Soulbound (Legacy of Tril #1) - Heather Brewer

Review: Soulbound
Author: Heather Brewer
Rating: 4/5

Genre: fantasy

Recommend To: fans of Graceling 

Yes. Just yes. I was feeling depressed at the lack of kick butt fighter women in the recent novels I had read. Just in general I missed old fashioned sword fighting and monsters leaping out every five feet. Sometimes, you just need some good old action with romance tossed in. I definitely got it. This book just made me plain happy. The writing was not overly complicated, but the story was just plain fun.

Kaya, the protagonist, is born a Healer in a secret world of Barrons and Healers. But she wants to fight, like a Barron. She is forced to go to the school and take part in the life her parents ran away from to protect her. Now she must protect them, and be the docile Healer everyone expects her to be. Except.....she wants to fight. So she asks the guy she gets bound to (who literally happens to be the most boring guy on the planet, even if he is fictional. Honestly it's no competition between Trayton and Darius because Trayton put me to sleep.) He says no, so she asks the head trainer, who might be overly mysterious, but that's okay sometimes, because he is an awesome fighter. Oh and an awesome bodyguard named Maddox, I really liked her sarcasm and brisk nature. 

Okay, so this whole love triangle business. Usually, it drives me crazy. And I think it will in the next book. But in this one, for a long time, I was more focused on the inequalities between Healer and Barrons. In fact, it was so well done, I was just plain terked off. Just, gahhhh, all the rules and protocol and subservience! It made me MAD. Trayton constantly saying he would protect her, and that Healers were helpless. Yeah, he's dead to me. And so props to this book for addressing one of the societal issues that never really goes away.

So here are my final statements. It had great action,  societal issues, awesome evil Graplar beastie things, a pretty cute guy (no, not Trayton), awesome female warrior mojo, and fun characters. But it lacked complex plot lines and romance that was thought out. Plus, the name of the book totally gave the end away, even if the concept of Soulbinding and Binding was cool. 

Prodigy (Legend #2) - Marie Lu

Review: Prodigy

Author: Marie Lu

Rating: 5/5

Genre: dystopia, sci-fi

Recommend To: fans of Article 5, fans of Partials

OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED. Yeah. This is what the world has come to? Authors thinking they can just write books of this magnitude without completely blowing the minds of the readers? This is one of the most incredible things I have read. Not just because it continues at an absolute killer pace, but because every chapter you die a little more. The dramatic irony is murderous. Every time you know some thing either June or Day don't you want to kill yourself because the mounting action is just too incredible. Honestly I can't remember a book where I felt so frustrated. Obviously, it was completely done on purpose, and so masterfully at that I couldn't even see past the words on the pages for a day.

I also just wanted to savor June, Day and their bittersweet romance. The angst and betrayal, the feelings. Ack, so much agony. Their trust issues were also wonderful, because they are actually still getting to know each other, no matter how perfect they are together. The division of backgrounds comes together splendidly in their arguments. Although, just as they are learning to grow and trust each other....BLAM. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING.

Yeah. There are some nasty twists in here. Lu does not hesitate to rip out the heartstrings of people. Also, not only does she introduce drama between June and Day, but she adds Tess and new Elector Anden to the equation. Can it get any more overwhelming? But it worked though. The doubt was great, even if it did cause me (a great June and Day lover) immense pain. 

Finally, we learn much more about the world they live in. The split between the Republic and the Colonies, and also what happened to the other countries. (We even get to see a wee glimpse.) Overall, just an excellent, follow up to Legend, I may have enjoyed it even more, and it is one of my favorites. The assassinations and conspiracy plots were so thick I was hyperventilating at some points. It truly was breathtaking and now I have to wait another year until the next. If I don't die from the suspense and anticipation.

Hourglass (Hourglass #1) - Myra McEntire

Review: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire

Rating: 5/5

Genre: sci-fi, paranormal, romance

Recommend To: fans of the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and Red Ruby

Well, well, well...what a surprise! (*snorts at herself* I sound like someone's ridiculous grandmother.) Anyway.... in all honesty, I wasn't expecting much. Maybe an overly hot guy and a naive little girl. I wasn't really expecting all the good things that came with those. 

