Monday, September 8, 2014

Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

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Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher-Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Realeased- Sept 2nd 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
My Thoughts: 
Heir of Fire, is the third instalment in the Throne of Glass series and starts off where Crown of Midnight ends. I have to admit, I liked the first two books a little tiny bit more, but I think that's only because I'm an impatient reader and wanted to get back to certain storylines played out for my favourite characters and the on-hold was kinda killing me. But I understand that plots must be thickened, conflicts must endure and inevitable fate must be followed. So I sucked it up, let the story pull me along and was once again rewarded and left speechless and in awe of everything Maas brought to this epic high fantasy fantastical adventure.

Sarah J. Maas, continues to deliver complex emotion with pulse pounding action and unstoppable adventure. There is so much going on her plot wise, I wouldn't even know how to sum it up. Celaena is warped by grief and even though she was sent to Wendlyn, she has another agenda other then doing the Kings bidding, while Choal is still trying to survive the aftermath of everything he's learned. But that's only a little parts of what this book holds. This definitely felt different compared to the first two. It's more intense, dire, darker and grander. New characters are introduced who are all intriguing and brought something specifically unique into the storyline and how they impact are already established characters. There is magic, madness and monsters. There is evil. There is power. But there is also a lot of hope, friendship and love.

If there was one word I would use to describe Celaena Sardothien, it would be fearless, but we see a broken vulnerable side to her that shattered my heart. I never new the kind of pain, suffering and lost she endured. I may have suspected it, but never realized the depth of what she's been through. The scene with the Valg prince nearly undid me, and yet, Celaena still becomes an even more powerful force then I could have ever imagined. Her new-found powers makes me excited and thrilled for the anticipated ass-kicking she's going to inflict in future books. Bring it!
Choal was very conflicting in this book. He's haunted by the secrets of who and what Celaena is and what it means for the kingdoms and also torn with the knowledge of Dorian's secret as well. I can't say I cared for his distance, but I'm glad he remained loyal to his prince and the women he loves.
Dorian has always earned my respect, but after this instalment he's also earned my undying love. My heart is in pieces for what his sorry excuse of a king and father did to him at the end and I'm gutted for what will happen next and only pray for retribution. 
I really liked the new characters; Sorscha, Aedion, Manon and Rowan. Given that this is the third book in a planed six-book series, I was surprised how fast I was taken with the new cast, but they are a very welcoming addition none the less.
Aedion Ashryver, is Celaena cousin and I absolutely loved his fierce loyalty to his true queen. He's a riveting character and I predict he will be an essential asset and ally to this growing series.
Rowan is a warrior prince and bound to Maeve the Fae Queen. He's a total badass and by far my favourite part of this book. I love him so much. Yes, be beats the ever living crap out of Celaena. Constantly. But his 'don't put up with anything' attitude was both amazing and amusing. Still, I think this was exactly what Celaena needed, even if she didn't know it at the time. What they ended up meaning to each other was beautiful and moving. They are a united force that I am greatly looking forward to seeing in action.
Sorscha was an interesting character and I liked what she and Dorian shared, but to be honest, she felt more like a pawn to be used at the right moment to ensure a necessary reaction more then anything else, and I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Manon was the only character I didn't really care for. She's brilliant and vicious mind you, but her point of view felt out of place and while I though she and her clan will be more interesting and important for future books, I didn't find it necessary for this particular instalment.

Bottom line. Heir of Fire was another powerful addition to this extraordinary world. It's filled with the kind of epic you crave for in a high fantasy escape. It's filled with so much power, magic, suspense and chocked full of heart-stopping, jaw dropping action. The ending blew.my.freaken.mind and my head and heart is still buzzing from everything that's happened. Apart of me wants to hold off till the rest of the series is done since I can't handle all these evil cliffhangers but the other part of me is screaming for MORE! An incredibly addicting as hell epic read! 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                4.5 Snowflakes

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Stacking the Shelves #67

A weekly meme hosted by, Tynga's Reviews, that features the books we bought, borrowed, were gifted, and were given for review. 
It's been a few weeks so this weekly recap will include everything that's been posted since our last StS =)

Reviews:

Giveaways:

Memes: 

What landed in our happy hands these past few weeks!
Trial by Fire (Worldwalker, #1) A Little Something Different
For Review:
Fiendish The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave, #2)
Bought:
The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancy--In Tina's neck of the woods this was released early and I am so jealous!!!

*Special thanks to Macmillan*

That's it for us!  I hope everyone had an amazing week as well!  Leave me a link so I can see all your pretties!

Friday, September 5, 2014

Blog Tour Interview, Giveaway, & Review: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini


Today on WinterHaven Books I am super excited to be participating in the blog tour for Josephine Angelini!!  I absolutely adored Trial by Fire and yes I am still squeeing over Josephine joining us today!!  I also have a very special giveaway to share with you at the end!!  First though check out her answers to my questions!  Love love love her answers!!!

Welcome Josie!!
1. The world you created was incredibly unique, how did you come up with the idea?
When I’m worldbuilding I always try to make it feel like it’s real, so everything has to be there for a logical reason. The parallel world that I created for the WorldWalker Trilogy was shaped mostly by the system of magic that I developed for that world. First I had to develop the magical system, and then I sat down and thought about what kind of world would be the result of people having that particular skill set.
For example, if magic made licorice out of nothing, than licorice would be a really cheap, and as a result, people would probably live in houses made of licorice, or their cars would run on licorice, or something like that. People make use of what’s around them, and economies, technology, governments, and architecture come out of that. That’s where I start when I create a world—on what’s handy. Simple and logical is always best, and strangely, it can also be a source of originality.

2. If you could be Lillian or Lily which would you chose and why?
Lily, for sure. I feel bad for Lillian. After all, she is the one who lost Rowan.

3. Tristan was a horrible best friend to boyfriend character! I honestly wanted to punch him for Lily! Does he serve a greater purpose in the sequel??
It’s so funny that you had such a strong negative reaction to him! When I finished the first draft I was so surprised when all of my beta readers loved him. They were all expecting Lily to be with Tristan and I couldn’t figure out why. I don’t think Tristan is a bad person, but he’s still immature in the first book. I think it has something to do with the “first guy” principle in YA.
Usually, the first guy we meet in a YA book is assumed to be the one the girl ends up with, but I rarely find that in life. Usually a girl’s first love is a disaster! I wanted to write something that was closer to life. And, to answer your question—yes. Tristan is very important throughout the series.

4. I could honestly gush about your book for days and days! What book have you gushed about recently?
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it that much! Recently I’ve been recommending Storm Siren by Mary Weber. It’s a really strong debut book, and I LOVE the heroine.

4. Can you tell us a little about the sequel? I'm dying to know something..anything!!
How to do this without giving anything away? I will say that in Trail of Tears we learn a lot more about Lillian, and maybe even come to agree with her. And the love story in the second book gets way steamier.
Thanks Josie for stopping by!
Find the Author:

I have to say that Josie's answer for my Tristan question really blew me away and made me love this book even more.  Such a unique and realistic way of writing a character!  I cannot wait to see what happens with him! 

Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy, #1)Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Purchase: Amazon
Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?
My Thoughts:
Macmillan has these books called Fierce Reads and for so long I just thought they were books that have fierce heroines, but now after reading Trial by Fire I understand what a Fierce Read actually is.  This book brought out the fierceness in me.  I wanted to fight for Lily and Rowan, I wanted to just jump right inside this book and fight with all the fierceness my bookies have.  So Fierce Reads aren't just talking about the books characters, which let me assure you Lily and Rowan were two of the fiercest characters ever, they are talking about bringing out the readers inner Fierce and pulling them into a story they will never forget.

Trail by Fire starts out..okay I am just going to say it bad.  Tristan is a horrible childhood BFF/crush ever!  I normally love the childhood friend turn to boyfriend angle but man this guy was just mean and I wanted to kick him out of this book!  Without his stupidity though Lily wouldn't have given in and decided to leave her world though so Tristan did serve a purpose even though I hate to admit it.  I'm glad to also say that his doppelganger was better, but I have a very real suspicion that he will still turn out to be a dirtbag.  When Lily suddenly turns around and finds herself in another version of her world she has no idea what to do.  Her life has always been a little crazy, but this was an all new brand of crazy for her.  She quickly learns that she will have to adapt to her new surroundings before she can find her way home. With doppelgangers, witch craft, multiple versions, and willstones this story is an adventure that takes Lily a girl who could barely keep herself alive to a girl who is one of the strongest witches and can change the world.

