Sophie Reads YA: February 2019

February Summary

11:00

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas

10:00

Long May She Reign
Series: None
Author: Rhiannon Thomas
Published February 21st 2017 by HarperTeen

Goodreads Synopsis
Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.
Goodreads

Review
As you probably know already, I love any book that has royalty in it, and this one was no different. As soon as I heard about Long May She Reign, I knew I needed to get a copy as soon as, and when my order arrived, I immediately dove in. Following Freya as she tries to navigate the poisonous court, we see how poisonous isn’t just a good adjective to describe the place, but what actually happens. Initially only 23rd in line to the throne, a fluke which meant she didn’t attend a banquet - rather, she was in her laboratory working - led to her being the sole survivor of a horrific massacre, and the new queen. Though the massacre may be over, she is still a target for whoever it was who wanted rid of the entire royal family, and Freya just doesn’t know who she can turn to or trust. None of the nobles left respect her - she’s just the weird scientist girl who they had to tolerate due to her being royalty - and nothing is working out. The only person who is willing to give her a chance is the illegitimate son of the old king, Fitzroy, but he’s the main suspect for the poisoning. As more comes to light about the deaths of over 400 people, Freya learns how to cope with her new found power, and more about herself. The

Even though Freya is in the most important role of her life, Queen of Epria, it’s a role she never asked for, and, quite frankly, one she so could’ve done without. Freya is a shy and socially awkward character, and because of her anxiety, she’s mainly at home in her laboratory, alone. Being thrust before the whole country, where the court is filled with gossip and backstabbing, she struggles, and because of those struggles, she endeared herself to the audience more and more. Over time her character grew, and she became more confident in herself, and in her new role.

Though not a large part to the plot, there was a bit of romance between Freya and Fitzroy. He may have been one of the main suspects for the murders, but he was about the only person who believed in Freya, and everything he did was to try and help her cope with the pressure, and not undermine her from the inside. I really enjoyed these two together, and thought that they helped each other grow, rather than take away anything.

I might have loved the book, and give it 5 stars, if not for the ending. It just seemed rushed, and a bit disjointed, if I’m being honest. The big reveal about the murderer, and why they had done it, was far too rushed, and the punishment was ridiculous. Because of all of this, I could only give the book 4 stars, but I did still really enjoy it, and would recommend it for the most part.

Dates Read:
April 27-May 1, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

Defy Me

Waiting on Wednesday: Defy Me (Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi

10:00

2017 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: The Memory Book by Lara Avery

10:00

The Memory Book
Series: None
Author: Lara Avery
Published January 26th 2017 by Hachette

Goodreads Summary
“They tell me that my memory will never be the same, that I'll start forgetting things. At first just a little, and then a lot. So I'm writing to remember.”

Samantha McCoy has it all mapped out. First she's going to win the national debating championship, then she's going to move to New York and become a human rights lawyer. But when Sammie discovers that a rare disease is going to take away her memory, the future she'd planned so perfectly is derailed before it’s started. What she needs is a new plan.

So the Memory Book is born: Sammie’s notes to her future self, a document of moments great and small. Realising that her life won't wait to be lived, she sets out on a summer of firsts: The first party; The first rebellion; The first friendship; The last love.

Through a mix of heartfelt journal entries, mementos, and guest posts from friends and family, readers will fall in love with Sammie, a brave and remarkable girl who learns to live and love life fully, even though it's not the life she planned.

Goodreads

Review
I honestly did not know what to expect when I went into this book. I was sent a copy by the publisher, unsolicited, and a quick check online made me give it a chance, and let me tell you, I'm so glad that I did! The Memory Book follows Samantha, who had her life all planned out, until she discovers that she has a rare medical condition that will limit her life. Her condition, Niemann-Pick Type C, is a disease that affects memory and gradually shuts down the body. So, she needs a new plan. Knowing that life will never be the same again, she creates the Memory Book, where she jots down anything that she wants to remember in the future - no matter how big or small it is. As the days, months, years, progress, Sammie slowly starts to deteriorate, but so much happens, and she learns so much about herself, that she is still able to tell us about it all, in her own words.

I loved Sammie - she was so relatable, and funny, and even with this dark shadow hanging over her, she still lives her life to the fullest. From the get go, she is a planner - initially planning to be valedictorian and go off to college - and when her first plan doesn't pan out, she just amends it to fit her new plan. Because of the way that the story is written, as if it's Sammie's journal, we see even more of her than we would normally do. She pours out her heart and soul, and all of her worries, into her diary entries, and it honestly felt like we were in her shoes for most of the book. Nothing about what she was going through was sugar coated, and it was emotional raw reading at times. However, that doesn't mean everything about book was sad or upsetting.

One thing I really appreciated in this book was how present Sammie's family was in the story. In most of the YA books recently, parents are barely there, if at all, but that really wasn't the case here. Obviously with how debilitating Sammie's condition would become, the family wanted to spend time with her doing things as memories - and not just for her Memory Book, but for them all to appreciate. The family had always been an important part to Sammie's life, but now, when it's really important for her especially to try and do things as she normally would, they worked with her every step of the way. Romance isn't really a huge part to the book, but there is some in there. It was cute when I was reading them, but I cared more about Sammie herself, or her familial relationships, that I didn't really get invested in anything romantic.

Overall, this was such a good book, and I'm really glad I gave it a go. It stuck with me so long after finishing, and if I was in Sammie's situation, I honestly don't know what I would've done. Definitely a book I'd recommend to everyone!

Dates Read:
January 4-7, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

February

Stacking the Shelves: February 23rd 2019

10:00

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3) by Rae Carson

10:00

Into the Bright Unknown
Series: The Gold Seer Trilogy #3
Author: Rae Carson
Published October 10th 2017 by Greenwillow Books

Goodreads Synopsis
The stunning conclusion to Rae Carson’s New York Times–bestselling Gold Seer trilogy

Leah Westfall’s journey has been one of ever-present peril, hidden magic, harsh realities, loss, life, determination, and love. She has searched for a place to belong and a place to call home, and people who can accept a girl with magical powers that prove to be both blessing and curse.

Rae Carson has been lauded as one of YA’s best writers of fantasy, and fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, and Westworld will be riveted by the conclusion of this remarkable historical fantasy trilogy.

Leah is poised to have everything she ever dreamed of on the long, dangerous journey to California’s gold fields—wealth, love, the truest friends, and a home. Thanks to her magical ability to sense precious gold, Leah, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have claimed rich land in California Territory. But their fortune makes them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Leah and her friends must fight back with all of their power and talents.

Leah’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter California’s history forever.

With a distinctive heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure.
Goodreads

Review
As the final book in a trilogy that I already knew I loved, I was so excited to start reading Into the Bright Unknown. Now that Lee is free from her uncle's grip, and finally happy with her fiance Jefferson, and the rest of the residents of Glory, life seems like it's back on track. However, her powers to discover gold, and the fact that Glory is located in a highly lucrative part of California, there are always enemies hiding around the corner. In this case, a billionaire who's slowly buying up all of California, and the town charter for Glory hasn't yet arrived. Now the gang have to fight to keep control of their town, and pull off one of the biggest heists the state of California had ever seen.

Lee's character remained as strong as ever in this edition, and her ingenuity helped to save the day many a time. Just when she thought she could relax, they realised they would need to do something to get Mrs Joiner her home back, and to ensure that Glory can never be taken from them. The motley gang all bring their own tricks and expertise to the table, and between the lot of them, they manage to safe the day - though not without a cost.

After Lee and Jefferson finally became engaged in the last book, I thought we would see more of their relationship and subsequent wedding in the book, but it seemed to fall to the back burner for the most part. Yeah, there were still some cute moments, but I wanted more - if you've read the book, you'll understand exactly what I mean.

I did enjoy the book, really, but something was just missing. I can't exactly put my finger on what, but it felt like it was lacking in some sense. Maybe the plot was a bit too repetitive - the villain definitely resembled Hiram in a lot of respects - or the pacing was off, but I was slightly disappointed with the ending. I'd still recommend the book, especially if you've loved the others in the series, but I can't say this would be a favourite series of mine, or one I'd be in a hurry to re-read.

Dates Read:

November 25-30, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

Erin Hahn

Waiting on Wednesday: You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

10:00

2017 Flights of Fantasy Challenge

ARC Review: Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard

10:00

Windwitch
Series: The Witchlands #2
Author: Susan Dennard
Published January 12th 2017 by Tor UK

Goodreads Summary
Sometimes our enemies become our only allies.

The Windwitch Prince Merik is presumed dead, following a lethal explosion. He's left scarred but alive and determined to expose his sister's treachery. Yet on reaching the royal capital, he's shocked to find it crowded with refugees fleeing conflict. Merik haunts the streets, fighting for the weak. This leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

Hunted by the Cleaved, Iseult is struggling to stay free while she searches for her friend Safi. When the Bloodwitch Aeduan corners Iseult first, she offers him a deal: she'll return what was stolen from him, if he locates the Truthwitch. Yet unknown to Iseult, there's a bounty on her head - and Aeduan intends to claim it.

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. They find themselves amongst pirates, where a misstep could mean death. And the bandits' next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

I simply adored Truthwitch, and because of how fantastic that book was, I bought and read Dennard's debut series, Something Strange and Deadly. Obviously, I knew I needed to get a hold of Windwitch, and when the publisher offered me a copy to review, I jumped at the chance.

Windwitch follows our motley gang of misfits, mainly focusing on Merik and Safiya's story, though Iseult and Aeduan make an appearance too. Everyone believes that Merik is dead, but he isn't. Injured and wronged, he seeks revenge on those who hurt him, most notably his sister, Vivia. When Safiya is washed up after her shipwreck, they join forces, using their power and wits in order to discover the truth about Car Awen, and to tell the truth about just what is happening in their world. Iseult, on the other hand, is trying to find Safi, and her only ally happens to be the Bloodwitch, Aeduan. As if that wasn't awkward enough, what with Aeduan being sent to capture Iseult, they get themselves captured, and have to use their powers to survive.

Because of just how amazing Truthwitch was, I was a bit apprehensive going into Windwitch. Quite a lot of series, and especially fantasy series, have the sophomore slump when it comes to book 2, so I was worried that would be the case here. Well, let me tell you, I was wrong - this book was just as good, if not better, than the first. Where Truthwitch set the stage and introduced us to the world and to the characters, this book picked up the ball rolling, and never stopped. From the beginning we were flung into intrigue, plot, and action, and it was hard to put the book down to do mundane things like work, eat, or sleep.

All of the characters grew, and developed, from where they were in the first book. Merik becomes a little darker in this one, mainly because of his attempted assassination, and discovery of the problems in his homeland. He tried to right all the wrong as a vigilante, but even then he couldn't do too much. Aeduan (or Baeduan as most bloggers have christened him) shows a bit of a softer side, dare I say, and by chasing Iseult, and then working with her, we learn about how protective he can be too. Both him and Iseult develop feelings towards each other, which allow them to be more vulnerable than they might have been previously. Safi is just as snarky and quick as she always has been, but now she has goals, and an aim to achieve, she uses her wits to get her, and the Empress, out of some tricky situations, and I just adore her.

Honestly, I could wax lyrical about this book for so much more, but I won't. Basically, if you haven't read this series yet, why ever not? Go and buy copies of the books, and get ready for the release of Bloodwitch, because I know I will be.

Dates Read:
January 7-12, 2017

Rating
5 Stars

Blitz

Pre-Order Blitz: Queen to Ashes by Mallory McCartney (+giveaway)

10:00

Today Mallory McCartney and Rockstar Book Tours are happy to announce that QUEEN TO ASHES, is available for pre-order! Check out all the book info and enter the giveaway!

Title: QUEEN TO ASHES (Black Dawn #2)

Author: Mallory McCartney

Pub. Date: January 8, 2019

Publisher: Clean Reads Publishing

Formats: eBook

Pages: ?

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Amazon Canada

“You lived your entire life feeling like half of you was missing. Fight for the missing part. Fight for this.”

Emory Fae has abandoned everything she thought she knew about her previous life on Earth. Stepping up to her role as Queen of Kiero she makes a startling sacrifice- feigning her allegiances to Adair Stratton, the man who murdered her parents and casted Kiero into ruin. Emory’s memories slowly piece together, and she soon realizes the Mad King may not be all he seems— and the man who was once best friend, may be fighting beneath the surface.

With the King’s attention on her, can she buy Black Dawn Rebellion enough time to recuperate their forces? And when the times comes, will she be able to kill Adair, ending his tyranny and rising herself as the rightful Queen? Fighting to hide her secret, Emory navigates the brutal trials of the Mad King, trying not to lose herself in the process.

Sequel to Black Dawn, now a bestselling series, the sparks are ignited, as Emory learns the cost of freedom, and her title. Will the rebels unite in time? A sinister force has spread across the land, stripping everyone bare- their betrayals, their secrets, their intentions. But above all, what will their decisions cost? By refusing to give in to the darkness, will Emory rise as Queen?

Renegade and Black Dawn will be available in the following #Vancouver area locations : Chapters Burnaby, Indigo Surrey, Chapters Coquitlam, Indigo West Vancouver, Indigo Granville (2505 Granville St) and Indigo Robson (1033 Robson St) in December!

Title: RENEGADE (Black Dawn 0.5)

Author: Mallory McCartney

Pub. Date: July 3, 2018

Publisher: Clean Reads Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 274

Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, Goodreads

“The time for Kiero’s reign in prosperity is over.”

Six years before the Black Dawn Rebellion, Adair Stratton and Emory Fae are following in their parent’s footsteps and living at The Academy, a home for those who are gifted. The pressure to uphold the future of their parent’s dream falls on them. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. Even if Emory tries to make him see differently. An unexpected group of friends keep him there, but as whispers of unexplained disappearances start reaching from the capital, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath- for the first time in years, they demand the Fae’s listen to their proposition for a new treaty, holding the news of Nei’s father’s abrupt death over them. Caught in the middle of politics- Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis search for the one thing that matters most- finding out the truth.

In this gripping prequel to Black Dawn, their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made. War ravages through Kiero and is torn apart by acclaimed Kings. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision- to fight or to bow to the darkness within him.

Title: BLACK DAWN (Black Dawn #1)

Author: Mallory McCartney

Release Date: February 14, 2017

Publisher: Clean Reads Publishing

Pages: 352

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, Goodreads

Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life. That is until two mysterious, and handsome soldiers show up at her apartment, and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Memphis Carter and Brokk Foster come from the magical and war ridden world of Kiero, and bringing Emory back she will discover she is the long lost heir to the Royal Line and is thrown into the Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne.

With both men being darkly woven in her past Emory uncovers hidden secrets, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.

Some things are better left in the shadows.

About Mallory:

Mallory McCartney is the author of the bestselling Black Dawn series. She currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

Giveaway ends March 15 at midnight, EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February

Stacking the Shelves: February 16th 2019

10:00

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy #2) by Rae Carson

10:00

Like a River Glorious
Series: The Gold Seer Trilogy #2
Author: Rae Carson
Published September 27th 2016 by Greenwillow Books

Goodreads Synopsis
He will never stop hunting me down. I have to end him, and soon.

Lee Westfall survived the dangerous journey to California. She found a new family in the other outcasts of their wagon train, and Jefferson, her best friend, is beginning to woo her shamelessly. Now they have a real home—one rich in gold, thanks to Lee’s magical ability to sense the precious metal in the world around her.

But Lee’s Uncle Hiram has survived his own journey west. He’s already murdered her parents, and he will do anything to have Lee and her talents under his control. No one is safe. When he kidnaps her, she sees firsthand the depths of his depravity.

Lee’s magic is changing, though. It is growing. The gold no longer simply sings to her—it listens. It obeys her call. Will that alone be enough to destroy her uncle?
Goodreads

Review
I read book one in this series way back in 2016, and just fell in love with the world building, and the writing. Coming as a history teacher, and someone who despised both studying, and then teaching, the American West at GCSE, this series made it come to life, and I can now understand why some people really love this era of history.

Following the events of Walk on Earth a Stranger, we come across Leah and the gang after they survived the treacherous journey to California. As Like A River Glorious, starts the new family of travellers are building their home in an area rich in gold - thanks to Lee's witchy abilities. Her and Jefferson have finally come to an understanding, and the wooing has started with aplomb. However, the fear that Lee's evil uncle Hiram is always on the horizon, and when he arrives and kidnaps Lee , everything seems to go wrong. All Lee can do is keep her wits about her, and turn her power into a weapon to defeat Hiram once and for all.

Lee is a fantastic character, who has suffered immensely in her life, but tries not to let that affect her. Fiercely independent, she rebuffs Jefferson's proposals again and again, worrying that both her independence, and her freedom would be at risk if she was to marry. Seeing how other women are treated in this book, especially once Lee is a captive of Hiram. She personally isn't at risk, with her special status as the niece of the mine owner, but the other woman at the mine are, as are most of the miners too. The themes of sexism and racism is rife in this book, particularly among the Chinese immigrants forced to do hard labour and suffer greatly to make Hiram rich.

For the most part, the story takes place at the mine, so we don't see as much of Glory and the town's creation/building. Hiram was a worthy villain in the book, and though some of the twists and turns weren't as much of a surprise as they were intended to be, I did enjoy the characterisation of him. I'm definitely waiting for book 3, and would be more than happy to recommend this book to any fans of the American West, and maybe even to some of my students to get a feel for what life was actually like back then.

Dates Read:

April 14-16, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

Jenn Marie Thorne

Waiting on Wednesday: Night Music by Jenn Marie Thorne

10:00

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

This week's pick is:

Night Music
Series: None
Author: Jenn Marie Thorne
Published March 19th 2019 by Dial Books

Goodreads Summary
A romantic comedy that sweeps you up with breezy writing and canny social commentary, set behind the scenes of the classical music world during one hot, anything-can-happen, New York City summer

Ruby has always been Ruby Chertok future classical pianist, heir to the Chertok family legacy, daughter of renowned composer Martin Chertok. But after bungling her audition for the prestigious Amberley School of Music--where her father is on faculty--Ruby is suddenly just . . . Ruby. And who is that again? All she knows is that she wants out of the orbit of her relentlessly impressive family, and away from the world of classical music for good. Yes? Yes.

Oscar is a wunderkind, a musical genius. Just ask any of the 1.8 million people who've watched him conduct his own compositions on YouTube--or hey, just ask Oscar. But while he might be the type who'd name himself when asked about his favorite composer and somehow make you love him more for it, Oscar is not the type to jeopardize his chance to study under the great Martin Chertok--not for a crush. He's all too aware of how the ultra-privileged, ultra-white world of classical music might interpret a black guy like him falling for his benefactor's white daughter. Right? Right.

But as the New York City summer heats up, so does the spark between Ruby and Oscar. Soon their connection crackles with the same alive, uncontainable energy as the city itself. But can two people still figuring themselves out figure out how to be together? Or will the world make the choice for them?

Goodreads

Why I'm waiting: