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November 6, 2018

Book Review: Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas
The Final installment to the Throne of Glass series.

Captured by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin is trapped inside an iron box in a secret location, with seemingly no hope for escape. As she endures months of torture, her friends scatter to different fates. Without Aelin to protect them, soldier Aedion and shapeshifter Lysandra need to defend their homeland at all costs. Also left to forge their own paths in order to change history are Chaol, the witch Manon, and the golden boy Dorian-while Aelin's mate, the fae male Rowan, searches the world over for his lost love.

As Aelin gathers the strength to save herself and fight the ultimate battle of her life, all of their destinies hang in the balance. Some ties will bond even tighter together, others will be severed forever, and mysteries will be revealed in this action-packed, heart wrenching series finale.
Fans of the Throne of Glass series have been waiting for this book forever, and I was sooo excited to finally read it! I even waited a few days until I had a free day at work to stay home alone to read without distractions.

Kingdom of Ash was the end of a long journey with Aelin. And the moment to discover what happened to her in the hands of Maeve. It was bad, as expected.

The war is finally here and it's messy and bloody. A lot of chapters are about fights, and although we have been expecting this war forever, it wasn't what really interested me. I wanted to read about Aelin, how she was going to get free from Maeve, how she was going to forge the key and try to survive to rule her kingdom. All of that was answered but in the second half of the book, so I read the first part of the book quickly.

Also, there is less romance. Totally normal in a war, but we get to see some of our couples finally getting together. As expected, there were some deaths that really hurt me. The ones that died were the one who didn't deserve it at all, obviously.

I was impressed by Manon, the witch. Her story started in this series a few books ago and I wasn't really interested but her change, her growth, was amazing.

The ending was happy, sappy, cute, what I wanted. After these characters suffering so much, it seemed like something impossible. Also, if you read the other series from this author, A Court of Thorns and Roses, you will be very happy because we get a very wanted but little sneak peak.

The Throne of Glass series started a little bit weak with the first book, Throne of Glass, but it turned to be one of my favorite series. Totally recommend it!

July 18, 2018

WoW: Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas
Expected publication: October 23rd 2018 by Bloomsbury YA

Goodreads | Amazon

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

The Final installment to the Throne of Glass series.
Captured by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin is trapped inside an iron box in a secret location, with seemingly no hope for escape. As she endures months of torture, her friends scatter to different fates. Without Aelin to protect them, soldier Aedion and shapeshifter Lysandra need to defend their homeland at all costs. Also left to forge their own paths in order to change history are Chaol, the witch Manon, and the golden boy Dorian-while Aelin's mate, the fae male Rowan, searches the world over for his lost love.
As Aelin gathers the strength to save herself and fight the ultimate battle of her life, all of their destinies hang in the balance. Some ties will bond even tighter together, others will be severed forever, and mysteries will be revealed in this action-packed, heart wrenching series finale.

I loved this series and can't wait to read the ending. I really hope Rowan finds Aelin...

May 10, 2018

Book Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1)
by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads | Amazon
The Winter Solstice. In a week. I was still new enough to being High Lady that I had no idea what my formal role was to be. If we'd have a High Priestess do some odious ceremony, as lanthe had done the year before. A year. Gods, nearly a year since Rhys had called in his bargain, desperate to get me away from the poison of the Spring Court to save me from my despair. Had he been only a minute later, the Mother knew what would have happened. Where I'd now be. Snow swirled and eddied in the garden, catching in the brown fibers of the burlap covering the shrubs My mate who had worked so hard and so selflessly, all without hope that I would ever be with him We had both fought for that love, bled for it. Rhys had died for it.
Read first:
  1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
  2. A Court of Mist and Fury
  3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
After reading A Court of Wings and Ruin, I was desperate to read more about this universe! A Court of Frost and Starlight is a short novella, written from different POVs. It was great to see my favorite characters trying to enjoy life after war, and I loved to read from Cassian's POV.

As many novellas, it was too short for something really important to happen. There are many problems ahead but it's time to enjoy themselves and be a little sappy. We get to see how great are Rhys and Feyre together, even when they are still healing. All of them are.

Someone I started to really dislike in this novella was Nesta. Honestly, I have sisters and love them, but I wouldn't be as patient as Feyre is with her if one of them acted that way.

There is a sneak peak from the next book that left my impatiently waiting. I can't seem to get enough of them, specially Rhys.

April 30, 2018

Book Review: Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

You should read first:
  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight
  3. Heir of Fire
  4. Queen of Shadows
  5. Empire of Storms

I admit Chaol isn't my favorite character from this series, so I wasn't sure I was going to like Tower of Dawn, which follows the story of Chaol and Nesryn in Antica.

The first chapters didn't really caught me, because I wanted to know more about Aelin and not about Chaol or the new characters. But after a few chapters I got caught in the story.

A big reason for Chaol to go to Antica was to heal. I was amazed at how the author managed to write about his struggle to heal, not only his legs but his mind. I had a fracture a few years ago on my right arm and had to go to surgery and then to therapy because I couldn't move my hand. It was an awful time of my life and I could understand his awful mood. It made me like him more, understand him.

There is a new character very important for Chaol's healing and probably the whole war, which is Yrene. She's a healer and I really liked her. She was very intelligent and even when she had a sad past that made her angry at first, she was really a good person. It was good to see a female character that maybe isn't the best warrior, but is strong in other areas.

There isn't a lot going on at first, with Nesryn and Chaol trying to convince this kingdom to join their war. The khaganate and his heirs are fierce and not at all very charming, except maybe for Sartaq. None of them seem interested or worried about this dark demons war maybe going after them.

But in the other half of the book, there are some BIG revelations that change everything! Jaw dropping! Also, Nesryn and Sartaq started to grow on me. They had so many amazing adventures!

Tower of Dawn isn't my favorite book of the series, but it definitely has amazing moments and I'm glad Chaol and Nesryn found happiness after all. Now I can't wait to read the next and final book of the series, it doesn't have a title yet, but is expected to be published October 2018.

April 4, 2018

WoW: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


Expected publication: May 1st 2018 by Bloomsbury YA


A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas

The Winter Solstice. In a week. I was still new enough to being High Lady that I had no idea what my formal role was to be. If we'd have a High Priestess do some odious ceremony, as lanthe had done the year before. A year. Gods, nearly a year since Rhys had called in his bargain, desperate to get me away from the poison of the Spring Court to save me from my despair. Had he been only a minute later, the Mother knew what would have happened. Where I'd now be. Snow swirled and eddied in the garden, catching in the brown fibers of the burlap covering the shrubs My mate who had worked so hard and so selflessly, all without hope that I would ever be with him We had both fought for that love, bled for it. Rhys had died for it.

April 3, 2018

Tell Me Something Tuesday: How often do you actually start reading a hot new release the day it hits shelves?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings where they discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.
This week's topic: How often do you actually start reading a hot new release the day it hits shelves?

Not often. It's not easy to get books the same day they are published in Latin America, specially if you have to wait for them to be translated. There has been exceptions, as with the Harry Potter books, that I bought the same day in my local store and in english.

But with ebooks is easier. I'm currently waiting for A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas and probably will buy it the release day on Amazon.

April 2, 2018

Book Review: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.
With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.
Empire of Storms was so good! My favorite (so far) from the series. It's Aelin at her best, being all Queen.

There were so many things happening I don't know where to start. For Aelin, nothing is simple, and her journey to her kingdom isn't the exception. Not everyone is waiting for her. But there are other things that are more important than that, there is war coming and we don't know Maeve's plans. A war they aren't prepared.

Erawan's forces are strong and Aelin needs to knock on some doors to get help. And she's still planning to reunite the Wyrd keys...

