Review: Arena by Holly Jennings

Arena by Holly Jennings
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

Every week, Kali Ling fights to the death on national TV. She's died hundreds of times. And it never gets easier...

The RAGE tournaments the Virtual Gaming League's elite competition where the best gamers in the world compete in a fight to the digital death. Every kill is broadcast to millions. Every player leads a life of ultimate fame, responsible only for entertaining the masses.

And though their weapons and armor are digital, the pain is real.

Chosen to be the first female captain in RAGE tournament history, Kali Ling is at the top of the world until one of her teammates overdoses. Now she s stuck trying to work with a hostile new teammate who s far more distracting than he should be.

Between internal tensions and external pressures, Kali is on the brink of breaking. To change her life, she ll need to change the game. And the only way to revolutionize an industry as shadowy as the VGL is to fight from the inside

 
My Thoughts:
What I liked:
1. I am in total awe of the world that Jennings has created.  Not only is it completely realistic, it is something that could very well happen in our near future.  Virtual Reality gaming is huge right now and I can definitely see our world taking this kind of turn with gaming.

2. I loved how the author left no holes in her plot.  She even went as far as explaining how sports athletes failed to work in VRG and I really loved how she changed the face of a gamers.  When you think of gamers you probably think overweight, but with Jennings world gamers have to become their character or they won't survive the arena.  So cool!!  It makes you think that this might truly be a way to overcome those gaming obesity issues.

3. The characters were amazing!  I loved Kali and it was intriguing to see her heritage come into the story.  I thought that whole storyline was done quite beautifully and I found myself wanting to learn more about Chinese culture.

4. I have to give the author major props for the romance.  It was a very slow build and it really fit within the story.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters before the were an item and it was nice to see a friendship blossom before anything else.

5. I also thought the way drugs were portrayed in the story was done well.  Drugs are and will always be an issue for athletes and I thought the author did a great job showing the darker side of her story. 

6.  I was very surprised this turned out to be more of a contemporary novel. Yes there is gaming and all this fun futuristic stuff, but at it's core I felt like this was a contemporary novel.  And you know what I really enjoyed it. I think this is how I need my contemporary stories.

What I didn't like:
1. There isn't much that I didn't like about this story.  The only thing that really stands out is the ending.  I liked all but one part and since it is a spoiler I won't say much.  I will just say that I understand why the author chose to have her characters go where they went, I just wish there had been a different path.  So not so much as a dislike just a "Aw man".  I will say there is a sequel that I am definitely picking up next so hopefully that issue will be resolved.

As you can see I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to dive into the sequel.  Holly Jennings tells a masterful story that totally captivated me and made me want to plug in for more!

4.5 snowflakes

Review: The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: September 16th, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence.

While her crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people, even in her small hometown. She relegates herself to the shadows, a girl who goes unseen in plain sight, unremarkable in the high school hallways.

But Jack Fisher sees her. He’s the guy all other guys want to be: the star athlete gunning for valedictorian with the prom queen on his arm. Guilt over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered hasn’t let him forget Alex over the years, and now her green eyes amid a constellation of freckles have his attention. He doesn’t want to only see Alex Craft; he wants to know her.

So does Peekay, the preacher’s kid, a girl whose identity is entangled with her dad’s job, though that does not stop her from knowing the taste of beer or missing the touch of her ex-boyfriend. When Peekay and Alex start working together at the animal shelter, a friendship forms and Alex’s protective nature extends to more than just the dogs and cats they care for.

Circumstances bring Alex, Jack, and Peekay together as their senior year unfolds. While partying one night, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting the teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

My Thoughts:
Okay WARNING!  This review will be filled with SPOILERS!  Like BIG SPOILERS!  Like revealing who LIVES or DIES SPOILERS!!  I can't talk about this book without mentioning the ending SO YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!  SPOILERS!!!!!

Yep I am going to start off with that ending.  With any other book I would've been screaming NOOOOOO, but I think the ending that McGinnis picked had to happen.  There wasn't any other way and I applaud her for making this decision.  I am not a fan of unhappy ever afters especially when I adore the main character, but like I said there was no way for Alex to have the happy ending after her actions.  She was a phenomenal character and probably one of my favorites of all time, but she had to die.  Even though she did bad things for good reasons it still didn't absolve her of her actions and I think Jack knew that.  He loved her, but even in his gut he knew what she did wasn't right.  I think that might even be why he was drawn to Branley even in the end. 

Okay that being aside I really enjoyed this story.  McGinnis has this unique way of writing stories that start out super dark and then even out in the middle, but you can still feel that darkness lurking.  It isn't sinister it's just darkness that kinda closes in by the end and well it's pretty awesome.  The Female of the Species follows this pattern and I could not get enough.  It almost felt like there was someone constantly reading over my shoulder, but when I looked it was just a sunny sky overhead until that sun was blocked.  Mindy McGinnis is definitely in my top 5 favorite authors and I will read ANYTHING she writes!

I also loved the multiple POV's.  I enjoyed being in each characters heads and I thought it was interesting to see how they each saw each other.  I do wish Branley would've had her own POV. She was the character to hate, but she was so broken and I think it would've helped me connect with her a bit more if I could have seen inside her head. 

Alex where do I even start.  She was such a great character and one that I was so intrigued by.  I thought the author did a great job at weaving in her backstory and her dad.  This gave me the understanding for why she is the way she is and even that little scene with her mom was so eye opening.  Alex was broken in so many ways, but I am curious to know if she hadn't died what her fate would have been. Would she have stopped killing?  Would she have lived happy ever after with Jack?  My initial answer is no because well Jack wasn't the greatest boyfriend and I think her instincts would have gotten the better of her.  It would be nice to think that she would've had a HEA, but I just don't think that was in the cards for her dying or not.

