Sophie Reads YA

January

Stacking the Shelves: January 7th 2017

10:00

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

2017 Challenges

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#RockMyTBR 2016 Challenge

Review: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo

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Crooked Kingdom
Series: Six of Crows #2
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published September 27th 2016 by Orion Children's Books

Goodreads Synopsis
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off the most daring heist imaginable.
But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're fighting for their lives.
Double-crossed and badly weakened, they're low on resources, allies and hope.
While a war rages on the city's streets, the team's fragile loyalties are stretched to breaking point.
Kaz and his crew will have to make sure they're on the winning side... no matter what the cost.
Goodreads

Review
See my review of book 1, Six of Crows.

I've been dying to get my hands on this book since I read Six of Crows last year. The world that Leigh has taken us back to, and the new gang of characters, were wonderful to read about in book 1, and I hoped book 2 would be no different.

And, for the most part, it wasn't. I still enjoyed the story, and the majority of the characters, but there was still one character who I disliked, which will probably get me a lot of hate - sorry, not sorry. Basically, I don't like Kaz Brekker - never have, really - and find him extremely annoying. All of his actions, and chapters, grated on me, which I think was one factor in me reducing my rating to 4 stars.

In this book, the gang are facing the aftermath of Van Eck's betrayal. Rather than rolling in the money, they're down a member, and penniless. Inej was taken by Van Eck, and the group will do anything to get her back, and get payback on Van Eck.

With regards to the plot, I had no issues, until the end. It was fast paced, and so well thought out and well written, that I was guessing what would happen right up until the last page. However, I did feel the end was a bit rushed, I guess. There was one big thing I didn't like, and then the stories didn't seem to tie up. Really, it felt like it was a middle book in the series, or at least a book that would have a sequel, because the ending left me with more questions than were answered. Again, this made me rate the book as 4, instead of 5, stars.

The romances in the book were wonderful to read. There are 3 different ships, and I like each one, even Kaz's - it's the only time he didn't get on my nerves. My favourite remains to be Matthias and Nina - my favourite characters - and every time they were on the page, I just loved it. If there was a book just about them, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, I could read more and more of them.

Though I didn't give the book 5 stars, I still loved it, and would read anything by this author. I can't wait to see what Leigh brings out in the future.

Dates Read:
October 1-4, 2016

Rating
4 Stars

Caraval

Waiting on Wednesday: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

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5 Stars

ARC Review: Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake

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Frostblood
Series: Frostblood Saga #1
Author: Elly Blake
Published January 12th 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton

Goodreads Synopsis
The first in a page-turning young adult fantasy series perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series.

In a land governed by the cruel Frostblood ruling class, seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has spent most of her life hiding her ability to manipulate heat and light - until the day the soldiers come to raid her village and kill her mother. Ruby vows revenge on the tyrannous Frost King responsible for the massacre of her people.

But Ruby's powers are unpredictable...and so are the feelings she has for Arcus, the scarred, mysterious Frostblood warrior who shares her goal to kill the Frost King, albeit for his own reasons. When Ruby is captured by the Frost King's men, she's taken right into the heart of the enemy. Now she only has one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who took everything from her - and in doing so, she must unleash the powers she's spent her whole life withholding.

Frostblood is set in world where flame and ice are mortal enemies - but together create a power that could change everything.
Goodreads

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

This book was amazing! I don't know how good this review will be, because I just loved the book so much. The first in a new series, Frostblood follows our heroine, Ruby, who is a Fireblood in a world of Frostblood’s. Her country is ruled by the wicked Frost King, who has his minions seek out and destroy any Fireblood about. Hiding her powers for years, she unwittingly draws the soldiers to her village, and her mother is killed. On the run, she meets a mysterious Frostblood warrior, Arcus, and seeks refuge in a local monastery. There, she begins to learn how to use her powers, and with the help of Arcus, begins to become strong enough to fight back.

The world building in this book was fantastic. Considering it’s a debut by Blake, I was overwhelmed with the language and descriptive techniques used. Though it’s been touted as similar to Red Queen and Throne of Glass, I found it blew them both out of the water. Honestly, I was mesmerised from the first page, until the last.

The main characters, Ruby and Arcus, were extremely fleshed out, and their characterisations seemed perfect, for their stories. Ruby is headstrong, and doesn’t take to criticism and her training well, to begin with. All she wants is revenge against the Frost King and his army, and she doesn’t really care if she dies doing it. However, she’s one of the strongest Frostblood’s that has ever been seen, and there’s more riding on her than simply revenge. Arcus was brooding, and aloof, but as the book progressed, we learned more and more about him. I had guessed who he was quite early on, but still enjoyed learning more about him.

The romance was fairly none existent for the most part of the book, but in the best way. It was that kind of slow burning romance that makes you want to scream and swoon at the sometime. I’m hoping that in book 2, well see a lot more of the romantic side of the story.

Thank you, Hodder and Chapter 5, for my ARC. I’m just a bit gutted that I read the book so early, because it means the wait for book 2 is that much longer.

Dates Read:
September 3-5, 2016

Rating
5 Stars

books on my radar

January books on my radar

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Mafiosa
Series: Blood for Blood #3
Author: Catherine Doyle
January 5th 2017 by Chicken House
A blood war rages on the streets of Chicago.
Protected by an infamous mafia family, Sophie is living a dangerous lie, pretending to lead a normal life. But the deceit can’t last for ever. Her heart belongs to a killer and Sophie’s the prime target of a rival clan. She’s determined to seek revenge on her mother’s murderers, but can she pay the price – can she be a mafiosa?
The third and final instalment in the explosive YA Blood for Blood series which started with Vendetta and Inferno.
Goodreads

The Dark Days Pact
Series: Lady Helen #2
Author: Alison Goodman
January 5th 2017 by Walker Books

June 1812. Just weeks after her catastrophic coming-out ball, Lady Helen Wrexhall—now disowned by her uncle—is a full member of the demon-hunting Dark Days Club. Her mentor, Lord Carlston, has arranged for Helen and her maid, Darby, to spend the summer season in Bristol, where Helen can sharpen her Reclaimer powers. Then the long-term effects of Carlston’s Reclaimer work take hold, and his sanity begins to slip. At the same time, Carlston’s Dark Days Club colleague and nemesis will stop at nothing to bring Helen over to his side—and the Duke of Selburn is determined to marry her. The stakes are ever higher for Helen, and her decision will truly change the world…

Goodreads

Wayfarer
Series: Passenger #2
Author: Alexandra Bracken
January 12th 2017 by Quercus Children's Books
All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected - Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master's heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta's past could put them both at risk.
Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realises that one of his companions may have ulterior motives.
As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognisable ... and might just run out on both of them.
Goodreads

Frostblood
Series: Frostblood Saga #1
Author: Elly Blake
January 12th 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton
The first in a page-turning young adult fantasy series perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series.
In a land governed by the cruel Frostblood ruling class, seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has spent most of her life hiding her ability to manipulate heat and light - until the day the soldiers come to raid her village and kill her mother. Ruby vows revenge on the tyrannous Frost King responsible for the massacre of her people.
But Ruby's powers are unpredictable...and so are the feelings she has for Arcus, the scarred, mysterious Frostblood warrior who shares her goal to kill the Frost King, albeit for his own reasons. When Ruby is captured by the Frost King's men, she's taken right into the heart of the enemy. Now she only has one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who took everything from her - and in doing so, she must unleash the powers she's spent her whole life withholding.
Frostblood is set in world where flame and ice are mortal enemies - but together create a power that could change everything.
Goodreads

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

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

Heartstone
Series: None
Author: Elle Katharine White
January 17th 2017 by Harper Voyager

A debut historical fantasy that recasts Jane Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice in an imaginative world of wyverns, dragons, and the warriors who fight alongside them against the monsters that threaten the kingdom: gryphons, direwolves, lamias, banshees, and lindworms.
They say a Rider in possession of a good blade must be in want of a monster to slay—and Merybourne Manor has plenty of monsters.

Passionate, headstrong Aliza Bentaine knows this all too well; she’s already lost one sister to the invading gryphons. So when Lord Merybourne hires a band of Riders to hunt down the horde, Aliza is relieved her home will soon be safe again.
Her relief is short-lived. With the arrival of the haughty and handsome dragonrider, Alastair Daired, Aliza expects a battle; what she doesn’t expect is a romantic clash of wills, pitting words and wit against the pride of an ancient house. Nor does she anticipate the mystery that follows them from Merybourne Manor, its roots running deep as the foundations of the kingdom itself, where something old and dreadful slumbers . . . something far more sinister than gryphons.
It’s a war Aliza is ill-prepared to wage, on a battlefield she’s never known before: one spanning kingdoms, class lines, and the curious nature of her own heart.
Elle Katharine White infuses elements of Austen’s beloved novel with her own brand of magic, crafting a modern epic fantasy that conjures a familiar yet wondrously unique new world.

Goodreads

Carve the Mark
Series: Untitled Duology #1
Author: Veronica Roth
January 17th 2017 by HarperCollins
On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.
Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.
Goodreads

Take the Key and Lock Her Up
Series: Embassy Row #3
Author: Ally Carter
January 26th 2017 by Orchard Books
The third and final instalment in the thrilling Embassy Row series.
Grace has discovered that she's the lost princess of Adria ... but some people would prefer she stay lost. With her brother's life hanging in the balance and secret assassins everywhere, life on Embassy Row has never been more dangerous.
Goodreads

By Your Side
Series: None
Author: Kasie West
January 31st 2017 by HarperTeen

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.
When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.
Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Goodreads

Caraval
Series: Untitled #1
Author: Stephanie Garber
January 31st 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton

Welcome to Caraval, where nothing is quite what it seems.
Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.

Goodreads

What has caught your eye for January? Have you read any of these? Let me know :)

2017

2017 books I'm desperate for

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There's a load of books coming out in 2017 that I am excited about and here are some of them.

Ones I have already read and enjoyed:
- Mafiosa by Catherine Doyle
- Wing Jones by Katherine Webber
- Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake
- Carve the Mark (Untitled Duology #1) by Veronica Roth
- Take the Key and Lock Her Up (Embassy Row #3) by Ally Carter
- Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Some of the 2017 books I've already preordered:
- Wayfarer (Passenger #2) by Alexandra Bracken
- Heartstone by Elle Katharine White
- Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by Alwyn Hamilton
- Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
- These Ruthless Deeds (These Vicious Masks #2) by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas
- Hunted by Meagan Spooner
- Blacksouls (Blackhearts #2) by Nicole Castroman
- Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey
- When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
- Changes in Latitudes by Jen Malone
- Just Friends by Tiffany Pitcock

And finally some I have on my wishlist:
- Lost Causes by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Untitled (The Illuminae Files #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
- Untitled Standalone by Stephanie Perkins
- Untitled (Stream Raiders #1) by Sara Raasch
- Untitled (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3) by Rae Carson
- Untitled (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco
- Before She Ignites (Fallen Isles Trilogy #1) by Jodi Meadows
- The Dark Days Pact (Lady Helen #2) by Alison Goodman
- Poison's Kiss (Poison's Kiss #1) by Breeana Shields
- Windwitch (The Witchlands 2) by Susan Dennard
- By Your Side by Kasie West
- Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt
- Returned (Forbidden #3) by Kimberley Griffiths Little
- King's Cage (Red Queen #3) by Victoria Aveyard
- The Last of August (Charlotte Holmes #2) by Brittany Cavallaro
- The Wish Granter (Ravenspire #2) by C.J. Redwine
- Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas
- The Ship Beyond Time (The Girl From Everywhere #2) by Heidi Heilig
- The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins
- Blood Rose Rebellion (Blood Rose Rebellion #1) by Rosalyn Eves
- A Crown of Wishes (The Star-Touched Queen #2) by Roshani Chokshi
- Alex Approximately by Jenn Bennett
- Always and Forever, Lara Jean (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3) by Jenny Han
- The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo #2) by Rick Riordan - The Hundredth Queen by Emily R King
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
- Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh
- The Crown's Fate (The Crown's Game #2) by Evelyn Skye
- Romancing the Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney
- Obsidian and Stars (Ivory and Bone #2) by Julie Eshbaugh
- Thief's Cunning (Assassin's Heart #2) by Sarah Ahiers
- Now I Rise (The Conquerer's Saga #2) by Kiersten White
- Coming Up for Air (Hundred Oaks #8) by Miranda Kenneally
- The Ends of the World (The Conspiracy of Us #3) by Maggie Hall
- Lucky in Love by Kasie West
- Sparks of Light (Into the Dim #2) by Janet B. Taylor
- Crystal Blade (Burning Glass #2) by Kathryn Purdie
- The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3) by Rick Riordan
- The Gatlon School for Vigilantes (The Gatlon Trilogy #1) by Marissa Meyer

Right, well there's a lot there, but I managed to read 120 books in 2016, so I might be able to read all of these, hopefully! Let me know what 2017 books you're looking forward to.