Book #Review - The Defiant by Lesley Livingston #YALit #Fantasy

Series: The Valiant # 2
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

The darling of the Roman Empire is in for the fight of her life in this lush sequel to the acclaimed historical fantasy The Valiant.

Be brave, gladiatrix…And be wary. Once you win Caesar’s love, you’ll earn his enemies’ hate.

Fallon was warned.

Now she is about to pay the price for winning the love of the Roman people as Caesar’s victorious gladiatrix.

In this highly anticipated sequel to THE VALIANT, Fallon and her warrior sisters find themselves thrust into a vicious conflict with a rival gladiator academy, one that will threaten not only Fallon’s heart - and her love for Roman soldier Cai - but the very heart of the ancient Roman Empire.

When dark treachery and vicious power struggles threaten her hard-won freedom, the only thing that might help the girl known as Victrix save herself and her sisters is a tribe of long-forgotten mythic Amazon warriors.

The only trouble is, they might just kill her themselves first.

The Defiant is the second but not last installment in author Lesley Livingston's The Valiant series. They call Fallon "Victrix" now. Victory. But winning the highest honor ever bestowed upon a gladiatrix in Rome has earned Fallon more deadly enemies outside the arena than she ever faced within it. And it is those dearest to Fallon who will pay the price for her success. Now, Fallon and her warrior sisters of Ludus Achilles Academy are thrust into a vicious conflict with a rival gladiator academy, one that will threaten not only Fallon's heart - and her love for Roman soldier Cai - but the very heart of the Roman Empire.

Let me summarize. It has been a year since Fallon arrived in the heart of the Roman Republic, first a slave, and later as a gladiatrix for Julius Caesar the woman who she thought was long dead. She fought and received a ceremonial sword of freedom which she gave to someone else. Probably not the smartest move Fallon has done up to this point. Especially since Julius Caesar hasn't freed Fallon and her gladiatrix sisters who fight for Ludus Achilles. Then the unthinkable happens.

While a rival female gladiatrix academy is visiting, Pontius Aquilla aka the Collector, makes his move on Sorcha, Rome's Lady Achillea. This moves brings back some of Fallon's most hated enemies who would do anything to see her dead. This sends Fallon, Caius Antonius Varro, Quintus, his second in command, and Fallon's sister gladiatrix on a mission to save their academy, those left behind in their rush to escape, as well as Fallon's sister Sorcha. 

One can definitely say that this story spends a whole lot of time as fugitives. Fallon herself is supposed to be the leader of a supposed rebellion against Rome. Rome has a short memory when it comes to rebellions. In fact, Fallon is being compared to Spartacus. Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who, along with the Gauls Crixus, Gannicus, Castus, and Oenomaus, was one of the escaped slave leaders in the Third Servile War, a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. 

What makes this a pretty decent read, is the new characters that are introduced. Even though they are secondary, or even tertiary characters for the most part, I believe that we haven't seen the last of them. I also respect the way that Fallon has become the default leader of Ludus Achilles Academy while Sorcha claims to never again want to fight. Fallon's guts and determination override any hesitancy one might have at poking fun at Sorcha. I also appreciated that the sisters stand shoulder to shoulder when all is said an done, but not alone. Nope. They have Cai, and Charon who you met in the first book. I have to also say that I adored Quint and his fondness for the hard core Elka. In today's world, Quint would probably be called dozens of names for chasing hard after someone like Elka. 

For those who are curious about my second by not last comment above. The author has a third book planned for this series releasing in 2019. The title has been listed on Goodreads as The Triumphant. 

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Monday #Review - Shadow Hunt by Melissa F. Olson #Urban #Fantasy

Series: Disrupted Magic # 3
Format: E-Book, 316 pages
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Publisher: 47North
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Urban Fantasy

For years now, Scarlett Bernard has counted on two things: her ability to nullify magic, and Shadow, the bargest who guards Scarlett with her life. But after a sudden revelation turns Scarlett’s world upside down, she panics and leaves town without warning, leaving Shadow with her partner, Jesse. In the chaos that follows, the bargest is stolen—and Jesse nearly dies from a brutal psychic assault.

It seems that an old enemy has returned for revenge…and the attack on Shadow was only the beginning. As Scarlett races home to find the bargest and rescue her friends, she is dragged deeper into a terrifying legend that has somehow found its way to present-day Los Angeles.

Now she will have to recruit every possible ally for a battle that will test her null ability to the limit. Scarlett has been in over her head before, but now she risks losing everything…and she’s never had more to lose.

