31 May 2015

A Murder of Mages by Marshall Ryan Maresca

31 May 0 Comments
A Murder of Mages by Marshall Ryan Maresca

Goodreads Synopsis
A Murder of Mages marks the debut of Marshall Ryan Maresca’s novels of The Maradaine Constabulary, his second series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. A Murder of Mages introduces us to this spellbinding port city as seen through the eyes of the people who strive to maintain law and order, the hardworking men and women of the Maradaine Constabulary.

Satrine Rainey—former street rat, ex-spy, mother of two, and wife to a Constabulary Inspector who lies on the edge of death, injured in the line of duty—has been forced to fake her way into the post of Constabulary Inspector to support her family.

Minox Welling is a brilliant, unorthodox Inspector and an Uncircled mage—almost a crime in itself. Nicknamed “the jinx” because of the misfortunes that seem to befall anyone around him, Minox has been partnered with Satrine because no one else will work with either of them.

Their first case together—the ritual murder of a Circled mage— sends Satrine back to the streets she grew up on and brings Minox face-to-face with mage politics he’s desperate to avoid. As the body count rises, Satrine and Minox must race to catch the killer before their own secrets are exposed and they, too, become targets.



June 2015 TBR Pile!

31 May 0 Comments
Tomorrow is the start of June (and the #TBRTakedown) and I am more than happy to start a new month of reading! I have a lot of books to get through and I am hoping to clear off another 20-25 of my TBR pile! I do have exams at the end of the month though, so I will probably slow down then and pick up after I finish them. Luckily it is only three days but still. Anyway, I have posted my list for the #TBRTakedown, but I will still be including those books in my list here.

#TBRTakedown June 1-7 Books:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Read June 6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Volume 1 by Nancy Holder
Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1) by Brandon Mull
Read June 7
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer
Read June 8
Hemlock Grove by Brian McGreevy    
Read June 4

Winners in my Blog Poll:
The Calling (Endgame #1) by James Frey
The Fire Children by Lauren M. Roy
Partials (The Partials Sequence #1) by Dan Wells
Fragments (Partials Squence #2) by Dan Wells
Ruins (Partials Sequence #3) by Dan Wells
Golden by Jessi Kirby
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness
The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking #2) by Patrick Ness
Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3) by Patrick Ness

Wanted to Read in May:
Execution (Escape From Furnace #5) by Alexander Gordon Smith
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Blog Tour Books:
Shadows of Asphodel by Karen Kincy 
Read June 3
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris 
Read June 5
Melanie's Evanescent Journey by B Tuly‏



NetGalley Books (Coming Out in June/Early July):
Red Nights by Shari J. Ryan  
Read June 2
Descent (Kissed by Death #3) by Tara Fuller 
Poor Man's Fight (Poor Man's Fight #1) by Elliott Kay
Rich Man's War (Poor Man's Fight #2) by Elliott Kay


So I have a total of 24 books that I am planning on reading this month, but who knows how many I will actually read. I think in May I read 29? That post will be up tomorrow with links to all my reviews and a book to read that is similar to the one I did read. Check that one out tomorrow! Hopefully you guys all got through your May TBR piles and have more to read this month as well!

Freaks of Nature (The Psion Chronicles #1) by Wendy Brotherlin

31 May 0 Comments
Freaks of Nature (The Psion Chronicles #1) by Wendy Brotherlin

Goodreads Synopsis
The global Ebola-X pandemic of 2022 lasted five months, two weeks, and six days before a cure could be found. In its wake, it left a generation of psionic freaks, who can turn a single thought into a weapon...or worse. Fifteen-year-old Devon McWilliams is one of those freaks, but Devon rates a big fat zero on the scale of cool psychic abilities. Days after escaping from his psionic detainment facility, the military intercepts him. Regaining consciousness, Devon finds himself restrained aboard a military airship headed toward certain death. Aboard this one-way flight to doom are six other psions. One of them, a telepath named Bai Lee Chen, claims to have the means to escape. All the others have to do is convince her that they're worthy of freedom by allowing her to telepathically replay their memories. The last thing Devon wants to do is reveal his useless plant-talking prowess to this destroy-you-with-a-thought crew. To complicate matters further, he's crushing hard on Alya, the group's lovely healer. Devon knows he must keep his wits about him if he's going to survive this wild ride. And that's going to be a tricky thing to do around a telepath who seems to have a diabolical agenda all her own.


30 May 2015

#TBRTakedown Book List!

30 May 0 Comments
June 1-7, 2015: Reading List
Hey guys I'm going to be participating in the #TBRTakedown hosted by Shannon from June 1-7! (As much as possible with my school schedule, at least) There are five categories and I have five books lined up, so without further ado, here are my choices for next week!


"Out of my Comfort Zone"
I am a fan of dystopia novels, but not typically a fan of the older ones that are looking at our society now, so this one should be an interesting read for me!
 
