Review: Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas 
Expected publication: September 15th 2015
by Harper Teen 

When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit… The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story.
Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker. Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after. Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight.

My Thoughts

I am the biggest sucker for anything to do with ANY fairy tale. Just give me a prince and some magic and maybe a few talking animals and my brain goes to goo. There is just something about this "other" world where these things can take place that makes my heart sing. Ash & Bramble pulled me right into that world but also made me consider how all of the other inhabitants got there. Was there poetic prose...no. Was there a ground breaking plot that had my feels bubbling over...not really. as a matter of fact there wasn't anything completely mind blowing about the book but I am definitely glad I went with my gut and ignored the ratings. This book makes you wonder about fate and are things meant to happen no matter what you do.

The first part of the book we meet Pin. She starts off as so many characters. She has no recollection of her name or where she is from. All she is told is that she is a seamstress  and that she must sew but her daily work at it proves futile. She begins to wonder why would a seamstress not be able to do exactly that? This spurs her train of thought along and she realizes she must have had a "before" except none of the other people working in the Godmother's fortress can remember theirs either. All the know is their trade, whether it be spinning straw into fine golden thread, making shoes out of that you can dance all night in, sewing the most beautiful ball gowns, or making candles sticks. Nobody who works at this fortress has a before and no after. This was the part of the book that hooked me. One would simply assume most things such as these came from the Fairy godmother's magic yes? What if it didn't?! This book explores that crucial angle. Shoe, you guessed it the shoe maker, and Oin make a break for it and while he gets away she does not. Fairy godmother once again takes her a places in a tale but as Cinderella. Pin, now called Pen, can feel herself being spurred onward by some unseen force but she also can see cracks in the story, such an unexpected kindness from her horrible step-sisters. She also has Shoe there to try to help her remember. During this portion the book really picks up as we get so much more background, not only on Pen but also on Shoe and what he has discovered about this strange place. 

The fact that there was this amazing twist was what sold me on this book. What if everyone in that magically little land had a past or at one point a different life? What if they were just dropped into this story to have it play out the way it should? Would they really be truly happy? There was so many discoveries along the way that I enjoyed. Overall I wouldn't go into this one expecting ground breaking stuff but if you are looking for cute story involving tales of fairy you should try it out.    

4 Snowflakes

Review: Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands #1) by Sarah Fine

Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands #1) 
by Sarah Fine Published October 16th 2012
by Marshall Cavendish Children's/Amazon Children'

“My plan: Get into the city. Get Nadia. Find a way out. Simple.” A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos’s best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance—hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn’t just anyone—she’s determined to save her best friend’s soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife. As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she’s captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city’s endless streets. Their all-too-human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn’t—the dark city isn’t the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate.

My Thoughts

This book was certainly unexpected. I am undoubtedly a huge fan of Sarah Fine. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at an event last November and she is one of the most intelligent woman I have ever met. The way she is able to weave those smarts into books in something to be admired. Mrs. Fine is also a child psychologist and she definitely hits hard from certain emotional angles. When I first began Sanctum I thought I was getting a story about a creepy underworld. I have a habit of not reading the blurbs since they often lead me astray. It is that in a sense but so much more intense and involved.

Sanctum follows the troubled Lela to the gates of hell....literally. Her best friend and the only person who has ever made her feel like she was worth a damn was suffering and ending up taking her own life. Nadia the in the world and Lela is able to see her. She once stood at those very same suicide gates herself before she was brought back from the brink of death. No lela will stop at nothing to save her friend, even if it means condemning herself.

My favorite part of this book was some of the internal struggles that the characters had to endure. They learned that what they wanted wouldn't bring them happiness. Sometimes it is what you need that sets you free. In a world where anything you want is imaginable yet unsatisfying at the same time, this seems to be the only way to set your soul free.

Of course there is a bad boy hunk name Malachi. I adored him from the start. Lela was also an awesome characters. I really loved her wit and smart mouth. There was a gang of times though when  I wanted to shake her and say," Forget the stupid Nadia. She is not worth this nonsense!" Alas, that would have made for a pretty lame plot line. The evil that the guards must face is also a pretty interesting entity.

I am so curious to see what happens next in this series and will listening to my audio as soon as I can! If you like books that are on the darker side this would be a perfect read.

4 Snowflakes

Review: The Uninvited by Cat Winters

The Uninvited by Cat Winters

Published August 11th 2015

by William Morrow 

From the award-winning author of In the Shadow of Blackbirds comes a stunning new novel—a masterfully crafted story of love, loss, and second chances.
Set during the fear and panic of the Great Influenza of 1918, The Uninvited is part gothic ghost-story, part psychological thriller, perfect for those who loved The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield or The Vanishing by Wendy Webb. Twenty-five year old Ivy Rowan rises from her bed after being struck by the flu, only to discover the world has been torn apart in just a few short days. But Ivy’s life-long gift—or curse—remains. For she sees the uninvited ones—ghosts of loved ones who appear to her, unasked, unwelcomed, for they always herald impending death. On that October evening in 1918 she sees the spirit of her grandmother, rocking in her mother’s chair. An hour later, she learns her younger brother and father have killed a young German out of retaliation for the death of Ivy’s older brother Billy in the Great War. Horrified, she leaves home, to discover the flu has caused utter panic and the rules governing society have broken down. Ivy is drawn into this new world of jazz, passion, and freedom, where people live for the day, because they could be stricken by nightfall. But as her ‘uninvited guests’ begin to appear to her more often, she knows her life will be torn apart once more, but Ivy has no inkling of the other-worldly revelations about to unfold.

