Winter's Heir (Fairy Queens #7) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Winter's Heir (Fairy Queens #7)

Author: Amber Argyle

Publication Date: July 20th, 2016

Synopsis: A price must be paid.

 

Elice has left behind the ice and isolation of winter. Before her is the warmth and wonder of summer with all its color and life. Adar, the young man she saved from the sea, is by her side, and his touch sends tendrils of heat where before there was only cold.

 

But all is not as it seems. There are secrets hidden in the heart of summer. Secrets that could burn Elice to the ground and take the whole world with her. The decades-long war between the fairies of winter and summer has thrown off the balance of nature, leaving the world in its death throes.

 

Adar believes Elice can stop the destruction—if only she will listen to him. But like the fairies’ bargains, that trust comes with a cost. And the price Elice will pay will tear asunder the boundaries between dreams and family, loyalty and betrayal.

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Review: Amber Argyle's Fairy Queens series is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. I've loved getting to know Elice, Adar, Ilyenna, and Nelay and their incredible world. Winter's Heir picks up pretty soon after Daughter of Winter ends, and ties up all of the loose ends left over from the other books in the series. We still see things from Adar and Elice, and I actually enjoyed putting together all of the pieces to the puzzle as they did. I'm just so sad that this series is over now! 

I was definitely suspicious of Adar's intentions in Daughter of Winter, and it turns out he was a little bit sketchy. But for all of the right reasons, I think, so I ended up really loving him by the end. Maybe as much as I loved Rycus (who also shows up!). He might actually be my favorite character in this book, even if his means to an end aren't always things I agree with. He really does care for Elice and just wants what is best for their world. Elice, on the other hand, might be my least favorite of the fairy Queens. She still starts out this book kind of whiny, and refuses to listen to Adar for most of it. Don't get me wrong - she matures and grows into an incredible woman who no doubt rules her kingdom fairly and kindly, and she's quick-witted and intelligent and manages to find a solution to the problems the kingdoms are facing. I just didn't connect with her the way I did with Ilyenna in Winter Queen and Nelay in Summer Queen.

Like always, even the supporting characters are incredibly complex and important. Nelay, Rycus, Ilyenna, Otec, and all of their friends make appearances again (which was a great way to tie all of the books together!), and we even get to meet some new characters. I loved Adar's sister and Cinder, and I am so glad that Amber has more planned for Cinder! I hope that comes to fruition, because I'd love to learn more about her. 

After 7 books, you'd think that the world would be pretty fleshed out, but Amber keeps throwing more surprises in that help the world continually expand. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the Summer and Winter kingdoms, but I was obviously wrong! After this book, I feel like there's still so much more that I could learn, even though it seems like I've been there myself. There's so much history that I'd love to learn about that I don't think I would ever get enough. 

While I'm still so sad this series is over, I will definitely be revisiting this world often! If you're a fan of fantasy books, you'll definitely want to read the Fairy Queens series. All of the books are filled with magic, romance, adventure, fantastic world-building, and a plot that will grip you tight from the very beginning. Winter's Heir in particular is an epic conclusion that will wrap everything up nicely, connect all of the books in a way I didn't think was possible, and leave you completely satisfied with how things turn out. That's not to say I won't always want more, but I am definitely content with how this series ended! Definitely a 5/5 and a series you don't want to miss! 

--Ashley

Daughter of Winter (Fairy Queens #3) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Title: Daughter of Winter (Fairy Queens #3)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: April 22, 2016

My Of Ice and Snow (#0.5) Review
My Winter Queen (#1) Review
My Of Fire & Ash (#1.5) Review
My Summer Queen (#2) Review

Synopsis: Bargains. Only the truly desperate make them. Only the truly desperate need them. And always, the desperate pay.

The silence and never-ending dark of winter are all Elice has ever known, for she is the daughter of the Winter Queen. Isolated in a northern queendom with only the seals for company, she dreams of color and music and life. So when a whaling ship crashes just offshore, she doesn't hesitate to rescue the lone survivor, Adar, who quickly becomes her friend. She must keep him hidden from her mother at all costs, for if the Winter Queen discovers him trespassing, she'll kill him.

When her mother reveals just how dark her soul has become, Elice realizes she is as much a prisoner as Adar. To ever know true freedom—to ever become the woman she was meant to be—she must flee with him. But in their flight, she begins to see hints of something more nefarious. The darkness that has taken hold of her mother is spreading, staining the world with its influence.

Unbeknownst to Elice, a bargain was made long ago. A bargain she was born to fulfill.

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Review: I adore Amber Argyle's books. I've never read one that I didn't love, and Daughter of Winter was no exception! Amber has this incredible way with words that makes the story, the world, and the characters all come to life and jump off the page. As soon as I started reading, I felt like I was really in the Winter Queendom and (even though it's basically never-ending winter), I didn't want to leave it! 

This book focuses on Elise, the daughter of the Winter Queen (who we met in the first Fairy Queens book). Elise also has power over winter, although she's nowhere near as strong as her mother. Unlike her fairy mother, however, Elise is warmhearted and caring, and she wants to help as many creatures survive the harsh environment as she can. Although I didn't connect with Elise at first, I eventually grew to love her just as much as the other characters in this series. She's been sheltered her whole life and has a lot of growing and learning to do, but she adapts quickly and begins become the woman she was meant to be. I can't wait to find out what's in store for her next! 

Although Ilyenna is not the main focus of this book, I still really enjoyed seeing her again. She's much colder (no pun intended!) then she was in the first book, but she's been through so much and I can't really blame her for retreating into winter. She still does love her daughter in her own way, but it's hard for her to show it. I actually kind of wish we had seen more of Ilyenna, because I think she's still my favorite character in the series. She's just so different from most other fantasy protagonists, and I just can't get enough of her story.

As usual, the plot and the world building are spot on. The book starts out a little slow as it establishes Elise and the Winter Queendom, but then things pick up pretty soon after we met Adar. And then, about halfway through, things take off at breakneck speed. I could hardly keep up, but I loved every second of it! I was glued to the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to see how Elice and Adar would find a way out of one dangerous situation after another. I really felt like I was in danger with them, and that I could feel the cold settling around me as I was reading. 

Overall, Amber Argyle delivers with this latest installment in the Fairy Queens series. If you've read the other books in this series, you definitely want to get your hands on Daughter of Winter ASAP! If you haven't, what are you waiting for?! All three books (and both novellas) are incredible, and if you love fantasy, you are missing out on probably one of the best fantasy series out there! I cannot wait to read the final book, Winter's Heir! 4.5/5 for Daughter of Winter!

--Ashley

RELEASE BLITZ: Daughter of Winter (Fairy Queens #3) by Amber Argyle

Good morning! Amber Argyle's newest book in her Fairy Queens series is finally here! You can get Daughter of Winter at all of your favorite online retailers! If you're not familiar with the book, here's a little more information!

Bargains. Only the truly desperate make them. Only the truly desperate need them. And always, the desperate pay. 

The silence and never-ending dark of winter are all Elice has ever known, for she is the daughter of the Winter Queen. Isolated in a northern queendom with only the seals for company, she dreams of color and music and life. So when a whaling ship crashes just offshore, she doesn't hesitate to rescue the lone survivor, Adar, who quickly becomes her friend. She must keep him hidden from her mother at all costs, for if the Winter Queen discovers him trespassing, she'll kill him.

When her mother reveals just how dark her soul has become, Elice realizes she is as much a prisoner as Adar. To ever know true freedom—to ever become the woman she was meant to be—she must flee with him. But in their flight, she begins to see hints of something more nefarious. The darkness that has taken hold of her mother is spreading, staining the world with its influence.

Unbeknownst to Elice, a bargain was made long ago. A bargain she was born to fulfill.