The whole romance situation was weird for me.  This is why I have to go with 4.5 stars instead of 5.  I liked Jack and Alex together, I liked that they were both competing to be valedictorian, and I really liked that they understood each other.  What I didn't like was his male mentality.  He kept saying he wanted to be better and a good guy and he was to a point, but he could never stop himself from looking at the nude pictures Branley would send him.  That was just not okay.  Plus in that last scene he almost gave in to Branley because Alex would never have found out.  I mean really??  I wanted him to be completely faithful to Alex because that is what she deserved and even though he never acted on his impulses he wasn't 100% in with Alex.

One last thing I liked Peekay.  She was a unique character and I enjoyed reading her parts especially with her family.  She might have been the preachers kid, but that preacher was the greatest dad ever.  He took the time to talk to her and even though I think her parents should have kept a tighter hold on her I liked the fact that the lines of communication were open. Peekay just needed to use them more.  It was warming to see parents taking an involvement in a YA book.  They weren't perfect because Peekay drank a LOT in this book, but I have to give them credit for at least being aware of their daughter.

All in all this was fantastic!  I loved the darkness of the story and I felt so much throughout.  This story surprised me in so many ways and I have to be honest I thought Jack was going to be the one to die in the end.  With so much emphasis placed on females I thought Branley was going to kill him, but I was wrong and I am sorta glad.  I think it would have been cool for her to kill him and then her and Alex have a somewhat understanding. Strange maybe, but kinda cool in my opinion.  As the ending stands though I thought it was pretty perfect and I am okay with how it all happened.  I am curious to know if Jacks future turned out the way he feared though...

4.5 snowflakes

Review: The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

Published: May 12, 2015

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end.

My Thoughts

“Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky.”

Amazing story building, character development and pacing, which ultimately leads to an explosive ending. I loved it!

I've had The Wrath & the Dawn in my sights for quite some time, and I'm glad I finally got around to it. Renee Ahdieh did an incredible job of crafting a YA Fantasy/Romance that incorporated a good dose of intrigue and drama. She had me captivated the entire time.

The Wrath & the Dawn, inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, tells the story of Khalid who is a young boy king/caliph of Khorason. He is known by his people as the monster ruler who marries a different girl every night and kills her at dawn.

When Shahrzad’s (Shazi) best friend becomes Khalid’s victim, she volunteers to be the next in line to marry the caliph. Her motives are to avenge the deaths of the girls who have come before her and murder Khalid in order to end his reign of terror. However, as weeks and then months pass, Shazi finds herself falling in love with Khalid and uncovering hidden secrets that spin a different perspective on who he really is. Her love for the caliph soon becomes a driving force that has her family and friends wondering how her allegiance could have shifted to this murderous monster.

It might be surprising to know that there is an incredible love story that develops in this novel. “I love you, she said. Khalid lifted his head to hers. She placed a hand against his cheek. Beyond words.” I truly adored the slow building romance that made The Wrath & the Dawn come to life. Shazi and Khalid were a perfect match. Shazi is strong, fierce, bold, cunning, outspoken and does not cower to anyone. Khalid, on the other hand, is mysterious, quiet, unassuming, and difficult to dislike.

“You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow.”

Shazi is a perfect heroine for this story of drama and intrigue. She has so many qualities about her that give her strength and purpose, and it was heartwarming to see Khalid fall for this hurricane of a girl.

“I’ve missed the silence of you listening to me.” Shahrzad attempted a weak smile. “No one listens to me as you do.” His expression turned quizzical. “You don’t wait to speak,” she clarified. “You truly listen.” “Only to you,” Khalid replied gently.”
The moments that Shahrzad and Khalid shared throughout the novel really made the story entrancing and fascinating. I constantly longed to see more of these scenes shared because it was clear how perfect Shazi and Khalid were for one another.

“Shazi, I prefer the color blue to any other. The scent of lilacs in your hair is a source of constant torment. I despise figs. Lastly, I will never forget, all the days of my life, the memories of last night— For nothing, not the sun, not the rain, not even the brightest star in the darkest sky, could begin to compare to the wonder of you.” ~Khalid
Renee Ahdeih has a true gift in creating poetic moments with her words. I typically don’t connect with characters when their story is told in the third person. However, The Wrath & the Dawn was narrated in such a way that it was difficult not to feel the characters’ emotions.

The secondary characters were also perfect additions to this story. Jalal (Captain of Khalid’s guard and his cousin) was a great companion to Khalid. Despina (Shahzad’s handmaiden) did a wonderful job of putting Shazi in her place. Even Tariq (Shahzad’s first love) contributes to the drama and intrigue of this story.

Overall, The Wrath & the Dawn was the perfect fictional journey to start off the New Year! It has become my newest YA Fantasy obsession, and I can’t wait to see what's next in the adventure.

4.5 Snowflakes

Review: The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

She used to work for the U.S. government, but very few people ever knew that. An expert in her field, she was one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn't even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came for her without warning.

Now she rarely stays in the same place or uses the same name for long. They've killed the only other person she trusted, but something she knows still poses a threat. They want her dead, and soon.

When her former handler offers her a way out, she realises it's her only chance to erase the giant target on her back. But it means taking one last job for her ex-employers. To her horror, the information she acquires only makes her situation more dangerous.

Resolving to meet the threat head-on, she prepares for the toughest fight of her life but finds herself falling for a man who can only complicate her likelihood of survival. As she sees her choices being rapidly whittled down, she must apply her unique talents in ways she never dreamed of.

My Thoughts:
Okay let me first say, I liked this...a lot.  Am I surprised, yes and no.  I truly loved the Twilight series and it will always have a special place in my heart.   Stephenie Meyer will hold a place as well because she brought me like so many others to the world of YA and for that I am forever thankful.  I wasn't sure what to expect with The Chemist though.  I mean she's gone rogue before like with The Host, but this one sounded completely out there and with little to no publicity I wasn't sure what I was in for.  I should have had more faith in Meyer.

So the elephant in the room for me is where was all the publicity???  I try and stay up to date on most bookish things and believe me when I tell you there wasn't hardly any hype surrounding this book. It was just kinda thrown out there one day and I am completely baffled as to why.  Normally we readers know at least a year beforehand that a book is out there being written, but I had NO IDEA about this one.  I have to wonder if I am losing my bookish knowledge or did the publisher truly keep this one on the downlow and if they did keep it quiet why?  Did they not have faith??  I guess I will never know, but I hope in the future Meyer receives the publicity she deserves.

On to the book!  Alex was everything Bella was not so have no fear my friends.  Alex is overly prepared, beyond intelligent, and borderline obsessive.  I loved everything about her.  She was a great character that could incapacitate her opponent with one drop of her crafted poison.  So cool!!  She truly earned her name as the chemist!

Meyer always  knows how to write secondary characters and The Chemist had a wonderful cast. I honestly enjoyed reading each and every one of them.  Kevin, Daniel, and Val were amazing and to be honest I wish this was a duology.  I am not ready to let these people go just yet.

And of course there is a romance, but unlike with Meyers other books, this one makes sense!  It does have its flaws, but it made sense and I loved it.  Daniel was so great with Alex and he gave her what she needed which was time and space.  He understood she wasn't used to personal intimacy and he let her navigate their relationship without expectations.  I love him!  Plus he said all the right things was totally described as being a chef/teacher/nerd with soft curls I mean come on!  Meyer knew what she was doing when she created Daniel. 

The dogs!!  I have to admit I am not a fan of animals in books because I am always afraid one will die and I even had to text my blog roommate to get spoilers!  I won't say what she told me or if any die, but I do have to give a special mention to Einstein, Kahn, and Lola.  I am a true dog person at heart and these three were amazing.  Love love love how Meyer thread them through the story.

If you love Meyer I know you will love this.  It is a survival story wrapped up in a thriller and it was so fun.  I have realized I will read anything this woman writes and I hope we don't have to wait as long for that one because 8 years is WAY too long!

Oh I would have given this 5 stars, but the epilogue wasn't what I wanted and yes I am pouting.  It was a bit weird, but it fit I suppose I just wanted more.  That's my one peeve!

4.5 snowflakes

Blog Tour: The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

Today I am participating in the blog tour for The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas hosted by the publisher! 

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
Publisher: Delacorte
Release Date April 19th, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

The Darkest Corners is a psychological thriller about the lies little girls tell, and the deadly truths those lies become.

There are ghosts around every corner in Fayette, Pennsylvania. Tessa left when she was nine and has been trying ever since not to think about it after what happened there that last summer. Memories of things so dark will burn themselves into your mind if you let them.

Callie never left. She moved to another house, so she doesn’t have to walk those same halls, but then Callie always was the stronger one. She can handle staring into the faces of her demons—and if she parties hard enough, maybe one day they’ll disappear for good.

Tessa and Callie have never talked about what they saw that night. After the trial, Callie drifted and Tessa moved, and childhood friends just have a way of losing touch.

But ever since she left, Tessa has had questions. Things have never quite added up. And now she has to go back to Fayette—to Wyatt Stokes, sitting on death row; to Lori Cawley, Callie’s dead cousin; and to the one other person who may be hiding the truth.

Only the closer Tessa gets to the truth, the closer she gets to a killer—and this time, it won’t be so easy to run away.

My thoughts:
Wow this was a crazy filled roller coaster!  The Darkest Corners is one of those rare books where just when you think you know everything it slaps you in the face with an ending that you will never forget!

Tessa was a character that I felt sympathy for from the get go.  She never really had a family and when he life gets turned upside down after testifying at a trial she looses her best friend as well.  When she learns that her father is dying she returns to her old town and you can probably guess things start off crazy the moment she sets foot in her old best friends house.

I liked Tessa.  I like I said felt sorry for her and just wanted to give her a hug, that is if she would have let me touch her.  Tessa is quiet, reserved, and in all honesty felt like a frightened animal in front of headlights throughout the book.  She did grow a backbone though and I loved seeing her stand up for herself and finally seek out her truth.

And man what a truth it was!  This Kara Thomas is brilliant!  She managed to weave in not one but two stories that played into each other throughout and it was amazing!  I never knew to suspect and I loved that she kept me guessing.  I've read a lot of books that fall into this category, but none of them to date has surprised as much as The Darkest Corners. That ending was chilling and after reading it I had to sit there and just shudder for several minutes.

I liked the other cast of characters as well.  They each seemed to fit the small town life perfectly and I thought the author did a great job at interweaving everybody.  There were a few loose ends that I would have liked tied up though.  Katie and Ari both I think deserved a little bit more of a mention in the end and I also would have liked to have known more about the actual villain.  We get to see the crazy twist, but I wanted more closure in their story lines.

I think what's really interesting though is how closely this resembled Making a Murderer.  I know it wasn't intentional and I know that there are huge differences between the two, but since I watched the Netflix show recently I can't help, but to compare the two.  This story is about two girls trying to figure out that night when the unthinkable happened and the fall out from their testimony.  Was the wrong guy in jail??  This is the part that triggered my memory to the Netflix show and I loved it!  I thought it was a unique spin on this genre and I again I am still floored at Thomas' brilliance!

All in all this was a very VERY strong thriller that totally captivated me and I can't wait to see what Kara Thomas throws at us next!!

