{YA Fantasy Review} Wings of Arian (Solus #1) by Devri Walls

{YA Fantasy Review} Wings of Arian (Solus #1) by Devri Walls

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 462 pages. Published April 24th 2012 by Stonehouse Ink (first published January 1st 2012). 

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

{Review} 

"Book in hand, Aleric headed quickly towards the king's study, his footsteps echoing down an empty hallway." (page 1, line 1)

I really enjoyed Wings of Arian. I liked the world, the way magic worked, the inhabitants, the rules, the exceptions. Wings of Arian has magic and dragons and action and adventure. And a pegasus. What's not to like? The tale was entertaining, with twists and turns and sudden reveals that have you questioning everything. I didn't want to put it down. 

While Kiora can be a bit immature she's young and she's been isolated and ostracized and now she's faced with an incredible task. I actually expected her to act out more than she did. It'll be interesting to watch how she develops throughout the series. Emane's got a lot to learn too, something that's pointed out to him often. But he's also an honorable guy who is willing take on a task that he's completely unprepared for, to make the sacrifices required.

I enjoyed watching Kiora and Emane as they learn to trust, respect and count on each other. And to like each other because they certainly don't at the beginning. But near death experiences can't help but bond people and their relationship changes in ways they don't expect (I think that the sword fighting scene (page 448) exemplifies their relationship).

 

Walls' writing style is great, she painted a vivid picture of the world and put us inside her characters' heads. I also appreciated that Walls injected a sense of humor, especially the continued 'exceptions' (read the book! to find out).

While the story doesn't end with a cliffhanger we're presented with a whole new set of challenges and it left me wanting to know what happens next.

Stacking the Shelves (25)

 Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews, where I write, and squee, about the books I've added to my physical and virtual shelves, what I've read, and what I'm planning to read

• Sky's End by Lesley Young
• Mark of the Successor by KateMarie Collins
• Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
• Embers by A.L. Collins
• Backstage Pass by Elizabeth Nelson
• Two Lies and a Spy by Kat Carlton
• Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
• Stuck on You by Heather Thurm
• A Little Bit Scandalous by Robyn DeHart
• A Heiress in his Bed
• Baby, Be Mine by Ginny Baird
• Shrouded by Francis Pauli
• Playing the Part by Robin Covington

*Book image property of Microsoft

{Book Blitz} A French Girl in New York (The French Girl series #1) by Anna Adams

A French Girl in New York (The French Girl series #1)
by Anna Adams
Release Date: 12/21/12

Summary from Goodreads:
Maude Laurent is a spirited 16 year- old orphan who grew up in a small, provincial town in the North of France with a passion for piano and a beautiful voice. One day in Paris, she is discovered by an American music producer who takes her to New York to live with him and his close-knit family while producing her first album, with help from teen pop star, Matt. Maude will dive into a new fascinating world discovering New York City, music, family, love and the truth about her past.

Available FREE November 4-11!

   

Excerpt:

“Okay, I’m done. Now hurry!” the makeup artist cried out. “You’re up in two minutes.

Don’t you dare mess up your makeup again!”

Maude ran out, keeping her hands away from her recently rouged cheeks, and Matt

hurried behind her.

She stood right behind the curtain and listened to the host’s cheerful voice, announcing

her.

“Now ladies and gentlemen, we have a new artist with us tonight. She’s spent her last

six months in New York working on her first album. Her first single has been released and is

a huge hit . . .”

“Maude,” Matt whispered, tugging her sleeve.

“Yes?” She looked back at him, smiling.

“I just wanted to tell you . . . to let you know that you can always count on me.”

“I know, Matt,” Maude smiled gratefully.

“Her voice will take your breath away, her music is amazing . . . ”

“No, I’m serious. Our friendship has had its ups and downs, but I don’t want it to be that

way anymore.”

Maude nodded.

“I don’t care if you’re with Thomas Bradfield. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Maude paused, puzzled. “What? Thomas Bradfield—”

“Give a round of applause for Maude Laurent!” the host cried.

“That’s your cue! Go!” Matt urged.

Maude reluctantly turned away from Matt and hurried on stage.

The blaring lights blinded her as she entered the stage and faced the cheering crowd.

She had to restrain her impulse to shield her eyes and continued steadily towards the dark

Steinway.

She had played on it earlier but then, she hadn’t felt nervous. Her hands hadn’t been

trembling, and her voice hadn’t been shaky.

Maude sat on the piano stool and looked towards the crowd.

They were all there. 

Book 2
(linked to Goodreads)

About the Author

Born in France, raised partly in the United States and in France, Anna Adams grew up loving stories in French and English. 