Purchase links:  Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | Goodreads

Don't forget to leave a review after you've read the book! Even a one liner helps authors immensely.


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ELLE STRAUSS ~ Time traveling is wonky enough... and this time it's worse than ever. Counter Clockwise

CHRISTINE KERSEY ~ College is murder... Witness

JULI ALEXANDER ~ Solving mysteries is in her blood, but it might just get her killed. Paxton Private Investigations

AMBER ARGYLE ~ A storm is raging and not everyone will survive. Of Ice And Snow

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Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

My Reviews: Winter Queen (#1) | Of Fire and Ash (#1.5) | Summer Queen (#2)

Synopsis: Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I'm a huge fan of Amber's Fairy Queen series - it's dark and gritty, but also full of beautiful world-building, memorable (and sometimes terrifying) characters, and even a few glimpses of hope and light through the horrors of war. I also really love novellas that reveal the background of more minor characters, so I knew I had to read this story as soon as I heard the Amber was writing it. 

In this novella, we're given a little bit more insight into Ilyenna's parents before the start of Winter Queen. We get to see how they meet, and how they deal with all kinds of awful circumstances that are out of their control. Otec is a middle child - he's not old enough to go with his brothers and father to meet the coming army, and he definitely will never be clanchief. Except destiny has a different plan for him, and his entire world is flipped upside down when the Shyle is attacked. But even in the midst of trying to save his family and his people, Otec manages to find love.

The romance is definitely a big part of the story, but Amber still somehow manages to weave an exciting story that has so many different facets that the romance doesn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. Matka is dangerous and cunning all on her own, and guards her heart just as much, if not more, as Otec guards his. I loved watching their friendship develop and transform into something more, through perceived betrayals, interfering fairies, and the loss of loved ones. 

If you haven't read the rest of the Fairy Queen series, this story will still stand on its own. You don't need to know much else before diving right into this book, and it might be a good place to start. If you have read the Fairy Queen books though, you definitely want to read this novella! There are so many references and connections to things in both Winter Queen and Summer Queen, and it was a lot of fun to be able to recognize those. It makes the entire series stronger and gives the world and the characters so much more depth. If you love fantasy, especially books like the Graceling series, you definitely want to read these books! 5/5.


--Ashley

DUAL COVER REVEAL: Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5) & Daring Hearts Boxed Set by Amber Argyle + GIVEAWAY!

Today Amber Argyle and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for OF ICE AND SNOW, a novella in the Faerie Queens series in August, 2015! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win an e-bundle of Amber’s Witch Song Books!

On to the reveal! 

Title: OF ICE AND SNOW

Author: Amber Argyle

Pub. Date: August, 2015

Find it: Goodreads

Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

Of Ice and Snow is being exclusively released in the Daring Hearts box set and the whole bundle is only 99 cents for 8 books! What an awesome deal!

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Daring Hearts synopsis

Eight All New CLEAN Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors 

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From gorgeous heroes that make us swoon to the super sleuths and feisty heroines that make us cheer, this exclusive collection has something for everyone. Eight clean, sassy and BRAND NEW novels--a delicious mixture of fun, addictively romantic, action-adventure stories -- each handpicked by an award-winning gathering of some of today's most popular YA/NA authors. 


Eight Bestselling Authors 

Eight never-before-released novels spanning 1600+ pages 
Over 98% off retail for the individual books sold separately (a thirty dollar savings!) 
Only available until September (so get your copy today). 

