Book Review: Dangerous Depths by Karen Amanda Hooper

Title: Dangerous Depths
Series: The Sea Monster Memoirs #2
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing (November 20, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Format Read: Ebook ARC
Length: Novel
Source: Author

Hell hath no fury like a selkie separated from his true love.

The gate to the sea creature realm is finally open. Yara wants to bask in the glow of her budding relationship with Treygan and explore Medusa’s world, but as the new leader of Rathe her powers are needed to save a sea creature she’s never met.

Rownan assumes the worst is behind him when he returns home to be reunited with his wife, Vienna, only to discover she’s gone. She traveled to the evil realm of Harte to find another gateway to Earth and was never heard from again. Rownan claimed he would go through hell to be with her, and now he must prove it.

Rownan, Yara, and Treygan will put their lives and souls at risk by traveling to the most dangerous realm of all. Love is supposed to conquer all, but no one has ever conquered Harte.

Teaser: Rowan ran his hand over his goatee. “We’re going to burn to death, aren’t we? Who would have though hell would be so predictable?” [44% Ebook ARC. I have to admit I loved the hell puns and jokes while they are in Harte (i.e. hell).]

Review: Yara thought her Triple Eighteen was hell, but she’s seen nothing yet in Karen Amanda Hooper’s Dangerous Depths.

This novel is told through three points of view: Yara (mermaid/selkie/siren/gorgon/human), Rownan (selkie/human), and Nixie (siren). Yara struggles with her new powers while exploring her love for Treygan and her new home of Rathe. In Tangled Tides, I didn’t care much for Rownan, but his motivations become so clear and his love for Vienna is so pure and powerful. He would literally go through hell for her. The character who grew the most for me was Nixie. I loved her chapters and seeing her moments with the sprites.

Hooper’s world building is amazing. I loved seeing the beauty of Rathe, cringed at the horrors of Harte, and enjoyed the additions to her sea monsters’ worlds. The fast-paced plot increased the tension, which was punctuated by moments of humor and love. The end made me cry with its heart-breaking beauty.

Dangerous Depths by Karen Amanda Hooper makes me wish I could live in Rathe too or at least have the ability to draw the exquisite world. I highly recommend this novel and the Sea Monster Memoirs series.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

The Other Book in this Series:

 

Click here to read my review.

Hook Me: The Last Hunter: Pursuit by Jeremy Robinson

Title: The Last Hunter: Pursuit
Series: Antarktos Saga #2
Author: Jeremy Robinson
Publisher: Breakneck Media (May 19, 2011)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description: I was thirteen years old when I was kidnapped. They took me from my family, from my friends-from everything I knew, and stole my innocence. They brought me to a world beneath the surface of Antarctica, where I was broken and trained by a hunter named Ninnis. He served the ancient Nephilim: half-human, half-demon monsters. My personality was buried in my subconscious and replaced by that of Ull, a hunter and killer. For a time, I too served the Nephilim. As the first and only human born on Antarctica, they believed that I could contain the spirit of their fallen king, Nephil, and lead them to conquer humanity. But I was stronger than they knew and escaped deep into the underworld, where I have been hiding for the past two years. I live in a cavern, which is somehow lush with green vegetation, eking out a living and cowering from the confrontation that I know awaits me. But the nightmare has found me. I can smell them. The hunters. They have discovered my hideout. The pursuit of Solomon Ull Vincent-the last hunter-has begun. And if they catch me, this is where my story will end.

First line: Lieutenant Ninnis was once a proud man.
Last line read: None of that is on display here.

Overall Impressions: I had read The Last Hunter: Descent a long time ago. I didn't even know more books had been written until recently. Robinson gives some brief background on who people are and the like, which I found to be very helpful. The pacing and tension is great, and I was able to pick up on what was going on in this second book in the saga. Solomon is such a strong character, and the sample is adventurous and thrilling.

Would I keep reading?: Yes!

Hook Me: The Vanished Knight by M. Gerrick

Title: The Vanished Knight
Series: The War of Six Crowns #1
Author: M. Gerrick
Publisher: Etopia Press (October 4, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description: Since the death of her parents, Callan Blair has been shunted from one foster family to another, her dangerous secret forcing the move each time. Her latest foster family quickly ships her off to an exclusive boarding school in the Cumbrian countryside. While her foster-brother James makes it his mission to get Callan expelled, a nearby ancient castle holds the secret doorway to another land...

When Callan is forced through the doorway, she finds herself in the magical continent of Tardith, where she’s shocked to learn her schoolmates Gawain and Darrion are respected soldiers in service to the king of Nordaine, one of Tardith's realms. More than that, the two are potential heirs to the Black Knight—Nordaine's crown prince.

But when the Black Knight fails to return from a mysterious trip, the realm teeters on the brink of war. Darrion and Gawain set out to find him, while Callan discovers there is more to her family history than she thought. The elves are claiming she is their princess.

Now with Darrion growing ever more antagonistic and her friendship with Gawain blossoming, Callan must decide whether to stay in Nordaine—where her secret grows ever more threatening—or go to the elves and uncover the truth about her family before war sets the realms afire.

First line: The wet air smelled like blood. 
Last line read: "I do. Don't worry. He knows it's from me."

Overall Impressions: A very well-written start to this novel! I want to learn more about Callan's entity as well as the land and people of Tardith. The characters are well-drawn and feel very realistic. I really feel for Callan's plight in particular.

Would I keep reading?: Yes!

Hook Me: Scorched by Mari Mancusi

Title: Scorched
Author: Mari Mancusi
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (September 3, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description: Trinity
Don’t leave me here... It starts with a whisper. At first Trinity thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be a big surprise—her grandpa firmly believes there’s a genuine dragon egg in their dusty little West Texas town. But this voice is real, and it’s begging for her protection. Even if no one else can hear it...

Connor
He’s come from a future scorched by dragonfire. His mission: Find the girl. Destroy the egg. Save the world.

Caleb
He’s everything his twin brother Connor hates: cocky, undisciplined, and obsessed with saving dragons.

Trinity has no idea which brother to believe. All she has to go by is the voice in her head—a dragon that won’t be tamed.

First line: They came at noon, black shadows dancing across the sky, drowning out the sun.
Last line read: It still amused Caleb to see these people have so much pride in a country that would soon be accused of burning the entire world to the ground.

Overall Impressions: Wow! This book starts right off with the action. I enjoyed the point of views of Connor and Trinity, and I got a small taste of Caleb's. Right now, Caleb is my least favorite character, but this is just the beginning of the book. My heart goes out to Trinity, and I love the introduction of the dragon egg and how the entire world hinges on it.

Would I keep reading?: Yes!

Book Review: Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Title: Doon
Series: Doon #1
Authors: Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon
Publisher: Blink (August 20, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Format Read: Paperback ARC
Length: Novel
Source: Publisher

DOON…

Veronica doesn't think she's going crazy. But why can't anyone else see the mysterious blond boy who keeps popping up wherever she goes? When her best friend, Mackenna, invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Veronica jumps at the opportunity to leave her complicated life behind for a few months.

But the Scottish countryside holds other plans.

Not only has the imaginary kilted boy followed her to Alloway, she and Mackenna uncover a strange set of rings and a very unnerving letter from Mackenna's great aunt—and when the girls test the instructions Aunt Gracie left behind, they find themselves transported to a land that defies explanation. Doon seems like a real-life fairy tale, complete with one prince who has eyes for Mackenna and another who looks suspiciously like the boy from Veronica's daydreams. But Doon has a dark underbelly as well. The two girls could have everything they've longed for...or they could end up breaking an enchantment and find themselves trapped in a world that has become a nightmare.

DOON is loosely based on the premise of the musical Brigadoon, with permission from the ALan Jay Lerner Estate and the Frederick Loewe Foundation. Follow the journey at http://www.DoonSeries.com

~Destiny awaits!

 

Teaser: As he passed, dark eyes bored into mine, and I tripped over a bump in the sidewalk. [From Chapter 2. Veronica's a bit clumsy when she sees the boy of her dreams. *grins*]

Review: Veronica and Mackenna smack right into their destinies in Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon.

Loosely based off the musical Brigadoon, Doon drops two American girls, Veronica and Mackenna, into Scotland where they cross the Bridge of Doon into the mystical land of Doon. I wish I could’ve gone with them. Doon is a quaint, fairy tale type kingdom with swoon-worthy young men in kilts. Although the kingdom first appears stuck in the Middle Ages, they do have creature comforts, such as toilets, running water, and even pizza!

The plot revolves around the quest of love as well as to stop the evil witch from destroying Doon. Veronica is a reluctant heroine, and although she could have become a tragic damsel in distress, she finds her courage and needs no prince to save her. Mackenna is spunky and headstrong, almost to a fault, and as a former theater geek, I loved her exclamations, such as “WWSSD: What Would Stephen Sondheim Do.” Duncan is one of my favorite characters because he can be sweet, funny, sarcastic, and a great match for Mackenna. Jamie’s wishy-washy attitude towards Veronica got on my nerves a bit, although I understand why he had to be the way he was toward her.

Like any good musical-inspired novel, Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon’s Doon is an over-the-top fun read perfect for fantasy and musical lovers.

 Five Bookworms = I loved it!

Book Review: The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Title: The Rithmatist
Series: Rithmatist #1
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 13, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Format Read: Ebook
Length: Novel
Source: Purchased

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings — merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing — kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery — one that will change Rithmatics — and their world — forever.

Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense—the first of a series. With his trademark skills in world-building, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that that readers who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world.

 

Teasers: A springwork owl sat on top of the clock, blinking occasionally, then nibbling at its talons as it waited for the hour to chime so that it could hoot. [8% of Kindle Edition. I want this clock, since I love owls.]

“I suspect that, with all of his attempts to divide the Rithmatists from the common folk, this will quite upset Professor Nalizar. A tragedy.” [20% of Kindle Edition. Love the sarcasm!]

“Honestly, you’re going to shrivel up and turn into a professor if you don’t watch yourself.” [73% of Kindle Edition. I had to laugh at this.] 

Review: Brandon Sanderson reveals a fascinating new magical system in his young adult fantasy novel The Rithmatist.

I am still wondering why I haven’t picked up a Sanderson novel before now. The magical world he creates is superb. The details of the unique magical systems and the Rithmatists who use it add credence to the world. I believed the magic could work, and like Joel, I wanted to be a Rithmatist too.

The storyline is complex, mysterious, and fast-paced. From prologue to the end, I felt like I was holding my breath and wondering what would happen next. I loved the character Joel and how he represents all who dream of something more and work hard to accomplish their dreams. Melody is a great foil to Joel, and I felt like her character grew the most in the book. Nalizar reminded me a bit of Severus Snape. I never quite knew where Nalizar stood. I love how the end surprised me.

I highly recommend The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson and can’t wait until book two comes out! It’s by far my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. I also look forward to reading more by the author.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

Hook Me: The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Title: The Rithmatist
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 14, 2013)
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description: More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings — merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing — kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery — one that will change Rithmatics — and their world — forever.

Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense—the first of a series. With his trademark skills in world-building, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that that readers who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world. 

First line: Lilly’s lamp blew out as she bolted down the hallway. 
Last line read: Thinking that immediately made Joel feel guilty. 

Overall Impression: Oh, wow! This book pulled me in right away. The magic system and worldbuilding is incredible! I already feel a connection with the main character, Joel. This sample is fantasy at its finest. 

Would I keep reading?: Definite yes! I even purchased the book right after reading the sample.

Y is for The Young Sorcerers Guild series by G.L. Breedon

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

Y is for ... The Young Sorcerers Guild series by G.L. Breedon

I read the first book of a different series by G.L. Breedon, and this series has been on my to-read list for way too long. I hope to read The Dark Shadow of Spring soon.

A dragon that foretells destinies, streets suddenly cluttered with thousands of dead birds, a plague of malevolent insects, ghosts arising in the town cemetery, demons haunting the woods of the White Forest —these are only some of the dangers that thirteen year old Alex Ravenstar and his friends in The Young Sorcerer’s Guild must overcome in order save the secluded magical town of Runewood from an ancient soul-enslaving evil in The Dark Shadow of Spring.

After a nearly disastrous adventure to wake the local dragon from its hibernation in hopes that it will tell them their destinies, Alex and his friends accidentally encounter the dark force that was responsible for burning the magic out of the world beyond the Rune Valley thousands of years ago. Known as the Shadow Wraith, the evil force was cast from this world and imprisoned in another realm at the end of the war fought to stop it. Once again, the Shadow Wraith is trying to escape its prison to enslave the world and Alex and the Young Sorcerer's Guild are the only ones who can defeat it.

W is for Witch Song series by Amber Argyle

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time. 

W is for ... Witch Song series by Amber Argyle

Amber Argyle is one of my favorite new fantasy authors. She has a beautiful style and creates such magical worlds. I enjoyed Witch Song, but Witch Born was really awesome. I can’t wait to read anything else she has for us. Plus, she has some of the most beautiful covers too.

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Click here to read my review of Witch Song.

Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can't be saved. A new threat merges with the old as the Witches' dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life. Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Click here to read my review of Witch Born. 

Teaser Tuesdays: WITCH BORN by Amber Argyle

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

 

Witch Born by Amber Argyle

 6% of eARC

"So we run again? Is that your answer for everything?"

Do you have a teaser? Feel free to leave one or a link to one in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: TRAITOR by Rachel Morgan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

Traitor by Rachel Morgan

10% of Kindle Edition

He's dead. There is a dead body on top of me.

Do you have a teaser? Please share one or link to one in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: CRUX by Julie Reece

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Crux

By Julie Reece

Publication Date: July 9, 2012

From Goodreads:

She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

I'm cheating a bit with this week's "Waiting On." I was lucky enough to snag an advance reader copy. I absolutely enjoyed Julie Reece's Crux, especially the Norse mythology/history bit to it, so I think this novel should be on more people's to-read lists.

What's your "waiting on" pick? 

Teaser Tuesdays: GUARDIAN by Rachel Morgan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

Guardian by Rachel Morgan

58% of ARC Kindle copy

I'm tired and in pain and beginning to lose feeling in my fingertips. And I'm worried about how Filigree will fend for himself if I don't make it home; his supply of roasted nixles won't last more than a few days.

Do you have a teaser? If so, leave it or the link in the comments.