Exile by Shannon Messenger

Exile

Keeper of the Lost Cities 2

Author: Shannon Messenger
Pages: 571 pgs
Genre: MG, Fantasy
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Review Source: Author/Publisher

Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together.

But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there. And when Sophie discovers new messages and clues from the mysterious Black Swan group, she’s forced to take a terrifying risk—one that puts everyone in incredible danger.

As long buried secrets rise to the surface, it’s once again up to Sophie to uncover hidden memories—before someone close to her is lost forever.

In this second book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must journey to the darkest corners of her luminous world in a sequel that will leave you breathless for more.

I received an ARC of this book when Shannon was on tour with a few other authors for the release of Let the Sky Fall. I was beyond excited to get my hands on a copy so early and couldn't wait to delve right in.

From the moment I started the first book, I absolutely adored Sophie. She was so cute and a lot of fun to read. And it was the exact same with this second book. I loved getting to see more of Sophie and her really getting used to being in the elf world.

The results of the events that took place near the end of Keeper 1 have carried over into Exile and it was so interesting to watch it unfold. For Sophie and those around her. No one quite knew what to make of her struggles throughout the story, including Sophie, and we got to see different sides of some of our favorite characters including Fitz and Keefe.

I definitely can't wait for the next book in this series ( and I'm crossing my fingers that there might be more books for these kids). The world Shannon has created for us, the characters, the rich plot, it's all combined into such a fascinating read that I hope everyone will enjoy!

If I Should Die by Amy Plum

If I Should Die

Revenants 3

Author: Amy Plum
Pages: 405 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: May 7th 2013
Review Source: Published

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

After the cliffhanger at the end of Until I Die, book 2, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this final book in the Revenants series. Amy Plum created such a fascinating world and I wanted to know how it was all going to end.

I can say this with certainty... it was worth the wait.

First of all, the relationship between Kate and Vincent was beautiful. From the very beginning they were so sweet and adorable together, and after everything I wanted them to have their happily ever after. Especially with what was to come.

In books 2 and 3 we get a lot more background into the world of the Revenants, which I really enjoyed. There was so much more about them that Kate didn't get to find out in Die For me, and I loved how Amy worked into the story. It wasn't too much, just enough to keep you wanting to know more.

Though I'm so sad that this series and these characters have come to an end, I truly enjoyed the journey it took to get here. The twists in this final book kept the pace just right. Some I had been expecting, or at least hoping for, and others completely through me. But in the end, I think we, and Amy's characters, got just the right conclusion.

Now it's time to wait for Amy's next series and to see what happens there. I don't know about you, but I can't wait.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming May 2014)

A new series returns to the world of Beautiful Creatures. Some loves are cursed...others are dangerous.

Ridley Duchannes will be the first to tell you that she's a bad girl. She's Dark. She's a Siren. You can never trust her, or even yourself when she's around. Lucky for her, Wesley "Link" Lincoln can never seem to remember that; quarter Incubus or not, his heart is Mortal when it comes to Ridley. When Link heads to New York City to start a music career, Ridley goes along for the ride-and she has her own reasons. As if leaving small-town Gatlin for the big city, trying to form a band, and surviving life with a partially reformed Siren isn't hard enough already, Link soon learns he has a price on his head that no Caster or Mortal can ever pay.

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthors of Beautiful Creatures, are back and casting another magical spell. Their signature mixture of mystery, suspense, and romance, along with a dash of fun and danger, will pull fans in and leave them begging for more.

I can't wait for this spin off because I loved the Beautiful Creatures books, I've really enjoyed their solo projects, and now I can't wait to see what they have in store of us once in the Caster world with Ridley and Link. I know it will be fun and exciting and a great project from the duo.

What are you waiting on?

 

Waiting on Wednesday: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming May 2014) 
 
It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

I can't for this book! I fell in love with this series when it first released in the U.S. two years ago and have anxiously awaited the release of each book. Not only are the covers absolutely gorgeous, but each book has only gotten better and impossible to put down.

Jessica Shirvington is such a sweetheart and I absolutely adore her. I'm crossing my fingers that she returns to the States for the release of the last book in this series.
 

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Let the Sky Fall

Sky Fall 1

Author: Shannon Messenger
Pages: 416 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology
Release Date: March 5th 2013
Review Source: Purchased

Vane Weston should have died in the category-five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past - except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian - Vane's guardian - and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, Audra and Vane start to realize that the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them.

Again, Shannon Messenger has managed to pull me in with her writing and world building. If I thought that Keeper of the Lost Cities was fantastic (which it was and still is), then this start to her new series was right up there.

We first get introduced to Vane, and I have to say that I liked him right off the bat. He was fun, sarcastic, and awkward, a typical teen guy. Then Audra is brought into the mix and Vane found out that he wasn't exactly so typical anymore. Shannon did such a fantastic job with keeping their voices distinctive and strong throughout, and I loved their interactions.

The mythology that Shannon created for this book was so fascinating. And the fact that they were sylph's, air elementals, was just icing on the cake. The scenes when Audra worked with Vane to call the wind were breathtaking and flawless. Beautiful and absolutely perfect for this world.

I can't say enough good things about this world and I'm so excited to start reading the next book in the trilogy, Let the Storm Break. There's so much that can happen and we've only gotten a small piece of the puzzle so far.

Cover Reveal: Beautiful Dreams by Alicia Rae

Title: Beautiful Dreams (The Beautiful Series #3)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Cover Design: Okay Creations

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

Synopsis

Kyle has mended Lily’s broken heart, and as they have fallen in love, all she dreams of is finally having her happily ever after.

But as time goes on, Lily can no longer ignore the desire to know more about Kyle's past. When she learns more, she will discover if she can heal Kyle’s heartache as he has done for her.

Will his secrets break them apart? Or will their love be enough to strengthen their bonds?

Add to Goodreads

 

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Top Ten Books of 2014 I can't wait for

I always look forward to the start of a new year. There's so much to look forward to with family and friends. And there are always new books on the horizon. So, here are the top ten books I'm looking forward to reading next year:

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What are you looking forward to reading in 2014?