Shadow Fire Book Blitz

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Shadow Fire

(The Light Chronicles #1)

by

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Release Date: 02/24/14

Astraea Press

 

310 pages

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Sword

Summary from Goodreads:

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

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Excerpt:

We walk in silence for what seems like several hours. The sun is at midday, yet we still haven’t stopped to rest. Zane isn’t holding my hand like he was in the forest. Of course, there’s nothing for me to trip over on this wide clear road, with the exception of the ruts from the wagon wheels.  I miss feeling his strong hand gripping mine. Perhaps I should just be bold like Celeste and take his hand if I want to hold it. The thought leads to a tiny giggle escaping my mouth. I’m mortified when Zane glances back at me, his right eyebrow arched. “Are you okay?” he asks as he stops walking.
My face must be crimson. When I don’t answer, he places his hand on my forehead. “You’re quite warm. Maybe we should rest for a little bit.” I nod my agreement and sit down in the tall grass on the side of the road. Hopefully the grass will conceal my red face from view. Zane does one last survey of our surroundings before lowering himself to the ground next to me. “Here,” he says, handing his canteen to me, “Have some water. It’ll help you feel better.
Be sure to tell me in the future when you need to rest.” Nodding, I take a slow drink while trying to calm my racing heart. Then another unbidden thought enters my mind, and I picture his lips
on the same flask. I choke on the drink I’m taking. Zane pats my back as I sputter and cough. So embarrassing. I wonder what other evils my mind has planned for me. “I’m okay,” I say, handing the flask back, “but I think I’ll hold off on water for a while.” Settling on my back in the thick grass, I hide my red face beneath my arm. Just a couple of minutes and the flush will fade. If I don’t stop blushing around him, he’ll start to think red is my natural skin color. I feel movement in the grass beside me. His fingertips trace a feather light caress along the arm slung over my face. Lowering my arm, I breathe out a tiny gasp. Zane’s face is within inches of mine. I watch his lips curl into a slight smile as his hand moves from my arm to caress my cheek. His garnet eyes are mesmerizing, trapping me within the twin pools of fire. He leans closer, his lips so close yet still too far away. My heart pounds in my chest, my eyes still ensnared by his gaze. His lips meet mine, softly at first, then more demanding. A soft moan escapes my throat, and my eyes flutter closed. “Is this okay?” he asks in a breathless whisper, his lips brushing mine when he speaks. Instead of answering, I wind my arms around his neck, pulling his body closer.
My mouth opens under the soft pressure of his tongue, granting him entrance. He explores my mouth with excruciating slowness.
My body feels like it’s on fire as tiny shivers of pleasure

race up and down my extremities. I bury my fingers into his auburn hair trapping him against me. He groans, pulling me against him, tightening his arms around my upper body, and I feel a delicious warmth pool deep within my body. When his lips leave mine I’m still lost to the sensations, all so raw and new. Opening my eyes, I gaze up at him, my limbs not quite ready to function yet. His eyes are darkened with passion, which sends another wave of desire coursing through my body. “As much as I’d like to stay like this all day,” he murmurs, nipping at my lower lip. Clearing his throat he continues, “We need to get moving.”

About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

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Gathering Darkness Review

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Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes
Publication Date: December 9th, 2014
Publisher:  Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Status: Third installment of the Falling Kingdom Series
Rating: 5 Stars

Book Summary (Goodreads):

War brought them together. Love will tear them apart.

Alliances form across Mytica and beyond as royals and rebels alike race to hunt down the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give their owners god-like power. The stakes have never been higher for Magnus and Cleo, who are brought together by a life or death decision that will lock their fates and change the course of the kingdom forever.

THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo slays with sweetness—and a secret that might control Lucia’s magic—as she and vengeful Jonas lead the hunt for the all-powerful Kindred.

THE KRAESHIANS join the fray. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the vast kingdom across the Silver Sea, prove to be just as ruthless as they are charming as they manipulate their way to victory.

THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally, in the flesh, with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.

And which side will Prince Magnus choose, now that everyone he’s been betrayed by everyone he’s ever loved? 

My Review:

This was my favorite book of 2014. I anxiously awaited this book all year and when I finally got my hands on it I couldn’t put it down. This series just keeps getting better and better and Gathering Darkness is the best so far! I can’t believe there’s three more books to go! One of my favorite things about these books is that you really get to see each of the characters evolve. Some evolve into extraordinary heroes while others give in to that darkness. Some hold on to that small light of good, refusing to extinguish it while others think the only way forward is to allow that darkness to consume them. Cleo and Jonas are fantastic in Gathering Darkness. Lucia’s story I purely loved. My all time favorite character is Magnus whom I absolutely love. His story was by far my favorite. I love him even more in Gathering Darkness than I did in the previous novels. I have high hopes for that young man!

Gathering Darkness is a dark, complex, and a captivating story. Filled with magic, fighting, and unexpected love. There’s betrayal, hope, and heartache. It’s a beautiful masterpiece of young adult and fantasy novels, and one of my favorite stories I have ever read.

The hunt for The Kindred has begun, Lucia and Cleo together search for it. But they are not alone in the hunt. Gathering Darkness brings new players to the game as the kingdoms around them are being destroyed under the Blood King’s reign. Jonas does everything in his power to help Cleo, but is it enough?

The Watchers: We learn more about the Watchers in this in this book. I love the story of the Watchers. I think Alexius has a noble heart and tries his best to remain true to it. But Melenia’s dark power grows in this story.

The Rebels: Lysandra’s story was honestly my favorite in this book. She is a wild, fierce character, and is the rock and strength of the Rebel’s. Without her I’m not sure Jonas would be able to lead. She honestly steadies him.

The Defeated: Auranos is defeated. The King rules with little mercy, but keeps customs the same in order to avoid any rebellions. Cleo does her best to blend in so that she can slowly take them over. But she needs help. Jonas does his best, but I’m not entirely sure it’s his help she needs.

The Conquerors: I love everyone’s POV in this book, but my favorites are Lucia and Magnus. It’s so neat to see Lucia become more confident in her abilities and to not see them as evil. And her love story with Alexius is amazingly well done. King Gaius is still a dark, twisted King that hunts eagerly for The Kindred so that he can be more powerful than anything. And then there’s Magnus.. my heart aches for Magnus, it always has. But I still believe there’s a light inside of him. His story is mostly about him trying to deal with the horrible deeds his father commits, and trying to ignore his fondness for Cleo. He also does whatever he can to help his sister, even though he ignores her half the time. It is my belief that Magnus has the ability to become the best of them. But maybe I’m wrong, because those with the highest potential sometimes have the biggest fall.

What I didn’t like about the book: 

Honestly there wasn’t one single thing I disliked about this book. It was that good. Well worth the year wait. It didn’t disappoint.

What I liked about the book:

Is it possible to love every little thing about a book? I loved the plot, I loved the characters. I loved to see who went bad and who went good, who stayed the same and who changed. I loved the darkness, the light, the moments my heart broke and the moments that took my breath away. And the ending. Oh my gosh the ending. WOW! This book is purely magical.

Book Quotes:

It was a crushing defeat in far too many ways, and if Jonas thought about it too much he could barely see straight, could barely function beyond his guilt and grief.
His plan. His orders.
His fault.
Again.  – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

It was moments such as this when she found the prince to be the most confusing. It was so unexpected to see pain in a boy so cold, a boy responsible for all the monstrous deeds she hated him for. But a true monster shouldn’t be capable of feeling pain like that. – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

“Lately my more troubling dreams have shifted from ones of my dark-haired sister to ones of a princess with hair of pale gold.” He took up a lock of Cleo’s waist-length hair and twisted it around his index finger. He stared at it, transfixed. “Dreams of one I was bound to against my wishes.”
Her cerulean eyes widened. “You dream about me?”
His gaze snapped back to hers. “Nightmares only.” – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

About the Author (Goodreads):

rowan

Morgan Rhodes lives in Ontario, Canada. As a child, she always wanted to be a princess — the kind that knows how to wield a sharp sword to help save both kingdoms and princes from fire-breathing dragons and dark wizards. Instead, she became a writer, which is just as good and much less dangerous. Along with writing, Morgan enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, and is an extremely picky, yet voracious reader of all kinds of books. Under another pen name, she’s a national bestselling author of many paranormal novels. Falling Kingdoms is her first high fantasy.

