Book Review: The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Beautiful Ones
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Published October 24th 2017
by Thomas Dunne Books St. Martin's Press
ARC for Review

Synopsis 1
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a sweeping fantasy of manners set in a world inspired by the belle époque.

In a world of etiquette and polite masks, no one is who they seem to be.

Antonina Beaulieu is in the glittering city of Loisail for her first Grand Season, where she will attend balls and mingle among high society. Under the tutelage of the beautiful but cold Valerie Beaulieu she hopes to find a suitable husband. However, the haphazard manifestations of Nina’s telekinetic powers make her the subject of malicious gossip.

Yet dazzling telekinetic performer and outsider Hector Auvray sees Nina’s powers as a gift, and he teaches her how to hone and control them. As they spend more and more time together, Nina falls in love and believes she’s found the great romance that she’s always dreamt of. But Hector’s courtship of Nina is deceptive.

Synopsis 2
A young woman finding her way It is Antonina Beaulieu's first Grand Season in the elegant city of Loisail. A chance to take her place in high society, to find a suitable husband, and to leave her checkered past behind. Because Antonina possesses telekinetic powers, powers she can't control, that have made her the subject of cruel gossip.

A gentleman with a secret
Famed telekinetic performer Hector Auvray is also new to the city. He arrives in Loisail with the intent of recapturing the heart of his former flame, the beautiful Valérie Beaulieu, and finds his way into her household by courting Antonina.

Astounded by Hector's abilities, which she wishes to master, and flattered by his attention, Antonina does not suspect the duplicitous drama which will unfold.

A romance with a dash of the fantastic
Set in a sumptuous world inspired by the Belle Epoque, where scandal is a dreaded weapon, The Beautiful Ones is a tale of desire and betrayal, and the struggle between conformity and passion.

Matters of the Heart Are the Hardest to Categorize

Let’s start off by looking at that cover!! I was immediately drawn to the vibrant green with the beautiful scroll. I was very excited about this read and I was not disappointed. From the first page Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing is captivating. Romance and scandal all wonderfully woven together with just enough pull to keep the reader turning the pages.

The Story, Antonina is a wonderful young lady with an amazing heart. She lives in a world where ladies are to be a certain way and anything else results in scandal for the families. Reputation is key and the only thing that may be more important is how much money the family has. Nina(Antonina) does not have to worry about money but her telekinetic gift means people have looked down on her since childhood. No one except her family treats her with kindness because this gift is not something “ladies” should have. Nina has found Hector and he has the same gift hoping to make a new friend and know someone who can share understanding with her she quickly becomes enamored with him. Hector has other plans and they involve only Valerie.

The Characters, You know how I feel for Nina she is the wonderful light of this story. My heart went out to her I loved getting to know her and watch her become an incredible talent with an untarnished heart. Hector is confused and hurt and he makes so many mistakes. He has a certain sense of charm that keeps drawing the reader in. Uncertain of the outcome I kept cheering for Nina so all I wanted for her was happiness. Valerie, oh boy all I can say about her is she let a certain darkness overtake her she became cruel and evil. All the beauty on the outside did nothing for the withering rotting heart within. The secondary characters added a lot of zeal to the story that created a lot of depth.

The End, Nina faces a lot of strife and heartache but she overcomes it by developing into something greater than before. Something that has always been her foundation is her family and they do not disappoint. I am happy to report everyone gets what they deserve.

My Rating
4.0 I did not want to put this down, when I had to I kept thinking about picking it back up again and what would happen next. I recommend this for anyone that loves a crazy romance with drama and a wonderful ending.

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About the Author



Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of several novels, including Gods of Jade and Shadow. She has also edited a number of anthologies, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows (a.k.a. Cthulhu's Daughters). Mexican by birth, Canadian by inclination.

Book Review: All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham

All the Stars Left Behind 

by Ashley Graham 

 

Published June 6th 2017 

by Entangled: Teen 

ARC For Review 

Summary


Relocating to Arctic Norway would put a freeze on anyone's social life. For Leda Lindgren, with her crutches and a chip on her shoulder the size of her former Manhattan home, the frozen tundra is just as boring as it sounds. Until she meets her uncle's gorgeous employee.

Unfortunately, no matter how smoking hot the guy is, Roar comes with secrets as unnerving as his moving tattoos. And Leda doesn't trust him.

Roar shouldn't be drawn to the moody human girl with eyes that leave him weak in the knees. But when Leda gets shot by one of his enemies and survives, Roar finally understands why he's drawn to her: Leda is exactly what he was sent to Earth to find. A weapon of immense power capable of saving his planet.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Family Bonds That Never Existed Can Still Hurt 

This synopsis and cover had me wanting to find out what was in store! Unfortunately, that is where the love ended. There was so much story to be told and the premise was unique. The characters were all very different and they had such promise this could have easily been a trilogy or at minimum 300 pages more. Everything felt choppy and somewhat contradicting there were two main characters and a plethora of secondary characters that should have been fleshed out fully and polished to create a cohesive captivating read from beginning to end. Sadly, this did not occur.

