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Showing posts with label Futuristic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Futuristic. Show all posts

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Review: The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon


The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon
Book Three of The Bone Season series
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Following a bloody battle against foes on every side, Paige Mahoney has risen to the dangerous position of Underqueen, ruling over London's criminal population. 

But, having turned her back on Jaxon Hall and with vengeful enemies still at large, the task of stabilising the fractured underworld has never seemed so challenging. 

Little does Paige know that her reign may be cut short by the introduction of Senshield, a deadly technology that spells doom for the clairvoyant community and the world as they know it…

What I Liked:

It's been quite a long time since I read (and enjoyed) The Mime Order, and even longer since I read The Bone Season. But this is a series that sticks with you, even if it's just the major events. It didn't take me long to get back into London 2059, where Paige Mahoney has taken the deadly position of Underqueen. Overall I think I enjoyed this third novel. It'll be interesting to see how Shannon makes this a seven-book series. 

In this book, Paige has assumed the role of Underqueen, with Jaxon Hall's shocking betrayal. Many voyants are not happy with her or her assent to power, and she has many more enemies than she ever has. But an entirely different problem has risen - the creation of the Senshield, a technology that has incredible sensitivity in detecting clairvoyants, especially since the power of the Senshield is to be harnessed into handheld detectors for the military. Paige knows she must prove herself as Underqueen, but she is also determined to find the core of the Senshield's power. 

The book starts off a little too slowly for my taste, but I got back into the story fairly quickly. Once the story shifted focus to the introduction of the Senshield and its deadly implications, I was more hooked. The Senshield is a game-changer for voyants, and Paige is forced to move the Mime Order underground to survive. Destroying the Senshield is the main focus of this book, but there are other problems. For example, Paige's tenuous hold as Underqueen, the Rephaite-human Mime Order relations, her complicated relationship with Warden, Hildred Vance (a villain almost as bad as Nashira). There is no shortage of threats and death surrounding Paige.

This book really tests Paige's character. As Underqueen, she must make difficult and sometimes cruel decisions. Paige doesn't like who she is becoming. She wants to prove herself and she also wants to redeem herself. You can also see how Paige resolves herself to become a martyr, at a certain point in the story. But it was good to see how Paige handled conflict after conflict, because she didn't become a martyr or a coward - she survived and fought and became stronger, by the end of the book.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the barely-there romance. This book was a little odd, in terms of the romance. On the one hand, things definitely progress in a little steamier direction (though not overly so), between Warden and Paige. But on the other hand, Paige plays the I'm-Underqueen-and-I-can't-afford-to-be-distracted card, for much of the book. The two of them share a very powerful connection, both psychically and emotionally, and it's of course very silly for her to think they can turn it off because she's now Underqueen. Like I said, the romance is barely there and very subtle, but I also liked its progression. By the end of the book, things there were unsaid are better handled by Paige. I definitely want to see more from the romance in future books. 

There is plenty of action, plenty of close calls, and plenty of betrayals and double-crossing. The secondary characters are so important in this book, and I loved seeing some of them flourish. I adore Nick, and Eliza, and Warden of course (though I think of Warden as more of a primary character). I would love to see Warden play a more critical role in future books - though he was instrumental in this book. 

As always, the world-building of this series is so well-written. It's an easy world to lose yourself in, though it's a brutal and unforgiving world. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of the different orders of clairvoyants, but I like that we get to see so many different types and their powers in action. 

I'm going to put this as a little bit of a warning - there is some torture in this book, which broke my heart. As far as torture goes, it's not the worst that could have happened, but be prepared to read about Paige getting tortured. Again, it's not as bad as it could have been, but it's there. Paige definitely comes out a lot stronger, and that part of the plot served a higher purpose for the story in general. 

We know this is going to be a seven-book series and so this book ends nowhere near resolved. Certain aspects of this book specifically are resolved, but the overall plot (voyants being screened and hunted, Nashira's grand plan, etc.) is far from concluded. While this book does not end in a cliffhanger, it'll definitely leave you wanting more. 

What I Did Not Like:

I suppose this one moved a little too slowly, initially. It took over one hundred pages for me to finally feel like I was invested in the story. The first one hundred or so pages focus more on Paige's struggles as Underqueen, which I found... boring? Perhaps necessary to the story (especially given the ending of the book), but boring nonetheless. 

So you know when the books in a long book series are almost like episodes of a TV show, in which there is a problem and it's resolved by the end of that one episode? That's definitely the setup of this book, with a new problem introduced and a resolution to that problem by the end of the story. There is nothing really wrong with this, but I guess I wanted more from the overall series plot, how this book is tied in with the other two books and the remaining four. Yes, there is always the threat of Nashira, and the threat to voyants by the government, but I guess I wanted to know more about where this series is heading. 

Also, this is book three of an adult fiction series. I am unashamed when I say that I wanted more from the romance. Hint. HINT. 

Would I Recommend It:

I can't speak for the series overall, because it's such a long series and I'm not sure if it'll pay off (long series scare me). I can't really gauge the direction of the series at this point, and I can't tell if Shannon is the type of author to slaughter everyone in the end, or give a hopeful ending, or whatever. It's too early to tell, and she doesn't give us much to look forward to, in terms of the overall plot. So I can't say I do (or don't) recommend the series in general. So far, it's an intriguing series, and fans of dystopian novels will enjoy it. 

But in terms of this book, sure, I recommend it. If you've read the other books, you won't be disappointed by this sequel. It does move the story along, and there is a fair amount of character growth (Paige), heightened stakes, developing romance, etc. It's a good sequel.

Rating:

3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. So far, Shannon has not disappointed. While this isn't a new favorite or anything like that, I am pretty pleased with this book and it has left me wanting to read book four. I hope Shannon writes it faster than this book, or The Mime Order!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday (#210): Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine


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


This week, I'm featuring:


Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine
Book Three of The Great Library series
Publisher: Berkley/NAL
Publication Date: July 11, 2017

Summary (from Goodreads):

The unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire unite to save the Great Library of Alexandria from itself in this electrifying adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealousy guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny....

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library....

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Ink and Bone | Paper and Fire


I can't believe this series is ending! I'm excited to see how Caine wraps things up. Hopefully well!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Swoon Thursday (#190): Metaltown by Kristen Simmons


- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting


This week, my swoon is from Metaltown by Kristen Simmons!


His fingertip trailed down her cheek. She could feel his touch, even after his hand lowered.

"You're not what I expected," he said.

Before she could tell him that he wasn't what she had expected either, he lowered his head, and closed his eyes, and pressed his lips to hers.

She blinked rapidly, unable to breathe, unable to think. Her body went completely rigid, the only movement beneath her ribs, where her heart punched through the bones.

His hands slid slowly over her shoulders, down her straight arms to her bunched fists, and he lifted them and placed them behind his neck. She could feel him smile against her mouth, and then kiss her again, slowly, pulling lightly on her lower lip.

It was like colors she'd never seen, light, brighter than she'd ever known. It was new, and soft, and terrifying, and perfect.

[...] Her hands gripped his shoulders of their own accord, and her eyelids drifted closed. She followed his lead, parting her lips the way he did, gasping when his hands tangled in her hair. Her legs grew weak, and her body melted, and soon his skin, hard and warm, was pressed against hers and his hands were inching down her spine.

- eARC, pages 259-260

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Metaltown review and giveaway | Metaltown Tumblr


I loved this book! If you preorder, be sure to email Kristen to be entered to win very cool Metaltown swag. Details are HERE. And hey, if Metaltown doesn't seem like your thing, I highly recommend The Glass Arrow too. It was amazing!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Metaltown by Kristen Simmons


Welcome to the blog tour for Metaltown by Kristen Simmons! I had the pleasure and honor of reading this book early, and I loved every thrilling, heartbreaking moment of it. Check out my full review below, and be sure to enter the giveaway!