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Ignite Review

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Ignite (Defy #2) by Sara B. Larson
Publication Date: December 30th, 2014
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: 5 Stars

Books Summary (Amazon):

In the kingdom of Antion, peace has at long last been restored. Now that King Hector’s reign of terror is over, the newly crowned King Damian, along with his most trusted guard, Alexa, must focus on rebuilding Antion and reclaiming the hope of their people. But the wounds of the past are no as easily mended as Alexa and Damian had hoped. And to further complicate matters, Alexa still harbors a secret love for Damian, a love she refuses to acknowledge for the sake of Antion, and for the sake of the king himself.

When new threats to the kingdom surface–including an assassination attempt on Damian–blame is cast on the once-friendly nation of Blevon. Alexa knows things are not what they seem, however, and once again the fate of her country hangs in the balance. Will Alexa be able to protect her king and find the true enemy before it’s too late?

Filled with romance and treachery, magic and violence, this stunning sequel to Defy whisks readers off on another thrilling adventure.

My Review:

I’m not sure how to put in words how much I loved this book! It’s a great sequel to Defy. Would I say it’s better than Defy? Most may say so, however I have a special spot in my heart for Defy… I’m a big fan of beginnings and endings of stories and more picky over in between books. With that being said though I still loved this book and thought it was a great continuation to a wonderfully, amazing story! Ignite is told form Alexa’s point of view. The story is about Alexa protecting the people she loves, even if it means pushing them away . Damian who still loves Alexa but seems to have given up on them being together, and Rylan… a constant friend of Alexa’s whom wishes he was more. There’s danger, dark sorcerers, kidnappings, and mysteries surrounding Alexa and her friends.

What I didn’t like about the book: 

The only thing I didn’t like about the story was something that was a bit clique. I don’t want to say what it was because I’d rather not spoil the book for anyone. It was simply one moment that before it happened I thought “huh, I bet it will happen this way” and sure enough it did. It was a bit clique and I remember thinking part of me wished it had happened different since everything else about these books is so unique. But as I think about the book and how it all played out, I think that despite that one clique moment it seemed to be the best way to resolve that particular situation, especially concerning Alexa and her inner turmoil regarding her feelings for Damian and the responsibilities she has. It makes complete and total sense why the author wrote it that way, and I completely understand. Still, in the moment that I read that scene I couldn’t help but wish it had happened just as unique as the rest of the story. Everything else I loved. It was action packed right from the start through to the end! It keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s definitely a hard book to put down.

What I loved about the book:

Alexa is by far one of my favorite heroines! She’s a total bad ass. She’s a bad ass in Defy and she’s even more of a bad ass in Ignite. It’s so wonderful to see such a strong female character in a series. Alexa completely holds her own. She’s strong, fierce, brave, smart, independent, cunning, and loves deeply for everyone, including all of the kingdom. She puts others first. She continuously tries to be the best person she can be. She has her faults and when things don’t go her way, she may cry for a moment but then she picks herself back up and tries to think of another solution. I can think of no better role model for our teenage readers.

Damian is a wonderful king! I love how much we perceive him through Alexa’s point of view. She knows him so well, and in return I feel like I know him too. It’s amazing to read a story that has characters that seem to lift themselves off the pages and become part of you.

