ones that are the most dangerous. As Nathan learns to come to terms with what he is and what he must do to survive there are some that cannot see beyond his father's shadow. And in the end someone must fall.

New friends, losses, and betrayals will carve Nathan into one of the most powerful witches ever known but will it be enough to defeat an enemy who is evolving as quickly and now numbers among it the very person he would defy death for.

This series deftly looks at the shifting sands that lie beneath those involved in battle. Good and bad are not as clear as history would make them out to be. The story is a perfect reflection of Nathan himself. A definite recommend.

The Archived (The Archived, #1) by Victoria Schwab

In the void between the living and the dead exists a place called The Archive. Here those who have died remain as Histories, curated by Librarians. There they stay asleep but sometimes they wake up, confused and afraid, wandering into The Narrows where they meet Mackenzie Bishop, Keeper. It's her job to return those who have awoken as quickly as possible because the longer a History is awake the more violent they become as they struggle to reach the Outside, our world, where they once belonged. Mackenzie knows that no matter what a History says or does they are not the person they were before. They must be stopped at any cost, even her own life.

Mackenzie's grandfather trained her to take his position when he died. She knows her responsibilities can never be spoken of with anyone. But after losing Da followed by her brother's death for which she holds herself responsible, Mackenzie begins to question the rules of the Archive. Why must they lay in the Archive like books only to be read by the Librarians when their deaths have left gaping holes in her existence. When a History appears that doesn't seem to have any signs of becoming unstable she is faced with a grain of hope that maybe there is a way to bring back her brother and atone for her mistakes. Little does Mackenzie realize that this precise moment has been orchestrated to bring about the end of the Archive from the inside by someone who once was exactly in her shoes. Mackenzie has become the key to destroying the balance and releasing an evil who's only thought is revenge.

A story that hits on the desolation that losing a loved one creates. What would you do if you could bring back someone you loved? Could you be strong enough to let them go again or would you damn them and the world just for one more day? Well written with surprise twists and mystery.

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Reading this book was like holding something that is dazzling and beautiful and potentially dangerous. You feel yourself falling under its sway almost immediately and realize with a start that you are reading one of those books that will permanently ingrain itself upon you. Years from now you will have picked it up several times to relive that feeling and to discover yet again another side of it you may have missed. It's beautifully crafted and although it revolves around a 7 year old girl, there is nothing childish about it.

I could wax poetical and sing its praises on and on but there is no point in doing that when all I have to do is tell you to pick it up and read it. This book is not flawless but you will find that like the best things in life that is not the point. This is a gem of a book filled with soul and humanity at its foulest and most beautiful. I hope to see this book rise and soar just like Anna's swallows.

This is a perfect recommendation for anyone who liked The Boy in Striped Pajamas or for a reader who is looking to find a book to grow with. I cannot wait to see what the author does next.

"The Killing Jar" by Jennifer Bosworth

This was provided as an ARC to me from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is not for the reader who's looking for a quiet read. This is an original, creepy look at what can happen when a person fools themselves into making choices that not only hurt others but themselves. It's a new way of looking at stories about addiction and self loathing, pain and loss, the misunderstandings that happens between family, and the secrets that can cause repercussions further down the line. It is a woven web of ethereal potential dripping with a deadly resin. In other words, totally worth the late nights.

Once upon a time there was a little girl who did something so heinous that it has haunted her all her life. The act itself was horrible enough, the reason why is what marks Kenna as an abomination. Her decision has cost her the most important things in the world, her mother and her twin sister but what she does in order to rectify the consequences of that day in the woods will be what lead her to the secrets of who and what she truly is. In order to exist she must kill and there are others like who are willing to teach her about her powers but in the midst of this safe enclave lies the greatest danger of all to Kenna. Even among these kindred souls she is one of a kind and what must be done to capture the feeling of belonging and unity may cost her more than she ever realized.

Definitely worth the read, just make sure you're willing to turn off the lights after.

"Half Bad (The Half Bad Trilogy, #1) by Sally Green

I received this as an arc from the publisher but the review is my own.

I've been wanting to read this for quite some time and now that I have I can only say it's about time. This was so good that I'm tempted to run out and get a hard copy right now and reread it again, even with the monstrous tbr pile I have in the house.

This book isn't just about a young man who because his father is a Black Witch may turn out to be evil and dangerous, it's a look at the very, very thin line between what defines good and evil. The persecution he faces because of events of the past and how they have framed his life to the point we meet Nathan help to flesh out the realization that this is going to touch more deeply on the excuses given for acts of such brutality, that they cannot be simply labeled as for the good of all. 

Nathan is not just literally fighting for his freedom, he is fighting to be who he is without restraints that either side of this ongoing battle insist are his only choices. You are not rooting for the righteous here but for Nathan's very soul. 

Sometimes the right thing to do can cause crippling damages that let the darkness that has rooted take over. For Nathan the choice is not clear and simple and the darkness all ready has him but will it take over or can he, despite what everyone believes, find a balance within himself. 

Look deep into the abyss and ask yourself if you believe in those around you or do you believe in yourself. 

First installment in the series and a throat grabber. Read it yourself for the full impact.

"Reawakened (Reawakened, #1)" by Colleen Houck

I want to take a minute and remind everyone reading this that this is my opinion and that if the book looks good to you, read it. It looked good to me and being a huge fan of Egyptian mythology and history, I dived into the book. But almost from the start I had little tantrums every couple of pages. The writing is fairly well done and the characters are worthy of reading about it's just that every couple of minutes you feel like telling Lily to shut the bleep up about her poor little rich girl syndrome and quite frankly, why does someone who has been accepted into every college she applied to not connect the dots as to who or what Amon is for several chapters. You spend them frustrated at her incapability to grasp what is actually happening. Quite frankly as I was reading this story all I kept thinking was, it's not finished, not polished like you'd expect a final draft to be. The story is a great idea but I felt like the author didn't do more than color in her outlines. This wound up being a template for any Fantasy/Romance title that you could come up with. Though there are moments in the story where you see the potential shining through there's just too much swill in the way. Now having said that I still felt compelled to read to the finish to see what happens to Lily and Amon, I was entertained along the way, and then dropped off a cliff to land among the rocks at the end. This is one of the most frustrating last chapters I have ever had to read and even though there is enough in this story to make me think of potentially picking up a sequel, it would be only if I could borrow it from my local library and was willing to run the gamut of frustration once again. Reader beware, there lurks more than monsters in these pages!