THIS BOXED SET INCLUDES: 

REBECCA ETHINGTON ~ Monsters are real... Through Glass 
RASHELLE WORKMAN ~ Alice is a Dark Moth trainee in Wonderland, Arizona where the days are hot and the guys are hotter. The Dark Moth Society 

CINDY M. HOGAN ~ Some secrets are better left dead and buried. Kate Unmasked 

ELLE STRAUSS ~ Time traveling is wonky enough... and this time it's worse than ever. Counter Clockwise 

CHRISTINE KERSEY ~ College is murder... Witness 

JULI ALEXANDER ~ Solving mysteries is in her blood, but it might just get her killed. Paxton Private Investigations 

LILA FELIX ~ Fasta is an artist, not by choice, but by force. Sketchy Love 

AMBER ARGYLE ~ A storm is raging and not everyone will survive. Of Ice And Snow

About Amber

Amber Argyle is the number-one bestselling author of the Witch Song Series and the Fairy Queen Series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

Amber graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people.

To learn more about Amber, visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

The Giveaway!

3 winners will receive the eBook bundle of The Witch Song Series. International

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BLOG TOUR: Summer Queen (Fairy Queens #2) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review + Excerpt

Hello! Today, we're super excited to be a part of the blog tour for Amber Argyle's newest book, Summer Queen! In celebration of the release of Summer Queen, the first book in the series, Winter Queen, is on sale for $0.99!

Ashley loved Winter Queen and has been waiting for this sequel ever since she finished reading Winter Queen, and we've got her review for you, as well as an excerpt (to make you want to read this series ASAP). But first, how about some information about the book and Amber?

About the Book

Title: Summer Queen (Fairy Queen #2)

Author: Amber Argyle

Publication Date: April 2, 2015

Synopsis: Nelay never wanted to be queen.

Poised to become the most powerful priestess in Idara, Nelay doesn’t have time to become a pretty bauble for the king. She’s too busy saving her people from the invading army sweeping across her kingdom.

But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

Purchase Links: Amazon

About the Author

Amber Argyle is the number-one bestselling author of the Witch Song Series and the Fairy Queen Series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

Amber graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people.

To learn more about Amber, visit her blog at http://amberargyle.blogspot.com

Author Links: Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Amazon | Mail Chimp | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Argylers 

Read an Excerpt!

Nelay slipped down alleys, went through a bar and out the back entrance, and twisted down two more blocks to make sure she hadn’t been followed. She climbed up a wall, using a windowsill and beams as steppingstones, before hopping onto a roof.

She crouched, staring at a man of the desert tribes. Though she’d contracted with him to smuggle her out of the city, she’d never met him. They had communicated only through her spies, so now she scrutinized the man who held her life in his hands. He wore the robes and headscarf similar to that of an Idaran, but in muted colors that blended in with the deserts. With his veil tied up, only a thin slit of his eyes showed.

The skin around those eyes crinkled in amusement when he saw Nelay. “So, this is the woman willing to pay a king’s ransom to slip behind enemy lines.”

“I don’t owe you an explanation, Rycus.” She didn’t want him to say anything that would give away her identity to any listening fairies.

He tugged his veil down under his chin, revealing a surprisingly young face, only a couple years older than her. His nose was a little on the big side, and his forehead reminded her of a shovel. But he had liquid eyes the color of sand at midnight and a nice smile, with brilliant white teeth against his dusky skin. This was the most renowned smuggler in two kingdoms?

“No,” he replied, “but we’ll be sharing close quarters for two months, so we might as well be friends.”

Nelay had enough experience with criminals to know they had their uses, but they were also incredibly unpredictable, and therefore dangerous. “I don’t need friends,” she said.

“Everyone needs friends.”

“If I’d known you were going to be this talkative, I would have picked someone else.”

Rycus grunted. “No you wouldn’t have. You wouldn’t have settled for less than the best.”

Nelay tossed him the bag of coins she’d received in exchange for two of her ceremonial rings. When the high priestess found out, she’d be furious, but Nelay would deal with that later. “We must hurry—the Immortals are nothing to be trifled with.”

Rycus pushed the bag into the folds of his robes without counting the money. He would receive the other half when he returned her and her family safely to Thanjavar. “You don’t have to come with us, you know,” he said.

