Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

ISBN: 9781619630659
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Released: September 2, 2014
Length: 565
Goodreads  |  B&N

     SUMMARY
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
     REVIEW

I went into this book definitely feeling afraid of what was to come. I loved Crown of Midnight so much. I knew I would love Heir of Fire too, because Sarah J. Maas is a genius and this series is a new favorite of mine, so that isn't why I was afraid. I'd seen a lot of posts about new characters, intense feels, being utterly ripped apart over and over again, etc. You can see why I had some reservations. Not to mention this is a beast of a book. I love myself a good long book but I always know it's going to take me a while to get into it, especially when it's something I'm really in to.

Heir of Fire definitely did take a day or two for me to get in to. It's a slower start. Celaena is unhappy. Actually, unhappy is the understatement of the century. Celaena is utterly broken, and though it takes quite a while, we journey with Celaena through every bit of her broken heart, soul and spirit. Sometimes slower paced books are not for me. I loved it in HoF, though. Every last word devoted to Celaena's pain, healing, gaining of power, etc., was worth it. It was necessary, even if it tore me apart while I was reading it. Maas writes pain like no other.

New characters: there are some. Are you surprised? This is one of the best epic fantasies I've ever gotten my hands on, incredibly in depth, so you can imagine how many characters we have to deal with here. There is Rowan, likely the most important of the new characters. You've probably heard/seen tons of people shipping Rowan/Celaena, and I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking the same thing I was thinking when going into this. HELL NO, NO ROWAN NONSENSE CHAOLAENA FOR LIFE! I was adamantly against any other ships for Celaena. Don't worry, things don't go as you would expect in this area and it is perfect and wonderful, and for Chaol/Celaena shippers, you'll find yourself rooting for Rowan in a few different ways even if you think there is only room for Chaol in your heart. Trust me, I'm still team Chaol.... but I wouldn't be mad if something took a turn in a future book and it didn't go that way. As a matter of fact, I have some speculations. Not really educated guesses, just regular old guesses - things I suspect could happen... if you've read all of the books, send me a private message. We can discuss all of the horrible (and wonderful) things that could happen!

There was also Manon, a POV from a not so nice person - a witch. I won't go into much detail, but I will say this: Maas, you are a genius. How do you make me interested and even feel FEELS for evil people? HOW!? Some may have thought this POV was pointless, but I get the feeling it will be very important in the rest of the series. I have high hopes for this POV actually.

This world, this story, everything in it is so detailed, so many nuances and "storylines" to remember that all wrap into one amazing ball of brilliance. And Maas keeps adding more and I'm almost inclined to wonder how the hell this is all going to work out and tie together but the thing is is already does! Every aspect of every book matters. I remember when I read ToG, thinking that the whole magic aspect seemed out of place. I take nothing for granted in this series now. Nothing is out of place. Nothing.

HoF wrecked me, by the way. I cried like a baby for Celaena, for Dorian, for Chaol, for Rowan. But I also cheered for them, grinned like a fool, laughed like a loon. Maas knows how to write characters we will love (or hate, but in that she-writes-really-good-villians kind of way) so, so much, and I can't even fathom having to let one of them go, because we all know that there will be someone, if not multiple more someones, who don't make it out of this alive. Listen, I'm still mourning over Sam and he was only around for a few short stories.

I feel like it is impossible to not like this series. The only book I can see not liking is ToG, but if you trust me, if you trust the rest of the bookish world, CoM and HoF (oh and Assassin's Blade) will change that for you. It will change everything for you.


     THE BREAKDOWN

RATING: ★★★★1/2 - Really enjoyed it!

I loved Heir of Fire so much! It added so much to the world, a world that I didn't think could expand that much more, and I get the feeling Maas is going to give us even more come the next book somehow (which by the way we have to wait God knows how long for and it is killing me).

I know most of you loved this book. I've seen your reviews and status updates. I now this one killed you inside also. But I have so many thoughts on what could possibly be coming and I want to talk to someone about it without worrying about spoiling. I want to know what you thought, but I also want to know what you think is coming!

Also, can we talk about how excited I am for the other series Maas has coming out next year - A Court of Thorns and Roses?! A Beauty and the Beast retelling! God, I can't wait!!

So tell me your thoughts on all things Sarah J. Maas. Go!
A.

Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

ISBN: 9781408852590
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: Purchased
Series: Throne of Glass #0.1 - #0.5
Released: March 4, 2014
Length: 448 pp
Goodreads  |  B&N

     SUMMARY

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

     REVIEW

This collection as a whole rivals literally every short story I've ever read. I tend to read the occasional short story to enjoy some more of the world and see some scenes I may have read about in passing. Most novellas/short sorties are nothing special - usually. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started the Assassin's Blade, but it was so much more than what I was expecting.

