REVIEW: Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. She will dance and summon her tribe's deity, who will inhabit Liyana's body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But when the dance ends, Liyana is still there. Her tribe is furious — and sure that it is Liyana's fault. Abandoned by her tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.



Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. The desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god’s tale.



The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice — she must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate — or a human girl can muster some magic of her own.

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MY THOUGHTS

I've been reading books lately that I added to my TBR in 2012 and so far I have been unimpressed by these books. I was starting to worry that my taste in books has changed drastically. This book reminded me that there are some books I liked to read then and would still enjoy now. 

Liyanna is meant to be a vessel for a goddess and she has dedicated her whole life in order to be the perfect vessel. The day has come for the goddess to take over her body. Liyanna will die, but the goddess will save her people from the drought with her magic, so Liyanna sees it as a worthy sacrifice. Except, when Liyanna performs the ritual, the goddess does not come. Thinking that Liyanna has been declared unworthy, her people abandon her in the desert and search for another vessel to save them from the drought. Liyanna does not think she will survive alone in the desert, but a young man finds her. The young man is the god Korbyn, walking the desert in his vessel. He tells her that someone has been stealing the souls of the gods and her goddess has not abandoned her. She must help him find the other vessels and find the souls of the gods before it is too late.

The worldbuilding in this book was fantastic. This book has magic and mythology in a fantasy world, but there is such a real quality to this world. The gods and goddesses are as real as the desert sand in this world and I loved how this book showed the characters' mythology as a part of their world and something that could not be separated. I love fantasy books but one of the struggles I have with fantasy books is that sometimes they all feel the same. This book was refreshing because it has a very different setting than the typical YA fantasy novels, a different tone, and the overall premise was unique to this world.

Liyanna struggles a lot throughout this book. She has been raised that she is going to die on this specific day and when she doesn't, she has no clue what to do. Now she also has to deal with conflicting emotions because she wants to live, but if she lives, her people might not get the help they need. The world she lives in gives great power to the gods and goddesses, but what is significant about Liyanna is that she shows that she could be strong as herself. She is extraordinary brave in multiple circumstances and as she meets the other vessels, she continues to realize her own strength and the strength of the other vessels. I loved how this book showed the strength of an ordinary human and how much growth she had as a character.

There is very light romance in this book. Liyanna feels attraction for Korbyn, but it partially because Liyanna is the vessel for Korbyn's lover. This is not a major part of the book and Liyanna feels conflicted about pursuing him. I really did not want them to get together because it was extraordinarily awkward to think about. She does eventually find someone else. It was fairly quick, which threw me for a loop, but I appreciated the fact that this book focused more on the main plot and Liyanna's character rather than a romance. 


IN CONCLUSION

Overall, I really liked this book and was very impressed by the premise and worldbuilding. I had difficulty putting this one down, but as the book got closer to the end some elements felt more sped up than I expected. This is my favorite book I've read from Durst so far, but there are many others (some I already own) that I need to read and I look forward to reading them! (less)

I hereby give this book

4 Stars!

Meaning: I really liked this book!

REVIEW: Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force. 

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MY THOUGHTS
This was an okay read. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I was expecting.

This book focuses on Britta. Her father was recently murdered and since her mother was Shaerdan, Britta is considered illegitimate and has no claims to her father's property. Starving, Britta hunts on the king's land, but is caught and is set to hang. But she can be free to live and gain rights to her father's property if she tracks down her father's killer. The problem: They tell her that Cohen, the boy she once loved, killed her father. Did he really kill her father? And could she really trade his trade for hers?

This book is set up to be a pretty awesome fantasy, but it just didn't meet the mark. I admit, the ideas were all there and I do think that Summerhill did a pretty great job on worldbuilding, but it just wasn't as awesome as I thought it would be. It's a fine fantasy, but it didn't feel like anything new. Also, it was just so predictable.

