Review: Death Sworn (Death Sworn #1)

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Title: Leah Cypess

Author: Death Sworn

Series: Death Sworn, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 344

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Source: public library

ILENI IS LOSING HER MAGIC. And that means she's losing everything: Her status as the renegade sorcerers' most powerful rising star. Her purpose in life. The boy she loves. Her home.
Exiled to teach sorcery to the assassins deep within the mountains, she expected no one will ever hear from her again. The last two tutors died within weeks of each other. As Ileni unravels the mystery surrounding their deaths, she'll uncover secrets that have been kept for decades--and she'll find an unexpected ally and dangerous new love.
But even he may not be able to protect her. Not when she's willing to risk EVERYTHING.

As I was finishing up the last few pages in this book, I kept fervently wishing that the book would never end. This is probably the best book I've read so far this year. That may not be saying much, since I haven't been reading like I normally do, but still. It counts for something.

Ileni was so amazingly awesome. It was just so frustrating that she's losing all her powers. I kept wanting her to do some serious physical damage when she used her snarkiness on people. But that is a major plot point in this book, so I guess she couldn't go all badass sorceress on us, or there would be no story to her discovering herself without her powers. And, she didn't cling so much to her man, Sorin. She was at times weak, but she still held her firm ground and threw him to the side when she needed to assert herself.

The plot itself is really good! There's the whole big bad Empire, which I hope to see a lot more of in the next book. Hopefully, all's not as it seems, as I'm hoping. (Maybe the Empire isn't all bad? Psychological twist, perhaps?) I want to meet Tellis, Ileni's old beau, and Sorin's invisible competition! There should be a love duel. Sorcerer against assassin. I'm down for that. And then, of course, there's the whole magic/sorcerer(ess) and assassin thing going on. I'm all for the magic side of things, but it would be nice being able to kill someone with a spoon or something. Magic's still better, though.

Just go get the book, pretty pretty please. It's really amazing/fantastic/interesting/intriguing/etc...

 My Rating:

Review: The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1)

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Title: The Burning Sky

Author: Sherry Thomas

Series: The Elemental Trilogy, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: paperback

Pages: 449

Release Date: September 17, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Source: public library

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A RUINED ELIXIR AND A BOLT OF LIGHTNING.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation--or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission--and her life.
The Burning Sky--the first book in the Elemental Trilogy--is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure.

 I have two major obsession when it comes to books: angels, and anything dealing with controlling the elements. The Burning Sky deals with the latter, and I couldn't help but fall in love with this book.

Due to major amounts of school work, I have not been reading. But, it's spring break, I stopped by the library on my way home, and just said what the hell to homework and picked up a stack of books. Thank the heavens I picked up The Burning Sky. The book is not without flaws, but it is enjoyable.

Iolanthe is the "greatest elemental mage of her generation". Even though that is continuously stated throughout the book, I couldn't help but not believe it. Most of the time, Titus was saving her arse. I just wanted her to throw lightning at everyone and be a badass. But no, she kept tripping up. I'm big on strong female main characters, so this was hard to get past. The one consolation was that she's pretty witty and smart, but even that was lost after she fell in love. But oh well, maybe she'll get better in the second book.

Secondly, the male main interest is Titus. I get that he's a prince and gets to be all stuck-up, but I couldn't help but not like him. I get it. But, could you be a bit more humble? Even though Iolanthe is supposed to be the strongest, most of the time it felt like Titus is stronger.

I know it sounds like I'm complaining a lot about the character. Just read the book, please. It is worthwhile and a great read. The magical system was really interesting, and the politics are intriguing, too. You won't be wasting your time.

My Rating:

Review: Troubled Waters (Troubled Waters #1)

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Title: Troubled Waters

Author: Sharon Shinn

Series: Troubled Waters, #1

Age Group: adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 391

Release Date: October 5, 2010

Publisher: Ace Books

Source: library

After the death of her father--a former royal advisor who'd fallen out of favor--Zoe Ardelay has little time to grieve before she receives astonishing news: She has been chosen to become the king's fifth wife!
Unable to resist the ambassador sent to fetch her, Zoe accompanies him to the royal city. Once there, she slips away and hides among those who live along the shores of the mighty river. For Zoe is coru: ruled by the elemental sign of water.
Gradually she discovers that she is, in fact, the coru prime. Which means she must return to the palace, not as unwilling bride for the king but as a woman with power in her own right.
But the palace abounds with intrigue and deception as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood--and the secrets of the royal family--she must make a decision: How best to use her great power?

This was the perfect book! Lately, most of the books I've been reading have a bad case of insta-love. Basically where it's love at first sight. So, awhile ago I went book hunting through the web, and found Troubled Waters, a book that claimed to be not insta-love. But, it was so much more than that.