My Thoughts

I have been quite interested in Cat Winters ever since I have heard a few of my little blue birds signing her praises. I saw that this was a ghost story set around the turn of the century and just knew it would be my kind of book. Thank you to Cat Winters for proving my theory correct.

This story isn't only about ghost, which Ivy Rowan and her mother are able to see before the passing of a loved one. It is also about some serious prejudice during World War 1 and the Spanish Influenza. I have a deep deep love for history but I am sad to admit I didn't quite know much else besides the bare bones about either of these topics. Mrs. Winters was able to breath and amazing amount of life into both subjects by creating a tale of love, loss, and finding true freedom no matter where you are or what you have done. I thought this was going to be a ghost story but it turned out to be so much more than that. The plot was steeped in mystery right from the start and laid out in an intriguing manner to the very end. 

The relationship that Ivy forms with German resident Daniel is so fascinating to see. Even thought her father and brother uprooted this young man's life entirely. Ivy still has it in her heart to try to make amends and slowly Daniel lets her in. All the while this is taking place with a back drop of severe sickness and death. The 1918 Spanish Influenza wiped out 675,000 americans. Whenever reading something Historical that I don't know much about I tend to google it and let me tell you floored is an understatement. I was stunned at the staggering figures not only in America but world wide. Over 1/5 of the worlds population was infected. Twenty to Forty MILLION people lost their lives during 1918-1919. These folks died trying to clear their airways of red tinged froth that sometimes gushed from their mouth and noses. The worst part was the age group that was the hardest hit was the 15-34 year olds. All of this death was needless to say a perfect setting for a girl whom is able to see harbinger spirits, spirits whom predict the death of someone nearby.

There is so many twists and turns that one is sure to be kept on their toes. If you are a historical fiction fan or a fan of a good old ghost story this brilliant yet haunting tale is for you.

4 Snowflakes

Review: The Veil (Devil's Isle #1) by Chloe Neill

The Veil (Devil's Isle #1) 

by Chloe Neill 

Published August 4th 2015 by NAL Trade 

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle. Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused. Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head. But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

My Thoughts

I haven't not read any of Chloe Neill's books before but this was really enjoyable for my first one. She has an awesome take on the city of New Orleans and also on "Paras" or paranormals. This was probably one of my favorite Urban Fantasies I have ever read.

This story follows Claire Connolly, a teenage girl who is alone in a war torn world. A world ripped apart when Para's made it through the veil. Even though the Veil is now patched up, things are extremely desperate as humans fear for their lives. The government tried to contain all those with any magic to Devil's Isle whether they are harmful or not. This is Claire's worst fear. Since she is a sensitive, she is in constant fear of discovery. When a chance encounter tests her morality to the limits Claire makes a choice that catapults her onto path she never would have taken herself but is exactly where she needed to go. If she uses her magic to much and doesn't control it, it will devour her and she will became a wraith! I Thought the descriptions of the Paranormals were quite interesting just as I was intrigued by the way the magic worked in this story.

Even though the story starts extremely slow once the setting and characters are established the pace picks up a nicely. This became a fairly quick read for me since I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I actually couldn't resist the tension between claire and Liam, a man who works for the government but also has a heart of gold. He doesn't want to see Claire become a wraith and after witnessing her save the girl's life he knows she is something special. I loved the fact that weren't all over each other from the jump. This is going to be the slow smoldering type of romance. They are both smart and not letting their emotions get in the way of their thinking...yet anyway.

The setting was also a perfect choice. New Orleans is such a unique place. There is just a different vibe there. My father lived close for a few years and everytime I went to visit I could totally see how it was the birthplace of so much legend and lore. The way Neill incorporates the city into this story is perfection.

Overall, this was strong first story in an Urban Fantasy series I will be sure to continue!

3 Snowflakes

Review: Mechanica by Betsy Cornwall

Mechanicaby Betsy Cornwell
Expected publication: August 25th 2015
by Clarion Books 

 Nicolette’s awful stepsisters call her “Mechanica” to demean her, but the nickname fits: she learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, though, and the Steps have turned her into a servant in her own home. But on her sixteenth birthday, Nicolette discovers a secret workshop in the cellar and begins to dare to imagine a new life for herself. Could the mysterious books and tools hidden there—and the mechanical menagerie, led by a tiny metal horse named Jules—be the key to escaping her dreary existence? With a technological exposition and royal ball on the horizon, the timing might just be perfect for Nicolette to earn her freedom at last. Gorgeous prose and themes of social justice and family shine in this richly imagined Cinderella retelling about an indomitable inventor who finds her prince . . . but realizes she doesn't want a fairy tale happy ending after all.

My Thoughts

This is a solid 3.5 for sure. I thought Mechanica was a sweet take on Cinderella with some pretty amazing steampunk elements mixed in which just added to the allure of the story.

This story follows young Nicolette or Nick as her step sister have deemed her. She came from a loving home with her father and her talented mother who used to create animatronic creatures to sell in town. Nick's mother was an extremely talented woman who always was hard on her only because she wanted her to succeed. There is also a strained dynamic taking place between the humans and the fae. The relationship always seemed bit tense but then blew up completely after the murder of the beloved queen with some fae disease at fault. This began the outlaws of all fae and their magic which was what Nick's mother used to create her creations.When her mother died from the same illness as the queen the story line broke my heart. Nick and her mother had such a special bond. You could really feel the loss of the mother in Nick losing her fae attachments as well. It was like everything she has ever known and loved was slowly being taken away from her. Nick simply is existing in her deep despair and her step mother and evil sisters step in a slowly force her into servitude in her own home. Nick is at a loss when she get a letter from her mother and is able to access her secret work room. This changes her life since she is now able to create what she loves. She even had a new friend in her mother's creations. Nick makes the bold decision to attend the technological exposition. She wants to blow the world away with what her and her mother have created. This is the story line I loved. Nick is confident and bold and so very smart.

Then things go a bit mediocre for me. She is introduced to a young boy and girl named Cara and Finn at the local market where nick is trying to earn some capital for her invention. The story takes some seriously odd turns at this point which I was not really a fan of. There is a principal theme that i did enjoy though. In the story it is made known that the fae families are not related like regular humans but choose whom they want their family to be through friendship and caring for one another. If a group of fae love each other and decide to have a child, it is born from that love. The moral of the story being that family is whom you choose it to be. I really liked that message but I felt it was distracted from a bit.

Anyhow this is sure to be a sweet, heart warming read for all fantasy lovers. Despite my tiny problem with the later part of the book, I still enjoyed it immensely and will look forward to more in the series.

3.5 Snowflakes

Review: The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

The Marriage of Opposites 
by Alice Hoffman
Published August 4th 2015 by Simon & Schuster 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dovekeepers and The Museum of Extraordinary Things: a forbidden love story set on the tropical island of St. Thomas about the extraordinary woman who gave birth to painter Camille Pissarro; the Father of Impressionism.
Growing up on idyllic St. Thomas in the early 1800s, Rachel dreams of life in faraway Paris. Rachel's mother, a pillar of their small refugee community of Jews who escaped the Inquisition, has never forgiven her daughter for being a difficult girl who refuses to live by the rules. Growing up, Rachel's salvation is their maid Adelle's belief in her strengths, and her deep, life-long friendship with Jestine, Adelle's daughter. But Rachel's life is not her own. She is married off to a widower with three children to save her father's business. When her husband dies suddenly and his handsome, much younger nephew, Fréderick, arrives from France to settle the estate, Rachel seizes her own life story, beginning a defiant, passionate love affair that sparks a scandal that affects all of her family, including her favorite son, who will become one of the greatest artists of France. Building on the triumphs of The Dovekeepers and The Museum of Extraordinary Things, set in a world of almost unimaginable beauty, The Marriage of Opposites showcases the beloved, bestselling Alice Hoffman at the height of her considerable powers. Once forgotten to history, the marriage of Rachel and Fréderick is a story that is as unforgettable as it is remarkable.

My Thoughts

Alice Hoffman has always written such poignant, heart wrenchingly beautiful stories that are true to life. She is the queen of magical realism. The Marriage of Opposites has sealed the deal for me, making her my absolute favorite Historical Fiction writer. She has beautiful way of weaving Jewish history through out her stories. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see that done and have it not be related AT ALL to the horrific second World War. I have such a healthy respect for the way she able to portray her characters whom are are strong as shine as brightly as stars.

The Marriage of Opposites follow the tale of a young girl named Rachel Pomie. She is not her own woman as it was in the early 1800's and must marry at her families command. The tables turn quickly once her husband passes away and his nephew sweeps into the picture. This may sound on the outside like a love story but there are so many layers to call it that would be a discredit to Mrs. Hoffman. Rachel is an extremely complex characters as we follow her through her life. She is often judgmental as her mother was to her which I think is a pretty accurate portrayal. Sometimes you inherit some bad qualities along with the good ones. No matter what she said you could tell where her heart was at. i love woman who fight for what they believe in when society tells them to sit down and be quiet. Rachel was that quintessential character.

The other brilliance of Mrs. Hoffman is her ability to bring the settings to life. St. Thomas was a brilliant backdrop to work with. She just has a knack for the perfect visualization. Not only in her physical settings but also in the details, such as her description of colors and textures. There is so much depth to everything she writes.

If you are a Historical Fiction lover like myself you simply must give Alice Hoffman a try. This book is tied for my favorite of her works along with The Museum of Impossible Things. Her lyrical writing and vivid descriptions are sure to please any reader.

5 Snowflakes

Review: Serafina & the Black Cloak by Robert Beatti

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
Published July 14th 2015 by Disney-Hyperion 

A spooky mystery-thriller about an unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate.
 "Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there and they will ensnare your soul."
 Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in the shadowed corridors of her vast home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

My Thoughts:

This amazingly charming story is the epitome of why I love to read Middle Grade books in the first place. There is something so light and enjoyable about them, even those this was quite a bit more chilling than most I have read. Serafina and her father are hiding out on the basement of the illustrious Biltmore Estates. You thought your job was bad? Try being a rat catcher! That is how Seraphina eeks out her existence. Thier secret life is soon discover and story begins to take shape.

Many mysteries were being followed at once. Well, okay it's really only about the man in the cloak and Serafina's mother. The ever elusive clues gave nothing away so I was pleasantly surprised when things finally clicked into place.The spattering of supernatural elements were the perfect touch.

The characters were a bit of a toss up for me. There was a ton I love about our M.C. Serafina, but she also was a bit immature at times. I get it though...MG. Biltmore Estates itself felt like character all its own. The painstaking detail that were poured into the descriptions made the house practically jump to life. It made seeing it through Serafina's eyes all the more amazing. I seriously wish there was some secret passages in my house! I would explore them all....maybe.

If you are a fan of middle grade that is a bit darker than most than this book will surely suit you. I felt it was a perfect concoction of mystery, beautiful settings, and haunting plot lines. Let's just say i will not being going into ANY woods for quite a while.

5 Snowflakes

Review: What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

What I Thought Was True 
by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published April 15th 2014 by Dial Books for Young Readers

From the acclaimed author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions. Gwen Castle has never so badly wanted to say good-bye to her island home till now: the summer her Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, takes a job there as the local yard boy. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is. A magnetic, push-you-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti.

My Thoughts

What I Thought Was True is my second Huntley book. I am still kinda new in the genre and while it wasn't my all time love of my life book, there was still a lot that I enjoyed. This is classic other side of the track tale of a girl named Gwen who is learning quickly and sometimes a bit harshly that things aren't always what she believed them to be.

 I can totally see the appeal of Mrs. Fitzpatrick is that she is the queen of capturing that certain personification whether it be the tough sarcastic girl from the working class family or the spoiled rich kid who can never quite fill his older siblings shoes. She seems to be greatly attuned to people and is able to really give them all a ton of depth. it shines through in her writing as clear as day. I really like Gwen's dry, kind of self depreciating, sense of humor. She is just so funny to me. Very unlike most Contemporary books I have read (which is like 3 so I know my experience is limited here folks). 

I was to thrilled with the layout by that i mean the flashbacks interspersed through out the first 60% of the book. I see what the author was trying to do by slowly building the history/ back story but I wasn't feeling it. Maybe if they had a nice segue or something but no, they're just kinda inserted when Gwen's mind wanders. I have had to re-read a few of those scenes to actually make sure they we the flash backs. I thought they were a different scene al together. Did anyone else have this issue? Anyway I know it's on purpose so I'll overlook it.

I didn't particularly fall for the romance either. Gwen and Cass's cat and mouse game was tedious at best. It took far to long or me to become invested in the dilemma. Let me just say that I did like the enlightenment aspect that both characters faced though, another nod to her awesome characterizations.

This plot seemed very gritty and real, almost seemed more to life as in there was no grand gesture after a huge fight were all kiss and make up. It payed out like life would. Huntley was able to capture that perfectly. She also does a great job or portraying the inner working of family life. It isn't always peaches and cream. Parents and kids alike can make mistakes but everyone has their own story. That was the redeeming quality of this book. That and Gwen's sense of humor. Nic and Viv, that whole thing felt unnecessary. 

I was not really a fan of this story but I simply cannot overlook the sheer brilliance of Huntley's writing so I will absolutely read her next book. As a matter of fact I will be doing that next week! I am thrilled to get back to the Garretts.

3.5 Snowflakes

The lovely folks at Penguin are super awesome and are offering you a chance to win a copy of What I Thought Was True & an arc of The Boy Most Likely To! Amazing right?!?!?

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Review: Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

Rebel Mechanics (Rebel Mechanics #1)by Shanna Swendson
Published July 14th 2015 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

A sixteen-year-old governess becomes a spy in this alternative U.S. history where the British control with magic and the colonists rebel by inventing. It’s 1888, and sixteen-year-old Verity Newton lands a job in New York as a governess to a wealthy leading family—but she quickly learns that the family has big secrets. Magisters have always ruled the colonies, but now an underground society of mechanics and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule. The family Verity works for is magister—but it seems like the children's young guardian uncle is sympathetic to the rebel cause. As Verity falls for a charming rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy, she also becomes more and more enmeshed in the magister family’s life. She soon realizes she’s uniquely positioned to advance the cause—but to do so, she'll have to reveal her own dangerous secret.

My Thoughts

Rebel Mechanics had all the things I love about books. There was an imaginative alternate US where the British were still in power. They also have a strict divide among classes, those Magisters who have power and the common people who don't. There was masked swoony bandits and some good old fashioned espionage! It all came together really well in this unique steampunk-esque setting. 

Verity was a brilliant character! She has many secrets of her own as well which thickened the plot a bit. She takes a job at the illustrious Lyndon Mansion. While simultaneously juggling her new position as governess and meeting a new group of friends, the Rebel Mechanics, Verity find herself way more caught up in the revolution then she ever imagined. This gangly group was great fun. Verity takes to the lively bunch becoming fast friends with Lizzie, and even starts to fall for a mechanic name Alec. As we follow along the events that have to do with the mechanics you get a good sense on where the people vs. governments stand. I thought this was a really fun ride and loved hearing about the non-magical inventions they made to hopefully one day supersede the use of Magisters to run everything. This also had quite the twist which I did not see coming but made for a great breaking point. 

