Thursday, 7 November 2019
OCTOBER 2019 WRAP UP
OCTOBER 2019 WRAP UP!
I read a total of 10 books in October which I am super happy about, considering I didn't read anything at all for the first week and a half! I clearly went on a Jennifer L. Armentrout binge (and am still happily on it now, thank you). There are a few new Jennifer L. Armentrout releases that I want to read (Storm and Fury being one, The Darkest Star being another) so I decided to read the original prequel series to these before I dived into those to enhance my overall reading experience. I think this month Armentrout has wormed her way onto my favourite authors list!
'Serpent & Dove' - Shelby Mahurin.
BOUND AS ONE TO LOVE, HONOUR OR BURN.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
★★★★
'White Hot Kiss' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Dark Elements #1)
ONE KISS CAN KILL
Layla just wants to be normal—fit in at school, go out on real dates and do other typical teenager things. Trouble is, Layla is anything but normal and her longtime crush, Zayne, treats her like a little sister. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities that no one else possesses. And even though Zayne is a Warden, part of the race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe, Layla’s kiss will kill anything with a soul—including him.
Enter Roth—a smart-mouthed demon who claims to know her deepest, most dangerous secrets. Though Layla knows she should stay away, it’s tough when that whole soul thing isn’t an issue. Trusting Roth could brand her a traitor to the Warden family that raised her and destroy her relationship with Zayne. But with a violent demon uprising looming in the distance, kissing the enemy suddenly pales in comparison to the end of the world.
★★★★
'Stone Cold Touch' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Dark Elements #2)
ONE TOUCH CAN HEAL
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to her mysterious power of a soul-stealing kiss. Suddenly, the Warden clan that has always protected her is keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the forbidden demon prince who understood her in ways no one else ever could.
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to her mysterious power of a soul-stealing kiss. Suddenly, the Warden clan that has always protected her is keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the forbidden demon prince who understood her in ways no one else ever could.
Rock bottom is only the beginning once Layla’s powers finally start to evolve. She’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden, finally getting what she has always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count piling up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing or able to pay.
★★★★
'Every Last Breath' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Dark Elements #3)
SOME LOVES WILL LAST 'TIL YOUR DYING BREATH
Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.
Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.
Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell...
★★★★
'Storm and Fury' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Harbringer #1)
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.
When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed...
When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed...
★★★
'Obsidian' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #1)
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.
★★★★
'Onyx' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #2)
BEING CONNECTED TO DAEMON BLACK SUCKS…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
SOMETHING WORSE THAN ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
BUT THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGES
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM. AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SURVIVE THE LIES.
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
SOMETHING WORSE THAN ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
BUT THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGES
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM. AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SURVIVE THE LIES.
★★★★
'Opal' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #3)
No one is like Daemon Black.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger… and they know it.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger… and they know it.
★★★★
'Origin' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #4)
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.
All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?
Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.
All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?
Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?
★★★★
'Opposition' - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #5)
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.
She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.
★★★
REVIEW: 'SERPENT & DOVE' BY SHELBY MAHURIN
“For her sixteenth birthday, Louise le Blanc’s mother gave her three things:
A sacrificial altar,
A ritual knife
And a wicked scar.”
In my opinion, very few things in life compare to the feeling of reading a book that completely lives up to its hype. Putting aside the buzz generated by early reviewers and publicists, as soon as I read the synopsis of this book I had incredibly high expectations and I can safely say that I was not left disappointed!
‘Serpent & Dove’ is a fantasy novel in which we are dropped right into the middle of the action and the magic system and plot are revealed layer by layer as you go. In some cases this can be problematic, there's a risk of a lot of information dumping, underwhelming or confusing world building and just general chaos, but Shelby Mahurin owns her craft and delivers to us a compelling and intricate world which is easy to absorb and comprehend whilst also withholding just enough to stir a need to just keep reading.