Nelay snorted. He might have a reputation as a fair man, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t cross her—say, if the king offered more money. “I already told you. It’s not a place marked on a map.”

“I could figure it out,” Rycus replied.

“No offense, but I don’t trust you.”

He shrugged. “And afterward, you’re sure you wish to return? Whatever has you running away will still be here then.”

“That is not your problem.” She might be Suka’s favorite, but even the high priestess couldn’t overlook what she’d done. Nelay’s only hope was to stand in the public bethel and announce herself the next high priestess. Then she had to beat Suka in the game of fire, the winner of which would become the next high priestess. King Zatal wouldn’t dare touch Nelay then.

And if she failed . . . she shuddered. She’d have the wrath of a king and a high priestess to face.

“What are you running from?” Rycus questioned.

Ashley's Review

I absolutely loved Winter Queen when I first read it, and it's still one of my favorite fantasy books ever. Amber knows how to craft an incredible world with wonderful characters who continue to live on well past the ending of the books. So when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Summer Queen, I immediately jumped on the chance! I couldn't wait to get back into this world and meet characters on the opposite side of the spectrum from those featured in Winter Queen. And I was not disappointed! 

Nelay is not like any other priestess I've encountered in any of the books I've read. She's strong and independent and can hold her own in a fight, but she's also loving and willing to do anything to protect the people she cares about. She's also got a mischievous side to her, which I thought makes her hilarious.  Nelay is also incredibly cunning, and she's always trying to figure out how to play things to her advantage. She's not afraid to back down from a fight she knows she cannot win, which I felt made her a dangerous enemy to have. I loved Illyenna in Winter Queen, but I honestly think that I love Nelay even more! 

And then there's Rycus. Oh, Rycus. He's kind of off-putting at first, but then the more time we spend with him, the more I fell in love with him. He's absolutely fantastic for Nelay, and I think one of my favorite things in this book was watching their relationship develop. Except for those times when Amber does this thing where she gives me a mini heart attack and separates them and makes it seem like they're not meant to be together. I was so back and forth and I just could never figure out what surprises were in store! 

Like all of Amber's other books, Summer Queen has gorgeous world-building. In Winter Queen, we learn about the lands of the Clansmen. In Summer Queen, the world is expanded and we learn more about the cities and the people who live in them, as well as the Tribesmen who live in the deserts. I can't wait to learn even more about this world and its people in the next book! The plot also moves along smoothly and quickly, and I never felt like anything was dragging along (even though this book is fairly long).

I would 100% recommend Summer Queen to anyone who has read Winter Queen, and the whole Fairy Queens series to fans of YA Fantasy. Especially if you enjoyed Rae Carson's Girl of Fire and Thorns series, and other books like it. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment (waiting is so hard!)! 5/5!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget that Winter Queen is on sale for $0.99 until April 17th, and Amber's book Witch Song is free across all platforms! 

--Ashley & Paul

Of Fire and Ash (Fairy Queens #1.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Goodreads

Title: Of Fire and Ash (Fairy Queens #1.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: January 8th, 2015

My Winter Queen (Fairy Queens #1) Review

Synopsis: One promise can change everything.

The fairies must never know of Nelay’s sight, for the attention of such dark and terrible creatures brings more things dark and terrible.

But when Nelay's father is near death, the fairies are the only ones who can save him. All they require is a simple promise that she'll return the favor one day.

Sometimes promises are deadly.

---------------------------------------------------

Review: I first stumbled across Amber Argyle a few years ago, when her book Witch Song was free on Amazon. I have eagerly devoured every single thing she has written that I could get my hands on since, and I'm always left wanting more! So you can imagine my excitement when I found out Amber was writing a short prequel novelette for the upcoming second book in her Fairy Queens series, Summer Queen. 

Of Fire and Ash was pretty short - around 68 pages - but it was still jam-packed with all of the things that I love about Amber's books. There's a significant amount of world building without shoving it down your throat and there's q huge amount of background on Nelay, the main character in Summer Queen. I'm really glad that I got to learn more about how Nelay's journey toward becoming the powerful priestess that she is in Summer Queen began. I loved getting to know Nelay as a child, because I think that will help me (and other readers) understand her as the woman she becomes. 

This novelette also sheds quite a bit of light on the fairies and what happens when they learn you can see them. Or what happens when you ask for their help. Everything comes at a price, and sometimes the price might be too steep... although it might be too late. After reading Winter Queen, I had so many questions about the fairies, and Of Fire and Ash definitely answered a couple of the more minor ones.

What Amber does best though, is give just enough of a story that I'm left wanting the next installment ASAP! I have to know what happens to Nelay next, and what will happen when the fairies call in their favor for saving her father. I want to know what she's like after she grows up, and I want to know if she's able to save her people. Of Fire and Ash was enough to get me back into this incredible world, and I cannot wait to read Summer Queen! A 5/5 for sure!


--Ashley

COVER REVEAL - Summer Queen (Fairy Queens #2) by Amber Argyle

Hello! Today, we have the cover of Summer Queen, the next book in Amber Argyle's Fairy Queens series. Ashley loved Winter Queen, and has been looking forward to Summer Queen since she finished it.

The cover for Winter Queen was absolutely gorgeous, but we think this one might be even better! What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

About the Book

Title: Summer Queen (Fairy Queens #2)
Author: Amber Argyle


Synopsis: Nelay never wanted to be queen.

Poised to become the most powerful priestess in Idara, Nelay doesn’t have time to become a pretty bauble for the king. She’s too busy saving her people from the invading army sweeping across her kingdom.

But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

A Note From the Author

I wrote this book during perhaps one of the hardest times of my life. My son was in and out of hospitals with a noncancerous bone tumor. He had two surgeries and was in a wheelchair and not allowed any type of physical activity for months.

We also moved to another state, I broke my leg, had surgery, and played single mom while my husband was away. Insurance was, and still is, a nightmare (I'm looking at you, Humana).

This book is perhaps the strongest straight-up fantasy novel I've written. One of the themes I explore is leadership. To quote from the book: “To be a true leader, one must not simply be strong. One must also be selfless.”

And I can't mention one of my books without talking about the main characters. Nelay doesn't start off as this weak, timid little thing being oppressed. She's poised to become the most powerful woman in her kingdom. But as with most of those in power, she lacks empathy.

Rycus knows who he is and what he wants, but unlike Nelay, he is also willing to sacrifice for those he loves. And Rycus loves Nelay "as the sun loves the sky."

I also want to announce that I've written a prequel for Summer Queen, entitled, Of Fire and Ash. It's with my editors now and will be published as soon as it's finished. You can find both on Goodreads here and here. I hope you're as excited for the next installment in the Fairy Queen Series as I am.

About the Author

Super short: Amber Argyle is the #1 bestselling and award winning author of the Witch Song and Fairy Queens series. In her novels, good always triumphs over evil. Though sometimes just barely.

Slightly longer: Amber Argyle is the #1 bestselling author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people. 

To find out more about Amber Argyle, you can visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

 You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

COVER REVEAL: Girls on Fire Boxed Set

Hello! We're pretty excited to bring you the cover for the brand new boxed set, Girls on Fire! This set has ten novels featuring amazing heroines, all be critically acclaimed YA authors. Girls on Fire is releasing on June 16, and will only be $0.99!

Before we get to the cover, here's a little bit about the novels contained in Girls on Fire as well as the authors. To read a full synopsis, you can click on the title. If you want to learn more about the authors and their other books, just click on their names!

About the Girls on Fire boxed set

Witch Fall
By: Amber Argyle
Genre: High Fantasy
Synopsis: Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the witches. Born of witches but raised among their enemies, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it’s that all things fall.


Eternal Starling
By: Angela Corbett
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis: For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie Starling. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.


Awakening
By: Christy Dorrity
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: When an ancient curse threatens McKayla McCleery's family, she must decide what in her life is real and what is fantasy. Based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy that is rife with magic, romance, and mystery.


Inevitable
By: Tamara Hart Heiner
Genre: Suspense
Synopsis: Visions of death plague Jayne, who thinks watching her sister die is the worst that could happen to her. But when she witnesses a murder, Jayne realizes that the next death she sees might be her own.


Watched
By: Cindy M. Hogan
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Synopsis: Change. She longed for it.
A murder. She will never be the same.


The Forgotten Ones
By: Laura Howard
Genre: Fantasy


Elemental Hunger 
By: Elana Johnson
Genre: Futuristic Fantasy
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Kilpatrick can shoot fire from her hands, which would be great if she didn’t get blamed for a blazing inferno that kills 17 schoolmates. Gabby will have to learn who she can trust, how to control her own power, and most of all, how to lead a Council of Elementals, most of whom have more control over their power than she does. If she can’t, she’ll find herself just like those 17 schoolmates: burned and six feet under.


The Faerie Guardian
By: Rachel Morgan
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Kickbutt faerie Violet is about to graduate as the top guardian trainee of her class, but when an assignment goes wrong and the human boy she’s meant to be protecting follows her back into the fae realm, a dangerous plot is set in motion.


Perception 
By: Lee Strauss
Genre: Dystopian/Romance
Synopsis: Eternal Life is to Die For.
A spoiled genetically altered girl needs the help of a jaded “natural” boy to find her missing brother.


Intrinsical
By: Lani Woodland
Genre: Paranormal
Synopsis: The gene that allows the women in Yara’s family to see and communicate with spirits seems to have passed her over. Until the night she rescues a local hottie from an attacking ghost. Her act of heroism attracts the attention of the evil spirit, and she finds herself entrenched in the middle of a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening her own life as well as that of her friends.

And now... the cover you've all been waiting for! 

 

Goodreads

What do you think of this cover? Don't forget to go get your copy of it! Only $0.99 for 10 novels - it's a deal too good to pass up! 

--Ashley & Paul

Witch Fall (With Song #3) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon |Goodreads

Title: Witch Fall (Witch Song #3)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: January 15th, 2014

My Witch Song (#1) Review
My Witch Born (#2) Review
My Witch Rising (#2.5) Review
My Witch Fall (#3) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: With the magic of their songs, the Witches control the seasons, the storms, even the sea. Secure in their supremacy, they have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. For the world has begun to covet their power, seeing them as weapons to be controlled instead of rulers worthy of obeisance. 

Born of witches but raised among their enemy, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it's that all things fall.

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Review: This series is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. I love the world building, I loved Brusenna in Witch Song and Witch Born, I love the concept of the witches controlling nature with their songs, and everything else about these books. So I was so excited to get my hands on and read Witch Fall! 

I've always wondered about Lilette, since we only  get brief glimpses of her in the first two books. Witch Rising was a nice little introduction to her, but this book was incredible. Lilette is such an interesting character, and I am so glad we got the chance to learn about her and her sacrifices. She's the strongest witch ever born, but she's still flawed and I really appreciated that about her. I think it makes her feel more real, and more relatable, and I definitely felt for her every time her choices caused her or those around her to be hurt in one way or another. 

I thought the romance in this book was also really well done. There is no instalove or any love triangles, and that was a nice departure from most YA fantasy. The relationship is complicated at times and definitely hard, but it worked for them. I also felt like the relationship was very real, since normal relationships are not without their issues. I mean, these were extraordinary circumstances and not your typical problems, but still. It was well done. Even the friendships were handled nicely, and even though things didn't always work out, at least there was a reasoning and an explanation for why. Everything is incredibly understandable.

The plot moves along quickly, but I never found myself confused or having to flip back several pages to find out what the heck just happened. It flows nicely, and jumps in time are handled appropriately. Everything is very fast-paced, and it definitely is not a book you'll want to put down! I kept picking it up whenever I had even just a couple minutes, just to find out what was next. 

Even though the world is pretty well established from the first two books, it was really neat to see the world before Brusenna - a world were witches are revered and respected and not hunted. Watching the world shift was definitely really interesting, and surprising that one power-hungry witch was the cause for it. 

I would totally recommend this series for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy, especially those about witches and nature. I would specifically recommend this book  to anyone who has read the other Witch Song books as well. Definitely one you don't want to miss. You could even start here and then read the other two books - I don't think you'd be terribly confused. Although I would recommend reading Witch Rising before reading this book. 5/5!

And now, a giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



--Ashley

Witch Rising (Witch Song #2.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Witch Rising (Witch Song #2.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: December 11, 2013

My Witch Song (#1) Review
My Witch Born (#2) Review
My Witch Fall (#3) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: A ship burns, sinking into the dark sea. There is only one survivor—a child hunted for the power of her song. Hidden away on an isolated island, Lilette buries her power deep, convinced it caused the deaths of those she loves.

But she can’t run from who she is. And when her secret is revealed, the only thing that can save her is her song. It’s time to rise up and become what she was always meant to be: the most powerful witch ever born.

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Review: I've been anxious to read this story since I first heard about it. I wanted to know more about Lilette, and I wanted to know about the world before Brusenna. She's the most powerful witch ever born, but we know so little about her from reading Witch Song and Witch Born. And I was not at all disappointed when I was finally able to sit down and dive into her past.

This story is fast-paced and engrossing, and I found myself not wanting to put it down or have it end. In just a few years, Lilette experiences things that most people (even the ones in her world) wouldn't have to experience. She's the lone survivor of a shipwreck, she's forced to start a new life on a strange island, and she's warned to keep her secret or face dire consequences. Oh, and she has more power than anyone else in the history of the world. So I mean, her life is pretty ridiculous.

And she still manages to persevere, and there's definitely a message in there. I think she's inspiring and strong even when she's forced to make difficult choices, and she's caring and she does whatever she thinks is necessary for the people she loves. This story was just a brief glimpse into her life, but I definitely think it really helped set up the final book in this series. 

If you haven't read any of Amber's books, you're really missing out. I would definitely recommend starting with Witch Song (which is free on Amazon!), and then progressing through the series. You could start with this story though, if you want to read the books chronologically. Either way, fans of the series and readers new to the series will enjoy this story and be aching to learn more about Lilette and her life. I'm glad I read this before Witch Fall. 4/5 for sure! 

--Ashley

Witch Fall (Witch Song #3) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon |Goodreads

Title: Witch Fall (Witch Song #3)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: January 15th, 2014

My Witch Song Review
My Witch Born Review

Synopsis: With the magic of their songs, the Witches control the seasons, the storms, even the sea. Secure in their supremacy, they have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. For the world has begun to covet their power, seeing them as weapons to be controlled instead of rulers worthy of obeisance. 

Born of witches but raised among their enemy, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it's that all things fall.

Why?: I loved the other two books in this series, and I was pretty sad when I thought I would never be able to see more of Brusenna's world. But then I found out Amber was writing a third book, set before the events of Witch Song, and I absolutely knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could. I'm so excited to learn more about Lilette and about how the witches fell and the events that led to Brusenna having to save the world.

Expectations: I've read all of Amber's books so far and I have not been disappointed yet, so my expectations for this one are pretty high. Everything about her books is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to see how she expands the world in this book. I can't wait to be introduced to new characters and new situations, and I'm just excited for everything about Witch Fall.

Judging a book by its cover: I mean, let's be real. How could you not love this cover? I love the colors, Lilette floating in the water, the pendant she's wearing... This cover is gorgeous. I would 100% pick this up if I saw it on a bookshelf in a store, a library, a friend's house.... anywhere.


--Ashley