Tag Archives: fantasy

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

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Welcome to the official Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen blog tour! I absolutely adored Scarlet, and I’m so ecstatic to be a part of Lady Thief’s tour! For today’s stop, I review the brilliantly written Lady Thief. Don’t forget to enter the tour-wide giveaway below!

Lady Thief by AC Gaughen

Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: February 11th 2014
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Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and the royal court has come to Nottingham to appoint a new sheriff. The people hope that Prince John will give them a champion, but the prince has different plans . . . involving Scarlet and Lord Gisbourne.

Scarlet must put aside her weapons and boys’ clothing to join the dark and plotting court. She will do anything to outwit the Prince and win a life with Rob, but hidden within the court is a secret no one was supposed to discover. When the truth is revealed, Scarlet will have to pay a steep price.

Featuring a strong girl heroine who will appeal to fans of Grave Mercy and Throne of Glass, this sequel to Scarlet will leave readers breathless for more.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound

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Oh. My. GOD! I honestly didn’t think Lady Thief could meet the high expectations I had after Scarlet, but Lady Thief blew me away! It’s a stunning, incredible sequel to Scarlet. I wholeheartedly loved Lady Thief, with its cast of unforgettable, lovable characters and unique writing. If you loved Scarlet, Lady Thief will not disappoint you! And if you haven’t read Scarlet, you really should–A.C. Gaughen’s Scarlet series is one of my favorite series ever! It’s an action-packed historical fiction, a refreshing fairytale retelling, and a heart-stopping romance all wrapped into one mind-blowing package.

“I love you, Scarlet. Go on, now, before you steal my sanity too,” he said.
“Too?” I questioned.
His grin by the moon were wicked and handsome. “Thief of my heart.”

Lady Thief follows shortly after Scarlet’s ending (and can I just say how THANKFUL I am that A.C. Gaughen wrote a sequel to Scarlet? Because I am so, so happy she did). Scarlet’s true identity as a woman of high class, as Marian of Leaford, is finally out in the open, the love between Scarlet and Rob has blossomed, but things aren’t exactly going well right now. For one thing, Scarlet is married to Lord Gisbourne, who is an evil man. Scarlet had to marry Gisbourne in order to save Rob, who was tortured horribly. Rob is safe now, but he constantly has nightmares in which he harms Scarlet in his sleep. There’s tension brewing between Robin Hood and his Merry Men, but there’s no doubt that all of them, Rob, Scarlet, John, and Much, will stick by each other through thick and thin. I’d missed the four of them, and I loved revisiting the bonds and camaraderie between them again.

Scarlet is once again a total badass in Lady Thief. I adore Scarlet. She’s a fierce, strong, compassionate girl who loves with all her heart, and will protect those she loves with everything she has. In Lady Thief, she always puts those she loves above herself–she’d give her life for them, and she basically does when she agrees to be a proper wife for her husband. Even in the midst of political drama including a cruel, despicable prince, Scarlet never gives up and never goes down without a fight. She fights for the people of her town, and especially for Rob and for their love. I love her for her perseverance, for fighting to have the future she wants with Rob. It’s an incredibly difficult road getting to their happily ever after, but Scarlet doesn’t give up.

And do you know what A.C. Gaughen has done to me? She’s made me fall head over heels in love with Robin Hood. I never gave a crap about the fairy tale Robin Hood before, but then I read about Scarlet’s Rob and it was love at first page. In Lady Thief, he’s a little broken after his torture, and attacking Scarlet in his sleep isn’t helping him get better. Even though the book is in Scarlet’s POV, I could just feel his shame and agony over hurting Scarlet, even unintentionally, because he just loves her so much. He’s such a vivid character, someone I can conjure up in my mind so easily. He’s loyal, compassionate, loving, and he has such a kind heart. He’s a thoroughly good man, and he and Scarlet are absolutely perfect for each other.

“It’s strange,” he said low in my ear. “When night falls my chest is full of fear, but holding you like this, Scar, I can’t help but feel grateful. Joyous. By the light of day, I still cannot fathom that I’m the one you love.”
I turned a little to look at him. “I do love you. I always will.”

Oh my goodness, my heart flutters every single time Rob opens his mouth. He and Scarlet are so much more romantic in Lady Thief, and I was grinning so much! They fight so hard to find a way to annul Scarlet’s marriage to Gisbourne, and they won’t stop until they can finally be together out in the open. They have a captivating, passionate love that made me swoon and sigh. It’s sometimes painful too, because they just have so many obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.

