Review | The Last Namsara #1 by Kristen Ciccarelli

Summary

Summary from Goodreads

In the beginning, there was the Namsara; the child of the sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be dark - and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up hearing in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn't until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari - a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king. nut no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home; her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she's offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With help from a secret friend - a slave boy from her betrothed's household - Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

Review

This book has been an anticipated read ever since I found it on Goodreads. I mean, DRAGONS!

There aren't many books out there about dragons, someone must correct this wrong because dragons are fire-breathing, adorable creatures - who must be protected. I swear, 99% of my having reading this book was because of the dragons. And the ARC has such an adorable dragon on the cover. Okay, that's enough... nope, dragons for the win. 

The Last Namsara follows Asha, a dragon slayer - the Iskari. Feared by the people she is sworn to protect. Forever slaying to redeem herself for a past mistake. Asha is fierce and scarred and a sight to behold. I instantly connected to her, she is loyal to a fault and only wishes for one thing - the death of Koku, the first dragon.

The book was super intense and the old stories were absolutely amazing. I'm a sucker for stories told within novels, it adds something more, a new depth to the books. But the old stories are forbidden by the dragon king, but why? The plot was quick, engaging and totally not predicable, I didn't see half the plot twists. But I did find the biggest plot twist reveal to be a bit flat. Where's the suspense?! 

The characters were amazing. The deceit, the lies - MY GOD. I truly despised Jared! And I found Dax, Asha's brother, very dull at times, too secretive - tell me your secrets, Dax! I would have loved more on the different places *cough* a map *cough* because maps are pretty. I love maps, gimme a map! But still where the plot went was fantastic and guys no cliffhangers. Hallelujah. 

Ciccarelli has upped the bar on dragon fantasy. And I cannot wait to read the next chapter in the Iskari trilogy. This fantasy book will blow you away. So step inside and be treated with dragon fire as this spellbinding debut book plunges you deep in the world of a dragon slasher, who has yet to discover the truth of it all.

Review | Fireblood #2 by Elly Blake

Summary

Summary from Goodreads

In this action-packed sequel to Frostblood, the future of Ruby's world and a court ruled by the love of her life depends on the uncovered secrets of her past.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King, and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby's powers and past...

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fireblood queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax, which grows closer every moment. Nut as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, hoe can Ruby decide whom to trust? The fate of both kingdoms is now in her hands. 

Review

Holy shit guys! After devouring Frostblood I was in desperate need of Fireblood and now I'm in desperate need of the final book - Nightblood, holy crap! Elly Blake has seriously met my expectations with book 2. Following Ruby to Sudesia - land of the Firebloods, was one of hell of a fricking journey.

With the aftermath of destroying the Ice throne and some hella life threatening discoveries, Arcus is the rightful king of a divided country of Frostbloods. And Ruby and Brother Thistle search every book to find a way to destroy the Minax. But will they succeed? Personally I was worried that Arcus would be different hence the reason for a new guy, but despite things not going as planned I can confirm Arcus is very much still our beloved Arcus. Just like Frostblood, this book does contain some cliche YA tropes which I won't name because they are intricately embedding into the plot and to be honest they fit in well.

The vast different from Tempesia and Sudesia was amazing. Personally I may have a soft spot for Sudesia and Firebloods - the simply notion of wielding fire and the way they do is stunning. Ruby once again, is an amazing protagonist to see this story unfold through, but the after math of destroying the throne has left her shaken but determined nonetheless. Her inner struggle for freedom from the visions and her battle for her feeling for Kai was interesting. Despite knowing there was going to be another guy on the scene, I instantly liked Kai and his easy demeanor. I just hope things end well for all three of them because I care for them all and I truly despise love triangles. 

The plot was amazing, again I guessed some of the plot twists but other were hella surprising. New characters were simply an amazing addition to the current cast. I really liked the Queen of Sudesia and Prince Eiko. Seriously likable characters. I really enjoyed the added storied of all the gods. This was a mind-blowing sequel, and Elly had outdone herself creating something far more intricate and engaging. Step into a journey to the south, where Sudesia calls for Ruby, and beware of the lava that burns hotter than Firebloods.

