Covers to Covet

Gameboard of the Gods

by Richelle Mead

(Age of X #1)

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

Available June 4, 2013

Covers To Covet

The Indigo Spell

by Richelle Mead

(Bloodlines # 3)

Coming February 12, 2013

Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily

by Richelle Mead

(Bloodlines # 2)

How is it possible that even though I love this author, this book was beautifully written, the story was amazing and interesting, and Adrian Ivashkov is in the story, I'm only giving this a 4 star instead of 5?  Well, see I keep expecting Sydney to turn into Rose and stop acting and thinking the way she does.  But then I realize that this is no longer Vampire Academy, and we are now in Sydney's head, and Sydney is human and an alchemist.  She was raised with a sense of duty and a fear and repulsion to all things vampire and magic.

For her to now be working with and protecting them is a big step.  To be dealing with magic, whether it be human magic or moroi magic, it's a big step.  And to somehow develop a close relationship and maybe even feelings for one of them, well... that might just be too far out of her comfort zone.

In this story, Sydney and the whole gang will have to deal with a group of humans that have taken it upon themselves to kill strigois and they seem to have targeted Sonya, as they believe she's still strigoi.

Sydney did a lot of growing up and opening her eyes in this book, I'll give her that.  There's still a lot more for her to go through, but this was a good beginning.  Dimitri was in this book as well, quite a bit... *fangirl squeeeeeeee and cue drooling all over the keyboard* ok sorry, got myself in check there.  Eddie is awesome as always, while still in love with Jill and loving her from afar, he's the rock of the group, the back up, the protector.  Jill got on my nerves a bit, she was just there creating drama with her love life, seemed like to me.  I think she still has more growing up to do, and I was actually happy with the ending of her little drama.

OK so now I have to talk about Adrian.  He is the reason why this series works for me.  Yes, yes the author is great, but if I was left with the rest of the group without Adrian I don't think I would keep reading.  Adrian is so complex, he's good and he's bad.  He drinks and he smokes, he's loud and obnoxious at times, he always speaks his mind even when it's not appropriate, and somehow I wouldn't change anything about him.  When he starts spending time with Sydney in this book (in a friendly and platonic way) while at the same time she's dating a human boy, there's just no comparison.  He would've swept me off my feet in no time.  I could keep going on about how much I love Adrian, but I won't bore you with the unnecessary commentary.  He is the best!  That's all you need to know.  Which is why I wanted to sucker punch Sydney in the face and kick her while she was down by the end of this book.  Nuff said.  Now to wait for the next one.

Favorite Quotes:

“I tried to be a better person for her– but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I’m around you, I want to be better because… well, because it feels right. Because I want to. You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you’re like… like light made into flesh. […] You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.”  

“He shouldn't have said that," repeated Adrian, eerily serious. He leaned his face toward mine. "I don't care if he's not the emotional type or the complimentary type or what. No one can look at you in this dress, in all that fire and gold, and start talking about anachronisms. If I were him, I would have said, 'You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.” 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Review: Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

2.5 Feathers

Shadow Heir

by Richelle Mead

(Dark Swan # 4)

It is with great sadness that I write this review.  Richelle Mead has beeen and, the events in this book aside, still is one of my favorite authors.  I have seen her end two wonderful series now and she has done so masterfully.  When I picked up Shadow Heir I was under the impression that this was the last Dark Swan novel, so I was expecting nothing less from her.

I was already going in with bitterness about certain things.  #1 Kiyo - Throughout the series Ms. Mead has managed to get me to actually hate the Kitsune with a passion *pulls out her Kiyo voodoo doll and stabs his head repeatedly* and I was prepared to only hate him more in this book, there was no going back for me on that.  Well, I wasn't disappointed on that!  He's still a slimy piece of crap, a rat bastard, and it's infuriating to see Eugenie having to work with him when all I want is for her to stand up to him and get some retribution for all he's done to her.  That didn't happen.  Until the end, he still sticks it to her and she just stands there with her mouth open in shock.  Oh by the way, I am writing this as a spoiler free review so maybe some of the things I say may sound a bit weird, you'll understand when you read the book.

Bitterness# 2 - Eugenie.  Yes I went in already feeling sort of hate for the heroine.  This has been slowly developing throughout the series and well, she didn't get any better in this book.  She sits around moping and doing the whole woe-is-me routine.  Get a grip, stop being so selfish and so stupid!  Stop listening to the dumb Kitsune and start appreciating the REAL man you have by your side!!  If not, I'll help Volusian kill you myself! *which I felt like doing repeatedly throughout this book*.

Now onto a better review of this book.

I wish the whole first 50% of this book would've been written in two chapters!  Seriously I considered putting this as one of my few ever DNF books.  Why? It is tediously boring, nothing happens, there's hardly any supernatural activity, nothing!  Eugenie goes on fishing dates and I felt like I was reading a depressing women's fiction book instead of an urban fantasy.

Once there's something that starts happening, it is not to follow the storyline that we were dealing with from the beginning but a completely randomly thrown in storyline that takes over the rest of the book and really doesn't do anything to close the series, this was more like another adventure of Eugenie, the moron Queen!  So I thought, perhaps, this could've been resolved faster so we would've seen something more in respect to an ending to the series.

Volusian - this storyline does deal in a small way with Volusian.  I have to say I love the little guy!  He is my favorite character in this series, apart from the all-perfect Dorian.  We learn about his past, Eugenie has to go to his homeland and she couldn't accomplish what she needs without his help.  So he gets closure and I really liked that part!

Dorian - I can't tell you enough how much Eugenie doesn't deserve this man.  First of all, with Dorian what you see is what you get.  You know he's sneaky and that he wants also what's in his best interest, but in this book he put Eugenie above anything and everything.  My heart breaks thinking of the fact that for the most part, she only uses him when it's convenient and this didn't change.

What wouldn't I do for you? *tear*

And I think this pretty much brings me to the ending.  OK, let me back up for the last 15%.  Everything you thought, was wrong, everything that we believed should've been one way was another.  In the last 15% of this book seems like all the loose ends that should've been tied throughout the series started rapidly weaving together.  That's all I can say about that without giving stuff away.  Just shock after shock.

Now for the actual ending.  What.The.Hell.Was.That?????  How can Ms. Mead end a series like that?  Actually, it doesn't surprise me just because I've known all along that Eugenie is a selfish bitch!  So we couldn't really expect more from her right?  But I don't see how that can be an ending.  No I cannot.  Sorry.  Very disappointing.

So why the 2.5 feathers if this is still very well written?  50% of the book was too slow, then from 60% on it was just ok.  Too many issues where left unanswered.  And you cannot end a series with those last few pages without expecting the reader to want to ring Eugenie's stupid neck! It is with great sadness I write this.











Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead

 

 

Succubus Revealed

(Georgina Kincaid # 6)

by Richelle Mead

Urban Fantasy

There are two things that Richelle Mead does amazingly every time.


The first is that she is able to end a series perfectly. Whether it be ending an epic Young Adult series or an Urban Fantasy one, Mead knows exactly how to satisfy her readers after bringing them on a rollercoaster ride. What an amazing ride we've been on with Georgina Kincaid!


Succubus Revealed is the sixth and final book in the Georgina Kincaid series and while we’re glad about what happens in this book, we’re still sad to see it end as a fan. The book starts out fun and light-hearted, hitting the high notes with lots of jokes and silliness. But there is that usual angst that comes with Georgina. As they say in the book, Georgie can be a little melodramatic. But the woman has a reason to be!


Right when her world seems to be perfect, she gets a notice of transfer from Hell. Wondering that the hell brought this on, Georgie recruits her friend, Roman aka The Nephilim to help her figure this out.


But the real mystery is how Seth knew Georgina’s real name from the fifth century...


This answer and more is revealed in this book. How appropriate that Mead called it Succubus Revealed. Because, really, EVERYTHING comes together in the end.


Which leads me to the second thing that Richelle Mead does extremely well - and that is plotting.


It’s amazing how she is able to match things up perfectly with all her events. You come to understand Jerome’s don’t-give-a-fuck attitude towards Georgie, you find out Carter’s real purpose in Seattle, you learn why Seth’s darling sister is sick. It all matches up and we love seeing an author who takes pride in making sure there is continuity in her work.


For once, we can truly say that we figured this one out. We had my theories going into this book and we think Mead went the right way with this ending.


Not only is the ending what every Georgina Kincaid fan wants for our Succubus girl, but it was very touching as well. We didn’t expect to be so emotional over this book. We’ve gone from loving Seth to preferring Roman, and back to loving Seth so many times throughout the series that we were a bit torn going into this book. That being said, Seth hasn’t been my favourite person throughout this entire series, but you just know when two people are meant to be together and it’s clear that Seth and Georgina are meant to be.


This passage really proves this point:

I tightened my arms around him and drew him toward the bed. “I’m still alive, aren’t I?”
“Yes,” he admitted, letting himself be drawn along. “But are you sure you don’t want to just wait?”
Hugh had said something after booking my flight. Everything changes when you’re mortal. You don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
“I’ve waited long enough,” I told Seth, just before kissing him.
And that was the moment I knew what it was like to have my soul back.

But it isn’t the love between Georgina and Seth that makes this book so good. It’s also Roman’s selfless act that blew my mind. There are no words. After what he’s done in the past, we weren’t sure what to expect of him. But his actions in this book redeem him completely. We absolutely adore him and wished there was a way to read more about him.

And last but not least, Carter. We are in love with Carter. Sexy angel!!! Someone please tell me there will be a Carter spin-off because we would be devastated to know there’s no more Carter coming up.

What would a heroine be without her friends? We couldn’t have asked for more, it was everything we wanted and then some.


All in all, Succubus Revealed is the perfect ending to an amazing series. We’re sure fans will be satisfied with Georgina’s final book when they flip that last page. We know we were.

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

 

 

Bloodlines

by Richelle Mead

Young Adult

Sydney Sage makes her debut with the new Richelle Mead series, Bloodlines. Ever since Blood Promise, I was intrigued by the Alchemists and Sydney but it wasn’t until Last Sacrifice that I really wondered what was behind Sydney Sage.

Bloodlines is still set in the Vampire Academy world, but now we’re following the Alchemist, Sydney. Our girl has a lot of work cut out for her. Her task is to protect Jill, the princess and sister of the queen, Vasilisa Dragomir with the help of the Moroi and dhampirs. To keep Jill safe, Sydney, Jill and Eddie enroll in a human boarding school in Palm Springs and play the part of siblings. Along with some high school politics, there are more serious problems that Sydney encounters.

While this book still has the core elements of the Vampire Academy world, such as the Moroi, Strigoi, and dhampirs races, what really set this book apart from other series is the fact that Mead plays up the chemistry aspect of the Alchemists. I loved the tattoo storyline. It was right up Sydney’s alley. It was perfect for her.

In this book, we do find out what went on behind the scenes when Sydney made a deal with Abe, making her in his debt that resulted in her helping Rose out in the Vampire Academy books. And let me just say, it wasn’t what I was expecting....

This is always the case whenever I read a Richelle Mead book! I always have my own expectations about certain plot lines and characters, but Mead always seems to be able to surprise me in the best of ways.

With Sydney as the new narrator of the series, I found that I liked her controlled nature. She’s a far cry from the impulsive girl that was Rose Hathaway, but I thought the change was refreshing. From the get-go, Mead goes straight into Sage’s backstory, showing how the young Alchemist was brought up. Under the scrutiny of her father and Alchemist’s eye, Sydney must also put her best foot forward as she tries to live up to their expectations of her. At first, I saw Sydney as someone who allowed others to walk all over her, but I was wrong.

There are countless times when she stands up for herself in this book and I was surprised to see this, but also glad. One thing I didn’t realize about her was the fact that Sydney has more control than anyone else in this series. While Rose would have yelled and punch someone if they insulted her, Sydney would rather bite her tongue. It takes a whole lot of control to do something like that and I respect her a lot. I’m definitely looking forward in following the series through her eyes.

One of the characters I was most excited to read about was Adrian. As I said before, I’M IN LOVE. He is funny, just adorable. We also see a different side of him in this book. After what happened in Last Sacrifice, I was hoping that Adrian would get his HEA. And while he hasn’t found that yet, I’m sure that Mead has it in the works. There’s already sparks flying and I can’t wait to see more of it. Not to mention that Adrian also has some of the best lines in book!

Then there’s Eddie Castile whom I just adore. I wished there was more of him! I know, I’m selfish. But Eddie’s the man and he just needs his own chance to shine. I love the romantic story Mead has made for him. He’s such an honourable guy! He deserves the best!

Jill has been having a bit of a rollercoaster ride. So many things happen to her that I wonder how the poor girl can deal with it all. One big shocker is revealed about her and another important character in this series so I am so excited to see how that works out! But could she have acted a little more childish? She was my least favourite of this book. She came across like a brat sometimes but then sometimes she was a bad ass.

There are new characters such as Keith, who is basically SCUM!!!!!! I didn’t expect his actions of the past.
And of course there are familiar faces! Rose is there and also ABE! OMG I LOVE ABE!!! Yes Rose’s father makes a cameo appearance and as before I just think he’s great! He brings entertainment, spark and just a touch of danger. And if you were still scratching your head trying to figure out what he has on Sydney that she would do anything he wanted, then you're in for a surprise at the end if this book. Watch out, that Sydney is craaaaazy!!!! LOL

While I thought the beginning of the book was a little slow, the book does increase in pace, especially towards the end. Mead loves hitting you with all she’s got at the end of her books, revealing secrets that will blow your mind. But it’s the very last sentence of this book that made me groan out loud and say, “OH COME ON, MEAD!” Needless to say, I’m ready for The Golden Lily. 

 

 

Purchase links: Amazon

Review: Storm Born Volume 1 (Storm Born Comic) by Richelle Mead

Storm Born Volume 1

(Storm Born Comic)

by Richelle Mead

Graphic Novel

It seems weird to me that I don't read more graphic novels. I do pick up the occassional one, but it's not a frequent occurrence. I knew that there was a graphic novel for the Dark Swan series, which I love, however I felt that when I originally saw the covers on Richelle's blog about it I wasn't that impressed.

See, I'm a visual person, and I'm into graphics, so I didn't think they were anything special from that one glimpse alone. But when I was asked to review this I was actually excited to see what it would be like and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and I'm glad I picked it up.

Speaking in visual terms only I thought it was really nice. There were a few parts where Eugenie could've looked a little better, but in general I really liked the graphics, as well as positioning, and keeping things fresh with each page. Colors were vivid.

Now, the storyline. As I said before, I'm a fan of the series, and this Volume 1 starts right where Storm Born started... in the middle of the action! They did an amazing job at conveying the story within only a few pages!

I do have the second volume to read and I plan on making time very soon to do it.

So let me just say if you are a fan of the series, you're going to love this, you have to get it! And if you've never read the books, it's done perfectly where you can just pick it up and understand and enjoy it!

Covers to Covet

Calling all Richelle Mead fans! Not sure if all you've seen this already, but I saw the cover of SHADOW HEIR today! What do you think?

I certainly like it better than the Iron-Crowned cover. In that one, Eugenie looked as if she was holding a tambourine instead of the crown relic. I really love the colors of this one and the background is lovely. I can't wait to read this!!!

Here's the blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...

Okay, so now that you've read that blurb, did you see the part that says, "The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal."

WHAT DO YOU MEAN TRUCE?!?!!? How many chances does this guy get? Eugenie should have kicked this mofo back into yesterday!

Mead works me up like no other. I adore her. 

Release Date: Feb 2012

Pre-order SHADOW HEIR:  Amazon

Covers to Covet!

Maidens, have you seen these? These awesome covers have been circulating for awhile but I just wanted to post them in case my Maidens haven't seen them yet.

As many of you know, Larissa Ione has started a new paranormal  romance series called The Lords of Devilerance. She has just released the UK cover for her third book in the series, Lethal Rider. Here it is!

What do you think? I LOVE IT!!! I think it looks absolutely awesome! I especially love all the tattoos. The third book is Than's book and he was my favourite from Eternal Rider, the first book in the series. I cannot wait for this new one! This book has a tentative release date of June 2012.

And now I have another highly anticipated release for you. This next one is YA, but DON'T LET THAT FOOL YOU! Richelle Mead crafts some of the best YA books out there! Please, please check out her Vampire Academy series. This new cover I'm about to show you is for the second book in her spin-off series, called Bloodlines. The second book is called The Golden Lily, which makes a whole lot of sense, if you're familar with Mead's Alchemists.

Here's the cover! Let me know what you think?

This one I'm not so sure about. I personally think Richelle Mead deserves much, much better covers! From her Vampire Academy series, I only liked her Vampire Academy (book 1) and Spirit Bound (book 5) covers.

Although I do like it, it doesn't match how great Richelle's work is! As you can tell, I'm a huge fan. Please check this series out when the first book releases on August 23, 2011.








Buy the first books in the series now! Here are the Amazon links:

Waiting on Wednesdays

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  The pre-publication release we are eagerly anticipating this week is:

Succubus Revealed
by Richelle Mead

(Georgina Kincaid # 6)

In Georgina Kincaid, succubus and she-demon, #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead has created one of her most enticing characters. But with a shot at love, and maybe even redemption, is the ultimate seductress finally going soft? Like hell she is. . .

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations. . .to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it—no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for. . .

Outstanding Praise for Richelle Mead
"The obvious heir to the Twilight throne. " —The Dailybeast.com
"This is one of those series I'm going to keep following. " —Jim Butcher on Succubus Blues

Release date: August 30, 2011

I really almost don't want this book to come out because it'll be THE END of the series.  But I can't wait to see what happens, where the story goes, and who Georgina will choose.

Review: Iron-Crowned by Richelle Mead

I’ve been lucky enough to meet and chat with Richelle Mead (and Carrie Jones. Both are such sweethearts!) so you can imagine how excited I was to read Iron-Crowned. First things first, I hate UF narrative. I usually find it too simple with too much inner dialogue. But Mead is the only UF author so far that doesn’t bore me. There’s this ease to which she writes and her plotting is beyond anything I could ever come up with. This book blew my mind! This whole series has taken us on a rollercoaster, and this book was no exception. If you're familiar with Richelle Mead's writing style, you'll know to expect that in her books.

But it didn’t start out that way. It’s been a while since I read Thorn Queen so I forgot a lot of what happened in the previous two books. But it wasn’t too much of a problem because Mead is able to give you a recap of past events without make you feel like you’re reading Dark Swan for Dummies. It’s never redundant or tedious.

Eugenie... Eugenie.... I wanted to kick your ass and smack you around a couple of times! But it wasn't just you! Arrggghhh .There are times when I wanted to beat her into submission because of her ego.(Just so everyone knows I am TEAM DORIAN.) I understand that Eugenie was hurt that Dorian left out an important fact about the Iron Crown, but I thought Eugenie reacted like a child. Her wounded pride made her blind to all the war politics while Dorian did what needed to be done during the war. Instead, Eugenie was back in Tuscan, fighting and pretending to live a normal life EVEN THOUGH SHE’S A FREAKING QUEEN! I didn’t think she embraced her titled as Thorn Queen. She pushed all her queenly duties onto Rurik and Shaya. She could have handled it better.

What also angered me what the fact that in the midst of her anger towards Dorian, she sleeps with Kiyo. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, KIYO JUST WANTS EUGENIE FOR SEX! He even says it in three different ways while he’s with her.

The ending blew my mind, which shouldn’t be a surprise because IT’S MEAD WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HERE! But after my issue with Eugenie, I was almost going to put this down. I’m so glad I didn’t because the whole pregnancy deal with Kiyo was a worldwind!

Cue rant. WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIYO!? HOW COULD HE DISOWN HIS CHILDREN LIKE THAT? I wanted to grab him as he was beating on Roland. And he says it’s “all in the name of good”. As you can probably tell, I love this series to the point where my thoughts are rumbled and I become bi-polar, hating it one moment and then loving it in the next! Richelle Mead is one of my all-time favourite authors and she never fails to wring my nerves out!

Volusian as always is great, I love reading his parts, he just wants to kill Eugenie, and sometimes I wish I could help him! He's the only one with common sense!

I LOVED that Eugenie was on her knees in front of Dorian, begging for his protection in the end. What Kiyo did, or rather fail to do with Leith and what Dorian failed to mention about the Iron Crown is no match. Kiyo messed up big time in the last book and he did it again tenfold in this one.

Once again, Dorian wins! 2-0.

All in all, this was a good instalment, but it was mostly to set up the next and last book of the series, which I'm looking forward to read!