Black Widow ~ Forever Red by Margaret Stohl

Enter the world of the Avengers’ iconic master spy…

Natasha Romanoff is one of the world’s most lethal assassins. Trained from a young age in the arts of death and deception, Natasha was given the title of Black Widow by Ivan Somodorov, her brutal teacher at the Red Room, Moscow’s infamous academy for operatives.

Ava Orlova is just trying to fit in as an average Brooklyn teenager, but her life has been anything but average.The daughter of a missing Russian quantum physicist, Ava was once subjected to a series of ruthless military experiments—until she was rescued by Black Widow and placed under S.H.I.E.L.D. protection. Ava has always longed to reconnect with her mysterious savior, but Black Widow isn’t really the big sister type.

Until now.

When children all over Eastern Europe begin to go missing, and rumors of smuggled Red Room tech light up the dark net, Natasha suspects her old teacher has returned—and that Ava Orlova might be the only one who can stop him. To defeat the madman who threatens their future, Natasha and Ava must unravel their pasts. Only then will they discover the truth about the dark-eyed boy with an hourglass tattoo who haunts Ava’s dreams…

Black Widow: Forever Red features all the heart-pounding adventure readers expect from Marvel, written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Margaret Stohl. Uncover a new side of the Marvel Universe that will thrill loyal fans and newcomers alike, as Stohl reveals the untold story of Black Widow for the very first time. @goodreads 

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS 

I loved this book I got it from the library but I'm buying it after this review!
LET'S BEGIN



The Black Widow is very deadly... --->EXCERPT<---

She sighed. "Knock-knock, Ivan. "Who's there? S.H.I.E.L.D."
He looked at her blankly. "I don't get it."
Natasha punched him in the face as hard as she could.
As he went flying back, she rubbed her fist. "Sorry. It's more of a punch than line."





When I first started reading the book, it seemed that the Black Widow was taking the backseat, it was more focused on the kids in the book and she would come in here and there. BUT<---- All of this is for a reason and she is in it when the time comes and she's in the whole more than half the ending of the book. Either way, the whole story line rocks!

Here's how it goes:

1. There is a jerk named Ivan Somodorov who is evil.
2. There is a little girl named Ava Orlova who Natasha (B Widow) saves from said evil jerk.
3. Ava doesn't see Natasha until many years later even though she promised she would be there.
4. There is a dude named Alex Manor that said girl Ava has been dreaming about (like premonitions)
5. Tony Stark helps this trio out, now with the beat em up stuff but with the tech stuff.

So, Natasha saves this little girl Ava from the bad man Ivan and thinks she kills him at the same time. That was the prime directive of S.H.I.E.L.D. was to take him out. He did experiments on children, even Natasha when she was young. I won't say what all he did or was trying to accomplish but it's not good as villains usually don't do good.

Years later when Ava is a teenager, she runs away from S.H.I.E.L.D, who had her in protective captivity and is now living homeless. She keeps having these dreams about this boy Alex and they are bizarre because they are so vivid and real and she finds out so is he! They meet at a fencing convention. It's mind blowing when I finally read what those dreams were about! Sorry.. got off track... so the two kids meet at the convention and they also meet Natasha. Ava is ticked off of course since she hadn't seen Natasha since she was a kid and felt like she could trust no one in the world with their promises. But, that's all whole other story. So.. Ava and Natasha are talking about things, Alex bursts into the fray and then they all start getting shot at.. lovely. Natasha, being the Widow gets them out of dodge and heads on over to see Stark. The thing is... the old evil dude (Ivan) he isn't dead --->of course<--- and he's after Ava .....soooooooo... I'm not telling you why but Stark tries helping them out with this little problem (that I can't tell you) ... and let's just go ahead and add some excerpts!



Natasha nodded. "Ava, Alex, this is Tony Stark."
"Look. It's a small human. Hello, small human." He waved, and Ava froze. She couldn't help it. Like everyone else, she'd heard the sound bites from Tony Stark of Iron Man fame-of Stark Industries fame-of tabloid and headlines and fast cars and fast everything fame. Even when the only channel she had was C-SPAN.
"Hi, Mr.--Iron--Stark."



Natasha was silent and focused, but Tony talked as he worked. "Walk me through it again. Your not-so-dead long-lost Red Roomie shows up in Panama City. Your afraid he'll try to tangle with Natasha Junior, here."
Ava coughed. "Excuse me?"
"So you circle the wagons, pick up Mini-Me, take out Ivan's welcome party, hop on Coulson's good ship Lollipop, and hitch a ride to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s doorstep."

Anyhoo... they are all hanging out with Tony, the kids are supposedly sleeping, but escaping. Let me just say they have some powers too.. They go back to where it all began, find out some messed up stuff, some really sweet stuff, some sad stuff, Natasha shows up (because she's Black Widow) they put more pieces together and set out to stop evil Ivan from hurting more kids, fight a bunch of dudes, some more sad stuff happens, and .... I'm not saying any more :-)

I was really sad at one part though, really, really sad :-(


I cried - don't judge me! But yeah, it seems like when something really good happens, then is all turns to shite!

Either way, I loved the book, I'm buying the book, I love the cover and I want more of these books!

GOODREADS REVIEW:

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1530387339

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148472643X?keywords=black%20widow%20forever%20red&qid=1454195068&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Silver In The Blood by Jessica Day George

A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate... or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives. @goodreads

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS 

When I first started this book I really liked it, then it was dragging & I needed to know, & then I found out...... I LOVED IT!





As you know by reading about the book, it is the 1890's and Dacia and Lou who are cousins living in New York, are shipped off to meet their relatives in Romania. (I want to go there so bad) They are Romanian through their moms bloodlines.

Both girls have diaries and write in them throughout the book, or are writing letters to different people throughout the book. I liked this little added quirk. Both girls are also traveling separate from each other. Dacia with her Aunt Kate and Lou with both her mother and father. The girls have little run ins with men along the way or upon arrival. Dacia gets there before Lou and gets to meet up with a cousin they knew from childhood, Radu and he's cool. But Dacia also meets a Prince, who isn't a Prince....... Lou meets a shady dude that seems to be following her.

Anyhoo, they finally get together and Dacia tells Lou about their evil grandmother Ioana who makes them call her Lady Ioana. She's NOT grandmotherly!

It turns out the girls family are considered a very powerful family in Romania (The Florescus Family) and said family are also connected to the Dracula bloodline. They even go for a visit over at Bran Castle.



While the girls are there they find out what they think is a horrible secret about their family. I think it's cool myself, but only in the magical way, not in the way they have been using their magic for... they become something else and it is so cool! I can't wait for the next book to see how this is going to play out!



I think the author did an awesome job with these characters and what she made of them. No one is ever what they seem :-) 

GOODREADS REVIEW:

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1239695510

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Blood-Jessica-Day-George/dp/1619634317/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1454094168&sr=8-1

Shelter Dogs In A Photo Booth by Guinnevere Shuster

Man's best friend! What better way to showcase adoptable dogs than by letting their true personalities shine in a photo booth! In the tradition of the best-selling dog photography book, Underwater Dogs, Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth wins the heart of all dog lovers.

Often seen as sad, rejected, and behind cold metal bars, it's no wonder people would avoid images of shelter dogs awaiting forever homes. From talented photographer (and now public figure and adoption champion) Guinnivere Shuster comes Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth, a guaranteed-to-make-you-smile photo book featuring shelter dogs in a brand-new light. Get ready to see the cutest canine portraits you’ve ever seen! Guinnevere’s fantastic photos went viral  and have been featured on websites, in magazines, and on television programs all over the world: Good Morning America, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, The Huffington Post, Time, The Daily Mail . . . even celebrities have gotten in on the action: Amy Poehler, Cesar Millan, and Zooey Deschanel have made statements and posts declaring their love of Guinnevere’s work. After the adorable and up-for-adoption photos of these furry friends were seen and enjoyed by millions, adoption rates at Utah's Humane Society skyrocketed.

The book features 100 dog photo booth style photographs, each accompanied by a short story about the dog's personality, how the dog ended up in the shelter, and the adoption date. A follow-up will conclude the book, with photos of some of them with their new families.

A portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit the Humane Society of Utah and Best Friends Animal Society. @goodreads

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS 

I totally love this book and it's already on my Amazon wishlist to buy! I wish I could take pictures of shelter dogs like this wonderful photographer, to be able to help the dogs in this way is such a wonderful idea.

The pictures of all the dogs were funny, sweet and so darn cute. The author even gave a little synopsis of the dog at the bottom of their pictures. I won't go into that too much as people make me so mad, and lets just leave it at that.. oh and please research a dog before you get one to see if it fits with who you are and your lifestyle so we can help keep them out of shelters!

In the back of the book, the author added a few pictures of the dogs that have been adopted, I wish we could have seen pictures of all of them in happy homes :-) I do hope all of the ones adopted got to stay in the home that chose them.

Once again, the pictures of these beautiful dogs are amazing and some really funny. I enjoyed this book immensely and like I said, I do intend to buy it when it comes out, not only because of the beautiful pictures but also because the proceeds go to the Utah Animal Shelter where these pictures where taken and Best Friends Animal Society where I have been a member for years! :-) Kudos!



And after :-)



**



And after :-)



*I would like to thank Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

GOODREADS REVIEW:

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1529769299

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Photo-Booth-Guinnevere-Shuster-ebook/dp/B0170ZKAK2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454077020&sr=1-1

City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett

The city of Voortyashtan was once the domain of the goddess of death, war, and destruction, but now it’s little more than a ruin. General Turyin Mulaghesh is called out of retirement and sent to this hellish place to try to find a Saypuri secret agent who’s gone missing in the middle of a mission, but the city of war offers countless threats: not only have the ghosts of her own past battles followed her here, but she soon finds herself wondering what happened to all the souls that were trapped in the afterlife when the Divinities vanished. Do the dead sleep soundly in the land of death? Or do they have plans of their own? @goodreads

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS 

This book was sooooooo good! My freaking hero is General Turyin Mulaghesh! She is older and still bad to the bone, puts up with nothing.. well until they force her out of retirement, which makes her mad as hell. 






I think I'm just going to put in a few excerpts first from my hero and then get on with the review.



"The first murder took place deep in disputed territory, General. It's not safe."
"Neither am I. I can handle myself."

****

"Leave now," says Signe, "and you'll only inspire more questions."
"She leaves because it's true!" shouts Balakilya, striding to stand in the central aisle. "She fears the truth, so she flees from it!"
"See?" says Signe.
"General Mulaghesh," says Biswal, looking up, "perhaps if you could spare a few words for-"
"She's come to murder whatever's left of our culture!" cries Balakilya.
"She's here to force us to bow to the whip of Saypur!" shouts another man.
"Oh for the love of..." Mulaghesh walks to the railing. "You want to know why I'm here? Here of all places on this damned world!"
"Tell us!" shouts one of the men below. "Tell us!"
"Fine!" snarls Mulaghesh. "I'm on vacation, you dumb ass sons of bitches!"
A loud silence echoes over the Galleries. Mulaghesh turns and strides away. As she walks through the door she hears someone say, very quietly, "Did she say vacation?"

****

I just loved her throughout the whole book. I'm not going to tell you what it's about, you can read the blurb. But I just found another hero in this woman, she's older, she has one arm and a wooden one that works okay for her, she is awesome with weapons and she's got some snark that cracks me up.

There are some crazy stuff going on in this city, Mulaghesh would never have guessed the evil place she just got dropped! There are different groups of people, there are evil beings, ghosts, different realms, crazy people doing crazy things to each other, some magical ore, and the list goes on and on.

I was so glad to find that Sigrud was back and he's just as cool as ever! I love him too :-)

At times I got confused in the book and it came back around and I got an idea of what was going on. But it as so freaking good, magical...fighting...killings...divine things...... I believe the author weaved a wonderful tale with this one. I think I like this one better than the first one and I'm thinking/hoping there is going to be another one! I can't even imagine where that one will take us.

There are some sad things that happen in the book as per the norm, there are also a few gruesome things, but it all makes sense in the end, oh.. and the end! I was like.. I knew something wasn't right with that person and what the......

I'm not one that is good with words so let me just say again, the book is awesome and read it :-)

*I would like to thank Blogging For Books for a free print copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

GOODREADS REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1416878806

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553419714?keywords=city%20of%20blades&qid=1454032454&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Dragon Apocalypse (The Berserker And The Pendant Book Two) by Josh Powell

On their way to apprehend a temple thief, Gurken Stonebiter, a templerager of the temple of Durstin Firebeard, and Pellonia, a little, but infuriatingly clever, girl stumble onto a quest to save a town from an evil dragon. The dragon is demanding sacrifices of maidens, and the town is fresh out. Can they discover a way to sate the dragon's bloodlust and save the town?

Along the way, Gurken and Pellonia meet up with Maximina, a half under-elven woman that also happens to be a tad psychic, a ranger with a dash of necromantic ability, a smidgen of samurai training, and just enough time living as a rogue to acquire the ability to sneak up on and stab a foe in the back. Maximina is full of clever ideas on how to gain a tactical advantage over her foes, and on occasion they even work.

During their adventures, Gurken, Pellonia, and Maximina face a snarky unicorn, do battle with a terrible frost giant, contend with a rival adventuring party bent on their utter humiliation, and confront the end of the world in the form of an evil sorcerer and a teeming dragon horde. Can they save the world one more time? @goodreads

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS

*I would like to thank the author for a print copy of the sequel in exchange for my honest review*

OMG! The gang is back and still hilarious, only this time they have some new characters! And it's better than the first book!



Gurken Stonebiter and Pellonia is now joined by an elf named Maximina Nobility, a dragon, a baby dragon, a sarcastic unicorn, and Arthur is also back but he went over to the dark side for a bit. I HAVE to add some excerpts because they are just classic.



"Templerager of the Stonebiter clan?"
"Aye."
"Avatar of Durstin Firebeard?"
"Aye. It seems that you know me, wizard. What of it?"
"We've been looking for you." The wizard hissed, his tone changing. The wizard smiled, his tongue sticking out slightly between his teeth. Gurken saw it was no tongue. It was a pink tentacle writhing across the wizards teeth. "And now you have no magic and I have your axe. I am the bearer of the Eye of Venka and you're at MY mercy."
At that, the wizards brownish eye turned entirely red and protruded from it's socket. A red haze seeped from around the eye as it glowed and pulsed. The wizard raised his staff and the ground trembled. Smoke spewed from the end of the staff, circling up and around the wizard's head. Lightening crackled. Thunder boomed. He laughed a deep, echoing laugh.
Gurken flicked a dart into the wizard's eye and walked over, retrieved his axe from the corpse and walked off. "Phage," Gurken said, shaking his head.



I love all of these characters, the new ones that are added are so much fun. I love the somewhat sarcastic unicorn too!



"I know anger pony," Gurken interjected, "and that dragon isn't angry." Gurken glared at the unicorn.
The unicorn stomped its front hoof on the ground several times and blew air out it's nose. The unicorn said quietly, "Fine, she's not angry. She's not going to eat anyone. Can we talk about this somewhere else? People are watching."



Okay, Okay, I have to do one more because I can't stand it! :-)



Gurken pulled out an axe loaned to him from the dragon's hoard and used the tip to draw a line in the snow. He pointed the axe up at the giant and growled quite loudly so the giant could hear.
"Linije u pijesku, ti mi preti?" the frost giant responded.
"Yes, I do believe you understand," Gurken said. He then pounded the axe against his chest and stepped over the line, to indicate his desire to cross the wall he had previously drawn.
As Gurken stepped over the line in the proverbial sand, Pellonia said, "Oh, no." Maximina's eyes grew wide in fear and she rummaged around in her magical sack.
The frost giant's eyes grew wide in anger and he sneered at Gurken.
"Kano se usudujes me threanted!" the giant bellowed. He crouched over and screamed at Gurken, who stood there quite confused.
"Is that a yes? We can cross?" Gurken asked.
The giant pulled back a leg twice Gurken's height, and kicked the dwarf. Gurken flew up, sailing along the winter breeze. Pellonia and Maximina watching him fly overhead and out of site.



I can just see him flying in the sky over their heads and I laughed and laughed. And there is so many more hysterical moments!

This time Arthur has turned bad and I can't tell you why. Some of the other people in the first book have turned bad too, but I can't tell you why either! :-) So, the gang are trying to figure out how to go on a quest for the Sphere of Annihilation while trying to stop the end of the world and getting Arthur back to his normal self. All of these things are not easy for the gang, and yay, there is going to be another book!!! I'm really enjoying the antics and what not of this little group.

I recommend to anyone that would like to read a funny, fantasy novel that does have an end story but takes you on a comical ride while getting there!

GOODREADS REVIEW:

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1481447058

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Apocalypse-Berserker-Pedant-2/dp/1518667058/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453942229&sr=8-1

Q & A w/ Author Susan B. Roara (The Right Family Series)

Susan B. Roara is is the author of an amazing series called The Right Family Series and I'm lucky enough to be able to read these books for her. I thought it would be nice to do a Q & A because who doesn't like to get inside the mind of an author! 

1. Where did you find inspiration for your books?  That’s a great question!  I originally started writing the book as an autobiography on my mother’s life.  Although The Right Family Series is fiction, the writing process began solely because I wanted to write down my own memories of my mother and my family.

2. Did you always want to be a writer of books?  I had never thought about writing until I sat down one day and just decided to do it. I was forty years old at the time. I was surprised as the story, “The Right Family” developed and I was even more surprised at my ability to convey it.  It was one of the most satisfying projects I had ever taken part of. 

3. Is there going to be a third book to The Right Family Series? I am currently working on “Book 3” (I haven’t named the third book yet).  I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I’m really enjoying it so far.  I get just as much anxiety and anticipation as the reader when I’m writing.  I can’t wait to see what happens next! 

4. How did you come up with titles?  The titles for “The Right Family” and “My Mother’s Gift” came naturally to me.  I felt that the story owned the titles and I didn’t question them when they popped into my head.  The third book has yet to reveal it’s title, but I’m sure that it will come to me eventually. 

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? I have always enjoyed historical fiction as one of my favorite genres.  I feel that author’s who can write accurately about history and can bring a reader back to those moments in time, are specially gifted.  The research involved in writing historically is admirable.  Although there are many great authors to choose from, if I had to choose a mentor, it would currently be Bill O’Reilly! 

6. What are your current projects?  My current project is to finish “Book 3” of The Right Family Series.  I enjoy the emails and the text messages I receive from my growing list of readers and followers, all of which include questions about the next book and hopes that there will be a 3^rd book.  I hope to release it early summer of 2016. 

7. Who designed the cover of your books?  The covers of the books were actual pictures of antiques and barn wood that I used to sell in my antique shop.   I need to add that writing a book and running an antique shop go perfectly hand and hand.  It was never a dull moment, even though there were lots of dull moments, if you can understand. 

8. What was the hardest part of writing your book?  The most difficult part of writing a book is the editing process.  Because I had never written before, I had a lot to learn regarding proper grammar, proper narration and dialogue.  My poor editor, “Kristen” from Kristen Corrects had a bit of a challenge with my first novel. Luckily she didn’t give up on me and I think as I continued to write more, I naturally got better at it.

 

9. Do you have advice for other writers?  For all Indie writers, my biggest advice would be to hire an experienced editor.  An editor’s insight is extremely beneficial to a book, especially with grammar issues and proper formatting.  Besides that, an editor can guide your thoughts and make your book better.  At least, that’s been my experience. 

10. What is your writing schedule like when you’re writing? Well, that’s an easy question.  My favorite time of day to write is around 5:00 am, before my children are awake and my day begins.  With my first cup of coffee and a quiet household, I can get a lot done in an hour and a half’s time.  
 

11. Where do you get your ideas or information for your books?  I like to call myself an intuitive writer.  I often wonder where the ideas come from and how they pop into my head.   It’s weird sometimes how the characters can wake you in the middle of the night and all of a sudden, you have your next chapter.  I don’t think about it much when I’m writing; I just trust my thoughts and enjoy the story as it goes. 

12. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? When I’m not writing, I am busy with my family and four young children.  I continue to work part-time as a hair stylist and we enjoy the outdoors very much. 

13. What does your family think of your writing? As a mom of four children, writing is my guilty pleasure. I try not to let it interfere with my family life, although they would probably disagree with me.  I know my children are very proud of me, which makes the sacrifice worth every minute.  

14. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?  My greatest aspiration as a child was to play with my friends and my siblings.  I don’t ever recall having big, life changing dreams that I would consider “grown up.”  I was a responsible kid but I enjoyed my childhood.   I never really thought about my future until I had to.   

15. What are your favorite genres in books?  I love historical fiction, although a juicy romance novel is always in my repertoire.

16. And for fun, do you have a favorite movie, song etc?   My favorite movie of all time is “Tombstone” with Val Kilmer.  I loved Val Kilmer and Brad Pit and Marky Mark Wahlberg.  I graduated high school in the early 90’s so, yeah, definitely loved those men!

That's ends our Q& A with Susan B. Roara. I really enjoyed getting to know her and I must say the part about editing, I wish I had  money to get someone to edit my reviews! Grammar is not my cup of tea and I would also like to write a book :-) 

Here are Amazon link's to Susan's books:

http://www.amazon.com/Right-Family-1/dp/0996782214/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453916427&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Gift-Family-Series-Volume/dp/0996782230/ref=bseries_primary_1_0996782230

The Sleeper And The Spindle by Neil Gaiman & Illustrated by Chris Riddell

A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.

On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future – and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems. Twisting together the familiar and the new, this perfectly delicious, captivating and darkly funny tale shows its creators at the peak of their talents.

Lavishly produced, packed with glorious Chris Riddell illustrations enhanced with metallic ink, this is a spectacular and magical gift.@goodreads

MY REVIEW:

5 STARS

I got this book from the library but I can tell you it is going to be added to my bookshelves as I must have it. The story is so different and dark and good. The graphics are AMAZING!

Queen Snow White doesn't seem too happy in her current situation, she is to be wed and have babies and do this and do that....



.....until one day, three of her dwarfs tell her about a land where everyone is asleep...

and the queen who is ready for some adventure, or so it seems, heads out to see what this nonsense is all about!



Queen Snow and the dwarfs arrive at the castle and find (just like they said) everyone asleep. There seems to be one old lady there that is watching over the Sleeping Beauty. She has been there for many years while the beauty slept. Until along came Snow, who isn't a prince but a Queen, and wakes her up.


We find out all is not as it seems as the Beauty wakes up. There is evilness afoot!! But alas, things are set to rights and the Queen and her dwarfs set out on their way... but the Queen is unsure of what she wants...



and then the decision is made...





I must say once again that I LOVE THIS BOOK! And I am sooooo glad I got it from the library... to think I wasn't even going to bother.. OH when you think your not going to bother with something, that you might not like it or have the time...BOTHER WITH IT, trust me, you might find a little gem or a big gem depending on how you look at it. :-) 

GOODREADS REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1527400309

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Sleeper-Spindle-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0062398245/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453911529&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sleeper+and+the+spindle

The Hidden Twin by Adi Rule

For eighteen years a girl with no name, a Redwing, has been hidden away in a small attic room within a city of hissing pipes and curving temples perched on the side of the great volcano, Mol, while her sister, Jey-identical except for her eyes-has lived her life in public as an only child. Their father had hoped the hidden girl would one day grow up to be a normal human girl and not the wicked creature mythology has promised, so he secretly spared her life as an infant.

But when she switches places with her sister, striking up a flirtation with the son of the Empress while working in the royal gardens and gets attacks by two suspicious priests on her journey home, she is forced to call forth fire to protect herself, unleashing her previously dormant powers and letting her secret out. She soon catches the attention of a cult with a thousand year old grudge as well as a group of underground rebels, both seeking her for their own gain. But when her sister goes missing and the Redwing uncovers a great plot to awaken Mol and bring fiery destruction upon them all, she is forced to embrace her powers.

In Adi Rule's stunning new novel, The Hidden Twin, the girl with no name, must finally choose a name and a path for herself, drawing a line between myth and history to prove herself more than a monster if she is to save both her sister and her home.@goodreads

 MY REVIEW:

4 STARS 



This book was so cool! First off, the cover is stunning! I had no idea this book was going to be so good! 


***************MILD SPOILERS******************

There were once twins born to a human and an Other. The one twin that was a Redwing was supposed to be killed at birth, but was not.

******************EXCERPTS********************

Redwing. A creature of twisted soul with the vengeance of the ancients burning under its skin, the result of an unholy union between a human and an Other.

**

When Jey and I were born, somehow my parents convinced themselves we were both human. They even let the local priest of Rasus into our house to perform the holy branding on our splotchy little foreheads.

**

But our mother was an Other, a princess of light and virtue straight out of a fairy tale. Jey and I are the forbidden porduct of an Other and a human--always twins, one human and one redwing. A redwing is supposed to be drowned by it's parents at birth, but mine thought I was special. You just looked so much like a baby, my father says.

**

Others are beings of light and justice, so it is only natural they feel no remorse in destroying creatures of evil destined to seek the destruction of all humans-creatures who fought alongside the monster Bet-Nef when he battled Dal Roet in the War of the Burning Land.

*****************END EXCERPTS*****************

So Jey and no name are sisters, twins. But no name is to always be hidden so she will not be killed for being a Redwing. They didn't even name her, which is sad... She will be known as Redwing. But she isn't an evil creature, she is special like her parents thought. She has something to do to protect the world and humans. It turns out the supposed good guys are the bad guys... isn't that always the way!

Redwing has to go through a lot of different trials, not only trying to keep herself hidden. I was upset at certain parts where her sister Jey put her in positions to get Redwing caught. Jey was being a spoiled girl.

Redwing manages to get a crush on a man in the book who turns out to be Royal. I mean, here you are a Redwing trying to hide and then you make friends with a Royal. Classic :-)

But there are a group loyal to the Redwing, they have been looking for Redwing because they know she isn't bad and can help the cause, they call themselves "Fog Walkers."

Redwing and her friends have to go through some extreme things to make a quest they are on, a reality.

I thought the characters in the book were great and well thought out. I loved so many of them and they all had a vital part in helping the world. In this particular book the author didn't make a huge world to meander through, it's just about the quest and the Redwing for the most part. I'm hoping there is going to be another book so we can branch out and see what Redwing is going to do next.

*I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.*

GOODREADS REVIEW:

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1481445337

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250036321?keywords=the%20hidden%20twin&qid=1453898041&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Bloodmark by Aurora Whittet

Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves—she was able to shift to wolf form at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and as a result, she is forced to live in seclusion in Ireland’s countryside. Ashling’s reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed and defies the ancient laws. When her pack’s oldest rivals begin hunting her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine—far from everything she’s ever known.

In Maine, she crosses paths with the dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, and something ignites within her soul. There’s just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she begins to uncover long-buried pack secrets—secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear—Ashling’s courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey, or will she follow Old Mother’s path to her destiny?@goodreads

 MY REVIEW:

4 STARS 

*******SOME MILD SPOILERS*******

I really enjoyed this book. There were parts that reminded me of another book I have read, but it was still great!

Ashling has been kept at a home in Ireland, hidden away with her mother because she is different from all other werewolves in the world. She is the only one that changed a birth, where all the other werewolves had to wait until their teens. I guess peeps in the werewolf world were jealous of this fact and plus there is an ancient prophecy about her so everyone wants a piece of her.

Her dad finally orders her to meet the packs so her and her mom travel to do this, but when they get there, they find out her father has married her off to another pack. Ashling doesn't take this well, had a fit, so does her mother, and her one nice brother, Mund takes her side and offers a stipulation that they wait until she is a little older so back home they go.

Two years later... they are all happy at home, Ashling, her mother, Mund and his wife.. when one day Ashling runs into a strange wolf when they go into town. It turns out this is the Alpha of an evil pack that kills other wolves and humans and he has wanted Ashling forever.

Sooooo.. off we go again into hiding in a dungeon where her father resides.. when this doesn't happen.. she is carted away to America with Baran, another pack member who will be her bodyguard. I loved his character, he is a wise older dire wolf and very bad assed. There are only a couple left from his particular pack because of the evil pack that destroyed many.

When they get to Baran's home, Ashling runs into Grey and an instant bond starts to form, but this can't be possible because werewolves only bond with other werewolves for life, so how is Ashling and a human starting to bond. Welll.... Grey isn't totally human... he is something else... strong and beautiful.



Okay, Okay, he's part werewolf, but he has no idea and he has other blood running through him. He also has a horrific past that he knows nothing about. And his father is a bastard!

Baran wants Ashling to stay away from Grey but that's not going to happen so he gives in, Mund also comes to stay with them and isn't too happy either, then his wife and another family member comes over to stay. It's a happy little werewolf party :-)

The evil Adomnan finally tracks Ashling to America and shows up on the scene to cause a lot of trouble.

When Ashling is in serious trouble, it finally brings out the wolf part of Grey with his beautiful green eyes.



It's a good ending, but not a totally happy ever after. Ashling and Grey have a lot to go through and Ashling has to find out how she's supposed to make the prophecy come to fruition.

Either way, I loved the book and look forward to the next two books! 
 

*I would like to thank Netgalley and Wise Ink Creative Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

 GOODREADS REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1514637498

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G9GWSFE?keywords=bloodmark%20in%20books&qid=1453653993&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

 

Amulet: The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi

An impossible journey with danger at every turn...

Emily, Navin, and their crew of resistance fighters charter an airship and set off in search of the lost city of Cielis. There they hope to find help from the Guardian Council's powerful Stonekeepers. It's a mission that Alledia's survival depends on, and time is running out--Emily's got to find Cielis before the Elf King finds her. @goodreads

 MY REVIEW:

 5 STARS


So in this book, the gang are out to find the city of Cielis where the old Guardian Council's Stonekeepers supposedly live... in a fortress in the sky. They have hidden themselves from the evil Elf King but Emily and the gang need information to see if they can help them stop his evilness.

So they have to go into town, into a bar, to find a ship that will take them there from a map they found from Emily's great grandfather.

Three friends walk into a bar... sorry.. I couldn't help it :-)



They do end up talking some men into taking them in their ship but before they go, the elf prince Trellis and friend have followed them to the bar. But.... Trellis father has sent guards after him to drag him back or kill him.... see he's a jerk father! But Emily decides to take pity on him and become a friend of sorts.



Sooo.. after taking care of those jerks, the gang including Trellis and his friend hurry to board the ship and get under way.



They get into some trouble a long the way with things trying to kill them in the clouds and other stuff. Trellis and Emily have a heart to heart so to speak and they learn some things about each other. He's a pretty good guy, in this book at any rate.

They end up losing some friends in this book that I really hope they get back in the next book because I love them and we don't see them get killed or anything. They just get taken.

They end up at their destination, but something seems.... off...

Now I have to wait until the library gets the next book or someone decides to buy the whole series for me including book 7 that comes out in February :-) I am definitely getting these, they are awesome, graphics, story, everything! 

GOODREADS REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1522161933

AMAZON LINK TO THE BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Searchers-Amulet-3-ebook/dp/B00FFF7Q6Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453572144&sr=1-1&keywords=amulet+book+3