“These schemes may benefit the people, Scarlet, but I fight for you.” His hands squeezed my waist a little bit, and it made my blood run fast. “I will always fight for you.”

The other characters in Lady Thief are just as compelling as Scarlet and Rob. They all have their distinctive personalities, even the evil characters, and they made Lady Thief such a great book to read. There’s never a dull moment, and especially in the second half of the book, I was at the edge of my seat, nearly biting my nails. Things get intense in this book, and I loved every second of it!

Lady Thief is an absolute must read–Scarlet fans, you don’t want to miss this one! This whole series is brilliant–the story is executed perfectly, and the characters are so consuming to read about. I highly, highly recommend the Scarlet series–it’s unputdownable and unforgettable!

5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Scarlet series

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen Lady Thief by AC Gaughen Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen

#1 ~ Scarlet: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Lady Thief: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Lion Heart: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Goodreads

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change.

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I am shamelessly addicted to staying up far too late (it feels like stealing time), diet coke (it burns so good), Scotland (stupid country stole my heart and won’t give it back. Interpol has been ineffective for prosecution) and thieves (so I guess I’m not that mad at Scotland).

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 Winner will get an amazing prize pack, including: a sword necklace, a lady thief tote bag, lady thief stickers and lady thief and scarlet bookmarks.
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Release Day Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi
Series: Under the Never Sky #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 28th 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Hardcover
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (HarperCollins) in exchange for an honest review

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi’s “masterpiece” Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it’s time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won’t even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn’t just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he’s also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Into the Still Blue is the EPIC conclusion to the fantastic Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi, and  wow, it didn’t disappoint! I had high hopes for this book, and it was nearly perfect. Perry and Aria are so dear to me, after reading their journey that was filled with action, romance, and thrills. I had a wonderful time reading Into the Still Blue, but I have to admit, I’m incredibly sad to be leaving Perry, Aria, and their world.

It had been a while since I last read Through the Ever Night (which is my favorite of the series), so I couldn’t remember much about what happened before Into the Still Blue, but luckily, Veronica Rossi is a brilliant storyteller. She managed to have me catching up quite quickly and effortlessly. It’s so easy to get sucked into this dystopian world, to get hooked onto Aria and Perry’s journey toward the Still Blue. There’s action in every scene, and the book kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time while reading. I just couldn’t put the book down! I was hooked on every word, every page, and I just can’t get over the storytelling! The writing is phenomenal–Veronica Rossi writes in dual third-person POV, and she works it. She’s probably one of the few authors I actually really like and am impressed with who write in this style.

Perry and Aria are put to the final test–they have to unite the Outsiders and Dwellers and get everyone to the Still Blue, all the while trying to get back Cinder from Sable, the evil Blood Lord who killed Perry’s sister and who wants total control of all Outsiders and Dwellers. Sable kidnapped Cinder, who is the only known person who can combat the deadly aether that ravages their world. There is just so much that goes on in this book, but it’s also so easy to keep up. All of the characters go through hell and back all to find a better future–friendships are put to the test, there are betrayals that shock the hell out of you, revelations that you never see coming, and SO MUCH MORE! I can’t even describe how heart-pounding and exhilarating it was to read this book.

I LOVE the characters! Perry, Aria, ROAR(!!), and even Soren are the ones who make this book, this series, special. You feel all the emotions that they feel as well, and you cheer for them over and over again. Each character is unique and complex and so real. They come alive off the pages–Veronica Rossi has created the most incredible cast of characters that I will miss dearly! And one of the top things that I will miss too? The BROMANCE between Perry and Roar. 😉

And have I mentioned how much I love Aria and Perry? They were wonderful in the first two books, and it’s no different in this final one. I loved them even more in Into the Still Blue, where they’re actions really show how much they’ve grown. As I was reading, it all came back to me how much I really cared for these two characters. They’ve endeared themselves to me, through their actions, words, and love. God, I just love the romance between Perry and Aria. The love they have for each other is rock-solid, something that strengthens them and gives them hope for a brighter future, and it’s just beautiful. And yet at the same time, Aria and Perry are brilliant as individuals as well. But still, who doesn’t love a good romance? And this one is sooo good!

“What I was trying to say,” he whispered, “is that I see you in everything. There isn’t a word for you that means enough, because you’re everything to me.”

Perry makes me swoon so. freaking. hard.

