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I received an eARC of this book from HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction:
Where do I even start?! Assassin’s Heart by Sarah Ahiers is one of the best high fantasy books I’ve ever had the privilege to read. The story is addictive and heart-breaking with fantastic world-building and characters I won’t soon forget. Lea Saldana is an esteemed clipper from of the First Family in Lovero when her entire Family is killed by another Family. Grieving and wanting vengeance, she escapes to Yvain, a neighboring country that is home to her estranged uncle. Seeking his help, Lea plans to return Lovero with the means to kill the Family responsible, but will she get what she is looking for?
Unforgettable Characters
Lea Saldana is a force to be reckoned with! At 17, she is one of the best clippers (assassins) in Lovero. But she doesn’t just kill to kill. This is a form of worship for her. She is a devout follower of Safraella, the goddess of death and rebirth. In her mind, the one’s Lea kills are given a chance at new life and to this she is a swift killer. But like all 17 year olds she’s also lets her hormones make decisions for her…like falling in love and having a secret relationship with Val Da Via, an enemy Family or her need for vengeance. Whatever Lea sets her mind to, she accomplishes. Throughout the book she is grieving and the author does a fantastic job taking her through the grief process and letting the readers come along for the ride.
Marcello Saldana is fairly big character in the story who has very little presence in the actual story. He is the traitor uncle who killed the head of the Family before he was ousted. But Lea seeks him out, knowing he’s her only living relative and hoping for his help. He’s been living in Yvain since before her birth, but she is shocked when she finds him and sees that he too grieves as she does. They are opposites with much in common and I feel like this added to Lea’s character in a way that only family can!
And Les *swoon* He is living with her uncle when Lea meets him and he confuses her to no end. Lea is used to the Loveran way of life and yet Les has grown up in Yvain, was a traveler before meeting Marcello and loves freely without the constraint of “Family over family” (more on that in a minute). He is kind just to be kind and he cares more than anyone Lea has ever encountered. He believes in the clipper way of life, is devoted to it as Lea is, but his training isn’t complete and Lea worries it will get him killed.
High Fantasy at Its Best
I could go on for DAYS about the world-building in this book! It is AMAZING. Sarah Ahiers creates an entirely new world with its own gods, own countries, and own customs. It never ceases to amaze me when authors do this and do it well as this author has. Lovero is protected by the king’s worship of Safraella. The clippers work in service to Safraella, taking jobs and killing people in her name. Then there’s the motto “Family over family.” Family are the clippers you work with, live with and serve with while family are your blood relatives. Honestly there’s a lot of overlap and the author does a great job of showing how the two often conflict with the characters feelings as in the case of Lea and Marcello.
My Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book. I had the hardest time sitting it down to eat or sleep. I just wanted to know what would happen next, if Lea would return to Lovero and get her vengeance, would she find real love and happiness. I NEEDED to know! By far this is one of my all-time favorite reads, ranking right up there with Sarah J. Maas’s [b:Throne of Glass|16034235|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419066050s/16034235.jpg|11138426] series for me (which y’all know is huge praise). If you enjoy high fantasy, young adult romance, and a thrilling read, you NEED to read this book ASAP!
Initial Reaction:
Where do I even start?! Assassin’s Heart by Sarah Ahiers is one of the best high fantasy books I’ve ever had the privilege to read. The story is addictive and heart-breaking with fantastic world-building and characters I won’t soon forget. Lea Saldana is an esteemed clipper from of the First Family in Lovero when her entire Family is killed by another Family. Grieving and wanting vengeance, she escapes to Yvain, a neighboring country that is home to her estranged uncle. Seeking his help, Lea plans to return Lovero with the means to kill the Family responsible, but will she get what she is looking for?
Unforgettable Characters
Lea Saldana is a force to be reckoned with! At 17, she is one of the best clippers (assassins) in Lovero. But she doesn’t just kill to kill. This is a form of worship for her. She is a devout follower of Safraella, the goddess of death and rebirth. In her mind, the one’s Lea kills are given a chance at new life and to this she is a swift killer. But like all 17 year olds she’s also lets her hormones make decisions for her…like falling in love and having a secret relationship with Val Da Via, an enemy Family or her need for vengeance. Whatever Lea sets her mind to, she accomplishes. Throughout the book she is grieving and the author does a fantastic job taking her through the grief process and letting the readers come along for the ride.
Marcello Saldana is fairly big character in the story who has very little presence in the actual story. He is the traitor uncle who killed the head of the Family before he was ousted. But Lea seeks him out, knowing he’s her only living relative and hoping for his help. He’s been living in Yvain since before her birth, but she is shocked when she finds him and sees that he too grieves as she does. They are opposites with much in common and I feel like this added to Lea’s character in a way that only family can!
And Les *swoon* He is living with her uncle when Lea meets him and he confuses her to no end. Lea is used to the Loveran way of life and yet Les has grown up in Yvain, was a traveler before meeting Marcello and loves freely without the constraint of “Family over family” (more on that in a minute). He is kind just to be kind and he cares more than anyone Lea has ever encountered. He believes in the clipper way of life, is devoted to it as Lea is, but his training isn’t complete and Lea worries it will get him killed.
High Fantasy at Its Best
I could go on for DAYS about the world-building in this book! It is AMAZING. Sarah Ahiers creates an entirely new world with its own gods, own countries, and own customs. It never ceases to amaze me when authors do this and do it well as this author has. Lovero is protected by the king’s worship of Safraella. The clippers work in service to Safraella, taking jobs and killing people in her name. Then there’s the motto “Family over family.” Family are the clippers you work with, live with and serve with while family are your blood relatives. Honestly there’s a lot of overlap and the author does a great job of showing how the two often conflict with the characters feelings as in the case of Lea and Marcello.
The only Saldana remaining, and I’d gotten my Family killed because I’d loved a boy in secret who used that love to destroy me.The plot follows Lea as she first lives through the destruction of her Family and then as she escapes to the refuge of Yvain. There are angry ghosts in the Dead Plains and clippers chasing her and crooked lawmen making it a thrilling tale full of suspense and horror. BUT there is also the love aspect of the story. Love for Family, love for your family, forbidden love, and true love. While this isn’t the focus of the story it plays a hand in the action of all the characters.
My Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book. I had the hardest time sitting it down to eat or sleep. I just wanted to know what would happen next, if Lea would return to Lovero and get her vengeance, would she find real love and happiness. I NEEDED to know! By far this is one of my all-time favorite reads, ranking right up there with Sarah J. Maas’s [b:Throne of Glass|16034235|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419066050s/16034235.jpg|11138426] series for me (which y’all know is huge praise). If you enjoy high fantasy, young adult romance, and a thrilling read, you NEED to read this book ASAP!
Initial Reaction:
I really have no words for how disappointed I was in The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. Seriously!! I’ve heard such AMAZING things about this book and then I was like….WHY?! It was predictable (like ridiculously predictable) and I still am not sure I read the same book as everyone else. The book begins by dropping you into the middle of the story which is okay because it caught my attention immediately! BUT THEN it lags and goes back and forth between present and past as Cassie (the MC) tells her story, why she’s alone, and what the heck happened to everyone else. I’m really torn on how I feel about this book so let’s break it down….
The Awesome Snark
Cassie is one of those characters that you are either going to love or hate. She has the perfect amount of snark while maintaining her disillusioned teenage dreams. Really she does!! While writing in her journal about what is happening she also pines over her high school crush. Rick Yancey does an amazing job of conveying just how lost Cassie is. She clings to her high school crush, her cell phone, her baby brother’s teddy bear while trying to avoid dealing with what is currently happening….the 5th Wave….a full blown alien invasion….the loss of everything she has ever known to be true. Cassie is bitter when she is first introduced but honestly can you blame her?
Then there’s Zombie one of the other main characters. His POV doesn’t come into the book until about third of the way through, but like Cassie his snark and self-deprecating sense of humor along with his hopelessness will either drive readers to him or away. Zombie is a survivor of the plague (the 4th wave) and is a part of the human resistance. He is training to be a soldier and he will do it well. He blames himself for his family’s death at the hand of a local gang and honestly doesn’t want to live. Hence the nickname Zombie….it really fits him. He was once the star football player in high school, now he’s nothing and that my friends is his attitude. He has nothing to live for until he is given his own combat unit and a little boy the same age as his sister to take care of.
And Evan Walker. Let’s all take a moment to swoon over this character shall we?!
I do not want to say too much about Evan Walker because SPOILERS but I will say that he is my favorite character next to Cassie. He’s kind, a bit awkward, and has been alone a long time until he rescues Cassie from certain death. And that is all I will say….he’s a hunk!
The Expected, Foreseen Plot
Here’s where the story lost me….it was SO PREDICTABLE!!!! I mean I get it. Young adult dystopians involving aliens is a small genre and there’s only SO many ways it can be done, but really it was TOO predictable. I knew everything that was happening before it happened which let’s be honest….that’s disappointing. I want to read a book to be surprised. However I stuck with the book because the premise of the plot was interesting and I liked the characters!
The 5th Wave centers around the alien invasion and the means they’ve used to wipe humans off the planet. Cassie’s character serves as a way to explain the previous 4 waves and whether there will be a 5th one or if they are in the 5th one. It’s a story of survival and what lengths you are willing to go to. But it is also a story about the aliens….why are they here? who are they? those types of questions. The plot is told from multiple POVs and there is some head hopping which I found hard to follow, but the majority of the story comes from Cassie (thankfully). Romance plays a small, VERY small, part of the plot but as I said it’s a story of survival and who will win.
Sad Conclusion
Overall I just wasn’t all that impressed. I’ve heard such amazing things about the book that I knew I wanted to read it and when I saw it was going to be a movie I thought I HAD to read it before the movie came out. Well I’ve read it, it was ok and now I don’t know if I’ll keep reading or see the movie. If you enjoy science fiction, dystopias, and a tiny touch of romance than I recommend you read it. You may find it better than I did!
I really have no words for how disappointed I was in The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. Seriously!! I’ve heard such AMAZING things about this book and then I was like….WHY?! It was predictable (like ridiculously predictable) and I still am not sure I read the same book as everyone else. The book begins by dropping you into the middle of the story which is okay because it caught my attention immediately! BUT THEN it lags and goes back and forth between present and past as Cassie (the MC) tells her story, why she’s alone, and what the heck happened to everyone else. I’m really torn on how I feel about this book so let’s break it down….
The Awesome Snark
Cassie is one of those characters that you are either going to love or hate. She has the perfect amount of snark while maintaining her disillusioned teenage dreams. Really she does!! While writing in her journal about what is happening she also pines over her high school crush. Rick Yancey does an amazing job of conveying just how lost Cassie is. She clings to her high school crush, her cell phone, her baby brother’s teddy bear while trying to avoid dealing with what is currently happening….the 5th Wave….a full blown alien invasion….the loss of everything she has ever known to be true. Cassie is bitter when she is first introduced but honestly can you blame her?
Then there’s Zombie one of the other main characters. His POV doesn’t come into the book until about third of the way through, but like Cassie his snark and self-deprecating sense of humor along with his hopelessness will either drive readers to him or away. Zombie is a survivor of the plague (the 4th wave) and is a part of the human resistance. He is training to be a soldier and he will do it well. He blames himself for his family’s death at the hand of a local gang and honestly doesn’t want to live. Hence the nickname Zombie….it really fits him. He was once the star football player in high school, now he’s nothing and that my friends is his attitude. He has nothing to live for until he is given his own combat unit and a little boy the same age as his sister to take care of.
And Evan Walker. Let’s all take a moment to swoon over this character shall we?!
I do not want to say too much about Evan Walker because SPOILERS but I will say that he is my favorite character next to Cassie. He’s kind, a bit awkward, and has been alone a long time until he rescues Cassie from certain death. And that is all I will say….he’s a hunk!
The Expected, Foreseen Plot
Here’s where the story lost me….it was SO PREDICTABLE!!!! I mean I get it. Young adult dystopians involving aliens is a small genre and there’s only SO many ways it can be done, but really it was TOO predictable. I knew everything that was happening before it happened which let’s be honest….that’s disappointing. I want to read a book to be surprised. However I stuck with the book because the premise of the plot was interesting and I liked the characters!
