Red Palace (White Hart #2) by Sarah Dalton - Review by Kimmy

Hi folks,

I'm so excited to share the following review with you all:

Red Palace (White Hart #2)

by Sarah Dalton

Released: 19th September 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

I am here when you run from me,

You cannot touch me, but I make you cold.

I am there in the faint of heart,

But rarely with the daring, and bold.
One by one the members of court fall, cursed into a deep sleep. Silence spreads through the castle, and only Mae Waylander stands.

To break the curse, Mae must face a formidable opponent. She is the only one with a chance to restore order to the Red Palace, but she is unprepared for the trials that await her. She is brave at heart, but is her bravery enough?

In this thrilling follow up to White Hart, Mae faces her toughest challenge yet. With temptation, fear, and evil in her path, can she complete her task? And what will she lose in doing so?

Book two in the White Hart series.

Review:

Yay, its finally here.  I have been counting down the days until this book was available.  The lovely Sarah Dalton contacted me asking if I would be interesting in reading and reviewing an arc copy of Red Palace.  I almost bit her hand off at the opportunity lol.

For those of you who are new to the White Hart series, you can read my review of the first book by clicking here.  This is one series you want to get your hands on!

The first book left us hanging with a major cliffhanger.  It sucked having to wait, but it was so worth it.  Immediately drawn back into Mae's world, we continue on her journey as craft-born.  Mae has grown into a brave young woman, her life dramatically changed since we first met her and unfortunately for Mae, its just the tip of the iceberg.  Her newest challenge is to face fear itself, supported by two great characters, Mae takes us on another epic adventure!

Red Palace is an amazing fantasy story full of magic, feels and much much more.  Sarah Dalton has a gift in being able to pull her readers into the book and leave you addicted and wanting more.  Again the ending of the second book.....why do you do this to me woman!?!?! lol I need the 3rd book like now!!! 

So what are you waiting for, get this book added to your Goodreads shelf, spread the word to your fellow readers and go get it.  This is an amazing series!

Feeling lucky? Head over to Goodreads and enter the competition for your chance to win a signed paperback.  Good luck!

Congratulations to Sarah Dalton, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

Goodreads Page

Sarah Dalton Website

Goodreads Competition
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble

WWW Wednesdays #1 (10th September 2014) by Rinny

I have decided to do something different this week. I have found a new meme to try! Hosted by Miz B at Should be Reading. Let me know in comments if you would like to see more of these.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading 

BLURB

Daniel Zurenski feels like a total loser, but he's about to encounter a crazy array of characters who are going to change his life forever. It starts with Fred Zimmerman (and his unique pet) who scrubs pots at The Spaghetti Barn restaurant and accidentally sets off a disastrous chain of events. There's the volatile restaurant manager Paolo and his greasy head chef nephew Tony. Then there's a fanatical sports reporter named Bruce Jagerski who dreams of winning a marathon if only he didn't have such a bizarre running style. All come together during marathon race weekend in this hilarious tale which will keep you guessing right to the finish line. 

Goodreads

I plan to start reading this today fingers crossed. I managed one page yesterday before the puppy distracted me by being a little devil lol.

I recently finished reading

BLURB

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn't forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
 


Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she'll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

Goodreads

My Review

I enjoyed this book a lot. Click My Review above to read my detailed review of this book. I would not be shocked if this makes it into my top ten reads of 2014.

I think I will be reading this next

BLURB
The end of the world just might be their perfect beginning…

Glenview, North Carolina. Also known―at least to sixteen-year-old Ava Pegg―as the Land of Incredibly Boring Vacations. What exactly were her parents thinking when they bought a summer home here? Then the cute-but-really-annoying boy next door shows up at her place in a panic…hollering something about flesh-eating zombies attacking the town.

At first, Ava’s certain that Cole spent a little too much time with his head in the moonshine barrel. But when someone―or something―rotted and terrifying emerges from behind the woodpile, Ava realizes this is no hooch hallucination. The undead are walking in Glenview, and they are hungry. Panicked, Ava and Cole flee into the national forest. No supplies, no weapons. Just two teenagers who don’t even like each other fighting for their lives. But that’s the funny thing about the Zombpocalypse. You never know when you’ll meet your undead end. Or when you’ll fall dead over heels for a boy…

Goodreads

I recently was approved an arc copy of this on netgalley. I am excited to read this something different for me. This book is scheduled for release on the 29th of September 2014.

Do you have your own WWW Wednesday link it below in the comments (If you do not have a blog comment yours below). Have you read any of these books what were your thoughts? Again comment below. Would you like us to make this a regular meme on the blog comment below. Have a nice day :)

Rinny Reviews :The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy

Disclaimer : I was Provided a free ARC copy of this book from Entangled Publishing in return for an honest review.

                    

                                                                 

    Releases (2.9.2014) today!!!!

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Amazon US

Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Itunes
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Blurb

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn’t forgotten their warning to “stay away.” For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the “special gifts” that must be left at the back of the property.
 


Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the centre of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she’ll have to decide between her long time crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

Review

Before I start can we just take a moment to take another look at the cover for this book........ It is gorgeous and fits the book so perfectly. One of the best covers I have seen this year. I was not sure what to expect from this book going in I had not previously read any of the author's work and I find fae books can be hit and miss. I struggled for about the first four/five chapters not with the author's writing, world building or even really the plot. I struggled because at first it seemed a little slow and that it was going to be one of those books to yet again have a love triangle/quartet. I was wrong Salome does have a few males interested in her but in no way is it the dreaded boring love triangle/quartet and not everyone or their intentions are what they seem to be. This book ended up hooking me so much I ended up neglecting everything from my family, chores and the blog! I honest to god went from meh to omg this book is fantastic in the space of a few chapters. 

I found the author's writing beautiful, elegant and powerful. Even before I got hooked on the book I knew I would finish it, because the writing had that special pull to me. The way she described the world around Salome made me feel like i was there in the woods freezing taking in the beauty and the sense of danger around me. She builds us this beautiful, spooky world of ice, and then continues taking us through the seasons with a sense of eerie foreboding what's going to happen? However I did have some minor issues with the dialogue at times mainly repetitiveness. 

I found the plot for this book refreshing and original, a modern day fairy-tale. The book is filled with mystery, magic, twists and suspense.  I have to say I did not exactly see how the ending would work out if at all. However the ending was perfect and exactly as I would have hoped for in a way but also not predictable. We are given an ending that is tied up neatly, although I do feel that a couple of the things that happen throughout the book could have done with more explanation and enlightened as a little more. This does not detract from the story but might leave some readers with unanswered questions about a couple of the characters making said characters hard to engage with and understand (Colton ).

The story is told through our heroine Salome. I liked her as our main character and heroine. She grows through the story in so many ways. Although I do think that the way she handled some of the situations were not as I would see her or a heroine doing. Instead of seeking answers about the curse. It felt like she thought that she should just ask questions over and over to people in a more passive approach. She gets there in the end and instead of the weak, vulnerable young girl we meet at the beginning, she blossoms into a strong brave young woman. I am also glad she does not compromise her morals and beliefs throughout the book even though she has been through and goes through so much.  I think that the book being from another POV or multiple would have left the book lack lustre and destroyed some of the mystery and suspense. 

I found that the characterization was overall good a couple of the characters felt not as developed as others. I also feel that in particular with the three important men in the book, we could have done with some more background and explanation especially when it comes to Colton and his actions. The three men Nevin, Colton and Gareth seemed OTT at first. As the story progresses you learn each is important in their own way and not for the way you might think.  The characters felt real enough to be believable and to form some sort of bond with each of them. Even the side characters were developed enough to seem believable and endearing. I think Salome's grandmother is even for her faults and not so helpful helping ways is adorable. I try to keep my reviews spoiler free but I just can't help but mention I feel that Kadie and Salome should have been tied up slightly better. They were best friends and I do not think the ending should have happened without some thought of Kadie by Salome. If I had to pick a favourite character it would be Gareth. He is just so intriguing, strong and likeable for many reasons. Even though I identify most with Salome because I too have had severe fears to overcome because of trauma, Gareth is the character out of the book I would most like to have as a friend.

Our villain the witch, was brilliantly written so scary, creepy, she could have her own companion novel and I would be first in line to read it. Some of her scenes scared me so much lol and beyond any doubt were some of the best in the novel. I honestly cannot pick just one or even three scenes as my favourite from this novel. There are so many scenes that are important or just amazing in their own way.   Even though the book is a standalone they're is at least three companion novels I could imagine and would love to see in the future. 

I enjoyed this book immensely. I went through so many feels including tears! One minute I would be laughing, the next I would be scared and then a second later angry. I would recommend this book to my family, friends and anyone who enjoys a magical story filled with mystery, suspense and everything you would expect in a great fairy-tale. I think I might have to pick up some more of this author's work soon including a copy of this for my shelf.

My Rating: 

Good Luck Rebekah L. Purdy with the release. We wish you the best success now and in the future.

About The Author & Links

I was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). I’ve lived here most of my life other than the few years I spent in the U.S. Army.  At which time I got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA.

I work full time for the court system and in my free time I write YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for me, but my favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.

I also have a big family–I like to consider us the modern day Brady Bunch. When my hubby and I met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, I had 2 and we have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.

And I can’t forget my other family members–yep, we’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats,  and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…I won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked me into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s my dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of my other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with my kids, and traveling.

I belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it we all write YA!

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Have you read this book? Are you planning on reading this book? Any thoughts or comments? Don't be scared comment below :)

Arc Review: Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen - by Kimmy

Hey all,

Another first in a series I am so excited to share:

Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy #1)

by Danielle L. Jensen

Release Date: 1st April 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.

Review:

Browsing through Netgalley I came across this book.  Again another book cover that instantly caught my attention.  After reading the description, I knew I had to read it.  I submitted my request, and then was lucky enough to receive an eArc copy of this book from Angry Robot Ltd.

In the first two days of reading this book, I got to 97% completion.  I just couldn't put it down.  I would have finished the book that evening on the second read if it weren't for a combination of having to get up for work in about 5 hours and not wanting to finish the book because again its another series and I just wanted to keep reading more and more!

What is it with me reading the first books of a series lately that aren't even released yet.  I'm killing myself here lol.  Not only do I have to wait until the book is officially released, but then I need to wait for the next book in the series....arghhhh....gief now!

This book is such a beautiful story.  A world filled with fantasy, romance and politics.  An introduction to a hidden, magical place, full of a race that we thought only existed in fairytales.  So well described, you have no problems imagining it.  You get to experience Cécile's emotions as she is torn away from her dream life, forced by a magical bind in marriage to a prince of a cruel race.  Grow with Cécile as things begin to change, making new friends, experiencing feelings she didn't think would be possible and discovering powers that she never realised she had.

So what are you waiting for, get this book added to your Goodreads shelf, spread the word to your fellow readers and get ready to purchase this book on the 1st April 2014.  This is going to be another amazing series!

Congratulations to Danielle L.Jenson, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

Goodreads Page

Danielle L. Jensen's Website

Arc Review: White Hart (White Hart #1) - Sarah Dalton by Kimmy

Hi folks,

I'm so excited to share the following review with you all:

White Hart (White Hart #1)

by Sarah Dalton

Release Date: 1st March 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

Mae never asked to be craft-born. She never wanted that burden.

The realm needs magic again, and the the King of Aegunlund has been waiting for the first craft-born girl to marry his son, Prince Casimir.

In Mae's town of Halts-Walden, the ambitious miller claims his daughter Ellen is craft-born. Mae knows this is a load of hogwash, but she's glad Ellen will have the unfortunate pleasure of becoming queen instead of her. All she has to do is sit back and wait until Casimir and Ellen are married, then she will finally be free of the threat of her fate. But on that day an event so shocking and terrible occurs that Mae finds herself entering the neighbouring cursed forest on a quest she never thought she'd have to follow. 

Join Mae as she rides her white stag through the Waerg Woods with a pampered prince at her heels. She's out for revenge and nothing, no one, will get in her way.

Review:

I had been doing a bit of searching through Goodreads, looking for books to add to my anticipated reads 2014 list.  Upon seeing this cover, it instantly caught my attention.  So simple, yet effective.  A proud mythical creature beckoning me into its world.  Inviting me on an adventure!

From the first page I was instantly hooked.  The storyline was so well written, the progression unrushed.  Mae is such a loveable character, a free spirit and yearning for adventure.  The authors writing style leaves nothing to the imagination.  Everything has just the right amount of detail, you almost feel like your there, your Mae and this is your journey.  

All 3 times I picked this up to read, I found it so hard to put down, on the 3rd time I was finished.  Finished the book with a cliffhanger...why do you do this to me!?! lol.  But this is exactly the kind of series I love, ending a book the way this one ended, just makes you want more!

It pains me knowing that this book is only getting released next month.  I need the next books in the series now, I must know what happens next!

So what are you waiting for, get this book added to your Goodreads shelf, spread the word to your fellow readers and get ready to purchase this book on the 1st March 2014.  This is going to be one amazing series!

Feeling lucky? Head over to Goodreads and enter the competition for your chance to win a signed paperback.  Good luck!

Congratulations to Sarah Dalton, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

Goodreads Page

Sarah Dalton Website

Goodreads Competition
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords