Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

Summary (by Goodreads)

The ruthless Empress Amara of Kraeshia has taken the Mytican throne, and now uncertainty looms over the three kingdoms. Since Lucia unleashed the fire Kindred, wreaking havoc throughout the land, Myticans have been looking for someone—anyone—they can trust. They believe in Amara, not knowing her grand promises are built on lies.

In Paelsia, Magnus and Cleo reluctantly follow King Gaius to the home of his exiled mother, Selia. Selia is a powerful witch and claims she can help unlock the magic of the Kindred—if the visitors agree to her terms. When Jonas arrives from Kraeshia, he is shocked to find that his rebel army now includes his sworn enemies. Along with Nic, Felix, and the mysteriously resurrected Ashur, the contentious group agrees to cast aside old grudges—for now—and united against their common enemy: Amara.

Meanwhile, bearing the child of a Watcher and feared by all, Princess Lucia travels across Mytica to find her family. But time is running out. The impending storm signals the dark prophecy Timotheus warned her about. Her fate is written, and it includes none other than the rebel Jonas. When their paths collied, Jonas and Lucia must decide between blindly following their destiny or fighting for their own free will.

The battle for power culminates at the Paelsian palace, where Amara resides. Rain pours. Blood spills. And soon all will discover that the darkest magic comes at an even darker price.

I really like this series so I'm excited that I have finally received the 5th book from the library waiting list.  I wish I had a summary of all that has happened though.  I hate that there is usually around 6 months to a year between titles.  It is so easy to forget what is happening and where you left off.  Is anyone else following this series? 

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wednesday - Long May She Reign

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (By Goodreads)

The Girl of Fire and Thorns meets The Queen of the Tearling in this thrilling fantasy standalone about one girl’s unexpected rise to power.

Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.

There was a television series that I used to watch (Battlestar Galactica reboot) where there was an apocolyptic event that caused someone (so inexperienced) to rise to power who didn't seem qualified. I think she was a school teacher.  When I say inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in politics and running a country, a nation.  This book reminds me of that scenario.  I like the sounds of this book.  I would love to see how it plays out! 

- Christinabean

The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published: July 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Pages: 372

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Tess Kendrick has spent her entire life on her grandfather's ranch. But when her estranged sister Ivy uproots her to D.C., Tess is thrown into a world that revolves around politics and power. She also starts at Hardwicke Academy, the D.C. school for the children of the rich and powerful, where she unwittingly becomes a fixer for the high school set, fixing teens’ problems the way her sister fixes their parents’ problems.

And when a conspiracy surfaces that involves the family member of one of Tess's classmates, love triangles and unbelievable family secrets come to light and life gets even more interesting—and complicated—for Tess.

Review:

First of all, Happy Valentine's day! I'm going to gift you with a review about a killer! 💘

This novel starts of quickly as Miss Barnes socks you in the stomach with Tess's tragic life.  She is struggling to look after her grandfather and his ranch while finishing up high school.  Unfortunately, her grandfather has entered an age of dementia and Alzheimer's.  That's quite a chore for a 16 year old.  Older sister Ivy enters the picture and takes them away from their home, ultimately changing Tess' life forever.

At first I felt that Tess and Ivy's relationship was tense.  Ivy has been away and out of Tess's life for so long that it is hard for them to re-connect.  Ivy shares the occasional memory with readers of heartfelt moments with Ivy but still harbors resentment over her leaving so many years previously.  Tess doesn't even know what Ivy does for work!  Because of this lack of trust, as events unfold at her new school, Tess doesn't share information with her sister and the plot thickens.  

3/4 of the way through the book, Tess and newfound frenemy Henry begin to meddle in the secrets of politicians.  Each has a different motive.  And as you continue reading, the real players begin to make their stance.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this title.  So much so that I jumped into Book #2 right away and finished it all while I was on vacation.  The ending of this book spun me for a loop.  I was shocked by what I wasn't able to predict and I LOVE those kinds of endings.  I would like to see if you jump right into Book #2 as well.  Let me know what you think of this one in the comments.  It was a winner for me. 

- Christinabean

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

Summary (by Goodreads)

1942. World War II. The most terrible war in human history. Millions are dead; millions more are still to die. The Nazis rampage across Europe and eye far-off America.

The green, untested American army is going up against the greatest fighting force ever assembled—the armed forces of Nazi Germany.

But something has changed. A court decision makes females subject to the draft and eligible for service. So in this World War II, women and girls fight, too.

As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, three girls sign up to fight. Rio Richlin, Frangie Marr, and Rainy Schulterman are average girls, girls with dreams and aspirations, at the start of their lives, at the start of their loves. Each has her own reasons for volunteering. Not one expects to see actual combat. Not one expects to be on the front lines.

Rio, Frangie, and Rainy will play their parts in the war to defeat evil and save the human race. They will fear and they will rage; they will suffer and they will inflict suffering; they will hate and they will love. They will fight the greatest war the world has ever known.

I love books like this.  How just a small change could have altered the course of history FOREVER!!  I also like that Michael Grant is writing about the impact women can make.  Just think, 1/2 of the population was fighting the war from home.  I also don't think that there are enough books out there on WW II.  Seriously, I could go on and on about this but I think I'll stop here and use it in my review.  Great title. Great idea.  Not sure if I'm ready for the 576 pages though. 

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wednesday - The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (By Goodreads)

The youngest daughter of a proud Celtic king, Fallon has always lived in the shadow of her older sister Sorcha's legendary reputation as a warrior. But when Fallon was a young child, the armies of Julius Caesar invaded the island of Britain and her beloved older sister was killed in battle.

On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her rightful place in her father's royal war band. But she never gets the chance. Instead, Fallon is captured by a band of ruthless brigands who sell her to an exclusive training school for female gladiators—and its most influential patron is none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, Fallon's worst enemy, the man who destroyed her family, might be her only hope of survival.

Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, chilling threats and the dangerous attention of Caesar himself to survive the deadly fights that take place both in and out of the arena—and claim her place in history among the Valiant. 

Lesley Livingston is a Canadian author who lives in Ontario and I remember first reading some of her Wonderous Strange series many years ago.  I like how she takes on epic stories often based on culture or lore. I'm looking forward to this one for Valentine's day!

- Christinabean