The 5th Wave centers around the alien invasion and the means they’ve used to wipe humans off the planet. Cassie’s character serves as a way to explain the previous 4 waves and whether there will be a 5th one or if they are in the 5th one. It’s a story of survival and what lengths you are willing to go to. But it is also a story about the aliens….why are they here? who are they? those types of questions. The plot is told from multiple POVs and there is some head hopping which I found hard to follow, but the majority of the story comes from Cassie (thankfully). Romance plays a small, VERY small, part of the plot but as I said it’s a story of survival and who will win.
Sad Conclusion
Overall I just wasn’t all that impressed. I’ve heard such amazing things about the book that I knew I wanted to read it and when I saw it was going to be a movie I thought I HAD to read it before the movie came out. Well I’ve read it, it was ok and now I don’t know if I’ll keep reading or see the movie. If you enjoy science fiction, dystopias, and a tiny touch of romance than I recommend you read it. You may find it better than I did!
The Curse of Gremdon by Ciara Knight was just an okay read for me. It is set in a fantasy realm ruled by Elders with feminine oppression and fear of the unknown set the tone. It’s billed as a fantasy, paranormal romance and it is that, but there was a little too much romance for me and not enough story.
Arianna is a warrior, the only female warrior (at least from my understanding), training and fighting her way to the top to earn elite status. She’s cunning, ruthless, and guards her heart with a stone wall. When the kingdom fell (more on that in a moment), she lost everyone but her younger brother and she will do whatever it takes to protect him. You gotta love that about her!
Tardon is already an elite warrior when the book starts. He is alone and wishes for a family, something forbidden under the Elders. However he accepts their “gifts” willingly until after a training fight where Arianna gets the better of him. He realizes he doesn’t want the cheap whores the Elders send every night, he wants Arianna. His mind is consumed with her and honestly it was a bit odd. A warrior who was content in his ways all of a sudden wanting another warrior? Hmmm….
The plot was ALL OVER THE PLACE for me. I really struggled with it! There wasn’t much, if any, backstory about why the inhabitants of Gremdon all lived at the castle, why they weren’t allowed beyond the walls, why the all had to wear an amulet from the Elders, etc. As the reader, you are dropped into this fantasy world and while it is haunting and horrific, you have NO clue what is going on. There is little to no world-building til close to then end but then it makes sense. So if you read and you are lost, stick with it!
Overall this book was just ok for me. As I already stated the world-building was lacking and with fantasy that’s a big no-no in my book. Also the romance was a bit over-the-top. It’s a forbidden romance that blossoms between Arianna and Tardon, but I felt like it was more lust than love that the author conveyed. If you enjoy new adult, paranormal romance, than I believe you’ll enjoy this one. It just wasn’t for me.
Arianna is a warrior, the only female warrior (at least from my understanding), training and fighting her way to the top to earn elite status. She’s cunning, ruthless, and guards her heart with a stone wall. When the kingdom fell (more on that in a moment), she lost everyone but her younger brother and she will do whatever it takes to protect him. You gotta love that about her!
Tardon is already an elite warrior when the book starts. He is alone and wishes for a family, something forbidden under the Elders. However he accepts their “gifts” willingly until after a training fight where Arianna gets the better of him. He realizes he doesn’t want the cheap whores the Elders send every night, he wants Arianna. His mind is consumed with her and honestly it was a bit odd. A warrior who was content in his ways all of a sudden wanting another warrior? Hmmm….
The plot was ALL OVER THE PLACE for me. I really struggled with it! There wasn’t much, if any, backstory about why the inhabitants of Gremdon all lived at the castle, why they weren’t allowed beyond the walls, why the all had to wear an amulet from the Elders, etc. As the reader, you are dropped into this fantasy world and while it is haunting and horrific, you have NO clue what is going on. There is little to no world-building til close to then end but then it makes sense. So if you read and you are lost, stick with it!
Overall this book was just ok for me. As I already stated the world-building was lacking and with fantasy that’s a big no-no in my book. Also the romance was a bit over-the-top. It’s a forbidden romance that blossoms between Arianna and Tardon, but I felt like it was more lust than love that the author conveyed. If you enjoy new adult, paranormal romance, than I believe you’ll enjoy this one. It just wasn’t for me.
I received an eARC of this book from Lady Amber's Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Secrets of Dargon by Ciara Knight takes The Shrouded Kingdoms series to a whole new level! In the first book I felt like the world-building was lacking as it was more focused on the romance between Arianna and Tardon. In THIS book however, while there is still some focus on romance between Saldor and Marseha, the author focuses a lot on the world-building and fantasy elements of the story.
We first met Saldor in [b:The Curse of Gremdon|25985340|The Curse of Gremdon (The Shrouded Kingdoms #1)|Ciara Knight|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437940681s/25985340.jpg|17339574], he was the Elder’s lackey, ruler of dungeon and ultimately Arianna’s friend. I honestly shipped the two a bit! Saldor is kind, gentle and wise beyond his years. He lost everyone when the Elders invaded Gremdon and the curse took over, including his fiancé Marseha. He’s never loved another and holds on to the possibility that she lives in another kingdom. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends, but he’s lonely and my heart broke for him over and over again.
Marseha is just one of the new characters introduced to the series in this story and she also happens to be the other main character (POV flips between her and Saldor throughout the book). To be honest I wasn’t really sure how to feel about her. She is the Queen’s apprentice and a powerful witch. She ran from Gremdon when she was marked so as not to face the fires, but not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about Saldor and what she left behind. She’s bitter, untrusting, and very secretive. Yet I felt for her as I did Saldor.
