TOWARD A SECRET SKY by Heather Maclean & MASK OF SHADOWS by Linsey Miller

Toward a Secret Sky

by Heather Maclean

Shortly after 17-year-old Maren Hamilton is orphaned and sent to live with grandparents she’s never met in Scotland, she receives an encrypted journal from her dead mother that makes her and everyone around her a target. It confirms that her parents were employed by a secret, international organization that’s now intent on recruiting her. As Maren works to unravel the clues left behind by her mother, a murderous madness sweeps through the local population, terrorizing her small town. Maren must decide if she’ll continue her parents’ fight or stay behind to save her friends.

With the help of Gavin, an otherworldly mercenary she’s not supposed to fall in love with, and Graham, a charming aristocrat who is entranced with her, Maren races against the clock and around the country from palatial estates with twisted labyrinths to famous cathedrals with booby-trapped subterranean crypts to stay ahead of the enemy and find a cure. Along the way, she discovers the great truth of love: that laying down your life for another isn’t as hard as watching them sacrifice everything for you. 

What I thought:

I loved the setting. Scotland. Pretty much all I need to say about that, because, Scotland. Sigh. I found the main character, Maren, interesting. She's portrayed as intelligent and she's got this thing for solving puzzles. The story's well-written and the plot kept me turning pages, but I couldn't get on-board with the romance. Insta-love. Sure he's dreamy and whatnot, but the oh-my-God-so-many-feels drama was too over the top for me. Hopefully, the next installment will have less swooning and more action. 

Rating: *** (3 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mask of Shadows (Untitled #1)

by Linsey Miller 

Perfect for fantasy fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, the first book in this new duology features a compelling gender fluid main character, impressive worldbuilding, and fast-paced action.

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class―and the nobles who destroyed their home. 

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand―the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears―Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. 

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

What I thought:

The MC, Sallot Leon is unlikable, which I loved. In fact, there are very few likable characters in this story, and I'm totally on-board with that. 

I loved the premise and the pacing is so well-done. I didn't really connect with the MC, but the action was ongoing and fast-paced and dragged me through the pages. There's a love-interest, which, yay, but the action is what hooked me and kept me dying to know what happened next. The tension in this is remarkable. The writing here is great and I'm definitely looking forward to book 2.

So why not 5 stars? 

The gender-fluid aspect left me wanting more, as it kind of seemed an afterthought--a few lines dropped in every now and then for flavor--and incidental. Taken out, nothing would really change except the wardrobe. But maybe book 2 takes it to the next level. IDK.

And the ending. The very end. Like, the last 10%. No spoilers, obviously, because I don't spoil, but allow me to butcher a metaphor: Yeah, sure, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, but I expected some of those eggs to be really hard to crack. The ending seemed way too easy and, because of that, kind of, sort of, implausible. 

So, I was a little disappointed, but it wasn't enough to destroy all the great stuff that came before that point.

I recommend this book for those who like their stories on the darker side. Instead of comparing it to Maas and Bardugo, I'd say for fans of NEVERNIGHT by Jay Kristoff and AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White. 

Rating: **** (4 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What are you reading? Any books out there that I will totally need but don't know exist? I love recommendations and comments. :D 

If you like my reviews, please subscribe via email (I will never use your email for anything else ever. Pinky promise.) or Bloglovin. And you can find me on twitter: @ChellyPike

Happy reading,

Chelly

A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN by Sarah J. Maas, A GATHERING OF RAVENS by Scott Oden

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

What I thought:

I've been impatiently waiting for my next dose of Feyre and Rhysand and, well, pretty much everyone. But mostly Rhysand, TBH. I've been team-Rhysand since book 1, before we knew the things we know--things I can't tell you in case you haven't read it. Because I shall spoil no things. Ahem. 

So why not 5 stars? There were a few parts here and there that earned eyerolls, a sprinkling of huh? moments, and the sex... I'm definitely for sex, but here it was meh. And the ending (the ending after the ending, really) dragged for me. Instead of icing on a cake, it was more like the MCs each trying to get the last word. 

But, overall, amazing. I love this world and the characters and I'm already twitching a bit thinking on how long I'll have to wait to find out what happens next.  

Rating: **** (4.5 stars)

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A Gathering of Ravens

by Scott Oden

To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcneas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind--the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.

Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that's changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir's vengeance cannot be denied.

Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.

But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning--the Old Ways versus the New--and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?

Scott Oden's A Gathering of Ravens is an epic novel of vengeance, faith, and the power of myth.

What I thought:

First let me say that I love me some unlikable protagonists. Liars, murderers, thieves... Yes, I'm all down. The badder the better. The MC here has unlikable down to a science, but he's boring AF. And boring is a sin I cannot tolerate.  

Then there's the girl issue. And it was an issue for me. The main female protagonist is carted around like a lazy sack of vagina, making the men do all the work, rescuing her and whatnot. No agency. Her character arc reads like a paint-by-numbers. 

There are other characters and they show up at convenient times to do convenient things, but the entire plot is Grimnir trudging around looking for his revenge. Plenty of gods and gore. But victory is ensured before the battles begin and all the foes are easily defeated. 

Sigh. The premise intrigued me but the book didn't deliver. Not for me and can't recommend. 

Rating: * (1 sad star)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



Happy reading. Share your thoughts and book recommendations in the comments and find me on twitter: @chellypike.

Chelly

THE ROMEO CATCHERS by Alys Arden, THE FLAME IN THE MIST by Renee Ahdieh, SIMON VS... by Becky Albertalli...

The Romeo Catchers (The Casquette Girls #2)

by Alys Arden 

Is blood thicker than magic in La Nouvelle-Orléans?

Tormented by the fate she condemned her mother to, and by the lies she’s forced to tell to cover it up, Adele scours Storm-ravaged New Orleans for the truth about her family’s magical past. But every turn leads her back to the one person she's determined to forget: Niccolò Medici. Not even the multitude of enchanted locks on the attic door trapping Nicco within can break their connection.

Sensing Nicco calling to Adele, Isaac tries relentlessly to keep her from exploring paths too dark that would endanger them all. But a new threat is rising: the Medici’s presence has attracted something else to New Orleans…an older enemy, one that will bring Isaac’s haunted past to life, test the witches’ friendships, and jeopardize Adele and Isaac’s blossoming relationship.

In this spellbinding continuation of The Casquette Girls saga, Adele must draw on the past—from seventeenth-century Florence, a time bubbling with alchemy and fraternal betrayal—and sort history from fantasy if she is to have any chance of saving her mother, her coven, and her magic. 

What I thought: 

First, this picks up where THE CASQUETTE GIRLS (book 1 in the series) leaves off. So if you haven't read it yet, go ahead, I'll wait...

Wow! You read fast. Ahem. 

I loved Adele in THE CASQUETTE GIRLS. The city is a character in its own right. And the actual characters, its like Alys Arden peeled them off the streets and pasted the onto the pages. All of that is still fabulously true in The Romeo Catchers. 

And OMG how to do profess my adoration without giving anything away? 

Okay, here goes... There's a bunch of mystical witchy stuff and amazing friendships and *sigh* romance. And that's just scratching the surface. So, yeah, I think everyone should read this series. 

Rating: ***** (5 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (And I also pre-ordered it because it told me it wanted to live on my bookshelf.)

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Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1)

by Renee Ahdieh

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn, comes a sweeping, action-packed YA adventure set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan where Mulan meets Throne of Glass.

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.
Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she's within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she's appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she's ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires. 

What I thought: 

Let me count the ways I love Mariko. Independent. Check. Fierce. Check. Brave. Check... I could go on and on and on, but then you'd never get to the end of this review... and then you'd never get to read this amazing book. 

This story is so rich in culture and the details paint such a fascinating picture I wanted to crawl into them and hang out for a while. Renee Ahdieh's writing is beautiful and I will read everything she writes. Yes, read this. You also want: THE WRATH & THE DAWN and THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER, which are links because I'm a giver. 

Rating: ***** (5 stars)

*I received an eARC in from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (But I pre-ordered it anyway, because I wanted to pet it like a kitten. It is pretty soft. Just saying. ;))

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

by Becky Albertalli 

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

What I thought:

Okay, so I'm way late to the game. This lovely book has been patiently waiting on my shelf for forever as I've been plowing through not-yet-published books. Shame on me.

Simon. Sigh. Blue. Sigh. This story is so well done. Simon is so fresh and real and I had all the feels. Highly recommend and my 13yo agrees (and she stole my copy and won't give it back.) 

Rating: ***** (5 OMG I-can't-believe-I-waited-so-long-to-read-this stars)

Happy Reading! Find me on twitter @chellypike and drop me a comment. What's your best book of 2017 so far?

Chelly

A FACE LIKE GLASS by Frances Hardinge

A Face Like Glass

by Frances Hardinge

In Caverna, lies are an art — and everyone's an artist . . .

In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare. They create wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned. Only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show (or fake) joy, despair or fear — at a price.

Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed ... 

What I thought:

There was so much I loved about this book and, really, only one thing I sort of didn't--the pacing. The characters are so well-drawn and the world building is phenomenal. The mystery kept me reading, but it took me a long time to get to the end. There was a lot of detail--excellent detail--but it slowed the story down quite a bit for me. Overall, I really liked Neverfell and definitely recommend this book, especially to readers of MG and YA. Compelling and so imaginative!  

Rating: **** (4 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let me know what you're reading. I love recommendations and comments. :D Find me on Twitter @chellypike.

Happy Reading,

Chelly

BLOOD ROSE REBELLION by Rosalyn Eves & DATING THE UNDEAD byJuliet Lyons:

Blood Rose Rebellion (Blood Rose Rebellion #1)

by Rosalyn Eves

The thrilling first book in a YA fantasy trilogy for fans of Red Queen. In a world where social prestige derives from a trifecta of blood, money, and magic, one girl has the ability to break the spell that holds the social order in place.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary.

Her life might well be over.

In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.

As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romanies, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.

What I thought:

Great first in a series. Took me a little bit to sink into this story, but once I did, I was hooked. I liked the world building and the heroine is fierce. The plot was complex and kept me interested. Excited to see where this story goes. Highly recommend for fantasy lovers. And there's a sprinkle of romance thrown in. *Swoons.*

Rating: **** (4 1/2 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dating The Undead (V-Date.Com #1)

by Juliet Lyons 

It’s Bridget Jones with vampires in this fresh and funny paranormal romance from debut author Juliet Lyons

When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year's Eve, she knows other humans just won't suffice. Convinced she'll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.

What Silver doesn't know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she's in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they'll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.

What I thought:

Fun, fast read. Felt like a fresh take on vamp romance. Really liked the hero and heroine and enjoyed the banter between them. Not as crazy about the ending and I definitely could've done without the epilogue, but I definitely recommend this for romance readers who like a little bite in their books.
Rating: **** (3.5 stars)


*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What is your most anticipated book of 2017? I love comments. Leave me a comment and find me on twitter @chellypike. 

Happy reading,

Chelly

CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS by Lila Bowen

Conspiracy of Ravens (The Shadow #2)

by Lila Bowen

Monsters, magic and the supernatural combine in this sequel to Wake of Vultures, in which a young woman must defeat the evil hiding beneath the surface. 

Nettie Lonesome made a leap -- not knowing what she'd become. But now the destiny of the Shadow is calling.

A powerful alchemist is leaving a trail of dead across the prairie. And the Shadow must face the ultimate challenge: side with her friends and the badge on her chest or take off alone on the dangerous mission pulling her inexorably toward the fight of her life.

When it comes to monsters and men, the world isn't black and white. What good are two wings and a gun when your enemy can command a conspiracy of ravens?

Conspiracy of Ravens continues the exciting journey begun in Wake of Vultures as Nettie Lonesome discovers that she, and the world, are more than what they seem.

What I thought:

I reviewed WAKE OF VULTURES back in December. Click the title to see to the review, but--spoiler--I loved it. I jumped into CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS expecting more of the same, and I got more of the same--yay!--but the much slower version. 

Whereas Book 1 was a mile-a-minute thrill ride, Book 2 was a driving-behind-an-old-person not-so-thrilling ride. Book 1 was plot all the way. Book 2 is more of a character-driven story. There is plot, but it plods--literally, through the desert. The first 3/4 of this book is traveling to get to where the action happens, which leads to a lot of planning and explaining and not much doing. The last quarter of the book is fast and exciting, but I had to work to get there. I love the voice in this and still adore Rhett, so I will follow him into Book 3. 

Rating: *** 3 Stars

March is a slow reading month for me because of my day job, but here's what I have coming up soon:

What's on your Need-This-Now list? Any books have you counting days until release day? I love recommendations and comments. Let me know what you're reading and find me on Twitter @chellypike.

Happy Reading,

Chelly

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew.

A CROWN OF WISHES by Roshani Chokshi

A Crown of Wishes (The Star-Touched Queen #2)

by Roshani Chokshi 

Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.

Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.

Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.

What I thought:

I don't think it's a secret that I loved THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN. Loved. Like, I may have an unhealthy obsession with it and I don't care. I was so excited to get my hands on this book, but then I was so nervous to read it, because how could it be as good as TSTQ?

I know, crazy of me to doubt Roshani Chokshi, right? Right. OMG I raced through the beginning and then slowed down to savor the end, because nooooo... I didn't want it to end. I love Guari. She's kick-ass and fearless, and did I mention stubborn. <3 And Vikram... swoons. At first, the two of them together was like banging cymbals, so wrong and so right. And then it was perfect. 

Roshani's writing is beautiful. As in every word is a work of art. The world-building is so layered and the story is fascinating. It's official. I will devour everything she writes. 

And I can't recommend this book enough!

Rating: ***** 5 stars

Have you read ACOW? Are you dying to read it? What is your most anticipated book of 2017? I love comments. Leave me a comment and find me on twitter @chellypike. 

Happy reading,

Chelly

* I received an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review, but I had already pre-ordered it, so not sure if that matters.