4.5 snowflakes

To find more about this incredible book check out the official website!

Click HERE 

About Kara Thomas

 Kara is the author of THE DARKEST CORNERS, coming April 2016 from Random House/Delacorte. She is also the author of the Prep School Confidential series from St. Martin's Griffin under the pen name Kara Taylor. Kara has written for Warner Brothers Television and currently writes full-time on Long Island, where she lives with her husband and rescue cat.

Be sure to visit the rest of the amazing blogs participating in the tour!

Blog Tour

3/14 Fresh Fiction

3/15 Jessabella Reads

3/16 Book Addict Confessions

3/17 Hollywood News Source

3/18 Undeniably (Book) Nerdy

3/19 Curling Up with a Good Book

3/20 Out of Time

3/21 Supernatural Snark

3/22 Live to Read, review

3/23 Dark Faerie Tales

3/24 Ex Libris

3/25 Reading with Cupcakes

3/26 The Reader Bee

3/27 The Eater of Books!

3/28 Reading Teen

3/29 Chapter by Chapter

3/30 Winter Haven Books

3/31 Once Upon A Twilight

4/1 Intellectual Recreation

4/2 The Hiding Spot

4/3 Carina Books

4/4 Cover Contessa

4/5 Me Read A Lot

4/6 The Writer Diaries

4/7 Whimsically Yours

4/8 Hook of a Book

4/9 Reading Nook Reviews

4/10 Downright Dystopian

4/11 Such A Novel Idea

4/12 Across the Words

4/13 Reviews From a Bookworm

4/14 Itching For Books

4/15 Waste Paper Prose

4/16 The Irish Banana

4/17 The Book Rat

4/18 YA Reads

4/19 No BS Book Review

4/20 Serenity’s Lovely Reads

4/21 Pandora’s Books

Review: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1)by J.R. Ward
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: December 1st, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

The legacy of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues in a spin-off series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author…

Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

Arlene's Thoughts:
Despite my constant grumbling about how disappointed I’ve been in J.R. Ward for the last few installments of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, I’ve still kept my eye out for anything new she has coming. I think it’s the constant craving I have to get a taste of the Ward I knew back in the beginning of BDB. Well with Blood Kiss, I finally got a reading experience of the Ward I remember! This book is a great kick-off to what I hope will be an amazing series.

In Blood Kiss, Paradise, the daughter of Wrath’s First Advisor named Abalone has the chance to break the mold of what is expected of an aristocratic female vampire. She’s accepted into the training program for the Black Dagger Brotherhood and given the opportunity to learn to fight for herself and protect her race. In the program, she meets a fellow recruit named Craeg, who is not from the glymera, but they immediately develop a deep connection that defies the laws of their race.

Throughout the story, we also get to revisit with Butch and Marissa and witness their struggles as they deal with the pressures of life.

Overall, I have to say Paradise was the star of the show. She was amazing! I loved her compassion, strength and determination to be set free of the constraints inherent in her race. I enjoyed seeing her develop a deep connection with Craeg. Their romance was HOT HOT HOT! It reminded me how Ward is capable to creating intense situations and wrapping a sensual layer over the moment.

I have to give honorable mention to Marissa, as well. She has her bad-ass moments in this book too. With her storyline came a nice secondary element to the novel, which was a murder mystery. I found myself intrigued, and was surprised at the outcome. I always enjoy when an author detours from predictability lane, and Ward did so wonderfully.

Overall, reading a story with two very strong female characters as the leads was pure bliss. I enjoyed the characters, chemistry and plot, which was all perfectly blended and developed quite nicely. Great story!

4 Snowflakes

Crystal's Thoughts:
This is the J.R. Ward that I love and adore!  After having some trouble with her Black Dagger Brotherhood series lately I was a little scared to jump into this new spin off, but it was amazing and brought me back to the time when I fell in love with the Brothers.

This spin off series promises to focus more on the training center and the new recruits.  This definitely happened and I loved seeing new characters that weren't so complicated make their way onto the pages, but what I really loved was that we got to see the Brothers and their mates!  I fell in love with so many of them and I have missed them.  In Ward's BDB books lately they've been so depressing and I found I really missed just the old books that weren't so drama filled.  Blood Kiss is full of drama, but it's toned down from her other books and I found the pages filled with just the right amount of drama, lust, romance, and fun.

Blood Kiss was centered around Craeg and Paradise, but we got to see Butch and Marissa again.  They aren't living the Happy Ever After I thought they were.  A few things happen that trigger certain events and ultimately leads to a distance between the two.  Like I said this has drama, but it wasn't depressing drama.  I liked seeing these two work through their problems and honestly it was nice to see Marissa stand up to Butch.  I always had a problem with the way he treated her and if you have read their book then you will know what I mean.  He needed to bring her down from the pedestal he placed her on and let her live.  I loved how they resolved things and I feel better about them now. I even have more respect for Butch.

Craeg and Paradise were hot and I think they had some great scenes together.  The fact that they are training together made it fun and kept the tension at a high at all times.  I really enjoyed reading their story.  The only thing I missed was the MINE!  Where was the MINE?!  I look forward to that in each and every book and I can't say I wasn't disappointed when this little word didn't pop up at least once. 

If every book is this way I will definitely forgive Ward for her crazy turn in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  This spin off is a great distraction and I honestly can't wait to see who gets their story next.  I'm kind of hoping that it's Axe because I think with his story we will get to see more V and well we all need more V in out lives!

4.5 snowflakes

Review: The White Rose by Amy Ewing

The White Rose by Amy Ewing
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Violet is on the run. After the Duchess of the Lake catches Violet with Ash, the hired companion at the Palace of the Lake, Violet has no choice but to escape the Jewel or face certain death. So along with Ash and her best friend, Raven, Violet runs away from her unbearable life of servitude.

But no one said leaving the Jewel would be easy. As they make their way through the circles of the Lone City, Regimentals track their every move, and the trio barely manages to make it out unscathed and into the safe haven they were promised—a mysterious house in the Farm.

But there’s a rebellion brewing, and Violet has found herself in the middle of it. Alongside a new ally, Violet discovers her Auguries are much more powerful than she ever imagined. But is she strong enough to rise up against the Jewel and everything she has ever known?

The White Rose is a raw, captivating sequel to The Jewel that fans won’t be able to put down until the final shocking moments.

My Thoughts...

The White Rose picks right up where the Jewel left off. After the Duchess (and her horrible niece, Carnelian) caught Ash and Violet together in his room and he was beaten in front of her and then thrown in the dungeon with no one to be sent to save him. Violet knows if he stays in there he will die,  Let's just say Violet and Ash are in a world of trouble with the Duchess. She has no mercy and her actions have proved that many times over.

Violet is beside herself and trapped in her bedroom in the palace of the Lake. Garnet, the Duchess of the Lake's own son told her they were going to get her out over the Arcana. And she's overcome with grief as Ash is trapped and bleeding in the dungeons. The Duchess announced she an emergency petition to the Exetor for the companion's execution which would serve as a punishment...to torture Violet in the cruelest way possible.

"I need you to understand," the Duchess says. "You are mine. The doctor will not stop until my baby is growing inside you. I will no longer have any consideration for your pain, or discomfort, or frame of mind. You will be like a piece of furniture to me. Is that clear?"

With the help of a few friends, Violet is able to escape from the Duchess's clutches, but it wasn't easy as many obstacles cross their path. I enjoyed the scenes of their escape and felt the added backstory weaved in gave me a better understanding of Ash's past and the life he lived as well as the other companions.

The White Rose isn't only the title to this story, but it holds a significance. It becomes the heart, a meeting ground for Surrogates whom will join the forces of the rebels to take a stand against the royals, There, they discover their real power and are able to connect with different elements. Their true powers were kept from them, and manipulated to suit the needs of the royals.

Word of an uprising spread, chaos and deceptions ensued among the many Houses, Time was running out before the next auction, Ash, Violet, Sil and the others drew up a plan then an unexpected  twist is thrown in and were left hanging.

I feel that there was more potential to add more substance into the story. I really could've passed on the part when each surrogate goes through the process in which they learn of their real powers.  I also feel that there could've been more interactions with the rebel group, and while the story itself was satisfying, it also lacked in depth.  The first half of the story outshines the second half with the exception of the cliffhanger at the end. I figured out what it was before the reveal pretty easily, and hoped that perhaps another layer of "OMG" would've added to the finale.

Overall this was a good read. I'll certainly pick up the next book and see how this story concludes.

4 snowflakes

Review: A Madness so Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

A Madness so Discreet by Mindy McGinnis
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Grace Mae knows madness.

She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.

When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars, where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.

In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us. 

My thoughts:
A Madness so Discreet was a story within a story. On the surface we have murder and serial killers, but underneath that we have Grace a woman trying to forget her past by becoming invisible in the present.

This story starts off incredibly strong.  The setting is an insane asylum and it's dark and creepy beyond belief which I loved.  The events that occur while Grace is there are crazy and make for a great beginning to what I knew would be a truly terrifying book.  What surprised me though is the addition of the second story.  That one sort of smacked me in the head and I had to read faster to see what would happen to certain characters.  This second line was much darker than than the rest of the book and I found that it took center stage after a certain point. It is very dark though, just a warning for other readers.

The first story line captured me there's no doubt about that. I loved Thronhollow and Falsteed and the girls Nell and Elizabeth were amazing characters as well.  The serial killer plot line was really interesting and I found myself hoping for another victim so that I could see Grace and Thornhollow in action.  Even with all that excitement I still kept trying to read between the lines to see the second story line.  I understand why the author chose to keep it in the background, but for me this was the story.  I can't say too much because it is really spoilery and I can't ruin it for other readers, but I am curious how others will react to Grace's story.

Mindy McGinnis is an amazing writer.  This is my first novel by her and I can promise it won't be my last.  I really fell into this story, but the characters are what brought it to life.  I felt connected to each and every one of them.  Ms. McGinnis managed to make me look at the word "insane" very differently after meeting her characters and I don't think I will ever look at it the same again.

I have to talk about the romance and lack there of. LOVED IT!  I have been on the look out for a book that doesn't have one and this one is perfect.  Yes there is chemistry between Grace and Thornhollow, but it is between their minds and that's it.  Yes it was intimate, but a different kind of intimate and I absolutely loved that the author chose to make their relationship stop there. A romance was not needed.  This may bother some, but for me it was a breath of fresh air.

The only part I wasn't happy with was the conclusion to the serial killer plot line.  I think the author could have drawn it out a bit more and made it a little more creepy.  It ended rather suddenly and I felt like it was rushed.  I get where the author needed to go with that particular plot, but I would have liked a little more after putting in so much time as a reader to the story line.

That's my only complaint though. The rest of the story was brilliant!  I can't wait to dive into more from Mindy McGinnis!

4.5 snowflakes

The Sleepwalker Tonic (Nightmares! #2) by Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller

The Sleepwalker Tonic (Nightmares! #2) by Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 8th, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic is the sequel to the hilariously scary New York Times bestselling novel Nightmares! by multitalented actor Jason Segel and bestselling author Kirsten Miller. You thought the nightmares were over? You better keep the lights on!

Charlie Laird has a dream life.