In Most Recent Haul...ish
This is one I had been searching for for a while. I had volumes 2 and 3 but couldn't find volume 1 and then the BookOutlet got one in store and I scooped it up really quickly! 
Note: I changed the challenge name of this one because I had another book haul today but I felt as though this one was the most appropriate for the challenge title. 

The Clouded Sky (Earth & Sky #2) by Megan Crewe

30 May 0 Comments
The Clouded Sky (Earth & Sky #2) by Megan Crewe

Goodreads Synopsis
When seventeen-year-old Skylar escapes the time-bending Enforcers who secretly control Earth, her troubles have just begun. She and her friend Win take refuge on Win’s home space station with his fellow rebels, but the fate of Skylar’s planet still spins out of her control.

To avoid detection, Skylar poses as the Earthling “pet” of Win’s rival, an arrogant boy named Jule. Homesick and faced with a cool reception from the other rebels, she throws herself into the group’s mission: assembling a weapon to disable Earth’s restrictive time field. Gradually, Skylar’s skill for detail gains respect—even from Jule, who is more vulnerable than he lets on.

Yet challenges spring from every side. Not only must Sky navigate the muddy waters of romance, but suspicions of betrayal grow among the rebels as their work narrowly misses sabotage.

In the latest in Megan Crewe’s Earth & Sky series, can Skylar expose the traitor before time runs out and Earth is destroyed?


Cover Reveal: Air Awakens by Elise Kova

30 May 0 Comments
I'm really excited about Air Awakens by Elise Kova, it comes out August 27, 2015!! It is a fantasy novel that features elemental magic (and we all know how much I loved the Storm Siren series, so I am sure I am going to love the Air Awakens series just as much).

The cover was revealed today and it is absolutely stunning! The cover artwork by Merilliza Chan and it is so so beautiful. 

Those Girls by Lauren Saft

30 May 0 Comments
Those Girls by Lauren Saft

Goodreads Synopsis

Some girls will always have your back, and some girls can't help but stab you in it.

Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good? 

Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.


29 May 2015

Spelled by Betsy Schow

29 May 0 Comments
Spelled by Betsy Schow

Goodreads Synopsis
Fairy Tale Survival Rule #32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day.

Yeah, no thanks. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks—like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the brooding prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.

Talk about unhappily ever after.

Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving the kingdom in chaos and her parents stuck in some place called "Kansas." Now it's up to Dorthea and her pixed off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse...before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.


28 May 2015

Dragon Ball Z: Frieza Saga by Akira Toriyama

28 May 0 Comments


Dragon Ball Z: Frieza Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review covers chapters 97-135 (Volumes 9, 10, and 11) of the Dragon Ball Z manga; alternatively it covers volumes 25, 26, and 27 of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis

Nearly all of the Frieza Saga takes place on the planet Namek. The main plot is the long-awaited battle between Goku and Frieza, with Krillin, Gohan, Piccolo and Vegeta also taking part.

Dragon Ball Z: Captain Ginyu Saga by Akira Toriyama

28 May 0 Comments

Dragon Ball Z: Captain Ginyu Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review covers chapters 78-96 (Volumes 7 and 8) of the Dragon Ball Z manga; alternatively it covers volumes 23 and 24 of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis

All major action in the Captain Ginyu Saga takes place on the planet Namek. The saga deals mainly with the fight between Goku, Gohan and Krillin against Captain Ginyu.


Third Sentence Thursday (3): Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

28 May 0 Comments
Third Sentence Thursday (3): May 28, 2015
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Hey guys, it's Thursday again which means it is time for Third Sentence Thursday! I will be posting another three third sentences from one novel. This week it is Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen! I'll make sure these ones aren't too spoiler-y! 

Check out my giveaway for a signed Sarah Dessen novel!

27 May 2015

Dragon Ball Z: Vegeta Saga IN FULL COLOUR

27 May 0 Comments


Dragon Ball Z: Vegeta Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review will be the exact same as this one just with pictures from the Dragon Ball Z: in Full Colour manga Volumes 1-3. 
This review covers chapters 1-47 (Volumes 1-4) of the Dragon Ball Z manga; alternatively it covers volumes 17-20 of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis
The Vegeta Saga's main plot concerns the arrival of three humanoid aliens, known as "Saiyans", to Earth, looking for Goku first, and the Dragon Balls later. The most powerful of these Saiyans is Vegeta. The saga covers the arrival of the first of these Saiyans, Raditz, and his fight against his brother Goku and Piccolo. It then covers the subsequent training and preparation for the arrival of the other two Saiyans, Nappa and Vegeta. Finally, it covers the fight between the Z Fighters and the two powerful Saiyans, culminating in the climactic battle between Goku and Vegeta.

Dragon Ball Z: Namek Saga by Akira Toriyama

27 May 0 Comments


Dragon Ball Z: Namek Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review covers chapters 48-77 (Volumes 5 and 6) of the Dragon Ball Z manga; alternatively it covers volumes 21 and 22 of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis

Its name is derived from the story arc revolving around the homeworld of the creatures on Earth believed to be demons, such as Kami and King Piccolo. It covers the trip and arrival to planet Namek, a fictional planet from the series, of Bulma, Krillin, and Gohan. The saga also covers the battles the Earth warriors and Vegeta face against Zarbon and Dodoria, Frieza's top two henchmen. Nearing the end of the chapter, it covers the arrival of Goku on Namek to aid his allies and the beginning of the fight against the Ginyu Force.


Dragon Ball Z: Vegeta Saga by Akira Toriyama

27 May 0 Comments




Dragon Ball Z: Vegeta Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review covers chapters 1-47 (Volumes 1-4) of the Dragon Ball Z manga; alternatively it covers volumes 17-20 of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis
The Vegeta Saga's main plot concerns the arrival of three humanoid aliens, known as "Saiyans", to Earth, looking for Goku first, and the Dragon Balls later. The most powerful of these Saiyans is Vegeta. The saga covers the arrival of the first of these Saiyans, Raditz, and his fight against his brother Goku and Piccolo. It then covers the subsequent training and preparation for the arrival of the other two Saiyans, Nappa and Vegeta. Finally, it covers the fight between the Z Fighters and the two powerful Saiyans, culminating in the climactic battle between Goku and Vegeta.

Wishlist Wednesday (3): Dragon Ball: The Complete Illustrations by Akira Toriyama

27 May 0 Comments
Wishlist Wednesday (3): - May 27 2015

Today's Wishlist Wednesday book is also one that has been on my wishlist for a while because I asked for it for my birthday this year so I am hoping I do get it. It is
the Complete Illustrations from the Dragon Ball manga by Akira Toriyama. If you don't know what Dragon Ball (or at least Dragon Ball Z) is, then you missed out on an integral part of a childhood and I highly suggest you take three days to binge watch the original series and the "Z" series, but definitely skip the "GT" series. 

SIGNED Sarah Dessen Book Giveaway (INTL)

27 May 6 Comments
Now that I have finally calmed down after my wonderful weekend at TBF this year (which was weeks ago), I have a giveaway for you guys! I have a signed copy of "That Summer" by Sarah Dessen and it is just itchy to go to one of you lovely readers. It's open internationally and runs from today until June 15th!



In case you don't know what it's about let's check it out:
For fifteen-year-old Haven, life is changing too quickly. She's nearly six feet tall, her father is getting remarried, and her sister—the always perfect Ashley—is planning a wedding of her own. Haven wishes things could just go back to the way they were. Then an old boyfriend of Ashley's reenters the picture, and through him, Haven sees the past for what it really was, and comes to grips with the future.


ENTER HERE

26 May 2015

Powerless (The Hero Agenda #1) by Tera Lynn Childs & Tracy Deebs

26 May 0 Comments

Powerless

Author: Tera Lynn Childs & Tracy Deebs
Series: The Hero Agenda #1
Source: eARC via the Publisher
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary:

Kenna is tired of being "normal". The only thing special about her is that she isn't special at all. Which is frustrating in a world of absolutes. Villains, like the one who killed her father, are bad. Heroes, like her mother and best friend, are good. And Kenna, unlike everyone else around her, is completely ordinary— which she hates.

She’s secretly working on an experiment that will land her a place among the Heroes, but when a Villain saves her life during a break-in at her lab, Kenna discovers there’s a whole lot of gray area when it comes to good and evil and who she can trust.. After all…not all strength comes from superpowers.

Purchase:

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit, I wanted this book really badly and was really excited when I was approved to get an ARC of this one, but I was a tad disappointed because there was not as much world building as I would have liked. However, it was still a very good story and I was on the edge of my seat while reading it!

Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama

26 May 0 Comments


Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama

Goodreads Synopsis
Meet a naive young monkey-tailed boy named Goku, whose quiet life changes when he meets a girl named Bulma who is on a quest to collect seven "Dragon Balls." If she gathers them all, an incredibly powerful dragon will appear and grant her one wish. But the precious orbs are scattered all over the world, and Bulma needs Goku's help (and his super-strength)! So begins the adventure of a lifetime...

Dragon Ball: King Piccolo Saga by Akira Toriyama

26 May 0 Comments
 Dragon Ball: King Piccolo Saga by Akira Toriyama

This review covers chapters 135-161 (Volumes 12-14) of the Dragon Ball manga.

Goodreads Synopsis
The King Piccolo saga includes the first death of a major character, Goku's first encounter with the Samurai warrior Yajirobe, the battles of Goku, Tien Shinhan, and Yajirobe against King Piccolo's sons, Goku's quest to find the Ultra Divine Water, his final battle with King Piccolo, and the birth of Piccolo Jr.