The Plot: There was actually a pretty complicated plot and the McEntire did actually do some research on time travel. The Novikov Principle is an actual theorized proposal, but who knows if it's true. Other than the previously mentioned overly hot guy meets naive girl, there was a lot of space time continuum and creepy dead people stuff happening too. Secret societies and betrayals abounded. Overall, it wasn't as one dimensional as I'd expected (which probably wasn't a fair judgement in the first place, but hey, after reading too many paranormal romances you stop expecting too much). 

The Characters: Overly hot guy's name is actually Michael, and Emerson is the naive girl. But...what makes Emerson more interesting is her deep, dark past. It wasn't sloppily thrown together to create a wounded, depressed character. Nope, this girl actually had some issues. So I guess there was some self-discovery in here too. Michael was alright, he was heroic and handsome. I get the whole "perfect for each other" thing. But after Emerson, all the secondary characters became my favorites. Thomas and Dru were completely perfect. My heart froze at thought of them in danger. Contrary to other books, they prove that poor orphan girls can have people (other than their boyfriends) who care about them. Also, Kaleb. Maybe he was drinking and flirting way too much, but he was still more interesting than Michael. Lily, Ava, Cat and Jack round out the rest of the group with some awesome, nefarious things happening behind walls. There were some pretty marvelous characters in Hourglass.

The Romance: Maybe it was supposed to sizzle, but it didn't...at least not until the middle to the end. Up until then, I wasn't feeling too much intellectual connection between Michael and Em, just physical (and I'm not a huge fan of love at first sight). I like better dialogue between two lovers, forbidden I might add. But after Kaleb and Ava entered the picture, it actually got much more interesting. I like jealousy, but not confusion. This may have had a minor love triangle, but it was an engaging plot point. And the relationship began to feel a little more realistic, even if Michael's speeches were slightly too dramatic.

Overall: Like aforementioned, this book wasn't sloppily put together (something I hate) and it had some twists that I really didn't see coming. The dialogue wasn't amazing between the two main characters (Michael just kept feeling too good to be true) but it pulled together in the end while leaving some unsolved riddles to lead into the next book.

Top-10 Female Protagonists (4)

It was excruciating to have to pick out of a huge list of wonderful female characters. I tried to mix between ones who grew and changed, and the ones that were just plain kick butt awesome. Of course there are a few that just go without saying, but it was really tricky to try and cover all the bases. I probably forgot someone really important. Here goes.

1. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)

2. Beatrice "Tris" Prior (Divergent)

3. Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson)

4. Katsa (Graceling)

5. Yelena (Poison Study)

6. Tally Youngblood (Uglies)

7. Anna Korlov (Anna Dressed In Blood)

8. Ismae (Grave Mercy)

9. Raisa ana'Marianna (The Demon King)

10. Saba (Blood Red Road)

There are so many more that belong on that list (maybe I'll edit occasionally and keep adding characters over time or as I remember them):

Meghan Chase (The Iron King)

Maximum Ride (The Angel Experiment)

Cinder (Cinder)

Amy (Across the Universe)

June (Legend)

Aria (Under the Never Sky)

There are a lot of reasons I believe these are the best female characters (for me at least). And for those same reasons, Bella Swan did not even come within a mile of being on this list. Most of these characters are really strong, independent, intelligent, compassionate, and powerful. They are capable of making a change in their world. They all mature or show extraordinary qualities that made the books themselves stand out from thousands of others. To the authors out there, thank you for writing such wonderful, complex characters. 

The Essence (The Pledge #2) - Kimberly Derting

Review: The Essence

Author: Kimberly Derting

Rating: 5/5

Genre: dystopia, sci-fi, romance, fantasy

Recommend To: fans of the Seven Realms series

I definitely liked this one much more than the first, and I liked the first pretty dang a lot. I think this one was just more in depth. 

The Plot: For one, the plot was more developed rather than simple revolution and finding your true identity. This time, Charlie, Charlaina, has to deal with the pressures of being Queen while still having the last Queen in her head. It mainly rotates about Chalie's growing concern with rebellions around the city against her rule and abolishment of the class system, while also preparing for a meeting between Queens at the annual summit. I like that the world-building was more developed and explained, and we got to see beyond the walls of Ludania.

The Characters: Charlie on a whole was progressing well into her role as Queen even if having trouble with the horses. She made some great changes in the city while facing opposition and was mature, but then again, she is still having trouble with Sabara. I love Sabara. It's weird but I loved her even more in this book, especially after getting more insight into her life as a child and well...stuff. She is just so ancient, twisted and evil, but then under that is just this little girl who went to the beach. And then of course there is Max, who is absent for a major part of the book, but is still adorable. Finally, the supporting characters are all absolutely wonderful and you love them and just want to keep them safe although you cant always. Brooklyn, Aron, Zafir, Angelina, Xander, and Eden along with Avonlea, Florence and Neva are all so precious.

