The Story Continues: The White Rose, Burn, & Night Study

We have three sequels for you today. All are fantasies. I loved the first book in all these series (posts here, here, and here). Let's see how the second book fared.

The White Rose by Amy Ewing 

Publisher/ Year: HarperTeen - October 2015

Genres: YA Science Fiction/ Fantasy

Source: ARC through Edelweiss

Amazon | Goodreads

Last year the first book in The Lone City Series, The Jewel made my list of favorite debuts of 2014. (posted here) The biggest problem with The Jewel is that it ends in a horrible cliffhanger, so I was eager to find out what happened next.

The White Rose picks up right where The Jewel left off. Violet and Ash have been discovered and must be whisked to safety by the resistance known as The Black Key. The White Rose definitely has a middle-book feel to it--in that there is a lot of set-up and not the same amount of high-intensity danger that we felt in the first book. However, I think the characters manage to pull it off. I am especially intrigued by Raven and Garnet. I could definitely do with more Garnet. He is a complex guy.

Once again, Amy Ewing leaves us with an awful, evil cliffhanger.  The agony.


 

Burn by Elissa Sussman

Publisher / Year: Greenwillow - January 2016

Genres: YA Fantasy

Source: ARC through Edelweiss

Amazon | Goodreads

 
Burn, the second book in the Four Sisters series, is more of a companion novel than an outright sequel. Stray, the first book in the series, also made my list of favorite debits of the year in 2014. It's a twisted fairy tale with a feminist flare that gives us a new take on fairy godmothers. I eagerly awaited the next addition to this world, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

In Burn Elanor, one of the Orphans who helped Aislynn escape in Stray, returns to the Mountain. And then nothing really happens for a long time. Sure Elanor hears that people are planning on leaving, she participates in a raid, and rescues her brother and a stranger from Josetta's castle, but none of this feels essential or helps to build any sort of tension whatsoever. None of the side characters have any depth at all, not even Aislynn, who was the main character in the last book and surely has some internal motivation.

The last fifth of the book does pick up, and, in a series of reversals, suddenly things are pretty darn exciting. The sad part about this is that it only served to show me how interesting the world of Burn could have been if only it were a bit more fully developed.

Burn is a short novel. Too short, in fact. It reads more like a novella than a fully fledged stand-alone book. I guess the good news is that it only took me an evening to read.

Night Study by Maria V. Snyder

Publisher / Year: Mira - January 2016

Genres: Fantasy

Source: ARC through NetGalley

Amazon | Goodreads

As a long time fan of Maria V. Snyder's Study series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study), I am absolutely delighted that Ms. Snyder is continuing the series now, several years later, with what looks like at least three more books in the Soulfinder series.

Last year I read the first in the Soulfinder series, Shadow Study, and it completely renewed my love this world and these characters. I'm happy to report that Night Study kept that love fest going.

Night Study picks up right where Shadow Study left off. Owen Moon has been foiled but not captured. With Yelena's powers still mysteriously missing, Yelena agrees to return to Ixia with Valek only to find that Ixia is not a safe haven either. Tensions between Ixia and Sitia are heating up and allies are falling fast.

Night Study, following in Shadow Study's wake, continues to explore Valek's past with some surprising and very satisfying developments. I, like most Study Series fans, absolutely love Valek, and the more time I spend with him the more I love him. Valek makes some decisions in this book that are cause to cheer. Also, there are many lovely moments between Yelena and Valek. I am so happy to see them this devoted and happy together.

I continue to adore the side characters, as well. As Janco says, they have become a little misfit family. Janco, Leif, Ari, and Fisk, are all well represented in this book. Plus, we have the addition of a few new characters that I think readers will find quite intriguing.

Night Study is intense in the best of ways. So much happens in this book and with every page the conspiracy seems to thicken. I kept thinking, "Oh, things can't possible get any worse." And then they would not only get a little worse but much worse! How our characters are going to turn everything around, I just do not know. The set up for the next book is quite well done. I'm going to snatch up Dawn Study as soon as I am able.

P.S. The first in the series: here, here, and here.

All books reviewed by JoLee.

The War Between Us by Sarah Creviston Lee

When your friend is an author and you are a book blogger, it's kind of a perfect situation for all. Today I'm so excited to bring you my good friend Sarah's first book, The War Between Us.

The War Between Us by Sarah Creviston Lee

Published: December 2015

Genres: Historical Fiction/ Christian Fiction

Source: Copy from the author

Goodreads Giveaway through February 12th.

Amazon | Goodreads

 

Alex Moon is not the enemy.

Six months after Pearl Harbor's tragedy, Korean American Alex Moon is sent away from his home in California for refusing his father's request to join the fight against the Japanese. On his journey, Alex is attacked and stranded in the small town of River Bluff, Indiana just for looking like America's most hated enemy.

Unexpectedly, Alex is befriended by a local girl, Lonnie Hamilton, who comes to his defense, saving him from doubt and despair while placing herself in the cross hairs of prejudice. Alex falls in love with his ally---a love that is clearly forbidden. Torn between his dual identities, Korean and American, and grappling with how everyone sees him, Alex must wage the war within himself---of defending who he is, resolving his tortured feelings about the war, and fighting for the woman he loves.

***********

I didn't know much about Korean Americans' experiences during the World War II era before I read The War Between Us. I love that it tells a different side of the story, and that I felt like I really learned a lot while being entertained.

Sarah Lee was a historian before she took up the pen, and all of her experience researching really shines through in this novel. The setting, both in terms of time and place, is so well crafted. All of the meals that Lonnie makes in the book are meals that Sarah has prepared and then shared on her blog, History: Preserved, as part of a year-long project to cook from a wartime rations cookbook. I also happen to know that Sarah sews, and she has made a lot of historical clothing. Her excellent descriptions meant that I could easily visualize the characters' clothing. Little details like these and period-appropriate language really helped set the book in the correct era. The Korean culture was equally well done, with language, food, and other elements of the culture adding authenticity to Alex's character.

In addition to the great setting, the characters in The War Between Us are full and complicated. Their motivations and desires run deep. Just like all of us, they make mistakes, keep secrets, and muddle their way through. I was particularly sensitive to Alex's situation. His conflicted feelings about his family, the war, and his place in America are often so raw and real. He can be quick to anger, but, as a reader, I loved him anyway. I also really love Lonnie's younger siblings and her aunt. That crew has some spunk.

I enjoyed the slow buildup of the romance in The War Between Us. Lee gives her characters time to get to know one another. The added benefit here is that she also gives the town of River Bluff time to get to know Alex so that when things finally come to a head, he's made some good allies.

I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone that is interested in home front World War II era stories. Head over to Goodreads and enter the giveaway that is going on now through February 12th.

Author's Website | History: Preserved | Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Reveal: The Unmoving Sky by K.L. Hallam

Title: The Unmoving Sky by K.L. Hallam

Genre: Young Adult/ Thriller

Publisher: Leap Books, Shine

Release Date: May 16, 2016

Goodreads | Smashwords

There is nothing darker than the woods, until you meet your worst fear.

Jackson Bower has a lot on his mind lately. His younger brother hasn’t been the same since his mother’s death. His father’s drinking is out of control. Then there’s Jackson’s girlfriend and the grief that ties them together even as it threatens to drive them apart.

He distances himself, hoping for a little perspective at the family lodge. But when their father gets drunk and dangerous, he and his brother escape into the woods.

Night creeps in, and the rains come fast. Artie slips down a ravine. He’s wounded and the brothers seek shelter in a cave, only to find someone else already taking refuge there.

A desperate man with plans to destroy their town.

Jackson must get him and his wounded brother out of the cave and over the mountain to warn everyone in time. Without getting them both killed first.

Meet the Author:

K.L. Hallam, an air force brat as a young child, who moved around to more schools than she can list, gathering the stories that would connect to her heart. She writes MG, YA, and short fiction, or anything she hasn’t tried, a member of SCBWI, a singer and songwriter, illustrator and mother of two teenagers. She lives in New York City and spends her mornings writing in a Jazz club.

Follow K.L. Hallam:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | her website

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Pair It With: Illuminae and The Scorpion Rules

This past fall I read two books that featured sentient Artificial Intelligence. And in both cases, the AI was the very best aspect of the entire book, so I'm bringing them together today in all their crazy AI glory.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 
Publisher/Year: Knopf Book for Young Readers - October 2015
Genres: Science Fiction/ YA 

Source: ARC through NetGalley
Amazon • Goodreads

I spent some time eyeing all the good reviews that kept rolling in for Illuminae and itching to read it. When I got my chance, I was not disappointed. Not at all.

The year is 2575 and Kady and Ezra's planet has just been invaded by a rival corporation. Their harrowing escape to the evacuation ships is just the beginning.

I don't remember the last time I talked so much about a book. I could not shut up about this one.
The plot kept surprising me. It felt like every time I turned the page there was some new horrifying development that I was not expecting. I love that the authors weren't afraid to bring together elements from a variety of genres.

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff tell their story through a collection of interviews, secret documents, instant messages, and emails. The way that the story is delivered is definitely part of the appeal. The authors do an excellent job distinguishing between the various voices. Consequently I enjoyed reading some of the documents more than I did others. My least favorite were the descriptions of the movements recorded by the cameras. My very favorite by far were the ones taken from AIDAN's core. 

AIDAN is hands down the best part about this book. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, so I'll just tell you that AIDAN is the AI that runs the flagship spaceship in the convoy. AIDAN is in turns terrifying, intriguing, poetic, and fascinating.

Illuminae ends with a killer set-up for the next book. I'll definitely be back for more. Right now I'd say the sequel is one of my most anticipated books of 2016.

  The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow 
Publisher/Year: Margaret K. McElderry Books - September 2015
Genres: Science Fiction/ YA 

Source: ARC through Edelweiss
Amazon • Goodreads

I had a rather mixed reaction to The Scorpion Rules. I think my hesitations come mostly from the great expectations I held for a new book by Erin Bow. Plain Kate is universally praised, and Sorrow's Knot is magnificent, so I was eager to see what Erin Bow would do with a dystopia/ post-apocalyptic setting.

I love the overall premise of The Scorpion Rules. It takes place in the distant future after humanity has nearly decimated itself thanks to global warming and warfare over scarce resources. The savior of mankind, said with a grain of salt, is an amoral Artificial Intelligence named Talis. To maintain peace Talis requires the heir to each nation be raised in his Preceptures where they will be educated and used as hostages. Any country at war, whether the initiator or not, forfeits the life of their child. Greta Gustafsen Stuart, Duchess of Halifax and Crown Princess of the Pan-Polar Confederation is a Child of Peace and our narrator. With her country on the brink of war, she's knows survival is unlikely.

I was fascinated by Talis, and the AIs in general, in The Scorpion Rules. Talis is enigmatic, scary, and weirdly fascinating. In many ways he is a complete contradiction. He's a robot but he has a bit of humanity. He's a machine but also nearly a god. He's all powerful but not invincible. He has his own set of morals. I loved all the Utterances sprinkled throughout. These are Talis's sayings and they have the air of holy writ, but they are also so snarky and full of pop culture references.

Equally fascinating is the fact that not all AI are cut from the same cloth. The Abbot and his relationship with the children is also fraught with contradictions.

Family is a central theme in the book. Blood binds, of course, but also we see adopted families between both the children and the AI. What one would do for family or what one cannot do for family is central.

Illuminae and The Scorpion Rules reviewed by JoLee.

