Deklan

Deklan by Shay Savage

Nice and short.

And steamy.

I, actually, intended to only check out the latest Shay Savage book. I was thinking if I could get right then and there… maybe I would read it when I was done with this year’s challenge…

I ended up reading it right there. I stayed glued to it for  whole day until almost 4am!

As it is Shay Savage’s thing, there is a gorgeous guy with a messed up childhood. But this one felt way mor wholesome than Arden (who we see something of in this one) or Teague.

This hotty is all sweet an strong. A deadly hitman, but a loving husband. Completely enjoyable. The only downside? This story gets told from the point of view of Deklan‘s new young (almost child like) bride. She’s a young girl, pushed into marriage with a mob boss’ son, as a means to pay a debt. But things change at the last minute and she ends up being pushed to marry down on chain of power.

An it ends up being the best thing that could’ve happened to her.

Honestly… if you’re looking for a deep inside into the working of arranged marriages within the mob… you’re in to wrong section of the book store. If what you want is something simple and steamy to take your mind off things… then, this is the book for you. I has many stops in plot and action to take you into the bedroom, with aggressive and hot sex. Some of those feel even a bit unnecessary… but it is completely grabbing.

It is incredibly easy to stay glue to it to the end.

 

Definitely enjoyed it, but not something to have at the office.

 

 

Grave Ransom

It took me only one day to read through the whole thing. It is that easy to get into it.

Grave Ransom by Kalayna Price

The whole idea of Alex’s castle and the mixed reality of havin it just pop up in the backyard is fascinating. I loved that. I think we are finally getting to know the extent of Alex’s magic powers, the ones that everyone has seemed to find so game-changing.

There were some downs, like that crazy violent and annoying special agent, and the apparent last appearance of my favorite character: death. Of course, their relationship was doomed to end from the beginning, so their break up was expected and inevitable, but still… That was my favorite character.

I understand, though. Alex is getting more and more into the fae world. Even living in a fae castle. She is basically immortal now, right? So, it makes complete sense to have her move away from the guy that cannot come into that world with her.

But besides the whole series story arch, the mystery this time is great. Dead bodies walking around! It was really good, specially when it had nothing to do with zombies. I’m not that big a fan of zombies.

I’m still confused about Rihanna’s lover/protector/friend/pet. What’s going on there? And is the winter queen losing her mind? Will she be a less annoying and paranoid without the poison she was being fed?

I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book. Yes. Another endless series. Good thing I’m still enjoying it.

The Lunar Chronicles

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

I absolutely loved The Lunar Chronicles, all of them. It is one of my favorite series of recent years. So, of course, Fairest has been on the list for quite a while now… but as I don’t expect to see any Iko at all, and very little Cinder if any at all… it wasn’t moved to the top at all.

Well, now it is due. And I’m really looking forward to it. There should be a good dose of royal and family drama. Almost like watching  a new season of The Crown…

…but on the moon…

… and with mind powers…

… and without Prime Ministers.

So… nothing like The Crown, I imagine.

Unexpected Circumstances: The Handmaid

The Handmaid by Shay Savage

I think the only reason I couldn’t finish this book in one afternoon was my work schedule. I didn’t very much like that.

I’m no stranger to books that can be red non-stop through, nor have a problem with short books, and I’m definitely no stranger to Shay’s way to take you all the way through  story in segments without feeling like you stopped to change books.

The problem I had with the Handmaid was the fact that it felt more like a long prologue or a first chapter than like a whole story. There was really nothing going on there. You are barely starting to get  feel for what’s going on and who these character are, when the book is suddenly over.

I felt cheated. Of course, I’m going to read the whole series, but this one really felt like it could have come in a single book. 

Beyond that, I couldn’t tell you much. I am intrigued, and you can definitely see some sexy moments coming your way… but nothing much has happened yet.

 

NSFW

Specimen by Shay Savage

Definitely not appropriate for reading in public, specially if you’re like me and it requires effort and concentration to keep what goes through your head to show on your face.

Specimen by Shay Savage

I did enjoy it, though. Besides the hot and detailed sex descriptions, there is also a good story being told. There are super soldiers, and brain-machine interfaces, mad scientist experimenting with human beings, and all a bunch of stuff that can be considered immoral, but it is not because it happens in a post-disaster world.

It kind of made me think about all the things we would be willing to do to eachother as humans when survival is the immediate goal. I imagine we wouldn’t be so “civilized” then…

I also like the ending of this story. It took a moment to let it settle, but I honestly think it couldn’t have gone any other way. And it wasn’t even that surprising with the pace and direction of the book. It did feel a little sad, though.

But I won’t spoil it for you. Let me just say that it took me back to when I read 1984 by George Orwell. That’s all I’m saying.

Some more…

Specimen by Shay Savage

 

I’m still feeling in the mood for some non-sequential stories.
Not that I don’t enjoy a good book series as much as the next person, but it does feel like all books are part of a series lately. Don’t you think so?

So, Specimen by Shay Savage. One more Savage book, and a stand-alone one.

Also, something a little but more blush-inducing and grown-up. If I remember correctly, this is supposed to be way more erotic than other ones, so what better to take my mind out of all other nonsense that has been plaguing me lately. Right?

Current goal: Cake.

Win Some, Lose Some by Shay Savage

As you know, I’m a fan of Shay Savage‘s books. To me, they are like a good scoop of sorbet. Delicious, refreshing and excellent to cleanse my mind from all stories and free it for new stories.

It is not uncommon for me to get stuck on a story. Sometimes, even when I didn’t really enjoy the, that much, little pieces of moments get replayed over and over in my head. Sometimes, I even dream about them for days in a row… And even when that doesn’t happen, I feel like little left over residues of old stories and plots get smeared in my mind everytime I read a new book.

Win Some, Lose Some by Shay Savage

But there are these ones… these stories… that take everything else out of my mind as I go trough them. Like washing the blackboard before using it again. Win Some, Lose Some felt like that.

Of course, that is NOT to say that I didn’t enjoy it for itself. This is the only book I have ever read with a main character with autism. I think that makes it special.

Matthew Rohan is a very smart young man, to whom very sad things have happened, but all that on top of his social deficits, are not really what defines all that he is… And I think that’s the main thing we all most always remember. Our differences, be these what they’d be, are not what defines us as people… Our actions do.

But this is not the only reason I liked this book, it is also lovely. The budding relationship between Matthew and Mayra, the bond between siblings that Matthew enjoys with his sister even when they both have their own issues, and even the glimpses we get of all other relationships between many characters… I thought it was all simply lovely.

This was a heartwarming reading, even win the sad and dramatic bits.

But, hey! There’s a reason why I like Shay Savage‘s books so much.

Way back when…

A week or two ago, Shay Savage, released a new book: Win Some, Lose Some.

Win Some, Lose Some by Shay Savage

I remember reading online about this release ahead of time, and even remember writing it down in my planner, but it still caught me a bit by surprise. I was still in the middle of The Queen of the Damned, but I really wanted to read this one… So I added it to the top of my To-read list.

And here we are now.

I remember reading this story when it was just fanfiction, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this story evolved and grew up into its own book. It was already one of my favorite Shay Savage stories, so I’m already half in-love with it.

Nameless is my price

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

OH MY GOD!

This book was amazing!! I have no words for how much I’m absolutely in-love. I was at the edge of my sit during the whole thing, there was no good moment to stop or even breathe!

Queen Aelin Ashryver Galathynious spent the whole 700 pages going for one betrayal to a disaster to an ambush, to another betrayal and ambush. It was insane! I LOVED IT!!

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms is the fifth installment in the Throne of Glass series, so there is a lot happening that relates and/or recounts what has been happening since the beginning. And this one has way more explanations about how all those things merge together. So there were many times I felt like I should be re-reading all the previous books to freshen up my memory about the details.

I also think I waited to long to read Asassin’s Blade. There were a few new character that I felt I should know already, and many more that I think we’re mentioned lightly before hand.

But all of that, didn’t matter. The story was awesome! Simply mind-blowing.

Land not just because of all the magic and battles, but also for all the scheming and surprising turns of events. Then, of course, there was a couple of sexy times and a lot of built-up.

The next book -that still has no name- better be as good. I think better is impossible, but I wouldn’t discourage Sarah J. Maas for trying,

The downside? The wait for the conclusion of the story is going to be a year.

A WHOLE year!

Catching me unaware

A couple of days ago, I saw someone online quoting Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas… and that’s when I realized I had missed the release!

I remember learning the book was available for pre-purchase, and it being a bit over the leftover book budget I had at the moment. I have proved myself that I have a terrible memory about all things and need to either make my handy smartphone remind me of even the smallest thing, of stop putting off the things I want.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

The second choice doesn’t seem very doable when most of my ideas come to me at crazy hour of the night where doing the slightest thing about it is difficult.

I was already two-thirds into The Last Four Things, so I decided to finish that and then devote my weekend to this one.

I’m not sure how excited am I. Definitely less than last time, but still quite eager to read more about Rowan Whitethorn and Aelin Galathynious… She’s supposed to be back to her homeland now, ready to reclaim the throne. I can’t wait to see how that goes.

This is the 5th in The Throne of Glass series, but his time I’m quite sure this is not meant to be that last. I understand there are two more expected to be published before the story is actually over.

Bereavement

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

This is a sequel to Seraphina, and follows a couple of months after the end of the previous book. It was more complex and offered more details about the world in which our main character lives. Not just to her native Goredd, but also the neighboring countries… Their religion, politics and social structures. Even the inner workings of the Tanamoot, or dragon society, that seems to be crumbling in itself.

In that regard, it was a wonderful book. I felt it constructed a whole universe where these characters dwell and where interacting with dragons and Ityasaari (half.-dragons, half-humans) is entirely possible. So many things were explained, from the actions and reactions of people to their believes and motivations.

Shadow Sale by Rachel Hartman

We got to know Abdo‘s family, and his gods, Chance and Necessity. Of all the religions I’ve ever read about, this is one that makes the much sense to me. This world, in all its complexity, completely bowled me over. It was wonderful.

On the other had, though, there were many thing that Seraphina did or didn’t that I found frustratingly near-sighted, and while the ultimate fate of Jannoula felt right and appropriate, the actual end of the book felt way too sad.

SPOILER ALERT

Jannoula‘s goal was achieved at the end, she took everything of sentimental value away from Seraphina. She tainted her life goals and chased away her brethren, she killed her friend and took her beloved Uncle Orma from her.

And even when, thanks to her need to fight Jannoula back, she managed to unleash her powers and come to a better and deeper understanding of the world, she never gets to keep the love of her life. Prince Lucian Kiggs ends up marrying Queen Glisselda, even when even the Queen herself seems to be in-love with Seraphina. How messed up is that?!

I think it was all just too sad.

And even worst, she didn’t seem all that heartbroken about it! That is what I found the most perplexing. I can understand about duty and putting the needs of the nation before her own heart’s desires, but she ends up all alone and… I don’t know. It just felt depressing.

Still, it was a great book…  magnificently written.

Unexpected horrors

Commodity by Shay Savage

 

I don’t think it is possible to Love this book. It has nothing to do with either the writing nor the plot, it is just the content. How can you possibly love a book about human trafficking, rape and world-wide extermination?!

It was a hard read the first time around, I don’t think I would be up for reading it again in a very very long time… If ever.

Commodity by Shay Savage

I have to say I was grateful for the mid-book time leap that we get between part 1 and 2. I’m not always a fan of time voids or jumps that happen in he middle of the action part of the story, or that leave you hanging with out knowing the fate of one of the main characters, but this time I seriously appreciate not having to witness the horrors Hannah had to endure, from her own perspective. I think that would have just made the whole thing unreadable.

All in all, it was not that far from what I’ve come to expect from Shay Savage. She always delivers some heart-wrenching stuff just when you were hoping things would get better.

I did have a problem with the Alien part of this story, thou… If it weren’t because it was alluded  to in the introduction, it would have felt completely forced…

Specially that last encounter Falk has with them, that turns out not to be the first one he has!

It felt like a last minute addition to me that didn’t quite flow right, but I guess some kind of explanation had to be given for the almost extermination of the whole human  race… Right?

Maybe it would’ve been better for it to remain a mystery to just speculation.

 

Long awaited

Commodity by Shay Savage

Ok. Let’s get away from the painfully realistic and delve more into he doomsday scenario.

I’m a big fan of Shay Savage, and I had been waiting for quite a while to be able to read Commodity, but I hadn’t been able to get my hands on it.

In true Shay Savage fashion, I eagerly expecting some tortured main make character and some very disturbing obstacles. I really like this author, and I guess that shoots my expectations quite up, but I’m not worried about it.

Cliffhanger

Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

Serial killers.

Who doesn’t enjoy stories about serial killers?

I do. Does that make me weird?

Without wanting to get too much into how old I am, let me tell you that I used to watch -and love- Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And this book series is starting to feel like that. Every book a new episode. Including the post-conclusion chapter that only gives you a taste os what is to come without any details to tie you over. All designed to make you read the next book, I’m sure.

I did feel more repetition of previous books facts, but that could be because I read this one right after the previous one without any pause nor delay. We did get more information about Alex Craft and her childhood and origins, but for every new thing we learn, 20 more questions pop up. There is so much mystery and confusion around her father and his motives that it’s becoming a bit of a drag, and the no-progress is driving me a bit nuts.

Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

Another thing that’s starting to worry me, is all the leftover bits. There are a few facts and events from  Grave Witch and Grave Dance that seem to have been neglected or happened for no reason. I really hope I’m wrong and the author is planning to collect all those bits and pieces that Alex seems to be forgetting and use them in a creative way further down the story line. Otherwise I’ll be seriously disappointed.

Things are getting more and more dicey with Alex‘s personal life and that, I think, makes the story more interesting… if not taken too far. I don’t think I would enjoy if the next book focuses too much in her romantic woes instead of all the crime and social/political issues popping up around her. I mean… her city is in the verge of chaos! and her father playing a very unknown and convoluted political game around her! And her friendships are going through a rough patch. I think all that needs to be more important than the two boys vying for her attentions..

But I guess there’s nothing but wait and see.

I don’t know when I’ll be able to get to the fourth book of this series, Grave Visions, but I’ll keep you posted.

Witch or fae

I’ve found that I really enjoy these easy to read mystery books.

Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

Of course, fantasy is one of my favorite genres and witches, one of my favorite subjects… But this side dish of detective work gives it an extra something that I hadn’t realize could be so fantastic.

I think at some point I simply enjoyed the magic and mystery that comes with witches, but now that I’m somewhat of an adult (whatever that actually means), I also -and particularly- enjoy the strong female characters that can be commonly found in witch-stories.

So now, I’m indulging my fondness for witches and lead female characters with the Alex Craft series. The third book, Grave Memory, is not the last one of the series, but it is the lat one of these in my shelf.

Maybe after this, I’ll go looking for some more mystery/thriller books.

Each book has a crime/mystery that has been solved by the last page, but there’s also a unifying back story that has been equally interesting. Maybe with this book we’ll finally get to discover what kind of fae -if any- Alex Craft will turn into and how will that mess up with her witch skills.

Can she be both? A Grave Witch and a Sleagh Maith? Let’s find out!