The Romance: I guess it's getting a little more complicated here. And very interesting. Seems like Sabara's got an old beau. Haha but that's her old love life. I'm not saying anything more on that matter. Charlie and Max are happy enough, if a little stressed about the events in the kingdom. 

The Style: Ludania was greatly expanded by Derting and she made sure that all the political shenanigans are far from over. Plus all the different perspectives are great and keep the story moving in all directions. Furthermore, the Queens powers and the supernatural aspect of the story are also being explored. 

Overall: Nothing is dull and everything is intense. Sabara's threats are far from over and Charlie has to deal with heaps of responsibility. It was a continuing struggle to mesh the newfound identity and the old identity of  Charlie and her fights against dresses and "Your Majesty"ing, with the ancient, evil of Sabara mixed in. I could see that things were not going to be easy for Charlie, but with the support of such wonderful characters, I know she'll be fine and I cannot wait for the third book. 

Snippet Saturdays - Hourglass

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

1. "Please don't misunderstand...I'm only trying to..." With his fingertips still on the edge of the dresser, he closed his eyes, struggling with words.
Seeing an escape, I ducked under his arm. There were some advantages to being short. "Trying to what? Scare me? Piss me off?"
"I didn't mean to do either of those things." He pushed away from the dresser to face me. "I'm so--"
"Stop." I cut him off before he could say anything else. "Whether you meant to or not, you did. And now you should probably go." (p. 74) 

2. I flattened myself against the wall until the light went off again, then I took off in the direction of the car, flinging the door open when I reached it.
I let out a scream.
Someone was already sitting there. (p. 138)

Foretelling Fridays - Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Goddess by Josephine Angelini

Expected Publication: May 28, 2013

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

My Reaction: Hi there. First off, how do you say "OMG THAT COVER IS SO GORGEOUS THOSE COLORS." Furthermore, "I LOVE GREEK MYTHS." And finally, "SO MUCH ROMANTIC TENSION." I am nearly paralyzed. I have to say, Starcrossed didn't truly impress me until I read Dreamless and from there....geez. I really can't wait to see what happens between all the Scion houses and Helen and Lucas, and the poor little oracle, and Helen and Lucas, and Orion, and Helen and Lucas, and well yeah. Basically lots of Helen and Lucas. 

Shades of Earth (Across the Universe #3) - Beth Revis

Review: Shades of Earth

Author: Beth Revis

Rating: 5/5

Genre: sci-fi, dystopia

Recommend To: fans of Incarnate, fans of spacey books

A little spoilery but nothing horrible. Although don't risk it if your reading it soon. And not until you've read the first two. Because come on people, you don't want to ruin these books for yourselves. 

This is one of my favorite science-fiction dystopia series ever. Absolutely. I can think of a million hyped up novels (not naming any) and this trumps them all in everything. In fact, it's so real, its terrifying.

The Plot: There is just so much tension. I can't even try to explain the intricacies of the plot without giving away all the plot-twists. The obvious ones, yeah you could see them coming, the non-obvious ones....."what the heck just happened?!" is the reaction. It's also such a satisfying ending. The story really didn't smush together and end. It wasn't a quick last minute wrap up. It was well-thought out and all the pieces finally fit together. The mysteries of phydus and the monsters are finally solved. It is really truly incredible and never loses momentum. I could go into depth about all the birds, the flowers, trees and *gasp* the betrayals! But really, it was just so brilliant. 

The Characters: These characters just have so much more depth than before. Honestly, I felt as if I understood Amy and Elder even better as they started to grow into their real roles. Elder was making leaps and strides as a leader, and Amy really grew out of her naive Sol-Earth persona. Of course I missed others, and Beth Revis was completely unafraid to kill off her characters, but it all served a purpose. The new characters (yes the Frozens), angered me at times but they too became lovable, if a little confused about how life on the Godspeed really was. It's all right though. Conflict between characters is better than everyone being too happy. That would just be boring.

The Romance: We all know that Amy and Elder are totally soul mates right? The only question was does Amy love him because he's the only guy available, or because he's Elder? What do you think? I don't know, gosh, let's see what happens when we add a love triangle!.....No, but seriously that part was good too. Amy and Elder begin to realize what they really mean to each other on this planet full of new dangers, not all of them expected. And I hate love triangles. But when they work...they work.

