*Early Review* Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

*My Thoughts*

Thank you Veronica Rossi for providing readers with a finale that not only didn't waste our time or take up valuable reading space, but, kept us entertained from the first page until the last with plenty of challenges to keep our heroes and heroines busy. I have had a variety of not so enjoyable reads recently when it came to series finales, but, Into the Still Blue mixes the perfect blend of action, adventure, romance, and suspense with two very likable characters in Aria and Peregrine (Perry for those not in the know), and very solid supporting cast including the villains.

ITSN picks up immediately where its predecessor left off with Aria being severely hurt, Roar and Perry at each others throats because of Liv's loss, Cinder having been taken by Sable & Hess because of his ability to connect to the Aether, the Aether growing more dangerous by the day and food supplies running short with the survivors living in the cave, and the Dwellers basically sitting around feeling sorry for themselves, and not offering anything to the situation they find themselves in except Soren.

In a desperate mission to rescue Cinder so that they can find the Blue and have a future, Aria, Perry, Roar, and Soren go up against Hess and Sable and their minions which includes an individual Aria is understandably curious about. Into the Still Blue is once again told from the dueling POV's of Aria and Perry. I respect Rossi's decision to tell the story from two different prospectives. After all, you would miss a great deal of what happens when the two are separated and are forced to face difficulties without the other to save them if that weren't the case.

I think one of the best things Rossi does is connect the characters even though they are from different backgrounds and abilities. I like the connection between Aria and Roar. It reads as though they are best friends, or even siblings. Their time together facing Sable and losing Liz had a lot to do with cementing their feelings of friendship towards the other and the loss they both experienced binds them together like Perry and Roar have been since childhood. I liked that Roar and Perry had issues that they needed to get through and was glad that they were just thrown together once again and didn't have to think about what Liv's loss meant to everyone around them.

I think the ending was probably the best that you could ask for. The loose ends are tied up, the Blue is revealed, and perhaps a chance at unity for a civilization that has survived years of mistrust and anxiety towards the other can be healed and they can move onward together. I think that Aria is probably the stronger character this time around and that shows that she is capable of growing up, and leading people and not just sit by and watch others. Perry, of course, is masterful and awesome, and a fantastic character. 

Author - Veronica Rossi
Title - Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky # 3)
Published by Harper Collins
Released January 28, 2014
Genre - Dystopian
Received via Edelweiss/Publisher

*Waiting on Wednesday* 01/22/2014

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating....

This weeks choice is The Falconer by Elizabeth May

I've patiently waited for this to become available through US outlets since it has already released overseas. I would love to have publishers across the world release books at the SAME TIME. I am hoping one day publishers would realize that they would absolutely see sales go up if they did it that way.

Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

Edinburgh, Scotland, 1844

Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.

Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.

But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge?(less)

Hardcover, US, 336 pages

Expected publication: May 6th 2014 by Chronicle Books 

*Release Day Review* Dirty Magic (The Prospero's War #1) by Jaye Wells

*My Thoughts*

Jaye Wells, the author of the Sabina Kane series, is back with a new series featuring Babylon Police Officer Kate Prospero. Kate is a character who has been trying for TEN years to remain on the straight and narrow after turning her back on her families heritage and the use of dirty magic after a tragic event set her on a course to try to regain the ability to hold her held up high while also raising her younger brother Danny away from magic itself.

As a beat cop who patrols the area of Babylon known as the Cauldron which features several covens who may or may not get along with the others, Kate has to put up with both forms of magic; clean and dirty even though clean is supposed to be regulated by the government. She has also had to deal with prejudices in her own police department thanks to her being an ADEPT and having the ability to break down potions and tell what's in them.

After Kate kills a suspect wanted for murder, it leads to her being assigned to the Magic Enforcement Agency (MEA) under Special Agent Miranda Gardner and a reunion, of sorts, with her EX who becomes a prime suspect in the distribution of a highly potent and lethal potion. As someone who knows the ins and outs of the Cauldron and the covens attached to it, Kate brings a totally different prospective to the groups desire to reign in and stop dirty magic in its tracks.

But, there is a cost for everything which Kate quickly finds out. Will she end up breaking her TEN year hiatus in the use of dirty magic? Can she save her brother and keep him from joining the family business? Can she avoid once again falling into bad habits when her ex tries to lure Kate into doing something that she's promised never to do again; cook dirty magic?

Dirty Magic is an interesting story that should keep fans of Wells Sabina Kane series happy and coming back for more. After reading the Q&A portions of the novel, I actually look forward to the sequel and seeing what happens with Uncle Abe, as well as John Volos who has made things especially personal for Kate. I also want to know if Wells intends to give Kate a love interest, or focus on her determination, and courage in keeping magic from getting out hand. 

