YA Book Review: Wrath of The Storm by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Mark of the Thief #3)

Title: Wrath of the Storm

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Series: Mark of the Thief #3

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Scholastic

Pub Date: January 31, 2017

Pages: 343

My Copy: Hardcover in my Too Be Read Pile

Book Summary:

Trouble has a way of seeking out Nicolas Calva, and it's not likely to leave him alone any time soon. With Caesar's magic bulla, the Malice of Mars, and the possibility of a Jupiter Stone in play, all the powers of Rome are circling Nic. He'll have to maneuver his way through scheming government officials and reawakened magical beasts to save the Empire. Can he manage to keep his friends and family safe, claim his own freedom once and for all, and rescue the Empire -- before the magic gets the better of him?

Book Review:

  This was really a great way to end this series. Nicolas and his friends, family have to deal with everything and then the kitchen sink thrown at them. I like how Nicolas starts to realize that things are grave if he makes a mistake that could destroy everything.

I like how this book starts off with Nicolas trying to escape one enemy only to find out he has a lot of other enemies plotting and scheming trying to get him to use his powers/magic for their own various reasons. I mean there is a lot of politics as well being played. Not to mention his own family is in danger and then they believe that everyone is stronger together than apart. He worries about everything and everyone.

Of course, the Praetors and now the emperor are deeply concerned about what will happen. Brutus has manipulated the emperor to condemn Nicolas. Nicolas finds that his trial is really a bad situation for him and his loved ones. He tries to speak plainly.  The emperor is impressed by how well Nicolas speaks. Of course because of Nicolas powers and how they might be uncontrollable, he is condemned to death. Then of course he is saved by someone unexpected. This person or being is highly respected and he is saved, but this being tells Nicolas that only he can save Rome. The fate of the empire is in hands if he doesn’t stop the Mistress and other evil forces.

This book has a lot of crazy action, some creative ways of using magic. People having their loyalties tested. Not to mention he saves the woman he loves in a way  totally unexpected. I just love that Nicolas is still cracking jokes through out the third book and his reactions to things is not always right, but he has to fight to keep his own life and those of others safe. I thought the fact that the unicorn and dragon also played well in a way. I just found myself loving everything from start to finish. The other thing that I enjoyed was that he got a happily ever after that he wasn’t expecting or us readers.

This was a great series. If you love fantasy, definitely pick this series up. It doesn’t disappoint. This was by far the best book in the series.

Rating:

4.5 Hearts

Stacking the Shelves, Bought Borrowed and Bagged, Coloring Book Updates

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Bought, Borrowed and Bagged is hosted by Braine over at Talk Supe Blog.

Note: I got a new video camera. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I got one and it's good.

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Book Review: The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert

Title: The Devil’s Daughter

Author: Katee Robert

Series: Hidden Sins #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Pub Date: January 24, 2017

Pages: 316

My Copy: Courtesy of Montlake Romance and Netgalley

Book Summary:

Growing up in a small town isn’t easy, especially when you’re the daughter of a local cult leader. Ten years ago, Eden Collins left Clear Springs, Montana, and never once looked back. But when the bodies of murdered young women surface, their corpses violated and marked with tattoos worn by her mother’s followers, Eden, now an FBI agent, can’t turn a blind eye. To catch the killer, she’s going to have to return to the fold.

Sheriff Zach Owens isn’t comfortable putting Eden in danger, even if she is an elite agent. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to be so attracted to her. As calm and cool as she appears, he knows this can’t be a happy homecoming. Zach wants to protect her—from her mother, the cult, and the evil that lurks behind its locked gates. But Eden is his only key to the tight-lipped group, and she may just be closer to the killer than either one of them suspects… 

Book Review:

This was a great romantic suspense novel. I totally found myself enjoying this story. The two main characters Eden Collins and Zach Owens are two people who want to find answers as to who is committing murders in Clear Springs. Eden and Zach also have amazing chemistry together.

One of the things that I love about this book is how it starts with a mystery. We learn that someone is stalking and killing young women in Clear Springs. Zach Owens has to deal with some serious things as when the first young woman’s body is discovered, he thinks it’s another girl that has gone missing and finds it is someone else. So this is a horrible discovery. Someone enters the information into the criminal database and Eden Collins looks at it and knows this could be related to the religion or cult that she grew up. 

Her mother, Martha Collins is a leader of a religion or cult that follows a weird religion based on Persephone and Demeter. Plus all the female followers of this religion have a tattoo on their foot. She has it as well. For Eden, she knows that she has go back to a place that is hard for her. We learn that her mother’s power and reach has grown since Eden left 20 years ago. They have to deal with the fact that someone possibly in Martha’s religon/cult may have done this. So both of them begin investigating these disappearances and then more girls start to die. Eden thinks she may be the unsub’s target eventually.

This book had some crazy twists. I totally enjoyed the romance between Eden and Zach. Both of them are very strong willed, yet are willing to tell people some hard truths, even if people don’t want to acknowledge it. I like how Zach defends Eden when people accuse her and her mother of doing this, when there is no concrete evidence of them murdering anyone. Plus it doesn’t help that Martha’s group/religion has members that have shady pasts. I thought that Eden and Zach make a good team. Plus when they have setbacks, they comfort each other. I totally love the chemistry that both of them have with one another. They both know that their relationship might not last more than the duration of this case, but neither of them can let go.

The twists and turns of this book were really interesting. I totally love how everything goes back to someone you don’t expect. I also like how everybody has something to lose. Martha doesn’t expect that someone would be so blatant and we get to see Martha help Zach when Eden is in danger. We also learn the identity of the murderer and it definitely is surprising because it’s someone who was once close to Eden. I totally found the people who are responsible are doing this because they like it and they want to take power away from Eden’s mother. I love how everybody works together to rescue both Eden and Rachel, who was recently kidnapped. 

This was an excellent book. I love how the mystery unfolded. Definitely will be looking forward to more books in this series.

Rating:

4.5 Hearts

Stacking The Shelves, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged, Coloring Book Updates, Question about Video Camcorders

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Bought, Borrowed and Bagged is hosted by Braine over at Talk Supe Blog.

IMPORTANT QUESTION: My Flip Camera totally died on Friday, this is what I was using to record my video flip throughs of coloring books, anybody have good camcorders for under $125... that are good for this purpose... Amazon has a lot of them, but there are so many mixed reviews on them...

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Cover Reveal: Humanity's Hope by Pembroke Sinclair

Today is the cover reveal for Humanity's Hope by Pembroke Sinclair. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Humanity's Hope (Saving Humanity #1)
by Pembroke Sinclair
Genre: Zombie
Age category: Young Adult

Blurb:
Caleb, a 17-year-old boy, survived the zombie uprising, but he didn’t come out of the ordeal unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm keeps trying to creep back into his mind.

Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.

*Trigger warning: attempted suicide

You can find Humanity's Hope on Goodreads

Excerpt:
Caleb’s extremities tingled with adrenaline, his footsteps thumped rhythmically on the hard, dry ground. He sucked in long gasps of air, but his lungs still burned for oxygen. He caught glimpses of the other two out of the corner of his eyes. The undead drew nearer. Their arms outstretched, waiting to snag their prey. Caleb zig-zagged across the field. He ducked under a pair of arms, then shouldered a zombie out of the way. Its bones crunched against his shoulder, teeth gnashed close to his ear, driving him forward with more urgency. The house grew larger with every step he took. Almost there.

A short yip followed by a grunt sounded behind him. He risked a glance over his shoulder. Len stumbled then fell. Caleb’s heart leapt into his throat. He skidded to a stop, turning to help his friend. Caleb was about to step toward Len, but he was stopped in his tracks. The action caused him to lose his balance. His arms flailed through the air to keep Caleb from falling over. An incessant, strong tugging kept him from moving forward. He turned to see Nina jerking on his backpack. Her eyes were wide and glistening with tears. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head violently. Caleb glanced again at Len, who reached for Caleb, his mouth open in a silent plea, tears running down his cheeks. Caleb reached toward him. Len’s plea turned into a scream as a zombie bit into his calf. A dark ring of blood stained his jeans and grew larger. Another zombie latched onto the fingers of his extended hand. The crunch as it bit through his bones rattled in Caleb’s skull. He pulled his hand into his chest.

Caleb turned at that point. There was nothing more he could do. His sister grabbed his wrist, and they ran into the house. They took the stairs two at a time and headed into a bedroom on the right. After closing the door, they scanned the area, checking under the bed and in the closet. Clear. His sister collapsed face first onto the bed. From the way her body shook, Caleb could tell she was crying. He leaned back until his pack connected with the door. His legs gave out, and he slid to the floor. Pulling his knees to his chest, he wrapped his arms around his head and tried to disappear into himself.

And then there were two.

About the Author:
I am an editor by day and a zombie-killer by night (at least in my books). Since the first time I watched Night of the Living Dead, I have been obsessed with zombies and I often think of ways to survive the uprising.

I have written YA novels about zombies and the tough teens who survive the apocalyptic world, along with adult novels in the sci fi and fantasy genres. I have also written kids' books under the pen name J.D. Pooker.

I have written nonfiction stories for Serial Killer Magazine and published a book about slasher films called Life Lessons from Slasher Films under my real name.

For more information, please check out my blog at pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com or email me at pembrokesinclair[at]hotmail[dot]com.

You can find and contact Pembroke here:
- Blog
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Amazon

Book Review: My American Duchess by Eloisa James

Title: My American Duchess

Author: Eloisa James

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon 

Pub Date: January 26, 2016 

Pages: 381

My Copy: Hardcover in my Too Be Read Pile

Book Summary:

The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford - an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés. 

But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.

The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear: All is fair in love and war.

Book Review:

A totally delicious historical romance that you never know what to expect. I like how everything is a surprise from start to finish. I really found myself thinking that Merry and the Duke of Trent would never suit because of the fact of Merry’s situation and it turns out to be a very interesting journey to find a happily ever after.

Merry and the Duke of Trent, Jack are very different. She is American and he is British, plus a Duke. Not to mention Merry is already engaged but to his brother. When they first meet, they don’t know this, but there are sparks between them. Jack finds that Merry definitely is unique and unlike anyone he has ever meet. Merry thinks that Jack is not what she expected at all. 

Merry and Cedric, who is Jack’s brother is a character who you just dislike immensely. Cedric is the second son and always feels like he is overlooked. He wants Merry for a couple of reasons. Yet things are starting to feel like Merry is his and no one will have her. Things start to dissolve very quickly I feel like Merry and Cedric. Yet what happens is a bit of a twist. I thought that Cedric is going to be a horrible husband because of certain remarks about Merry’s aunt Bess. Bess is like a mother to Merry. Merry feels hurt by these actions of Cedric.

There are a lot of crazy twists that happen. I also like how the relationship between Jack and Merry developed and the twist that happened at the wedding. She thought that she was marrying Cedric, and finds instead that she is marrying Jack. So now, she is a duchess. This makes things much more interesting. Jack, the duke, now her husband tells her some very good things, and also how he persuaded Cedric to give her up and he complied with his commands. Also the way they communicate with one another was great.

We get to see their married life and it was really special and wonderful to see it develop in some really good and realistic ways. This relationship does encounter some difficulties, but both of them learn how to work and talk to one another. This is important for both Merry and Jack as each thinks something else when they have a major argument, but you do see a great love and respect for one another. I did enjoy this book and the humor was so great in this book. I totally found myself smiling at the very end. A very good romance.

Rating:

4.5 Hearts

YA Book Review: The Dark Days Pact by Allison Goodman

Title: The Dark Days Pact

Author: Alison Goodman

Series: Lady Helen #2

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy

Publisher: Viking Books

Pub Date: 

Pages: 496

My Copy: Hardcover in my Too Be Read Pile

Book Summary:

June 1812. Just weeks after her catastrophic coming-out ball, Lady Helen Wrexhall—now disowned by her uncle—is a full member of the demon-hunting Dark Days Club. Her mentor, Lord Carlston, has arranged for Helen to spend the summer season in Brighton so that he can train her new Reclaimer powers. However, the long-term effects of Carlston’s Reclaimer work have taken hold, and his sanity is beginning to slip. At the same time, Carlston’s Dark Days Club colleague and nemesis will stop at nothing to bring Helen over to his side—and the Duke of Selburn is determined to marry her. The stakes are even higher for Helen as she struggles to become the warrior that everyone expects her to be.

Book Review:

This was an awesome follow up to the Dark Days Club. I was totally absorbed in this book. I found myself liking Lady Helen even more than I did in the first book. Lady Helen and company have a lot more challenges to overcome.

I think Lady Helen has to deal with a lot more training in this book. I found it hilarious when she is trying to disguise herself as a man with some help from her benefactors who are helping her since she her reputation took a hit. Lady Helen gets a lot of things thrown at her. Also things with Lord Carlston and Duke Selburn get a lot more messy than she expects them to. Helen learns that things are not always what they seem. 

There is something bad happening to Lord Carlston and Helen is determined to help him even if it costs her life. She knows that there are things that she must do. Helen doesn’t really trust a whole lot of people and with good reason. Some people are after a certain item, but we find that this item is a lot more dangerous than anyone expects as it has become something far more dangerous and in the wrong hands could be used to bring about the end of the world.

Of course, she has to consider what things will happen when she is out in public. The Duke of Selburn is still pursuing Lady Helen. Selburn tells her that he is an ally and friend to the Dark Days Club. So of course, this changes things between them slightly. She still is not going to get married to him. Marriage is something in this society that most young ladies want. Lady Helen doesn’t want to be married to him.

Then there is the whole mess with Lord Carlston who is definitely descending into madness and made a deal with a deceiver according to Pike. Pike has his own agenda. Lady Helen is definitely caught in the middle. I love the weird twists that happened with Helen, Pike and Lord Carlston. Everyone has something to lose. Not to mention the way that Helen figures out how to deal with all the people and characters. She also has to deal with a lot of other people. While trying to keep everybody safe and doing what is right, she finds things harder to do. There is a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t expect.

I also love how she figures out how to use her abilities to save everybody in this book. We also learn that Selburn’s supposed dead wife is actually alive. So this alleviates her problem with Selburn as they no longer can get married. I thought this was a good resolution to this storyline. Loved how she and Carlston found a way to overcome what is wrong with him and how they cured him. Also like the fact that they announced that they are getting married. Really good way to end this book. I can’t wait to see what they do next if there is another book in this series.

Rating:

Four Hearts

Stacking The Shelves, Bought Borrowed and Bagged, Coloring Book Updates

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Bought, Borrowed and Bagged is hosted by Braine over at Talk Supe Blog.

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