Anna currently lives in Paris where she studies at la Sorbonne as a Law Student.
She's the author of the French Girl series for which she is writing the final installment.
When she isn't writing, Anna is busy hanging out with friends in the Marais, going to the movies in the Bercy Village, checking out exhibitions at the Louvre, going to the Opéra de Paris and shopping on Haussmann Boulevard.
When she isn't in Paris, Anna likes to travel in Europe and dreams of going to Asia and Africa.

Author Links:
   

Book Blitz hosted by:

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Shrouded by Fances Pauli

Title: Shrouded

Author: Frances Pauli

Release Date: November 21, 2013

Series: Princes of the Shroud

Publisher: The Zharmae Publishing Press (Zharmae.com)

Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

{Giveaway}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Frances Pauli writes speculative fiction, usually with touches of humor or romance, which means, of course, that she has trouble choosing sides.
She's always been a fan of things outside the box, odd, weird or unusual, and that trend follows through her books, which feature aliens, fairies, and even, on occasion, an assortment of humans.

More information on her work and upcoming releases can be found on her

website: www.francespauli.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancesPauliAuthor

twitter: https://twitter.com/MothinDarkness

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3426477.Frances_Pauli

Buy Direct: http://stores.modularmarket.com/zharmae/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Zharmae&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AZharmae

BN:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Zharmae?store=allproducts&keyword=Zharmae

{Book Blitz + Giveaway} When Stars Die by Amber Forbes

When Stars Die
by Amber Forbes
Release Date: 10/22/13

Summary from Goodreads:
Amelia Gareth's brother is a witch and the only way to save her family from the taint in his blood is to become a professed nun at Cathedral Reims. However, in order to become professed, she must endure trials that all nuns must face.

Surviving these trials is not easy, especially for Amelia, who is being stalked by shadowy beings only she can see. They're searching for people they can physically touch, because only those they can touch can see them. Amelia soon learns why she is being stalked when she accidentally harms her best friend with fire during the third trial. Fire is a witch's signature. The shadows are after witches.

Now Amelia must decide what to do: should she continue on her path to profession knowing there is no redemption, or should she give up on her dream and turn away from Cathedral Reims in order to stop the shadows who plan to destroy everything she loves?

Available from:

 

About the Author

Amber Skye Forbes is a dancing writer who prefers pointe shoes over street shoes, leotards over skirts, and ballet buns over hairstyles. She loves striped tights and bows and will edit your face with a Sharpie if she doesn't like your attitude. She lives in Augusta, Georgia where she writes dark fiction that will one day put her in a psychiatric ward...again. But she doesn't care because her cat is a super hero who will break her out.

Author Links:
   

***GIVEAWAY***

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Background Noise (5) 'Overjoyed' by Bastille

What are you listening to while you read?

This week I'm obsessed with 'Overjoyed' by Bastille

Find it on Amazon & iTunes

{Adult Romance Minute Review} Taken by Him by Red Garnier

{Adult Romance Minute Review} Taken by Him by Red Garnier

The Billionaire’s Club: The wealthiest, most powerful men, not only in Chicago, but in the world.  They are used to having whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Luke Preston is the ultimate playboy among his billionaire friends.  Every bad girl in Chicago has surrendered in his bed.  Some good girls, too.  But when he ends up in the hospital after an assassination attempt, his friends suggest he take a long vacation to recoup, regroup and lay off the women until the man is caught.  However, when Luke lays eyes on the stunning brunette across the beach, she inspires every dark, erotic thought his mind can conjure.

Peyton Lane has always been serious and responsible and she’s determined to have some fun for once in her life.  And that means a deliciously, sexy affair with a stranger while she’s on vacation.  So when a blond Adonis named Luke crosses her path at the Cancun resort, she’s determined that he will be the one. But Peyton gets more than she bargained for when Luke introduces her to a passion unlike any she has ever experienced and she discovers that behind that charming smile are secrets and a beautiful, damaged soul. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 112 pages, Published May 28th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

{Review}

"A failed murder attempt felt crappier than a failed orgasm, when you were the one getting shot." (page 1, line 1)

Sexy, humorous, steamy. Very steamy. Luke and Peyton were fun. Luke's the typical alpha male with the world at his feet, going through women like kleenex. He's cocky and arrogant and only looking for a good time. But he's likable even though he's a man whore. Peyton's a great girl for Luke, she isn't a pushover. She's strong and confident and stands her ground. She knows what she wants. They both do. But then emotions start getting involved and things start getting interesting. 

I liked Garnier's writing style, her voice, the flow of the story.  I look forward to reading more from her.