The Story, like I mentioned before was unique there are two races of people vying for dominance of the other. Yet, out of nowhere we find out the good guys have done some bad things themselves. Lena is brutally tortured...she gets away and absolutely nothing comes of the entire event. It felt unnecessary, it felt as though that sympathetic situation was too harsh. Then when nothing came of it that series of events felt empty. I am a fan of insta-love, but this story of love felt a bit lacking. The reader is told how the characters feel for one and other and that was okay, but I wish Roar and Lena had some more time to find out about each other and get to know who they are. It felt long, confusing, and not tied up.

The Characters, Roar is a super-hot alien but the reader isn’t brought into the workings of who he is and why it has to be him. We get a pretty cool name towards the end explaining a little bit of it but these are the things that make this story unique. It was hard to understand why these topics were not explored deeper. Lena suffers spinal bifida her character is all the stronger for it. The synopsis states she has a major chip on her shoulder and other than the obvious wrongs in her life she really doesn’t. Lena is a very smart gal with a big heart she has experienced a lot of loss but she is moving forward with her life. Until Roar, that’s when things start going haywire. I did enjoy her quite a bit. The several secondary characters of this story were a wonderful addition unfortunately the reader doesn’t get much deeper than a layer or two. Each beautiful character had so many of their own issues it would have been nice to see some resolution for them as well.

The End, Other than the MAJOR beautiful scene where Lena has her aha moment there wasn’t much there. A promise of a threat. The world still has several unresolved issues. The threat that Lena and Roar still faced…There was some nice setup for a picture it yourself kind of ending. Unfortunately, I don’t care for endings where you insert whatever you want to happen. Ha I want an epilogue…I want all t’s crossed and i’s dotted.

My Rating


2.5 Fun and different premise. Beautiful cover. Insta - Love and I don’t know why…But, fun filled stars, nonetheless.

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About the Author 

Ashley Graham was born in Ontario, Canada, and has since lived in five countries. Before writing her first manuscript in 2015, she worked as a clerical assistant, quality assurance officer, chef, and stay-at-home mom/homeschool teacher. When she isn’t writing or reading every book she gets her hands on, Ashley enjoys online window shopping, Netflix binges, and spends way too much time thinking about space travel. ALL THE STARS LEFT BEHIND is her debut novel.

Book Review: The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney

The Things They’ve Taken 

by 

Katie McElhenney

Published by Entangled Teen 

Genre: YA Fantasy / paranormal 

GoodReads 

Summary
All Lo Campbell wants is to be a normal teenager—to go to one high school, live in one place, and have one real friend. Instead, she travels the country with her mother, chasing the unknown, the “what else” that’s out there…

Until one day, the “what else” chases back.

Determined to rescue her mom from whatever supernatural being took her, Lo will need more help than a badly dressed demon obsessed with country music. She’s going to need a Tracker—and lucky for her, she finds one. Shaw is strong, good-looking, possibly available, and utterly infuriating. Sure, he may have secrets, and his help costs more than a brand-new car, but she’ll have to deal with him if she wants to find her mother—and get her home alive.

Purchase Through
Amazon | B&N

Loss and Helplessness Must Not Take Over

This looked like a very interesting read I immediately wanted to know everything about Lo and that cover! What a beauty. Sadly, there was little to no resolution/ story development by the end. I was so upset/ disappointed by this. Based on the way the book ended it seemed as though we were going to get another…Unfortunately since this title came out in 2017, I don’t believe we will. Which is possibly the saddest thing ever. There was so much potential with this story. The paranormal characters were fun to get to know. The various demons/ elementals/ elements/ monsters and magic wielders were grand! I really hope we do get the follow up of this story because I’m curious to know more...

What has Lo’s mom been looking for?

Why did that greater demon want with her?

Why has that greater demon been gone for so long?

Does that greater demon really want LO?!

What makes Lo so special?

What’s this about special tracker blood?

What about those stones…who? Knows? What?

How does everyone know each other? With the exception of Lo we aren’t really given the back story of who and what everyone is after… but they all know one and other? So weird(probably due to the fact it wasn’t explained.)

What does Shaw want? 

What was up with that huge-ish twist at the end? <- This question is probably the most frustrating because it really didn’t feel like it would impact the story. Lo grew to care for Shaw and I’m certain she would do whatever she could to help him.

What’s up with Mange(Shaw’s dog) is it really his sister? 

LOL, I tend to take flights of fancy ha, ha. Seriously, his dog is not normal there is something special about him/her lol. 😉 I would like to know what.

There were moments of adventure and quests completed but soooooo many unanswered questions. As the book stands, I have to give it 2.5 stars I recommend it if you are looking to meet some fun paranormal characters just don’t expect any progression/ resolution. 

About the Author

Katie McElhenney was born in Philadelphia into a big family of curious kids and patient adults. A voracious reader and unapologetic daydreamer, she knew she wanted to become a writer someday. With the support of an amazing family, great friends, and some truly spectacular teachers she has written short stories, poems, and novels. A solar-powered human, she now lives in Los Angeles and uses the great weather for year-round trips to the beach and long runs (where the best inspiration happens). Find out more about her at katiemcelhenney.com

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Book Review: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Storm and Fury

(The Harbinger #1) 

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Published June 11th 2019 

by Inkyard Press 

ARC For Review 

Summary
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Destiny Is Often Times Unavoidable

How in the world is it possible that this is my first introduction to this amazing world. My goodness I feel as though I have lived under a rock. My bestest book gals told me all about this wonderful world of WArdens and Demons. I cannot believe I’ve missed out. Ever the optimist I can say I have something to do till the next book comes out. Which by the way cannot come soon enough. That is always the hardest thing about an amazing read that’s part of a series. The book hangover is real…Once I finished it I just kept playing the whole thing over and over not wanting to let go of these characters. Alas now I wait…and the long night is upon me with the Harbinger Series.

The Story, Trinity has a big secret no one must know who she is but something is going on. In a world where Wardens hunt and kill demons there is something out there killing both. This is big and it must be stopped. The community where Trinity has grown up is all she knows. She longs for more but that’s not in the cards for her until a visiting group of Wardens seek assistance and reinforcements to stop something from killing both Wardens and Demons. Trinity will come to find out that destiny has come knocking on her door and there isn’t much she can do to stop it. Therefore she will chase it and kick its butt!

The Characters, um Zayne. Zayne, Zayne, and everyone else…lol JK I love Trinity I love that although she is a bad a$$ she is also facing a very real and very scary disease that will one day rob her of sight. She is a wonderful girl that feels quite real, a bit raw, and definitely jumps with her heart first, consequences later. As I mentioned earlier I am not familiar with the Dark Elements Series so this is the first time i’ve been introduced to my newest book bf Zayne. I’m happy to say I hope he and Trinity find a way as it stands the situation looks impossible but I am hoping beyond hope they make it. I enjoyed the other characters but Trinity and Zayne stole the show!

The End, Um what?! Okay that was a great set up! I was surprised but not upset. The twist made sense especially when we find out about the mistake. Seriously I was like what is this mistake foreshadowing that gets hinted at here and there. Once its revealed I was like WELLDUH! Gosh I’m rusty…I’ve been out of the reviewing scene for a few years but I’m back and here to stay. Especially with these beautiful authors that continue to create amazing worlds and characters that stay with you long after the last page has been read. Trinity and Zayne have welcomed me back in the best way and I cannot wait to read more about them.

My Rating
4.5 Im still in awe of this awesome new world and I cannot wait until the next! Unfortunately I must! I definitely recommend this for those that love paranormal and an amazingly, captivating, stay with you, read!

Check out Lindy's Review

Here

Purchase At

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About the Author

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. 

Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins. 

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Book Review: Fall of Thrones and Thorns (Elementals: The Threats of Sky and Sea #3) by Jennifer Ellision

Fall of Thrones and Thorns 

(Elementals: The Threats of Sky and Sea #3) 

by Jennifer Ellision 

Published September 27th 2016

By Author Self Pub

ARC For Review

Summary
War hurtles in, a typhoon over the sea.

After Bree’s life was torn apart, Nereidium had represented a haven to her. A place that—if she could save it—was beyond the King’s reach.

And, at last, she’s arrived upon its shores. But things in Nereidium are not what they should be.

The land is plagued by a rash of mysterious earthquakes, the likes of which it’s never known. The governors are distracted by old traditions, while Bree and her friends grapple with changing identities and the sense that the longer they wait to take action… the greater the danger from Egria grows.

Bree is tired of living under the shadow of King Langdon’s power. And she’s tired of waiting for him to be the first to act.

In this final chapter of the Threats of Sky and Sea series, it all comes down to Nereidium or Egria. To Bree or the King. It’s kill… or be killed.

And not everyone will escape the battle unscathed.

Power Must Be Respected 

3 years since I have been in Egria boy have I missed it! I can say with so much excitement... it has been so nice to visit again and watch these beloved characters fulfill their destinies. Each character has come a long way in their development. Everyone has lost much but through their defeats they will find the strength to overcome fears doubts and tyrants. They do so stronger than before! I did not want to put this read down and thus devoured it rather quickly. Finally, the truth is out there, all of it, no more secrets! Worry not the group is all the stronger for it!

The Story, everyone knows who and what Bree is. Although it is what's best this truth shakes everyone to the core. Bree's closest friends are in a confused state not knowing what to think of the situation. This wonderful band of misfit rebels have made it to the shores of Nereidium after so long a home is found and thus an ally in the war. In shock, of revelations…Bree’s friends remain at arms length but as soon as Bree discovers the higher powers at hand she will do what is necessary to ensure everyone plays their very important part. Because if anything goes wrong it could mean certain doom to everyone involved.

The Characters, Bree oh man do I love her she is awesome and strong and she possesses a wonderful heart.These are the attributes that attract those that would wish her harm. I wish we got more back story into why her and if there were tools to measure once before. Rick aka Caden i loved this guy even though he seemed lukewarm at times I was happy to know his heart will always belong with Bree. This wasn’t a very romance filled read Bree and Caden have their moments that let us know they care deeply for one and other but that has never been the focus. There is a possible apocalypse on the horizon these rebels must do everything they can to protect the innocents that would be destroyed.

The End, If you haven’t read this series then you positively should Bree is a character that is very relatable and she will make an impression on you.There is a moment of growth and exploration that will play a key roll in making her aware of the big bad that looms around her. Seeing her come into her own was positively wonderful. We get to see her full power and this girl can flex! I can say with 100% certainty that because of all the suffering a large price must be paid to restore order. Everyone answers the call without disappointment and they come together to do what must be done.



My Rating

4.5 Fun, Exciting, Mysterious Joyful ending filled stars!

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About The Author

Jennifer Ellision was born and raised in South Florida and lives in perpetual fear of temperatures below 60F. She spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn't find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She has an OTP, loves character analysis, and is a master of the fangirl flail, with a particular soft spot for fanfiction. She frequently bursts into song (and they are often of a Disney persuasion). Sailor Moon is one of her favorite things on this planet.

Threats of Sky and Sea is her first novel.


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Book Review: The Reader by M.K. Harkins

The Reader 

by 

Published August 25th 2016 

By Author Self Pub

Summary

Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.

She’s welcomed by most with opened arms, but not everyone is happy about her arrival. A jealous adversary has plans for Ann, which spirals the entire Reader community into chaos.

As lies, murder, and betrayal threaten to rip apart the once harmonious mountain dwellers, Ann is thrust into making a decision that could save or devastate not only The Readers, but all of mankind. But there’s just one glitch: by doing so it may require her to make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Missing Piece

What a fun read that was! The Reader by M.K. Harkins was a very entertaining quick read! I gobbled this book up in two sittings I didn’t want to put it down there is a lot of mystery surrounding Ann our lovely protagonist. This story is presented to us in Ann’s point of view sitting at around 250 pages if you don’t have a lot of time this would be the perfect read for you! There were some magical elements but not enough to put it in “Magical” category I would say this is a young adult book with paranormal elements (People with extraordinary abilities).
The Story, Ann turns up with no memory but everyone around her seems to know who she is. Immediately we are thrust into a situation where she has no choice but to accept the help of two strangers. However, as we come to find out they know much more than they are willing to share. Ann comes to make some wonderful friendships and learning about who she is was very enjoyable. I would have loved for the book to have had more world building and maybe some more back story. 

The Characters, we are first introduced to Ann, Asher, and Devon. I won’t tell you who I picked for Ann but I was happy to see I picked the right guy. I’m notorious for falling for Mr. Not going to happen Ria but it was a nice try. The connection of the characters and their interactions were great! Like I said a quick and enjoyable read! There were so many characters that I really enjoyed….I take that back, I really enjoyed every character! I would have loved to get more from them, more of who they are, what makes them tick, and more time with Ann. These characters become her whole world I would have loved spending more time with their budding relationships. 

The End, finally coming to terms with what Ann must do she is thrown into another predicament that may cost her everything. Even the things she thought were already lost to her. The book has a great ending I really enjoyed the epilogue…all throughout there is an aura of mystery and this remains through to the very end. There was some deus ex machina going on which is not bad, I just would have loved to have seen so much more fleshed out. Regardless of things feeling quite sudden in this book it kept my interest all throughout to the very end. 


Rating

3.0 Fun and I wish there was more filled stars!

Purchase

Amazon | B&N

About the Author

M.K. Harkins MK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she'd like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance - eFestival of Words- August 2014) Unintentional, her second book, is based on the life of one of the characters in Intentional. Unintentional was written as a stand-alone book.

When she's not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!)


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