I never wanted the book to end–but when it did, I was smiling so hard. I LOVED the ending! It was so beautiful and heartwarming and believable. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this brilliant final book. And if you haven’t read this series yet, you must! The Under the Never Sky series stands out in the dystopian genre, and is a must read.

4 hearts–loved it, but I can’t give a 5 because it didn’t have the same oomph as the second book!

4 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Under the Never Sky series

Roar and Liv by Veronica Rossi Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi Brooke by Veronica Rossi Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

#0.5 ~ Roar and Liv: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Under the Never Sky: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Through the Ever Night: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Brooke: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Into the Still Blue: Ebook • Hardcover • Goodreads

ARC Review: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Harlequin MIRA) in exchange for an honest review

She’s fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he’s gone forever.

But there’s a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

OH MY. Oh my, oh my, oh my goodness, this book was incredible! Taste of Darkness was everything I expected for the final book in this brilliant series and more. There were still some iffy parts that I’m still not too sure about (those Death and Peace Lilys are still the most bizarre things I’ve ever read), but other than that, I LOVED this book. There’s so much going on, between Avry and the gang trying to find Kerrick, and the upcoming war to save the whole kingdom, but at the heart of it all, Avry truly shines in this book. She displays an impressive amount of courage and leadership, she takes charge and fights for those she loves, and she never loses faith in Kerrick

So if you’ve read Scent of Magic (which you should have before starting Taste of Darkness–this series should be read in order!), then you know there was one hell of a cliffhanger at the end. But not to worry folks, Maria V. Snyder gives us an excellent follow-up to that awful cliffhanger. This final book is actually my favorite of the series, despite not loving Kerrick as much.

Avry has her usual stubbornness and her goodness for wanting to heal, but she has matured so much throughout this series. I had admired her already from reading the other books, but my admiration only grew stronger after reading Taste of Darkness. And Kerrick, well, he’ll do just about anything for Avry. He loves her, no doubt about that, but I was a little disappointed in him in this book. He’s weak (magic powers-wise), but I was hoping for more of that spark that he had in the previous two books that made me fall in love with him, but he fell just a little bit short of that. Nonetheless, when these two are together, they make the impossible possible. They love together and fight together, and these two characters have ingrained themselves into my heart. Reading Avry and Kerrick’s adventures, they’ve become so dear to me that it was a little hard to say goodbye to them.

And I can’t forget about the incredible cast Maria V. Snyder has created! The most wonderful part of this fantasy series are the characters. Avry, Kerrick, and the gang are back in action. They’ve been through so much together, and in this final round, they stick by each other no matter what. I love the beautiful camaraderie between these friends. The jokes and banter between everyone made me smile and laugh and love them even more.

And the brilliant story-telling! The book was a bit slow in the beginning, but it was a slow I enjoyed. And when the plot started picking up, there was non-stop action, as usual. But as this is the final book of the series, it’s even more heart-pounding and thrilling to the end. There are strategies to plan, battles to fight, people dying and coming back to life, a freaking kingdom to save. Everything was just WOW. This intricate world hooks you in and never lets you go until the very last page.

Taste of Darkness is an entirely satisfying ending to this series. I’m so sad it’s over, but I’m just so happy with the way everything ends. Maria V. Snyder is just SO GOOD at writing fantasy! (Maybe I should get back to finishing the Study series…)

4.5 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Healer series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

#1 ~ Touch of Power: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 18th 2012
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible … again.

Maria freaking V. Snyder does it again! Scent of Magic is another excellent book in the Healer series, which I am totally in love with. Maria V. Snyder does fantasy so perfectly–if you’re looking to read a fantasy book, you must read Maria V. Snyder. And oh my, Scent of Magic was just too good.

To be honest, I was a bit worried, because in the blurb, it says “And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.” When I saw that, I went NOOOO, because I adore Kerrick, and I wanted more of him and Avry. They FINALLY got together at the very end of Touch of Power, and it made be so happy. But it’s not only the romance I love about them. The author writes them in a way that is so perfect–it’s the way they work together, how they’re so kickass and strong independently and together that really appeals to me. The Healer series is not a romance, but a fantasy book with romance in it. Which is perfect for me!

