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In Queen Song by Victoria Aveyard, we finally find out about Cal’s mom, King Tiberias’s first wife, Queen Coriane. This novella broke my heart on so many levels! Coriane is a wonderful character who was perfect for the soon-to-be king. She was his balance, his confidant, his best friend…you know, what every wife strives to be.
Coriane’s family—the house Jacos—was a part of the court, but just barely. Her father had lost all their money gambling, and Coriane wished for the day that she could leave him, prayed for a life she knew she’d never have. She didn’t want a court life, despised it as she despised how her silver gift elevated her above those with a different color blood. She didn’t understand it, it wasn’t fair, and she wanted it to change.
When Coriane first meets Tibe by chance, they strike up an immediate friendship. He can just be himself with her and her with him. This doesn’t go over well in the court, especially from Elara Merandus. In [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], it was implied that this woman was somehow responsible for Coriane’s death and we get a look at Elara that is truly terrifying.
Elara is a Whisper, meaning that she can read others’ minds and also manipulate thoughts and dreams. She takes offense to not being chosen as queen and I really didn’t want to be in Coriane’s shoes! This woman is evil…let’s just leave it there.
Overall I enjoyed this story. It was great backstory and confirmed some suspicions I had from the first book. If you enjoy the series and you want to know what really happened to the first queen, grab a copy of this book!
Coriane’s family—the house Jacos—was a part of the court, but just barely. Her father had lost all their money gambling, and Coriane wished for the day that she could leave him, prayed for a life she knew she’d never have. She didn’t want a court life, despised it as she despised how her silver gift elevated her above those with a different color blood. She didn’t understand it, it wasn’t fair, and she wanted it to change.
When Coriane first meets Tibe by chance, they strike up an immediate friendship. He can just be himself with her and her with him. This doesn’t go over well in the court, especially from Elara Merandus. In [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], it was implied that this woman was somehow responsible for Coriane’s death and we get a look at Elara that is truly terrifying.
Elara is a Whisper, meaning that she can read others’ minds and also manipulate thoughts and dreams. She takes offense to not being chosen as queen and I really didn’t want to be in Coriane’s shoes! This woman is evil…let’s just leave it there.
Overall I enjoyed this story. It was great backstory and confirmed some suspicions I had from the first book. If you enjoy the series and you want to know what really happened to the first queen, grab a copy of this book!
In Steel Scars by Victoria Aveyard, Farley’s story comes to light. Farley is introduced in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051] as the leader of the rebellion against the silver leaders. I knew there had to be more to her story, especially after that ending, and I was right! While I personally wasn’t thrilled with this story, I felt like it gives some important background information that hints at what to expect in [b:Glass Sword|23174274|Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436460934s/23174274.jpg|42720997].
Farley’s character is a little dry. She was raised to be a soldier, a part of this rebellion against Silvers, and her whole life, her motives, everything revolves around being the perfect soldier. When she gets a secret mission to infiltrate Norta and begin to plant the seeds of rebellion, she jumps on the task. However she doesn’t follow orders to the letter. She makes her own judgment calls, brining in new recruits who are Nortan.
One particular recruit that I was shocked and excited to see was Shade Barrow, Mare’s older brother. He’s got an odd sense of humor and this ability to either move really fast or teleport. I’m unclear on the specifics. Either way he becomes an invaluable informant to Farley and the cause. His only request is to help his sister if she can.
The entire novella alternates from army communication with code names and the whole bit to short narratives from Farley’s POV. It was a bit hard for me to follow if I’m being completely honest. Farley didn’t hold my attention like Shade did and she was kind of boring. However the story itself is enough to make me like it! It adds some great background to what is going on in Norta and hints at what is to come. If you enjoy the series, I wouldn’t skip this one!
Farley’s character is a little dry. She was raised to be a soldier, a part of this rebellion against Silvers, and her whole life, her motives, everything revolves around being the perfect soldier. When she gets a secret mission to infiltrate Norta and begin to plant the seeds of rebellion, she jumps on the task. However she doesn’t follow orders to the letter. She makes her own judgment calls, brining in new recruits who are Nortan.
One particular recruit that I was shocked and excited to see was Shade Barrow, Mare’s older brother. He’s got an odd sense of humor and this ability to either move really fast or teleport. I’m unclear on the specifics. Either way he becomes an invaluable informant to Farley and the cause. His only request is to help his sister if she can.
The entire novella alternates from army communication with code names and the whole bit to short narratives from Farley’s POV. It was a bit hard for me to follow if I’m being completely honest. Farley didn’t hold my attention like Shade did and she was kind of boring. However the story itself is enough to make me like it! It adds some great background to what is going on in Norta and hints at what is to come. If you enjoy the series, I wouldn’t skip this one!
I am seriously in love with Anne Bishop's The Others! This series is just so much fun!!! In Murder of Crows, the author picks up a couple of weeks after the end of the last book. Meg Corbyn has fully recovered from her injuries and the city of Lakeside is putting the pieces back together after the storm caused by Winter. The Others are now concerned with the two addictive drugs that seem to be sweeping the country, affecting the Others and humans alike.
When someone targets the Crowgard, Simon and the Others at Lakeside Community band together to find out the cause and how to stop it. When Simon puts two and two together and finds out what the new drugs are made of, things from the first book come to light and the Others devise a way to stop it and protect “their” Meg in the process.
