Nemesis by Anna Banks: A Book Review

Title: Nemesis (Nemesis #1)
Author: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Release Date: October 4th 2016
Edition: ARC
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But Mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift may be able to save Tarik’s kingdom. But should she risk exposing herself and her growing feelings for her nemesis?

This is the first Anna Banks book that I have read. I have her other books sitting on my shelf begging me to read them. After my introduction to her writing, I'm ready to dive in to the rest of her books.

Nemesis starts off with Sepora leaving her home due to her father and him using her. We are actually taken right in to the action as we hear about the present and some back story all in one. I was immediately engulfed in this amazing world that the author had created. And not only were there one amazing kingdom that she wrote about, but five! All with different backgrounds and histories. The time that it must have taken to fully form these must have taken some time because he details were amazing.

I really enjoyed Tarek and Sepora's characters and thought they were perfect for each other from the start. Neither one had to grow on me. I especially enjoyed Sethos and his logics and his take on things. 

I can understand why Sepora wanted to hide her forging ability but at the same time I never understood why she didn't find a way to the Lyceum when no one was looking and forged a pile of spectorum and left it outside for the Healers to use for their cure. That way no one would know it was her and they would still have a cure. But I guess everything worked out for the best in the end. 

I can't wait to read what happens next.

Anna Banks grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really). She now lives in Crestview, Florida, with her husband and their daughter. She is the author of the novel Of Poseidon.

Find Anna: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog

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Lock & Mori by Heather Petty: A Book Review

Title: Lock & Mori (Lock & Mori #1)
Author: Heather W. Petty
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Retelling
Release Date: November 1st 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students—one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James “Mori” Moriarty—meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.

Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more…

FACT: Someone has been murdered in London’s Regent’s Park. The police have no leads.

FACT: Miss James “Mori” Moriarty and Sherlock “Lock” Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.

FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.

FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock’s one rule—they must share every clue with each other—Mori is keeping secrets.

OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can’t trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

I'm a huge Sherlock fan. So it went without saying that I needed to read this book. Although, now that I have read it, I have mixed feelings about it. 

I thought it was a clever take on the classic Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty relationship. Having them play the opposite sex, with a love/hate type feeling coming from Mori towards Sherlock. Does she like him? Does she not like him? I can tell you that Mori had a lot of personal demons in this book that she was unwilling to let go of from the start. A lot of hatred building up inside her as well.

The story was alright. The reader gets a lot of back story and flashbacks that seems to blend too much with the current story or drone on and on. One point we were in the present and then a memory comes up and 2 pages later we are back to the present. Another point the past blended with the present and you didn't know where you were. This, I was not a fan of whatsoever. The story also was pretty predictable from the first murder on. I pretty much saw where all this was going right away, which I like to be guessing for a while instead of being hit with it right away.

All in all I have to give this 3 stars simply for creativity. However, I will not be revisiting the rest of the series.

YA author of the LOCK & MORI series (available from S&S BFYR). Awkward Witch of the Forest. High Cat Lady of Reno. Kdrama addiction specialist.

Find Heather: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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4 Star Review: The Princess in the Opal Mask by Jenny Lundquist #4star #bookreview @Jenny_Lundquist

Title: The Princess in the Opal Mask
Author: Jenny Lundquist
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: October 22nd 2013
Purchase: Amazon 

Every Fairy-Tale Ending Has a Price. . .

Orphaned as a child in the crumbling village of Tulan, Elara is determined to learn her true identity, even if it means wielding a dagger. Meanwhile, in Galandria's royal capital, Princess Wilha stands out as someone to either worship or fear. Though no one knows why the king has always made her conceal her face—including Wilha herself.

When an assassination attempt threatens the peace of neighboring kingdoms, Elara and Wilha are brought face to face . . . with a chance at claiming new identities. However, with dark revelations now surfacing, both girls will need to decide if brighter futures are worth the binding risks.

You know, this has been sitting on my shelf staring me straight in the face for months now. It has been passed up by other books that grabbed my attention numerous times, and still sat there and waited patiently for me to get to it. I think it even silently called my name a few nights. I really don't know why I have waited so long to read this, but I think that our recent trip to New Orleans helped me decide that it was finally time to read this beauty. While we were down there, we saw some very beautiful Mardi Gras masks, and it reminded me of this book, I mean, who doesn't love beautiful masks? (These are ours from New Orleans)

Ok, so now on to my review...

This was a pretty fantastic book. At first, it took me a little while to get into it. I really hated Elara's foster parents. I also wasn't too sure on how I felt about her friend, Cordon. He seemed as if he was hiding something from Elara from the start, and that feeling turned into a truth later on. Also, Elara is trying to find out the truth about herself and who her parents are, since she was abandoned as an infant. She later find out the truth behind everything, or at least what she believes to be the truth.

I really liked the POV from both Elara and Wilha. You get to see into both of their worlds and see what each one is going through and feeling. I really can't wait to read the second book. I had to make sure that I ordered it from Amazon right away.

Jenny Lundquist grew up in Huntington Beach, California, wearing glasses and wishing they had magic powers. They didn't, but they did help her earn a degree in intercultural studies at Biola University. Jenny has painted an orphanage in Mexico, taught English at a university in Russia, and hopes one day to write a book at a café in Paris. Jenny and her husband live in northern California with their two sons and Rambo, the world's whiniest cat.

Find Jenny: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

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3 Star Review: Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot #BookReview #3Star #Giveaway @megcabot

Title: Royal Wedding (Princess Diaries #11)
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: June 2nd 2015
Source: NightOwl Reviews
Purchase: Amazon

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

I had a hard time with the latest installment to the 'Princess Diaries' series. Maybe it's because the last time I read the series it was over 6 years ago and Princess Mia was still maybe 16 years old and a bit immature. However, when you come back to it, it's still written in diary format, but Princess Mia is now 25, her father is being arrested, her stepfather has passed away, and her longtime boyfriend is about to propose, all the while she still acts like she's a teenager and not in her mid twenties.