Recently Acquired Books from All Sources

We are linking up today with The Broke and the Bookish for Top Ten Tuesday. This week's topic: ten books we recently added to our TBR pile.

From the Library:

 

Winter by Marissa Meyer: The conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2015. I put myself in the queue for the digital audiobook through Overdrive, and received word that it was my turn to check this book out on Christmas Day! Merry Christmas from my library. 

Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly: I've been interested in this book ever since I saw it on NetGalley many months ago. I spied it on the new books shelf the last time I was at the library and snatched it up. 

Becoming Darkness by Lindsey Francis Brambles: You know you are a hardcore library fan when you use interlibrary loan on a semi-regular basis. That's how I got my hands on a copy of this alternative take on World War II.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan: Here's another book that I checked out on audio through my library's Overdrive account. I love listening to Rick Riordan's books. 

From Audible:  

 

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken: And with this book we begin to see the ship theme I've got going on in this post. I pre-ordered this one from Audible. A blue time travel novel? Yes, please. I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it.

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein: This book is brilliant in audio format. As much of Rose's poetry was composed in Ravensbrucke without pen and paper and then recited and memorized by her friends there, the audio version gave the book an added authenticity. 

Review Copies:

 

Night Study by Maria Snyder: I read Shadow Study last year and it completely renewed my love for the Poison Study series. I'm so excited for this next book. (Out January 26th, 2016)  

The Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele: This book features the collision of two worlds, a fantasy world and modern day L.A. I'm intrigued. (Out in June 2016)
  
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell: Second ship cover! I have a whole Peter Pan, Neverland, Captain Hook post planned for this one. I'm so excited about it. (Out in February 2016) 

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman: This novel is the story of the infamous pirate Blackbeard's youth. It sounds really interesting. (Out in February 2016)  

 

Reading on a Theme: The Boy Next Door

In celebration of the recent release of The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski, we are thrilled to revisit one of our favorite "Reading on Theme" topics today: The Boy Next Door. Who can resist a love story involving neighbors? (Another Boy Next Door post here.)

New Home, New School, New Boy Next Door:

Bentley's life is thrown into turmoil when her father loses his job and their family is forced to move from their big house to a tiny apartment on the other side of town. She is certain her life is over, especially after she meets Kai, her punk neighbor. But, as her old life gets farther and farther away, she discovers that the boy next door may be just who she needs. Magan Vernon's Life, Love, & Lemons is fun and sweet. I enjoyed watching Bentley's progression and rooting for her new identity, especially as more about her past is revealed. The read was light and quick and a charming boy next door story. Review copy from NetGalley. 

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

Reunited After All This Time:
When he was seven Oliver was kidnapped by his father. Now, ten years later, he's back. Emmy and Oliver, next-door-neighbors and childhood best friends, just might get a second chance at friendship and maybe more. Robin Benway's does everything right with Emmy & Oliver. She adeptly balances the serious with the sweet. Oliver's kidnapping impacted all of the characters in the book profoundly. There are emotions to deal with and relationships to rebuild. Despite all of that, this book is funny. I love Emmy's sense of humor. Her interactions with her parents are particularly great. And the romance between Emmy and Oliver is sweet and honest. As a reader, nothing is more satisfying. 

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

More Than Just Best Friends:
Eli has been Emma's best friend since her first day in the neighborhood, but she doesn't know how to tell him that she wants to be his girlfriend. She creates a fake online profile to snare him with a pretty face and her own interests and humor so he'll realize he loves her too. Naturally, things get more complicated between them as Emma navigates her lie. I really enjoyed The Girlfriend Request. Emma was bright and fun and her relationship with Eli was well defined. It was a little frustrating that the characters wouldn't say the things that needed to be said, but overall, Jodie Andrefski created a fun, enchanting boy next door romance. Out January 11th, 2016. Review copy from NetGalley. 

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

 

New Boy Next Door, New World Ahead:
Madeline Whittier has a rare disease. Unable to leave her home and its highly controlled environment, her social circle is limited to her mother and her nurse, Carla. That is until Olly moves in next door. What I loved best about Everything, Everything are all the nods to Romeo and Juliet. Olly and Madeline are definitely star-crossed. Then there's the nurse who facilitates their meetings, balcony scenes, a fight that forces a separation, and a death, yet it all feels so fresh and new. So much so that I haven't seen anyone else mention the Romeo and Juliet connection, but it's definitely there. Nicola Yoon's characters, especially Madeline, really sparkle with personality. 

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

No Longer Just One of the Guys:
Toni Valentine has always been best buds with a group of guys. In her gang of four, she is the only girl, and that's where she feels comfortable. The crew is excited for Senior year until an ill-conceived prank lands Toni in an all-girls' school. As Toni struggles to connect at Winston Academy for Girls her relationship with the guys is strained. Also there are those awkward and inconvenient not-exactly-just-friends feelings she developing for the guy in her group who is also the guy-next-door. Cute and funny, One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin also nicely navigates the tricky growing pains of Senior year and the negotiations between friends and more than friends. 

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

Emmy & Oliver, Everything, Everything, and One of the Guys reviewed by JoLee.
Life, Love & Lemons and The Girlfriend Request reviewed by Paige.

Ten 2015 Releases I Meant to Get to But Didn't

We're joining up with The Broke and the Bookish gals today for Top Ten Tuesday.

85 of the 124 books I read this year were released in 2015. My list of books that I didn't get to in 2015 isn't quite that long, but it's still rather lengthy. Here are ten 2015 books that I'm going to read in 2016. Happily, although the year is young, I've already knocked a couple off this top ten list!

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin:
This is one 2015 release that I have managed to already read in 2016. I quite enjoyed this fast-paced alternate history where Hitler won World War II.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo:
So, I'm not a big fan of the Grisha Trilogy. I only read the first in the series, but after several trusted friends raved about this one (and friends who didn't necessary like the Grisha Trilogy, by the way), I decided I had to read it.

Winter by Marissa Meyer:
This was my most anticipated release of 2015, but it took me forever to get a copy. I actually started it in 2015 on Christmas Day and finished it a few days into 2016. So it's another one I can check off this list.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson:
I have plans for this book in the coming in the next month. I'm so looking forward to finally reading it.

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins:
This book came out in November, right near the end of the year. You know I'm always in for a blue time travel novel, and this one is high on my list. It's slotted for a post in February.

The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace:
I heard great things about Becky Wallace's debut, and I really wanted to read it. Now that I've got an advanced copy of the sequel, that desire is even more pressing.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell:
I loved Fangirl so much. How could I skip this one? I just haven't quite gotten to it yet.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray:
Here's another one that came out late in the year. I wanted to pick it up right away, but it got pushed to the side to make way for other projects, which seems to still be its lot despite the fact that I really want to read it!

Drowning is Inevitable by Shalanda Stanley:
I didn't get around to reading this debut in 2015, but I'm going to make it happen this year. That cover is just too lovely to ignore.

Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George:
Even a new book by Jessica Day George couldn't salvage my July, which was probably my worst reading month of the year. The kids were out of school, and I was teaching a 9 hour-a-week night class. It was a busy time.

Blog Tour: Up to This Pointe by Jennifer Longo

I read Jennifer Longo's debut Six Feet Over It back in 2014 (featured here), and, when I saw that her next book featured a ballet dancer, I knew I had to get my hands on it. You see, I definitely have a thing for ballet books. I'm not a dancer myself, but I was a collegiate athlete and the tough competition between classmates, the grueling athleticism, the injuries, the icing, the inexplicable favoritism, and the drive to get better that takes place behind the stage resonates with me.

Harper Scott is a related to Robert Falcon Scott, the Englishman who died in his attempt to reach the South Pole first. Harper's family has always been a little obsessed with Scott and his drive and Antarctica in general. That is why when Harper's plans to dance with the San Francisco Ballet fall apart, she cons her way to McMurdo Station.