As I’ve already stated the plot really focuses on the world-building of the series. In this book, we find out a lot more about the Elders, why they are there, and how to stop them. Saldor is angry at the onset of the book. Gremdon is content to leave the other kingdoms to the fate of the Elders, believing that they are safe. Obviously after all Saldor did for the Elders, he wants to help the other kingdoms to atone for his past. It’s in this struggle with the new council that he finds his way to Dargon and back into Marseha’s arms. She is looking for a warrior, a warrior strong enough to close the portal the Elders are trying to open. Can they do it together or will their secrets come between them? I’ve said it many times, if characters would learn to communicate we wouldn’t have books!
Overall I enjoyed this story. Saldor is probably my favorite character of the series and seeing all that he goes through in the first book with Arianna and Tardon made me excited to read his story. The fantasy is present in this book much more than the first and for all you romance lovers out there, there’s that too! Ciara Knight does a great job of balancing the two this time. If you enjoy paranormal romance and fantasy, I highly recommend you check this one out!
The Secrets of Dargon by Ciara Knight takes The Shrouded Kingdoms series to a whole new level! In the first book I felt like the world-building was lacking as it was more focused on the romance between Arianna and Tardon. In THIS book however, while there is still some focus on romance between Saldor and Marseha, the author focuses a lot on the world-building and fantasy elements of the story.
We first met Saldor in [b:The Curse of Gremdon|25985340|The Curse of Gremdon (The Shrouded Kingdoms #1)|Ciara Knight|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437940681s/25985340.jpg|17339574], he was the Elder’s lackey, ruler of dungeon and ultimately Arianna’s friend. I honestly shipped the two a bit! Saldor is kind, gentle and wise beyond his years. He lost everyone when the Elders invaded Gremdon and the curse took over, including his fiancé Marseha. He’s never loved another and holds on to the possibility that she lives in another kingdom. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends, but he’s lonely and my heart broke for him over and over again.
Marseha is just one of the new characters introduced to the series in this story and she also happens to be the other main character (POV flips between her and Saldor throughout the book). To be honest I wasn’t really sure how to feel about her. She is the Queen’s apprentice and a powerful witch. She ran from Gremdon when she was marked so as not to face the fires, but not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about Saldor and what she left behind. She’s bitter, untrusting, and very secretive. Yet I felt for her as I did Saldor.
As I’ve already stated the plot really focuses on the world-building of the series. In this book, we find out a lot more about the Elders, why they are there, and how to stop them. Saldor is angry at the onset of the book. Gremdon is content to leave the other kingdoms to the fate of the Elders, believing that they are safe. Obviously after all Saldor did for the Elders, he wants to help the other kingdoms to atone for his past. It’s in this struggle with the new council that he finds his way to Dargon and back into Marseha’s arms. She is looking for a warrior, a warrior strong enough to close the portal the Elders are trying to open. Can they do it together or will their secrets come between them? I’ve said it many times, if characters would learn to communicate we wouldn’t have books!
Overall I enjoyed this story. Saldor is probably my favorite character of the series and seeing all that he goes through in the first book with Arianna and Tardon made me excited to read his story. The fantasy is present in this book much more than the first and for all you romance lovers out there, there’s that too! Ciara Knight does a great job of balancing the two this time. If you enjoy paranormal romance and fantasy, I highly recommend you check this one out!
Written in Red by Anne Bishop is the first book in The Others and I cannot believe that it took me so long to read it!!! It’s no secret that I’m a fantasy lover and THIS book is that and SO MUCH MORE. In the book, the author creates an alternate world where everything paranormal tenuously coexists with humans. It’s really a fun read! In this first book of the series, Meg Corbyn is running, from what no one knows, and finds herself in the Lakeside Courtyard. Shape-shifter Simon Wolfguard has no love for humans but something about Meg leads him to help her. When Meg’s secret comes to light, Simon will have to decide if helping her is worth risking his family and friends in the courtyard.
Meg is an interesting character. For someone of her age, she’s extremely naive and while reading in her POV you find out that she has never lived outside the facility that she ran from. Her sole experience with the outside world consisted of pictures and video clips and of course her visions. You see she a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet. With each slice of her skin, she gets glimpses of the future, making her a very valuable asset. All she wants for herself is a life away from the facility, a real chance of living.
Simon Wolfguard is the alpha, so to speak, or designated leader of the Lakeside Courtyard. He along with other Others live within the confines of the Courtyard, but as an experiment and a way to work with humans, they have shops open to humans and Others. Simon owns the bookstore *sigh* and is raising his nephew after his sister was killed. I really liked Simon, but at the same time he scared me to death! He isn’t human and the author does a great job of conveying this with his odd wolf-like mannerisms, his ruthlessness, cunning, and his loyalty.
While Simon and Meg are really the main characters, there are many other characters that play vital roles: Henry Bearguard, Sam, Vlad, and many others. I love them all! The uniqueness that each brings is unlike anything I’ve ever read in a paranormal fantasy.
The plot focuses on two things: Meg and the government’s hunt for her and Asia Crane. Asia is introduced as annoyance to Simon. She basically is trying to get inside the Courtyard, for what you’ll have to read the book but trust me when I say she is crafty. The hunt for Meg though is the biggest part of the book and really it comes down to one question: will the Others protect Meg or give her back?
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Despite being 400+ pages, I read it quickly, not wanting to set it down for ANY reason. Why 4 stars instead of 5? There was a bit of head hopping in the beginning and a lot of info dump regarding the world-building that left me slightly confused. By five or six chapters in though, I had it figured out. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, I highly recommend you get a copy of Written in Red. It won’t disappoint!
Meg is an interesting character. For someone of her age, she’s extremely naive and while reading in her POV you find out that she has never lived outside the facility that she ran from. Her sole experience with the outside world consisted of pictures and video clips and of course her visions. You see she a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet. With each slice of her skin, she gets glimpses of the future, making her a very valuable asset. All she wants for herself is a life away from the facility, a real chance of living.
Simon Wolfguard is the alpha, so to speak, or designated leader of the Lakeside Courtyard. He along with other Others live within the confines of the Courtyard, but as an experiment and a way to work with humans, they have shops open to humans and Others. Simon owns the bookstore *sigh* and is raising his nephew after his sister was killed. I really liked Simon, but at the same time he scared me to death! He isn’t human and the author does a great job of conveying this with his odd wolf-like mannerisms, his ruthlessness, cunning, and his loyalty.