The first story was interesting enough - it was just about a covert mission of sorts that Celaena undertakes for Arobynn Hamel, her Master, I guess you would call him, with an associate of hers that Celaena really disliked: Sam (<3 <3 <3). I remember thinking that the story was what I'd expected - a story about "before", a fun little read that didn't add much to the story. Well, alone, it would have been exactly that. A nice insight into before but nothing life changing. That is, until I realized that the short stories in The Assassin's Blade read almost like one long book. Yes, that's what I said. The Assassin's Blade is like a very important, full-length prequel to Throne of Glass. The Assassin's Blade literally leads us right up to how Celaena came to Endovier, right before ToG starts, letting us see exactly what was Celaena's downfall.

And for those of you who have only read ToG, and were frustrated with Celaena's lack of apparent assassin-y skills, here is your fix. Not only will you get to see Celaena is action, which is amazing all on its own, but you will find out some of the reasons why Celaena is the way she is in ToG.

Basically, if you are having doubts about reading The Assassin's Blade after ToG, I implore you, pick it up - you won't regret it. I'm not a short story kind of person - nine times out of ten I don't even bother picking them up. But these are essential to the Throne of Glass series. YOU MUST READ THEM.

THE BREAKDOWN

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Really Enjoyed it!

I loved The Assassin's Blade more than I've ever loved a collection of short stories before. It seems like every author is cashing in on the novella thing these days, but I didn't feel as if I was reading something written to make more money or to give the series a push. It was a prequel to ToG, plain and simple. Just go read it already so I can stop trying to convince you that it's necessary, that you won't regret it and that it makes ToG make so much more sense! Okay? Okay.

Have you read The Assassin's Blade? Did you read it before or after reading ToG and CoM? I read it in between the two, and while I wished I'd read it before ToG, I was fine with the feeling of having an epiphany once I realized what Celaena had been through and why she acted the way she did. Did you love tAB like I did? Or did you find it to be an unnecessary collection of stories? I'd love to know what you thought about The Assassin's Blade.

Let's talk books!
A.

Review: Son by Lois Lowry

ISBN: 9780547887203
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Series: The Giver Quartet #4
Released: October, 2012
Length: 393
Goodreads  |  B&N
*Please note, this review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series*

     SUMMARY

They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn’t exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice. Son thrusts readers once again into the chilling world of the Newbery Medal winning book, The Giver,　as well as Gathering Blue and Messenger where a new hero emerges. In this thrilling series finale, the startling and long-awaited conclusion to Lois Lowry’s epic tale culminates in a final clash between good and evil.

     REVIEW

Finally FINALLY after all these years, there is an ending to one of my favorite books in the entire world. I've read The Giver so many times since childhood, I've lost count. Son came out back at the end of 2012. I ordered the entire new hardcover set as soon as Son was released and never read it until now. Maybe I was afraid considering everyone was saying how much they hated it and how horrible it was.

Well, let me just make it clear how much I disagree with those opinions. After reading Gathering Blue which was a bit underwhelming and Messenger which I really enjoyed, I was so eager to read the conclusion. I needed to know about Claire, about Gabe, about how it all happened.

Son is broken up into three parts: the happenings of The Giver from Claire's point of view; what happens to Claire immediately after; and her quest to find the son she lost so many years before. I enjoyed every single part, every single word of this book.

I especially loved reading about Claire in the community of The Giver. It was our first glimpse at that world other than the glimpse we got through Jonas many years ago. It never ceases to fascinate me, that "utopian" society. I wish there was another entire book on it.

I lovelovelovedddd reading about what happened to Claire after The Giver was over. It was beautiful and lovely and tragic all at the same time and I wish things could've happened differently so I wouldn't be sitting here heartbroken before you, but it is what it is. I've accepted it and am beginning the road to recovery.

The final section I suppose was my least favorite but that's because I was less fascinated by Village than I was by Claire's oceanside home for much of the book and by the community of The Giver. But this third part is where all of the action happens, where all of the metaphors and lessons come into play. A lot of people didn't appreciate the villain and what he stood for, but I did. He was so creepy all on his own, but this book spoke to me on a whole other level. Maybe I took things a little too seriously, I don't know, but I really was blown away by the implications of Son and what it portrayed about our world and the evils we succumb to. I won't go on though, or else we'll be here all day.

Aside from the profound meanings deeply rooted in this entire series, especially in Messenger and Son, it really was an emotional ending for me. I've obviously grown attached to the characters over the years and seeing things play out the way they did... it was tragic and heartbreaking but beautiful and gave me a huge sense of satisfaction when it was all said and done. I of course still have so many questions about the little things but I'm okay with never knowing, or with drawing my own conclusions as I have done with Lowry's books for so many years now. I'm happy with how it ended. I am.

     THE BREAKDOWN

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Really enjoyed it!

Son was a brilliant ending to The Giver Quartet after so many years waiting to find out what happened next. I guess I never really expected to know what happened next considering Lois Lowry wasn't exactly known for giving specific and detailed endings to her novels in this series. The deeper meanings and symbolism in this book blew my mind and left me thinking long after I'd finished. It also left me a little creeped out - just sayin'.

I loved Son and I can't wait to read it again to (hopefully) go through it on a less emotional level and really be able to understand everything that is this book, aka Amazingness. I was thrilled with this final book and I can't help but wonder what it was that others found so lacking that they specifically disliked it (or even hated it - gasp). Either way, it was my second favorite in the series next to The Giver and I recommend the entire series to anyone who has read and loved The Giver or to anyone who wants to experience speculative (children's) fiction at its finest.

Have you read Son? Did you read the entire series? What did you think? Were you among those that wasn't happy with it for a conclusion to such a popular series, or were you like me - loving the crap out of this book? I can't wait to hear what you think!


A. 

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead: I can't seem to get enough of this world!

ISBN: 9781595143211
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Series: Bloodlines #5
Released: July 29, 2014
Length: 380 pp
Goodreads  |  B&N

     SUMMARY

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.
Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

     REVIEW

Whew. I just finished reading Silver Shadows. And when I mean just - I mean just, like five minutes ago finished reading Silver Shadows. I had to get my thoughts and feelings out immediately, and posting it on GR to leave for later blog post was just not going to cut it.

I've been waiting for this book to release since March of this year when I finished The Fiery Heart which KILLED ME. That book straight up murdered me and I needed this book to put me back together. When I started reading it, I couldn't believe how hard it was for me to get into it. The only Richelle Mead books I've ever read that I didn't really, really like were the first to Vampire Academy books. But that's not to say I was a stranger to her slow start and bangin-ass finish - it's kind of her MO.

It was definitely tough for me though, considering it'd been months since my last book in the series and it took about 40% in for things to heat up. Adrian is obviously miserable with Sydney missing - I get that. But he was so annoying and childish and basically reverted back to all the old ways he kept in VA which is when I truly disliked him. After finishing the book, I can obviously see why it happened and was necessary but boy it took me a good week to finally sink my teeth into this book.

Once things turned around.... I can't even begin to tell you the emotions I experienced at the hands of Silver Shadows. I think I've mentioned in past Mead reviews that she is the queen of action. I haven't read an action scene of hers that I wasn't hooked on. Well just know, the second half of the book is pure action and I couldn't put it down after that!

I'll admit Mead did her usual info-dumping in the beginning but I'm so used to it, I kind of rolled my eyes and skimmed it, but luckily it didn't take up much time. Also, there were a few times that the dialogue seemed a bit more stiff than usual for Mead... and there were a few convenient loop holes and abilities that allowed things to happen a little too easily.

With that being said, I'm way too invested in this series to even care. Silver Shadows topped everything for me (except for Fiery Heart because that's where Sydrian really took off) and some amazinggggg things happened that I obviously can't tell you.

We're also left with one hell of a cliff hanger that, oddly enough, I did not see coming at all. After I finished, I felt like I should've seen it coming but I didn't and now I'm pissed because I have to wait until February until the final book, The Ruby Circle come out. I'm going to go cry under a rock until then. See ya.

     THE BREAKDOWN

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Really enjoyed it!

After waiting months for Silver Shadows to release, it was everything I wanted and more! Mead had her standards: a slow start and some classic info-dumping in the beginning but once she turned up the heat, I couldn't pull myself away!

She adds more and more to the world with each book and I can't even begin to talk about how much I love almost every single character in the series. Needless to say, it was another amazing addition to Bloodlines by Mead and now I've got to wait 6 more months until the finale releases.

Can I just say that there better be another spinoff? If I don't get like a Jill/Eddie or Olive/Neil or Nina/Somebody. Or Angeline! OMG or Marcus/Can't say who! OMG I just got so excited when I thought of Marcus and she-who-must-not-be-named!!! I need another spinoff! For those of you who've read it, you know who I mean right? This one fits best if she's going to write any more - you know it would be another amazing series, yes?

Anyhow, have you read Silver Shadows yet? What did you think? If you're a fan like me, chances are you loved it, but I'm intrigued to know if anyone didn't love it. Can't wait to hear from you!!


A.

Blog Tour Stop - Review: More Than Forever by Jay McLean + Teasers, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

ISBN:
Source: ARC provided by author
Format: Kindle eBook
Series: More #4
Released: July 12, 2014
Goodreads |  B&N
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is no way swayed my opinion. Scout's honor!*
*Please note this review may contain spoilers for the previous books in this series.*

     SUMMARY

-LUCY-
There is a love so fierce it cannot be measured.
A heart so strong it will never slow.
There is a promise so sure it can never lie.
He promised me that love forever.
Even when it wasn't enough.
-CAMERON-
Forever. Everlasting. Eternal.
There is no measure of time.
No sounds of the ticking of a clock.
Just the rising and falling of the sun.
And our own sense of forever.

But our forever isn't always.