To celebrate Harper's journey and the release of Up to This Pointe on January 19th, we are spotlighting young ballet dancers in literature. 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  Indiebound | The Book Depository

Harper from Up to This Pointe by Jennifer Longo: 
Up to This Pointe hits so many of my sweet spots. In addition to the dancing, which I have already mentioned greatly appeals to me, ever since I saw the James Caird while on study aboard in London, I have been so intrigued by Ernest Shackleton, so I loved all the Antarctica bits as well. Furthermore, Jennifer Longo's writing is so extraordinarily lovely. It has this wonderful rocking pace to it that was so smoothing to me. I wish I could have read this book all in one sitting (curse you grown-up responsibilities) because it lulled me in so strongly. Finally, I liked that the story alternated between past and present, San Francisco and McMurdo, ballet and post-ballet; it makes the book more about how Harper deals with this derailment and identity crisis and less about how she got to Antarctica. And I appreciated that distinction.

Marina from Dancer, Daughter, Traitor, Spy by Elizabeth Kiem:
When 17-year-old ballerina Marina Dukovskaya's famous prima ballerina mother is taken by the KGB, Marina and her father must flee to America. This book is full of ballet, the KGB, the Cold War, mobsters, fugitives, international espionage. There are a lot of things to love about this book! 

Hannah from Bunheads by Sophia Flack:
Hannah is a dancer with the Manhattan City Ballet. It's a competitive life that is exhilarating, painfully disappointing, and exhausting. Hannah's competitive life calls for absolute commitment.
When she meets Jacob, a handsome musician, she starts to question her devotion to ballet. Like, Up to This Point, Bunheads explores how closely who you are is related to what you do.

Gigi, Bette, and June from Tiny, Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton:
Gigi, Bette, and June are three of the top dancers at an elite New York City ballet school. Gigi is the new, perfect girl. Bette is the displaced queen bee, and June is forever the understudy. This ballet novel is pretty cutthroat! So. Much. Backstabbing. I'm looking forward to the sequel.  

Harriet from A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson:
Set in 1912, Harriet steals away to become a dancer with a company touring to the Amazon. I could gush and gush about this book. It's one of my favorite Ibbotson's. The Amazon setting is so lushly described. The romance between Harriet and Rom is exquisite. And the dancing puts it over the edge.

Simone and Hannah from Pirouette by Robyn Bavati:
Simone and Hannah are identical twins who meet for the first time at dance camp where they decide to swap places. Simone needs a break from serious dancing, and Hannah wants to convince her parents that dancing full time is right for her. Pirouette is a perfect book for fans of The Parent Trap. And really, who is not a fan of The Parent Trap? (full feature here)

Theo from Pointe by Brandy Colbert:
The ballet portions of this book are a bit more on the periphery with this one. Theo is a promising dancer, but her past is about to come back to haunt her in the form of her newly returned best friend, who was abducted when they were thirteen. Fair warning, this book is heavy.

Kate from The Cranes Dance by Meg Howrey:
Kate Crane is a professional ballet dancer for a company in New York City. Her sister, Gwen, a star of the same company, recently suffered a nervous breakdown and has been packed off to Michigan. Gwen is gone, but she is always present in Kate's mind. And Kate's mind is not serving her well these days. The reader has no idea if things are going to end well or fall completely apart. 

Christine from The Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard:
Christine Dadey is a student at the Rouseau Academy of Dance in Houston with dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Phantom's Dance is a fabulous adaption of The Phantom of the Opera. The dance world lent itself perfectly to the creepy tale. 

Sadie from The Hit List by Nikki Urang: 
Sadie moved across the country in hopes of reinventing herself after a potentially career-ending injury. Unfortunately everyone already knows who she is. Her struggles to trust herself and a dance partner again are seriously tested by Luke Morrison and the "game" of sexual conquest that has taken the school by storm.

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