It was so nice to get to know Rylan a little more in this series. He is a constant, steady rock for Alexa. And despite his feelings for her, she tries so hard to not take advantage of him and to not mislead him. Which is so refreshing because I’ve read tons of stories where the leading lady does take advantage of the other guy and uses him to fill that gap in her heart.

I also loved the villains. I can’t speak their names because IT WOULD RUIN IT! But holy cow! These are some of the coolest, most evil villains I’ve ever read. So unique and original! They get under your nails and make your skin crawl, but in a good way!

I loved the action in this book! Complete non stop from beginning to end! So many twists and turns, you aren’t sure where it’s going to lead or how it’s going to end. And the ending is so epic and amazing, let me tell you!

Ignite is so amazingly written!  It’s very well developed, intense, and has a great plot.

If you haven’t read Defy yet you need to! These books are so amazing! It’s such a unique and captivating story. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I cannot wait for book three!!!

Book Quote 1:

Enough, Alex! Stop using my titles like you are nothing more than my guard.” His eyes flashed with anger, and his hands clenched at his sides.

“But… I am nothing more than your guard.”

“You and I both know that is a lie.”

Book Quote 2:

“Do you have any idea what it does to me?” he asked, his voice low. “To have you stand by me all day, outside my room all night, and to have to treat you like everyone else on the guard? To pretend to be your king and nothing more?”

About the author (Goodreads):

Author of YA Fantasy DEFY (January 2014) and IGNITE (Jan. 6, 2015) from Scholastic. Mommy of three. Lover of chocolate, desserts of all kinds, and Swedish Fish. Also good books. Represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.

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Stolen Memories of You

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Stolen Memories of You

Original Composition by Rebecca Castillo
Inspired by the novel The Body Electric by Beth Revis

Dreams to dreams
My gift to you
Of all that you love
To feel again

It’s all I knew
Until there was you
A love so pure
And true

Stolen Memories
Stolen Memories
They took my dreams
Of all I had of you
Stolen Memories of you

Dreams to dreams
Are not what they seem
You showed me there’s more
To feel again

 Across the universe
We’ll recover what’s ours
Forgotten dreams
Of you and me

Stolen Memories
Stolen Memories
They took my dreams
Of all I had of you
Stolen Memories of you

Shades of the Earth
Keep us fighting on
I’ll remember you
No matter the cost

A million suns
Won’t keep me from you
Stolen Memories
My heart remembers you

Stolen Memories
Stolen Memories
They took my dreams
Of all I had of you
Stolen Memories of you

Dreams to dreams
Your gift to me
All of your love
I feel again

My heart knew
It was always you
A love so pure
And true

Stolen Memories
Stolen Memories
They took my dreams
Of all I had of you
Stolen Memories of you

 

I am not the best singer in the world by you can listen to the composition here:

 

Book Synopsis (Goodreads):

The future world is at peace.

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

But not all is at it seems.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Someone’s altered her memory.

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

So who can she trust?

 

About the Author (Goodreads): 

Beth Revis wrote her first books as a student in classrooms, when the professors did not hold her interest and she jotted down stories instead of taking notes.Beth writes science fiction and fantasy novels for teens. Her debut novel, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, will be published by Razorbill/Penguin in Spring 2011. Beth is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.Beth also runs a blog on writing (http://bethrevis.blogspot.com) and is a participant of a group blog by debut dystopian authors (http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com).

 

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The Sorcerer Heir Teaser

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The Sorcerer Heir (The Heir Chronicles #5)

by Cinda Williams Chima (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

The delicate peace between Wizards and the underguilds (Warriors, Seers, Enchanters, and Sorcerers) still holds by the thinnest of threads, but powerful forces inside and outside the guilds threaten to sever it completely.

Emma and Jonah are at the center of it all. Brought together by their shared history, mutual attraction, and a belief in the magic of music, they now stand to be torn apart by new wounds and old betrayals. As they struggle to rebuild their trust in each other, Emma and Jonah must also find away to clear their names as the prime suspects in aseries of vicious murders. It seems more and more likely that the answers they need lie buried in the tragedies of the past. The question is whether they can survive long enough to unearth them.

