Currently Reading - End of April 2018 - Geekerella & Born at Midnight

Geekerella (Starfield #1) by Ashley Poston

Synopsis

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) by C.C Hunter

Synopsis

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Trust by Kylie Scott

Trust - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

Review

2018 - Still one of my all time favourite books

2017 - "Being young is all about the experience: the 1st time you skip school, the 1st time you fall in love... the 1st time someone holds a gun to your head"

This was just amazing. I loved this book from the start, the middle and all the way to the end. The book is told from Edith (Edie's) point of view. Edie is overweight and struggles with bullies in her life because of her weight. Being overweight and having being bullied because of this I could empathise well with her. Definitely my favourite book of 2017 so far.

Edie's life starts off like most young teenagers. Her plan to is to graduate high school and move on to Berkley. This plan was going well until Edie is held at gunpoint at her local late night store. She goes that night to grab snacks for a Harry Potter movie marathon (my kind of person). While being held at gunpoint she gets to know another hostage called John. John who was at the late night convenience store selling weed to another high school student helps her through the situation.

After the robbery at gunpoint, Edie decides enough is enough, life is too short to worry about others or put up with other people's behaviour. So she leaves her private school and starts to attend her local high school. Here she reconnects with John and tries to trust people again. But she has an attitude of I can do as I wish, just watch me. John, on the other hand, is trying to sort out his life. He also tries to help out Edie as well in the process.

This book made me laugh and cry. At one point I laughed so hard it hurt. I enjoyed the stage dive series by the same author, but this is my favourite by far. If you want a good laugh, cry and a little bit of sexy time then this is the book for you.

When It's Real by Erin Watt

When It's Real - 5 Stars

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt comes the addictive contemporary tale of a teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend.

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

Review

2018 - Update - Still love this book as much as last year.

2017 - I loved this book and struggled to put this down. Unfortunately hand to put down for my last exam (damm you exam). But got right back on top of it. The duo behind Erin Watt have done it again. Paper Princess etc, were my favourites last year. This one is a huge favourite of this year. The story follows Oakley and Vaughn. It's a love to hate story that grabbed my heart and would not let go

Cracked Kingdom (The Royals #5) by Erin Watt

Cracked Kingdom (The Royals #5) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

These Royals will ruin you.

Ever since Hartley Wright met Easton Royal, her life hasn’t been the same. There are enemies behind every corner and dangers beyond each door. When tragedy strikes and steals her memories, she can’t trust anyone, not even the blue-eyed boy who promises her that everything will be all right.

Because while Hartley’s memory is full of gaps, her instincts tell her Easton is dangerous. She doesn’t know if he’s the snake in the garden or her chance at salvation. The chaos he brings wherever he goes is too much to handle, the intense feelings he evokes are too confusing to unravel.

Easton wants her to remember. Hartley thinks it’s better to forget.

She might be right.

Tragedy. Treachery. Trust. Hartley has to face the facts—in this world, you can’t escape the Royals.

Either you live by their rules or you die by them.

Review

I know this book has got mixed reviews. But I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I am trash for the entire series and cannot wait to read more by this author duo. I loved the story of Hartley and Easton. I had a soft spot for Easton in the original trilogy and I liked seeing him grow as a person. I also glad that at the end this cleared up some of things. I won't say anymore that would be spoilers and wrong of me.

The Queen of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton

The Queens of Innis Lear - 5 Stars

Synopsis

A kingdom at risk, a crown divided, a family drenched in blood.

The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.

The king's three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm's only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.

Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided.  

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Queens of Innis Lear from HarperCollins UK & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton. This is due to be published on 17^th May 2018

“A kingdom at risk, a crown divided, a family drenched in blood”

They were not joking around with that quote.

I love Shakespeare’s plays so when I was told that we would have a full book based on King Lear I jumped at the chance to read the book. This book was amazing and it did not disappoint me at all. I would recommend looking up King Lear in Wikipedia or another site to if you have never read King Lear this does help. The three sisters are brutal and ruthless, and I could not choose which one I loved the most as the are so enjoyable to read about. They are strong feminist characters who can hold their own. The writing is so beautiful, and I could not put this down and I did not want this book to end. I will defiantly be buying this when this is released, and I know that I will be reading this again before the year ends.

Great book for fantasy lovers of YA high fantasies and Shakespeare.

Ash Princess (Ash Princess #1) by Laura Sebastian

Ash Princess (Ash Princess #1) - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here. 

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Ash Princess (Ash Princess #1) from Pan Macmillan & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Ash Princess (Ash Princess #1) by Laura Sebastian. This is due to be published on 14^th June 2018

This book is a new dark YA fantasy. This book is emotionally heavy and with at times violent dark themes. The writing is beautiful and haunting, and this book will stay with me for a while. This new world the author has created is cruel and mesmerising all at the same time.

Please be aware that this book has trigger warnings for the following, Violence, Slavery, Abuse and Rape is hinted at.

Great book for fantasy lovers of dark YA high fantasies.

The Smoke Thieves (The Smoke Thieves #1) by Sally Green

The Smoke Thieves (The Smoke Thieves #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

A princess, a traitor, a hunter and a thief. Four teenagers with the fate of the world in their hands. Four nations destined for conflict.

In Brigant, Princess Catherine prepares for a loveless political marriage arranged by her brutal and ambitious father. In Calidor, downtrodden servant March seeks revenge on the prince who betrayed his people. In Pitoria, feckless Edyon steals cheap baubles for cheaper thrills as he drifts from town to town. And in the barren northern territories, thirteen-year-old Tash is running for her life as she plays bait for the gruff demon hunter Gravell.

As alliances shift and shatter, and old certainties are overturned, our four heroes find their past lives transformed and their futures inextricably linked by the unpredictable tides of magic and war. Who will rise and who will fall? And who will claim the ultimate prize?

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Smoke Thieves (The Smoke Thieves #1) from Penguin Random House UK & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Smoke Thieves (The Smokes Thieves #1) by Sally Green. This is due to be published on 3^rd May 2018

This is the first book I have read from this author. After reading this I am sure I will give the Half Bad Series a try. This is a high fantasy book told from many points of view. These characters are interlinked with each other in different ways. The characters are likeable and made me want to learn more about them. The story does give you Game of Throne vibes but in a good way. This is book 1 and will defiantly be carrying on with new series. This kept me on my toes all the time reading it and would highly recommend giving this a try when its released.

Great book for fantasy lovers and multiple POV’s and high fantasy.

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Sky in Deep - 4 Stars

Synopsis

OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Sky in the Deep from St Martins Press & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Sky in the Deep by Adriene Young. This is due to be published on 24^th April 2018

This was amazing. Sky in the Deep was one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and it did not let me down. It has an amazing cast of characters and the lead was likeable. This book was brutal in parts and that only just added to the story and the enjoyment of the book.  

Great book for fantasy lovers and who enjoy tales Vikings and strong female characters who can hold their own.