Review | Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

Summary

Summary from Goodreads

She will become a legend but first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning...

Diana is desperate to prove herself to her warrior sisters. But when the opportunity comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law to save a mere mortal, Alia Keralis. With this single heroic act, Diana may have just doomed the world.

Alia is a Warbringer - a descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery. Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies, mortal and divine, determined to destroy or possess the Warbringer.

To save the world, they must stand side by side against the tide of war. 

Review

Leigh Bardugo has done it yet again. If it wasn't the Grisha trilogy, then Six of Crows and now fricking Wonder Woman - Leigh is queen and this epic story of Diana; a fierce, loyal and strong hearted woman has slayed me. I for one cannot wait for the next Marvel/DC superhero novels by equally amazing authors.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer brought fought a vast and diverse set of characters which was amazing. Alia and Jason - African Americans/Greek, Nima - is Indian, not ashamed of her weight and openly gay, and Theo is Brazilian. Diana is just as everyone would expect, empowering females with her strong will, at times yes she could come off as too perfect but her self growth was something to read. She constantly told Alia that she was the only one who could wield her own fate and destiny, no one else. The underlying female friendship and supporting one another, easy flow of humour and character banter was such a unique essence added to the book that made it just that much epic to read.

The plot and setting was flawless, Themyscira was beautiful to imagine which was easy through Leigh's intricate writing. The plot was engaging and I finished this book in one sitting. I needed more but the ending left it open to our own interpretation - the ending all in all was perfect. But boy does Leigh know how to add a plot twist right before said perfect ending. 

Leigh has done a fantastic job at bringing the Amazons and Diana alive on paper. Through the dual POV you get to know Alia more and I connected with her straight away. This book is a rollercoaster, one you won't want to get off of. So step inside the world where a island is hidden, set off on a journey with Diana and Alia, two unlikely allies who band together to only become sisters and a force of nature - to destroy the one thing set to break the peace of the Amazons and the World of Man.

★★★★★

Book Reaction Post #11

Hi, hello. Did you miss me? I may have taken an impromptu hiatus from blogging recently, but I'm slowly coming back and what better way to come back than with one of my epic book reaction post. So roll up, take a seat and let's commence the GIF reactions to the best ever book post. Some of you may know what this is, or not but I'm hella excited.

For those who do not know what this is, it's a GIF full post summing up my reaction to book post. My emotions from placing an order/requesting an ARC/winning a giveaway to the anxious wait to finally having the book in my hand. Recently started doing these posts for merchandise and movie reactions too.  

Let me set the base of this post, it all began when YALC happened. This book was tormenting me, floating around my timeline because of course I was sulking at home, not being able to go. Let's begin.

Every time I saw all the fun at YALC

Seeing said book and trying to not combust

A few weeks after YALC - it all started again

Seeing the new cover and trying not to drool...
I mean cry

I became incapable of sending a request email...
What is an email?

A few lovely excruciating days later, a lovely Tuesday morning right after my morning workout...

I saw the package, I freaked out, and found a sudden
burst of energy as I pranced around with it

Did I cry.....YES nooooooo

The moment we all have been waiting for, and the award for the most gorgeous, absolutely stunning cover goes to...

@CrazyBookLover_

@CrazyBookLover_

YES! It's Language of Thorns and I kid you all not, I am so fricking happy I stroked the cover for a very long time. And to make the experience sooo much better, the amazing BKMRK team put together such a lovely package and the candle scents are divine and I can't even. So a huge thank-you to BKMRK,  you guys slay and I cannot wait to devour this sampler which has stunning illustrations.

Happy Reading!

Review | The Changeling's Journey by Christine Spoors

Summary

Ailsa is dead. Leaving Morven the last surviving changeling in the village. Everyone knows it is only a matter of time before she too is dead. Desperate to find out why the fairies steal human babies, and to save her own life, she leaves her family behind, travelling north into the fairy kingdoms with her best friend.

They soon find that making their way through vast magical forests, across kelpie-ridden lochs and over seemingly endless mountain ranges is more than they were prepared for. Despite the countless evenings spent listening to stories about adventures, fairies and magic, they find themselves out of their depth. Fighting to stay alive.

Meanwhile in the fairy kingdoms, Princess Freya of Culhuinn struggles to cope with life now that her love has been taken from her. Whilst Queen Euna of Norbroch spends more time lost in her memories than she does ruling her kingdom.

One changeling's journey to save her life will alter their world forever. 

Review

This was a very different and interesting read for myself. I was intrigued by the synopsis, the idea of an adventure, a journey. So I jumped at the chance to beta read for the lovely Christine. Also this book has a map and it is glorious and I cry!

This standalone novel follows young Morven, a changeling who is decides to go on an adventure or for her a quest to save herself - going on an adventure is seen as a norm, which is fricking epic, for young children and I love it. I mean I would absolutely kill to go on an adventure; like young Morven and her best friend Glen OR even like Bilbo Baggins hehe - sorry I couldn't resist. 

We also get the perspective of Euna; Queen of Norbroch and Freya; princess of Culhuinn. I loved seeing the different aspects of each kingdom and they were so different from one another. Through their rulers, their traditions - everything was beautiful. Each character has their own personal struggle, their own battle and I was intrigued with how they all fit together in this one story! Damn did they play out so well. SO DAMN GOOD.

Christine had managed to make me love Scotland even more. I loved finding out new things and I totally felt Morven's and Glen's pain walking up mountains - I suffered through two mountain walks myself, for a good cause, it was epic. So read now and travel on a journey to find the truth. To help prevent any future losses and ultimately go on one epic adventure - full of fairies and magic and maybe discover your own, hidden inner strength.

★★★★★

Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository 

Blog Tour | Q&A | When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

It is with great honor to announce that the UK When Dimple Met Rishi tour has officially started right here on The Book Chapter and I am so fricking excited. To kick start off this tour I have an epic Q&A in store for you, I swear Sandhya is the sweetest and the answers are just amazing. Without further ado I bring forth the Q&A...

Disclaimer; random Bollywood GIF's will be used by yours truly because words are not enough to describe my emotions to all these answers, plus Bollywood GIFs are life.

Everyone's crush, just saying

Thank-you so much Sandhya for joining me on my blog and another big thank-you for writing such a master-piece ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’. I guess I speak for most people when I say, I’ve never connected with a character like I did with Dimple before.

I’m so glad you connected with Dimple! That makes me so happy! :) - Sandhya

Where did the idea for ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ come from?

I was contacted by S&S with the kernel of the idea—two Indian-American teens whose parents want to arrange their marriage, and only one of them is really on board with the plan. I knew I had to flesh it out and turn it into a book because there is such an incredible dearth of happy stories about marginalized teens! It really appealed to me that this wasn’t an issue book or a book about poverty in India or something depressing like that. I wanted to show brown teens kissing, living life, chasing their passions, and getting happily-ever-afters!

When Rishi and Dimple first met haha

Are you working on anything at the moment?

My second book, another YA contemporary, will be out next summer! Hodder & Stoughton has bought the UK rights to that one, too, so I’m so psyched that UK readers will get to read it. :)

Will you be writing a sequel or a companion novel to ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’?

Well, never say never. ;)

OHMYGOD OHMYGOD

If you could describe Dimple and Rishi in 3 words each, what would they be?

Dimple: Spitfire, ambitious, feminist

Rishi: Romantic, traditionalist, artist

Where there any difficult and/or fun parts of ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ to write?

Oh, so many of each! The difficult parts were when I had to put them through tough times. *sniff* I really felt sad doing it and I can’t say exactly what without giving away some spoilers, but readers can take solace in the fact that it totally broke my heart, too.

The fun times were anytime I got to write banter and sarcastic jokes (of which there were many!), kissing scenes (especially the one at Bernal Heights), the “I love you” scene, and the end!

What are Dimple and Rishi doing beyond the book, how are things going?

I’m happy to say they’re both chasing their dreams, living life to the fullest, and sneaking kisses every chance they can! :)

YAAASSSSSS

What inspired you to make Dimple an aspiring tech student?

Another paucity we see in YA—a lack of STEM (science/technology/engineering/mathematics) girls! I wanted to show a strong female character who could totally kick any boy’s arse in a STEM field.

YAS! So nice to get some rep in YA as a tech student

Top 3 tips you’d give to struggling writers?

Read as much as you can in various genres. If you hate a book, take note of the mechanics/craft side of things: What did you hate, exactly? Prose? Pacing? Character development? All of those things will teach you what not to do in your own story.

Also set a writing goal and aim to meet it. It doesn’t have to be a certain number of words every day, although that does certainly help. Your goal, especially at the beginning, can be to just write one short story every two weeks or five poems every month. Then make sure you take it to a critique group you can trust for feedback.

Thank-you Sandhya for being on my blog and for the epic debut When Dimple Met Rishi that has stolen many of our hearts. I highly recommend this book to all.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! :) - Sandhya

About the Author

My name is Sandhya Menon, and I write books for teens. I currently live in Colorado, where I'm on a misson to (gently) coerce my husband, son, and daughter to watch all 3,221 Bollywood movies I claim as my favourite. Also, I love my cat a little too much, as you can probably tell.

My YA novel 'When Dimple Met Rishi' is out now from Simon Pulse (Simon and Schuster) US, and Hodder & Stoughton - UK. 

Find Sandhya over on:

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

When Dimple Met Rishi Summary 

Summary from Goodreads

The arranged-marriage YA rom-com you didn't know you wanted or needed...

Meet Dimple.

Her main aim in life is to escape her traditional parents, get to university and begin her plan for tech world domination.

Meet Rishi.

He's rich, good-looking and a hopeless romantic. His parents think Dimple is the perfect match for him, but she's got other plans...

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Waterstones | Book Depository | Wordery

I hope you all enjoyed this Q&A and my obsessive GIF work of my fav Bollywood OTP, who I totally see as Dimple and Rishi.

OTP GOALS. 

Review | Flame In The Mist #1 Renée Ahdieh

Summary

Summary from Goodreads

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place - she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort - a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she's appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love - a love that will force her to question everything she's ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires. 

Review

The moment I found out Renée Ahdieh was going to write MORE, I freaked out. Renée is easily my favourite author EVER! When I found out it was going to be a mashup of MULAN and 47 Ronin, I flipped my shit. They are the best movies ever, making me want to go Japan even more. When I found out the rights had been sold to publish Renée's books in the UK, that too, Hodder - I cried, because a) Hodder are amazing and b) bout time us UK folks got dem books!

Flame In The Mist follows young Hattori Mariko as she sets off to Inako - Heign Castle, to get married to the Emperor's favourite consorts son. But things don't go as planned as her 'people' get attacked supposedly by the Black Clan. Mariko sets off on a journey of self discover and to find the truth - why the Black Clan wanted her dead. The entire story, plot was so well paced and luring. I was intrigued and captivated by the Black Clan because just as Mariko was about to find out - nothing is what it seems.

The characters were so amazing and different. I instantly liked and connected to Mariko, headstrong and never one to bow down in the face of fear. She was on a journey to find herself, not as the daughter of the Hattori clan, not even as the betrothed of royalty, but as a person and a strong female. The Black Clan are lethal, an enigma and the unraveling of the truth behind them was stunning. As Mariko builds their trust, she finds something beneath them all, could she possibly see them as her enemies?

Renée has simply blown me away. I really liked that I could recognize a few rituals and traditions and it was so nice to see such intricate and beautiful names. Japan is stunning and one day I hope to travel there. The plot twist at the end was amazing, though I saw it coming - the build up was hella awesome, it was shocking and I need more. 

Flame In The Mist will capture your heart and soul, make you fall in love with all that Japan has to offer, make you wish you were right in the heart of it all. But above all, make you crave the next chapter in this captivating and imaginative novel.

★★★★★

Review | The Crown's Fate #2 by Evelyn Skye

Summary

Summary for Goodreads

Russia is on the brink of great change, Pasha's coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult - and dangerous - than she ever expected.

Pasha is grappling with his own problems - his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges - and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly - Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect kingdom.

For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown's Game stung deeply. Although he managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he's given a second chance at life - tied to a dark price - Nikolai must decide just how far he's willing to go to return to the world.

With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight - or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

Review

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017. After The Crown's Game and that killer ending, I needed more, I needed more Nikolai. This book in some ways did not disappoint, however certain aspects really got to me. Mainly because with book 1, I hoped some things wouldn't carry on. Also - this is only a duology?! WHY. 

The Crown's Fate continues after a few weeks of the events of the game. We see Vika as the Imperial Enchanter, Pasha - stuck in a limbo as he waits for the coronation, and sweet Nikolai, stuck in shadow form in his dream bench (MY SWEET BABY). Vika still has that fierce power in her, despite having to do both Pasha's and Yuliana's bidding. She was always selfless but kept onto the hope of saving them all. You see growth with Pasha no longer just agreeing with all Yuliana commands.

The plot was intense, yet at times certain things weren't necessary for the plot. There's a darkness that really got to me - complete opposite to The Crown's Game which was all games and mischief and magic. But I really liked it, seeing Skye write both ways was amazing, intriguing as well to see a beloved character so differently. However I feel the whole saving 'said' character was left too late into the book, which I would have loved to see a little earlier. The magic grew ten folds then its predecessor, holy crap the magic was insane and stunning. 

Evelyn Skye had quite literally transported me to Russia, with delicious food (THE FOOD) and the places. It was all vivid and clear, the battles intense and unpredictable. Though, once again, the love quadruple? (I guess) wasn't the main focal point - but it was still there and it still irritated me. The Crown's Fate was captivating with its magic, delicious with all the food, intense with battles and treason. But hopeful with finding the perfect half of peace, love and family. I cannot wait to see what Evelyn has in store for us next.

★★★★

Blog Tour | Extract | Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon

It is with great pleasure to announce the UK Done Dirt Cheap blog tour has officially started right here on The Book Chapter and I am so excited. To kick start off this epic tour, I have an amazing extract in store for you all. 
Without further ado, I bring forth the extract - Tourmaline and Virginia. Even the extract is mind-blowing and captivating.

Done Dirt Cheap - Extract

Something told Virginia Campbell that Tourmaline Harris was the type of girl to arrive even to prison exactly on time, which meant Virginia was late.     Keeping a hawk eye turned to the thin streams of people flowing into the prison, Virginia sat on the truck bumper, thighs perched off the broiling chrome. If she had to wait until visiting time was over, she might as well get breakfast. Frowning, she glanced at her phone, looking up just in time to catch Tourmaline huffing against the flow of people in the parking lot.    The moment was so perfect it was as if Virginia hadn't planned it.    "Tourmaline?" Tourmaline - pretty, blond, blue-eyed Wonder Bread-with-margarine girl, despite her father's reputation- turned and gulped like a goldfish wearing Lilly Pulitzer. "Virginia?"    Virginia smiled and pushed off the truck.    In all her years working for Hazard, Virginia hadn't once crossed paths with the Wardens of Iron Gate, but she knew plenty.    When motorcycles roared past her on the road, she'd seen the empty-eyed star of the horned and crowned skull sewn on the backs of the riders' leather vests. She'd heard their stories told like ghost stories - cloaked in fog, late into the drinking hour. She'd heard of their appetites. How their tires ate up the road and spools of darkness tangled in their spokes, sucking up damned souls and women alike, like air for the engines.    Thanks to Hazard, the secretive motorcycle gang was now her secret to gather. Make friends was the order. For what, Virginia didn't know. She'd been too focused on the how. Hazard hadn't said outright, but he'd sucked his lip and looked her over in a way that was plenty clear enough. It was a testament to Hazard that he's waited this long to use her best advantage.    Maybe he'd waited too long. A year long, she wouldn't have balked, and she wouldn't have ended up six hours from home, trying to lie her way into Tourmaline Harris's life.    Virginia tossed her waist-length dark hair behind one shoulder and drew herself up to her full five feet ten inches. "Well, you're the last person I expected to see. What're you doing? Some church thing?" As if she and the rest of their small high school hadn't followed along on the whole fiasco Tourmaline went through with her mom.    "No. I - What are you doing here?"    What else? Visiting unsavory relations." Virginia pulled a cigarette out of a pack and squinted in the bright sun. She lit the smoke, giving the moment space to breathe as she looked Tourmaline up and down.    "You're Tourmaline Harris, right? As in, the Wardens?"    If asked outright, everyone in Alleghany High could say who Tourmaline was, but Tourmaline seemed to do her best to make everyone forget it in the day-to-day - where all Virginia had ever seen was a studious, preppy blonde passing by in a clump of church kids in the hall.    Whatever might have been dangerous in Tourmaline's prettiness was always fast asleep underneath prime day dresses, or jeans and blouses. Her hair was the only thing that seemed to fit - long and languidly unstyled, where the Lilly crowd would have a shiny blowout.    "I always forget. You're not what I would expect." Virginia said over a long exhale.

                           

About the Author

Born and raised in the Appalachians, Sarah Nicole Lemon spent the first fifteen years of her life doing nothing but reading and playing outside, and had yet to outgrow either. When not writing, you can find her drinking iced coffee in a half-submerged beach chair near her home in southern Maryland. 

Her YA debut, Done Dirt Cheap, if put now from Amulet/Abrams on March 7, 2017. 

You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. 

Done Dirt Cheap

Tourmaline Harris's life hit pause at fifteen, when her mom went to prison because Toumaline's unintentionally damning testimony. But at eighteen, her home life is stable, and she had a strong relationship with her father, the president of a local biker club known as the Wardens. 

Virginia Campbell's life hit fast-forward at fifteen, when her mom 'sold' her into the services of a local lawyer: a man go whine the law is merely a suggestion. When Hazard sets his sights on dismantling the Wardens, he sends Virginia, who has every intention of selling out the club - and Tourmaline. But the two girls are stronger than the circumstances that brought them together, and their resilience defines the friendship at the heart of this powerful debut novel. 

(Summary from Goodreads)

Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Waterstones  | Wordery

Review | Strange the Dreamer #1 by Laini Taylor

Summary

Summary from Goodreads

The dream chooses the dreamer, mot the other way around - and Lazlo Strange, was orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries - including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

The shadows of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage. 

Welcome to Weep. 

Review

This book was all sorts of strange and I loved it. There's always a certain something we all expect from authors and from Laini Taylor it's strange and crazy. When I first heard Laini Taylor was coming out with a new book, I was ecstatic and in constant thought of what it could be, and guys it did not disappoint.

Strange the Dreamer followers the life of young and ambitious Lazlo Strange. Lazlo - an orphan, a monk and a librarian. Books are his weapon but stories of myths and legends are his life. I really liked Lazlo, through him you see the true meaning of a book worm - especially when you get a broken nose from a book, you know you have achieved high level of being a book worm. Sarai - young, powerful Sarai, some say her powers are a gift, others, a horror. Living far up in the Citadel, we see the city of Weep differently and through Sarai we see everything, after all, Sarai can wake in peoples dreams. But is that all? Can we also appreciate the fact the MCs are 20ish, no disrespect to the younger achievers, but yas, bout time we 20 year old's slayed. 

Tries to forget I'm turning 21 in two weeks...

Gods and Myths are the very core of this book and I love it. They shape the story and link two lives together simply through the legend that is known as the Godslayer. The plot was always at a steady, even like pace. I found it at times to be dull, simply because I craved action. But other times I enjoyed finding out more of the city of Weep and all the gods and legends. At times it could get a bit info dumping, and I did get confused. Also, I really wished there was more on the secondary characters - they have so much potential, and through what we see in Strange the Dreamer, some are cray cray but others absolutely amazing and so precious.

Honestly, I could read anything by Laini Taylor, I find Taylor to take fantasy to whole new and bizarre level, defying rules and making magic happen between pages. The last 100 or so pages really picked up with the action and the plot twist, though I did see it coming, but what a plot twist it was. I need more.  

Taylor managed to weave together a whole new world, with characters I care about and gods I want to know more about. Embark on a new journey with out very own librarian, Lazlo Strange who dreams of a forgotten city and a blue skinned goddess. Gods and legends, stories and myth, a boy, a girl and a simple thing; a dream.

Review | A Conjuring of Light #3 by V.E. Schwab

Summary

(Summary from Goodreads)

Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...

The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

WHO WILL CRUMBLE?

Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And n the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

WHO WILL RISE?

Lila Bard once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraces Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?

And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay. 

Review

This book! This gorgeous, monstrous, feels induced book here destroyed me, completely. I lost how to breathe 99% of the time. I lost count how many times this book made me cry. And now I am at loss of words to describe how this book has changed the balance of fricking fantasy books.

This was 666 pages of 'holy shit, I can't take this anymore, but I'm going to carry on reading because I like to have my heart ripped to shreds' moments. I'm not kidding when I say this book surpassed the level of pain from A Gathering of Shadows - YES! I mean if the exact page number didn't give it away - this book is the devil in disguise. I'm just feeling so much right now - the pain, the sass, the fights, the love. Schwab is queen and this trilogy, is one of my many kryptonite. One would expect a book this size to be somewhat lacking at times but not this book. I was hooked and ready to endure all pain. I mean, I devoured the entire book in on sitting. NO REGRETS.

HOLLAND! My precious cinnamon roll. I swear Holland stole this fricking show - so much past is shows, and the real Holland, beneath all that facade is just tired and I wanna wrap him in a blanket and hold him tight. Lila, stabby and sassy as ever. Alucard, charming and heartbreaking as always. Rhy, precious and hero without magic and Kell - sweet, sweet selfless Kell, who's so protective it hurts. This squad must be protected!!! The King and Queen though - basically these characters all need protecting.

We travel far and wide - by horse, by Antari and by ships. We battle shadows, traitors and sea serpents. And the ending did not disappoint. It was perfect, bittersweet as my ships sailed. But blood was shed and magic reached breaking points - lived were lost and lives saved.

This trilogy will forever be there when I want to travel to different Londons. It will be there when I miss the bickering of Kell and Alucard - the sass of Lila and Rhy. And when I miss my anti-hero Holland. This book has magic, travelling, love, brotherhood and rebellion. This trilogy will take you to impossible heights and make you fall in love with places and characters of all kind. But for now all I can say is Anoshe, may we travel again.

★★★★★

The Book Chapter Blogoversary #3

YAS! My baby has officially turned 3 and I am all kinds of emotional because it's all grown up and I'm going to stop now because it's time to bring out the big guns, yup time to convey my emotions in GIF form. It's what I'm good at, GIFs are my life.

Obvs minus the whole saving China, more like
helping book-worms

I totally see my baby in Mike 

I know, I haven't been as active on my blog as I hoped I would be but when life and university gets in the way you can't do much. I've been as active as I possibly can be on Twitter and Instagram but I miss blogging. That's why I promised myself I would blog at least twice a month or more, I know it's not much but hopefully that'll increase in my summer holidays.

Personally I feel blogging has really broadened my reading, I read different genres I never thought I would. I see from all perspectives and I love it. I  have also met some amazing people and each has left a mark in my life and though I have not met them all, I really hope one day I will. Through Twitter and Instagram I have made some amazing friendships and I cannot stress enough how amazing the book community is.

Naz, Christine, Dahabo, Anissa, Sally, Vicky, Mia, Alisha, Becca, Zoe, Mikaella, Zulfa - are just a few of the many wonderful friendships I will cherish forever. Y'all rock and I bestow upon you this GIF;

I wish I could get you all a cake... here a virtual cake

Here's to many more blogging birthdays, I am currently running a giveaway on my Twitter, so check it out. To everyone who reads my posts or stumbles upon them by accidents, thank-you and I love you.

Blogoversary giveaway! RT + FLW to win one of the featured books. INT. (BD must ship to you), ENDS 20/4.📚💜 (Bonus: follow blog. Link in bio) pic.twitter.com/k3MWXY0mAB

— Shazi Baeduan ☠ (@CrazyBookLover_) March 5, 2017

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour | The Goblins - Extract | Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

It is with great pleasure to announce the UK Wintersong blog tour has started, right here on The Book Chapter. This debut novel deserves all the praises, I mean come on, it's a book for fans of Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast. Both my absolute favourite things from childhood.
Without further ado, I bring forth a spectacular extract from Wintersong and guys, even the extract is mind-blowing and chilling.

The Goblin - Extract
But now the fruit-sellers had caught sight of us and our longing glances. "Come, lovely ladies!" they sang. "Come, sweet darlings. Come buy, come buy!" One of them tapped out a rhythm on the wooden planks that served as their table, while the others took up a melody. "Damsons and apricots, peaches and blackberries, taste them and try!"
Without thinking, I began to sing with them, a wordless ooh-oo searching for harmony and counterpoint in their music. Thirds, fifths, diminished sevenths. I played with the chords beneath my breath. Together, the fruit-sellers and I wove a shimmering web of sound, haunting, strange, and a little wild.
The vendors suddenly focused their eyes on me, their features sharpening, their smiles lengthening. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and I let the melody drop. The touch of their eyes was a tickle on my skin, but behind me I could sense the gaze of an unseen other, as palpable as a hand caressing my nape. I glanced over my shoulder.
The tall, pale, elegant stranger.
His features were shadowed by a hood, but beneath the cloak, his clothes were fine. I noted the glint of gold and silver thread on green velvet brocade. Seeing my inquisitive expression, the stranger stirred and folded his cloak about him, but not before I caught a glimpse of dun-colored leather breeches outlining the slim shape of his hips. I turned my face away, my blush heating the air about me. He seemed familiar, somehow.
"Brava, brava!" the fruit-sellers cried once they had finished their song. "Clever maiden in red, come take your reward!"
They waved their hands over the fruits on display, their fingers long and slim. For a moment, it seemed as though there were too many joints in their fingers, and I felt the brush of something uncanny. But that moment passed, and the merchants picked up a peach, offering it to me with open hands.
The fruit's perfume was thick on the chill autumn air, but beneath the cloying smell was the tang of something rotten, something putrid. I recoiled, and it seemed to me these sellers' appearances had changed. Their skin had taken a greenish tinge, the tips of their teeth were pointed and sharp, and instead of fingernails, they seemed to have claws.
Beware the goblin men, and the wares they sell.

ERMAGERD

About the Author

S. Jae-Jones (called JJ) is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and erstwhile editrix. When not obsessing over books, she can be found jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, co-hosting the pub(lishing) Crawl podcast, or playing dress-up.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, she now lives in North Carolina, as well as many other places on the internet, including Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram and her blog. Wintersong is her debut novel.

Wintersong Summary 

Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family's inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Kathe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Kathe go - for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister's freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her - musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl's life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King's bride. As the two of them grow grow closer, they, must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

(Summary from Goodreads)

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