Shadow Hunt is the third installment in author Melissa F. Olson's Disrupted Magic trilogy. If you've read Blood Gamble, the second installment in this new trilogy, you know that our protagonist, Scarlett Bernard, got stunning news at the end of that story that has put her in a very difficult and dangerous position. Especially if anyone with a grudge against her finds out. But, what's even more disconcerting, is that a former enemy has returned with a major vendetta against the city, Scarlett, Shadow, and the Old World which consists of Vampires, Witches, and Werewolves.

This enemy last appeared 3 years ago in the original Scarlett Bernard trilogy and was sent packing. If you haven't yet read the original Scarlett Bernard trilogy or the first two books in this trilogy, might I suggest you find a way to do so? As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years Scarlett has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden from human eyes.

Thanks to the fact that Shadow can't leave LA county, Scarlett and Molly decide to travel to Boulder, Colorado without telling anyone they are leaving. Well, except for  her sometimes partner former LAPD officer Jesse Cruz who ends up getting more than he bargained. While Scarlett is seeking answers from the worlds oldest vampire, Maven, about the rarity of her situation, Jesse is about to get fully immersed in one of the most dangerous times he's had since meeting

Scarlett and learning about the Old World. Jesse has more than earned my respect since this new trilogy was released.

Because of the rarity of Scarlett's situation, she chooses to call in a favor from Alison "Lex" Luther. I love the fact that Olson does a crossover between Lex's series and Scarlett's. These two may not be the best of friends, but Lex is definitely someone you want to have on your side. I do, however, wish that Lex had been able to make an appearance in the fight against the enemy. She is as dangerous as any character with her being a boundary witch. I also loved reconnecting with Lex's niece Charlie who is also a null and gets her first meeting with Scarlett. 

Shadow Hunt is the end of an arc, but not the end of Scarlett's story. Olson claims that she has plans to write more Alison Luther books, and hopefully another trilogy in the future. I will say that this is yet another fast paced story with plenty of action, suspense, and a moment I think all of us who have read both series have been waiting for. 

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#Stacking the Shelves #273 - Week Ending 02/10/2018

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Short and sweet this week!

One book from the library, 2 books via NetGalley

Have a great weekend!

Shelley

This Weeks Reviews: 

Monday - Look for Me by Lisa Gardner (Thriller, Suspense)

Tuesday - Assassin of Truths by Brenda Drake (YA, Fantasy)

Wednesday - Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones (YA, Fantasy)

Thursday - A Choice of Crowns by Barb Hendee (Fantasy)

 Friday - The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross (YA, Fantasy)

*REC'D VIA Library, NetGalley*

Friday #Review - The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Untitled # 1
Format: E-Book, 464 pages
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Epic

When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron. Growing up in the southern kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. 

However, the solstice does not go according to plan, and she is left without a patron. Months later, Brienna’s life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Though she’s suspicious of his intent, she has no other option, and must accept. But she soon discovers that he has big plans for her future. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the rival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. The question is, who will be that queen?

The Queen's Rising is the first installment by debut author Rebecca Ross. It is the first book in what is a trilogy, but there really isn't any verification as to the validity of this statement made on Goodreads. As the story opens, 10 year old Brienna, the illegitimate daughter of an man who her grandfather claims is not respectable and refuses to name, is given the rare opportunity to become an arden of the arts at the prestigious Magnolia House in Valenia. 

An arden is basically an apprentice who is supposed be become a master of one of five main passions -art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge. Each student is given a mentor who stays with the student for the entire 7 years that they are expected to be at the school. Upon completion of their 7 years, each will be given a cape with the color of their passion. Brienna is rare among the other 5 girls who she attends school with. She carries a dual citizenship between Valenia (mother) and Maevana (unknown father). 

Brienna's own issues become apparent when we learn that she's basically wasted 7 years of her life hoping that one of the passions would catch on. For the past 3 years, she choose to excel at the passion of knowledge under Master Cartier. As her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion of knowledge, and to be chosen by a patron. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron. 

Shortly thereafter, she is offered a patronage with a man who may have ulterior motive for asking to become Bri's patron. Brienna has a curious ability as well as we learn after she is given a book from Cartier. Brienna has the rare ability of remembering life experiences of her ancestors. Brienna’s ability means that she is uniquely poised to help overthrow the current northern king, a usurper. That is if she can find the lost scroll and a certain stone that holds the real queen's powers. 

Others are involved as well. Some closer to Brienna than she realizes. With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen? Inspired by Renaissance France, the rich, beautiful setting combined with all the complex political intrigue and a touch of magic make for an enjoyable read. 

Rebecca Ross weaves an intricate tale of revenge, loyalty, and, ultimately, self-discovery. There is also the curious attraction between Brienna and Cartier that doesn't suffocate the story. You know there is an attraction, but it doesn't take away from the nuisances of Bri's new life, her determination to see the rising of a true queen, and her own part that is yet to play out. I will end my review by saying this, The Queen's Rising could be considered as a standalone even though it is being sold as a trilogy. There is a beginning, plenty of action, twists, suspense, and romance, and an ending. The good thing about there being an ending, we don't have to wade through a cliffhanger ending and then wait another year to see what happens next. 

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Thursday #Review - A Choice of Crowns by Barb Hendee #Fantasy

Series: Dark Glass # 2
Format: E-Book, 273 pages
Release Date:  February 6th 2018 
Publisher: Rebel Base Books
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal

Olivia Geroux knew her king was reluctant to marry her, whatever the negotiations had arranged. But she never expected to find handsome, arrogant King Rowan obsessed with his stepsister instead. And before she can determine what course to take, she overhears her greatest ally plotting to murder the princess.

Olivia must act quickly-and live with whatever chaos results. As the assassin hunts his prey, a magic mirror appears to show Olivia the three paths that open before her . . .

If she hesitates only a moment, the princess will die-and she will become queen.
If she calls for help, she will gain great power-but she must also thrust away her own happiness.
If she runs to stop the murder herself, she will know love and contentment-but her whole country will suffer.

As she lives out each path, her wits and courage will be tested as she fights to protect her people, her friends, and her heart. And deciding which to follow will be far from easy . . .

A Choice of Crowns, by author Barb Hendee, is the second installment in the authors Dark Glass series. I will open my review by stating that each of these books are standalone's. You have a beginning, middle, and an ending. If you've read the first book, Through a Dark Glass, you know that a 3-way magical mirror appears at a crossroads in the central character's life. The mirror gives the central character the good and the bad of each of the consequences she will face if she chooses a certain path. 

Each avenue is shown in its entirety and then the chosen is told to choose what pathway they think will be best for them. This is 18-year old Olivia Giroux's story. Olivia is the youngest daughter of Hugh Giroux. She is told that she has no choice but to marry King Rowan since it has already been negotiated between him and the Dowager Queen. But, of course, there are caveats that I won't spoil. During a pivotal moment in the story, when Princess Ashton is facing death at the hands of Olivia's only real ally and an assassin, a 3-way mirror appears to her. 

The mirror tells Olivia that she is at a crossroads. She is told that she will live out three outcomes of three different choices but won't remember them after her choice is made. 

1. If she hesitates and doesn't do anything to stop an assassin from killing Ashton, she will die, and Olivia will become Queen.  

2. If she calls for help, another character will die, Olivia may gain great powers, but her own happiness might be put in the background.

3. If she runs to stop the assassin from killing a key character, she will know love and contentment, but her entire country will face ruination at the hands of the person who rules the country.

Olivia thoroughly struggles to keep her promise of marrying Rowan even though he clearly favors his step-sister Ashton. Olivia and Ashton quickly become friends. Even though there is an ICK factor when it comes to Rowan's obsession with Ashton, it is Olivia's choices that really separate her story from Megan, the previous story's protagonist. I do declare that the idea behind being given three choices, and then deciding what path you think will fit for your own happy ending is intriguing to me. Many times in life we get to a point in the road what if you turn left, life may have been a bit easier for you. If you turn right, well, you find out that free choice can sometimes be a real bitch.

The third installment in this series, A Girl of White Winter, releases in November 2018. The author and publisher have offered up a teaser, of sorts, introducing the newest character. Very interesting indeed. 

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Wednesday #Review - Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Wintersong # 2
Format: E-Book, 400 pages
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Fairy Tales & Folklore

Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her. 

When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands?

Shadowsong is the second installment in author S. Jae-Jones's Wintersong duology. Shadowsong picks up 6 months after the ending of Wintersong. My recommendation? Read the books back to back. That way you can keep your memory sharp at what happened in the previous book, and where things are at the moment Shadowsong opens. Once upon a time, there was a little girl who played music for a boy in the woods. Girl just happened to be an innkeeper's daughter who had the brilliance of a composer like Mozart and was raised listening to stories about Der Erlkönig.

The boy became the Lord of Mischief aka the Goblin King. For years, the boy waited patiently for the girl to make a choice and become his bride. When she finally did wander into the Underground the Goblin King let his Queen leave and return home to her family. By doing so, he cheated the old laws of their sacrifice and now everyone is paying the price until the sacrifice is made. The most scary part is that the Wild Hunt is on the loose bringing death with them and Liesl is the prize. 

This is a strange, and dark story that actually takes place mostly above ground in places like Bavaria and Austria. Elisabeth Vogler isn't the character we met in the previous installment. She doesn't know who she is any longer. She's working for her families inn, she hasn't written anything of any consequences since her return from the Underground, her mind is running in several different directions at once, and she is puzzled as to why her brother Josef hasn't been in contact. Then several things happen. First, she receives a curious letter from Joseph telling her to come to Austria, and later, she receives an unbelievable offer that a patron has agreed to help her move to Austria to be with her brother and his love Francois.

For those who understand Bipolar, you know that person exhibits characteristics that tend to be extreme hot and extreme cold with emotions. The author pretty much admits that she has written Liesl with that in mind. But, let's not forget about Josef. Josef gets more than his fair share of the storyline while the Goblin King sits in the background having to deal with his own issues. In this world, you can't escape the madness if you are Der Erlkönig's own. In this world, you have to give up something in order to gain something in return. What will Elisabeth have to give up when all is said and done? In the end, will Elisabeth be able to walk away and have a happy ending, or will the Wild Hunt make her one of their own?

"I lived in the in-between spaces. Between the pretty lie and the ugly truth."

"The mad, the fearful, the faithful, those who dwell with one foot in the underground and one foot in the world above."

"You can be running toward something or running from something, but you cannot do both at once." 

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Tuesday #Review - Assassin of Truths by Brenda Drake #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Library Jumpers (#3)
Format: E-Book, 403 pages
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult / Magical Realism

A fantastic ending to the Library Jumpers series from NY Times bestselling author Brenda Drake, about a girl who discovers a different realm hidden inside the world's most beautiful libraries.

The gateways linking the great libraries are no longer safe. Now the human world is experiencing violent attacks by unknown creatures as Conemar, with a compelled Nick by his side, readies his crazed army to rise against the Wizard Council and the Mystik League to take over both the Mystik and human worlds.

In the safety of a hideout in Ireland, Gia prepares herself for the great battle. With Arik and the other Sentinels’ help, she locates the rest of the Chiavi within the libraries and sets out to destroy the Tetrad. The journey is harrowing, and Arik tries to reconnect with Gia, but her conscience stops her from betraying Bastien, even though her heart screams for Arik. When Conemar and his men catch up to them, Gia must fight Nick to the death or give up both worlds and everyone she loves.

Assassin of Truths is the third and final installment in author Brenda Drake's Library Jumpers trilogy. Let's start from the top. Assassin picks up two months after the ending of Guardian of Secrets. Gia Kearns and her group of Sentinels is lying low in Ireland after the loss of key friends and allies to their nemesis. If you haven't already caught on to this series, this is about a group of Sentinels who are magical knights who protect the libraries of the world and humans from the dangers of those who want to rule both worlds. 

Protagonist Gia Kearns has been searching for the 7 keys called the Chiavi that can unlock a being called Tetrad. She has thus far found 5, and is close to uncovering the locations of the final 2. If Gia can get to them first, she may have a way to defeat it and save the world. If not, there will be a war that will engulf both the human and mystic worlds. Gia has become proficient in her ability to jump from library to library all over the world. 

She is also a curious sort of Sentinel, one that isn't supposed to exist. Unlike Gia, the rest of her allies have grown up learning how to handle the magical balls which are tied to key elements like water, fire, wind, and air. Gia's ability to create magical balls has grown leaps and bounds to the point where she is pretty good at keeping her head attached. She is definitely at the top of the most wanted list for her enemies, and those who have been lured to the dark side. This includes one powerful magician by the name of Conemar.

Gia has seen many ups and downs since her story began with the accidental jumping from a library in Boston, to one in the Vatican. She has lost friends, she has gained allies, she has become the fated savior of the planet, and she is more than just a silly prediction handed down generations ago. She is the Assassin of Truths. She is also a human with feelings. A human who has had her heart shattered, and then healed by another. If you are asking me about the 3-way love triangle that I didn't much care for in the first installment, that is definitely sorted out in a way that made me happy.

I will say that this is a perfectly paced story with an ending that left me satisfied. There's plenty of action and suspense. There's just enough romance that doesn't smother the story. There's Gia's growth as a character and a leader. There's Bastian who really made me glad that there was at least someone standing by Gia's side and didn't betray her trust and feelings. One last thing I do have to say about Gia. Nope, she's not perfect. She makes mistakes, especially when it comes to not trusting others to have her back. She goes solo enough times to say that she really can handle herself. Sometimes, she even over analyzes the situation. She also tried hard to remain true to who she is, and not change so much that you don't recognize her. She has tough choices to make in this book. But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

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