     REVIEW

They say lightning never strikes twice, right? Or something like that. I can't remember if that's a complete and total freaking myth or not, but whatever - I digress. I'm here to talk about books not lightning and freak accidents. The point I'm trying to make is this: after reading one ridiculously amazing book by an author, you think that the next one can't possibly be as good. Nothing can make you feel the way you just felt after reading that book - it's just impossible, right?

Wrong. Said author comes along with another book which effectively blows your mother-lovin' mind. You're like HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!? But you take it for what it is (see above-referenced freak accident) and prepare yourself for the next book which cannot possibly be better than the one you just finished. It just cannot. Math class says the probability is like 1:1,000,000,000,000,000.

Only said author comes out with one more and you're now on the floor sobbing and laughing at the same time and wondering what magical power this author has been graced with, because WHAT?!

Now that's it. This fourth one - it's not going to live up. You're well and truly afraid now because literary genius is not an endless spring from which said author can eternally draw, right? After the delightful surprises that are the first three books, you're not complacent with the idea of just a good novel. You need - you yearn for - another mind-blowing sequel and don't know what you're going to do if you don't get it.

You open up book number four, brace yourself for impact, and BAM. It's happened again. This is when you become 100% positive that said author is a supernatural being and you should probably be afraid and what she is capable of.

I bet you'd like to know who this said supernatural author is, wouldn't you? I'll tell you:
Jay motherf****in McLean (that's actually her middle name. Okay, I'm lying, but how badass would that be?). Author of my favorite NA romance series ever.

The opportunity presented itself to review an ARC of Jay's latest novel, More Than Forever (picture me lounging on my couch with my fiance and an e-mail pops up on my phone from Jay herself. "Have this ARC" she says [more or less] and all freaking hell breaks loose. Just sayin' - I was excited). However, after three wonderful, fantastic, heartwrenching, hysterical, beautiful, A. MA. ZING. novels, I wasn't sure it could happen again. I wasn't sure it could be all of those things and more - but it was.

In her first three books, Jay weaves a continual story of love, friendship, hope, with a heavy dose of reality thrown in. Things are never easy for our friends in the More world but at the risk of sounding cheesy as all hell - Jay shows us that love really can conquer all - but it ain't always gonna be fun, that's for sure. This story continues on in a monumental way in More Than Forever. If you're already a fan of this series but haven't read this book yet, just know that whatever you're expecting out of More Than Forever is moot at this point. Let go of all expectations. Simply expect the emotional roller coaster of a lifetime and to fall in love with Cam and Lucy and friends all over again.

(As always) I laughed as hard as I cried while reading this book (which was hard as f*ck). At times I laughed and cried at the same time. The love I have for this series has yet to be matched by any other NA series I've read to-date. Seriously. I've exaggerated substantially in this post but this is actually not an exaggeration. It's true! (Does this make me the girl who cried "book"? Cause I'm totally okay with that.)

I would also like to let the world know that my heart is broken by the fact that I now have to wait until next year to read the next book in the series. This is obviously a pretty standard practice when releasing books in a series, but Jay, you're magic (see above proof of magical abilities), so um... hook a sista up? No? What if I cry? Still no? Okay, well I guess I'll have to stick with re-reading the first four until book five finds its way into my greedy little hands!

BUY LINKS

Amazon >  http://amzn.to/1que6Fo

iBooks > http://bit.ly/1qrKsUO
B&N > http://bit.ly/1qrKxrB
Kobo > http://bit.ly/1qrK8p3

BOOK TRAILER

READ AN EXCERPT 

"I hate that guy," Logan jerks his head toward Jake and a new kid.

"The new kid? Dylan?"

He nods. "He thinks he owns the school."

"Really?" I glare over at them. "Apparently he kills  it on the basketball court, but I dunno." I shrug. "He hasn't said two words to me. He seems quiet."

"Those are the ones you have to worry about, Cam. The quiet broody assholes get all the girls. Better watch him around that new girl of yours."

I play dumb. "What new girl?"

"Shut up, asshole. You don't think I notice you watching her all the fucking time?"

I lift my chin. "I think if there's an asshole in this entire school to watch out for, it's you."

He laughs and adjusts his cap. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm not into stealing my friend's girls." He shoves his hand in his catcher's glove and smacks my arm with it. "Say the word. Claim her. I promise to stay away and I'll make sure she's untouchable to everyone else."

"I'm not an asshole and she isn't property. I can't own her."

"If that's what you want." He raises an eyebrow. "She's cute. In a couple years she'll be hot. Guys will be all

over her. I'm just trying to help out."
I think about what he's saying, and he makes a good point. Only he's wrong—she's hot now. "Fine. I claim her. She's mine."
His smirk is instant. "You can't own someone, you pig. She isn't property."
I laugh. "Fuck you."
Jake struts over to us. "Ya reckon that new kid Dylan can hang out with us this arvo? He seems like a top bloke."
Logan's gaze moves to me, confusion clear on his face. 
I shrug. He lets out a chuckle before gripping both of Jake's shoulders and shaking him gently. He looks him right in the eye, speaking slowly and clearly. "I have no idea what the fuck you just said."

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

More Than Forever is one of my favorite NA romances ever. (I do still hold a special place in my heart for Logan from MTHer but that's beside the point). It was everything I'd hoped for and more while simultaneously shocking the crap out of me and taking me on one hell of a ride.

Have any of you read the first few in the series? How freaking excited are you to read MTForever next?

And for my More-munity pals who've read this one along with me, I know you all agree with me when I say that Jay is freaking magic, amiright? Now we get to bug the hell out of eachother for the next year until the next one. Yay!

The More Series 

More Than This, #1

*Mikayla*
In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.
*Jake*
One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.
*This is our story of a maybe ever after.*

He was right. It made no difference whether it was 6 months or 6 years.
I couldn’t undo what had been done. I couldn’t change the future.
I couldn’t even predict it.
It was one night.
One night when everything changed.
It was so much more than just the betrayal.

It was the Tragedy.
The Deaths.
The Murders.
But it was also that feeling.
The feeling of falling.

BUY LINKS

**LIMITED TIME ON NOOK AND IBOOKS**
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1aIy8Im

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ryjNn5

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1nVIU2j

Nook: http://bit.ly/1ryi2pZ

More Than Her, #2

For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction." For every choice you make there are rewards, or there are consequences. It was my choice to walk away the first time. And my choice to chase her the second. But sometimes you don't get a choice, and all you get are the consequences.” "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Unless that someone is Logan Matthews. Because loving him didn't give me the strength to walk away. It didn't give me the courage to fight for him. And when it was over, all it gave me was a broken heart. 

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17FDmnp
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ryjQz8
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1nVIZD6
Nook: http://bit.ly/1ryikgo

More Than Him, #3

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." - Marianne Williamson

We live in a world of darkness and shadows,

where monsters hide and aim to ruin.

And they did.

They ruined us and turned our dreams into nightmares.

But now we're back.

And we're fighting.

Not just for us, or for each other, but for our light.

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1liA53P

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ryjUyY

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1nVJ6yC

Nook: http://bit.ly/1ryiPXW

AUTHOR BIO

Jay McLean is the author of the More Series, including More Than This, More Than Her, More Than Him and soon to be released, More Than Forever. She also has two standalones coming soon titled The Road, and Combative.

Jay is an avid reader, writer, and most of all, procrastinator. When she's not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, or devouring some tacky reality TV show. She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her smile, make her hurt, and make her feel.

AUTHOR LINKS

You can follow Jay on Instagram and twitter @jaymcleanauthor.

You can also find her on her blog at www.jaymcleanauthor.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter and get teasers and updates first and, her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jaymcleanauthor or her fan group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/moreserieslovers. You can contact Jay directly at jay@jaymcleanauthor.com

All her other social media links can be found below. Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaymcleanauthor/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4724550.Jay_McLean

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure you pay Jay a visit and enter below for an awesome giveaway!

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A.

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

ISBN: 9780062072047
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Released: December, 2011
Goodreads  |  B&N

     SUMMARY

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.
Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.
If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

REVIEW

I went into Under the Never Sky with one hell of a bookish chip on my shoulder. I was in the worst reading slump I'd been in in a long time and had recently DNF'd several different things that I just couldn't get into. I'd also had UNS on my shelf for a crazy long time so I figured it was about time to pick it up. I had no desire to read anything in particular so why the hell not, right?

I was so pleasantly surprised by UNS. It is so unique compared to other dystopians I'd been reading. UNS is fresh, it's different and I wanted to know so much more about the worlds of the book (especially the realms, which I was a little disappointed we didn't get to see more of). The sci-fi element of the book was the most interesting aspect and was what kept me glued to it.

The writing was great and though the world(s)-building as a whole lacked some of what I was hoping for, it left me intrigued and wanting more. The romance was also pretty well done, no real insta-love which is the bane of the existence of the YA world. Aria and Perry literally gave me chills. I absolutely adored them and I was rooting for them from the first page!

I enjoyed UNS a lot and I was pretty lucky to have Through the Ever Night on hand so I could start it immediately after. Great book and it definitely helped me begin the slow ascent out of my reading slump.

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

I enjoyed UNS so much! It was a fresh, unique take on the dystopian novels that are flooding the YA scene. The romance was beautiful and touching and I couldn't wait to get to the next book in the series once I was finished with this one.

Have any of you read Under the Never Sky? What did you think? Did you like it more or less than some of the other popular dystopian novels out there?

Let's talk books!

A.

Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

ISBN: 9780374384685
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Series: The Winner's Trilogy #1
Released: March, 2014
Goodreads  |  Book Depository

     SUMMARY

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

     REVIEW

I am always a bit wary picking up a book by a new author I've never heard of, mainly one who has just published their first book and where there isn't much information from my list of trusted bloggers to go on. I know, I know, I'm one hell of a book snob, but I try my best not to be since I am also an aspiring author (oh, the irony, right?). Anyway, I finally ended up ordering this book once I started seeing some opinions and reviews (glowing ones) from people I knew and I had to see what it was all about. However, I didn't have high expectations going into it. I had no idea what I was getting into, really.

The Winner's Curse starts off rather slowly. Actually, the majority of the book happens at a nice leisurely pace. Some have thought it was too slow. I thought it was perfect. It was like a slow build to a wonderfully smart, incredibly satisfying climax. I remember realizing that The Winner's Curse had drawn me in right from page one and kept me hooked throughout, rather than it having to be something I had to get into. Rutkoski's writing is beautiful and she weaves a story about love, loyalty and morality (I love a book that makes you think past the romance) that I just didn't want to stop reading. The love story between Kestrel, the main character, and Arin, the slave, had me grinning like a fool, though, when things finally took off and I have no complaints as to how it all went down, slow or not.

I will say I was particularly pleased that while Rutkoski did leave us on a bit of a cliffhanger, she didn't end the book where I expected she would, where most books would have left off and left the rest for book two. The expected things happened then, much to my delight, Rutkoski had more to add to the story!

I especially loved when the power and the "upper hand" shifted between the characters. Once again Rutkoski went against what I assumed she was going to do with the story and I enjoyed that the love of the characters didn't just disappear (or pretend to disappear) when the circumstances changed. It wasn't an insta-love in the begining or an insta-un-love at the end and that made me really happy. I hope that made sense to someone other than me, but if it didn't, you'll understand at least that this book gave me major feels and this nonsensical review is what resulted.

I tend to like books that have a fast pace or pick up speed not far into the book but I found that the beautiful, lyrical quality of the writing and having my interest piqued by the characters and world-building right away made the pace not matter to me much at all. I found a taste for slow-building novels in The Winner's Curse thanks to the author. I can't wait to read the next in the series to learn more about Arin and Kestrel!

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

Overall, I really loved The Winner's Curse. It was slower than the typical YA novels I read but I also found it to be one of the smarter, better written, more thought-provoking YA novels I've read, too. Arin and Kestrel are a favorite romantic couple of mine and I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us! Have you read The Winner's Curse? What did you think?

Do you like books that have a "slow-build" quality to them or a faster-paced novel? I thought I once only like fast-paced novels but The Winner's Curse seems to have changed my mind about that a bit - or at least proven me wrong. I'd love to know what you prefer.

Let's talk books!

A.

Review: More Than Him by Jay McLean

ISBN: 9781495340604
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle eBook
Series: More #3
Released: January 2014
Goodreads  |  Book Depository
*Please note this review may contain spoilers for the previous books in this series.*

     SUMMARY

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." - Marianne Williamson
We live in a world of darkness and shadows,
where monsters hide and aim to ruin.
And they did.
They ruined us and turned our dreams into nightmares.
But now we're back.
And we're fighting.
Not just for us, or for each other, but for our light.

     REVIEW

There isn't much to say about this book that I haven't already said about Jay McLean's previous books in the series. They're amazing, heart-wrenching, hysterically funny... I can't think of words adequate to describe how these novels made me feel. More Than Him was very unique in that the progression of the series took a bit of an unexpected turn - something I'd never experienced in a romance series before: (highlight to read sort-of spoiler) MTHim is a continuation of Logan and Amanda's story from book 2, MTHer. Most romances generally have some sort of happy ending for every book, especially in a series. So the series as a whole kind of blew my mind in that aspect, too - McLean totally took it outside the box.

There weren't as many gasp-worthy moments in this book that broke my heart as there were in the previous book, but for me this was a good thing. There were more swoon-worthy moments in MTHim and that really made the book in my opinion. Jay McLean seriously cemented my love for Logan, the MC, in this one and there is nothing anyone (real or fictional) can say or do to change that.

One of the best parts of this book (and of the series) is that we see more hilarious friend interaction here and I can honestly say I've never laughed so hard at another book as I have over the nonsense these characters get up to. I love them, I love the romance, I love the little lessons hidden in the stories - I love these books!

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

The More series is definitely my favorite NA romance series ever. Not only was it one of the first I've ever read which basically introduced me to the genre, but every NA romance I've read since hasn't lived up to the standard. Have you read any of the books in this series yet, more specifically, MTHim? What do you think of the series as a whole, and what do think of Logan now that we've seen who he really is?

Also, be very aware that the next book, More Than Forever, is being released in less than two weeks from today - July 12, 2014. You'll see a review from me some time in July, but trust me - you won't be disappointed!

Happy Reading!
A. 

P.S. In non-More related news, I'm giving away a paperback copy of If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Giveaway ends July 7, 2014, at midnight. Enter below!