1) He has a weirdo stepmom who runs an herbarium.
2) He lives in a purple mansion with a portal to the Netherworld.
3) Since they escaped from the Netherworld, he and his best friends have been sleeping like babies.

But Charlie can’t shake the feeling that something strange is afoot. Charlotte’s herbarium used to be one of the busiest stores in Cypress Creek. Now her loyal following is heading to Orville Falls for their herbal potions.
Weirder, though, Orville Falls is suddenly filled with . . . zombies? At least, they sure look like the walking dead. Rumor has it that no one’s sleeping in Orville Falls. And Charlie knows what that means.

Things are getting freaky again.

My Thoughts:
The Sleepwalker Tonic was just as amazing as the first book in the Nightmares! series!  I loved jumping back into Charlies world and I was even a tad bit more frightened this time around!

This second book in the Nightmares! series takes off with Charlie's life being pretty normal.  He works with his stepmom and has been enjoying his summer with his friends.  That all changes when a strange zombie like creature shows up to buy paint in Cypress Creek.  Charlie knows there is something strange going on so he and his friends investigate and discover something worse than nightmares has taken over the town next to theirs and Cypress Creek is next on the list!

I really enjoyed this story. It was suspenseful, scary in all the right ways, and a great adventure that most will fall into with ease.  The only problem I has was the side story.  Charlie has a huge jealously problem with his brother Jack and for me this takes away from the incredible adventure.  I understand why the authors chose to add this in, but I wish it would have been a little more in the background.  In the previous book Charlie and Jack have some major problems that get worked out and I would have liked to have seen their relationship be stronger than ever just like Charlies new relationship with his stepmom.

Other than that slight problem I loved this to bits. The inclusion of the dream realm was great and I thought it was a very clever addition.  I think what I loved the most though was the ending!  That cliffhanger was PERFECT and left me dying for the next installment!!!

One thing I will say these books are not just for middle schoolers!  I have learned quite a bit from Charlie and his group of friends and I think anyone who picks this up will love and learn too!

4.5 snowflakes

Review: Nightfall by Jake Halpern, Peter Kujawinski

Nightfall by Jake Halpern, Peter Kujawinski 
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 22nd, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

On Marin’s island, sunrise doesn’t come every twenty-four hours—it comes every twenty-eight years. Now the sun is just a sliver of light on the horizon. The weather is turning cold and the shadows are growing long.

Because sunset triggers the tide to roll out hundreds of miles, the islanders are frantically preparing to sail south, where they will wait out the long Night.

Marin and her twin brother, Kana, help their anxious parents ready the house for departure. Locks must be taken off doors. Furniture must be arranged. Tables must be set. The rituals are puzzling—bizarre, even—but none of the adults in town will discuss why it has to be done this way.

Just as the ships are about to sail, a teenage boy goes missing—the twins’ friend Line. Marin and  Kana are the only ones who know the truth about where Line’s gone, and the only way to rescue him is by doing it themselves. But Night is falling. Their island is changing.

And it may already be too late.

My thoughts:
Nightfall was one of my must have books because well just look at that cover and also the summary was super creepy.  Which as you all know I am in the creepy mood nowadays so basically it was calling my name.  When it showed up on my door with the most amazing packaging ever (see picture) I knew I was in for an amazing adventure and wow!  Jake Halpern & Peter Kujawinski totally delivered on this one!!

I think the summary does a fantastic job at detailing what Nightfall is about.  What you don't get though from the summary is just how intense this book gets.  When the boats arrive to take the villagers away from Bliss there is an intensity in the air and when we are told their might not be enough boats my heart started pounding.  I knew what had to happen for Line, Kana, and Marin to miss this boats, but man I couldn't stop hoping they would make it back to the boat!!  When they finally do make it back to the boats luggage is everywhere and it looks like it was chaos boarding.  This made me wonder and not for the first time why everyone had a sense of urgency to leave before nightfall.  A few chapters in we find out.

Like I said I really enjoyed this story.  It was creepy, exciting, and downright thrilling throughout.  The only thing I wanted that I didn't get was a backstory.  We kind of hear a few things, but I wanted so much more.  A backstory would have helped me understand a little more about the island, but honestly even without it this story was still amazing and one of my favorites this year.  Plus there is a twist that I promise will blow your mind!!  I'm still trying to figure out how I missed the clues to it!!

I also enjoyed the characters.  It was a breathe of fresh air not to have a love triangle, drama, or romance as a major focal point.  Lately I have been looking for books that have different focal points and this one fits beautifully.  Line, Kana, and Marin were interesting characters and they each stole my heart in different ways.  Were they perfect, no, but are kids ever perfect?  They were real and honest and I really enjoyed reading their story.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads.  It's one that I think I will probably reread and I hardly ever do that, but I feel like I read it so fast that I probably missed a few key points and I want to know all the key points of this story.  Just truly fun and amazing!

4.5 snowflakes

Upcoming Release: What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler

What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler 

Expected publication: September 22, 2015 

Publisher: Harper Teen

Kate Weston can piece together most of the bash at John Doone’s house: shots with Stacey Stallard, Ben Cody taking her keys and getting her home early—the feeling that maybe he’s becoming more than just the guy she’s known since they were kids.

But when a picture of Stacey passed out over Deacon Mills’s shoulder appears online the next morning, Kate suspects she doesn’t have all the details. When Stacey levels charges against four of Kate’s classmates, the whole town erupts into controversy. Facts that can’t be ignored begin to surface, and every answer Kate finds leads back to the same question: Where was Ben when a terrible crime was committed?

This story—inspired by real events—from debut novelist Aaron Hartzler takes an unflinching look at silence as a form of complicity. It’s a book about the high stakes of speaking up, and the razor thin line between guilt and innocence that so often gets blurred, one hundred and forty characters at a time.

My Thoughts

Nothing is exactly as it appears.

The closer you look, the more you see.

Daunting, riveting and topical.  What We Saw spares no expense at depicting a story that can easily happen in today’s day and age.

What We Saw is my first experience with Hartzler’s writing, and he’s managed to catch my attention with how he weaves a story that highlight current issues and behaviors of young adults today. Seeing the effects of irresponsible behavior and coupling that with the power of social media, this story is one that is relevant and realistic to our times.

Kate Weston doesn’t quite remember what happened the previous night she and her friends partied at John Doone’s house. When she wakes up the next morning with a massive hangover, she’s safe in her bed and her truck is parked in the driveway. As she begins to piece together the events of the previous night, she remembers her lifetime friend Ben Cody was responsible for getting her home safely. There has always been an underlying connection between these two high school juniors, and after the previous night’s party, Kate takes a chance to see if Ben is open to a relationship.

When Kate and her friends head back to school a couple of days later, pictures from the party begin to surface on several social media sites such as FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter. In the advent of Coral Springs High national basketball tournament, four of Ben’s teammates are arrested for sexual assault and distribution of child pornography… all of which stems from the night they partied at Doone’s house.

As the case against the basketball stars escalates, the town begins to see a divide between the victim and her assailants, and Kate is on a quest to uncover what really went on.

This book had my attention from the first page. Aaron Hartzler did a masterful job of escalating the events at a deliberately slow pace to keep me riveted to the story. As the events unfolded, I remained at the edge of my seat. Absolutely amazing storytelling!

As far as the characters go, I really felt a connection to Kate. I appreciated her moral stance throughout the book, and I really liked how she was committed to helping her younger brother realize right and wrong when it came to cyber behavior.

I felt sympathy for Ben’s situation where his mother was concerned, and I appreciated his desire to want to get out of the small town and go out on his own. At the end of the day, I felt he was a good guy that was simply caught up in a circumstance not of his doing.

Overall, What We Saw is a great novel that spares no expense as sugar coating what goes on in high school and on social media. To see the consequences of one’s behavior as well as lack thereof is a perfect tale of possibilities that most can appreciate.  Hartzler’s novel is well paced, perfectly casted and realistically narrated. Well done!

 4.5 Snowflakes

Review: Made for You by Melissa Marr

Made for You by Melissa Marr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: September 16th, 2014
Purchase: Amazon

Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

My thoughts:
I love Melissa Marr.  She is by far one of my favorite authors and I know every time I pick up one of her books I will be in love with it.  Made for You is another great addition to her growing line up and I am so so glad I got the chance to read this one.

Made for You is creepy and I mean CREEPY!  I was on the edge of my seat the entire time while I read this and man was it amazing!  We have Eva who is just trying to get through high school without stepping on any Southern toes and her group of friends who are too wrapped up in the Southern ways.  Throughout the story we learn that certain people are acceptable to date while others are not because of their status in society. This plays a part in several places throughout the story and sets up the stage for our stalker.

This stalker really puts the S in stalker.  I thought Marr did an amazing job at showing just how off their rocker they really were.  Sometimes I find it hard to believe backstories, but this one was just crazy and I could really see the truth in it. Especially with certain current events taking place these days.  I won't say more because I don't want to give anything away, but I can guarantee if you read this you will see what I mean.

The only part that threw me was the death vision stuff.  Every time that part would come up I felt like it just didn't fit.  I kept thinking why is this in here!  The story doesn't need it!  But I stand corrected.  Marr uses this storyline beautifully and by the end I understood why Eva needed these death visions.  I am curious to know if there will be a sequel since Eva does have these abilities and I can definitely see a potential for more stories.

One more thing I have to talk about is the whole parental role. Again Melissa Marr is amazing and finally shows what parents are for.  Were Eva's parents there for her in the beginning, no.  But they more than made up for that and it shows readers the YA can have parents in them.  I have had so many problems with this in the past and I know why parents are usually left out, but it just bothers me.  Marr does such a great job bringing Eva's parents into the story, but she still kept Eva strong and independent.  Loved loved loved this.  Do I want parents in every book no not at all, but they should have a place in more than they do and this book is a great example of how they can be woven in.

I think this is my first official stalker YA book that I have loved and I just want more!  The whole story fit to me and even though I was super shocked at who the villain turned out to be I still think it was brilliant! Marr did a wonderful job setting up her thriller to be believeable and it was definitely a job well done!

4.5 snowflakes

Adult Review: The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Release Date: July 28th, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal....

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

My thoughts:
This is another time where I just have to post an adult review!  The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward was fantastic and I think our older readers should definitely know about this book!

I've been a long term fan of Ms.Wards and while her BDB series has taken a somewhat wrong turn for me I couldn't let The Bourbon Kings go unread.  This book totally surpassed my expectations and brought me back to the Ward that I love and adore!

This is as most have described it.  A little bit Dallas, a little bit soap operaish, and at its core a romance.  With Wards BDB series I love the romance part of it and her unique ability to craft a family I want to live in.  What I didn't like was the Lesser part because well they are icky.  The Bourbon Kings takes everything I love about her BDB series and adds in amazing drama that kept me hooked from the get go without the icky Lessers.  

I admit I loved soap operas back in the day so this is definitely up my alley, but I think it's more than just that that I loved.  The way Ward writes her characters is just amazing and even the messed up ones I rooted for...and yes there are some pretty messed up characters.  I thought the whole Southern thing was done very well and I could honestly picture each and every scene that was written.  I think Ward has most definitely found her home with this genre!