I've always loved books where the heroines are able to control a certain element. I don't know why. Maybe it's because when I was little, I was obsessed with Sailor Moon. That obsession probably unconsciously carried on into my love of literature. So, you can imagine my joy when I found out about this book. I mean, Zoe, the main character, is coru, and controls water. How cool is that?!

In kingdom of Troubled Waters, you element is basically like your race/ethnicity. You're usually asked what you are. If I lived here, I would definitely be coru(water & blood).

I just simply loved this book! I could go on and on, but then it would be a 2 page review. So, I'm just going to say a little about my favorite characters. First, definitely Zoe! She was a kick-butt heroine. She didn't care what people thought of here, she was who she was(this was partly due to her being exiled most of her life). I couldn't help but admire her. Plus, she's not just a kick-butt heroine, but she has powers! Now, my other favorite character was Darien. He was so cute! I couldn't help but like him. And Zoe and him made the perfect couple. I'm even going to share my favorite quote by him(it gave me goosebumps).
"If you did leave," he said. If you simply walk out the doors and stroll down the mountain, leaving behind no word of where you were going or why, I would come looking for you. I would never stop looking for you. I would find you, too."
Isn't that just the best? I found him a definite reprieve from the YA boys of late. Sure, he was overprotective, but he was also kind and caring. And trust me, Zoe could hold her own against Darien. She was not weak. And best of all, there was a build up before they actually got together.

You should just go and get your hands on a copy of Troubled Waters! I assure you, you won't regret reading this book.

My Rating:

Review: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

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Title: Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha Trilogy, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 368

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Surrounded by her enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one unlikely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life--a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha...and he secrets of her heart.

An ARC was provided by Henry Holt and Company for review. Thank you!

I have a feeling that tonight I'm not going to be getting much sleep. Why, you ask? The reason is most likely because I'll be tossing and turning in bed all night while I think about how the sequel to Shadow and Bone isn't coming out until 2013! In my mind, this is an awful way to torture readers!

I fell for this book hard. Head over heels hard. Ever since I read the description, I knew this was going to be my kind of book. I had high expectation(sky high), and they were met! Simple as that. The heroine, Alina, was a kind orphan girl who knew who to be the exact dose of fun and realistic. Well, as realistic as you can be in a fantasy world.

Personally, I loved the kingdom of Ravka. I wish I could live there! Also, if I could be any type of Grish, I'd probably be a Heartrender. Something about having control over people seems pretty amazing! For second place, I would be a Healer. 

Now, the last thing I have to say about Shadow and Bone, is predictably about the lover interested. Sweet, best friend Mal. Alina's heart belongs to him since the beginning. But then she gets taken away, and she has her doubts. Then, there is mysterious Darkling, whom Alina can't help but feel drawn to. All that power just draws her in. Personally, I think Alina's relationship with the Darkling was more lustful than anything. With Mal, it was sweet and you could definitely tell there was something more.

Anyways, I'll leave you all to figure out what goes on in the kingdom of Ravka. Pick up a copy of Shadow and Bone. You won't regret it!

My Rating:

Review: Dragonfly

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Title: Dragonfly

Author: Julia Golding

Series: None

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 390

Release Date: October 1, 2009

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books

Source: Library

SWORN ENEMIES...
FORCED TO MARRY...
AND UNITE A DIVIDED LAND.
Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal. And he's not too pleased, either. She is used to a life of discipline, ritual, and splendor. He is used to hunting and carousing. They hate each other on sight. But both of their countries are under threat from a fearsome warlord, and the only chance of peace is to form an alliance.
When Tashi and Ramil are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape--from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure--including a circus strongman, a daring rebel leader, a sinister master of spies, and the best female fighter they have ever seen--help them or betray them to the enemy?
The latest novel from Nestle Prize-winning author Julia Golding, Dragonfly is a thrilling mix of fantasy and adventure.

Dragonfly is a tale of sadness and hope, but mostly one dealing with the strength of a person's faith. Be warned, there is lots of religion in this book in the sense of dealing with a God or Goddess aspect. I am going to give a short description on what I thought of my favorite characters in this book, otherwise I'm going to start acting like a squealing fangirl.

Ramil: In my opinion, Ramil is one of the most perfect male characters out there. He was willing to defend those he loved, at the cost of his life.

Tashi: The same could be said for Tashi. I admired her faith in the Goddess. She was devoted, and so strong-willed. She is a great example of a good person.

Thunder: This was actually Ramil's horse. I couldn't help but fall in love with this loving creature. He stood by Tashi when she needed him most.

Gordoc: This big guy was so loving! His affection for Tashi was amazing! I wish I could have a Gordoc in my life.

That's basically my take on Dragonfly's main characters. Ramil and Tashi make one of the best couples in YA history I have ever seen. They will most definitely remain in my memory a very long time. I urge you to go find a copy of this book and read it. Besides, who doesn't love a tale with princesses and princes?