An Ember in the Ashes (Ember Quartet #1) by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes (Ember Quartet #1) 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

Laia is a slave.

Elias is a soldier.

Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their
destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Review

Okay unpopular opinion time. Please do not hate me. This was okay I struggled a little bit. Every time I had to talk myself into reading another few chapters. The characters are well crafted but I just could not get into the story as much I would loved. Maybe I will try this again down the line.

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

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) - 4 Stars

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… 

Review

This was an enjoyable read. True it was filled with classic YA tropes and a love triangle. But I enjoyed reading about the main character and the reason for her being at Shadow Falls camp. Kylie was interesting and reading her grow from a bratty teenager into a responsible one was nice. I loved Kylie’s friendships with the other camp mates including her cabin friends Della and Miranda. The triangle between Lucas, Kylie and Derek was not as cringing as I thought it may have been. The ending definitely makes me want to carry on to see what happens next at Shadow Falls 

Gone Rogue (Wires & Nerve Vol.2) by Marissa Meyer

Gone Rogue (Wires & Nerve Vol.2) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Iko – an audacious android and best friend to the Lunar Queen Cinder – has been tasked with hunting down Alpha Lysander Steele, the leader of a rogue band of bioengineered wolf-soldiers who threaten to undo the tenuous peace agreement between Earth and Luna. Unless Cinder can reverse the mutations that were forced on them years before, Steele and his soldiers plan to satisfy their monstrous appetites with a massacre of the innocent people of Earth.

And to show he’s serious, Steele is taking hostages.

Cinder and Kai, Scarlet and Wolf, Cress and Thorne, and Winter and Jacin all feature in this epic new battle. But it is Iko who must face her deepest fears when she uncovers the truth about her own unusual programming.

Review

OMG this was so cute. I am happy to say that I have now completed the Lunar chronicles. This was again following the ever amazing Iko and her quest to get rid of the mutated soldiers from book one. I won't say much as this the sequel, but I can say that I enjoyed the journey with Iko, Kinney and friends.           

King Sized (Royally Screwed #1) by Madison Faye

King Sized (Royally Screwed #1) - 3 Stars

Synopsis

You might say it’s poor form to throw the bride over your shoulder caveman-style and run off with her, especially if it’s not your wedding.
Whoops.
It’s her wedding day. I’m not the groom. Oh, but I’m going to be…

The world may call me a King and a gentleman, but there’s nothing gentle about me. I’ve fought like hell to get to where I am, and these rough hands want one thing and one thing only – to hold her and never let her go.

She’s my obsession – my addiction. Blonde, blue-eyed, innocent and tempting, with lips that beg to be tasted and curves that were made to press against me.

But a rival king – a cruel, evil piece of garbage – has stepped in to buy her hand and her innocence with the promise of paying off her parents’ debts. He thinks that makes her his, but he’s about to learn how wrong he is.

You see, the rumors about my royal staff and crown jewels aren’t tall tales. She deserves a real man. A better man. King Milton just isn’t the right fit for her.

…Oh, but I am. And I’m going to “fit” with her so well that she’ll be moaning for more. I’m a king, after all. And kings take what they want.

And tonight? I’m taking her.

I’ll do anything to make her my queen.

…Even if I have to steal her.

Review

Only a few words. smutty sexy time adult fun.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Geekerella - 4.5 Stars

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.

Review

4.5 Stars - This was a cute retelling of Cinderella. The story is told from two perspectives Danielle (Elle) or Cinderella and Darien or Prince Charming. Elle and Darien come from two different worlds.

Elle is living with her stepmother Catherine and her two step-sisters Cal and Chloe. Elle takes care of those that live around her. She is a geeky redhead that loves an old and cancelled television show call Starfield. Elle also works in the Magic Pumpkin, a vegan food truck based in Charleston, where she works with a blue haired co-worker called Sage. In her free time when she's not looking after her stepmother or working on the food truck she is writing on her Starfield fan blog.

Darien on the other hand is the son of a socialite and LA movie manager. Darien is also the star of a TV show and the soon to be lead in the Starfield movie remake. He is fighting for the world to take him seriously as an actor and not as a child star who was handed everything by parents. He is also a secret and huge Starfield fan.

Both of the main characters meet by accident over text messages and their joined love of Starfield brings the closer. I loved both Darien and Elle, they were both charming and likeable. The mix of side characters brought even more charm and wit to storyline, I especially loved Frank the Tank. I brought this book last year and now wish I picked this up sooner.

Give this a go if you love contemporary books with a hint of a good retelling. Will definitely be reading more by this author.

Gotham Academy Vol.2: Calamity by Becky Cloonan, etc.

Gotham Academy Vol.2: Calamity - 3 Stars

Synopsis

Olive has received information that her mother might be alive—and now, she and her friends must investigate! Of course werewolves, ghosts, and new student Damian Wayne won’t make it easy! Collects issues #7-12 and the sneak peek story from DC SNEAK PEEK: GOTHAM ACADEMY #1.

Review

3 Stars - This was okay but I am not sure that I wish to continue on with the series. They are okay but not holding my full attention.

Gotham Academy Vol.1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan, etc.

Gotham Academy Vol.1: Welcome to Gotham Academy - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

Welcome to Gotham Academy, the most prestigious school in Gotham City. Only the best and brightest students may enter its halls, study in its classrooms, explore its secret passages, summon its terrifying spirits...

Okay, so Gotham Academy isn't like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn't like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she's back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude...and an unexplained fear of bats.

Olive's supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is the kid sister of Kyle, Olive's ex. Then there's the ghost haunting the campus...and the secret society conducting bizarre rituals.

Can Olive and Maps ace the biggest challenge of their lives? Or are they about to get schooled?

Collects Gotham Academy #1-6

Review

3.5 Stars - I was okay I enjoyed it but it did blow me away. I liked seeing characters from the DC universe in this graphic novel. Olive and Maps are interesting main characters and their group of friends. Enjoyed the mystery element and trying find the ghost that's haunting The Gotham Academy. I will be continuing on with the series.