My main problem was with the characters. Everyone seems to think Britta is a badass, but she just felt like the average YA heroine. Sure, she could hunt and whatnot, but she wasn't amazing. Cohen was also just like every YA love interest. Frankly, I really didn't care about him. I cared a little for Britta because she had a hard life, but Cohen just served as the love interest for most of the book.

Which brings me to the romance. I did not like the romance at all. I didn't hate it, but it was just pointless. Britta spends the entire book thinking about Cardboard Cohen! Shouldn't you stop questioning your feelings and focus on more important things, Britta? Cohen, of course, is your typical love interest. Pushes Britta away to "protect her". Enough of that crap! Anyway, I was sick of the conflicting feelings between them because we all knew, right when we found out that Cohen used to be friends with Britta, that they would end up together. Frankly, I think I would've have enjoyed this book more without the romance.

While the ending was slightly predictable, the very very VERY end was quite interesting. It makes me very curious about the next book. Though, I am worried that there will be a love triangle.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I liked this book but I was expected more. I wanted a unique fantasy, not a typical YA romance.

I hereby give this book

3 Stars

Meaning: I liked it.

REVIEW: Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best. 

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I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS
Going into this book, I didn't know what to expect. I've disliked books and enjoyed books by this author. The Firelight trilogy was meh to me, but I enjoyed Uninvited (the sequel is another series). I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I really liked it and I was close to giving it a full 5 stars!

Ever since darkness fell across her kingdom, Luna has been in her tower. She's only ever really known two people and she's hardly ever left her tower, as the outside is too dangerous. Until one day, she does, and she comes across a group of three surviving in the wilds. After saving them, she leads them back to the tower. But when her tower gets attacked, she must leave, with one of the strangers she just found. In a world of darkness there are many dangers, especially when your the lost princess.

I loved this book! It was completely unique! This has some fairy-tale aspects, but all-in -all this is a very dark fantasy, and it was epic. The world-building was great! I felt like I was sucked into this dark world! And, best of all, there were plot twists! I adore plot twists! Some I saw coming, but still, I loved them!

I liked the characters in this book. This book is from the point of view of both Luna and Fowler. Luna doesn't seem like a strong person at first, due to how sheltered she is and the decision she makes of going outside, even though she's been told how dangerous it is. But Luna actually is very strong, especially when you realize more about her situation (I don't want to give too much away). She's also very kind. Fowler is from a completely different situation than Luna. He has learned how to survive in the darkness. The two have an interesting dynamic, both distrusting one another but thrown together due to circumstance. Although, of course you know right off that they will eventually grow to like each other, this is a YA book.

Fair warning: There is a bit of a cliffhanger.


IN CONCLUSION
I really enjoyed reading this book! Despite my earlier misgivings, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! This was a such an interesting and unique fantasy book! The world-building was strong and dark and the cast of characters was interesting! I do recommend this book, but expect plot twists and a cliffhanger!

I hereby give this book

4 Stars!

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake

Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed. 

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I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS
I've been waiting to read this book for almost two years, since the book was titled "Library Jumpers". That was all I needed to know in order to need this book! This book wasn't as much as I hoped for, mostly due to the romance, but the fantasy elements were amazing and I did enjoy this book!

After being sucked into a book and ending up in a library in Paris, Gia's life is changed forever. They discover Sentinels, magical knights that travel across libraries to protect the human race from various creatures. Now, Gia and her friends are in danger from these creatures and whether they like it or not, they're now in this new world. Gia may be involved more than she realized.

The main idea behind this book sounds absolutely fantastic! A fantasy that is based around libraries? A booknerd's dream! I loved the idea behind this book! This book also has a very complex magic system. I thought that all the magical and fantasy elements were very interesting. They were a bit hard for me to wrap my head around at first, but in the end, I was very impressed by the world Brenda Drake created.

A lot did definitely happen in this book, which may also factor why my head was spinning so much. Gia also founds out a whole lot of stuff in a short period of time, some about the world, some about her, some about other things. There is a lot of information in this book and I still feel like I don't know anything, that there are answers that I still need. I hope my questions will be answered in the other books in the series!

Gia is a lover of libraries and a bit of a tomboy. I liked Gia. She annoyed me at points, due to the romance (which I will get to), but she was a great MC most of the time. We're thrown into this world with Gia and both of us are still trying to understand it. She cares deeply for her friends and family, and on that thought, they too are really great characters. I can't say that I love her as an MC though. She's great, but I've read many books with similar MCs.

The romance is the main reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. I don't have much luck with romance in books and it's very hard for me to like a romance in books because it's just so easy for an annoying trope to sneak in. This book was no different. First of all, once a guy was described as hot and with a snazzy accent, I knew that we've found the love interest. The romance just felt too much like insta-love. Arik is not a bad guy, but sometimes all I ever really felt the attraction was based on was the fact that he was really hot, because Gia thought about that a lot. I know there was more to it, but it happened so fast! Add in the fact that of course it was forbidden and of course there's some really hot French girl, with big boobs, hanging around Arik. I'm sorry, but I'm getting sick of these tropes in YA. Maybe eventually, as the series continues, I'll be less annoyed. Also, another guy was introduced and is it wrong that I actually want a love triangle? I kind of want to know more about the other guy.

IN CONCLUSION
Okay, despite my annoyance with the romance, this was a great book. It introduced a very new and unique fantasy world with a very complex magic system! I enjoyed reading this book and I'm very curious what will happen next as the series continues.

I hereby give this book

3.5 Stars

Meaning: I liked it, but it wasn't quite amazing.

REVIEW: A Gift of Poison by Kate Avery Ellison

Steampunk. Romance. Dragons. A new novel by bestselling author Kate Avery Ellison. 

As the orphaned niece of a cruel lord, Briand is the scapegoat of the castle. She has few friends and even fewer options, and every day is a struggle to stay ahead of trouble caused by malicious guards and irritable castle servants. 

Briand is set to be banished to the wildlands, a death sentence, when she when she accidentally unlocks a hidden power and involves herself in a rebel plot and her life abruptly changes. 

Imprisoned in the company of a band of rebels, Briand must do what seems impossible: call up sleeping dragons in the north. But the fearsome Prince's assassins called Seekers are looking for her, Briand doesn't know if she can trust the mysterious, enigmatic rebel leader Kael, and there might be a traitor in the rebels' midst.

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I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS
I adore Kate Avery Ellison's books and she's one of my favorite indie authors, so I was quite happy to read another one of her books!

This book is about a girl named Briand. She lives with her uncle in his castle, and he hates her. In fact everyone seems to hate her and she's always getting into trouble. If she causes any trouble, she'll be banished and sentenced to death. After a trap is set for her, that's exactly what will happen.Except, she accidentally ends up unlocking an ability that can basically save their country from a tyrant rule. Now, she must travel with rebels, figure out this ability of hers, while all the while avoiding those who want her dead.

I've read The Season of Lightning, which takes place in the same universe, so some of this world was familiar. But this book was very different! First off, this book has dragons, so that right there is awesome. Also, this book focuses on different countries and just a completely different storyline. I thought the world was very developed and it felt like a very real fantasy world, if that makes any sense.

You can't but feel a little bit sorry for Briand, because she got all the short straws in life, but she would probably hate us feeling sorry for her. Despite her circumstances, and maybe because of her circumstances, she's very strong. Though, she knows to ask for help when she needs it. The other characters were interesting in how they interacted with her, mostly because they all hated her at first. I though it was interesting seeing them slowly loose their dislike towards her.

As for romance, there wasn't any! There were moments where it seemed like there would be moments that the romance would appear, but no. It never went anywhere.

My main pet peeve with this book is the ending. The ending felt rushed and then abrupt. It seemed like there should've been a bit more, at least. I'm kind of curious is any of the characters appear in The Season of Lightning, but I read it before this book and I really can't remember.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did enjoy this book, which didn't surprise me! This was a fantastic fantasy, and while I had issues with the ending, I enjoyed everything else! I really recommend any of Kate Avery Ellison's books and you bet I'll be reading more of her books!

