Sophie Reads YA

Waiting on Wednesday: Ten Thousand Skies Above You (Firebird #2) by Claudia Gray

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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:

Ten Thousand Skies Above You
Series: Firebird #2
Author: Claudia Gray
Published November 3rd 2015 by Harper Teen

Goodreads Summary
Marguerite Caine has done the impossible, traveling to alternate dimensions with the Firebird—the brilliant invention of her parents, her boyfriend, Paul, and their friend Theo. But she has also caught the attention of enemies willing to kidnap, blackmail, and even kill to use the Firebird for themselves.

When Paul’s soul is splintered into four pieces—pieces that are trapped within Pauls in other dimensions—Marguerite will do anything, and travel anywhere, to save him. But the price of his safe return is steep. If she doesn’t sabotage her parents in multiple universes, Paul will be lost forever.

Unwilling to sacrifice her family, Marguerite enlists the brilliant Theo to help. The two forge a plan to save Paul and the Firebird, but succeeding means outsmarting a genius and risking not only their lives but also the lives of their counterparts in every other dimension.

Their mission takes them to the most dangerous universes yet: a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each leap brings Marguerite closer to saving Paul—but her journey reveals dark truths that lead her to doubt the one constant she’s found between the worlds: their love for each other.
Goodreads

Why I'm waiting:

I fell in love with the different worlds we discovered in A Thousand Pieces of You, and just knowing there will be different ones here is amazing.
I want to explore the relationship between Marguerite and Paul further, as well as their relationships with Theo, as he wasn't shown positively in book 1.

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this book, and let me tell you that it definitely lived up to my expectations, and even exceeded them. I can't stress enough that this series is one to pick up!

See my review, here.

Are you waiting for this book? Have you already read it? Let me know :)

5 Stars

ARC Review: Ten Thousand Skies Above You (Firebird #2) by Claudia Gray

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Ten Thousand Skies Above You
Series: Firebird #2
Author: Claudia Gray
Published November 3rd 2015 by Harperteen

Goodreads Synopsis
Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above You features Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamoring for the next book.
Goodreads

Review
My review of book 1, A Thousand Pieces Of You.

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

This book was one I was not expecting to be able to read before publication. One day, I was browsing Twitter and noticed the Harper 360 account. Being the cheeky person I am, I asked if there was any way to receive a review copy; imagine my surprise when one comes in the post a few days later. I've been wanting to read this book since I got it in July, but my TBR hasn't let me. Even so, I devoured this 400+ page book in less than three days.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You was a beautiful continuation of the Firebird series. Unlike a lot of middle books in YA series these days, there was no lack of plot, lack of action in this instalment; to be quite honest, I preferred this one to book 1. The main plot of this book is that Marguerite's boyfriend's, Paul, soul has been 'splintered' and is lost over four different dimensions in the multi-verse. In order to save Paul, and stop the toxic Night-thief from harming Theo any more, Marguerite must work with Conley to sabotage the research into the Firebird project in these dimensions. Now, that's not as easy as it sounds. Each of these dimensions has there own similarities with Marguerite's own, but with important differences. She may have thought that fate intervened in everyone, but she would be wrong.

Honestly, this book was a complete rollercoaster. The various settings were all beautiful, in there own way, and including Marguerite's home dimension, we visited 7 or 8 different ones. Just when you were getting to grips with the subtle differences between each of the multi-verses characters, something massive happened, and everything became a lot more angst-y. Even when visiting the Russia-verse from the previous book, somewhere that should have been quite nice, and easy to relax in, problems appeared left, right, and centre. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page, and could've screamed with how it ended - be warned, it will kill you.

Paul and Marguerite will forever be my OTP of this series, but it was not easy sailing for them. Even with the complication of Paul's soul being scattered, there were further challenges that could cripple their relationship in the future. I really enjoyed meeting the various Paul's, just like I had in book 1, and seriously hope this ship keeps sailing throughout the final book. The relationship between Theo and Marguerite was also quite sweet, and I'm happy their friendship has survived after the events of A Thousand Pieces of You.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You was everything I wanted, and more, for this book. If you adored book 1 as much as I did, then this should be right up your street. There was no slump, at all, and the action gripped you from the get go. I am now kind of wishing I hadn't read this book early, as I'll have to wait longer for book 3, but don't regret it one bit. I'd definitely recommend this entire series to YA Sci-Fi lovers; if you haven't already, you should get a hold of these books, ASAP.

Dates Read:
September 12-15, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

October

Stacking the Shelves: October 10th 2015

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4 Stars

Review: The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson (Jessie Jefferson #1) by Paige Toon

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The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson
Series: Jessie Jefferson #1
Author: Paige Toon
Published August 27th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Goodreads Synopsis
Meet Jessie, small-town girl turned wild child...
Jessie has never known her real dad, and when her mum dies she thinks any hope of finding him is gone. As she goes goes off the rails, her stepdad announces that her father is Johnny Jefferson - legendary rockstar and former hell-raiser.
Still dealing with her loss, and now the daughter of a superstar, Jessie is sucked into the LA lifestyle - paparazzi, parties and hot guitar-wielding boys included.
But is Johnny up to the job?
And, more importantly, is Jessie?
Goodreads

Review
I hadn't really heard much about this book, until it's sequel, I Knew You Were Trouble, was released in August. Once I read the synopsis, however, I immediately knew this would be a book I'd like. In The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson, Jessie, who just lost her mother in a freak accident before her 15th birthday, has been spiralling out of control. During one of her many arguments with her step-father, Stu, she finally discovers who her biological father is - rock star Johnny Jefferson. To say she's shocked would be an understatement. After wanting to know for so long, she can't help but be desperate to meet Johnny in person. She is flown to LA to meet her father, step-mother, and half-siblings, though under the guise of the children's nanny, in order to protect her identity.

I loved Jessie. Yes, she's a bit of a mess - drinking, smoking, sneaking out, etc. - but what do you expect from someone who's mother suddenly died the day of her 15th birthday. She's upset, and angry. Her mother would never talk about her father, and she thought she'd now lost him forever too. Luckily her step-father knew who Jessie's biological father was, or else she'd never know. When she met Johnny, she was understandly nervous and worried that her new family wouldn't want her there. Jessie was a very 'real' character, and one I could imagine actually going through everything in the book.

I also really enjoyed Jessie's family members too. Though Stu may not have been her 'real' father, he cared for her, a lot, and tried to help her at everything turn. I'm hoping their relationship is explored more in book 2. Barney and Phoenix, Jessie's half-brothers, where the cutest kids ever, and Jessie's relationship with them was dead sweet. Furthermore, Meg wasn't the stereotypical evil step-mother either, which I was pleasantly surprised by. She may have been a bit wary of Jessie at first, but I can see them having a really nice relationship in the future. There wasn't much of a father-daughter relationship between Johnny and Jessie, but what was there definitely laid the foundation for a beautiful one. I loved their little one-to-one talks, and hope to see more of them.

Jessie may be only 15, but that doesn't mean there's no romance blossoming. Back in Berkshire, she has Tom, the guy she's fancied for ages, who has just asked her to the cinema before she flew to America. While she's meeting her new family, she also meets Jack, the son of one of Johnny's old friends, and they grow very close. I'm not sure who I prefer for Jessie, but I'm sure there'll be a lot of angsty relationship stuff in book 2.

Overall, The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson was a really sweet and fluffy UKYA contemporary. I'm glad I have a copy of I Knew You Were Trouble, cause I can't wait to read more of Jessie's story. Definitely a series I'd recommend.

Dates Read:
September 8-9, 2015

Rating
4 Stars

Ice Like Fire

Waiting on Wednesday: Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch

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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:

Ice Like Fire
Series: Snow Like Ashes #2
Author: Sara Raasch
Published October 13th 2015 by Balzer + Bray

Goodreads Summary
It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world.
Goodreads

Why I'm waiting:

Snow Like Ashes was one of my most anticipated 2014 reads, and is so far in the running for my best read of 2015.
The world building is so creative and unique, and I can't wait for it to be explored further.

Are you waiting for this book? Have you already read it? Let me know :)

5 Stars

ARC Review: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

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Queen of Shadows
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published September 1st 2015 by Bloomsbury UK

Goodreads Synopsis
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
Goodreads

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

Just a bit of a warning here, this will contain spoilers. I'm waiting a month or so to post my review so that a lot of people will have had time to read the book, without being accidentally spoilt. If you haven't read it, and don't want to be spoiled, I suggest you turn away; otherwise, you have been warned.

Unless you've been stranded on a deserted island or stuck under some rock, you've been waiting for this book. This was quite possibly the most anticipated book of 2015, and the majority of my twitter and goodreads friends have been dying to get their hands on Queen of Shadows. A few weeks before publication, spoilers started circulating about the book, and a lot of people, myself included, were really wary about any forms of social media in case we were completely spoilt. I managed to avoid a lot of them, but did see some that made me a tad scared to start this book. However, I can safely say that although I had a few problems with Queen of Shadows, that I'll get to later, I adored the book, and it's definitely my favourite of the entire series.

Firstly, the major problem I had with Queen of Shadows was something that I'd already been pre-warned (read: spoiled) about, and that was the portrayal of Chaol. I think a lot of people had a feeling that the Chaolaena ship had already sunk harder than the Titanic, but that didn't mean Chaol had to have a complete brain transplant. Seriously, he was a completely different person to how he was in the previous books. He was a complete and utter jerk, and worse names could be used. I wanted to slap him pretty much every time he opened his mouth, and I'd loved him before. Not cool, Sarah, not cool.

That being said, although I'd been a staunch Chaolaena shipper, I quite welcomed the relationship between Aelin and Rowan. I think that's because, like a lot of people have been saying via social media, Aelin =/= Celaeana. Yes they may be the same person, but actually, they're not. Celaena was an assassin who suffered left, right, and centre; Aelin is a Queen. Rowan is a lot more suited to Aelin than anyone else we've seen, and their every interaction was really steamy.

Dorian was just like a lost puppy who needed a big old hug for the majority of the book. After the dramatic events at the climax of Heir of Fire, Dorian is struggling with his humanity, and is losing himself to the Valg prince's control. There were times that I really thought he was gone, and that death would be a more humane than the life he was 'living.'

I adored the new characters, especially Lysandra. I've heard she is also in The Assassin's Blade novella bind up, but I've not read that yet. Each of the new characters brought something new to the plot line, and were really a nice addition, rather than taking away from the old characters. I'm hoping Elide's storyline pans out well, and that she doesn't suffer forever.

Manon, was also a pleasant surprise. When I read Heir of Fire last year, I was seriously bored by her chapters. I'd never clicked with her, and felt like she interrupted Celaena's plot line too much. In this book, however, she really blossomed. She was more of an integral role to the plot, and to the plots of the subsequent books, I'm sure. This time, I couldn't want to get to her's and Elide's chapters, because they were just as vital for information as anyone elses.

Whilst I may have been wary to start this book, that in no way stopped me from devouring the whopper in just over a day. I can't believe I've read 656 pages in that short a time, but it never felt like it was long. The action was there from the get go, and never slowed for a second. You were hit from every side by a multitude of emotions, and didn't have time to calm down before something else happened. Though Sarah upset me slightly with Chaol actions, I will always trust her to do what is best for Aelin, and that's really all that matters. Aelin is queen, and she's will 'rattle the stars'. Seriously, I can't recommend this series enough, and you need to read it as soon as possible.

Dates Read:

September 1-2, 2015

Rating
5 Stars