Old friends and foes return as new threats arise in this stunning and revelatory conclusion to the beloved and bestselling Heir Chronicles series.

Quote 1:

“Any sensible girl who finds out that the boy she loves is a mass murderer would have made a plan.  That plan would not have been to leave him in a gazebo and then wander around in the dark woods so he could finish the job he’d started.

No.  A sensible girl would have run away from Jonah Kinlock as fast as her legs could carry her; as fast as she could go in her bare feet with a sprained and throbbing ankle.  A sensible girl would have been looking over her shoulder all the way back up the gravel path, worrying that he would come after her.  A sensible girl would not have been crying, grieving for the boy with the magic in his voice and the blues in his eyes, mourning the loss of something that was a lie— a lie—from beginning to end.”

—-The Sorcerer Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Quote 2:

“When Jonah Kinlock woke up covered in blood in Seph McCaluley’s backyard, he suspected that he’d been set up.  Maybe it was the bodies scattered all around him or the bloody daggers that lay half-buried in leaves next to each hand.  Anyone who happened upon this little scene would name home the prime suspect.  He needed to exit the stage.”

—-The Sorcerer Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Quote 3:

“She had a comeback though.  “All those other schools have a big advantage—you’re not there.  Maybe I can’t prove what you did, but I’m not going to look at you every day and wonder what you’re gonna do next.”

“Then I’ll leave,” Jonah said.  “I’ll leave school and move out of Oxbow.  Tomorrow.”

“Right,” Emma said, snorting.  “You know you can’t leave Kenzie.  And you can’t take him with you.”

“I won’t go far,” Jonah said.  I’ll see Kenzie every day.  But you’ll never see me, I promise.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Emma snapped.

“You can always leave if I break that promise.”

“Do you think that makes me feel safe, the idea you’ll be creeping around campus, that you might be right around the next corner?”

“I can’t leave Kenzie,” Jonah said.  “My point is, do what’s in your best interest.  That’s all I’m saying.”

“How do you know that leaving isn’t in my best interest?”

“I can’t predict the future, but I’m guessing It’s not.  I’ll do whatever I can to make it work for you.”

“You’ve made your point,” Emma said.  Her tears spilled over, leaving tracks through the dust on her face.  “Now, I’m really busy here.”  Her voice trembled.

“Don’t you want to ask me any questions?” Jonah said.

“I do,” Emma said.  “Why are you still here?”

“You say you hate a liar,” Jonah said.  “I’m here to tell the truth.  It’s a limited-time offer.  Once it’s over I go straight back to lying.”

Their eyes met across the workbench, emotion reverberating between them as if they were connected by a steel-wound string tuned to a high pitch.”

—-The Sorcerer Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

 

Lucia Damora

Lucia Eva Damora

The child she held in her arms, this small, beautiful baby with sky-blue eyes and a fuzz of hair that would one day be black as a raven’s wing, was the one prophesied to possess the magic necessary to find the Kindred–four objects that contained the source of all elementia, elemental magic. Earth and water, fire and air.  – Morgan Rhodes, Falling Kingdoms.

“Her father owned this city now. This entire kingdom, in fact. And everyone in it. They should learn to be more respectful.”—  Lucia Damora, Gathering Darkness

“I am my magic, and my magic is as old as the stars.”—  Lucia Damora, Gathering Darkness

Lucia Damora is the adopted daughter of King Gaius Damora (the Blood King) and Queen Althea Damora. She has long raven-black hair and bright blue eyes with pale skin. Lucia is the adopted sister of Prince Magnus Damora, whom in Falling Kingdoms had romantic feelings for her. She is princess of Limeros. Lucia was originally born in Paelsia but was stolen from her mother because of a prophecy that foretold a sorceress with insurmountable power. Lucia is a calm and intelligent person. She’s loyal to her family to a fault. She loves and respects her adopted father, and has complicated and mixed feelings towards her adoptive mother. She appears to be kind and friendly. She constantly though keeps up a front in order to keep others from knowing the true Lucia. There is a darkness in Lucia that seems to grow over time. She’s indifferent to publicized executions and isn’t opposed to other’s being hurt if she believes its for a greater purpose, such as ensuring her father remains on the throne. She is cunning, smart, beautiful, and deadly. So who really is Lucia Damora?

Is Lucia a good sorceress or a bad one?

Is the character dishonest?

Yes. Lucia doesn’t always speak her mind and is often hesitant of others. The only one she absolutely trusts at first is her brother Magnus, but over time a wedge is placed between them and Lucia starts lying more.

Does the character only consider only their own interests?

I honestly do think Lucia is slightly selfish to the point where she often doesn’t consider or think of others. Lucia can be kind, however she is very good at hiding her emotions.

Did the character feel guilty about their poor actions?

Lucia rarely feels guilty for anything, however in the beginning there are a few instances where she does something accidentally and feels terrible about it. However over time the guilt seems to go away and she starts to justify her actions.

Does the character kill without thought or reason?

Not at first. Over time she is less bothered by this.

Does the character strive to get what they want by any means necessary?

Lucia is blind when it comes to the things she wants and often she loses sight of what’s going on around her. However I do believe there are limits to what she is willing to do to get what she wants. It also depends on what she does want. When it comes to love however I think she’d do anything to be with the person she loves.

Does the character appear to be evil?

No. Lucia is beautiful, kind, and serene.

What makes this character most likable?

I really enjoy Lucia’s bold personality. Though she often hides her emotions, she is still confident and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

What is something unlikable about the character?

Her lack of compassion for those that she deems worthless or isn’t important to her.

What could make her a possible hero?

I believe the love and kindness within her could make her a great hero.

What could make her a potential villain?

Her magic. There’s a darkness in Lucia. She’s also has a streak of vengeance that I believe could push her over the edge.

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes has been officially announced to be a six book series. So far there’s only three released in the series. There’s several middle ground characters that are filled with good and bad qualities that could switch sides at any minute. Overtime Lucia’s character has grown darker and darker and I believe Lucia will be a dark sorceress by the end of the series. Her and her brother Magnus have been some of my favorite, complex characters. It’s so neat to see these characters change and evolve into something more whether it be greatness or darkness. Lucia is a very complex character and I could be entirely wrong and she could end up being a noble hero by the end of the series. But my gut is telling me she’s going to be evil.

What do you think?

Gathering Darkness Teaser

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Book Synopsis (Goodreads): 

In GATHERING DARKNESS, book three of the New York Times bestselling Falling Kingdoms series, the stakes have never been higher as three teams push forward on a race to find the Kindred, the four elemental crystals possessing ancient all-powerful magic, first:

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred – the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic…

• THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

• THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia’s overpowering magic – all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

• THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.

The only certainty in the dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica… but fate can be fickle when magic is involved.

Book Quotes:

“There is no goodness inside of me, princess, so please don’t waste time fantasizing that there might be.” – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

She made it sound as though he’d done these things deliberately, to help her. “You’re imagining kindnesses that were anything but.”
“You’re the one who chooses to call them kindnesses. Are you sure that’s not what they were?” She searched his face, making him feel naked and exposed, as if the masks he’d spent so many years building up were crumbling down all around him like sand castles in the wind.
“You know nothing about me,” he growled. – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

“Lately my more troubling dreams have shifted from ones of my dark-haired sister to ones of a princess with hair of pale gold.” He took up a lock of Cleo’s waist-length hair and twisted it around his index finger. He stared at it, transfixed. “Dreams of one I was bound to against my wishes.”
Her cerulean eyes widened. “You dream about me?”
His gaze snapped back to hers. “Nightmares only.” – Morgan Rhodes, Gathering Darkness

 

 

 

 

 

Atlantia Teaser

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Atlantia

by Ally Condie (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Quote 1:

“We are not lost mermaids with seaweed hair and coins for eyes, but human girls, alive and found.
We are sisters, and we did not drown.”
Ally Condie, Atlantia

Quote 2:

“Under star-dark seas and skies of gold
Live those Above and those Below
They sing and weep, both high and deep
While over and under the ocean rolls”
Ally Condie, Atlantia

Quote 3:

“What are the gifts given to we who live Below?”
“Long life, health, strength, and happiness.”
“What is the curse of those who live Above?”
“Short life, illness, weakness, and misery.”
“Is this fair?”
“It is fair. It is as the gods decreed at the time of the Divide. Some have to stay Above so that humanity might survive Below.”
“Then give thanks.”
Ally Condie, Atlantia

Under the Winter Sun Release Day!!!

UTWSRDBBannerHappy Release Day to Carrigan Richards for Under the Winter Sun, book three in the Elemental Enchanters series!

Ava never knew the extent of torture.

When the previous battle leaves all of the Enchanters powerless and broken, Ava distances herself from everyone. Her closest friends have been kidnapped and she feels useless. All she can feel from Peter is guilt because he could not protect the coven so Ava learns to hide her emotions in order to keep her thoughts at bay. It’s taking more time than she expected for her strength and powers to return and she sinks deeper into a depression.

Once Ava and her coven gain their powers back they start their journey to Caprington to defeat Havok and save their friends. She must choose her allegiance or risk losing everyone she loves.

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About Carrigan Richards:

Carrigan was born in Cullman, Alabama, but grew up in Birmingham, and moved to Atlanta at 18. She earned her BA in English at Kennesaw State University. For as long as she can remember, she was always making up stories and characters inside her head, sometimes using her dolls to act out the scenes.

When she’s not writing (which is rare), she’s spending time with her fiance, family, and friends, listening to music, playing with her sometimes psychotic puppy, or cheering on her Atlanta Braves.

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Volition Cover Reveal

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Release Date: February 9th, 2015

Cover by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations

 

Back Cover Description:

You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach that stays with you, then tears you apart slowly at first, and all at once shreds every fiber of your being? It’s because you’re contradicting the universe. Everything lines up so perfectly that you couldn’t have imagined it to work out any better, but then you have to go and do everything humanly possible to ruin it because you can’t stand to have it go right?

That’s what I did.

I did it because there’s a darkness that surrounds me, and I think I want it there.

My name is Tate McKenna, and my soul is blacker than my heart.

 

Doesn’t this book just sound AMAZING? Not to mention the cover is completely breathtaking! Check out the front and back of the book too!

 

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Basic Information:

Amazon Pre-Order 

Goodreads

Signed Paperback Pre-Order

Volition’s Tumblr Inspiration Page

Find more information about Volition, Ignite, and Lily’s other upcoming releases at www.lilyparadis.com

 

Lily’s Social Media Accounts:

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Mini-Reviews:

“A read that will keep you on your toes until the very end. Genius!” – Makayla(The Book Life)

“This is a twisted tale… that you can relate to.” – Bryce (Novels to Song)

“Beautifully twisted…A novel that shocks and surprises, and is not your typical love story. A gripping read filled with complex characters, dark humor and lyrical writing that leaves you wanting more! Paradis produced a story that carried a lot of emotion that dealt with love, relationships, and the darkness that surrounds death and the mark it leaves on those who have escaped it.”  -Ashley F. (Falling Down the Book Hole)

“The story was lined with black and drowned in glitter… Volition is one of those books that makes you reflect on life’s past, present, and future.” – Abbey (Books a la Mode)

“I could not put this beautiful and dark tale of Tate McKenna down! Be with her as she discovers the impact that free will, fate and the act of letting go can have on a person!” – Jaclyn (Living in a World of Book Quotes)

Excerpt: 

I look up into the sky to see all of the drops falling on the ground before they make contact. I realize the drops have more in common with me than I think. We’re all just falling until we’re not falling, and we don’t really have a choice where we land.

 

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