With that being said, I would have liked to know more about the magic itself. It seemed pretty interesting but was barely touched upon. All I got was only the Magisters have magic and it was drawn from the Aether in the air. know is that I'm hoping to see more of that in future books. I also have to say I was semi-disappointed with the big reveal. It was rather bleh. I wish it would have been a bit more clever.

All in all this will be a sure crowd pleaser for those steampunk/fantasy fans. I really enjoyed it with the exception of a few snafu's and can't wait for the next installment!

4 Snowflakes

Review: Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper 

by Daniel José Older 

Published June 30th 2015
by Arthur A. Levine Books 

 Cassandra Clare meets Caribbean legend in SHADOWSHAPER, an action-packed urban fantasy from a bold new talent.
 Sierra Santiago was looking forward to a fun summer of making art, hanging out with her friends, and skating around Brooklyn. But then a weird zombie guy crashes the first party of the season. Sierra's near-comatose abuelo begins to say "No importa" over and over. And when the graffiti murals in Bed-Stuy start to weep.... Well, something stranger than the usual New York mayhem is going on. Sierra soon discovers a supernatural order called the Shadowshapers, who connect with spirits via paintings, music, and stories. Her grandfather once shared the order's secrets with an anthropologist, Dr. Jonathan Wick, who turned the Caribbean magic to his own foul ends. Now Wick wants to become the ultimate Shadowshaper by killing all the others, one by one. With the help of her friends and the hot graffiti artist Robbie, Sierra must dodge Wick's supernatural creations, harness her own Shadowshaping abilities, and save her family's past, present, and future.

My Thoughts

I am usually one to steer away from the blurb promise of X meets Y however, when it involves one of my favorite authors (Cassie Clare and the caribbean legends I couldn't help myself. I was instantly intrigued. I also was lucky enough to interview Jose on my person blog and it was one of the most fun interviews I have ever done. His answers were awesome and reflect his personality to a tee! If you want to check out that interview you can so *here*. Tons of people want to be a part of the We Need diverse Books movement. Well here is great place to start, by supporting some authors who have diverse M.C.'s. Shadowshaper was such a culturally rich and imaginative book that I devoured it in mere hours. I have veered away from Urban fantasy in lieu of more historical or medieval setting so this was a such a breathe of fresh air. Also the murals come to life?! How freakin cool is that?

It was very amazing watching this plot unfurl before my eyes. I thought things were going to be a bit slow at first but then the pieces started to click and it was a downhill sprint from then on. I have such a soft spots for grandparents since I was raised by mine. the knowledge they hold should be treasured and it was great to see Sierra take to that even though her grandfather hasn't been with it most of the time. The supporting cast was a riot. The romance was adorable as well! It didn't overwhelm the story of the Shadowshapers. It was simply icing on the cake. 

The thing that stood out most to me was Jose's portrayal of Brooklyn. It felt so realistic. You could truly see the author's love and respect for the city and its cultures shine brightly through in his writing. I am not a culturally diverse teen but it was nice to see some issues that are struggled with internally.

Shadowshaper is truly unique urban fantasy sure to please all fans who love art and a good story!

5 Snowflakes

Review: The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Fixer (The Fixer #1)by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published July 7th 2015

by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

This thriller YA is Scandal meets Veronica Mars. Sixteen-year-old Tess Kendrick has spent her entire life on her grandfather's ranch. But when her estranged sister Ivy uproots her to D.C., Tess is thrown into a world that revolves around politics and power. She also starts at Hardwicke Academy, the D.C. school for the children of the rich and powerful, where she unwittingly becomes a fixer for the high school set, fixing teens’ problems the way her sister fixes their parents’ problems. And when a conspiracy surfaces that involves the family member of one of Tess's classmates, love triangles and unbelievable family secrets come to light and life gets even more interesting—and complicated—for Tess. Perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Heist Society, readers will be clamoring for this compelling teen drama with a political twist.

My Thoughts 

The fixer is an intense political who done it or a thriller. While this is a far cry from my usual fantasy troupe, I still enjoyed the book immensely, a bit to my surprise actually, I tried to watch House of Cards and it was just so boring and the people were so incredibly awful I couldn't stomach it. Anyhow, The Fixer found a pretty decent medium of dirty Washington politics and high school drama to keep it interesting. Tess is forced to more in with her sister, Ivy after her grandfather starts losing his long time battle with Alzheimer's. She knows nothing about what her sister does except the fact that she works in Washington. It very quickly becomes apparent thru Tess's interactions with other students at her new private school that they all know more about her sister's reputation than she does, and what a reputation it is. Ivy Kendrick is what is commonly know as a "fixer", you have a problem she makes it disappear. So when Tess unwittingly starts to solve a few problems "accidentally" among her class mates, things get deep real fast and Tess becomes a fixer in her own way. Tess quickly realizes she doesn't even know the game she has been playing.

The thing that was most impressive about The Fixer is that moral dilemmas of politics woven through peoples very real lives. Sadly morality isn't' as prominent in our government as it should be and this book has no problem shining a spotlight on those dirty little secrets. I am not familiar with Mrs. Barnes' writing but I found this to be smooth and extremely well paced book. Tess was a great character since even though she went against her family sometimes, she had enough sense to do what she felt in her heart was the right thing and knew when to ask for help. She proved this very early on when she quickly saved a you girl from having her "personal" photos plastered across the Internet. I immediately loved her from this point on. I love characters that have a good head on their shoulders. She emulates a kind of quiet ferocity which speaks volumes about her character. You know what they say about the quiet ones. No not that! That they are the most dangerous. Asher, one of Tess's classmates happened to be my favorite of all. His snarky dialogue had me beaming everytime he made an appearance.

"What are we doing?" Asher helped himself to a seat at my table. "We aren't doing anything," I told him bluntly. "My mistake. I thought we were brooding in Henry's general direction. Like so." He adopted my stormy countenance, then gestured to me. "Yours is better." "Go away Asher." "You say go away, I hear be my bosom buddy." He gave an elaborate shrug. "Seriously, though; friendship bracelets - yea or nay?"     -Asher & Tess arc Loc 743

I would also like to add the fact that while I pride myself on seeing the plot twist coming a mile away, I couldn't grasp this one for the life of me. Too many slippery eels to choose from. Then, on top of that, there was ever more OMG moments!! I think this will be a great read for anyone who likes suspenseful, mystery type books.

 4 Snowflakes

Review: Gathering Frost by Kaitlyn Davis

Gathering Frost (Once Upon A Curse #1)by Kaitlyn Davis Published
February 17th 2015 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Will his kiss be enough to revive her frozen heart?
Once Upon A Time meets La Femme Nikita in GATHERING FROST, a dystopian romance from bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Jade was only a little girl when the earthquake struck. Before her eyes, half of New York City disappeared, replaced by a village that seemed torn out of a storybook. Horses and carriages. Cobblestone streets. A towering castle. And, above all, a queen with the magical ability to strip emotions away.
Ten years later and Jade has forgotten what it is to feel, to care...even to love. Working as a member of the queen's guard, she spends most of her time on the city wall staring at the crumbling skyscrapers of old New York. But everything changes when the queen's runaway son, Prince Asher, returns. Jade is tasked with an unusual mission--to let the Prince capture her, to make him trust her, and then to betray his secrets to the crown. In return, she'll earn her freedom. But life outside the queen's realm is more than Jade bargained for. Under Asher's relentless taunts, her blood begins to boil. Under his piercing gaze, her heart begins to flutter. And the more her icy soul begins to thaw, the more Jade comes to question everything she's ever known--and, more importantly, whose side she's really on.

My Thoughts

I was immediately intrigued when I was approached by Kaitlyn Davis to review her book Gathering Frost. Retellings are simply my cup of tea and the fact that this is a series with each book focusing on a different tale just tickles my fancy. Gathering Frost is loosely based on Sleeping Beauty and it quite an awesome take on it if I do say so myself. I never watched Le Femme Nikita but I think the blurb grossly undersells this book! There was so much good stuff here between the odd mixed time period setting to the multi dimensional characters.

Jade is the only female in the royal guard known as the Blackhearts, these are the guys who hunt down the heroes and Jade does her best to excel in every way. Jade is great character since she is very honest and knows that she doesn't have s heart of gold. The circumstances in which Jade comes into the queen service were quite unusual. The queen is really evil (most are aren't u they?) and has the ability to "freeze" once heart leaving them pretty much void of all emotion. Even though this was Jade's plight, her sense of self never quite left her and she still yearned to be free. Although it did quite upset me when she left her mother. The Queen of Kardenia is also one of those brilliant villains that has just enough humanity in them that you cant help but feel a bit of compassion towards them or their situation rather. I would actually love to see a story telling how she was cursed. Her son, Prince Asher was quite the gallant man, nothing like his mother. I love it when they have a sense of honor rivaling Jaime Frasiers'.

There romance was a slow kindle but was very sweet at the same time. I liked how he was the sole focus for Jade. He is a brave man to go up against his mother in the rebellion they are waging. He truly wants better for his people. The prose were also simple delightful. gathering a frost was told in s very vivid way and the simplest of phrases really carried a great amount of emotion. I appreciate writer who have this ability so very much. They can portray so much with saying so little. There were also plenty of twisty turns. It kept me on my toes for the majority of the book! I cannot wait to read the best book which is based on Beauty and the Beast called Withering Rose!! This will be a crowd pleaser for both the fairy tale lover and dystopian fan as well. This series is definitely a new favorite of mine.

4 Snowflakes

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door (My Life Next Door #1) by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published June 14th 2012 by Dial Books For Young Readers 

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

My Thoughts

Sam Reed lives in a perfect bubble. Her mother is State Senator which has always lead a privileged life, even without knowing it. Perhaps that is why she is so fascinated with the hectic, messy, loud, crowded family of Garrett's. She has been watching them her whole life from a far. Suddenly, she is swept up into their madness in the best way possible. Jase and Sam are perfect for each other and she adores her family but while their loves grows stronger her family life becomes more volatile as a secret threatens to bring down the house...literally.

