ARC Review: BENEATH BLACK SAILS (Beneath Black Sails #1) by Clare Sager

BENEATH BLACK SAILS (Beneath Black Sails #1)

by Clare Sager
Date Published: March 30, 2020; Independently published 

From Goodreads:

Sometimes it takes a pirate to catch a pirate. 

With weather magic on her side, Lady Vice is the bane of the high seas, but she isn’t captain of her own ship. Yet. If she can persuade her captain to give her a command, she’ll be in charge of her own fate. 

To pay off his family’s debts, Knigh Blackwood hunts pirates for the Royal Navy. And he’s damn good at it. When the bounty on Lady Vice increases, he’s determined to make her face justice, even if that means using unorthodox methods. 

Forced to work together, neither can deny their mutual attraction. As they face battles at sea and schemes aboard their ship, they discover hints about a long-lost treasure that could be the answer to both their problems. 

ARC Review: RUTHLESS GODS (Something Dark and Holy #2) by Emily A. Duncan

 RUTHLESS GODS (Something Dark and Holy #2) 
by Emily A. Duncan
Release Date: April 7, 2020; Macmillan

About the book:

The stunning sequel to instant New York Times bestseller, Wicked Saints 

"Ruthless Gods opens the door to a world of fallen gods and eldritch horrors... Gruesome, grotesque, and so, so glorious." - Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows 

Nadya doesn’t trust her magic anymore. Serefin is fighting off a voice in his head that doesn’t belong to him. Malachiasz is at war with who--and what--he’s become. 

As their group is continually torn apart, the girl, the prince, and the monster find their fates irrevocably intertwined. Their paths are being orchestrated by someone…or something. The voices that Serefin hears in the darkness, the ones that Nadya believes are her gods, the ones that Malachiasz is desperate to meet—those voices want a stake in the world, and they refuse to stay quiet any longer. 

In her dramatic follow-up to Wicked Saints, the first book in her Something Dark and Holy trilogy, Emily A. Duncan paints a Gothic, icy world where shadows whisper, and no one is who they seem, with a shocking ending that will leave you breathless. 

ARC Review: CAST IN FIRELIGHT (Wickery #1) by Dana Swift

CAST IN FIRELIGHT (Wickery #1) 
by Dana Swift
Release Date: January 19, 2021; Delacorte Press

From Goodreads:

The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh. 

Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.

Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who's mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child. 

Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery's most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet. 

Only, destiny has other plans and with the criminal underbelly of Belwar suddenly making a move for control, their paths cross...and neither realizes who the other is, adopting separate secret identities instead. 

Blog Tour & ARC Review: KINGDOM OF ICE AND BONE (Frozen Sun Saga #2) by Jill Criswell

KINGDOM OF ICE AND BONE (Frozen Sun Saga #2) 
by Jill Criswell 
Date Published: September 22, 2020; Blackstone Publishing
Fantasy, Fiction 

From Goodreads:

Lira and Reyker have lost everything. Including each other. 

Lira of Stone watched her home burn and her clan fall beneath the sword of the warlord known as the Dragon. She believes the man she loves, a warrior who defected from the Dragon s army, is dead. Alongside her exiled brother and his band of refugees, she will fight the forces that conquered her island. But the greatest danger may come from Lira herself with the blood of banished gods running through her veins, she s become a weapon, and no one is safe from the power of her wrath. 

Reyker Lagorsson thought he was done being a Dragonman. That was before he saw Lira leap from a cliff and vanish into the sea. Determined to honor her memory by protecting her people, Reyker must feign loyalty to the warlord, undermine him at every turn, and seek alliances with renegade soldiers without succumbing to the battle-madness that threatens to possess him once more. 

Cover Reveal: CROWN OF ONE HUNDRED KINGS (Nine Kingdoms Trilogy #1) by Rachel Higginson

CROWN OF ONE HUNDRED KINGS (Nine Kingdoms Trilogy #1)
by Rachel Higginson
Release Date: October 27, 2020; Reckless Siren Publishing

About the book:

A lost princess… 

Tessana Allisand had a family once. A home. A title. A future. Until one night when everything she loved was taken from her. Secreted away to an isolated monastery in the farthest region of the realm, Tess was raised in the silence of monks and the loneliness of tragedy. And there she would have stayed if the dark magic that killed her family hadn’t finally found her. 

An impossible quest…

With her identity discovered, Tessana must face the home she fled all those years ago. The Crown of Nine must return to its rightful place and Tess must be the one to carry it across the nine kingdoms. And when she arrives? She’ll need to convince a dying kingdom that the crown that has belonged to one hundred kings should be given to a queen.

ARC Review: SKYHUNTER (Skyhunter #1) by Marie Lu

SKYHUNTER (Skyhunter #1) 

by Marie Lu

Release Date: September 29, 2020; Roaring Brook Press

From Goodreads:

A broken world. 

An overwhelming evil. 

A team of warriors ready to strike back. 

Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara. 

A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts. 

But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding? 

ARC Review: THE SONG OF THE MARKED (Shadows and Crowns #1) by S.M. Gaither

THE SONG OF THE MARKED (Shadows and Crowns #1) 

by S.M. Gaither

From Goodreads:

An ancient evil is stirring. The old gods are growing restless. Can she stop the coming storm? 

A Devastating Sickness 

For decades, the Kethran Empire has been plagued by a strange illness that leaches the very life and soul from its victims. 

The Girl Who Survived 

Casia is one of the Fade-Marked—one of the few people who caught this sickness and lived. Why she lived is a mystery even to her and the outcast crew of mercenaries she calls her family. It also makes her an intriguing target for the young, enigmatic king-emperor, who claims he wants to work alongside her to find a cure. 

Unfortunately, working alongside him also means working with the handsome but infuriating captain of one of the most prestigious branches of the Kethran Army. 

A Soldier With No Past 

This infuriating Captain Elander also has secrets: A past that Cas can’t seem to uncover, a powerful but strange brand of magic, and a deep distrust of the very monarch that he’s sworn to serve. She feels oddly drawn to him in spite of these things... 

But can she really trust him? 

The Fate of an Empire 

As the bodies pile up and strange monsters begin to wreak havoc throughout the realms, Cas and Elander will have to work together to protect their world whether they trust one another or not. Because one thing is clear: Something ancient and evil is stirring in the shadows of Kethra. 

September 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop

Hi everyone! Welcome to September 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop!
Thank you so much to Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight and Lonna @ FLYLēF for hosting the hop!

This month's giveaway is open anywhere Book Depository ships. (You can check here if your country qualifies). You can choose any September 2020 release up to $20. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. The winner's entries will be verified and will be contacted via e-mail. The winner will be given a week to respond before a new winner is chosen.

That's it! Go forth and enter! Good luck =)

ARC Review: THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS (These Violent Delights #1) by Chloe Gong

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS (These Violent Delights #1)
by Chloe Gong
Release Date: November 17, 2020; Margaret K. McElderry Books

About the book:

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River. 

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. 

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. 

Blog Tour, ARC Review & Giveaway: A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE (Blood and Ash #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE (Blood and Ash #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Date Published: September 1, 2020; Blue Box Press

About the book:

A Betrayal… 

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her. 

A Choice... 

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation. 

Blog Tour & ARC Review: THE INHERITANCE GAMES (The Inheritance Games #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

THE INHERITANCE GAMES (The Inheritance Games #1) 
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Release Date: September 29, 2020; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

From Goodreads:

A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch--and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. 

ARC Review: WHERE DREAMS DESCEND (Kingdom of Cards #1) by Janella Angeles

WHERE DREAMS DESCEND (Kingdom of Cards #1) 
by Janella Angeles
Release Date: August 25, 2020; Wednesday Books

From Goodreads:

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes. 

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next. 

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost 

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told 

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide 

ARC Review: THE SILVERED SERPENTS (The Gilded Wolves #2) by Roshani Chokshi

THE SILVERED SERPENTS (The Gilded Wolves #2) 
by Roshani Chokshi
Release Date: September 22, 2020; Wednesday Books

From Goodreads:

They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope. 

Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost ― one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumoured to grant its possessor the power of God. 

Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all. 

ARC Review: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY (The Other Side of The Sky #1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY (The Other Side of The Sky #1)
by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Release Date: September 8, 2020; HarperTeen

From Goodreads:

"Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner prove they are two living goddesses of writing, creating two compelling worlds with high stakes and gripping emotions." —Sarah Rees Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of the Demon's Lexicon trilogy and the Lynburn Legacy series 

New York Times bestselling author duo Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have crafted a gripping tale of magic and logic, fate and choice, and a deadly love. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Brandon Sanderson. 

Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines, powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the Surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope. 

ARC Review: THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US by Tricia Levenseller

THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US
by Tricia Levenseller
Date Published: February 25, 2020; Feiwel and Friends

From Goodreads:

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power: 

1) Woo the Shadow King. 

2) Marry him. 

3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself. 

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it. 

Can't-Wait Wednesday: CAST IN FIRELIGHT (Wickery #1) by Dana Swift

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It highlights books to be released that readers/bloggers are most excited for. It is based on Jill, from Breaking the Spine's 'Waiting on' Wednesday.

My Can't-Wait Wednesday pick for this week is -

CAST IN FIRELIGHT (Wickery #1) 
by Dana Swift
Release Date: November 17, 2020; Delacorte Press

From Goodreads:
The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh. 

Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.

Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who's mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child.

Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery's most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet.

ARC Review: DATING MAKES PERFECT by Pintip Dunn

DATING MAKES PERFECT
by Pintip Dunn
Release Date: August 18, 2020; Entangled: Teen

From Goodreads:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name—hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed. 

Until now. 

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school. 

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course—and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster. 

ARC Review: REBEL SPY by Veronica Rossi

REBEL SPY 

by Veronica Rossi 

Release Date: June 23, 2020; Delacorte Press 

Young Adult, Historical Fiction

About the book:

A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355--a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War--perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key and the novels of Julie Berry. 

Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it. 

Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.

ARC Review: THE PRINCESS WILL SAVE YOU (The Princess Will Save You #1) by Sarah Henning

THE PRINCESS WILL SAVE YOU (The Princess Will Save You #1) 
by Sarah Henning 
Release Date: July 7, 2020; Tor Teen
Young Adult, Fantasy

About the book:

A PRINCESS 

A STABLE BOY 

A QUEST 

When her father dies, Princess Amarande is given an ultimatum: Marry the leader of one of the four neighboring kingdoms, or lose her crown—and possibly her life. And to force her hand, her beloved, the stable boy Luca, is kidnapped. 

But Amarande was raised to be a warrior, not a sacrifice. 

And nothing will stop her from saving her true love and rescuing her kingdom. 

Can't-Wait Wednesday: KINGDOM OF THE WICKED (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

'Can't-Wait' Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It highlights books to be released that readers/bloggers are most excited for. It is based on Jill, from Breaking the Spine's 'Waiting on' Wednesday.

My 'Can't-Wait' Wednesday pick for this week is -

KINGDOM OF THE WICKED (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) 
by Kerri Maniscalco
Release Date: October 27, 2020; JIMMY Patterson

From Goodreads:
From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series…

Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.