ARC Review: Shades of Rust and Ruin (Shades of Rust and Ruin #1) by A.G. Howard

New York Times bestselling author A.G. Howard launches a dark and compelling new YA fantasy series about a girl whose family is cursed by Halloween, perfect for fans of Caraval.

Phoenix “Nix” Loring knows her family is under a Halloween curse. When she was three, her parents tragically died on October 31st. Eleven years later, her twin sister Lark suffered a similar fate.

Ever since, Nix has battled survivor guilt. She can't even find comfort in Clarey, Lark's boyfriend and the one person who understands her pain, because Nix's hidden feelings for him go far beyond friendship. All that remains are her sketches, where she finds solace among the goblins and faeries in her imaginary world of Mystiquel. When her depression starts affecting her ability to see color, Nix all but gives up on her art, until her uncle goes missing on Halloween day. Hot on his trail, Nix and Clarey step through a portal, becoming trapped inside a decaying version of their town filled with Nix's own sketches come to life.

As Nix and Clarey search for her uncle within the sinister and dangerous world of Mystiquel, Nix discovers there's more to her family curse and otherworldly artwork than she ever imagined-and unless she can solve the Goblin King's maze before the clock strikes midnight, her life won't be the only one the curse claims next.

Set in a gritty, steampunk-inspired fantasy world, New York Times bestselling author A.G. Howard launches a thrilling new fantasy full of romance, twists, and betrayals.

Title: Shades of Rust and Ruin (Shades of Rust and Ruin #1)

Author: A.G. Howards
Expected Publication Date: 9/2/2022

Publisher: Bloomsbury YA

Review:

I want to thank Bloomsbury YA and NetGalely for providing me with an e-galley of this book to read and give my honest review.

I adore A.G. Howard's writing. Splintered is one of my all time favorite series and one I would read over and over again (if there weren't so many gosh darn other books to worry about). So of course given the chance to read something from her early was a highlight for me.

It's been a long time since I read any fae genre books. I enjoy them a lot. I was excited to get back into this type of world and see where it leads.

My initial impetus to read this book came from seeing the cover. Howard's books always have stunning covers and this was no exception. Before I even looked at the summary, I knew I would want to read this just from the cover alone. 

I'll say the language of the writing is great. I can't tell you how easily it flows and keeps you turning the pages. It's a joy to read it because it truly places me in the moment of the book with how descriptive it is. Howard is a genius at story telling, and that shines through with this book.

Next: the characters. I liked them a lot. Mostly because they are not perfect (all those YA books with the perfect looking characters who have no flaws drag on my nerves). Howard incorporated this so flawlessly into the book. It was not a big deal that the characters had flaws or were different from what many may consider "normal". It's what made them enjoyable and I loved the uniqueness they had.

The story line was truly interesting.  I don't know much of the lore surrounding The Goblin Market as I've not read it, but I do know a bit of the fae realm, so I could follow along well. There's always this secretive world when it comes to the fae and this book captured that well. I loved how Howard was able to set the mood and tone immediately and carry that throughout the story. I loved the twist at the end and how the narration switched to a new character. I can't wait to see that character's POV in the next book.

I didn't feel the steampunk element as much as I would have liked, considering this book is tote as a steampunk fantasy. The elements were there, don't get me wrong, but it was not incorporated as well and I've seen it with other steampunk books.

The book did leave me wanting to read The Goblin Market, since it's very grounded in that text. I may have to pick it up and see what it's all about.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Author:

#1 New York Times and International bestselling Author of gothic / fantasy & paranormal tales, mystical & romantic with a side of horror. A.G.'s dark Alice in Wonderland inspired Splintered series has been published in over a dozen languages.

Young adult, Adult, and literary romance. Repped by Jenny Bent.

How A.G. Howard rates books on GoodReads:

"I only rate or review books I enjoyed reading, and won't give any rating below 4 stars. Please don't consider every high rating a personal endorsement / recommendation from me. My ratings here are subjective to me as an individual.

I don't rate books solely on style. Every writer's voice is individual and unique; I've come to respect this truth during my own personal journey. As long as a story takes me to another place and is well edited, I'm going to give it a good rating. And if, for some reason, a book doesn't entertain me or I don't finish it, I won't leave a rating or review at all.

If you're considering a book I've reviewed/rated, be sure to read other reviews/ratings alongside mine to help you decide if it's a read you might enjoy personally.

Happy book hunting!"

 

Review: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer @BrigidKemmerer @BloomsburyPub

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart. 

 Goodreads

Brooke's Review:

I was really excited to read this book. I'd heard such great things about it and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. So when I was offered the book for review, I jumped on it. And I am so happy I did!

This is my first book by this author, though I own others! I wasn't sure what to expect. Honestly, I didn't even know the premise of the book. Just that I wanted to read it because all my friends said it was great! And so I jumped in, blind leap of faith, and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. A book with no pretentiousness, no story based only on the attraction of the two main teen characters, a book that touched on deep emotional ties dealing with family, a book with true depth.

Without giving too much away I will say Juliet Young has lost her mother and has found a way to keep her connection with her alive by writing her letters. Until one day, someone writes back to her. Thus starts her relationship with The Dark, who she can relate to on so many levels. The Dark, aka Declan Murphy, also finds it cathartic to write to Juliet. He becomes a different person on paper than he shows in public. Or at least a different person than he is perceived to be in public. And this is what keeps him a mystery to Juliet, even though she feels he's connected to someone else she has slowly been getting to know.

What I loved most about this book was how honest and raw both Juliet and Declan were on paper. It speaks to how we are able to sometimes express ourselves so well when we are hidden behind something (paper, a screen, a text message). I love how raw the exchanges between the characters are in these letters. And yet, you see a different side to each of them when they are face to face.

This book has sweet moments, and funny moments, and then heart wrenchingly sad moments. The baggage that each character carries with them tugs at your heartstrings. I was especially drawn to Declan. My heart hurt for him throughout so much of this book because he was just so misunderstood. I wanted to envelope him in a hug more times than not to tell him everything was going to be ok. That it was ok to be this teenage boy who was full of emotion and anger; that it was ok to let it all out.

By far, my favorite side character in this book is Rev. He's a bit mysterious, which lends to his intrigue. Plus he is one of the truest friends I have ever seen in a YA novel such as this. I love how he is not afraid to express his love for Declan. No holds barred they are like brothers and Rev would have no problem putting himself in the line of fire for Declan if it ever came to that. I was truly excited when I heard he will be getting his own story.

Overall the story is sweet and a bit heart wrenching with definite humor thrown throughout. The characters are well thought out and relatable. The writing flows well and the pacing is perfect. Anyone looking for a contemporary YA without all the sticky romantic mess you're used to seeing should give this one a try. That's not to say there isn't some romance, oh, you'll see that, but it's in no way central to the story. Which I think is the highlight to what makes this book so phenomenal. 

BRIGID KEMMERER is author of LETTERS TO THE LOST (Bloomsbury; April 4, 2017), a dark, contemporary Young Adult romance; THICKER THAN WATER (Kensington, December 29, 2015), a New Adult paranormal mystery with elements of romance; and the YALSA-nominated Elemental series of five Young Adult novels and three e-novellas which Kirkus Reviews calls “refreshingly human paranormal romance” and School Library Journal describes as “a new take on the supernatural genre.” She lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and four sons.

Waiting on Wednesday #109: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas @SJMaas @bloomsburykids

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly awaiting!


Title: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2016


Blurb:
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

Waiting on Wednesday #91: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court to Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas @SJMaas @bloomsburykids

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly awaiting!

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Expected Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Blurb:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

ARC Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord @emerylord @bloomsburykids

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Title: The Start of Me and You
Author: Emery Lord
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: March 31, 2015

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Bloomsbury for provided me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my review or opinion.

I have been really into contemporary YA reads lately so this one was a perfect pick up for me. I have heard such great things about Lord's first book, Open Road Summer, so I jumped into this with both feet. I was not disappointed.

Paige Hancock is a great character. She's grieving the loss of a boyfriend she had for only two months, but to everyone else she's the girl whose boyfriend died. But all she wants to do is move on and just be her. So she decides to make a list of things that would help bring her back to normal. But no matter how much we try, normal is really what we make of it, right? Something Paige learns along the way. Of course, it wouldn't be high school if there weren't boys involved, even boys who become best friends. So enter Max Watson, who has returned to public school after years away to help his cousin, Ryan, deal with his break-up and be the friend he needs.

What Paige didn't expect was to grow so close with Max, all the while hoping he'd be her in to dating Ryan, her long time crush. Again, things don't always work out the way you want them to, do they? And Ryan crushes on someone else while remaining in the friend zone with Paige.

I think what I liked most about this story is the realism of it. The friends we all knew in high school, yeah, they are in this book. Each with their own personality and each developed to show us how they can be supportive in different ways. And of course there are the important lessons that need to be learned: let go, things might not happen as we want them to, not everyone is as they seem. All so true to life and great lessons for anyone to learn over and over again. And there is so much power given to all the girls in this book. The lessons they learn show that women are strong and can take care of themselves. Most of all, Lord shows that people should not be afraid to be who they are.

I also loved the focus on friendship in this book. All the friendships are so important. They help each character remain who they are while giving the support each one needs. And it's not just the girls who have these relationships, but the guys as well. It's really great to watch them grow and change and stick together.

My favorite character in the book was Max. I just love that he wasn't the typical YA, all muscles and good looks type of guy. As a matter of fact, he's pretty much a nerd and I just love this about him. And he's not afraid to be who he is, despite his past of being bullied.

I liked Lord's writing style and the pacing is really great. I really didn't want to put the book down at any point, even though I got tired and had to. And the subplots, which usually will pull me out of the story, really and truly fit the plot and moved the story along.

I will say that Paige kept calling Ryan by his first and last name for most of the book, which got on my nerves. We all knew who he was after the first few times we met him, so why continue to use his last name? And the way Paige cam about seeing her feelings for what they were kind of seemed abrupt. There wasn't really a build up for her, as much as for us. And of course I figured out this twist from the beginning. But despite these few things, the book still held a ton of enjoyment for me.

If you're looking for a sweet contemporary read about growing up, moving on and starting anew, then this is the one for you. But don't go in looking for tons of kissing and romance because that's not what this book is about. This book is about friendship and accepting who you are. I highly recommend it!

I'm Emery, and I write books about flawed girls who are really trying, complicated families, friends who show up even when everything's going down in flames, the boy who Gets You even when you don't expect it, and the summer that changed everything. 

Open Road Summer is out now, and The Start of Me & You releases March 31st, 2015. 

I don't check my GR inbox, but feel free to get in touch via ways listed on my website! 
http://www.emerylord.com/p/site-qs.html

ARC Review: Soulprint by Megan Miranda @MeganLMiranda @bloomsburykids

With the science of soul-fingerprinting a reality, Alina Chase has spent her entire life imprisoned for the crimes her past-self committed. In an attempt to clear her name, Alina unintentionally trades one prison for another when she escapes, aided by a group of teens whose intentions and motivations are a mystery to her. As she gets to know one of the boys, sparks fly, and Alina believes she may finally be able to trust someone. But when she uncovers clues left behind from her past life that only she can decipher, secrets begin to unravel. Alina must figure out whether she’s more than the soul she inherited, or if she’s fated to repeat the past. 

This compelling story will leave readers wondering if this fictional world could become a reality.

Title: Soulprint

Author: Megan Miranda

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Expected Publication Date: 2/3/2015

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Bloomsbury for providing me with an early copy of this book through Net Galley to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.

I have never read a Megan Miranda book before. I have heard good things about her writing, and I absolutely loved the concept of this book when I read the blurb. So I jumped in with both feet hoping it would meet my expectations and, in the end, I really enjoyed it!

Alina Chase is 17, and constantly running from her soul. You see, before she was born there was June. And when June died, Alina inherited her soul when she was born. Soul-printed as a baby and matched as June, the government has no intention of letting Alina run free to commit the same crimes June did when she was alive. Taken from her parents and placed in seclusion from the world, she lives isolated and alone, with only government agents surrounding her. She has everything she could ever need: food, a roof over her head, clothing, eduction. But what Alina really wants is to be able to live. And also to prove to the world that she is so much more than the image they have of June; that she is truly her own person.

Enter Cameron, Casey and Dom, teens hell bent on setting Alina free. They all have their own reasons for needing her, and not all of them have good intentions. I can say that I figured out part of the plot rather early on in the book and knew that there would certainly be betrayal at some point. With Alina on the run and not knowing who she can trust, she does make a few mistakes on her journey. But she ultimately learns from there, and in turn learns she is far more like June then she ever could imagine.

I really enjoyed Alina's character, though I found her to be a bit too easy around the rag tag group of teens who break her free. Growing up with no one to really call friend, I can see that she just wanted to have those bonds that other teens her age have. I like how her relationship with both Cameron and Casey progresses. How she slowly figures out what it means to trust and have friends and come to care about others (something she has never had the chance to do since being taken away from her parents).

I will say the first half of this book moved a bit slowly for me. There was quite a bit of Alina and the gang running away and hiding. And there were some parts I thought a bit unbelievable when the characters never actually got caught. But because I loved the idea of the plot, I pushed along, and I wasn't disappointed. There is a lot of action in the book, and just a bit of romance (not too much which was a nice change from many YA books I have read as of late). Miranda gives a lot of twists and turns, showing the true colors of all that surround Alina.

And the thing I think I loved the most about this plot was how it brings into question what makes a person tick. Is it nature or nurture. Do we perhaps inherit traits we may have had in a past life. Does our soul really make us who we are? Alina spends much time in the book trying to figure these things out. And the revelations she comes to will be both surprising and eye-opening.

In the theme of Sophie Jordan's Uninvited, Miranda calls into question the possibility of what could happen if we are to judge people by something as intangible as a soul. She weaves suspense and thrills into this intriguing and often heart pounding book. At times I was on the edge of my seat just knowing that things could not end up well. Miranda blends science and thrills in this high stakes game of learning who we really are and what price we may pay for what our souls have done in our past lives.

Megan Miranda is the author of FRACTURE, HYSTERIA, and VENGEANCE. She spends a great deal of time thinking about the "why" and "how" of things, which leads her to get carried away daydreaming about the "what-ifs." Megan has a degree in Biology from MIT and currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and two children.

ARC Review: There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake @bloomsburykids

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning. 

Title: There Will Be Lies

Author: Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Bloomsbury USA Children's for providing me with a early copy of this book to read and give an honest review.

Unfortunately, I think this book just wasn't for me. It's not that it's not well written. As a matter of fact, I think the writing is really great. It flows really well and keeps my interest enough. But it didt pull me in so that I wanted to keep reading. It didn't make me cling to the book. I just can't seem to get into the plot, or the characters. Even at 130+ pages into the book, I still hadn't connected with anyone and that was getting on my nerves. I wanted to be empathetic with the main character, but I just couldn't do it.

And the way the dialogue was presented on the page, no quotes for when the characters talk, throws me too much to keep my interest. So I must refrain from rating it or writing a full review.

This who like mystery with a bit of the paranormal thrown in will most likely enjoy this book.

My name is Nick and I write and edit books for young adults. My first YA novel IN DARKNESS, was published by Bloomsbury in 2012 and won the Michael L Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature. I also wrote a book called HOSTAGE THREE about a girl kidnapped by Somali pirates.

THERE WILL BE LIES is coming in January 15 and is about a girl who learns that everything she knows is a lie. To say it's a book with a twist in the story would be a massive understatement. There is also a talking coyote in it.

I live with my wife, daughter and son in a 16th century house in England with almost 19th century amenities. Sometimes the heating even works. 

I like: reading, art, music, food containing sugar, cities at night, the countryside in the daytime, vintage furniture, modern standards of heating (see above), travelling.

I dislike: being sick, failing, being underdressed in the cold, being overdressed in the heat, the unnecessary suffering of children, being punched in the face.

ARC Review: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas @SJMaas @bloomsburykids

Blurb:
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Bloomsbury for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read and give an honest review. You cannot imagine the amount of squealing that went on when it arrived in the mail. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

***SPOILER ALERT*** If you have not read any of the books in this series, then this review will surely contain spoilers from the prequel novellas and the first two books. So I suggest you close this out and pick up <i>The Assassin's Blade</i> so you can find out what the awesomeness of these books is all about!

There is no way to keep this review short, or to do this book the justice it deserves. I don't even know where to start or how to do it without spoilers! But I will try my hardest to do it!

First I must talk about the awesome cover of this book. I have loved them all but this one is truly my favorite, Not sure if it's because of the color, or just the fact that Celaena looks so bad ass on it. And it shows her fae side, which I absolutely love because while we know she has been trouncing around as a human for so many years, her fae side becomes far more important than we would have ever realized.

I think my most favorite part of this book is that you get so many different points of view. I usually am not a fan of third person but it is the only way this book could make sense. And it is the only way Maas could have given us all the different elements we need to see as the plot of the book comes together. I love that she introduced new characters, once again. Characters that make us think and wonder what purpose they serve.

So we are once again thrown into Celaena's world as she tries her hardest to navigate Wendlyn and figure out how she will do the King's dirty work without getting her hands dirty. In <i>Crown of Midnight</i> we see that Celaena has no intention of getting her hands dirty at the request of the King, so it's not a surprise when we see that she has been hanging out in Wendlyn and has yet to do anything about the job she's been tasked with. But she has other plans, plans that Chaol must have known she'd come up with when he suggested to the king she be sent to take care of the royalty of Wendlyn. Calaena is focused on finding out more about her fae heritage and about how that part of her can help stop the Kind's atrocities. She remains strong and confident in how she pursues this, as she did in the other books. But she still has this self-loathing that underlies everything she does. This makes her put herself at risk more often than not, because she continues to feel she is not worthy of living this life, or any other life. My heart breaks for her and the way her thoughts run through her head.

I will say that I absolutely, positively love Rowan. He's crass and brash, cold and brutal and many times cruel. He's also and closed off and he's the perfect ying for Celaena's yang! It's like they are two halves of a whole. They compliment each other very well. There's banter between them that I thought would surely lead them to kill each other. But there's also this underlying connection that you know will ultimately bring them together. They fit like a lock and key. I won't give more information than that, because I don't want to spoil their relationship, but let's just say there is no disappointment in how they interact.

Manon is an interesting twist to this story. Mass brings us more into the witch's realm in this book. We got a bit of it in <i>Crown of Midnight</i> with the Yellowlegs and her interaction with Dorian and Celaena. But in this book, we see that the witch's are gathering, under the guidance of the King's men, and that they will play a huge part in his war that he has been waging. It's not completely clear how he will use them, though they train for battle in this book, so obviously he has some kind of conquering in the works, but their ultimate goal as warriors is still a bit of a mystery at the end of the book. These characters never directly interact or cross paths with the other characters in the book, but I can see how they will be essential to the plot of the future story in this series.

We also meet Aedion, the King's general who has no qualms about doing the king's dirty work. But Aedion is not all he seems. He plays a huge part in Celaena's plans and life, so much more than we would expect. I won't give away more than that because I love how Maas weaves plot twists in so we can see how the characters are linked.

And we are introduced to other fae and demi-fae (Emrys, Malaki, Luca, Gavriel) throughout the book. Characters who show Celaena she is so much more than she believes she is. They make her question herself and why she is so important to her people. The are essential to her development as a leader in the Fae world, as their queen. Although Celaena is reluctant to really accept this role, the fae and demi-fae ahead lots of light on her need to accept who she truly is.

Of course we still see Dorian and Chaol in this book, which made me really happy. I still cry over Celaena's loss of Sam and I really need to see her find some kind of love, through friendship or romance. I know eventually she will learn that she is worthy of it, but I also know that it can't happen until the world is set straight. And for the record, I team Chaol. I was from the moment I met him in <i>Throne of Glass</i> and I will be until the end.

Mass has several story lines going at once. I thought it would be hard to keep them straight, but it's not. They are all intricately woven and each means so much to the story. The world building is incredible. Each time we are introduced to a different area of this world it gets more and more intricate. And Maas keeps you on the edge of your seat with it all. I have to say that I get antsy when I read a Maas book, but not because I feel the need to put the book down, more because I just can't read fast enough to find out what happens. My nerves gets jittery and I literally hand on the edge of my seat. Maas has a way of infusing a certain energy into her books that makes them epic. And I love how Maas reintroduces us to things, so if you've read her other books a long time ago you are not lost. She reminds us of things that have happened without boring the reader who has already read those books.

One thing I usually love about YA stories is you get some romance. But honestly, you don't really get that in this book. There is the underlying leftovers from the previous books, and most of it made me sad, to be honest. But the book doesn't need it. It's got so much other stuff going for it, that not having a ton of romance really gave the book a life of it's own. It didn't rely on the heroine pining over someone. It relied on that fact that she's strong and has other things to worry about.

My only complaint about this book, one that I'm surprised was not addressed, was the fact that the Kind does not even check up on Celaena. She's sent off to murder the Wendlyn royalty and he has threatened to kill Chaol and other's she loves if she does not return, yet she is gone a long time without any word and he never necks on her. I kind of wish this would have been addressed.

Overall this book is absolutely fabulous. I thought it would take me forever to read, with how long it is, but I finished it in only three days! And the ending! OH GOSH I need the next book yesterday. I have no idea how I will wait. But the one thing I must say, it's not a cliffhanger that makes you annoyed and wanting to kill the author. She does wrap the story up in a nice enough package that you can wait a bit for the next installment (that is if you are crazy enough to want to). Maas has created a world that is on par with Game of Thrones, if not better. It's intricate and energized, fun and terrifying, all at once. Pick it up, you won't be sorry!

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Heir of Fire, Book 3, will be out in September 2014). Starting in Spring 2015, her New Adult Fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, will be published by Bloomsbury as well. 

Sarah lives in Southern California, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much coffee, and watches absolutely rubbish TV shows. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the California coastline with her husband.

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