Metaltown by Kristen Simmons
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Metaltown, where factories rule, food is scarce, and hope is in short supply.

The rules of Metaltown are simple: Work hard, keep your head down, and watch your back. You look out for number one, and no one knows that better than Ty. She’s been surviving on the factory line as long as she can remember. But now Ty has Colin. She’s no longer alone; it’s the two of them against the world. That’s something even a town this brutal can’t take away from her. Until it does.

Lena’s future depends on her family’s factory, a beast that demands a ruthless master, and Lena is prepared to be as ruthless as it takes if it means finally proving herself to her father. But when a chance encounter with Colin, a dreamer despite his circumstances, exposes Lena to the consequences of her actions, she’ll risk everything to do what’s right.

In Lena, Ty sees an heiress with a chip on her shoulder. Colin sees something more. In a world of disease and war, tragedy and betrayal, allies and enemies, all three of them must learn that challenging what they thought was true can change all the rules.

An enthralling story of friendship and rebellion, Metaltown will have you believing in the power of hope.

What I Liked:

I'm a huge, huge fan of Kristen Simmons' books, but I was slightly nervous before reading this one. The synopsis sounds love-triangle-y, doesn't it? Plus I read a review written by a very disappointed friend, who made some valid points that I had a feeling would bother me. But when I read the book, I found that I didn't have those same issues, and that I really enjoyed the story. Folks, Metaltown is a heart-pounding and truly heartbreaking story, and it was definitely worth the read.

Metaltown follows the lives three teenagers, two living in Metaltown, one living in the River District. Colin and his family didn't always live in Metaltown, but they do now, and they work in the factories with terrible conditions and awful pay. You mess up, you're fired. Colin and Ty are best friends. Ty is a street-smart orphan, earning her keep just like Colin and so many other underage children with no rights. Meanwhile, Lena Hampton, daughter of Josef Hampton who owns all of the factors, is living a rather cushy and rich life in the River District, a life so different and so privileged. But not all that glitters is gold - even Lena's life is filled with cruelty. The Hamptons' lifestyle depends on the the factories producing weapons for the war. But when certain events occur, the workers of the Small Parts factory decide that they've had enough. A spark turns into a wildfire, and the rebellion begins. But will Lena side with the workers? Will Colin put aside his personal duties for the benefit of everyone? Will Ty accept her fate?

I'm going to be honest - typically I do not enjoy books that follow more than two people. In this book, we get three third-person POVs - Colin's (whose is first), Ty's, and Lena's. This practically screams love triangle (I'll get to that later, but don't worry), and messiness. But Simmons did a really great job in writing the three POVs, and telling the story using each voice. She kept the story flowing at a great pace, and every chapter (which was a POV switch) tied in well with the overall plot. It was clear that each chapter was strategically written from that specific person's POV, and made sense.

Colin's POV is first, and I like to think of him as the "main" protagonist, even though all three are "main" protagonists. Colin is protective, extremely loyal, and very selfless. He works to support himself, his parents, and his brother. He stands with the workers, and for the workers, even when the workers themselves wouldn't band together. Colin is a natural leader, with so much charisma and charm. I adored Colin so much.

Ty is a hardcore spitfire of a girl. She's so tough and so strong, and she goes though so much in this book. Out of all of the characters, I think Ty had it the worst. She suffers a terrible injury, and then loses her job at the factory, and then has nowhere to go. She and Colin look out for each other, and are family to each other. I liked their friendship - it seemed fairly platonic on both sides. I like how protective Ty was of Colin, and how protective she was of other workers too. Ty isn't as obviously selfless as Colin is, and she does have her survival-of-the-fittest moments, but Ty is always trying to help the factory workers. Always.

Lena... it took me a bit to warm up to her. She's the stereotypical spoiled brat, the princess of the kingdom. What makes things worse is that she has no idea of the conditions of the factories, the lack of pay, lack of medical care, etc. But she wants to get involved in the family business, which is how she ends up on a tour of the Small Parts factory. Lena is so naive in the beginning of the book, which is why it was hard to like her. But I did end up liking her; she could be any of us - born in privilege, sheltered all her life, somewhat brainwashed. But Lena is her own brand of strong - she discovers many truths for herself (about the factories, the war, her father, the company). She learns to fight back, to stand up, to choose. I like Lena and I like the development of her character. Her character development is the most obviously progressive (not that the other two do not have great character development!). 

Gosh, what an incredible and heartbreaking world Simmons has created. It's very futuristic, a world that we could be living in, in fifty years. Food had to genetically enhanced and modified, but it wasn't tested because it had to be mass-produced, and many people got sick and died from eating the modified corn. Children work in factories for little to no pay (this is a current problem). Brotherhoods are bribed to keep workers happy. Water isn't clean. A war is raging. The world that Simmons has created is very authentic and real, in a futuristic way. It's a hard place to live, with so many people starving, begging, dying. Life working in the factory is miserable.

I feel like all of Simmons' books are somewhat heartbreaking, with cruel worlds and harsh conditions, the survival type of books that could easily be real, in the future. Simmons writes these themes of pain, suffering, death, and hope very well. The story is heartbreaking, but powerful. There is quite a bit of pain and death in this book, but there is also a lot of positive, strong relationship. Human resilience in the face of miserable times!

I said I would talk about the romance. I was so, so worried about a love triangle. But I quickly found that Colin and Ty are like family, and they are very platonic friends. I think Ty is very protective of Colin, but not in a romantic way. Colin and Lena are the romantic pair in this book. It's weird and cute - the poor working-class boy from the other side of the tracks and the rich spoiled princess from her castle high on the hill. I thought the romance was sweet, and fit well. It's a slow-burn type of romance, and there isn't much to the romance (much like The Glass Arrow - the romance is there, but there aren't many physical interactions), but I liked this. 

The ending wraps up very well, yet in a heartbreaking way. I saw certain things coming, but I still felt sad over the ending. I would have liked to see how things shaped up, say, 20 years from the ending, but there isn't an epilogue so we don't know how the Great Plan ended up working out. But I can imagine it in my head!

Overall, I liked this book. I shouldn't have been so worried. No love triangle, interesting story, wonderful characters. And it's a standalone!

What I Did Not Like:

I would have loved to see more physical and romantic interactions from Colin and Lena. Lena is somewhat innocent since she's never really allowed to be around people other than her father, brother, and house staff. I would have liked to see more from Colin and Lena, getting used to being physical with each other... that sounds weird, I know. There is only one kiss in this book. There isn't any hand-holding or picking up or cuddling or anything. Maybe it isn't Colin and Lena's style. But I would have loved to see, rather than accept as true, Lena's trusting in Colin, her giving him more and more permission to be with her.

I'm not sure if that makes sense! It would have made Lena's character development more complete, and of course, there would be more in the romance department between Lena and Colin (which I am ALWAYS fine with!).

Would I Recommend It:

Be warned - this isn't a cute story, a happy story, a story that you want to read if you're in the mood for something feel-good. BUT. It's a great story about rebellions and friendships and trust and hope. I liked the story a lot and would recommend it. 

Rating:

4 stars. I think my favorite Simmons book remains The Glass Arrow, but I liked this one too!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!


About the Author:


Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and the upcoming METALTOWN (Tor Teen). She loves her family, Jazzercise, and chocolate cupcakes. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For more updates on Kristen and her writing, visithttp://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com



The Giveaway:

Win one of (3) Finished Copies of Metaltown! (US Only)



Follow the Tour:

Week 1:
9/12: Mundie Moms - Q&A
9/13: Fiction Fare - Review
9/14: The Eater of Books! - Review
9/16: Krista's Dust Jacket - Review

Week 2:
9/19: No BS Book Reviews - Makeup Inspirations
9/20: Quite the Novel Idea - Review
9/21: Supernatural Snark - Guest Post

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Book Blitz and Giveaway: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund


Welcome to the sales blitz for Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars! I adored this book (and its companion sequel!), and I really advise everyone who likes YA fantasy to take advantage of this amazing sale. And hey, there is a giveaway!


About the Book:


For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Book One of the For Darkness Shows the Stars series
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Official Summary:

Fans of Divergent will love Diana Peterfreund’s take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in a post-apocalyptic world.

In the dystopian future of For Darkness Shows the Stars, a genetic experiment has devastated humanity. In the aftermath, a new class system placed anti-technology Luddites in absolute power over vast estates—and any survivors living there.

Elliot North is a dutiful Luddite and a dutiful daughter who runs her father’s estate. When the boy she loved, Kai, a servant, asked her to run away with him four years ago, she refused, although it broke her heart.

Now Kai is back. And while Elliot longs for a second chance with her first love, she knows it could mean betraying everything she’s been raised to believe is right.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking YA romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks


About the Author:


Diana Peterfreund is the author of a dozen books for adults, teens, and children. A lifelong Jane Austen lover and technophile, she lives outside Washington, DC with her family, her BBC miniseries collection, and her smartphone. You can visit Diana online at www.dianapeterfreund.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter


The Excerpt:


FOUR YEARS AGO

Dear Kai,

The sun is probably streaming in through the big barn windows now, which means you’re awake. And if you’re awake, it means you’re wondering where I went.

I haven’t run away from you, I promise. But I knew that today of all days, they’d need me in the house. Tatiana may be the head of our household now, but she’s not the one the staff will look to in my mother’s absence. And there is so much to do to prepare for the funeral. Also, I have to go tell my grandfather what had happened to his daughter. I don’t want him to hear of her death from anyone but me.

Thank you for last night. I wish I could say I don’t know why you are the one I ran to—you, Kai, not Tatiana or my father or even my grandfather. But I know why. And I have a confession to make.

After you let me cry, after you let me sob and shout and choke on all that pain—after you did all that, and didn’t say a word—I didn’t fall asleep like you thought. Not right away. I lay there, wadded up into a ball, and you curved your body behind mine. You were barely touching me—your thigh against the edge of my hip, your arm draped lightly across my waist, your fingers entwined with mine. How many times have our hands touched, when we were passing each other tools or helping each other in and out of machines? Hundreds of times. Thousands. But last night, it felt different. You cradled my hand in yours, palms up, our fingers curled in like a pair of fallen leaves. Fallen, maybe, but not dead. My hand never felt so alive. Every place you touched me sparked with energy. I couldn’t sleep. Not like that.

And so I bent my head, just the slightest bit, until my mouth reached our hands. I smelled the oil you never quite get off your fingers. I breathed in the scent of your skin. And then, as if that was all I was doing, just breathing, I let my bottom lip brush against your knuckle.

Time stopped. I was sure you’d see through my ruse and pull away. I was sure you’d know that I was not asleep, that I was not just breathing. But you didn’t move, so I did it again. And again. And on the third time, I let my top lip join my bottom.

I kissed your hand, Kai. I didn’t do it to thank you for letting me cry. For letting me sleep in your arms. I thought you should know.

Yours,
Elliot

Dear Elliot,

I know. When will I see you again?

Yours,
Kai


The Giveaway:

(I want to assume this is INT, but I'm not sure. Let's assume so!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Review and Giveaway: Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine


Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine
Book Two of The Great Library series
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history…

With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.

Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

But Jess’s home isn’t safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control… 

What I Liked:

I didn't think I could love this series any more than I already do! Last year, Ink and Bone captivated me, and the ending left me up in arms and ready to storm... something, for the sequel. Paper and Fire is nothing I was expecting, and so utterly satisfying. I got everything I was waiting for, and then some! Now I'm hankering for book three!

Jess Brightwell is in training to be a soldier of the High Garda, with Glain as his squad leader. After Thomas's death, and Morgan being sent to the Iron Tower, Glain is the only one Jess trusts. Jess pieces together something incredibly unbelievable, and he rallies the group (Glain, Khalila, Dario, Wolfe, Santi) to try and do the impossible. Nothing is easy; Khalila is a Scholar, as is Dario. Santi is a commanding officer. Wolfe seems unstable. And everyone, including the Archivist, has their eyes on Jess. Nowhere is safe, and no one is trustworthy.

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell back into the story! I remembered the ending of Ink and Bone very well, but most of the details from the book escaped me. Caine makes it very easy to slip back into Jess's head (third person perspective), and I didn't feel lost. In fact, you could probably get away with reading this book without having read Ink and Bone at all - though I don't recommend going that route. Ink and Bone was intricate and complex and SO good!

I swear Jess is Spiderman or something! He isn't a natural soldier (he was training to be a Scholar!), but he gets into shape and follows his duties and his training and excels (in my opinion). He's also retained his intelligence and cleverness, and all of his mastermind criminal ways (from his family business, if you recall). But more than all of these things, Jess has a big heart and a selfless soul. He was never a violent person, but he has matured so much between books, and will do what he has to, to protect his friends. He isn't irrational (he's pretty clever!), but he constantly finds ways to throw himself in danger's way, rather than another person.

We get to see a lot more of Wolfe, and Santi (and Wolfe and Santi), and Glain. I can't remember how I felt about Glain in book one (I remember she was rather cold?), but I really liked her in this book. She comes across as ruthless, a punishing leader, but she is efficient and tough and capable.

The beginning doesn't start with a bang, but the action really picks up quickly and never slows down. This pacing worked for me! It didn't feel too fast, but I couldn't read fast enough, and my heart was constantly pounding. Caine had me guessing about so many things - was ____ trustworthy? Would Jess survive this automaton attack? Would Wolfe be lost to his memories? So many worries!

I loved the high-stakes, high-action plot. I loved Jess and his character growth - he is fearless, and takes challenges and faces them head-on. I love seeing so many secondary characters, and how dynamic and important they were. I was pretty excited to see the reappearance of two key characters.

I feel like this book has several parts to it, and to describe each part would be spoilery. But I liked how Caine kept weaving the story in a different direction than I expected. And how she took us to many different locations (and the associated dangers!).

I'll say a little on the romance. There are multiple ships! We know that Wolfe and Santi are a very solid thing. Jess and Morgan are totally in love with each other; but as Morgan is in the Iron Tower (and Jess is wracked with guilt), their relationship does take a hit for some of the books. But I like how things smoothed out - there was conflict upon reunion, but the pair came to an understanding. I hope they won't be separated again!

No love triangle(s), or anything of the sort. Also, no cliffhanger (not really).

Overall, I'm very pleased with this sequel novel. It is quite possibly one of the most exciting sequels I've read for the year, and one of the best too. I don't know how I'll manage the wait until book three is available!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specifically? I'm sure there were things while I was reading the book, that bothered me a little. And I know I'm giving this four stars (as opposed to five stars). But this one is a 4.5-star-read to me, and my picky self is going to round down. STILL, I loved this book!

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend reading this book - though I do recommend reading Ink and Bone first. These aren't companion novels, and so much of the first book is the foundation for this book. If you're a fan of books, why wouldn't you like this one? A book about books! *winks*

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. Again, I'm being picky. There aren't factors against the book that are pushing me to round down. I love this sequel and cannot wait to read the conclusion! Here is hoping Caine doesn't break out hearts.


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!


The Giveaway:

Thanks to the wonderful people at Berkley/NAL, I've got a trade paperback copy of Ink and Bone up for grabs! USA only, ends 06/06. Good luck!

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