While Simon and Meg are really the main characters, there are many other characters that play vital roles: Henry Bearguard, Sam, Vlad, and many others. I love them all! The uniqueness that each brings is unlike anything I’ve ever read in a paranormal fantasy.
The plot focuses on two things: Meg and the government’s hunt for her and Asia Crane. Asia is introduced as annoyance to Simon. She basically is trying to get inside the Courtyard, for what you’ll have to read the book but trust me when I say she is crafty. The hunt for Meg though is the biggest part of the book and really it comes down to one question: will the Others protect Meg or give her back?
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Despite being 400+ pages, I read it quickly, not wanting to set it down for ANY reason. Why 4 stars instead of 5? There was a bit of head hopping in the beginning and a lot of info dump regarding the world-building that left me slightly confused. By five or six chapters in though, I had it figured out. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, I highly recommend you get a copy of Written in Red. It won’t disappoint!
So I adored [b:A Thousand Pieces of You|17234658|A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1)|Claudia Gray|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400166295s/17234658.jpg|23752694] by Claudia Gray and I thought there was no way she could top it.
Ten Thousand Skies Above You was just as good if not BETTER than the first book! Like the first book, we are dropped into the middle of the story. Marguerite is getting ready to use the Firebird and like last time she’s with Theo looking for Paul. Deja vu anyone? Theo is sick and dying from the effects of Nightthief that the other Theo used while in his body. Paul goes to another dimension looking for the cure, but after 48 hours he still hasn’t returned. Now Marguerite’s on a mission: find and save Paul.
Paul….I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him no matter the dimension. He’s kind, caring, smart, has a self-deprecating humor that makes you love him even more. He is one of my favorite book boyfriends. I could really fangirl on him ALL day, but I don’t think you’d appreciate that. His quiet strength and the romance between him and Marguerite is one of the sweetest I’ve ever read.
While Marguerite is convincing herself that she loves Paul and only Paul (smart girl), Theo is a constant in this book. He is her devoted friend, her loyal follower, her brother. He takes care of her as they jump through dimensions trying to find Paul. While I was shocked at the role Theo played in the last book, I was heartbroken by his character in this one. I think as a reader it is easier to separate the two different Theo’s than it would be if he was alive. The one Theo betrayed Marguerite and while she doesn’t want to admit to herself, she holds that over her Theo’s head. While her Theo is just trying to gain her trust again and love her. HEARTBREAKING!!!
The plot….I really cannot say a thing about the plot because
Overall, I LOVED this book, cliffhanger and all. And OMG!!!! That cliffhanger is awful! I’m not sure I’ll last til the next book!!! If you enjoy young adult romance, science fiction, I highly recommend you read this book ASAP.
Ten Thousand Skies Above You was just as good if not BETTER than the first book! Like the first book, we are dropped into the middle of the story. Marguerite is getting ready to use the Firebird and like last time she’s with Theo looking for Paul. Deja vu anyone? Theo is sick and dying from the effects of Nightthief that the other Theo used while in his body. Paul goes to another dimension looking for the cure, but after 48 hours he still hasn’t returned. Now Marguerite’s on a mission: find and save Paul.
Traveling through the worlds gives you perspective. It makes you value what you have.Marguerite is one of my all-time favorite characters. She’s fierce, loyal, and loving, but she also has a large moral compass by which she stands. As she travels through dimensions, seeing herself in different worlds and situations, she begins questioning the effects her travels cause on those she encounters and her other self. This moral question is a big theme of this book and bravo to the author for making the readers question it just as strongly.
I want you when it’s crazy, when it’s frightening, when it’s impossible, because there’s nothing within you that could hurt me half as much as not having you.
Paul….I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him no matter the dimension. He’s kind, caring, smart, has a self-deprecating humor that makes you love him even more. He is one of my favorite book boyfriends. I could really fangirl on him ALL day, but I don’t think you’d appreciate that. His quiet strength and the romance between him and Marguerite is one of the sweetest I’ve ever read.
While Marguerite is convincing herself that she loves Paul and only Paul (smart girl), Theo is a constant in this book. He is her devoted friend, her loyal follower, her brother. He takes care of her as they jump through dimensions trying to find Paul. While I was shocked at the role Theo played in the last book, I was heartbroken by his character in this one. I think as a reader it is easier to separate the two different Theo’s than it would be if he was alive. The one Theo betrayed Marguerite and while she doesn’t want to admit to herself, she holds that over her Theo’s head. While her Theo is just trying to gain her trust again and love her. HEARTBREAKING!!!
The plot….I really cannot say a thing about the plot because
Overall, I LOVED this book, cliffhanger and all. And OMG!!!! That cliffhanger is awful! I’m not sure I’ll last til the next book!!! If you enjoy young adult romance, science fiction, I highly recommend you read this book ASAP.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction
Strings by David Estes is one of the best retellings I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Strings is a very loose retelling of the classic Pinocchio. Pia is a girl attached to strings for as long as she can remember, working on nanotech for the Company with her father Gio. Everyday she wishes for a life without strings, without the mysterious people above the fluid black ceiling that controls them. But in wishing she may get more than she bargained for.
Pia and Fig
Pia is by far one of my favorite characters ever, not because she’s awesome because believe me she’s flawed, but because she is so easily relatable. At 16, she’s lived her whole life controlled by someone else pulling her strings. She can’t even shower without them allowing it! What kind of existence is that?! This question becomes Pia’s mantra throughout the book. She wants a chance to live, really live and she will stop at nothing until her and her father are free. Pia is childlike in some instances. She’s kind, naive but then she is also bitter at her lot in life. Reading her journey and character growth is amazing!
Fig is awesome!!! He is a Pia’s nanotech robot, best friend and conscience (seeing as she is the only one who can hear him!). He’s feisty, snarky, and puts Pia’s best interests ahead of everything else. He is her Jiminy Cricket and Figaro. He’s playful and makes Pia’s bland life bright.