I loved this and I don't mean love as in think about the story a bit and then put it back up to never really think of again. No I mean I fiercely love this story to where I will buy a physical copy and pet it everyday and reread my favorite passages for years.  Yes I loved it that much.  It is such a unique spin on witchcraft and omg the world is just amazing!  This author weaves in science and really makes the reader think.  You find out later in the story the reason why Lilian (the original Lily in the new world) brings Lily into her new world and I get it.  We don't know everything because well this is the first book in the trilogy so there is a lot more to come, but we do know that Lily is there to right a wrong and that Lilian thinks she is right by killing everyone who practices science. See at first I was like that's so wrong, but the more you read you see that Lilian has a reason and while killing people is never the answer you do see her point.  I love books that make me think and this one not only does that it makes me really wonder which side I would want to be on.  The obvious one isn't always the answer and I think Lily may realize this sooner rather than later.

Rowan was *squee* amazing.  After hating Tristan with everything and wishing him a painful death it was such a fun ride to fall for Rowan.  Was he easy to like at first, no but he was no where near as bad as Tristan and you have to give him a little leeway too.  When he meets Lily he thinks she is Lilian and well he hates Lilian for various reasons so he can't trust Lily.  Their relationship grows and oh my what a story that was.  I loved every bit of their interaction and I almost swooned when she claimed him.  You will have to read the story to find out exactly what that means hehe.  Such a great pair!  And there is one scene that literally had me fanning myself!  Sorry had to throw that in there!

This was a book that I didn't want to put down, but at the same time I didn't want to finish it.  I kept reading a chapter and then walking away so that I could savor it. I haven't done that it a very long time, maybe not since Twilight so that should tell you how much I adored this story.  This is my first book by






Also don't forget to check out all the awesome tour stops that happened this week!  I promise you definitely want to check these out!  Click HERE!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes, #1)SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication Date: October 14, 2014
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

My Thoughts:
Snow like Ashes is unlike anything I’ve read in quite a while. It was engaging and unique. Meira was an infant when the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and enslaved. Meira and the other remaining survivors are on a mission to retrieve the ancient locket and restore Winter’s magic.
This was a wonderful concept utilizing the four seasons as Kingdoms as well as Rhythms, along with the magical elements woven into this story. 

We instantly get swept into the lives of the eight surviving members of the Winter Kingdom. Meira, who we learn quickly has a a crush on Mather, and an orphaned soldier-in-training. Mather, the future king. Sir, who trains and leads the group. Alysson, Sir's wife, who is gentle and loving. Greer, Finn, Henn, and Dendera. They live in tents in the Rania Plains which is barren, dry, and hot. It's a territory none of the eight kingdoms of Primoria wants to claim. And a great hiding spot for the eight. 

It's been sixteen years since King Angra Manu of Spring broke and destroyed Winter's conduit (which is a locket.)  The lockets are male or female-blooded conduit. And since Winter's is a female-blooded conduit, Mather struggles with the fact that he couldn't use it to help his people because he is male. 

"No matter what I want to do, no matter how well I lead or how hard I train, I won't be able to force life into frozen fields, or cure plagues, or feed strength into soldiers like if I could use the conduit. The Winterians would probably rather have a cruel queen than a king with good intentions, because with a queen, they at least have a chance that the magic can be used for them. It doesn't matter what I would do with magic, because leaders are valued for the wrong things."

That had been a struggle for Mather. Some of the group go on missions, following leads to restore the broken piece of their conduit. The problem is, the man, Angra who possesses it, keeps the precious half traveling around so it can't be restored, nor the Winter Kingdom.

Beneath the Season Kingdoms is a giant ball of magic. And somewhere in the Winter's Klaryn Mountains there was once an entrance to it. All the Season Kingdoms' lands are affected by the chasm. The Rhythm Kingdoms cycle through all four seasons.  

As confusing as this may sound, and as in depth the concept is...the story evens out and was easily to slip into once I got adjusted to the world. Another element I liked was that the Winterians had whitish hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Alysson was a mother figure to Mather and Meira. 