Fair warning: these books move at a slow pace. There’s A LOT of build up to the main action and suspense that takes place at the end. BUT the good news is that despite the slow pace, it doesn’t feel slow. There are so many characters in the book aside from Meg and Simon and the reader gets a glimpse into each POV. It actually adds to the story, rather than distracting. I like the nuances of each character that the author brings out.
My favorite character though is Simon Wolfgard. He’s the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard and as the leader, he’s both fair and scary. But the reason I like him is the author’s portrayal. He, like the rest of the Others, takes on some characteristic traits from the creature he turns into. In this case, Simon is a wolf. His devotion, not wanting to be alone, and his loyalty to Meg is like having a favorite puppy!
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance (while this is very scarce), I highly recommend you start the series. It is great!!!
When someone targets the Crowgard, Simon and the Others at Lakeside Community band together to find out the cause and how to stop it. When Simon puts two and two together and finds out what the new drugs are made of, things from the first book come to light and the Others devise a way to stop it and protect “their” Meg in the process.
Fair warning: these books move at a slow pace. There’s A LOT of build up to the main action and suspense that takes place at the end. BUT the good news is that despite the slow pace, it doesn’t feel slow. There are so many characters in the book aside from Meg and Simon and the reader gets a glimpse into each POV. It actually adds to the story, rather than distracting. I like the nuances of each character that the author brings out.
My favorite character though is Simon Wolfgard. He’s the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard and as the leader, he’s both fair and scary. But the reason I like him is the author’s portrayal. He, like the rest of the Others, takes on some characteristic traits from the creature he turns into. In this case, Simon is a wolf. His devotion, not wanting to be alone, and his loyalty to Meg is like having a favorite puppy!
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance (while this is very scarce), I highly recommend you start the series. It is great!!!
Riverbend by Ciara Knight is the prequel to her new series by the same name. Set in a little town an hour or so away from Creekside (see her Sweetwater County series), Cynthia Gold came to Riverbend to make her dreams come true. But four years later, she’s ready to leave with a broken heart. Will the man she loves realize he loves her too or is time for her to leave it all behind?
This short story packs a big punch! Cynthia is a sweet character. She’s kind, loving, loyal, and has always been on the sidelines of Dr. Mitchem Taylor. As his assistant, she does everything she can to make life (personal and professional) easier for him. She’s even come to love his son Andy as her own. Yet she’s nursed her love for him for four years, waiting to see if he would love her in return.
Dr. Mitchem Taylor is a widower, still grieving the loss of his wife four years prior. He’s smart, kind, a bit shy, and without the push of his best friend wouldn’t look at Cynthia as datable. But once the idea is in his head, he knows he doesn’t want anyone else. His big problem is how best to communicate that and keep their jobs as it is against the rules for them to date.
Overall this is a short, clean romance. You could easily read this in one sitting. In just over 60 pages the author packs a lot of emotion. Yes friends, I teared up and cried just a little. If you enjoy the author’s Sweetwater County series or you’re looking for a quick read for you weekend, I highly recommend this one.
Psst….this book is FREE on Amazon for a limited time!
This short story packs a big punch! Cynthia is a sweet character. She’s kind, loving, loyal, and has always been on the sidelines of Dr. Mitchem Taylor. As his assistant, she does everything she can to make life (personal and professional) easier for him. She’s even come to love his son Andy as her own. Yet she’s nursed her love for him for four years, waiting to see if he would love her in return.
Dr. Mitchem Taylor is a widower, still grieving the loss of his wife four years prior. He’s smart, kind, a bit shy, and without the push of his best friend wouldn’t look at Cynthia as datable. But once the idea is in his head, he knows he doesn’t want anyone else. His big problem is how best to communicate that and keep their jobs as it is against the rules for them to date.
Overall this is a short, clean romance. You could easily read this in one sitting. In just over 60 pages the author packs a lot of emotion. Yes friends, I teared up and cried just a little. If you enjoy the author’s Sweetwater County series or you’re looking for a quick read for you weekend, I highly recommend this one.
Psst….this book is FREE on Amazon for a limited time!
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine starts like any fairy tale with “Once Upon a Time….” so I knew instantly that this was going to be a good book. Right?! Because what book can be bad if it starts like that?! *Please note sarcasm* Don’t get me wrong. This book is AMAZING!!!! BUT it is a very dark and twisted retelling of the classic Snow White. Seriously, in the prologue the evil queen is feeding ROTTEN apples to her subjects!
The princess at the young age of 8 stops her, but she pays a high price for it. Watching her father die along with anyone else in the room, Lorelai escapes with her younger brother and her father’s guard. The evil queen kills everyone that witnessed Lorelai’s betrayal with the vow that she will get Lorelai. 9 years later….Lorelai is still evading the Queen Irina and training to one day face her. She will take back her kingdom and she will save it from the cruelty and evil of Irina. But what will it cost her?
Snow White Like You’ve Never Seen Her
Lorelai Deiderich (aka Snow White) is one of those characters that sticks with you. She’s cunning, kind, ruthless when she needs to be, and loyal to those she loves. After her attempt to free her kingdom at 8, Lorelai went into hiding, but she’s been training to harness her magic ever since so that one day she can defeat Irina. She’s scared with good reason, yet will risk anything to keep her brother safe. She’s strong and passionate and I would NOT want to be on her bad side. She’s out for revenge and she will not rest until Irina is off the throne.
Irina (aka the Evil Queen) is not as evil as she seems. Yes she is powerful and she uses horrific means to reach that power, but the author humanizes her in a way that will make you sympathize with Irina. Something that I struggled with honestly. Irina is cruel, but not heartless. In fact she’s a woman scorned. Knowing that, her actions — however deplorable they may be — make sense. Her motive is to take back what was promised to her and she does that and more. The problem is the way in which she does it. Her vengeance is scary and she is unpredictable which makes her the perfect evil queen.
And then there is Kol, the newly crowned King of Eldr. His whole life he has not lived up to the high expectations of his father. When his parents and older brother are killed rather suddenly and Kol inherits the crown, he wants to prove his worth and save Eldr from the invading Orge army. Kol is kind, honorable, just, and brave. He fulfills not only the role of Snow White’s prince but also her huntsman. Kol seeks to make a deal with Irina: save his kingdom from the Orges and he will give her the money for food Ravenspire desperately needs. BUT Irina doesn’t want money. She wants him to bring her the heart of the lost princess.
My favorite character though is Leo, Lorelai’s younger brother. He’s spunky, full of life, and love for his older sister. He gives her confidence and a reason to fight. He is her rock and her confidante. He also brings levity to the story and I just love him!!!!
Heart-Breaking, Gut-Wrenching Action
C.J. Redwine does a fantastic job of weaving her original fantasy world with the essential elements and story of the classic Snow White. While this made it slightly predictable at times, the overall effect, for me at least, was nothing short of brilliant! I loved the aspects of the original (like the characteristics of the characters) carrying over into this new high fantasy world. There are orges and mardushkas and dragons to name just a few of the new elements.
But my favorite part of the book is the driving, fast-paced plot. Lorelai has a plan in motion at the start of the story to bring the queen down, but after a devastating encounter with the queen, Lorelai’s plans go out the window and a new plan forms. I honestly had a hard time sitting the book down for any length of time. I NEEDED to know what would happen next!
Predictable Conclusion
If you know the story of Snow White, then you already know how the book will end, BUT it is well worth the read! C.J. Redwine has created a new world full of adventure, suspense and swoon-worthy romance. I laughed, I cried (and not just a few tears, like full-blown sobs) and cheered for the characters. I was fully invested in the story and happy with its conclusion. How often do I get to say that?! If you enjoy a good retelling, high fantasy, or a sweet romance, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book ASAP!
Initial Reaction
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine starts like any fairy tale with “Once Upon a Time….” so I knew instantly that this was going to be a good book. Right?! Because what book can be bad if it starts like that?! *Please note sarcasm* Don’t get me wrong. This book is AMAZING!!!! BUT it is a very dark and twisted retelling of the classic Snow White. Seriously, in the prologue the evil queen is feeding ROTTEN apples to her subjects!
The princess at the young age of 8 stops her, but she pays a high price for it. Watching her father die along with anyone else in the room, Lorelai escapes with her younger brother and her father’s guard. The evil queen kills everyone that witnessed Lorelai’s betrayal with the vow that she will get Lorelai. 9 years later….Lorelai is still evading the Queen Irina and training to one day face her. She will take back her kingdom and she will save it from the cruelty and evil of Irina. But what will it cost her?
Snow White Like You’ve Never Seen Her
Lorelai Deiderich (aka Snow White) is one of those characters that sticks with you. She’s cunning, kind, ruthless when she needs to be, and loyal to those she loves. After her attempt to free her kingdom at 8, Lorelai went into hiding, but she’s been training to harness her magic ever since so that one day she can defeat Irina. She’s scared with good reason, yet will risk anything to keep her brother safe. She’s strong and passionate and I would NOT want to be on her bad side. She’s out for revenge and she will not rest until Irina is off the throne.
Irina (aka the Evil Queen) is not as evil as she seems. Yes she is powerful and she uses horrific means to reach that power, but the author humanizes her in a way that will make you sympathize with Irina. Something that I struggled with honestly. Irina is cruel, but not heartless. In fact she’s a woman scorned. Knowing that, her actions — however deplorable they may be — make sense. Her motive is to take back what was promised to her and she does that and more. The problem is the way in which she does it. Her vengeance is scary and she is unpredictable which makes her the perfect evil queen.
And then there is Kol, the newly crowned King of Eldr. His whole life he has not lived up to the high expectations of his father. When his parents and older brother are killed rather suddenly and Kol inherits the crown, he wants to prove his worth and save Eldr from the invading Orge army. Kol is kind, honorable, just, and brave. He fulfills not only the role of Snow White’s prince but also her huntsman. Kol seeks to make a deal with Irina: save his kingdom from the Orges and he will give her the money for food Ravenspire desperately needs. BUT Irina doesn’t want money. She wants him to bring her the heart of the lost princess.
My favorite character though is Leo, Lorelai’s younger brother. He’s spunky, full of life, and love for his older sister. He gives her confidence and a reason to fight. He is her rock and her confidante. He also brings levity to the story and I just love him!!!!
Heart-Breaking, Gut-Wrenching Action
C.J. Redwine does a fantastic job of weaving her original fantasy world with the essential elements and story of the classic Snow White. While this made it slightly predictable at times, the overall effect, for me at least, was nothing short of brilliant! I loved the aspects of the original (like the characteristics of the characters) carrying over into this new high fantasy world. There are orges and mardushkas and dragons to name just a few of the new elements.
But my favorite part of the book is the driving, fast-paced plot. Lorelai has a plan in motion at the start of the story to bring the queen down, but after a devastating encounter with the queen, Lorelai’s plans go out the window and a new plan forms. I honestly had a hard time sitting the book down for any length of time. I NEEDED to know what would happen next!
Predictable Conclusion
If you know the story of Snow White, then you already know how the book will end, BUT it is well worth the read! C.J. Redwine has created a new world full of adventure, suspense and swoon-worthy romance. I laughed, I cried (and not just a few tears, like full-blown sobs) and cheered for the characters. I was fully invested in the story and happy with its conclusion. How often do I get to say that?! If you enjoy a good retelling, high fantasy, or a sweet romance, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book ASAP!
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.
In All My Wishes by Ciara Knight is an endearing, heart-warming (and heart-breaking) story about a childhood romance that gets a second chance. Anna Baker seemingly has it all, but having moved multiple times throughout her life, she’s missing a home. At 15, her mother and her left Riverbend in the middle of the night, running from what she doesn’t know, but she vowed to return. Liam Harrow spent his entire life in Riverbend waiting for the girl he loved once who never returned. Now she’s back and he doesn’t know anything except that she can’t leave again.
I liked Anna. She’s career-driven, nursing a broken heart, and has walls that rival Fort Knox. BUT she’s kind, loyal to those she loves, and would give anything to protect her friends. When Liam reenters her life as a part of her friend’s wedding, her first instinct is to run. However Anna is tired of running. Her whole life was running, now she wants a home and she wants it to be Riverbend. I liked how the author conveyed Anna’s trust issues along with the character’s growth through out this short novella.
Professor Liam Harrow *sigh* He is the penultimate playboy, never recovering from his childhood sweetheart. He never gives a girl more than a few dates but seeing Anna again makes him want it all – commitment, wife, family, the works! He’s kind, sweet, and will do ANYTHING for Anna. And I do mean anything!
This story revolves around the rekindling sparks between Anna and Liam, but also around Anna’s mysterious disappearance, her mother’s deep depression, and Anna’s constant running. So friends if you are expecting a straight-out, fluff piece – this isn’t it! There is definitely some romance (the ooey-gooey kind) but a lot of mystery as well. I was truly on pins and needles reading it, rooting for the characters, their romance, and for Anna to find answers.
Overall this is a sweet, quick read that I truly enjoyed. I’ve come to like Ciara Knight‘s style of writing. There is a lot of dialogue, fast-pace, and it’s clean! If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance, I highly recommend you get this one!
In All My Wishes by Ciara Knight is an endearing, heart-warming (and heart-breaking) story about a childhood romance that gets a second chance. Anna Baker seemingly has it all, but having moved multiple times throughout her life, she’s missing a home. At 15, her mother and her left Riverbend in the middle of the night, running from what she doesn’t know, but she vowed to return. Liam Harrow spent his entire life in Riverbend waiting for the girl he loved once who never returned. Now she’s back and he doesn’t know anything except that she can’t leave again.
I liked Anna. She’s career-driven, nursing a broken heart, and has walls that rival Fort Knox. BUT she’s kind, loyal to those she loves, and would give anything to protect her friends. When Liam reenters her life as a part of her friend’s wedding, her first instinct is to run. However Anna is tired of running. Her whole life was running, now she wants a home and she wants it to be Riverbend. I liked how the author conveyed Anna’s trust issues along with the character’s growth through out this short novella.
Professor Liam Harrow *sigh* He is the penultimate playboy, never recovering from his childhood sweetheart. He never gives a girl more than a few dates but seeing Anna again makes him want it all – commitment, wife, family, the works! He’s kind, sweet, and will do ANYTHING for Anna. And I do mean anything!
This story revolves around the rekindling sparks between Anna and Liam, but also around Anna’s mysterious disappearance, her mother’s deep depression, and Anna’s constant running. So friends if you are expecting a straight-out, fluff piece – this isn’t it! There is definitely some romance (the ooey-gooey kind) but a lot of mystery as well. I was truly on pins and needles reading it, rooting for the characters, their romance, and for Anna to find answers.
Overall this is a sweet, quick read that I truly enjoyed. I’ve come to like Ciara Knight‘s style of writing. There is a lot of dialogue, fast-pace, and it’s clean! If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance, I highly recommend you get this one!
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 content of this review.
Life by Rebecca Belliston hooked me immediately! The prologue alone was enough to say I would love the book. It starts with the fall of society as we know it and spirals quickly into work *cough* prison *cough* camps. The economy collapsed, civil society is gone, and Carrie Ashworth now has two siblings to care for. In the clan they live in (illegally I might add), 36 people rely on Carrie to grow the food and keep peace with the local patrolman. Carrie does this just fine until Greg Pierce shows up.
I really, really like Carrie! She was only 17 when the economy collapsed and didn’t understand the choices her parents made to bring her and her siblings back to Logan Pond. Now at 22, she’s a sister and parent to her younger siblings having lost her parents during the first year. She’s quiet, shy, insecure but loyal, determined, and very loving! She’s the backbone of what’s left of her family. She’s also a work horse which just makes me like her more. She isn’t the typical heroine you see in today’s young adult dystopians (in other words, she’s no Katniss!) but her quiet determination endeared her to me.
Greg *sighs in exasperation* how do I even begin to describe him? He is a contradiction. In one instance, he is a family man, kind, caring, would do anything to protect what little family he has left. But the death of his sister and losing everything he ever knew, including having a very sick mother, has harden him. He’s bitter, can be quite harsh, and has no love for Carrie Ashworth, the woman his grandmother keeps thrusting at him. I had a hard time reconciling my feelings for him. At one point he’s just plain rude and callous with Carrie and the next he’s sweet and kind. Don’t get me wrong, I understand his severe mood swings. He’s hurting and has walls that rival Berlin’s but he takes it out on poor Carrie. Not cool!
Perhaps my favorite character is May, Greg’s grandmother. She’s this sweet little lady who was lucky enough to own her house before the collapse, making her a citizen of this new bizarre America. Along with her husband, May opens her home to the neighbors that no longer have theirs. Hiding them, protecting them from the patrolmen, and providing their yard for crops and animals, but most importantly May becomes a surrogate for Carrie. She’s her confidante and friend, her mother in place of the one she’s lost. May reminds me a lot of my own grandmother, spunky and loving. She’s just what Carrie needs when life keeps throwing them down.
The plot of this book is as simple as the title. It’s been 5 years since the collapse and the characters are learning to live life again and IF they can do so safely, under the nose of the government. I really connected with these characters and their plight. It’s one of the most realistic dystopians I’ve ever read. I could easily see an economic collapse in America’s future, a totalitarian dictatorship taking place of democracy, and the socialistic aspects (such as requiring citizens to get cards – yellow for landowners, blue for workers, and green for government) which leaves more than 3/4 quarters of the population now illegal. It was scary how easy I could imagine this fate, making the book even more enjoyable. The characters are simply learning to live off the radar, have two sets of threadbare clothes, and eat what they scavenge. It’s really intense and suspenseful yet also comfortable. How’s that for irony?!
Overall I LOVED this book! And I totally owe the author an apology. She sent me the book at the end of 2014. Somehow this slipped my notice and now that I’ve read it I can’t believe I missed it!!! I immediately bought book two and devoured it just as quickly. If you enjoy a good, character-driven dystopian, I highly recommend you check out Citizens of Logan Pond. You won’t regret it!
Life by Rebecca Belliston hooked me immediately! The prologue alone was enough to say I would love the book. It starts with the fall of society as we know it and spirals quickly into work *cough* prison *cough* camps. The economy collapsed, civil society is gone, and Carrie Ashworth now has two siblings to care for. In the clan they live in (illegally I might add), 36 people rely on Carrie to grow the food and keep peace with the local patrolman. Carrie does this just fine until Greg Pierce shows up.
I really, really like Carrie! She was only 17 when the economy collapsed and didn’t understand the choices her parents made to bring her and her siblings back to Logan Pond. Now at 22, she’s a sister and parent to her younger siblings having lost her parents during the first year. She’s quiet, shy, insecure but loyal, determined, and very loving! She’s the backbone of what’s left of her family. She’s also a work horse which just makes me like her more. She isn’t the typical heroine you see in today’s young adult dystopians (in other words, she’s no Katniss!) but her quiet determination endeared her to me.
Greg *sighs in exasperation* how do I even begin to describe him? He is a contradiction. In one instance, he is a family man, kind, caring, would do anything to protect what little family he has left. But the death of his sister and losing everything he ever knew, including having a very sick mother, has harden him. He’s bitter, can be quite harsh, and has no love for Carrie Ashworth, the woman his grandmother keeps thrusting at him. I had a hard time reconciling my feelings for him. At one point he’s just plain rude and callous with Carrie and the next he’s sweet and kind. Don’t get me wrong, I understand his severe mood swings. He’s hurting and has walls that rival Berlin’s but he takes it out on poor Carrie. Not cool!
Perhaps my favorite character is May, Greg’s grandmother. She’s this sweet little lady who was lucky enough to own her house before the collapse, making her a citizen of this new bizarre America. Along with her husband, May opens her home to the neighbors that no longer have theirs. Hiding them, protecting them from the patrolmen, and providing their yard for crops and animals, but most importantly May becomes a surrogate for Carrie. She’s her confidante and friend, her mother in place of the one she’s lost. May reminds me a lot of my own grandmother, spunky and loving. She’s just what Carrie needs when life keeps throwing them down.
The plot of this book is as simple as the title. It’s been 5 years since the collapse and the characters are learning to live life again and IF they can do so safely, under the nose of the government. I really connected with these characters and their plight. It’s one of the most realistic dystopians I’ve ever read. I could easily see an economic collapse in America’s future, a totalitarian dictatorship taking place of democracy, and the socialistic aspects (such as requiring citizens to get cards – yellow for landowners, blue for workers, and green for government) which leaves more than 3/4 quarters of the population now illegal. It was scary how easy I could imagine this fate, making the book even more enjoyable. The characters are simply learning to live off the radar, have two sets of threadbare clothes, and eat what they scavenge. It’s really intense and suspenseful yet also comfortable. How’s that for irony?!
Overall I LOVED this book! And I totally owe the author an apology. She sent me the book at the end of 2014. Somehow this slipped my notice and now that I’ve read it I can’t believe I missed it!!! I immediately bought book two and devoured it just as quickly. If you enjoy a good, character-driven dystopian, I highly recommend you check out Citizens of Logan Pond. You won’t regret it!
Please note that if you have not read the first book in this series there are spoilers to the first book in this review!
Liberty by Rebecca Belliston is the second book in Citizens of Logan Pond series and I honestly CANNOT handle it’s ending right now!!! I’m dying over here! When does The Pursuit come out?! So this book picks up a few weeks after Mariah and Richard’s wedding. Carrie knows her choice, Oliver knows her choice, and Greg is in denial! But Carrie knows her heart and refuses to give up on Greg when there are so many other things she’s lost. That wall Greg has around his heart is starting to crumble thanks to Carrie and his grandmother’s insistence. He knows what he wants conflicts with what the clan needs. He’s willing to step back and give it all up, but what will it cost him?
As much as I love Carrie and Greg, Oliver stole my heart this book. Oliver Simmons is the mid-thirties patrolman and protector of the Logan Pond clan. He keeps them safe, warns them about sweeps, and is madly in love with Carrie Ashworth. He knows she doesn’t love him, but he can’t tell his heart that. He’s kind, shy to the extreme, and is starting to question his life as a patrolman. Without him, the Logan Pond clan wouldn’t exist, but what about the others he’s forced to arrest and take in? What would happen to them if he protected them like those at Logan Pond?
Carrie has grown a bit of a backbone thanks to Greg in this book. She’s willing to stand up for herself and is finding her place in this new world. Greg is starting to find himself again, or at least the person he was before he lost his baby sister. But then he’s drafted by the government and suddenly he finds himself wanting to run again. But could he be more help to the clan like Oliver if he was with the government? Couldn’t he send his money back to them? And what about Carrie? He could give her citizenship, fight for her, love her like he wants too.
The plot of this one focuses on the rebellion which was mentioned in passing during the first book. “Live free or die” that’s the motto and it’s being thrown around as rebels attack different government facilities. Greg and even Oliver question what they can do to help the rebellion. The clan wants no part of it. Oliver gives them too much safety. But after Greg’s draft notice, people begin questioning. They thought yellow “carries” were safe, obviously they were wrong. Like the first book, this one is fast-pace and suspenseful and yet not. It’s character-driven but this one is more focused on what is happening outside Logan Pond rather than what is happening inside.
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It’s thought-provoking, stressful at times, and left me wanting more. AND THAT ENDING!!!!! I cannot handle it. That is one of the worst cliffhangers ever!!! If you enjoy dystopians, character-driven plots, and looking for a cleanish read, I highly recommend this one!
Liberty by Rebecca Belliston is the second book in Citizens of Logan Pond series and I honestly CANNOT handle it’s ending right now!!! I’m dying over here! When does The Pursuit come out?! So this book picks up a few weeks after Mariah and Richard’s wedding. Carrie knows her choice, Oliver knows her choice, and Greg is in denial! But Carrie knows her heart and refuses to give up on Greg when there are so many other things she’s lost. That wall Greg has around his heart is starting to crumble thanks to Carrie and his grandmother’s insistence. He knows what he wants conflicts with what the clan needs. He’s willing to step back and give it all up, but what will it cost him?
As much as I love Carrie and Greg, Oliver stole my heart this book. Oliver Simmons is the mid-thirties patrolman and protector of the Logan Pond clan. He keeps them safe, warns them about sweeps, and is madly in love with Carrie Ashworth. He knows she doesn’t love him, but he can’t tell his heart that. He’s kind, shy to the extreme, and is starting to question his life as a patrolman. Without him, the Logan Pond clan wouldn’t exist, but what about the others he’s forced to arrest and take in? What would happen to them if he protected them like those at Logan Pond?
Carrie has grown a bit of a backbone thanks to Greg in this book. She’s willing to stand up for herself and is finding her place in this new world. Greg is starting to find himself again, or at least the person he was before he lost his baby sister. But then he’s drafted by the government and suddenly he finds himself wanting to run again. But could he be more help to the clan like Oliver if he was with the government? Couldn’t he send his money back to them? And what about Carrie? He could give her citizenship, fight for her, love her like he wants too.
The plot of this one focuses on the rebellion which was mentioned in passing during the first book. “Live free or die” that’s the motto and it’s being thrown around as rebels attack different government facilities. Greg and even Oliver question what they can do to help the rebellion. The clan wants no part of it. Oliver gives them too much safety. But after Greg’s draft notice, people begin questioning. They thought yellow “carries” were safe, obviously they were wrong. Like the first book, this one is fast-pace and suspenseful and yet not. It’s character-driven but this one is more focused on what is happening outside Logan Pond rather than what is happening inside.
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It’s thought-provoking, stressful at times, and left me wanting more. AND THAT ENDING!!!!! I cannot handle it. That is one of the worst cliffhangers ever!!! If you enjoy dystopians, character-driven plots, and looking for a cleanish read, I highly recommend this one!
Initial Reaction
AND
BUT THEN THE ENDING!!!!!!!
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard picks up right where [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051] left off. **Please note that there are minor spoilers to the first book in this review. If you have not read it, I recommend waiting to read this review.** Mare and Cal have been saved by the rebels and are still running from the mess they left behind in the Bowl of Bones. Cal is in chains and Mare is still coming to terms with her dead brother back from the grave. The girl who thought she knew Maven, the girl who thought she was in the right, now doesn’t know anything. She’s lost and she trusts no one, not Cal, not her best friend, not even her brother. She only knows one thing: revenge will be SO good.
The Darker Side of Mare
Cal is no better. He is by far my favorite prince, despite the many flaws he has in regards to his thoughts about Reds. I rooted for him in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], and I still root for him. He is the only one that Mare fully trusts, and even that trust is shaky at best. He understands her better than anyone else, or at least he thinks he does. He has the ability to calm Mare and fight along side her. He’s noble and sticks by his word. Did I mention he’s also dashingly handsome?!
But my favorite character in the entire book is Shade. Shade Barrow, the brother back from the dead, who like Mare has Silver abilities. He brings a lightness to the book. While Mare says to him she doesn’t trust him, her actions speak otherwise. He is her constant, her protector, everything a big brother should be. She turns to him for answers time and again and their bond is so sweet. *Side note: If you haven’t read [b:Steel Scars|25362018|Steel Scars (Red Queen, #0.2)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437677582s/25362018.jpg|45105691], I suggest you do asap. It gives more info about Shade and his missing time in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051].
Truth and Lies
This plot is all over the place and like [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], I can’t tell you much without giving away spoilers. Mare and Cal are whisked away by the rebels and together they have a plan to take down Maven, even if it’s a bit shaky. Mare wants to find those like her — Reds with Silver abilities — and train them to fight Maven. Cal wants his throne back, so he goes along with her. This part of the book feels a lot like [b:Mockingjay|7260188|Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275419s/7260188.jpg|8812783], dark and twisted, leaving a heavy sense of foreboding the longer you read. Maven is not to be trusted and he haunts Mare like President Snow did Katniss. Everywhere Mare turns, Maven is already there a few steps ahead of her.
AND then the twist. Seriously, did you not expect a twist after Victoria Aveyard threw a giant wrench in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051]?! Let’s just say where I predicted the one in the first book, this one I didn’t see coming and I cried and cried and screamed and cried some more. It was not pretty!
Doesn’t Suffer Second-Book Syndrome
Overall, I loved this book!!! In fact, I think I may have enjoyed it more than [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051]. Mare has full control of her powers and it was a neat addition to the story to see how she uses them and controls them. And Cal *sigh* Cal is amazing! Despite this book being such a dark addition to the series AND that epic cliffhanger ending that left me throwing my Kindle, it was a great read. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of dread while reading I couldn’t sit it down to even pee. Believe me this book DOES NOT suffer second-book syndrome like I feared before starting. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, you will love this one!
AND
BUT THEN THE ENDING!!!!!!!
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard picks up right where [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051] left off. **Please note that there are minor spoilers to the first book in this review. If you have not read it, I recommend waiting to read this review.** Mare and Cal have been saved by the rebels and are still running from the mess they left behind in the Bowl of Bones. Cal is in chains and Mare is still coming to terms with her dead brother back from the grave. The girl who thought she knew Maven, the girl who thought she was in the right, now doesn’t know anything. She’s lost and she trusts no one, not Cal, not her best friend, not even her brother. She only knows one thing: revenge will be SO good.
The Darker Side of Mare
If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter.Mare Barrow struggled in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051]. She struggled with the new life thrust on her by the Silvers, pretending to be one herself, and learning how to control this new power of hers. In Glass Sword, there’s no more struggle. She’s fully embraced her lightning. She’s the “lightning girl,” the one that Silvers and Reds alike fear. Despite having Cal on her side, her brother back from the dead, her best friend, and a whole host of rebels, Mare feels isolated and alone. She struggles with some serious Katniss-like depression (think [b:Mockingjay|7260188|Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275419s/7260188.jpg|8812783]Mockingjay). She feels responsible for all those names in Julian’s journal that are like her that Maven now has. Mare carries the weight on her shoulders and hers alone, not wanting to burden those she loves, those she is no longer sure she can trust. She thought she could trust Maven, she thought he loved her, but she was wrong and now all those innocents are paying the price. This brings out a side of Mare I didn’t know existed. In fact she’s a bit scary!
Cal is no better. He is by far my favorite prince, despite the many flaws he has in regards to his thoughts about Reds. I rooted for him in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], and I still root for him. He is the only one that Mare fully trusts, and even that trust is shaky at best. He understands her better than anyone else, or at least he thinks he does. He has the ability to calm Mare and fight along side her. He’s noble and sticks by his word. Did I mention he’s also dashingly handsome?!
But my favorite character in the entire book is Shade. Shade Barrow, the brother back from the dead, who like Mare has Silver abilities. He brings a lightness to the book. While Mare says to him she doesn’t trust him, her actions speak otherwise. He is her constant, her protector, everything a big brother should be. She turns to him for answers time and again and their bond is so sweet. *Side note: If you haven’t read [b:Steel Scars|25362018|Steel Scars (Red Queen, #0.2)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437677582s/25362018.jpg|45105691], I suggest you do asap. It gives more info about Shade and his missing time in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051].
Truth and Lies
This plot is all over the place and like [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051], I can’t tell you much without giving away spoilers. Mare and Cal are whisked away by the rebels and together they have a plan to take down Maven, even if it’s a bit shaky. Mare wants to find those like her — Reds with Silver abilities — and train them to fight Maven. Cal wants his throne back, so he goes along with her. This part of the book feels a lot like [b:Mockingjay|7260188|Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275419s/7260188.jpg|8812783], dark and twisted, leaving a heavy sense of foreboding the longer you read. Maven is not to be trusted and he haunts Mare like President Snow did Katniss. Everywhere Mare turns, Maven is already there a few steps ahead of her.
I am a weapon made of flesh, a sword covered in skin. I was born to kill a king, to end a reign of terror before it can truly begin. Fire and lightning raised Maven up, and fire and lighting will bring him down.While the plot leaves you with a pit in your stomach, the book is ultimately character driven. Mare’s life has been turned upside down and inside out. Everything she thought she knew about the world and society was wrong. AND now she has to deal with the consequences of her own actions, from trusting the wrong prince to trying to save those like her. But everything she does comes at a price and it costs her everything she is. The Mare from [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051] is not the same girl in this book. In fact those similarities are gone.
AND then the twist. Seriously, did you not expect a twist after Victoria Aveyard threw a giant wrench in [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051]?! Let’s just say where I predicted the one in the first book, this one I didn’t see coming and I cried and cried and screamed and cried some more. It was not pretty!
Doesn’t Suffer Second-Book Syndrome
Overall, I loved this book!!! In fact, I think I may have enjoyed it more than [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449778912s/22328546.jpg|25037051]. Mare has full control of her powers and it was a neat addition to the story to see how she uses them and controls them. And Cal *sigh* Cal is amazing! Despite this book being such a dark addition to the series AND that epic cliffhanger ending that left me throwing my Kindle, it was a great read. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of dread while reading I couldn’t sit it down to even pee. Believe me this book DOES NOT suffer second-book syndrome like I feared before starting. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, you will love this one!
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Kiss Me in Christmas by Debbie Mason is the 6th book in the Christmas, Colorado series and this one is quite possibly my favorite! In this book, we finally get Easton McBride’s and Chloe O’Conner’s story. You know Chloe, the drama queen soap star. Yeah to be honest, I was NOT looking forward to this installment. I thought Chloe was a brat especially after how she acted in the last installment of the series, accusing her own sister of trying to murder her, having her ARRESTED. WHO DOES THAT?! So I went into this fully disliking the main character. Can I just say I was completely wrong to do so?!
Chloe O’Conner is a 32 year old actress who at the start of the book was fired from her job, has no offers lined up, and to top it off her sister is getting married to the guy Chloe was crushing hard on in the last book. From Chloe’s standpoint, Cat has always gotten everything. She has the looks, the friends, the guys, and even their own family likes Cat better. What I didn’t pick up on in the last book is that Chloe is insecure, VERY insecure and it all stems from how she was the sick twin, her heart condition growing up, and the bullying in high school. Then the only boy she ever liked, liked her sister instead.
Easton McBride has no love for Chloe. In his eyes, she’s a drama queen and cost him Cat after she tricked him into sleeping with her in high school. But you know there is a very fine line between love and hate…Easton is the white knight (Ty’s nickname for him and it really fits). He’s been struggling, watching all his brothers settle down and start families while he is still dating and hasn’t found anyone yet. Add in his injury from the war and he’s a hot mess of insecurity.
The plot of the story centers around Chloe’s need to fix things with Cat. She wants her sister back and she wants her happy. When she hears that Cat and Grayson are having problems, Chloe thinks that it is because Cat is meant to be with Easton and she hatches a harebrained scheme to get them back together. Easton and Cat know and Cat just wants Easton to keep Chloe in line. You can guess from there what will happen but it doesn’t make for any less of a fun read!
Overall I really enjoyed the book, reading it in one sitting. Chloe is my favorite twin. She’s kind and sweet but hides it behind her diva tendencies. Easton is just *swoon* and the whole story was fun to read. The two characters play off each other really well! If you enjoy contemporary romance (aka chick-lit), I highly recommend this one!
Kiss Me in Christmas by Debbie Mason is the 6th book in the Christmas, Colorado series and this one is quite possibly my favorite! In this book, we finally get Easton McBride’s and Chloe O’Conner’s story. You know Chloe, the drama queen soap star. Yeah to be honest, I was NOT looking forward to this installment. I thought Chloe was a brat especially after how she acted in the last installment of the series, accusing her own sister of trying to murder her, having her ARRESTED. WHO DOES THAT?! So I went into this fully disliking the main character. Can I just say I was completely wrong to do so?!
Chloe O’Conner is a 32 year old actress who at the start of the book was fired from her job, has no offers lined up, and to top it off her sister is getting married to the guy Chloe was crushing hard on in the last book. From Chloe’s standpoint, Cat has always gotten everything. She has the looks, the friends, the guys, and even their own family likes Cat better. What I didn’t pick up on in the last book is that Chloe is insecure, VERY insecure and it all stems from how she was the sick twin, her heart condition growing up, and the bullying in high school. Then the only boy she ever liked, liked her sister instead.
Easton McBride has no love for Chloe. In his eyes, she’s a drama queen and cost him Cat after she tricked him into sleeping with her in high school. But you know there is a very fine line between love and hate…Easton is the white knight (Ty’s nickname for him and it really fits). He’s been struggling, watching all his brothers settle down and start families while he is still dating and hasn’t found anyone yet. Add in his injury from the war and he’s a hot mess of insecurity.
The plot of the story centers around Chloe’s need to fix things with Cat. She wants her sister back and she wants her happy. When she hears that Cat and Grayson are having problems, Chloe thinks that it is because Cat is meant to be with Easton and she hatches a harebrained scheme to get them back together. Easton and Cat know and Cat just wants Easton to keep Chloe in line. You can guess from there what will happen but it doesn’t make for any less of a fun read!
Overall I really enjoyed the book, reading it in one sitting. Chloe is my favorite twin. She’s kind and sweet but hides it behind her diva tendencies. Easton is just *swoon* and the whole story was fun to read. The two characters play off each other really well! If you enjoy contemporary romance (aka chick-lit), I highly recommend this one!