Monday, November 28, 2011

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath
Everneath1
Author: Brodi Ashton 
Pages: 370 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: January 24th 2012
Review Source: HarperTeen

Not only does this debut novel having a haunting and gorgeous cover, but it also use a fresh telling of a Greek Myth. And, as you guys know by now, that is my favorite kind of story!

Six months ago Nikki Beckett was taken to the Everneath, an underworld. There, immortals survive by Feeding on the emotions of humans, those of despair and heartache.

When Nikki is able to return, she wants to make things right with those she left behind. But as she's slowly acclimating back into her world Cole, the immortal that brought her to the Everneath, comes back and won't leave until she returns with him. He wants her as his queen and he won't take no for an answer.

From the moment I started reading this I couldn't put it down. Brodi's writing was fresh and real and helped to tell Nikki's story flawlessly. The state Nikki was in when she returned from the Everneath was clear in her narration and I loved that.

The world that was created was also incredible. Not only did Brodi use a Greek myth as the underlying focus, but she also combined a few others to really add a fascinating twist. The world of the Everneath, including the immortals and the tunnels, was dark and haunting and beautifully described. This was very well researched and put together.

And the relationship between Nikki and the boyfriend she left behind, Jack, was just right. Everything for Nikki was awkward when she first returned, so even her interactions with her family and Jack would reflect that and I thought Brodi showed it perfectly. But as the story progressed, so did Nikki's state of mind.

I don't want to give anything away, but let me just say that I cannot wait for book 2 to come out already! This was probably one of my favorite books so far and isn't even 2012 yet, and I'm going to be pouting until we can get the next.

So, in the mean time, if you'd like to know more about the author and her writing you can check out her site http://www.brodiashton.blogspot.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/Brodiashton.

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

The Faerie Ring
The Faerie Ring 1
Author: Kiki Hamilton 
Pages: 352 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Review Source: Tor Teen

This debut novel was one that caught my attention from the very. Not only is it set in Victorian London, but it also has faeries and beautiful dresses, and intrigue. Kiki Hamilton has created a masterpiece with her debut and has set the stage for more to come.

Tiki is an orphan and, with a few others in the same position, lives in an abandoned clock shop in Charing Cross Station. She and the others learned to pickpockets in order to survive, but when Tiki steals a ring her life will take a drastic turn she never saw coming.

With the help of Rieker, a fellow thief, Tiki tries to come up with the best plan to return the ring and help her family. But their best laid plan might not work with Prince Leopold driven to know her, and others following Tiki and her family. She isn't exactly what she seems and the ring she took opens her to a world thought to be only make believe.

First of all, the cover for this is absolutely amazing. I love that the focus is on the ring and Tiki is mostly blurry. You only get a vague idea of what this will be about, but for me this cover definitely captured my interest.

The fact that this was set in Victorian London was one of the main reasons why I was intrigued by this, and Kiki did a phenomenal job in creating this world. London is one of the many places I want to visit one day and reading this made me feel like I was there right along with them. Everything from the specific areas that they traveled to, to the description of Buckingham Palace had me completely drawn in.

I loved the relationship between Tiki and Rieker as well. We only got a small hint of their feelings for each other, as well as where the rest of this series is headed, but I think that's what I loved. Not everything was revealed right away and we have to wait for the rest of the series to know.

The Faerie ring is the first of a four book series and I can definitely say that I want more! Kiki has developed a wonderful world here and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

For more from this author you can check out her website http://www.kikihamilton.com/ or you can follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/kikihamilton.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Friday Finds and New Reads

Friday Finds and New Reads

This is where I talk about new books that really stand out to me or sound unique, and what new books I have to read or will be getting soon.

First up we have Embrace by Jessica Shirvington:


Summary:  I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

This book is a part of a series that was first published in Australia and I was really hoping that it would be published here as well. The summary completely pulled me in and I absolutely can't wait to get an ARC of this. And after watching Jessica's author interview, I know this will be a wonderful read.

Next we have The Falconer by Elizabeth May:

Summary: Humans will be the hunted. Love will be tested. Vengeance will be had.

The Falconer begins in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1844. We meet 18-year-old Lady Aileana Kameron, who was destined to live a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events — until a faery killed her mother.

Now, between the seeming endless parties and boring dances, Aileana has a new hobby: she secretly slaughters the fae who prey on humans in the city’s dark alleyways, and is determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother.

Vengeance has become Aileana's life . . . so she never anticipated her growing attraction to the magnetic Kiaran MacKay, the faery who trained her to kill his own kind. Or that there was a world beyond hers, filled with secrets which affect her past and have the potential to destroy her present.

But when her own world is about revenge, and when she holds Kiaran’s fate in her hands, how far is Aileana prepared to go to avenge her mother’s murder?

I've stated quite a few times that I love historical books and when I found this one, like The Faerie Ring, I couldn't not mark it as a to-read. It sounds mysterious and exciting and unlike most of the other books I've read lately. 

And now for some new reads that I either have now or should be getting very soon:

 
 




Thursday, November 24, 2011

Another Giveaway!

Once Upon a Twilight is a fabulous blog and they are having a giveaway for a signed copy of Breaking Dawn for Thanksgiving! I don't know about you, but I would totally love to have a signed copy. So go on over and check it out!

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011/11/special-thanksgiving-day-giveaway.html

Happy Thanksgiving!


That's right, everyone. It's Thanksgiving here in the U.S. and I hope that everyone who celebrates has a fabulous day! And in honor of this wonderful holiday I'm going to join my fellow bloggers and share some of the things that I'm most thankful for.

  • My family. I have the most amazing family and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. We're all really close and I couldn't imagine a day without them.
  • The wonderful online friends that I've made. Through fan fiction and through this blog I've met some pretty awesome people that have helped to inspire and encourage me in more ways than they know.
  • Dance. All through out high school and college I took dance classes and miss it even now. I found that I could express myself in a way that words just can't express when I'm on the dance floor.
  • And, of course... books. My world has been opened to so many amazing books, authors, and story ideas in the past few years and that's really changed my life.
With that in mind, here are the top ten books that I'm thankful for this year:

10. Red Glove by Holly Black

9. Hereafter by Tara Hudson

8. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth

6. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

5. Passion by Lauren Kate

4. Vanish by Sophie Jordan

3. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

1. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Although, admittedly I haven't been able to read the first three, I'm still completely thrilled that they were or are being published this year.

Now it's you guys turn. What are you thankful for this year?


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsey 
Pages: 336 pgs
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Release Date: December 8th 2011
Review Source: Author/Penguin

When I first found this book on Goodreads I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. It sounded so exciting and had such a beautiful cover, so when the opportunity came to be a part of a blog tour for this debut novel, I jumped at the chance. And I'm so glad I did.

Dealing with the loss of her father, Lenzi discovers that she can hear voices. To make things worse she's also starting to have dreams and visions. Her boyfriend Zak wants to help, but he can barely help himself.

That's when Alden steps into the picture. He's the boy she's seen in her visions, but she's not sure if she can trust him either. Stories of her being a Speaker and Alden her Protector have to be ridiculous. Right? But Lenzi has to figure it out soon, but time runs out.

I absolutely love the cover of this book. Most of the ones I talk about are beautiful, which this one is, but it also has a great significance to the story that I really like. It is just spot on.

The relationship between Lenzi and Alden was so sweet and I loved watching how natural it was. In spite of the fact that Lenzi didn't understand what was happening around her, there was a connection between she and Alden that couldn't be denied. They were adorable.

Mary created a world that was so interesting and exciting for readers to watch unfold. Especially with Lenzi not remembering her past as a Speaker, or Alden. But, yet, everything came back so naturally to her. No one, not even knows why she doesn't remember and they don't know what it means. This little mystery made uncovering what was going on even more exciting.

I really did enjoy this book and hope that there will be more for this characters someday *crosses fingers*. And I definitely can't wait to read more from Mary as well, including her next novel, Annabel.

For more information about this author and her other works you can check out her website http://www.marylindsey.com/ or on Twitter http://twitter.com/marylindsey.

Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed
Matched 2
Author: Ally Condie 
Pages: 384 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Release Date: November 1st 2011
Review Source: Goodreads First Reads/Penguin

When I first found out about this trilogy I was very intrigued and couldn't wait to find out if it would live up to the hype. In my opinion, it did, and so much more. And this amazing sequel has just further implemented that for me.

This review is going to be done a little bit differently than what I've written in the past. I'm having a hard time writing my own summary for this without giving too much away. So I'm just going to talk about my thoughts on Crossed.

First off, I loved that we got alternating points of view between Cassia and Ky. In Matched we're introduced to his character, but that part was more about Cassia and her discovering what was right for her and not what the Society told her was right. In Crossed we're able to see Ky in a whole new light and follow his and Cassia's journey. Both separately and together.

I also found it fascinating how Condie was able to incorporate specific poems to fit the story line and growth of her characters. In the society that she created, the only poems they know are the 100 that were picked out for them as well as everything else. But yet there are those that still manage to discover the ones kept from them. And the two main ones that Condie mentions in both Matched and Crossed are essential to the plot and perfect for the story.

There was also so much more going on than we as readers knew and I love how it's slowly being unfolded.

Rebellion, betrayal, secrets.

I am definitely a huge fan of this series and I can't wait for the final book to come out!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Up Coming New Release

Next Week Omnific Publishing has a new release coming out and it's one that I'm definitely interested to read. Keep in mind that this is probably also for those 18 and over.
 
Release date: 11/22/2011
 
Title: Poughkeepsie
Author: Debra Anastasia
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback, eBook, ePack
Page count:  384
ISISBN: 978-1-936305-94-0
 
Summary: 
He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.
 
Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
 
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?
 
In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.
 
 
Author Twitter: @Debra_Anastasia

Friday Finds and New Reads

Friday Finds and New Reads

This is where I talk about new books that really stand out to me or sound unique, and what new books I have to read or will be getting soon.

First up this week we have Immortal City by Scott Speer:


Summary: Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He’s days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone’s obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect—everyone ex- cept for Madison Montgomery.
Maddy’s the one girl in Angel City who doesn’t breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn’t recog- nize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson’s scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi—and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels’ wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat ... and this time it’s up to Maddy to save Jackson.
 
I can't really explain what intrigued to me this, but it sounds like an interesting and different look on an angel story. Definitely not typical and written by a guy also. I'm really interested to see what this is about. 

Next up we have The Selection by Kiera Cass:


Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
 
I was interested in this before I even saw the cover. But now that that's been revealed, I definitely want to read this. It's a young adult version of The Bachelor story that's set in a dystopian society. Plus it has this beautiful and intriguing cover. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this!

And now for some new reads:



Cover Reveal: Battle Scars


Okay everyone! You know how I had a guest post and review on here for debut author Cesya Cuono's book Elemental Reality? Well, now the cover for the second book in her Elemental's series is ready to be revealed.

So, without any further adieu here is the cover for Battle Scars:


Teaser Summary for BATTLE SCARS:

How do you carry on fighting for your family when you’re left scarred and broken? When your dreams are plagued by nightmares, how do you strengthen the armor needed to protect yourself again? Callie’s been defeated by the loss of her entire family. With the help of old and new friends, will she build her battle armor up and fight the evil hands of the Demons who threaten to destroy her new home? Or will her battle scars leave her too broken and empty to fight?

It's absolutely gorgeous and has me even more excited for the next installment in this fascinating series! 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Awesome Giveaway

I happen to find this giveaway on Twitter it's for a copy of Everneath, Born Wicked, and Pandemonium. That's right, all three!

So hurry and check it out http://www.teenbookcaseofwayzata.blogspot.com/.

Blog Tour: Between the Sea and Sky

Between the Sea and Sky
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore 
Pages: 240 pgs
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Release Date: October 25th 2011
Review Source: Bloomsbury & NetGalley

The description of this alone intrigued and I was so excited for a chance to read this novel. It was fun and intriguing to read, a unique take on mermaids that I really enjoyed.

Esmerine finally becomes a siren just like a older sister Dosinia. It's the highest honor and something she's prepared for for a long time. But when her sister goes missing and is suspected of being taken to the human world, Esmerine can't rest until she knows what happened.

Though she spent much time as a child with legs and with her friend Alandare, a boy a part of a winged race of people, she quickly learns that it's not at all what she'd imagined. With the help of Alandare she'll search for her sister, and possibly what's been missing in her life, too.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this was the journey Esmerine had to take to find herself. Being a mermaid was all she'd ever known, and becoming siren was what any good mermaid should want, but Esmerine had to find what worked for her and her alone.

The relationship she and Alandare had was sweet and loving, I found my heart jumping into my throat a few times as they got to know each other again after years apart. I also truly enjoyed that even though they came from completely different worlds, neither Alandare or Esmerine resented the other for it. They longed for each other and to find a way to make it work.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this, but it was a fun sweet read and one that I'd definitely like to read again. It was set during a time of fancy dresses, corsets, and carriages, which are always a big plus in my book.

Jaclyn piqued my interest with this story and created an intriguing world that I would love to revisit. I hope to read more from her in the future. To learn more about the author you can check out her website http://www.jaclyndolamore.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/jackiedolamore.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Destined by Jessie Harrell

Destined
Author: Jessie Harrell 
Pages: 364 pgs
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Release Date: November 17th 2011
Review Source: Author

I'm so glad that I got a chance to read this debut novel because it contained two of my favorite things. It has beautiful cover and is about one of my favorite Greek mythologies.

Psyche is the most beautiful girl in Greece, men from all over come to stand outside her window just get a glimpse of her. But when Psyche angers Aphrodite, the goddess of love, nothing will go according to plan.

A prophecy of her future paints a dim picture, life with a creature even the gods fear, and she has to decide if she can live with it. With doubts looming in her head, Psyche has to prove to herself, and others, that somethings are worth the risk. Will she be able to fulfill her destiny?

Greek mythology has become one of my absolute favorites to read about, so when I found this I couldn't not read it. Jessie's fresh look at the young lovers was beautiful and heart clenching at times, drawing me in to their story.

Psyche and Eros are both strong and stubborn characters that still had a lot to learn. I loved watching their growth and realization of what it meant to truly love someone. The test and trials to prove their worth of one another, as well as to each other, were just right for a Greek myth. And the descriptions throughout were beautiful and clear, offering insight into their world.

The intermingling and use of the other gods and goddess truly made the story seem like a modern telling of a Greek myth. I wanted more and hated for it to end. It was clear that, though Jessie gave this story her own twist, she still did her research and got the culture and stories of ancient Greece correct.

Jessie did a great job with her debut novel and I definitely want to read more from her. For more information on Destined and other works by this author you can check out her website http://jessieharrell.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/jessieharrell.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Please Help Out


So, as I'm sure you all know, I really loved Josephine Angelini's debut novel Starcrossed. Well, now it's coming time for ARCs of Dreamless to come out and she's having a giveaway on her site.

I would really appreciate some help from my faithful readers. All you have to do is stop by Josie's facebook page and like it. Then leave a comment letting her know that I sent you there and recommended Starcrossed to you. If you'd like to read my review of it again here's the link http://atrailofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/04/starcrossed-review-and-giveaway.html  and here's the link to her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/josephineangelini.

Thanks everybody!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Blog Tour: Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

Open Minds
Mindjack 1
Author: Susan Kaye Quinn 
Pages: 240 pgs
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Release Date: November 1st 2011
Review Source: Author

Open Minds is a new young adult paranormal series from recent author Susan Kaye Quinn, and one that I didn't expect. She's created a unique world that will draw readers in.

Kira Moore lives in a world where everyone can read minds, and those that can't are considered zeroes. Unfortunately for Kira, she's a zero and it's something she's come to live with. At least until she nearly kills Raph, the only boy that doesn't treat her like a freak.

With her new discovery Kira is thrust into a new and frightening world of mindjacking. There are more than she ever would have imagined, hiding in plain sight, and those that know about them are scared of them. But will Kira be able to set things right, show people that mindjackers are people too?

I was pleasantly surprised by this unique and fresh story. The way that Susan set it up, made it seem like something that could happen in the future. Being a mind readers was the norm and anyone that couldn't was considered the outsider. I loved that twist.

Kira was a fun character to read. She had accepted that she wasn't go to change and was completely thrown when she realized that not only did she have a talent, but an even more unique one than those like her. I couldn't keep it all straight, but Kira was a strong chick and she did what she had to do, regardless of the consequences.

As Kira became more comfortable with her talents, she found herself pulled in different directions, everyone wanting her help for one reason or another. I liked the struggles she had to deal with, and even though she was put in some pretty bad situations she didn't back down on what she believed in.

This was definitely an interesting read and a great beginning for a new series. I can't wait to find out what else is in store for these characters in the next book. For more updates on this series and the author you can check out her website http://www.susankayequinn.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/susankayequinn.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Daughter of Smoke and Bone 1
Author: Laini Taylor 
Pages: 420 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantsay
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Review Source: Purchased

I've been waiting to write this review because there is just so much that I have to say about this particular book. I had no idea what to expect when reading this and that made the discovery even more incredible.

Karou is a seventeen year old girl living in Prague, but she isn't any ordinary girl. Her hair grows blue and she was raised by monsters that collect teeth. The only way she can get to them is through special doorways placed around the world.

When the fire-eyed, closed off Akiva discovers Karou during one of her errands, he wants to know more and can't seem to stay away. But the more they learn about each other and their pasts, the more dangerous it can be for their future. Will what they discover be too much for the star-crossed pair?

Right off the bat I fell in love with Laini's writing style. It was so poetic and lyrical, and unlike any other style I've read to date. Part of that had to do with the way she was able to describe things in such an artistic way, I found myself really able to picture what I was reading. The way she told the story was just so beautiful and strong, and inspiration to me for my writing.

The characters and the world she created were also marvelously done. Unique and fresh. It was almost impossible for me to put down. Karou was a strong female character with a snarky personality and lots of mystery. Akiva is probably one of my favorite male characters now and I can't wait to learn more about him in the coming books. The descriptions of the chimera and places Karou visited were spot on.

I feel like I'm repeating myself in saying this, but there really are no other words. Laini's writing was what put this book over the top for me. Near the end I felt as though I was reading a dark and intense, written for teens, fairytale. I don't want to give away what happens, but rest assured you won't be disappointed. In fact, I can hardly stand waiting for book two.

Laini has become one of my favorite author's and you will be hearing more from me about her and this incredible new series. To check out more about the author you can go to website http://www.lainitaylor.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/lainitaylor.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Giveaway!

So I have been trying to get a copy of Shatter Me forever and today I found a contest for one. If you'd like to check it out here's the link http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/hardcover-342-pages-expected_03.html

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

A Love by any Measure Blog Tour: Guest Post


So this week we are going to be joined again by the lovely Killian McRae. She is a fantastic writer and graciously agreed to write a guest post as part of the blog tour for her new release. So, without any further adieu:

A Little Piece of Hidden History: A Love by Any Measure Tour Feature; or How there could have been a shamrock on the Canadian flag

Anyone who’s studied history knows the trajectory of an oppressed people. Tyranny is a great heavy boulder and weighs heavily on those trapped beneath it. Yet, with time and fortitude, an oppressed people, if they do not perish, coalesces. Their pride becomes unfathomable, their traditions are guarded and passed along like mother’s milk, nurturing the children of each new generation. A language outlawed becomes a language of conspiracy, then, revolution.  The people are boiled down in to the toughest, most enduring characteristics of their lot. They grow strong in their weakness. They grow determined through their weariness. They forge hope in their despair.
And then they invade Canada. 

In the passing of time, such tales often get swept to the wayside. A Love by Any Measure, set in Killarney, Ireland in the 1860’s, uses a true historical backdrop in which Irish-English tensions were again, as they had done for decades before and would continue to do for well over another century, reaching a boiling point. But to be honest, it’s the part of Fenian uprising not in the book which is more interesting.

Firstly, “Fenians, you say? What the Jim Dandy is that?” The Fenians were the Irish nationalist of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The term refers to both group within Ireland and  abroad who sought to regain Ireland’s sovereignty from the British.

The famine of the 1840’s and 1850’s had left the Irish population ravaged and reduced. It’s estimated that one-quarter (two million people) of the native population perished or immigrated in search of a sustainable environment and way of life. When these immigrants headed out to foreign lands, they brought the love of Ireland with them. Though an attempt to take Ireland back from the English in 1848 had failed, these immigrants began to build up the national movement again in the American cities to which they immigrated. The plans were made: the people in this new land would grow strong and form ranks. Bonds were issued to raise funds, bonds issued out in the name of a free Ireland that did not yet exist. Hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants leant their support.  The Fenian Brotherhood was reborn. 

With the start of American civil war, Irish immigrants found themselves in the ranks of the armed on both side of the battle (though the majority fought for the North, where the highly plentiful number of factory jobs had drawn them). In the meantime, the famine back home had passed. Ireland was beginning to stabilize and in some ways, prosper. The Brotherhood began sending fingers back to Irish soil. The plan: take the highly-organized structural apparatus of the U.S. Brotherhood, and begin to reweave it into pockets of support throughout Ireland itself. Small groups known as Circles began to form ranks in cities such as Cork, Dubln and Killarney, as seen in A Love by Any Measure). The Fenians in Ireland would revolt when the time was right, and the U.S. Brotherhood would be ready to funnel back financial, military, and diplomatic support.

As the American civil war drew to a close in the mid 1860’s, thousands of Irish would be released from armed duty, now trained and seasoned in the ways of battle. Yet, the Ireland-based Circles were proving lax in getting to a launch-ready state. With the close of the war, a trained Irish army sat on American soil, without any battle to send it to. Justice-hungry Irish soldiers longed to avenge their nation against the English. Then they looked north and saw British-controlled Canada.

Though, to be clear, Canada wasn’t yet Canada. In 1866, it had yet to gain its independence. But to a rowdy and ready bunch of Fenian soldiers chomping at the bit, the stand-in became a viable point of attack. In April 1866, the invasion was launched (with the support by way of non-opposition by the United States, who were still holding grudges from the American revolution and following skirmishes). It was believed that if the invasion was successful, Canada was a more highly prized possession than little Ireland, and that the Fenians would be able to exchange with Britain control of Canada for freedom for the Ireland. 

Ultimately, however, the disjointed Fenian invasion fizzled when American support turned against their efforts. The British forces based in Canada proved too awesome a force for them to counter and outnumbered them by tenfold, as well. By early June 1866, less than three months after the initial sweeps across the border, the Fenians uprising in the United States was squashed. Ultimately the next spring, similarly-styled uprisings in Ireland organized by the movement would meet even quicker ends. Ireland would not taste freedom for decades more, but the seeds of the nationalistic movement had taken firm root, leading to later populist, anti-British movement such as the Irish Republican Army.

Author website: www.killianmcrae.com
Author Blog Site: authorkillianmcrae.blogspot.com

Goodreads book link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11114777-a-love-by-any-measure
Amazon book link (Kindle/Paperback now available): http://www.amazon.com/Love-Any-Measure-Killian-McRae/dp/0983979707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319660277&sr=8-1
BN book link (Paperback now available, Nook coming soon): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-love-by-any-measure-killian-mcrae/1105813192?ean=9780983979708&itm=1&usri=killian%2bmcrae

A Love by Any Measure by Killian McRae

A Love by Any Measure
Author: Killian McRae 
Pages: 344 pgs
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Release Date: November 8th 2011
Review Source: Tulipe Noir Press and Author

I was lucky enough to read a really early version of ALBAM, and I have to say that this was even better. Killian honestly outdid herself with this new and exciting romance.

Maeve O'Connor is a poor Irish lass living in Killarney on a British lord's estate. Though they'd spent their childhoods together, circumstances and pride kept them apart for years.

And when Lord August Grayson returns to Killarney, Maeve and her father have been struggling to pay the rent. Her willingness to do anything to save their home sparks a deal from the lord, one that could ruin her good name and the security of marriage if ever discovered.

Right off the bat Killian pulls her readers straight into 19th century Ireland. A time when there was not only a struggle between classes, but also between the British and the Irish. A time when one's good name meant more than anything and fancy dresses and fine carriages were all the rage. I've always loved reading about different times in history and Killian really made me feel like I was there.

The relationship between Maeve and August was also beautifully done. Now, this story is definitely not for younger readers, and you'll learn why after just a few pages of those two characters together. I loved reading their connection and how deeply they felt for one another even after the years they'd spent apart and in spite of the social misnomer.

If you read Killian's debut novel, 12.21.12, you'll know that she doesn't just hand the happy ending right over. There's a journey for the character's to take, to better understand themselves as well as each other. The heartache, misunderstandings, and lies put them to the test and make them stronger in the end. I literally felt my heart in my throat a few times while reading this.

I am so happy I got a chance to read this story and can't wait for more from Killian. She's proving to be a wonderful and strong story-teller.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dreamless Cover Reveal

Josie Angelini just posted the cover reveal for the second book in her Starcrossed Trilogy: Dreamless!


Isn't it absolutely gorgeous!

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