Dirty Magic is fairly fast paced novel that doesn't leave readers hanging off the side of the cliff waiting for the sequel to be released. From the Q&A, Babylon is based on a Rust Belt city of Cleveland, and you can tell that she's done her research when it comes to police procedures while making life in Babylon dark, and challenging. I think readers will be fully engaged in Kate's determination and desire to do the right thing even though it may cost her personally. 

Next up: Cursed Moon (The Prospero's War #2) releases August 12, 2014 by Orbit

*Recvd 12/13/2013 via Netgalley! *Expected publication: January 21st 2014 by Orbit

Author - Jaye Wells
Title - Dirty Magic (The Prospero's War # 1)
Published by Orbit
Released January 21, 2014
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Received from publisher via Netgalley

*Early Review* Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe) by Rosamund Hodge

*My Thoughts*

"You are the hope of our people."

So, I may not be the best indicator as to how well this particular new series by Rosamund Hodge will turn out. I mean, while I loved the unique world building, writing style, and the fact that it contains a whole lot of Greek Mythology mixed with Demonology, Romance, and a main protagonist who is more than a bit bitter, angry, cruel hearted, hateful, stubborn, and perhaps a bit too eager to find a way to please her father, I'm wondering how the rest of the series is going to progress after THAT ending. Will we continue to see Nyx, or will we read about new characters? Will the next book be about Astraea,or someone else?

"Duty is bitter to taste but sweet to drink."

Let's get to the point. Seventeen year old Nyx Triskelion lives in a time where the Gentle Lord has had Arcadia under his thumb for the past Nine Hundred years. He is the Lord of Bargains, and therefore, nearly everyone suffers because of it. Thanks to a bargain that Nyk's father made with the Gentle Lord, Nyx lost her mother during childbirth and now her father is expected to give up one daughter to HIM when she turns Seventeen to be married. 

Since she was Nine years old, Nyx has known that the only reason she exists is so that she can take revenge on the Gentle Lord by killing him and releasing his hold over Arcadia. Nyx has been trained to do NOTHING more than that. Forget about the fact that her father prefers her sister Astraia over Nyx because SHE looks like her mother. Forget about Nyx ever finding real romance, love, marrying, and having a future of her own. Forget that your father is bedding your aunt who is his long dead wife's sister in her absence. Nyx's only goal is to turn Seventeen, marry the Lord, and then take her revenge for her mother's death. In other words, she is EXPECTED TO DIE, and nothing more.

Supposedly, Cruel Beauty is based on Beauty and the Beast but I'm not sure what the correlation is and I haven't read Graceling so perhaps someone a bit more tuned into fairy tales and that book can be a better judge of this story than I am. I think perhaps the choice of words is the key factor here. It is BASED LOOSELY on Beauty and the Beast, but has absolutely NOTHING to do with the original story.

I will say that this story is predictable in many ways. The obvious villain of the story is Ignifex who along with his "Shadow" are immortal and have had their fingers in every pie while making obscenely awful bargains. When Nyx arrives at Ignifex's home full of spit and fire, she IMMEDIATELY falls for the Shadow and KISSES HIM! Talk about an immediate WTF moment for me. 

I believe that readers, if they pay attention, will immediately get the relationship between Nyx's two love interests and come to the same conclusion that I did, and that you are eventually led to. I would find it hard to imagine that anyone would NOT get it after it is laid out for you like a map to the biggest pot of gold you have ever seen in your entire life.

In the end, you will have to take your time and be willing to read through the slow parts to get to the meat and potatoes of the story and mystery since the story is well written and perhaps a bit descriptive at times. You will have to travel through a land of a twisted romance that will leave you wondering if Nyx has any common sense whatsoever or was her choices and decisions based on the fact that her entire life has been geared towards her NOT surviving or finding happiness and when she finally does stand up for herself, the outcome is the only thing that matters.

08/27/2013 - Recvd via Edelweiss - Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Balzer & Bray

Author - Rosamund Hodge
Title - Cruel Beauty
Published by Balzer & Bray
Releases January 28, 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling
Recvd via Edelweiss/Publisher

*Early Review* Avalon (Avalon, #1) by Mindee Arnett

*My Thoughts*

Having read Arnett's intriguing The Nightmare Affair, I was eager to read her debut young adult science fiction novel as well. I will say that Avalon surprised me in a good way. It's a story about Jethro Seagrave and his band of misfits who work for the notorious criminal mastermind Hammer DaFoe. 