I was waiting to see Aelin and Rowan together, and wow! It was better than I imagined. I knew it was going to be epic! But the end, so cruel, it broke my heart. Aelin will suffer so much more. And for now, I will suffer for her, while reading the next book Tower of Dawn, which is Chaol's story.

March 29, 2018

Book Review: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas


Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas
The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
You should read first:
  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight
  3. Heir of Fire

Every day I like more the Throne of Glass series.

In this book, Aelin returns to Adarlan. After everything that happened in Heir of Fire, that gave the plot a twist, I was curious to see how Aelin was going to go back to be Celaena and her previous love interest, Chaol.

Honestly, this author have the capacity to write characters that aren't perfect, and make me love them or hate them in only a few lines. This time, I hate Chaol. I guess sometime I'll understand his motives, but for now I don't want to know more about him. I'm happy Aelin left him at Adarlan, because he can't be compared to Rowan, and she deserves better.

Aelin is still the best. She likes to plan and always surprises me. In this book she will confront her old master Arobynn, and needs him to get back something he stole from her. It won't be easy while the King has a new guard, and Dorian may be lost forever.

I was desperate to read more about Rowan and Aelin together, but their relationship is going very slow (but I know they are going to end up together). She needs a person like Rowan to support her and protect her. Also, he’s very powerful and handsome, and their chemistry between them is going to make their relationship explosive.

Manon Blackbeak, the heir of the Blackbeak witches, keeps appearing and giving us clues that she will be an important character in this story. It was great to know her more and see her doubts about her grandmother and the King, seeing the horrors they are creating at Morath. Maybe that’s why I like this series, because every character gets a chance.

It’s one of the books that have more action, and new characters. I really liked Lyssandra, she was a nice surprise. Also, it’s probably the last time we will see Celaena, because she’s ready to be who she really is.

Queen of Shadows kept me hooked; turning the pages to read what was going to happen now. The story is turning to be more complex, so I really can’t wait to read Empire of Storms, because I’m sure Aelin’s path is more complicated that we already know.

March 28, 2018

Book Review: Bound in Flames by Milly Taiden

Bound in Flames by Milly Taiden

Bound in Flames (Drachen Mates #1) by Milly Taiden
Morgan Polley is an empath who helps people. When she meets Tor and his family of dying dragons, she wants to assist them in finding their mates. Except for Tor’s. She wants to keep him and make lots of babies with the big sexy man. It’s getting hard to remember her objective when her hormones go out of whack around him.

Tor Drachen is one of a handful of dragons left on earth, dying due to their mates being targeted and killed before finding each other. He’s been told Morgan Polley will be a mate to one of his kind, but who? He’s having a hard time keeping her at bay and the thought of getting her pregnant to start a family is a very tempting idea.

A breed of evil dragons is after Morgan, but Tor promises to protect her to the very end. Even if it turns out that she’s one of his brothers’ mates. If he can’t find a way to cheat fate, he will walk away without his heart.

Note to readers: This is a hot, action-packed, fun adventure of dragon love, babies, sassy women, dirty-talking alpha males and enough heat it will make you take a couple of cold showers. Don't say I didn't warn you.

It has been a while since I read a paranormal romance book, but I really like dragons so Bound in Flames sounded good.

It's a short book. Everything happens quickly and I couldn't connect with the characters. Morgan and Tor seemed nice but I feel like I didn't really have time to get to know them. They fell in love super easily and it was hot and very very dirty.....

There wasn't a lot of explanation to why these evil dragons are really after them, there is a story behind but it seemed too simple. But the story focuses more on the mating bond and the sexy dragons.

It's a book you can read in a couple of hours and enjoy it, maybe not in public haha. If you're looking for a hot paranormal romance, Bound in Flames is for you.

March 16, 2018

Book Review: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) - Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire (Sarah J Maas)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?
The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.
You should read first:
  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight


After reading Crown of Midnight and loving it, I was ready to read immediately Heir of Fire.

I can't believe how this series just gets better. Heir of Fire is simply amazing. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect but it just surprised me for good.

Amazingly, I liked it even more, and it gives the story a complete change. I had troubles with Celaena at the first book, but now I really like her. After confronting her pain and dark past, it's time for her to accept her true identity.

We finally read more about who was her and her past, but also meet new characters. The most important is Rowan, a fae warrior who will be in charge of training her so she can have the answers she needs.

Rowan was complicated. I admit that at first I didn't like him, he was too hard with her, but I ended falling in love. This author has the ability to make me change my opinion of a character in just a few pages, and I really like that, because I never know what to expect.

There is another side of this story, totally new about the witches. The story follows Manon, who is mean and powerful...but maybe not as bad as she should be. This parts of the book were a little bit boring to me, but I'm sure Manon is going to be a character very important to this story. And she was the link to finally discover the powers of the King and why he is so dark, and also his plans.

About the other characters, Chaol and Dorian keep us informed about what's going on in the castle. It happened something funny to me with Chaol, I liked him, but now I'm not sure if I can stand him.

With many new characters, conspirators and rebels, Heir of Fire is the opening to the real story behind Celaena. I'm really caught in this series (Throne of Glass), so I'm reading the next book, Queen of Shadows, right now!

March 12, 2018

Guest Post: My Favourite Hotel Experience by Caroline James #boomervillehotel @CarolineJames12 @rararesources

My working background is in the hospitality industry and I’ve had some wonderful hotel experiences over the years. I’ve been fortunate to stay at some truly great places, from modest B&B’s to sumptuous, luxurious hotels. But my favourite hotel experience was in southern Ireland at Acton’s Hotel in lovely Kinsale.

My all-time hero, the enigmatic chef, Keith Floyd stayed at Actons when he was invited to the food festival and he fell in love with Kinsale. I followed in his footsteps to experience this event and wasn’t disappointed.

Located only sixteen miles south of Cork, Kinsale is a picturesque, historic, seaside town. Hailed as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland it has a plethora of pubs and cafesand hosts an annual food festival that is like nothing else in the world and sells out months in advance. Acton’s Hotel, located on the edge of the water was a perfect base to stay and from my room, I had a view of the comings and goings as foodies and revellers from all around the globe gathered. There are several events over the weekend, many taking place at Actons and may include a chowder cook-off, gala dinner, seafood extravaganza and the very whacky Mad Hatter’s Taste of Kinsale where 500 participants done crazy hats and set off around the town on a food trail that must be experienced to be believed.

There is nothing exceptional about Actons but it is a great hotel. The rooms are comfortable, as are the public areas and leisure suite and the food is of a good standard especially the breakfast. But if you ever get a chance to go there during the festival I would urge you check in. The atmosphere at Actons is wonderful and I could sit in the lobby and people watch all day long.Plenty of shenanigans took place during my visit and the happy memories of my visit toActons will stay in with me for years to come.

As Floyd said: ‘Food is life – life is food.’
Thanks so much for hosting me on your lovely blog.
Happy reading everyone,
Caroline xx

The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James

The Best Boomerville Hotel
PUB DATE: 13 March 2018
Amazon | Kobo | Ibooks/Google | Itunes
Let the shenanigans begin at the Boomerville hotel …


Jo Docherty and Hattie Contaldo have a vision – a holiday retreat in the heart of the Lake District exclusively for guests of ‘a certain age’ wishing to stimulate both mind and body with new creative experiences. One hotel refurbishment later and the Best Boomerville Hotel is open for business!
Perhaps not surprisingly Boomerville attracts more than it’s fair share of eccentric clientele: there’s fun loving Sir Henry Mulberry and his brother Hugo; Lucinda Brown, an impoverished artist with more ego than talent; Andy Mack, a charming Porsche-driving James Bond lookalike, as well as Kate Simmons, a woman who made her fortune from an internet dating agency but still hasn’t found ‘the One’ herself.
With such an array of colourful individuals there’s bound to be laughs aplenty, but could there be tears and heartbreak too and will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?
‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’
Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author


About the Author


Caroline James
Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can. A public speaker, consultant and food writer, Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association and writes articles and short stories and contributes to many publications.


Her debut novel,Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Meis set in North West England, at the time of a famous gypsy horse fair. The book went straight to number three on Amazon and was E-book of the Week in The Sun.


So, You Think You're A Celebrity...Chef? was runner up the Winchester Writers festival for best TV Drama and takes a light-hearted look at the world of celebrity chefs as they battle it out for fame and fortune.Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean & Me was runner up at The Write Stuff, LBF, 2015 and isan Amazon best-seller and top recommended read by Thomson Holidays. Jungle Rock, a romcom novella set in Australia, revolves around a TV game show.


In her spare time, Caroline can be found trekking up a mountain or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.


The Best Boomerville Hotel – Comments from advance readers


‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel! Book me in for Sharing with the Shaman and Clairvoyance in mid-life – this book is fabulous!’ Nikki Ashton, Amazon best-selling author.


‘A lovely addictive read and one that I would recommend.’ Stephanie O’Neill, Ireland
‘Caroline’s characters shone their magic brightly and kept me hooked, evoking strong emotions. A triumph, I absolutely loved this book.’ Nicky Clifford, Author.

‘I really wish I could check into Boomerville and participate in the courses. I loved this book, it is a great read. Thanks to the author for bringing the crazy characters to life - I can’t wait for the next book.’ Ronnie Montgomory, London.
‘A coming of age book for those of a certain age.’ Ann Magbanua, Philipines.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good to read about middle-aged people falling in love and reinventing themselves. Highly recommended.’ Tracey Owen, Cumbria.
‘Boomerville gripped me from the start with twists and laugh out loud moments. I loved it and hope we see more adventures in the future.’ Lisa Stewart, Southampton.

‘Caroline is a wonderful storyteller and I felt enveloped in a cocoon while reading Boomerville.’ Therese Ferguson, Author, USA.

‘I need to go to a place like this! Quirky characters, right up my street, I really enjoyed the story.’ Cal Sleath, Birmingham.

‘Caroline’s best book yet. I loved the characters and the Lake District setting was gorgeous. Boomerville is a wonderful journey.’ Amanda Williams, Wales.

March 6, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes
This is a weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Everyone is welcome to join!

Today's list is: Favorite Book Quotes

Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington

“I'm not a criminal,” said Paddington, hotly. “I'm a bear!”
― Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington

Veronica Roth, Divergent

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.”
― Veronica Roth, Divergent

Sophia Amoruso, #GIRLBOSS

“No matter where you are in life, you'll save a lot of time by not worrying too much about what other people think about you. The earlier in your life that you can learn that, the easier the rest of it will be.”
― Sophia Amoruso, #GIRLBOSS

J.K. Rowlin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."
― J.K. Rowlin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire


“Sometimes home is a person.”
― Beth Revis, Shades of Earth


“After all this time?"
"Always...”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You

“Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. But finding a true soul mate is an even better feeling. A soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what. They say that nothing lasts forever, but I am a firm believer in the fact that for some, love lives on even after we're gone.”
― Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You

Philip Pullman, The Broken Bridge

“I don't know where I belong, so I'm free. No one's got a hold on me.”
― Philip Pullman, The Broken Bridge

March 1, 2018

Book Review: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
You should read first:

  1. Throne of Glass

Wow, what an incredible sequel! Throne of Glass, the first book of the series, wasn't what I expected, but the story was interesting and I decided to keep reading: best decision ever!

Crown of Midnight is when Celaena finally shows us her abilities as an assasin, and that's what I wanted to read. She's amazing! She never misses, she's the best. Also, I feel like there were many unexplained things from book one that in this book start to have meaning, like if the first book was a prequel instead of the start of this story.

I liked more the romance in this book too. It's not a love triangle anymore, but a couple with strong personalities and many barriers. We will see what happens in the next books with them....

There were many twists in the plot that surprised me, specially around Prince Dorian and Princess Nehemia. I liked that, I never knew what to expect and it was fun to be surprised. It's a story full of fantastic creatures, magic, prohibited worlds and conspirations against the cruel King.

Honestly, I loved Crown of Midnight. It's so much better than the first book of this series, and I really can't wait to read the third: Heir of Fire.

February 27, 2018

Tell Me Something Tuesday: When is your favorite time to read?

Tell Me Something Tuesday
Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings where they discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.
This week's topic: When is your favorite time to read?

I don't know if I have a favorite time to read. These days, I read whenever I can, usually on my way to work, which is not the best because there have been a couple of times that I just forget to get out the subway at the right station....and arrive late to work.

But if I could pick a favorite moment to read, it would be at bed just before going to sleep. I have a couple of hours at home alone before my husband arrives, and it feels like the perfect time to enjoy  with a cup of black tea and a book.

February 26, 2018

Book Review: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)  by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Published August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children's
Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
I know Throne of Glass was big a few years ago, but I kind of missed it. But I won the Spanish edition a couple of days ago and decided to give it an opportunity.

It left me confused. I liked the story, with a powerful king and magic. But on the other side, Celaena, the protagonist, wasn't what I was expecting.

Celaena has been a slave for a year, and it's a miracle she's still alive. She's an assassin, the best in her kingdom, and the King send her to be a slave so she would die. But when the young and handsome Prince Dorian offers her freedom, in exchange on winning a competition, she thinks it's better to be the King's champion than a slave.

The story starts great. Celaena is in bad shape, but she describes us why is she the best and who trained her. The problem is that in this book, Celaena doesn't show us her abilities, and her personality doesn't go along with the cold hearted assassin I was expecting. She's only 18 years old and have been trained to be that way since she was a kid, suffering a lot, but she's still too immature, always gets surprised from behind, and she could have escaped a lot of times but didn't.

It's a young adult book, and maybe that's why I couldn't relate with Celaena. She worries too much about dresses and parties to be an assassin. It's not that she can't have a feminine and childish side, but I thought I was going to find someone more mature and cold hearted.

The competition she's obligated to play is against 23 men, the worst kind. The winner won't go back to jail or slavery, but will serve the King for a few years and then, freedom.

Dorian, the Prince and her sponsor, choose her because he trust in her abilities, but there isn't a lot of explanation about that. Even though Celaena must hate him, being the son of the King who took everything from her, she likes him and I couldn't find a reason, because he isn't a strong in court or in battle.

Chaol, the Capitan and good friend of the Prince, is a more mature character and the one who is really in charge of Celaena. A task a little bit fool for a captain. But between the three of them starts a love triangle, and love triangles aren't my thing.

I can't see her falling in love with any of them, because in the end both are her enemies, but she seems to forget that all the time. I did prefer Chaol instead of the Prince, for his personality, but in the end he wasn't as strong as I thought. Really, a captain being so affected by death...

The competition ends up being secondary in the story because some of the competitors are being killed and their bodies found with weird marks. Nobody knows what those marks mean, and since magic is prohibited, it can't be something good. That's when the story gets more interesting, I know there is much more behind those marks and this book is only the tip of the iceberg.

But, even when I didn't love the characters, the story was too interesting and made me read until the end. It isn't a perfect book, it could have been better, but I know there is more in this fantasy story to be discovered in the second book: Crown of Midnight.

February 20, 2018

Movie Review: Black Panther

Black Panther

I loved Black Panther! It wasn't my favorite Marvel's superheroes movie, but it was different and exciting.

T'Challa is a great leader and I can see him as a great avenger. He cares for his nation, his people, but is intelligent and calm. You won't see him fighting without a cause or if it isn't really necessary. He is the perfect person to carry the honor to be the Black Panther. He's the king and heir of Wakanda, a rich nation but hidden from the world, and it comes the time when their secrets are going to be revealed, by force or by decision.

I loved how he was surrounded by amazing women who helped him during his quest. His sister and his guard were incredible, and interesting characters to look up.

Obviously this movie showed Hollywood that other types of heroes can also be a success and even wanted. I'm tired to see the same type of heroes, I wanted something different and Black Panther gave me that. Another country, another culture, another race. The superheroes world is still dominated by men (except for Wonder Woman) but doors are opening and I can't wait to see what's out there.

It doesn't have as much action as other superheroes movies, but it's darker sometimes, specially the villain. I suppose I was expecting it to be a slower movie because it's an introductory movie, we don't really know a lot about Wakanda at first. But also, I can't wait for the big fight at the next movie Avengers: Infinity Wars.


February 17, 2018

Book Review: Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern #1) by Anne McCaffrey

Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern #1) by Anne McCaffrey

Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern #1) by Anne McCaffrey
HOW CAN ONE GIRL SAVE AN ENTIRE WORLD?

To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright.

But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa’s world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread, but there are very few of them left these days. Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world. . . .
Wow, I loved this book. It was a nice surprise, since the first pages were really confusing. New words as weyr, wher and many weird names, and the story starting in this new world as if I already new how it was, as if I wasn't reading the first book of the series. But after those first pages, I enjoyed an incredible and fantastic story, with powerful dragons, fights and conspirators.

It has been a while since I didn't devour a book so fast, I read it in 3 days and because I was busy with work. I really liked the characters, specially the protagonists Lessa and F'lar. Lessa is very stubborn and even sometimes a little bit childish, but I loved that she was like that and made everything she proposed happen. Also, she wasn't scared of the dragon riders as F'lar, who was much more mature and responsible but also found a weakness in her. Their relationship isn't perfect, specially at the beginning when it was too controlling.

Dragon
Dragon by ameeeeba
It was first published in 1968 and since then many dragon's stories share some of these dragons. These dragons are amazing, I love dragons and these are powerful and wise, and I really liked the whole Pern history, I thought it was original, a little of science fiction with fantasy.

Although I read it fast, it's a story that you have to be careful while reading, specially because time passes between chapters. But I can't wait to read the second of the series: Dragonquest.

February 16, 2018

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: A Falling Friend & A Forsake Friend @rararesources

Cover Reveal + Giveaway


 A FALLING FRIEND

A FALLING FRIEND
There are two sides to every friendship.
After spending her twenties sailing the globe, making love on fine white sand, and thinking only of today, Teri Meyer returns to Yorkshire – and back into the life of childhood friend Lee. Plus, there’s the new job, new man – or three – and the guaranteed lump sum of a bursary for her academic research piece on the way. Life is first-rate. 
What could possibly go wrong?
Going out on a limb to get best friend Teri a job at the same university seemed like a great idea. But it doesn’t take long for Lee Harper to notice a pattern. Teri seems to attract trouble, or maybe she creates it, and Lee can see exactly where things are spiralling – downwards. But Teri’s not the sort to heed a warning, so Lee has no choice but to stand by and watch.
And besides, she has her own life to straighten out.
For fans of BRIDGET JONES, this ‘witty’ chick lit has been described as a ‘rollicking good read’ and is the first in the FRIENDS trilogy following the lives of two thirty-something women, who, despite their close friendship, don’t always see eye-to-eye.


A FORSAKEN FRIEND

A FORSAKEN FRIEND
No-one said friendship was easy.
Things can’t get much worse for Teri Meyer. If losing her job at the university and the regular allowance from her dad’s factory isn’t bad enough, now her ex-best friend has gone and stolen her ex-husband! Well, to hell with them all. A few weeks in the countryside at her brother’s smallholding should do the trick – and the gorgeous and god-like neighbour might help.
But then there’s Declan, not to mention Duck’s Arse back in Yorkshire...
It’s not as if Lee Harper set out to fall in love with her best friend’s ex-husband. But, for once, her love life is looking up – except for all the elephants in the room, not to mention Mammy’s opinion on her dating a twice-divorced man. Perhaps things aren’t as rosy as she first thought. And now with one family crisis after another, Lee’s juggling more roles – and emotions – than she ever imagined.
Maybe sharing her life with a man wasn’t such a grand idea.
The FRIENDS trilogy continues in this heartwarming and hilarious hoot as two best friends navigate men, careers, family and rock bottom in this brilliant sequel to A FALLING FRIEND.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Sue Featherstone and Susan Pape
Sue Featherstone and Susan Pape are both former newspaper journalists with extensive experience of working for national and regional papers and magazines, and in public relations.