This book was adorable!! I have been hearing great things for years and I was so happy to be agreement with all the hubbub. I have a really hard time with YA contemporary since I grew up a bit different then many of the M.C.'s. Let's just say I was more of a cross between Tim & Alice instead of Jace & Sam. I have since grown up but still have a hard time relating yet this one fascinated me. Mrs. Fitzpatrick really captured the details of a first love perfectly, even the awkward slightly uncomfortable minutes. There was something so enthralling about that first love feel between those two. They were just cute as buttons without inciting any eye rolling. The dialogue was incredibly strong as well. In fact, if I was to have any complaints at all (not that I do), but I would say that things at times were a bit too wordy which slowed the pace. This was easily overlooked though.

The supporting cast was incredibly strong in their own right. Each character was incredibly detailed and yet they all somehow complemented each other perfectly. Let me just say that I squealed with delight to find the companion/sequels main focus is the ever feisty Alice and reformed screw up (who more than completely redeemed himself) Tim. I CAN'T WAIT!! 

I will absolutely be looking for any more Huntley books I can. I am about to read What I Thought Was True as well!! These are seriously some perfect summer swoons.

4 Snowflakes

Review: The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1) by Amber Lough
Published July 22nd 2014 by Random House Children's  

A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything. . . .
Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love.

My Thoughts 

I have been wanting to read this book for quite some time. Jinni has quickly become one of my new favorite Young Adult troupes and The Fire Wish didn't disappoint in the least. I listened to the audio book. While they are pretty hit or miss this one was spot on. The narrator has the perfect complementary accent to set the scene. Between the the vivid descriptions of the lush setting and mystery surrounding the wish that took place, The Fire Wish was a perfect addition to my Jinn shelf.

Typically I am a very character driven reader but I could not really connect with either of the M.C.'s in this story. Told in alternating first person perspective, the voices of Najwa & Zayele come across loud and clear. I just found Najwa to be wet blanket and Zayele to be incredibly selfish. The imagery and setting itself is what kept me glued to my ear buds (as I said ...audio book). Najwa is a Jinni with extreme power yet she has a difficult time standing up for herself. Zayele will do anything she can to escape her arranged marriage so when she encounters Najwa she wishes herself home. The only problem is that it takes her back to Najwa's home and not her own. The girls look almost identical so now they must play the parts of each other and chaos quickly ensues since they are the brink of a war with the humans and the jinni. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the girls, I have to admit that the character growth that was displayed was pure perfection. Many secrets come to light and the plot seems a bit murky for a minute but resolves itself into the perfect ending. I was shocked by many of the revelations that came to pass.

The magical system was also quite brilliant. There is a very set limitation on the Jinni's powers and that made things much more believable. The thought of someone being able to wish whatever they want all the time kinda cancels out all problems they could ever encounter so I was pleased to see that wasn't the case here. It was very well thought out. The story had almost A Prince and the Pauper type feel for a bit which was also entertaining as we got to glimpse inside the political workings of both worlds. I am thrilled to have the sequel The Blind wish to read immediately!

If you are a fan of vivid settings and the Jinn in general, I think this one may definitely be a go for you.

5 Snowflakes

Review: The Devil you Know by Trish Doller

The Devil You Know
by Trish Doller
Published June 2nd 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens 

Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.
A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My Thoughts

I am going to keep this review short and fairly to the point since it wasn't that long of a book and I don't want to give anything away. The Devil You Know follows the story of a girl named Arcadia Wells. Arcadia lost her mother and in turn lost all of her freedom since she had to not only care for her grieving father but take her mother's place to her baby brother. She has always done the responsible thing. She has even given up things like her place on the soccer team and most recently her boyfriend, Justin. However, Arcadia is sick of always being responsible and sick of seeing Justin flaunt his new girlfriend around town. She decided to put of a dress and a kickass pair of boots and take on the town. Well, really more like a party at the near by campground but still this new Cadie is all about the adventures she always wished she could have. That is what spurs her to catcall the cute stranger camping near by and invite him along to the party. When he actually shows with his cousin, Cadie is in for an adventure she never imagined and will never forget. (Love cliche sentences like that one!).

Let me start off by saying that I DO NOT CONDONE GOING ON ROAD TRIPS WITH STRANGERS. That is just not cool. I was a fairly reckless teen and I feel like that would have been a bit much even for me. That being said I really do feel for Cadie's character. She not only misses her mother but is still a teen. Caring for a preschooler is NOT EASY! Trust me, I have one. Compile that with her father's mental absenteeism and high school and it's just a recipe for some good ol' fashioned rebellion. Cadie seems like such a smart cookie with a good head on her shoulder so it was a major shock to me that she could be so monumentally stupid when it comes to getting into cars or tents with strangers. I am pretty sure that is EXACTLY the shock factor that Mrs. Doller was trying to portray. Well played Madam, well  played.

The characters were really well written and while the story was fast paced it was also fairly short so there wasn't a ton of room for lagging. I truly think that saved the book since had it been any more wordy, I may have lost interest which is the worst thing that could possibly happen in a thriller/suspense book. Things were incredibly predictable but I still caught a mean case of the who done it's. While this wasn't the most groundbreaking epic book ever, it was still a decent enough read. It's length and quick pace will make the thrill seeker happy.