Okay, okay, back to me being worried. Was I worried? Yes. Did I need to be worried? Absolutely not. Imagine my surprise when I saw after chapter one the word KERRICK at the top of the page! Yes, we get Kerrick’s POV! Technically, it’s third person, but who cares? We get to see Kerrick’s side of the story, since he and Avry don’t get to physically be together. Avry is believed to be dead by everyone, and only Kerrick knows differently. And they have to use this advantage to fight against Tohon, the evil, intriguing megalomaniac. Avry must go back to find her sister while Kerrick must go to meet up with Prince Ryne to make battle plans.

I loved reading Kerrick’s POV, and learning more about him since we didn’t get very much in the first book. I like the way he thinks, the clever way he plans everything. He’s a very straightforward man, and his top priorities are Avry and helping Prince Ryne defeat Tohon. He makes me swoon so freaking hard. Love this man.

Avry is equally fantastic as well. While trying to make amends with her sister, Avry disguises herself and joins Estrid’s army (who is an ally of Ryne). She integrates herself into the soldiers’ lives, becoming familiar with them, and even developing friendships. Avry also has to teach these soldiers how to successfully move about silently while out on the battlefield. I was glad to see that Avry and Kerrick still managed to be grow independently, and does a lot of growth in this second novel. I admired her even more–she can heal people and fight people with her swords!

Scent of Magic is just divine. But fair warning, there is a KILLER cliffhanger at the end! Other than that, this book is definitely not a disappointment for fans of the first book. It’s an excellent sequel, and the plot is just brilliant! Twist after twist that I did not see coming, and there’s non-stop action. 4 hearts!

4-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Healer series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

#1 ~ Touch of Power: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 20th 2011
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….

It’s been FOREVER since I’ve read a YA book, and a fantasy one at that, but what better way to get back in the genre than with Maria V. Snyder? I adored Poison Study, which is the only book I’ve ever read from the author, but Maria V. Snyder can do fantasy like no other. Reading Touch of Power just reminded me of how much I love fantasy books. I miss that genre!

As a healer, 20-year-old Avry has the power to take away other people’s injuries, and assume them as her own. If they have a broken bone, she can use her healing magic to fix it back, but she’ll have a broken bone herself. Even dire injuries that are fatal wouldn’t be fatal to Avry because her healing powers improve and speed up her recovery. But as miraculous as her powers are, healers like her have been hunted ever since the devastating plague broke out. Healers couldn’t heal those infected with the plague without dying themselves, which is abnormal. And so Avry has been on the run for 3 years trying to survive, except she gets caught by a group of men who want to use her powers to save a prince who might be able to save the kingdom from being taken over by an evil tyrant.

Avry is a fairly impressive heroine. She’s tough, she’s loyal, and she’s very adamant about using her powers for good. She’s not afraid to take on any illness or injury, no matter how dire, but she refuses to help save Prince Ryne for certain reasons. The gang who kidnaps her (Kerrick, Belen, Flea, Quian, and Loren) try to convince her to change her mind, but ultimately, they force her to travel with them across the land to get to the prince.

I adored Kerrick. The second I read “Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own” from the blurb, I knew there was going to be some tension going on between him and Avry. Kerrick is a cold-hearted man in the beginning of their journey, only wanting to use Avry for her powers, not even viewing her as a person, but as the group travel across dangerous terrain, fighting against enemies and creatures, and fighting for people worth saving, he lets down his defenses. He starts to have a heart (not that he’d let anyone know), but as their leader, he has to be tough and ruthless. And I loved that Maria V. Snyder was able to build up the romance without even focusing on it. And even if there was no romance, I’d still be content with the book, because the plot is just that good!

I loved the other characters as well. The six of them bond through their travels, and they end up building a camaraderie and caring for one another. And sometimes the gang is just hilarious! I admit I was chuckling at parts, because they pick on each other all the time. Their group isn’t just based on duty, but also on friendship.

There’s so much going on in this book, and there are so many twists and turns, and I highly enjoyed it! I love how even though it’s a fantasy book, and there are people with magical powers, all the characters still felt believable. I could connect with Avry, and I really admired her character. Kerrick is freaking awesome, along with the rest of the gang, and there’s a nasty villain who’s complicated and intriguing. The only thing I wasn’t too fond of was the writing. Or should I say Avry’s narration? Either way, it’s didn’t really sound like a 20-year-old woman, but the story was still able hook me in so I overlooked that. Other than that, Touch of Power is a wonderful fantasy novel that I highly recommend to fantasy lovers and non-fantasy lovers alike!

4-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Healer series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

#1 ~ Touch of Power: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads