Review Redux: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Grad Student review this A YEAR AGO.  Bitterblue is the third book in the Graceling Series, following Graceling and Fire. Slow to the plate over here:

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart (GoodReads)

See Grad Student's full review here,   and our previous reviews of Book 1, Graceling here, and here.  We also loved Book 2,Fire, reviewed here.  Are you sensing the theme?

My Review Redux:  This book is great! It has all the classic elements of a fantasy story without (too many) eye rolls or ridiculously complex and twisted plots. I loved the characters, especially Po and Kasta,  and Saf, the complexity and how the story carried over from Graceling and Fire.

This series is a real gem, if you too haven't read it yet, what ARE you waiting for!?  Slow claps to Cashore for a very compelling series.

Top Ten Tuesday: Feb 25th- REWIND: Top Ten Books That Will Make You Swoon

On this TTT rewind, we are jumping back to the Top Ten Books That Will Make You Swoon from February 4th.  [NOTE MINI DIVERGENT SPOILER AHEAD.  You have been warned.]


1. Perchance to Dream.  Ariel, Swoonmaster! Team Ariel over here, as well documented.

via

2. Divergent Series- The love and loss was just so so sad.  I believe the whole internet agrees.

3. Will and Jem from the Infernal Devices series.  Just hunky hunks doing their thing and killing bad guys.

4. Archer from Fire

5. Gale, especially from the movie cause he is just undeniably a hunk.


6.  The Raven Boys- ALL OF THEM, in their own ways. 

Cheers to the Broke and Bookish for hosting as always!  What's on your list?

Review: The Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susan Cokal

The Kingdom of Little Wounds was a 2013 runner Printz Award honors recipient and I was excited to get a copy.

A young seamstress and a royal nursemaid find themselves at the center of an epic power struggle in this stunning young-adult debut.

On the eve of Princess Sophia’s wedding, the Scandinavian city of Skyggehavn prepares to fete the occasion with a sumptuous display of riches: brocade and satin and jewels, feasts of sugar fruit and sweet spiced wine. Yet beneath the veneer of celebration, a shiver of darkness creeps through the palace halls. A mysterious illness plagues the royal family, threatening the lives of the throne’s heirs, and a courtier’s wolfish hunger for the king’s favors sets a devious plot in motion.

Here in the palace at Skyggehavn, things are seldom as they seem — and when a single errant prick of a needle sets off a series of events that will alter the course of history, the fates of seamstress Ava Bingen and mute nursemaid Midi Sorte become irrevocably intertwined with that of mad Queen Isabel. As they navigate a tangled web of palace intrigue, power-lust, and deception, Ava and Midi must carve out their own survival any way they can.

Can we just say, this is BORDERLINE YA.  I am going to say not YA at all, like maybe not for middle schoolers, or even high schoolers??  Mildly disturbing, violence against women, and general grossness of historical fiction.

Originality: 9.  Super unique setting, story telling characters, and never-ending twists of power in a historical kingdom.    Even the format of the book was unique, with section page designs, red page edges, and fairy tale interludes.

Absurdity: 10.  Really nutty over all.  Kinda like Survivor meets Historical Fiction in a race for power.  Am I making it clear how crazy I thought this book was?

Level of Paranormal Romance:  NA.   There is very little love, or even friendship in this story.  Poor Ava, it is just not going to happen, life is hard.

Level of Harry-Potterness: 7.  Overall, this book was just DIFFERENT.  I cant say that I liked the characters, or the story, but I COULD NOT STOP.  At times grossed out, but still unable to put it down and compelled to finish.  I guess that is one way to identify a good story, eh?    

If you are looking for a detailed, compelling story that is gothic and dark, go for it.  You will not be dissapointed.

Waiting on Wednesday: Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

Ooo, here it comes!! The final story by Rossi in the Under the Never Sky trilogy:

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

This came out in January... anyone grab it yet!? LET US KNOW!

A cheers of our whiskey sour to Breaking the Spine for Hosting WoW, dedicated to upcoming releases we can't wait to read. What are you waiting on?

Stacking the Shelves: the best of YA

Stacking the Shelves... a day late....This is my first Stacking the Shelves! Gasp!  But too good to hold back on the 2014 Printz Award winners: "The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature."

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick (2014 Prinz Winner)

Seven stories of passion and love separated by centuries but mysteriously intertwined—this is a tale of horror and beauty, tenderness and sacrifice.

An archaeologist who unearths a mysterious artifact, an airman who finds himself far from home, a painter, a ghost, a vampire, and a Viking: the seven stories in this compelling novel all take place on the remote Scandinavian island of Blessed where a curiously powerful plant that resembles a dragon grows. What binds these stories together? What secrets lurk beneath the surface of this idyllic countryside? And what might be powerful enough to break the cycle of midwinterblood? From award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick comes a book about passion and preservation and ultimately an exploration of the bounds of love.


The Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susann Cokal (2014 Printz Honors) 
A young seamstress and a royal nursemaid find themselves at the center of an epic power struggle in this stunning young-adult debut.

On the eve of Princess Sophia’s wedding, the Scandinavian city of Skyggehavn prepares to fete the occasion with a sumptuous display of riches: brocade and satin and jewels, feasts of sugar fruit and sweet spiced wine. Yet beneath the veneer of celebration, a shiver of darkness creeps through the palace halls. A mysterious illness plagues the royal family, threatening the lives of the throne’s heirs, and a courtier’s wolfish hunger for the king’s favors sets a devious plot in motion.

Here in the palace at Skyggehavn, things are seldom as they seem — and when a single errant prick of a needle sets off a series of events that will alter the course of history, the fates of seamstress Ava Bingen and mute nursemaid Midi Sorte become irrevocably intertwined with that of mad Queen Isabel. As they navigate a tangled web of palace intrigue, power-lust, and deception, Ava and Midi must carve out their own survival any way they can.

What's new to your shelf this morning? As always, a big cheers to Tygna's Reviews for hosting Stacking the Shelves- happy weekend!

Waiting on Wednesday: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Book 3 is coming: (!!!!)

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard. 

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Loved Scarlet, Loved Cinder. Can't wait!

What made your Waiting on Wednesday this week? As always, cheers to Jill at Breaking the Spine for hosting WoW.

Review: The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson

A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil. 

The lush city of Palmares Três shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

Recommended by the NPR Book Concierge, this fell into the YA and Science Fiction and Fantasy Categories... with that cover.. I t was hard to say no, especially in light of NPR's review "Samba, Spiderbots and 'Summer' Love in Far-Future Brazil": 

"And how deliciously unusual to read a YA dystopia that's comfortable with ambiguity and nuance. This is a book that doesn't condescend."

Originality: 10.  So unique, from the social class, to the characters and the story telling. 

Absurdity: 2.  For some reason this never felt absurd, the story was so well told and smooth, no clunky plot twists and mostly relatable teen-age angst.

Level of Paranormal Romance: 9.  The love of the summer king drives this story. June's love, Gil's love, and the city's love.  It is steamy and unconventional and perfect for the story. Best of all- there is not fated-insta love.

Level of Harry-Potter-ness:  8.  This was a complex story that zipped right along, and while there are many futuristic distopias out there, Palmares Tres felt believable and otherworldly.  Read this book, you will not be dissapointed! Definately a caliber above many of the YA books out there.

Waiting on Wednesday: The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

I cannot BELIEVE I am posting this.  Does anyone remember my earlier binge on the first two books in this series? "Basically Hunger Games meets the Bachlorette."  

I am almost embarrassed but god damn I want to know who he picks. And the covers, still beautiful.

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

Publication- May 6th, 2014

What made your Waiting on Wednesday this week? As always, cheers to Jill at Breaking the Spine for hosting WoW.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books That Will Make You Cry

This week's Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Will Make You Cry.  Other then sad country songs and commercials for the Olympics that show parents of Olympians, books top the list of tear-inducing material.


1. The Fault in Our Stars.  Does this even need explanation?  The movie is also going to wreck us I am sure, the trailer did....

2. The Book Thief.  Again, a given.

3.  Harry Potter Book 8.  Not only an end of an era, but the ends of our character's lives were not all butter rum and quidditch practice.

4.  Allegient.  Tears for Four always.

5. Similarly, tears for Gale in Mockingjay

6. Just One Day- GS's review is coming and it made her sad. (ADDENDUM: it made her happy said, she reports, but tears nonetheless)

7. Code Name Verity.  I cried so hard at the end of the book, which was terrible because I was on the metro on the way to work....

8. Jellico Road.  (and here, we really loved this) We have gone on about those one before, but the relationships just hurt in a real way.

Cheers to the Broke and Bookish for hosting as always!  What's on your list?

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin ( Masque of the Red Death #1)

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club, in the depths of her own despair, Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for, no matter what it costs her.

GS read and reviewed this what seems like forever ago, and over Christmas I read this story in about two days. No great literature here, but lots of tattered corsets and steamy looks from boys. This is a Poe/Steampunk mashup, and what the heck, why NOT.

Originality. 9. Plague, corsets, disparity of wealth/class struggles and love.  

Absurdity. 10- I agree with GS about the eye rolling at the goth/punk ripped Victorian dresses  and glittery eye shadow.  This with the dead brother and Prince story line?  Sheesh, a lot is happening here.  Nevermind the dangling above the croc scene!

Level of Paranormal Romance: 7.  Totally disagreed with GF- there is a lot of love for Will over here.

Level of Harry Potterness- 4- I like to set reasonable expectations, in my books, boyfriend, and new years resolutions.   Just for with it for the story, the originality, and the boys.   I am 87% going to continue with the next book in the series!