While I liked the concept of coming back and revisiting Princess Mia and the gang, I really think this one should have been left the way it was.I may try to re-read this in the future, but as for now, I could not finish this one, but still give it 3 stars simply because it's the Princess Diaries.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to her award-winning adult contemporary fiction, she is the author of bestselling young adult fiction, including The Princess Diaries and the Mediator series. More than twenty-five million copies of her novels for children and adults have sold worldwide. Meg lives in Key West, Florida, with her husband.

Find Meg: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

**Giveaway is for 1 paperback copy of Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot.
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4 Star Review: Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking #BookReview #4Star @amanda_hocking

Title: Ice Kissed (Kanin Chronicles #2)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Release Date: May 5th 2015
Purchase: Amazon

In the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…

Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It’s a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…and the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that’s been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it’s also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss, Ridley Dresden, is overseeing her mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level—one neither of them is prepared for.

As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it will change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

Ice Kissed was a pretty great sequel to Frostfire. However, to me, it was lacking with the action and there was a bit more romantic scenes. There was also a very mild sex scene that totally caught me off guard. You also get to see how well Bryn can work without Ridley. There is also more deception in this anticipated sequel. Clans aren't what they seem to be or what they ought to be, and people who you thought you had figured out end up misleading you in the end. 

This one left me wanting more and in desperate need of the third installment in this wonderful series. Due to the mild sex scene, I would recommend this one to teens ages 16 and older.

AMANDA HOCKING is The New York Times bestselling author of the Trylle trilogy and a lifelong Minnesotan. After selling over a million copies of her books, primarily in eBook format, she became the exemplar of self-publishing success in the digital age.

Find Amanda: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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#BlogTour: Hold Me Like A Breath by Tiffany Schmidt @tiffanyschmidt

Welcome to my stop on the Hold Me Like A Breath by Tiffany Schmidt blog tour hosted by FFBC Blog Tours! Today I have a review and a giveaway for you!

Hold Me Like A Breath

By Tiffany Schmidt

Release: May 19, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Penelope Landlow has grown up with the knowledge that almost anything can be bought or sold—including body parts. She’s the daughter of one of the three crime families that control the black market for organ transplants.

Penelope’s surrounded by all the suffocating privilege and protection her family can provide, but they can't protect her from the autoimmune disorder that causes her to bruise so easily.

And in her family's line of work no one can be safe forever.

All Penelope has ever wanted is freedom and independence. But when she’s caught in the crossfire as rival families scramble for prominence, she learns that her wishes come with casualties, that betrayal hurts worse than bruises, that love is a risk worth taking . . . and maybe she’s not as fragile as everyone thinks.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Bloomsbury

Hold Me Like A Breath was a pretty interesting read from start to finish. I went into this one not knowing what to expect. I really didn't expect a romance, but that is what I got, but I wasn't disappointed. And adding the romance in with the mystery aspect, and you have a great book.

I was pretty disappointed with the mail character, Penny. I mean, at first I wasn't. I really did like her character, but she did have some flaws that I wasn't too particularly fond of. She is seventeen years old, and yes, she was sheltered all her life due to her illness, but she was pretty immature at times and sometimes not very understanding of certain people. It was very irritating. If I went into it more, it would give away the story, and I don't want to do that.

The story itself was pretty good. I haven't read too many stories about crime families, so this was a refreshing change. I also liked that they weren't like your normal crime family too. They didn't deal with hits and killing people. They dealt with organs and organ transplants. So they were helping people, but mainly the wealthy people like politicians and the like.

I do recommend this one, it will suck you in.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Tiffany Schmidt is the author of Send Me a Sign, Bright Before Sunrise, and Hold Me Like a Breath. She’s found her happily ever after in Pennsylvania with her saintly husband, impish twin boys, and a pair of mischievous puggles.

Find Tiffany: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram

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4 Stars: ARC Review of Ignite by Sara B. Larson #review @SaraBLarson #giveaway #ARC

Title: Ignite (Defy #2)
Author: Sara B. Larson
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Teen, Fantasy
Release Date: December 30th 2014
Source: Publisher for Review
Purchase: Amazon

Murder, kidnapping, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

Alexa continues to harbor a secret love for the newly crowned King Damian, yet she remains by his side as his guard and ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people. However, when a new threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on the once friendly nation of Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. Once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

Ignite picks up right where Defy leaves us, well, almost. It picks up about 3 months later, so you aren't trying to figure out where things are. Too many times, books leave you hanging and sometimes a year goes by in the story and you don't know where you are. 

Alexa is Alexa now, she has left behind her alter ego, Alex. She is left hiding her feelings for, now, King Damain, and is still on his guard. However, a new threat has emerged and is threatening the kingdom. It is left to Alexa to save the day, yet again.

This story still has everything from action, romance and a bit of mystery. Even though this one wasn't a 5 star review, it is still up there in my book. The only part I found lacking was still how stubborn Alexa was, but it all played out well in the end. Can't wait for the next book!

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Author of DEFY and IGNITE, the first two books of the YA fantasy trilogy published by Scholastic. Mommy of three. Lover of chocolate, desserts of all kinds, and Swedish Fish. Also good books. Represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.

Find Sara: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

I am offering up my ARC of Ignite, the second book in the explosive series by Sara B. Larson. Giveaway is open to US residents only, due to shipping costs. The winner has 48 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be announced.

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