The Style: Can I just say, this book had me under the covers quivering? Not because its a horror book, but because trying to predict what's horrible thing will happen to the beloved characters is a horror. The last two books I missed Sol-Earth so badly...and I live here. Amy's pain was so real. I really didn't think anything could be worse, but my god, the mysterious monsters, and gen mod material, and the *shhh* abandoned colony. It was all doubling the creepy planet factor with every description. 

Overall: One of the most satisfying series I have ever had the fortune to read. Nothing was rushed or badly written. Everything had a place and a time. Every betrayal, death, sacrifice, reveal and kiss was perfectly placed. And it completely drew me in and refused to let me go until the last word, and it will do the same to you. 

Secret Letters - Leah Scheier

Review: Secret Letters

Author: Leah Scheier

Rating: 4/5

Genre: historical-fiction, mystery

Recommend To: fans of the Mary Quinn mystery series

(First off, I must apologize for abandoning this blog for a week. I guess I'm sporadic but oh well. I do this because I love reading. Anyway, so here's what I read.)

The Plot: Girl, Dora, wants to be a detective, and she wants to learn about her biological father, and she wants to help her cousin, and she wants to save Lady Rose, and she wants to be free of society, and she wants to know what Peter thinks about her, and finally most of all she just really wants to take part in solving a real, actual mystery. She wants to do a lot. So she fakes being a maid and finds secret coded letters, and tries to find footprints and put clues together. It isn't really a page turner of a mystery, and it does't really have you scratching your head. But mostly, it's just a lot of good clean fun. It's endearing. Lot's of little secrets in an awesome Victorian setting. 

The Characters: They were flat, but still likable. Dora, was supposed to be very clever, and she was. Feisty, pretty, very smart, insecure (she spends a while debating on her looks vs. her brains), and modest. She was good at noticing all these little absurd things that solved the case. But then again, she could also be very dense at times. There were plot points I figured out about a mile ahead. It was verging on Mary Sueish. Peter was almost too good to be true. Guilty, angry, intelligent, wounded, protective, and handsome.....that's a lot of good rolled into one. Maybe too much. I didn't connect with either of them too well. But they were fun to read about.

The Romance: There really wasn't much to tell here. No kisses or anything, it was very proper. A lot of arguing, which is always fun, and then wondering "does he like me?". Regular girly stuff. I almost wish it had been further elaborated on, but because it wasn't supposed to be the focus of the plot anyway, I liked it better that way. Plus it made Dora seem smarter, not being overly boy-crazed. I did admire that about her.

The Style: It wasn't too mysterious for a mystery. No suspense or anything. Even when guns were being waved around I never really felt anything, mostly because I knew nothing would really happen. The story was too predictable for that. The mystery itself didn't draw me in either, it just wasn't that interesting. I did like the setting though, but that may be because I am a huge fan of London and that particular time period.

Overall: Not a novel that is written in depth, but it explores things like guilt, family and gender roles. Also not too focused on the romance and the characters could use some widening, but for a fun little mystery it is a quick read. Finally, the ending leaves a lot to be desired, although it was very unusual.

Let the Sky Fall (Let the Sky Fall #1) - Shannon Messenger

Review: Let the Sky Fall

Author: Shannon Messenger

Rating: 5/5

Genre: modern mythology, romance

Recommended To: fans of Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Yay  read this the day it came out! I had to put Girl of Nightmares on hold for this but it was worth it.

The Plot: Vane is a regular human guy who dreams of a mysterious girl every night. He doesn't know who she is, but he does know that she is connected to the fact that his entire family died in a tornado with him the sole survivor. Audra, the girl, then runs into problems, boom, they meet, and now Audra and Vane must team up so he can learn how to control the winds in time before the evil Stormers come. Pretty straightforward right? And yeah it is. But of course there are complications along the way. It's what makes a novel good.

Characters: It's told in dual POV, which is my favorite thing. I love books where you can get both sides to the story and see the people mature and learn,( and fall in love - just saying...). Both Vane and Audra are pretty different people. Vane is flippant and pretty cocky. Although he at times irritated me with his constant descriptions of his desire to see Audra in a tiny dress, I will attribute that to the crazy hormones of a 17 year old guy. He quickly develops a desire to learn the language of the wind though, and beneath it all he was really sweet. Audra is a completely different story. She is tough and bitter, constantly punishing herself to redeem herself from past actions. At some points it goes almost beyond crazy, and she never lets herself enjoy anything, even the wind . She at times seems overly obsessed with herself (you know, "me, myself, I, oh I'm so tragic, pity me") and she seems to complain almost too much, but she is easily willing to put it all away for the sake of her people and Vane. And she did have a really tough life, I will give her that. She's a good person, if a bit deluded about redemption. 

The Romance: Did I mention how much of a sucker I am for forbidden romance? Cause there is nothing better. Especially when there are betrothals, and true love/bonding mixed in. It's good stuff. At times I was worried that Audra and Vane might not really fit together, but opposites attract. They are kinda like thunder and lightning, powerful going against each other , but even stronger as one force. (Best analogy ever, I can't believe I came up with that.)

They Style: It was gorgeous. I could almost feel the dry, oppressive heat and the breeze drifting though. Sigh. Everything was well detailed, especially the settings. The wind whispering was so real I could nearly hear it myself. The sylph mythology was really interesting, detailed, and new too. All the lore about the 4 winds, and the languages was amazing. However, I would really like to know more about Raiden's force, Arella, and the Windslicer. 

Overall: It had absolutely everything. An interesting plot, deep characters, great conflict and action, emotions running high, and an awesome setting. What more could a book give? What else could a reader want?

 PS. There is a cliffhanger at the end and it does stink, but its not desperate (thank god). 

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) - Marissa Meyer

Review: Scarlet

Author: Marissa Meyer

Rating: 5/5

Genre: dystopia, sci-fi

Recommended To: fans of Grave Mercy, Shadow and Bone

The Plot: I finally finished! I'll try for no spoilers. In the second installment of the Lunar Chronicles, the main character isn't Cinder, which was disappointing at first, but it's all good because the third person POV switched to her pretty often. The plot basically centers on Cinder's struggle to come to terms with her true identity and how Scarlet and her grandmother have a part in Cinder's whole cyborg with no memory situation. It's all quite easy to jump back into actually after reading Cinder. It's very well connected, even if it is really obvious at times. What I thought was new, was the very interesting, completely psychotic take on the Wolf and about Levana's army. That was very twisted, even for a fairy tale retelling. I didn't say it wasn't completely welcome, and awesome though.

The Characters: Cinder we all know is a mechanical version of Cinderella who can pretty much control people with her mind. Prince Kai is an adorable version of Prince Charming. One can only hope they actually ever get a chance to talk with each other. Not the main characters though. Basically, the titular character, Scarlet, is a really feisty version of Little Red Riding Hood with a gun, and a grandmother who was in the military and knows secrets. Secrets that pertain to Cinder, hmm hmm....Anyway, Wolf too is a really mysterious and strange character. I don't want to give any spoilers but honestly, his name is a spoiler. Think about that. Finally, my personal favorite was definitely Thorne. I don't know how Cinder managed to  pick him up, but he made the whole book three times better with his ridiculous shenanigans. 

The Romance: Cinder and Kai are a nonexistent couple right now although their caring for each other over seas was very adorable. The focus was on Scarlet and Wolf as a couple. The most upsetting fact for me about their falling in love (we all know it happens, quit complaining) was that it occurs in nearly 24 hours. How can two people fall in love in one day? Other than that, it was all very touching. Wolf afraid he'll hurt her, by being so big and bad, and poor little Scarlet completely oblivious to her very seductive advances. Seriously, she was no shy girl when it came to romance.

The Style: I love the entire concept of the series. It's just so original. I can't fathom how she came up with a dystopian society, with not-so-princesslike princesses (one who is half metal and one who totes around a gun while looking for her grandmother), and an evil moon queen. The writing is also excellent and the descriptions of the world are amazingly vivid. One could almost be tricked into seeing Lunars left and right. 

Overall: If you haven't given Cinder a try, please do. Especially if you like dystopian, science-fiction , romance. It's very fun. And if you have read Cinder, Scarlet is a great follow up and continues the story at a great pace. I loved discovering all sorts of secrets and juicy stuff about Queen Levana's plan, all set against a backdrop of a world we know so well, yet so different. 

Snippet Saturdays - Scarlet

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

    "Get your things," said Wolf.