More recently they have worked in higher education, teaching journalism – Sue at Sheffield Hallam and Susan at Leeds Trinity University.

The pair, who have been friends for 25 years, wrote two successful journalism text books together – Newspaper Journalism: A Practical Introduction and Feature Writing: A Practical Introduction (both published by Sage).

Their debut novel, A Falling Friend, published by Lakewater Press, has been followed by a second book, A Failing Friend, in their Friends trilogy.

Sue, who is married with two grown-up daughters, loves reading, writing and Nordic walking in the beautiful countryside near her Yorkshire home.

Susan is married and lives in a village near Leeds, and, when not writing, loves walking and cycling in the Yorkshire Dales. She is also a member of a local ukulele orchestra.

They blog about books at bookloversbooklist.com. You can find both Sue and Susan on Twitter: @SueF_Writer and @wordfocus


GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive an e-book of A FALLING FRIEND and an e-ARC of A FORSAKEN FRIEND as well as wine voucher!

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February 8, 2018

Guest Post: Reluctant Courage by Rica Newbery

Please welcome author Rica Newbery and her new book:

Reluctant Courage  A Family’s Struggle to Survive in Nazi Occupied Oslo By Rica Newbery

Reluctant Courage
A Family’s Struggle to Survive in Nazi Occupied Oslo
By Rica Newbery

Amazon | Book Venture
It is 1942 in Oslo, two years into the Nazi occupation of World War II.
Maria is used to struggling with food rations, bickering daughters, and her husband’s frequent absences from home with police work. She is enraged when Johannes leaves her for another woman and Leo Wolff, a Wehrmacht officer, forcibly takes up residence in their flat, but worse is yet to come. One daughter becomes seriously ill, and another is raped. When the youngest goes missing, Maria must find a way to transcend her bitterness and survive, for her own sake and for her daughters.
Although my novel is fiction, it is inspired by real stories told by my mother who was 8 years old when the Nazis marched into Oslo. Real events and situations experienced by Norwegians are woven into the story. Resistance fighters risked death every day with hidden radios and distribution of leaflets. Red hats became a symbol of the resistance and were banned by the Nazis. Teachers and Church leaders refused to propagate Nazi ideology, and teachers were arrested en masse, only to return later as no-one would fill their roles. Underground papers printed cartoons mocking the Nazis and graffiti abounded.

Food was scarce, and women queued for hours or pawned their belongings to afford items such as eggs or meat on the black market. Stomach complaints were common as people ate meat eked out with herring or bread with added newspaper or saw dust from unscrupulous shopkeepers.

Five hundred and thirty two Jews were arrested by Norwegian police and handed over to the Gestapo at Pier 1 in Oslo Harbour. They were sent to Auschwitz via the famous SS Donau on 26th November 1942.

‘Lebensborn’ mother and baby homes were set up as soldiers were encouraged to impregnate local girls, seen by the Nazis as ‘good Aryans’. Many of the resulting babies were taken out of Norway to Germany for adoption, and abortion became punishable by death.

Author Bio

Rica Newbery
I am a retired psychiatrist, living with my husband in Bristol. After completing an Open University course in Creative Writing, I wrote my first novel Reluctant Courage.

I am now writing a novel about a young woman experiencing the trauma of a psychiatric admission in Bristol in 1957.

Publishing Push

Guest post courtesy of author