Moth and Spark

Moth and Spark

Anne Leonard

9780670015702

February 2014

5 Stars

*I received this uncorrected proof from Penguin First to Read*

Prince Corin has been given the task of freeing the dragons from the Empire’s hold along with being entrusted with some of their magic. Tam, a commoner and daughter of a respected doctor, has the gift of visions. Falling in love at a time of war wasn’t expected, especially by two people who were not allowed to be together but their feelings are too strong to be denied. Like their love, the war will lead them to lean on each other and while they learn their own places in the bigger picture. With help from wizards and dragon riders Corin and Tam might discover more than they thought possible.

This is one of those stories that I am heartbroken that I finished reading. There are so many positive things to point out that I will never do it justice.  Dragons are always a plus for me so I was really excited about their presence and the way they are depicted.  Action wasn’t abundant early on but there’s plenty later on. That fact is one I appreciated in this story because there are so many other great elements like the dragons and magic that some of the story might have been jeopardized if it had been. It ended up coming together very fluidly making the pace feel flawless. There’s also a beautiful love story and a touching focus on family that a lot of readers’ can relate to.

I would recommend this to anyone. There really is something for everyone. This one is perfect for readers’ who may be intimidated by fantasy novels with numerous characters or abundant page numbers too. This novels is definitely on my favorites list.

Prince of Shadows

Prince of Shadows

Rachel Caine

ISBN: 9780451414410

February 2014

5 Stars

*I received this uncorrected galley from Penguin first to read*

In the enemy houses of Montague and Capulet only two things really matter; power and heirs.

Knowing what is expected of him Benvolio Montague, cousin to Romeo Montague, realizes his double identity as the Prince of Shadows could cost him everything. What he doesn’t expect as he steals from the Capulets’ in rebellion is falling in love with Rosaline Capulet, which sets in motion a dangerous curse that will fall on both houses.

As far as retellings go this novel is probably my favorite, or at least in the top five.  I should mention that I am not a huge fan of retellings.  Even after thinking about what I would write I am lost for words. It’s been years (quite a few of them) since I read Romeo and Juliet.  I liked it but not as much as my friends. It wasn’t something I reread or wanted to reread.  Prince of Shadows will be something that I would consider rereading.  Benvolio is an interesting and fun protagonist to read. There’s a lot of action, good drama, and of course romance. It’s something I would absolutely recommend, especially to Romeo and Juliet fans.

In the Blood

In the Blood

Lisa Unger

9781451691177

January 2014

5 Stars

*I received this galley from NetGalley*

Lana Granger lives a life of lies.  Even for her the lies and reality have become a blur of confusion.

 When she learns that her trust fund is almost depleted right before college graduation she takes a job babysitting Luke, who she soon discovers, is a challenging child.  His controlling and manipulative ways have gotten him expelled from almost every school he attends but he can’t get under her skin so easily. Then her best friend and roommate, Beck, goes missing. Suspicion surrounds Lana and her life of lies starts to unravel. She starts to put the pieces together but someone else seems to have all the answers already.

If I could have stopped all outside interference this book would not have been put down for more than a few minutes.  I was drawn in and hooked right away. Since I tend to figure things out pretty quickly I need a novel like this that has subtle mysteries or twists that go along with the main plot.  It’s the subtle points that surprise me and keep me on the edge of my seat.  Pacing is very important in this genre and this one seems flawless in that regard.  The characters are also very well developed for this plot. Dysfunctional protagonists are among my favorite to read and the psychological characteristics of all the characters made them more interesting. To sum it up; this novel is very well rounded.

I really don’t have any complaints about this novel and will easily recommend it.

 

The Severd Tower

The Severed Tower (Conquered Earth #2)

J. Barton Mitchell

ISBN: 978-1-250-00947

November 2013

5 Stars

*I got this book through a goodreads giveaway*

Since this is a sequel in a series I will not do a synopsis. It’s hard not to spoil it if I do.

I always get a little worried when reading a sequel. I usually don’t like them near as much as the first. That wasn’t the case here at all. If I could give this one more than five stars I would. The action alone makes this one incredible and quick paced. Plus the characters and their conflicting personalities make the relationships fun to experience. This novel (plus the previous one) could easily feel cluttered and disorienting but the author balances all the components very well.  If a reader is intimidated by science fiction this is a series that I would recommend. This has a little bit of everything to keep any reader happy. I am impatient for the next installment.