I hereby give this book

4 Stars!

Meaning: It was amazing!

BOOK TOUR: Dreamscape: Saving Alex by Kirstin Pulioff (Excerpt, Review, and Giveaway)

About the Book

Dreamscape: Saving Alex by Kirstin Pulioff
Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy
Published April 15th, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Alexis Stone is used to getting away from life’s frustration with Dreamscape, a video game she’s loved since childhood. As her family prepares to move, a sleepy night of gaming pulls her into the world like never before. Trapped in Dreamscape’s realm, Alex is about to learn that being a hero has consequences… and this time, the stakes are deadly. Will helping the rebellion cost her everything she knows and loves? Or will she betray them to save her own life?

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Excerpt

I stared at him, the confusion in his dark eyes partially hidden by the hair sliding down his forehead. “What did you expect me to do? You practically told them I would defeat the king by myself!” I yelled. 

“With our help.” 

I shot him that look again. “Do you think that makes it better? I don’t know how to fight. I know how to win a game, not kill an evil king. Those are two very different things, and you know it. You can’t just sign me up for your rebellion without asking. All I care about right now is getting home and getting out of this game.” 

“Isn’t that all life is, though, a game? Aren’t we all just trying to find a way through?” 

“Yes, this is just a game. One that I desperately need to get out of.” 

“This may just be a game to you, but it’s our lives. Don’t let the fear of being the hero keep you from doing what’s right.” 

“But this isn’t real. None of this is real.” 

“What’s more real than the things you can touch and feel?” He reached out and pressed his lips to my hand. “The things that touch you.” 

“But—” 

“Stop fighting and listen. Not to me, but to yourself. You know you want to do what’s right.” 

“Arrow, there’s more to it than that. You can’t put your hope in me.” I turned around so he wouldn’t see the tears streaking my cheeks. 

“We already do. I don’t understand why you can’t.” He grabbed my wrists and turned me back around. “Look at what you’ve already done. You’re more than just a hero.” 

“Let me go. It was one thing going along to get your papers, but this—” I said, pointing to the tavern. “This is too much. Did you see that little boy? I can’t be responsible for his life. What if I get him killed? I didn’t ask for any of this. I’m tired of people expecting me to do things without asking.” 

“Then what do you want?” 

“I want to go home. I’m sorry for ever giving you the idea that I could do more. But them?” I pointed back to the tavern. “They need a real hero. That’s you, or your men. At some point, I have to stop pretending before someone gets hurt. I’m not a hero. This is nothing more than a costume. I won’t let that boy, or any of them, put their faith in an imitation, not when they need something more.” 

“You’re more than you realize.” 

“I’m nothing here. This isn’t real. You’re not real,” I screamed, pushing him away. “I can’t pretend anymore.” 

His eyes hardened. “I had hoped I’d mean more to you by now. I can understand you’re afraid, but I don’t understand how you can be so self-absorbed. You can’t just push us away, telling me that we’re a game. What do you think happens when you’re not here? Do you think we disappear?” 

“I-I don’t know!” 

“Let me tell you—we don’t. This isn’t a game. This is a fight to reclaim our kingdom. I can’t tell you why you were sent as our hero. And honestly, if you can’t find a way to put someone ahead of yourself, I don’t know what good you’d be. I’m done wasting my time. If you want to go home, then go.” 

“Now you’re not being fair. You’re twisting my words to make me look bad.” 

“Goldy, I don’t need to twist anything to do that.” 

I slapped him, then balled my fist to my mouth, cringing as I waited for his reaction. 

He rubbed his cheek and turned back to me with a spiteful grin. I held my breath as he came closer. “Did that feel real enough for you? What about this?” He reached behind me and pulled me near. 

My protests stopped as his lips covered mine. Everything gave way to his demanding kiss. My knees weakened, and I fell further into his arms. I grabbed his sleeves, pulling him closer, feeling my greed resurface. And then he pulled back and unhooked my hands from his sleeves. 

“Was that real enough for you?” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and retreated into the dusty town. 

I watched him leave, feeling a pang of longing with every step he took. My chest heaved, refusing to hold anything but my shattered heart. 

“Yes,” I whispered, feeling the lingering of his lips and the burn of regret.

Review

MY THOUGHTS

I love books involving traveling to other worlds, so of course my interest was peaked by this book, and I was not disappointed! The book took the idea by storm in a fast-paced and action-packed book that was incredibly entertaining.

When Alex's mother springs the fact that they are going to move, soon, Alex is very upset. She just got a date with her crush and she doesn't want to leave her best friend. Though while packing up, she rediscovers Dreamscape, a video game that she spent her childhood playing. It's when she decides to play it again, just a little bit, that something strange happens. She's sucked into the game. Inside she finds herself sucked into a whole different world, a world with a tyrant king and a rebellion trying to regain their freedom, and their queen. And everything seems to think that she's the Golden Hero, the one who will save their queen. Alex doesn't know how to save a queen and the game is so much different than the one she spent her childhood playing. How will she get home? And how will she save the queen?

I really like the idea behind this book. Sure, similar ideas have been done before, but I always love these kind of books. I especially like how the other world is based around a video game! At first I was iffy about the Golden Hero thing, as I'm a bit sick of chosen ones, but it actually worked. It helped that Alex wasn't the only Golden Hero, but I think it just worked very well with the story. And it was actually kind of interesting.

This book is a strong fantasy book, but I think this book actually had a lot of coming of age aspects. Alex starts out frustrated at moving and by the end of the book, she's grown so much. Traveling into a video game world kind of changes you. Alex just becomes so much stronger, in skills, how she sees the world, and how she sees herself. It was great seeing her change and realize how she was capable of being the Golden Hero, and she's such a great character!

As for romance, there is indeed romance. And yes, I approve.

IN CONCLUSION

Overall, this was a fantastic read! I thought this book had such a great idea and it was done very well! So much happened in this book and it was very entertaining! This book is actually a stand-alone, but I will look into any other books Kirstin Pulioff writes in the future.

I hereby give this book

4 Stars!

Meaning: It was amazing!

About the Author

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in the foothills of Colorado. When she’s not writing an adventure, she’s busy living one.She loves to hear from readers and fans. Please connect with her on her website. Facebook

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

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REVIEW: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

Characters from books literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans, but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life characters.

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MY THOUGHTS
This is kind of a staple book and I figured it was about time I read it. I loved the bookish-ness of the book! This book was also incredibly imaginative!

Meggie lives with her father, Mo, who is a book doctor and fixes books. It isn't until a stranger comes to them one night the Meggie ends up caught up in her father's secrets. Mo has the power to read characters, and things, to life from the pages of the book. Years ago, he accidentally read a villain to life and now the villain is searching for Mo, so that he can use Mo's power.

Being a huge booknerd, I love reading books about books. This book is like bookception, it's a book within a book, and I loved it. Also, what booknerd hasn't dreamed of having the characters come to life? But this book definitely shows the downside to that. The overall imagination of this book is astounding as well! Still, this book does have flaws. I've read one other Cornelia Funke book and noticed that her writing seems to be a bit long at times and a bit slow-paced. This wasn't a big problem, but I felt like the book could've been shorter. I also expected more magic, even though there was some, but it took awhile for t to appear.

The cast of characters was great, both the good and the bad. I liked Meggie. For one, she loves to read, but I loved how strong she was for one her age. I also liked Elinor and her house of books, even though it took awhile to like her. I had a hard time with Dustfinger, because I liked him and felt for him, but he has a lot of flaws.The villains in this book are also all especially evil.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I think this book is a great read for booknerds and fans of fantasy. This book was very imaginative and I enjoyed reading it. This book did have it's flaws, but I still liked it and I plan on continuing the trilogy!

I hereby give this book

3.5 Wheels

Meaning: I liked it, but it wasn't quite amazing.