Along with Jethro, there is his 13-year old sister Lizzie who has mad computer skills, Celeste who is as good of a pilot as Jeth, Will Shady, Flynn Emerson, as well as the Seagrave's Uncle Milton whose bad judgment forced Jeth to work hard in order to buy back the ship once owned by his parents; Avalon.

Under normal circumstances, debut novels give me the heebie jeebies and leave me weary. I know that there will be a bunch of world building, and hopefully some character development over the course of the story that often times leaves me unimpressed. Avalon is a fun story with twists, turns, danger, and suspense that is set centuries into the future.


"Jeth" is definitely a well written and lovable character who goes through the wringer in order to try to buy back Avalon from Dafoe. I loved the fact that he's the leader of a gang of trained misfits who target unsecured metatech to be taken and they are often times escape without any problems. There are, of course, other secondary characters who play pivotal roles like Sierra Hightwoer, Vince Mallory, and Cora who is a really interesting and terrifying character who Jeth should be glad that she's on his side. 

I am definitely eager to read the next novel in this series so that we can hopefully look further into the machinations of the Interstellar Transport Authority (ITA). I am eager to see where Jeth's journey's take him, including the possibility of a bit of romance along the way.

Author - Mindee Arnett
Title - Avalon (Avalon # 1)
Published by Balzer & Bray
Releases January 21, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction
Received via Edelweiss/Publisher

*Stacking the Shelves* 01/18/2014

Stacking The Shelves is a fun way to show off the books we received over the past week in the hopes that you will find something that you will be interested in reading. As always, it is in no way, shape, or form to be considered bragging or sticking out our tongues at other bloggers. 

I personally enjoy  reading comments from those that stop by and support Gizmo's Reviews and I make every effort to comment and visit back your blog in return. 

A huge thank you goes out to Jennifer Estep, Spencer Hill Press, Penguin/Dutton Adult, Harper Voyager,  Pocket Books, Tor/Forge, Harlequin Teen, Scholastic, Disney-Hyperion, and, of course, my local library!

Received via Jennifer Estep along with a BUNCH of awesome swag!

 

 Received via Spencer Hill Press

 

 

 Purchased via Amazon last week OOPS!

 

 Received via Edelweiss/Dutton Adult/Penguin

Received via Edelweiss/Harper Voyager

Received via NetGalley/Simon & Schuster Gallery, Pocket Books

Received via NetGalley/MacMillan/Tor/Forge

 

 

Received via NetGalley/Harlequin Teen

 

 

 Received via NetGalley/Scholastic

 

 

Received via NetGalley/Disney-Hyperion

 

 

 Library Finds

*Gizmos Reviews* Cover Reveal: Sworn To Secrecy by Terah Edun + #Giveaway (International)

On Sale on Amazon, iTunes & Barnes & Noble February 28, 2014

 

Sworn To Secrecy by Terah Edun (Book 4)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming Of Age 

Summary:

In the heart of the Imperial Courts, Ciardis Weathervane knows that death is coming for the empire. With her friends by her side and the new triad of Weathervanes, she's in a race against time to convince the courts of the same.

She must do her best to unite kith, mages, nobles and merchants under one cause - the fight to prevent a war. Soon she is forced to keep a secret that could exonerate her mother of the Empress's death, and is always one move away from stepping into diplomatic chaos. Throw in a Daemoni Prince who is showing interest in the youngest Weathervane, a jealous Prince Heir, and a irritated dragon with her own designs on Ciardis, and you have an Imperial Court in turmoil. This fourth novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Conflict.

Connect With Terah: Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Series Order Links:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Terah-Edun/e/B00A45ZH0Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/terah-edun

iBookstore

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/terah-edun/id634533819?mt=11

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=TERAH%20EDUN

Kobo

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Terah%20Edun&fcsearchfield=Author

Excerpt of Chapter One:

There were few things in the world that mystified Ciardis Weathervane more than the Imperial Courts of Sandrin. An intricate and multi-layered triad of courts with the Imperial family at the top, the landed nobles squarely in the middle and the wealthy ton comprising of the merchants, the artists and the mages at the bottom. If you could call it a bottom. Because nobles could be mages, Imperial family members had independent wealth and all of them played their games in pursuit of their own desires. Fidelity, honor and duty to the land wasn’t what drove these courtiers. Pride of place and greed for more took prominence above all. So landing back at Court on the arms of the woman that most everyone wanted dead and a man accused of aiding a serial killer wasn’t her best idea yet.

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International Giveaway!

Terah is giving away 1 ebook copy of any book in the Courtlight series to five winners. CLICK HERE to enter! Good Luck!

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