3 Snowflakes

Review: Nova by Margaret Fortune

Nova (Nova #1)
by Margaret Fortune
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by DAW

Lia Johansen was created for only one purpose: to slip onto the strategically placed New Sol Space Station and explode. But her mission goes to hell when her clock malfunctions, freezing her countdown with just two minutes to go. With no Plan B, no memories of her past, and no identity besides a name stolen from a dead POW, Lia has no idea what to do next. Her life gets even more complicated when she meets Michael Sorenson, the real Lia’s childhood best friend. Drawn to Michael and his family against her better judgment, Lia starts learning what it means to live and love, and to be human. It is only when her countdown clock begins sporadically losing time that she realizes even duds can still blow up. If she wants any chance at a future, she must find a way to unlock the secrets of her past and stop her clock. But as Lia digs into her origins, she begins to suspect there’s far more to her mission and to this war, than meets the eye. With the fate of not just a space station but an entire empire hanging in the balance, Lia races to find the truth before her time—literally—runs out.

*36:00:00*
The clock activates so suddenly in my mind, my head involuntarily jerks a bit to the side. The fog vanishes, dissipated in an instant as though it never was. Memories come slotting into place, their edges sharp enough to leave furrows, and suddenly I know. I know exactly who I am. My name is Lia Johansen, and I was named for a prisoner of war. She lived in the Tiersten Internment Colony for two years, and when they negotiated the return of the prisoners, I was given her memories and sent back in her place.
And I am a genetically engineered human bomb.

My Thoughts
I am very far from your typical Sci-fi lover. I find deep space exploration and interplanetary travel a bit boring and pretty cheesy however, Nova was unlike ANYTHING I have ever had the pleasure of reading. There was some space stuff but this felt more like an espionage-ish race against time. I ate up every word of it. I am so very thankful that Penguin allowed me to review this title!

Lia Johansen thinks she is just another prisoner of war from the Tiersten Internment Camp. Things are always a bit fuzzy for her and she always has the feeling that there is something she should be remembering. Then it clicks and she gets it... She is a human bomb who was set to go Nova on the New Sol Space Station. All is going according to someone's master plan until her clock suddenly stops.

My name is Lia Johansen, and I am a clone of a prisoner of war. Created for the purpose of destroying the New Sol Station, I believed myself a failure when my clock stopped and I didn't go Nova. My life changed forever when i met a boy named Michael, and he became my friend.

Ahhh yes, isn't it always about a boy. Lia doesn't care about anything except why she didn't blow when she is recognized by a childhood friend, Micheal. This is where the story became so intense for me. Lia (which is her name simply for all intensive purposes) isn't supposed to have feelings or emotions yet somehow parts of the real Lia seems to leak into her being. She has memories of this boy and the life they had together a long time ago when they were just children. It's very rare to have a dual perspective in a first person narrative but it was done here. Lia ping pongs back and forth betweening feeling like a human and the seeing humanity from the eyes of a genetically engineered being. So very clever!

The icing on the cake was the race against that persky internal clock which would randomly start due to emotional stimulation whether good or bad. The longer she keeps herself from going nova, the more humanity seems to take root in her being. This sounds like a pretty cut and dry scenario but it was the complete opposite. It was a nail biter ALL THE WAY THROUGH! After all it isn't only her growing attachment to Michael and his family that she must contend with but, the threat of being discovered by the PsyCorp (basically psychic police officers) & being relocated to a unknown location with the rest of the refugees from her camp. There is so much chance and danger that I couldn't stop reading!! The ending near ripped my damn heart to shreds and trust me it is nothing you will see coming! If you are any type of Sci-fi or suspense fan, I beg you pick this one up!

5 Snowflakes

Review: Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

Crimson Bound

by Rosamund Hodge 

Published May 5th 2015 by Balzer + Bray

When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat. Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?
Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

My Thoughts

I adored Cruel Beauty so as soon as i heard there would be another likeness written by Rosamund Hodge I was thrilled. I can say I wasn't disappointed in the least!! Not only do I love her twisted take on some classic tales but I love me a good stand alone. I like the feeling of getting to the satisfying end in one sitting.

My favorite thing about this series (even though it's not a series) is that the lore is so detailed. There is a ton of history and it is nicely blended with the plot line so I never ever felt lost. Rosamund has this unique ability to reimagine and expand stories to such incredible heights. There is so much complexity in her work. She really has planned things out and it shows by her attention to detail. This lore was so unique,The evil lurking in the woods called the Great Forest and the curse of the forestborn. I'll give you quick rundown. If you are marked by a forestbound you can either become one by killing or you die yourself. Rundown over.

The characters are also very complex. Rachelle was so interesting to read about. I was on Team Rachele from the first pages. She is a very determined girl but also weighs her choices and what they do to her and her families future. I love the intelligence behind that. There is nothing worst then a hasty M.C. Well there is but you know what I mean. Let's talk about the boys. Okat so there is a teeny love triangle thingy BUT fear not for it is one that works for this story, very well if i do say so myself.

Erec who is in the same boat as Rachelle being a bloodbound, is charming and witty and most of the time a complete jerk off. For some reason he just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't like when people twist your words around and use them against you and Erec was the king of this particular manipulation of words. I was much more of a fan or Armand, who is one of the king's illegitimate children. I always tend to cheer for the underdog. 

I think that if you like a bit of a darker fairy tale with some serious world building and break neck plot twists then, you should read Crimson Bound. 

5 Snowflakes