      She and Wolf moved at the same time. She thew her portscreen into her pack while Wolf crossed to the window and flung it open. The ground raced beneath them. Beyond the tracks, a dense forest stretched out, dissolving into shadows.
      Scarlet checked the pistol in her waistband, "Are we jumping?"
     "Yes. But they might be expecting it, so we have to do it before the train slows too much. They're probably prepping enforcement androids right now to round up runaways."
      Scarlet nodded. "If it is letumosis, we've probably already become a quarantine."
      Wolf thrust his head out the window, looking both ways down the length of the train. "Now's our best chance."
       Pulling inside, he heaved the bag onto one shoulder. Scarlet peered down at the ground fleeing beneath them, dizzied by a moment of vertigo. It was impossible to focus on any one spot as the speckled sun flashed against the trees. "Well. This seems dangerous."
                                                                "We'll be fine."
                                                                She peered up at him, for a moment expecting to meet 
that crazed madman again, but his expression was stone-cold and clinical. He was focused hard on the landscape that whizzed by them. "They're braking," he said. "We'll start slowing down faster now." Again, it was a few seconds before Scarlet sensed it too, the subtle shift of speed, the way they were decelerating fast, no longer just coasting to a steady stop.
         Wolf inclined his head. "Climb onto my back."
         "I can jump myself."
         "Scarlet."
         She met his eyes. His youthful curiosity from before was gone, replaced with a sternness she hadn't expected.
         "What? It'll be just like jumping off the barn into a haystack. I've done that a hundred times."
         "A haystack? Honestly, Scarlet, it'll be nothing like that."
         Before she could argue, before she could cement her defiance, he bent over and scooped her into both arms.
         She gasped and had just enough time to open her mouth, ready to demand he put her down, before Wolf was on the windowsill, the wind whipping Scarlet's curls against her neck.
         He jumped. Scarlet yelped and grabbed on to him, her stomach somersaulting, and then the shock of landing jogged up her spine.
          She dug her fingers into his shoulders. Every limb trembled.
          Wolf had landed in a clearing eight steps beyond the tracks. He staggered into the tree line and hunkered into the shadows.
          "All right?" he asked. 
          "Just like"--she caught her breath--"a haystack."
          A laugh reverberated through his chest, into her, and before she was ready Wolf settled her feet onto a patch of squishy moss. She scrambled out of his hold, caught her balance, then punched him squarely in the arm. "Never do that again."

Foretelling Fridays - Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) -

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Expected Publication: April 2, 2013

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats

My reaction: 

Whoa, the release date is coming up! <jumps up and down> For those who read and loved Grave Mercy, you know why this book is going to be so incredibly exciting. I have to admit, for the first book, I sold my soul and surrendered to the book when I heard assassin. Ladies trained to kill people by turning their own male idiocy and greedy, lusty nature (mwahaha, but I am sorry for the rare noble, gallant gentlemen out there) against them is an awesome concept. While, I'm a little sad the main character won't be Ismae again along with Gabriel, I am exceedingly content with reading about Sybella. She was last seen suffering in d'Albret's household and I have a feeling this will be an emotionally heavy read, especially with the fact that he is an absolute psychopath. While Ismae was an assassin who underwent childhood trauma, comapared to Sybella, she was a hopeful and bright person who found love and blah blah. Sybella is a much darker character shrouded in mystery, and as will, I believe, make Dark Triumph an absolutely engrossing read. (PS. I am thrilled to be reading about the Beast, I loved him in the first book). 

Thoughts On: Gender Relations

Here's for another edition of Thoughtful Thursday, which actually takes place on Friday due to a crazy schedule. I really am sorry. Anyway, here's an interesting one. Gender relationships in novels. Obviously they've progressed far over time, but just how much have they changed in novels? Today's collection of feisty, kick-butt book heroines shows that intelligent girls who speak their mind are gaining popularity. The different sword-wielding versions of Katniss  show that girls who can fight are very well-liked. The main male characters fall head-over-heels and tell her they love her for who she is. They act as equals in the relationship. But then, how does the Bella Swan gain such popularity in novels too? The vulnerable, indecisive, although admittedly pretty airhead type female? The male characters can't take his eyes off her naive, ignorant self and decides to protect her while not telling her anything and being overly mysterious. Sigh. What a bore. Traditional values underestimate a girl's strength and intelligence, insulting pretty much the entire female population.   It's embarrassing really. We need less  wusses and more strong female characters who don't necessarily have to be ninjas, but who can at least speak (and make up) their minds.