The Twisted Game
The plot of the story revolves around the death of the Founder and change in management at the Company. With the change in management comes a game that security talks about and Pia is clueless of. Also with the change comes Marco and Sofia to Pia’s life. Marco is kind, shy while Sofia is bitter and outgoing drawing Pia to both of them. But their appearance is a little odd, along with the Company granting deadline extensions and acting like they no longer care about the work Pia and her father do. Every time this is mentioned in the book, it gave me a sense of foreboding.
David Estes has created a fantastic sci-fi version of the classic Pinocchio. I really love it!!! The elements of the original are there: Pia wants to be a real girl without strings, she’s given the task of being brave, honest, and unselfish, she must go through trusting the wrong people before she finds the truth and then her ultimate redemption. It’s fantastic!!! Did I say that already? The sci-fi elements are probably my favorite part of the story. The entire book takes place inside the Company (creepy, right?!). There’s a black, fluid ceiling that allows her strings to be controlled and moved throughout the complex. It’s just great!!!
My Conclusion
Strings is an absolute MUST READ for all young adult, sci-fi fans. Pia is a wonderful character that drew on my heart immediately and her playful sidekick Fig, it was so hard for me to believe he wasn’t a real person but a robot! Then the story....it's just beautiful, haunting and perfect! So what are you waiting for?! Go, get your copy!!!
Initial Reaction
Strings by David Estes is one of the best retellings I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Strings is a very loose retelling of the classic Pinocchio. Pia is a girl attached to strings for as long as she can remember, working on nanotech for the Company with her father Gio. Everyday she wishes for a life without strings, without the mysterious people above the fluid black ceiling that controls them. But in wishing she may get more than she bargained for.
Pia and Fig
Pia is by far one of my favorite characters ever, not because she’s awesome because believe me she’s flawed, but because she is so easily relatable. At 16, she’s lived her whole life controlled by someone else pulling her strings. She can’t even shower without them allowing it! What kind of existence is that?! This question becomes Pia’s mantra throughout the book. She wants a chance to live, really live and she will stop at nothing until her and her father are free. Pia is childlike in some instances. She’s kind, naive but then she is also bitter at her lot in life. Reading her journey and character growth is amazing!
Fig is awesome!!! He is a Pia’s nanotech robot, best friend and conscience (seeing as she is the only one who can hear him!). He’s feisty, snarky, and puts Pia’s best interests ahead of everything else. He is her Jiminy Cricket and Figaro. He’s playful and makes Pia’s bland life bright.
The Twisted Game
The plot of the story revolves around the death of the Founder and change in management at the Company. With the change in management comes a game that security talks about and Pia is clueless of. Also with the change comes Marco and Sofia to Pia’s life. Marco is kind, shy while Sofia is bitter and outgoing drawing Pia to both of them. But their appearance is a little odd, along with the Company granting deadline extensions and acting like they no longer care about the work Pia and her father do. Every time this is mentioned in the book, it gave me a sense of foreboding.
David Estes has created a fantastic sci-fi version of the classic Pinocchio. I really love it!!! The elements of the original are there: Pia wants to be a real girl without strings, she’s given the task of being brave, honest, and unselfish, she must go through trusting the wrong people before she finds the truth and then her ultimate redemption. It’s fantastic!!! Did I say that already? The sci-fi elements are probably my favorite part of the story. The entire book takes place inside the Company (creepy, right?!). There’s a black, fluid ceiling that allows her strings to be controlled and moved throughout the complex. It’s just great!!!
My Conclusion
Strings is an absolute MUST READ for all young adult, sci-fi fans. Pia is a wonderful character that drew on my heart immediately and her playful sidekick Fig, it was so hard for me to believe he wasn’t a real person but a robot! Then the story....it's just beautiful, haunting and perfect! So what are you waiting for?! Go, get your copy!!!
I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson is the second book in the Power of the Matchmaker but can be read as a standalone. This fun, contemporary romance follows Lani. Lani is at a crossroads in her life. She must learn to trust her heart instead of head because if she doesn’t Lani risks losing something she didn’t know was missing.
Lani is such an easy character to relate to. She’s fun, outgoing, kind, sweet…the list goes on. BUT she has trust issues. Her dad ran out when she was a kid, her family isn’t close AT ALL, and her only constant in life is her grandmother. When her college sweetheart asks her to marry him after nine years and living an ocean apart, Lani has to decide if she loves him enough to leave the home she’s made in Hawaii or if it’s time to move on. I really felt for her on this! She loves Derek, but he isn’t IT….does that make sense?
Lani runs a bed and breakfast with her grandmother on one of the smaller Hawaiian islands, so this gives the author some leeway to have some fun characters. First there’s Pearl, the Matchmaker, the eccentric Asian lady who happens to show up for a room that people keep canceling and she stays the whole summer. And then there’s Easton. Easton is very mysterious. He shows up, rents the bungalow for the entire summer, but rather than see the tourist hot spots, he wants to see what the locals see. He’s a playboy who may have met his match in Lani.
The plot of the story is a sweet romance that blossoms between Lani and Easton. As I’ve already mentioned, Lani has some big decisions to make regarding Derek (her college sweetheart) and ultimately what she is looking for in life. Easton needs to learn how to love in earnest. Reading this story my heart broke for them over and over again because simple miscommunication or NO communication kept them from happiness.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It’s sweet, funny, and a clean read which is hard to find in this genre anymore. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend this and the rest of the books in Power of the Matchmaker. Each book in the series features a different couple helped along by Pearl. A new one is released the first of each month for 2016. It’s fun to see how each book ties to the next and I’m excited to read more!
Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson is the second book in the Power of the Matchmaker but can be read as a standalone. This fun, contemporary romance follows Lani. Lani is at a crossroads in her life. She must learn to trust her heart instead of head because if she doesn’t Lani risks losing something she didn’t know was missing.
Lani is such an easy character to relate to. She’s fun, outgoing, kind, sweet…the list goes on. BUT she has trust issues. Her dad ran out when she was a kid, her family isn’t close AT ALL, and her only constant in life is her grandmother. When her college sweetheart asks her to marry him after nine years and living an ocean apart, Lani has to decide if she loves him enough to leave the home she’s made in Hawaii or if it’s time to move on. I really felt for her on this! She loves Derek, but he isn’t IT….does that make sense?