"You won't have to hide forever, sweetheart. Someday our features will blend in, not stand out."

While they search for the broken locket, Meira constantly struggles with proving her self to Sir, and is determined to do whatever it takes to be able to do so, and help procure the pieces. Over and over and over, Meira gets put on measly missions and she never understood why. 

They escape imprisonment, many obstacles, battles, and eventually Meira's life entwines with another love interest, Theron. 

I struggled with the romantic pulses between Meira and Mather, and then when Theron entered into the picture, I knew who I cheered for. Theron was the type of character that I wanted to see with Meira. He was kind, selfless, and his affections for her were real. Whether Meira ends up with Mather, or Theron...both exude male swoonworthyness and I could see her with either one. 

This story is complex, long, and every bit fantasy. My only complaint would be I think sometimes when a story is this complex, it's a bit more difficult to enjoy. Not that I didn't like it. I did! And I realize fantasy novels usually run a little longer as the world building is a vital importance. Overall, I really liked this novel, and I will most certainly read the second book. I'm looking forward to reading others opinions on the book itself and the love triangle between Meira, Mather, and Theron. 

Lastly, I'd like to share a final quote that I truly loved.

"And no matter what Angra might try to do, he will not stop me from washing away the ashes of this kingdom's past and filling our lives with the glorious icy peace of snow."






Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof

Monday, September 1, 2014

Review: Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey

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Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher- Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Released- Oct 7th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Cousins Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope are all dealing with what it means to be a Lovegrove. For Gretchen, it means she often feels like her head is going to explode. As a Whisperer, Gretchen constantly hears the whispers of other witches’ spells. And while this does help her to know when one of her own spells is going wrong, the incessant buzzing and pain the whispers cause makes it difficult to use her gift.But when something evil begins to menace Mayfair, Gretchen must find a way to master her power. Along with her cousins, a madcap named Moira, and the icy yet irresistible Tobias Lawless, Gretchen faces deadly threats and unimaginable loss in the hopes of preventing the terrible Greymalkin Sisters from rising again. The second book in The Lovegrove Legacy trilogy, Whisper the Dead will leave readers spellbound.
My Thoughts:
Whisper the Dead, is the second book in The Lovegrove Legacy and just as magical and intriguing as the first book. I have always loved Harvey's books. They are always filled with so much fun and fascination. I still tend to find historical reads a little hard to get into, but the way Harvey tells it, it felt so easy to sink into this world and enjoy the rich details, colourful characters and clever dialogue.

The storyline is quite busy with it's multiple point of views and endless string of power and magic that seems to bleed from the pages, so while it was at times, a bit overwhelming, I didn't find it overly confusing or frustrating. While this instalment is really  Gretchen story, we still have the other character to keep us informed and entertained. The plot has thickened up immensely, adding in new twist and turns I never saw coming. The pace and flow was perfectly stretched to ensure that readers stay alert and on their toes the entire experience and the setting is, as always, beautifully vivid and rich in both romance and magical intrigue and I completely adored how much Harvey put into this brilliant world.

I really love all these wonderfully put together characters. They are all blended together effortlessly. I loved the crisp dialogue and all the witty ways that gives each of them all such a unique voice and personality, especially given the large length of the cast.
Gretchen has always been entirely her own person, despite what high society thinks a proper lady should be. I love her feist, fight and determination to master her newfound powers as a Whisperer. 
I wasn't sure of Tobias at first since he seems a little aggressive at the beginning, but soon we see a different side to him. He's fiercely loyal to the Order and tries to deny his true-self, but I still loved his protectiveness and kind heart. I thought Gretchen and Tobias made a wonderful pair. They have great chemistry and provided the perfect balance to challenge and bring out the best in one another.
I really loved seeing Emma and Cormac again as well. They are a darling couple that made me smile. I'm greatly looking forward to Penelope's story next. She is such a hopeless romantic at heart and so incredibly sweet. I'm totally rooting for Cedric. Just saying.
However, I was really upset when it came to Godric's character. I simple adored him and I'm sad to see where fate took him.

Bottom line, I had a lot of fun with this book. The world Harvey created is brilliantly dazzling and dangerous and these characters will keep you invested from minute one. Charming and enchanting, this is my idea of an amazing escape. 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                4 Snowflakes