There were two things that bothered me.  One being that Lane kept a very vital piece of information from Lizzie.  I think if he had told her upfront a few scenes and drama could have been avoided, but seeing as how Lizzie needed to trust him I can see why it was written the way it was.  The other being I would have liked to have seen more of Lane's father.  He played a huge role in this book and I would have liked a few more scenes with him. 

Other than those two things I absolutely loved this and found myself addicted to the writing, story, and characters.  I cannot wait for the next installment as I have to know what's around the next corner for Lane, Lizzie, Edward, Max, and Gin. 

4.5 snowflakes

 

Review & Interview: Ink and Bone (The Great Library, #1) by Rachel Caine

Today on WinterHaven Books we have the amazing Rachel Caine with us!!  She has graciously answered a few of my questions and I have to say her answers are some of my favorites ever!  Take a look!

1. Ink and Bone really made me think about how it is more common now to see someone reading an electronic device rather than holding a physical book. Do you think your story could become a somewhat reality for our world later in the future?
I don't think it will ever become a complete reality; print will always have a place, especially since data, by its very natural, is even more ephemeral and subject to destruction. Plus, we have printed books, reproduced and available, so I don't think the situation of the Great Library will be quite the same. But I do foresee a possibility that a monolithic retailer like Amazon will drive print bookstores to the brink, then (as they already are doing) seek to force publishing companies out as well, to control authors directly. Once that happens, and we have one "outlet" for our work ... anything can happen.
I'm not saying Amazon is evil. I'm saying that competition is always good for creators.

2. Your story was very dark at times and I personally loved it. Will the future books in the series stay with the same dark tone?
Yes, very likely. Jess's situation is that he is seeing the dark side of the Library, and though we will also see the bright side, the one full of passionate idealists and bravery, there's no doubt he's up against enemies willing to go to any extreme to preserve their power, under the guise of the good of everyone. I can't see that's going to be easy.

3. Who was your favorite character to write?
I go back and forth, but I love a good, snarky character. Jess has his own brand of sarcasm, which I love, but Scholar Wolfe definitely has them all beat for that particular acidic brand of humor. So I love him as well.

4. I am completely heartbroken over the ending! Did you know from the beginning how things would turn out the way they did for each character?
It was a hard choice, but I did know, and though I knew it would give the book a real darkness, I felt it really was necessary to take the characters all the way to the edge. Without giving anything away, though, there are still some surprises to come in Book 2.

5.You created a mind blowing and intricate world. How much research and planning did you do throughout your writing process?
It's a story about 10 years in the making, quite honestly, though for about 9 years of it, it was shiftless and lazy and unformed. I had elements but no unifying idea. It wasn't until 2013 that I really began to put the pieces together, and realized I had a lot of work to do to make this very different world credible, but also convey it in ways that didn't distract the reader too much from the story. So I crafted it over time, and at each point, I kept altering and refining my choices so that the world developed naturally from the decisions the Library itself made. You have to really shape the world around the points of power, and what people will do to hang onto it, so that helped me create the world in which Jess lives.

Thank you very much for these wonderful questions, and I hope you enjoy the rest of Jess's epic adventure!

Rachel

Rachel thank you so much for stopping by!!  This is truly a highlight of my blogging career!  I can't wait to see more of Jess! 

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

Publisher: NAL

Release Date: July 7th, 2015

Purchase: Amazon

Find Rachel: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

My thoughts:
Ink and Bone was such a unique read.  Going in I was super excited because the premise sounded absolutely amazing and I am very happy to report that my expectations were totally met and exceeded.

This story is about books which for any reader is well awesome.  In the beginning we learn that Jess works for his family and is a smuggler of rare books. He hides them underneath his clothes and runs routes to his customers.  If caught the punishment is death because all books must stay in the Library. If you have a Codex (an electronic device) you can read just about any book, but people crave the feel of a real book an sometimes go to extreme measures to get their hands on them.  Jess knows this is a dangerous business so when his Dad says he has to go to the Library as part of their program to hopefully secure a job he's somewhat relieved.  Even though he knows he will still have to help his family and that his dad does have ulterior motives, he still wants to go because he loves books.  What happens isn't what he expected and by the end being inside the Library might be just as dangerous as being on the outside.

I will say that while reading this I did get a George R.R. Martin feeling because every time I turned around the cast of characters dwindled.  Rachel Caine is fearless in her writing and honestly I'm a little scared to pick up the sequel.  As with most dystopianish books there are always causalities and usually I am okay with them, but with this story I just don't want to lose anybody else. Jess and his crew are so special and it will truly break my heart of anything happens to them.  I know things will happen though because Caine proved she will do what she needs to, but man I'm terrified.  This won't deter me from reading the sequel though. I have to know what happens!!

The characters were just amazing.  I loved Jess and Morgan especially.  They both did what they had to at times and at others they acted human.  I am really rooting for them even though I know it will be a long road for them after that ending.  I also adored Wolfe and Santi.  They were the adults in the story and they acted like them which I appreciated.  I honestly would love a prequel so I could see why they are the way they are.  I have a feeling their back stories will come out in later books though and that will work too.

Rachel Caine's writing was also phenomenal.  This book was around 360 pages and while it did feel long everything flowed.  When I say it felt long that's not a bad thing.  I love getting lost in books and I find that sometimes books that are around 300 go too quickly.  Ink and Bone was not one of these books.  It is rich in story and very vivid with details.  I loved that it took me an extra few days to finish.  This story deserved the extra time.   

I was truly amazed with this story.  Rachel Caine really made me think that maybe our world will come to this type of future.  Not the magic of course, but the whole smuggling physical copies of books.  Electronic devices are so huge now that I wonder if somewhere in the not to distant future this could be our reality.  If it is I am truly frightened. 

Wonderful story that had me grasping for breath!

4.5 snowflakes