Lani runs a bed and breakfast with her grandmother on one of the smaller Hawaiian islands, so this gives the author some leeway to have some fun characters. First there’s Pearl, the Matchmaker, the eccentric Asian lady who happens to show up for a room that people keep canceling and she stays the whole summer. And then there’s Easton. Easton is very mysterious. He shows up, rents the bungalow for the entire summer, but rather than see the tourist hot spots, he wants to see what the locals see. He’s a playboy who may have met his match in Lani.
The plot of the story is a sweet romance that blossoms between Lani and Easton. As I’ve already mentioned, Lani has some big decisions to make regarding Derek (her college sweetheart) and ultimately what she is looking for in life. Easton needs to learn how to love in earnest. Reading this story my heart broke for them over and over again because simple miscommunication or NO communication kept them from happiness.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It’s sweet, funny, and a clean read which is hard to find in this genre anymore. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend this and the rest of the books in Power of the Matchmaker. Each book in the series features a different couple helped along by Pearl. A new one is released the first of each month for 2016. It’s fun to see how each book ties to the next and I’m excited to read more!
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of this review.
Initial Reaction
AND THEN
AND FINALLY
It’s no secret that I didn’t care for [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181], the first book in the second Forever Evermore saga. Caro wasn’t my favorite character. She was immature, indecisive and just plain got on my nerves! BUT that all changed in Chosen Fool. In this book Caro finally faces one of her greatest fears….feelings and the repercussions of those feelings. She goes on an exciting, albeit embarrassing adventure, and then THAT ending!!!!! Scarlett Dawn, do you know what you are doing to me?!
Caro Rocks!
Caro Jules, the elemental prodigy, is officially my new favorite heroine. She’s snarky at all the right times, yet she has a big heart, one that gets broken in this book….broken to the point that even I shed a few tears for her. With that in mind, you got to give the girl credit. She doesn’t wallow — well she does, just not much. And she kicks butt more than a few times using those mysterious powers of hers. Despite what is thrown at her, she faces it all head on and she conquers!!!!
Sin, who was my ship in [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181], is noticeable absent for a majority of the book. This did not make me happy, but I soon got over him. He breaks my heart as much as Caro though. He loves her, that much was obvious in the last book, but with the rules that are in place he can do nothing about it. AND he doesn’t know if Caro wants him too….
Leric, who was kinda, sorta, the main love interest in the last book, is back in this one. I didn’t trust him in [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181]. He just shows up after he learns Caro is the elemental prodigy, wanting to guide her and teach her about her own powers. He’s mysterious, never giving many answers, and even Caro had questioned why he was there as her kind rarely leave their realm. He’s not unkind, on the contrary he made me swoon and still does. BUT none of the others trust him and when the confront Caro….well let’s just say it doesn’t go well.
Twisted Surprises
This book is full of surprises that I did not see coming, like AT ALL! Scarlett Dawn first off has created a massive world with the Forever Evermore saga. I don’t think I’ll ever be tired of this world! Elementals and mysticals and spirit realms and witches and wizards and were-creatures….I mean really, urban fantasy dream rolled into one amazing series.
This plot revolves around Caro, the mystery surrounding Leric, and Caro’s past with the Bossman. I was not prepared for what the author threw in during this book. Be warned there are some pretty graphic violent scenes of abuse that Caro and Sin face that left me in tears. THIS is why Caro is who she is and you don’t want to miss that!
BUT the surprises….oh man I can’t talk about this plot AT ALL without giving away spoilers so I’m done. No more. Just know starting this book that everything you think you know you don’t. You’ll be wrong, I guarantee it….unless you are Scarlett Dawn reading the book and then you’ll know what happens!
That Ending….Ugh!!!
Overall I loved this book! Caro is a different, more mature character and what she goes through in this book is enough to make anyone else dissolve into a blubbering mess, but she doesn’t. She pushes through and keeps going, she makes a bad situation work for her. For fans of the Forever Evermore saga, you don’t want to miss this book. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, than I highly suggest you start the series ASAP! It won’t disappoint!
Initial Reaction
AND THEN
AND FINALLY
It’s no secret that I didn’t care for [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181], the first book in the second Forever Evermore saga. Caro wasn’t my favorite character. She was immature, indecisive and just plain got on my nerves! BUT that all changed in Chosen Fool. In this book Caro finally faces one of her greatest fears….feelings and the repercussions of those feelings. She goes on an exciting, albeit embarrassing adventure, and then THAT ending!!!!! Scarlett Dawn, do you know what you are doing to me?!
Caro Rocks!
Caro Jules, the elemental prodigy, is officially my new favorite heroine. She’s snarky at all the right times, yet she has a big heart, one that gets broken in this book….broken to the point that even I shed a few tears for her. With that in mind, you got to give the girl credit. She doesn’t wallow — well she does, just not much. And she kicks butt more than a few times using those mysterious powers of hers. Despite what is thrown at her, she faces it all head on and she conquers!!!!
Sin, who was my ship in [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181], is noticeable absent for a majority of the book. This did not make me happy, but I soon got over him. He breaks my heart as much as Caro though. He loves her, that much was obvious in the last book, but with the rules that are in place he can do nothing about it. AND he doesn’t know if Caro wants him too….
Leric, who was kinda, sorta, the main love interest in the last book, is back in this one. I didn’t trust him in [b:Chosen Thief|24850378|Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore, #4)|Scarlett Dawn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426576721s/24850378.jpg|42550181]. He just shows up after he learns Caro is the elemental prodigy, wanting to guide her and teach her about her own powers. He’s mysterious, never giving many answers, and even Caro had questioned why he was there as her kind rarely leave their realm. He’s not unkind, on the contrary he made me swoon and still does. BUT none of the others trust him and when the confront Caro….well let’s just say it doesn’t go well.
Twisted Surprises
This book is full of surprises that I did not see coming, like AT ALL! Scarlett Dawn first off has created a massive world with the Forever Evermore saga. I don’t think I’ll ever be tired of this world! Elementals and mysticals and spirit realms and witches and wizards and were-creatures….I mean really, urban fantasy dream rolled into one amazing series.
This plot revolves around Caro, the mystery surrounding Leric, and Caro’s past with the Bossman. I was not prepared for what the author threw in during this book. Be warned there are some pretty graphic violent scenes of abuse that Caro and Sin face that left me in tears. THIS is why Caro is who she is and you don’t want to miss that!
BUT the surprises….oh man I can’t talk about this plot AT ALL without giving away spoilers so I’m done. No more. Just know starting this book that everything you think you know you don’t. You’ll be wrong, I guarantee it….unless you are Scarlett Dawn reading the book and then you’ll know what happens!
That Ending….Ugh!!!
Overall I loved this book! Caro is a different, more mature character and what she goes through in this book is enough to make anyone else dissolve into a blubbering mess, but she doesn’t. She pushes through and keeps going, she makes a bad situation work for her. For fans of the Forever Evermore saga, you don’t want to miss this book. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, than I highly suggest you start the series ASAP! It won’t disappoint!
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie is such an endearing, heart-warming romance with adventure and the lure of the wild west! Delsie Radford is on a mission: make it to California in time for her estranged sister’s wedding. The problem: she has just over 2 weeks to do it. That adds up to roughly 100 miles a day on horseback. She needs help, and she finds it in the form of a Pony Express rider named Myles Patton.
I like Delsie. In fact, she’s a woman to look up to. At just 19, she comes up with this grand scheme to reach her sister before she marries and moves again, leaving no way for Delsie to find her. She’s determined, full of faith, and she’s got this spark of adventure. She has faith that she will make it thanks to the express rider she finds and their guide. This girl who has grown up basically with a silver spoon in her mouth, never worked a day in her life, is now going to cross the western part of the country to reach her sister. Like I said, I admire her!
Myles Patton is the express rider that somehow accepts the crazy idea. I felt for Myles. He’s nursing a broken heart after his girlfriend of 6 years refused to marry him. He has no living family left. So naturally he’s bitter, disenchanted, and lost faith in God. When Delsie shows up though, something about her faith, her determination, gets him. He decides to help her, plus the money she’s offering will go towards the horse ranch he wants to open someday. He’s aware of the dangers they will face, and with a healthy dose of fear and confidence that he can — and more importantly, wants to — protect Delsie, they set off.
Possibly my favorite character in the whole book though is their guide and Myles’s friend, Amos. Amos is middle-aged widower with no children of his own. He’s kind, has a strong faith, and loves Myles as a son. His contribution to the book, though small, leaves a big impact!
The plot follows the trio as they cross west to get to California. There is plenty of adventure to be had: storms, highwaymen, Indians, and the desert itself. It’s an intense read, full of suspense, relying on faith, and friendship. Stacy Henrie beautifully portrays the friendship that blossoms between Myles and Delsie as they cross the plains. The reliance and trust that is built within just a few days is remarkable, but most importantly I believe is that it is realistic. Think about it a second. If you were crossing unfamiliar land with two men you didn’t know and you spent from before sun up to sun down with them, wouldn’t you learn to trust them and rely on them? They are keeping you safe after all. And this is what Delsie does!
Also the alternating POV is a technique I’ve come to expect from this author. She does it so well! Myles and Delsie tell the story through their eyes: a Pony Express Rider who grew up in the area and a rich girl from back East looking at everything with new eyes. It adds a beauty to the desert, the formations and even the dangers they face.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was easy for me to get lost in their adventure. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading! If you enjoy inspirational romance, than I highly recommend you get a copy of this book.
The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie is such an endearing, heart-warming romance with adventure and the lure of the wild west! Delsie Radford is on a mission: make it to California in time for her estranged sister’s wedding. The problem: she has just over 2 weeks to do it. That adds up to roughly 100 miles a day on horseback. She needs help, and she finds it in the form of a Pony Express rider named Myles Patton.
I like Delsie. In fact, she’s a woman to look up to. At just 19, she comes up with this grand scheme to reach her sister before she marries and moves again, leaving no way for Delsie to find her. She’s determined, full of faith, and she’s got this spark of adventure. She has faith that she will make it thanks to the express rider she finds and their guide. This girl who has grown up basically with a silver spoon in her mouth, never worked a day in her life, is now going to cross the western part of the country to reach her sister. Like I said, I admire her!
Myles Patton is the express rider that somehow accepts the crazy idea. I felt for Myles. He’s nursing a broken heart after his girlfriend of 6 years refused to marry him. He has no living family left. So naturally he’s bitter, disenchanted, and lost faith in God. When Delsie shows up though, something about her faith, her determination, gets him. He decides to help her, plus the money she’s offering will go towards the horse ranch he wants to open someday. He’s aware of the dangers they will face, and with a healthy dose of fear and confidence that he can — and more importantly, wants to — protect Delsie, they set off.
Possibly my favorite character in the whole book though is their guide and Myles’s friend, Amos. Amos is middle-aged widower with no children of his own. He’s kind, has a strong faith, and loves Myles as a son. His contribution to the book, though small, leaves a big impact!
The plot follows the trio as they cross west to get to California. There is plenty of adventure to be had: storms, highwaymen, Indians, and the desert itself. It’s an intense read, full of suspense, relying on faith, and friendship. Stacy Henrie beautifully portrays the friendship that blossoms between Myles and Delsie as they cross the plains. The reliance and trust that is built within just a few days is remarkable, but most importantly I believe is that it is realistic. Think about it a second. If you were crossing unfamiliar land with two men you didn’t know and you spent from before sun up to sun down with them, wouldn’t you learn to trust them and rely on them? They are keeping you safe after all. And this is what Delsie does!
Also the alternating POV is a technique I’ve come to expect from this author. She does it so well! Myles and Delsie tell the story through their eyes: a Pony Express Rider who grew up in the area and a rich girl from back East looking at everything with new eyes. It adds a beauty to the desert, the formations and even the dangers they face.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was easy for me to get lost in their adventure. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading! If you enjoy inspirational romance, than I highly recommend you get a copy of this book.