Alongside this masterful world building, we are introduced not only to incredibly loveable and funny main characters, but a host of amazing secondary characters. If anybody hurts my baby Ansel, in any lifetime, instalment or imagination... run. The romance is an enemies-to-lover, slow burn and I am here for it. It is written brilliantly and drags you through the complicated range of emotions right alongside our hilarious protagonist Lou as she experiences them. And when our naïve baby Reid comes out of his shell and gets cocky, confident and teasing? SWOON.
How on Earth a book can be over 500 pages and yet not long enough I'll never be able to explain, but ‘Serpent & Dove’ deserves every bit of credit, praise and hype that it has had heaped upon it and I will be waiting very impatiently for the sequel!
‘A witch and a witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such a story could end- a stake and a match.’
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
REVIEW: 'CAPTURING THE DEVIL' BY KERRI MANISCALCO
REVIEW: 'CAPTURING THE DEVIL' BY KERRI MANISCALCO.
Well, it is set in stone: Stalking Jack the Ripper is one of my favourite series of all time. It has got to be said, the main thing that kept my interest, and heart, throughout this series is one Mr Thomas Cresswell. I loved Audrey Rose, her gumption, intelligence, bravery, refusal to adhere to societal rules and general character. ‘Escaping From Houdini’ definitely did some damage to my love for her but her character development in ‘Capturing the Devil’ made me forgive her complete lack of sense previously. However, I do think there is a lot that we could learn from her and a lot of very impactful quotes resonated with me.
“The world needed to be better. And if it wasn’t possible for it to be better, we, its inhabitants, needed to do better.”
However, I feel like Thomas Cresswell’s love interest could have been just about anyone and I still would have read all four books to get my fix of him. I’m not alone here…right? He truly is the perfect romantic interest (in my opinion, anyway. Sorry Rowan Whitethorn you’ve been bumped down to #2). At this point in my love for this series, I would have read a whole 600 page novel about Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell eating breakfast and talking about the weather and devoured it.
This book, as expected, had many plot twists and dead ends and the world building was so immersive that I found myself wholly frustrated when another suspect didn’t fit the bill and Audrey Rose and Thomas had to start again- as though I were investigating the cases myself. It evoked real emotions within me! So many times I thought ‘this is it! This is the killer!’ only to discover on the next page that it was not. I was right next to the characters in their hunt, enjoying the ride.
The plot line was so very well thought out and crafted. Once it is over and you look back on it, you begin to notice the intricacies and how masterfully the web was woven and appreciate (as if you didn’t before!) how spectacular of a writer Kerri Maniscalco is. I loved all of the foreshadowing that linked with the other books and how it all came full circle and little details here and there that you overlooked, or didn’t think had any relevance, in reality had huge roles to play. Magnificence!
At some points the murder-mystery was put on the backburner and the romance was brought center stage, but that definitely was not an issue because what a wonderful romance it is! My only complaint throughout the previous three books was that the romance was a pace behind the other plotlines but this installment really fed my insatiable appetite for all things Cressworth, so it is no surprise then that it cemented itself as my favourite out of all four books!
That said, the murder-mystery heavy scenes (I’m looking at you, chapters 49-53!) were so delightfully atmospheric that I got genuine chills and ripples of anxiety and I just did not know how the conclusion was going to work out. It had me biting my nails and clutching the blanket up to my chin in anticipation and I could not, for anything in the world, put the book down.
I can’t believe that this is the final book (if you can hear crying right now, not to worry, it’s just me mourning my loss of Thomas). I live in hope that one day Kerri will bring these characters back for another adventure, or thirty five, but if not… This was a stunning conclusion to the series. It did justice to its predecessors and completely lived up to the hype and expectation. If I could erase my memory and read these books again for the first time I would do it without blinking! If you love murder mystery, historical fiction, swoon worthy romance, incredible characters, being kept in suspense, having your heart ripped out yet soar at the same time…or just reading in general, I highly recommend this series.
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