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Review: More Than Her by Jay McLean

ISBN: 9781494205942
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle eBook
Series: More #2
Released: 2013
Goodreads  |  Amazon
*Please note this review may contain spoilers for book one in the series. See my review for More Than This here*

     SUMMARY:

"For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction."
For every choice you make there are rewards,
or there are consequences.
It was my choice to walk away the first time.
And my choice to chase her the second.
But sometimes you don't get a choice,
and all you get are the consequences.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Unless that someone is Logan Matthews.
Because loving him didn't give me
the strength to walk away.
It didn't give me
the courage to fight for him.
And when it was over,
all it gave me was a broken heart.

     REVIEW

I managed to read this book in one day (same as I did with the first in the series, More Than This). I think this speaks volumes for the book all on its own considering I usually take a bit more time than that, but don't worry - I'll give you plenty of other reasons why you should go read it.

I went into More Than Her with low expectations - it's about a character from book one that I actually happened to hate. You'd never know it now, but I hated Logan Matthews before reading this book. In the first book, he was arrogant, obnoxious, only seemed to care about himself - oh, and add in that he was a womanizer, screwing chicks left and right like it was his JOB. I couldn't stand him. Logan's lucky he was funny, because didn't think I could deal if he had no redeeming qualities. So then I find out he has a book - which means someone was about to make him settle down right? Correct...ish. Please take that statement with a grain of salt. MTHer is nothing like what you're expecting.

Jay McLean not only manages to completely change my mind about the preconceived notions I had regarding the main character, but she makes me love him, deeply - you know, if being in love with a fictional character is possible.

Not only are there hella plot twists and heart-wrenching moments that simply took my breath away; not only did Jay McLean manage to make me crack up laughing seconds after I finished ugly crying, but she managed to build me up - all the way freaking up - and then knock my ass right down. This book left me an emotional mess and I thank the heavens that I read these books when I did,with the ability to order the next one on my kindle immediately after finishing this one.

Trust me - if you're reading paperback, you're going to need the next one handy. If you're reading via e-book, please have at least $3.00 handy to order the next one the very second you finish this one. This is not an exaggeration. You will thank me for this advice one day.

On top of all of this, I think what Jay did with this book (and the series as a whole) was very unique and perfect for the way things played out. There's a very intense feeling that comes along with reading these books and Jay's fans have formed a very tight-knit "Moremunity" to work out these feelings (because therapists cost too much).

MTHer is my favorite book out of the four in the series, not because of the actual things that happen, but because of the FEELS. I've never been so emotional over a book before. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that if you haven't read any of these yet - please do it now! You won't regret it.

RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

MTHer is one of my favorite books so far this year! The tiny little issues I had with the book don't even warrant mentioning at this point. Just know that there is basically nothing that can keep you from loving this book if you give it a shot. I adored it and I adore Logan Matthews and one day when I find out where the human manifestation of this beautiful specimen has been hiding himself, he is all mine! DIBS!

Have you read this book or any of the books in this series? What did you think? I bet you loved Logan just like I do! And if you haven't read them, I know you will love him just as much.

Let's talk books!

A. 

P.S. In non-More related news, I'm giving away a paperback copy of If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Giveaway ends July 7, 2014, at midnight. Enter below!


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Review: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

ISBN: 9780345539786
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Series: Red Rising #1
Release date: January 28, 2014
Goodreads  |  Amazon

     SYNOPSIS:

The war begins...
Darrow is a Helldiver, one of a thousand men and women who live in the vast caves beneath the surface of Mars. Generations of Helldivers have spent their lives toiling to mine the precious elements that will allow the planet to be terraformed. Just knowing that one day people will be able to walk the surface of the planet is enough to justify their sacrifice. The Earth is dying, and Darrow and his people are the only hope humanity has left.
Until the day Darrow learns that it is all a lie. Mars is habitable - and indeed has been inhabited for generations by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. The Golds regard Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought.
With the help of a mysterious group of rebels, Darrow disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside.
But the command school is a battlefield. And Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda...

     REVIEW:

I read Red Rising back in.. geez, back in March. Here we are in June and I've yet to post a review. Yes, I have been in a bit of a slump. Yes I was on something along the lines of a hiatus. Yes, I am still recovering from said slump in an attempt to get back into my normal groove. But I also took this long because this was the next review I had to write and there are just no words for it.

Usually, I take notes while reading, or post incessantly to Goodreads if I need my screams to be heard, and use said notes and screams to help formulate my reviews.

Yeah, basically my Goodreads went something like this: "I have never read a book like this one. I can't.. I can't.." and that's about all the help I gave myself. Probably because I couldn't, and still can't form words in regards to this book.

I feel like it's something you all need to experience for yourselves. I will say, I don't think this is for everyone. It was reminiscent of... The Hunger Games, A Song of Ice and Fire and Ender's Game. Actually, I'm pretty sure the dust jacket of this book quotes those three books exactly. But it's so true and if you aren't a fan to some degree of these three books, I honestly don't think you will like Red Rising. It has the heart and soul of THG, the intensity and violence of ASoIF, and the intelligence and "out of this world" feeling of Ender's Game.

The world building is brilliant, explaining so much but still leaving so much to be discovered. The characters - God, I loved (and hated) so many of them! What was fantastic was how profound some of the messages in this book were without being over the top. I am in desperate need of the next book, Golden Son, immediately.

For lack of a better explanation on why this was one of the best books I've read so far this year, I shall instead implore you to go read it. That is, if you think you can handle it.

RATING: Loved it! ★★★★ 1/2

Have you read Red Rising yet? If you have, please help me better explain this amazing novel. What was it that you loved (or hated) about the book? If you haven't read it, do you think you will? Does it being described as a mix between THG, ASoIF and Ender's Game make you want to read it, or does that totally turn you off? Let's talk books!

Happy reading :)

A.

Series Review: The Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

I've never really done a series review before, but since I have quick opinions on each book and some things to say about the series as a whole, I thought it'd be easier than posting four separate pointless reviews. Below are the mini-reviews for the following:

Bloodlines (#1): ISBN: 9780141337111, released: August 23, 2011;
The Golden Lily (#2): ISBN: 9781595143181, released June 12, 2012;
The Indigo Spell (#3): ISBN: 9781595143198, released February 12, 2013; and
The Fiery Heart (#4): ISBN; 9781595143204, released November 19, 2013.

**The following mini-reviews may contain spoilers for the Vampire Academy series. Click here for spoiler free reviews of the Vampire Academy series**

     SERIES REVIEWS:

BLOODLINES (#1);

     I went into this first book looking forward to continuing a series I enjoyed a lot, Vampire Academy, but not expecting anything fantastic. While I enjoyed VA, it wasn't life changing and I had a lot of grievances over Mead's writing and choices in the story. As I started Bloodlines, I realized there was nothing life changing at first either, and then I realized that Mead was actually not doing some of the annoying things she did throughout VA, e.g., info dumps, etc. I ended up liking it a whole lot more than I expected to and really connected with Sydney, Adrian (who I really hated in VA) and some of the other minor characters (though Jill tended to get on my nerves). I loved it more than I think I loved any of the VA books and was so eager to move on to book 2.

THE GOLDEN LILY (#2):
*Please note there may be spoilers for Bloodlines in this mini-review*

     I ended up enjoying this one a lot but not quite as much as I enjoyed Bloodlines. I was annoyed by the way a lot of things played out, specifically a certain rescue that took two days! WTF! Some things just didn't go the way I'd hoped but one thing that did go the way I'd hoped was the Sydney/Adrian dynamic. I won't spoil anything that happens in this book but I love their friendship and the way they developed and Sydney stopped being an uptight little snotball (well, somewhat stopped) and opened up a lot. I really learned a lot about Sydney and grew to love her even though she was an uber-bitch in book 1.

THE INDIGO SPELL (#3):
*Please note there may be spoilers for the previous two books in this mini-review*

     I went into this one really wary, too, because a blog friend of mine, Kelly of Dandelion Dreams, didn't like it as much as the others. I was a little disappointed with the direction the Marcus Finch thing went in and I was especially surprised with the way the witch thing ended up going. All of those things aside, I LOVED this one for one reason and one reason only: Sydney/Adrian. I need nothing else in these books other than "Sydrian". This book was more character-driven this time around but I was totally okay with that. I can't count how many times my heart nearly burst from swoon and excitement and happiness and sometimes sadness. If it weren't for the out of place witch thing and the anti-climactic deal with Marcus Finch, this would've been a perfect novel!

THE FIERY HEART (#4):
*Please note there may be spoilers for the previous three books in this mini-review*

I just... am at a loss for words when trying to describe The Fiery Heart. By page one, I was already grinning like a fool and thanking the bookish gods for giving us Adrian's POV. He was hysterical, and so, so sweet, and sometimes reading about him made me a little sad. Adrian came off as very arrogant and selfish in the VA series and that's most of the reason I didn't like him. In The first three Bloodlines books we get to know him better, but nothing like in The Fiery Heart. My heart belongs to Adrian, that's all I can really say that sums it all up.

Sydney and Adrian were amazing - they just did something unnatural to my emotions with all of their interactions. And then comes the end of the book, which I guess I should've seen coming but I was very near hyperventilating and now I NEED Silver Shadows in my hands right now. It's even worse knowing I'll finish Silver Shadows in two days tops and won't have the next book for God only knows how long, 6 months, a year? Needless to day, The Fiery Heart was the best of the series so far and I think I'm going to re-read this one, just to relive all the feels.

SERIES RATING: ★★★★ 1/2 - Loved it!

I seriously didn't think I'd ever get around to reading the Bloodlines series or like it enough to read the whole thing because while I enjoyed VA, I didn't love it - not nearly as much as I love Bloodlines anyway. So when I finally picked them up and fell in love, it was quite the pleasant surprise. All four books were great, especially the last two which were fantastic!

Have you read the Bloodlines series yet? What did you think about them? If not, are you planning on reading it? You're in for a treat if that's the case! Let's talk books!


Happy Reading! A.