Waiting on Wednesday (33): Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

Frost Like Night

by Sara Raasch!

Expected publication date: September 20th, 2016

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything. 

 SO PUMPED!

What is your waiting on?

Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard: Review

RATING: 4/5 stars!

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: bought

Publication date: February 10th, 2015

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

REVIEW:

Going into RED QUEEN, I had heard nothing but amazing things. I always enjoy a good dystopia story, and RED QUEEN definitely delivered. But, like every book, it still had its flaws. Even though I found it enjoyable, there were still some things that I was disappointed in. 

While the concept was extremely original (people separated by the color of their blood? How freaking cool is that!), I found the story line to be somewhat lacking and predictable. It reminded me of so many other YA dystopias; it felt like I had read everything before. Because of this, I could clearly see where the story was going, and it definitely took away from the enjoyment of the novel. 

The book was extremely well written. The writing flowed nicely, and it gave the book a very fast pace. This made up for the predictability of the story. I knew what was going to happen, but because it was written so nicely, I wanted to keep reading. It was definitely the saving grace of the novel. 

Overall, I very much enjoyed RED QUEEN. If you are a fan of dystopia, I suggest you give it a try!

Waiting on Wednesday (32): A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

A Shadow Bright and Burning 

by Jessica Cluess!

Expected publication: September 20th, 2016

Publisher: Random House BFYR

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.

Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.

As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

Exhilarating and gripping, Jessica Cluess's spellbinding fantasy introduces Henrietta Howel, a powerful, unforgettable heroine, and an entertaining world filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem.

Definitely will buy this one just because the cover is gorgeous.

What is your waiting on?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)by J.K. Rowling: Review

RATING: 3/5 stars!

Author: J.K. Rowling

 Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Source: Bought

Publication date: July 31st, 2016

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

REVIEW:

Alas, the first Harry Potter book that has gotten less than 5 stars. I will not lie, I was very disappointed when I found out that this story was going to be a play. I love plays...but I love books more. I tried to go into it with an open mind, and I did not think it was bad; but I was definitely disappointed in many ways. 

I feel like this book would have been better if it was an actual book. The thing I loved the most about the Harry Potter series was getting inside Harry's head; because this book was a play, you totally miss that aspect of the story. It did not feel complete. If I had seen this onstage instead of reading it, I may have felt differently; but when I finished it, I did not feel satisfied. It felt like something was missing, and I think it was all of the characters thoughts. 

I do not want to go into many details so I can avoid spoilers, but there was one twist in the story that I could not wrap my head around. For one, the timeline did not make sense; and second, it seemed extremely out of character. It did not make any sense to me whatsoever. It seemed more like a fan fiction than a story from J.K. Rowling.  

But, even with its faults, I still enjoyed being back in the Harry Potter world. If you are a fan of the series, I suggest you give it a try!

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini: Review

RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Source: Bought

Publication date: November 8th, 2011

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

It began with Eragon... It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon — Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider — was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chance.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the spellbinding conclusion to Christopher Paolini's worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

REVIEW:

Oh, what a series. I am so glad that I finally chose to read it this summer. An epic, absolute thrill ride of a series. 

But what exactly makes this series so good? 

The story line is very basic. Boy is a nobody, finds a mysterious object in the woods, turns out to be a dragon egg, becomes a dragon rider, finds out he's the last of the dragon riders and must defeat a bad guy. You've probably heard of a story similar to this before. But it is the language that Paolini uses that gives this series its character.

"Who is it who decides that one man should live and another should die? My life wasn't worth any more than his, but he's the one who's buried, while I get to enjoy at least a few more hours above the ground. Is it chance, random and cruel, or is there some purpose or pattern to all this, even if it lies beyond our ken?”

 He uses a style similar to Tolkien, but it is still his own. This series is so beautifully written. I found myself highlighting passages and sentences (which I never do) so I could come back and read them later. It's hard to believe that Paolini was 15 when he started to write this series. His writing shows a maturity that some authors never achieve. 

He also did an amazing job wrapping up the series. I felt so satisfied with the ending...but it left enough open that I'm still hoping there will be a spin-off series at this point. Do not know if it will ever happen...but I can still hope, right?

Overall, THE INHERITANCE CYCLE was an absolutely epic series. I highly recommend it!

Waiting on Wednesday (31): Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

Crystal Storm

by Morgan Rhodes!

Expected publication: December 13th, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

An epic clash between gods and mortals threatens to tear Mytica apart . . . and prove that not even the purest of love stands a chance against the strongest of magic.

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise.

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?

I love this series so much.

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (30): Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Like a River Glorious

by Rae Carson

Expected publication: September 27th, 2016

Publisher: Greenwillow

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.

The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

So excited for this book.

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (29): Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Empire of Storms

by Sarah J. Maas!

Expected publication date: September 6th, 2016

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

AH. THIS BOOK NEEDS TO COME OUT. NOW.

What is your waiting on?