City of Cruelty and Copper (Temperance Era #1) by Rhiannon Paille - Ashley's Review

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Title: City of Cruelty and Copper (Temperance Era #1)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Publication Date: May 28, 2014

Synopsis: Nuclear warfare destroyed Earth, setting it off its axis. A group of survivors escaped to Antarctica, discovering a city under the permafrost. Fable Ketterling was thirteen when the bombs went off.

She was fifteen when she and her parents escaped.
She was fifteen when she found the fountain of youth.
She was fifteen when the fountain made her immortal.
She was the only one.

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Review: The premise behind this story is something that sounds so unique and has a lot of potential. Nuclear warfare destroying Earth, people living beneath the permafrost, a fountain of youth. All of those things should come together and make for one epic story that would be completely unforgettable. 

And for the most part, I think it accomplishes that. I couldn't read this book fast enough, and I had so many questions that I wanted answered. Some of them were answered, but most were not. Which is fine, because this is only the first book in the series and (hopefully) the next part will be out sooner rather than later! I have to know what happens to Fable next. 

The part that kind of threw this book off for me though was that the middle section was not from Fable's perspective. Instead, we're given a glimpse into what Temperance Day is like from the viewpoint of one of Fable's descendants. It was interesting, sure, but I'm not entirely convinced at this point that it was entirely necessary. Maybe if this was a full length book instead of a novella, and his character was developed a little bit more. I felt like it was an aside that only added a little bit of world-building and not much else. 

I also thought that this whole this book could have been novel length instead of novella length, and that it was just missing a lot of information about the world and the characters. Sure, I sympathized with Fable and felt all of her emotions as if they were my own, but I just wanted more. I think this would be a really good series to read once it's all completed, and I would recommend it to fans of YA sci-fi and dystopian stories. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out of the next installment! 3/5


--Ashley

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire by Paul Allor - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors/IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire
Author: Paul Allor
Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Synopsis: "Utrom Empire" takes us to the Technodrome where Krang's plans to destroy the Earth are ramping up. 

Little does he know that Baxter Stockman plans to harness its power for himself! 

As the two villains scheme, one imprisoned robot holds the key to success - Fugitoid! 

Will he be able to reach out to the Turtles in time? 

All this, plus the long-awaited story of the alien Utrom race!

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Review: I love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and it's rare that I don't at least enjoy any of their incarnations. This comic was no exception! Although the turtles make only a brief appearance, it's still a really interesting story and situation.

I've never really read much of the background stories for most of the villains. I mean, I know the basics. But it was pretty neat to find out a little bit more about the Utrom empire and the alien Utrom race. I learned some new things all while biting my nails and hoping that Fugitoid would come through! I think these comics paint the villains in a different light and makes them easier to sympathize with. 

Krang, for example, only wants to save his people. Everything he does is to save a dying race, and if it means taking over Earth then so be it. He's willing to risk himself and his planet as long as his people will make it through. And Stockman is just so conflicted about everything. I wish that more of the movies and the TV shows had shown more of Stockman. Sure, he's definitely one of the more major villains, but he's certainly not around as much as, say,  Shredder. 

I would totally recommend this comic to any fans of the TMNT universe! I enjoyed learning some more about characters other than the turtles, but I also enjoyed seeing how their actions affect the turtles. And I can't wait to continue this story and find out what happens next. Especially with who all Fugitoid contacted! A 4/5. 


--Ashley

The Body in the Woods (Point Last Seen #1) by April Henry - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt & Co (BYR) on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Body in the Woods (Point Last Seen #1)
Author: April Henry
Publication Date: June 17, 2014

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods.

Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own.

This first book in April Henry’s Point Last Seen YA mystery series is full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations

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Review: I've never really read a book about a search and rescue group. Not that they don't interest me... I just think they're underrepresented in a lot of contemporary YA fiction. So I was pretty excited when I came across this book that dealt with a search and rescue team! Plus some mystery, secrets, and an investigation? Count me in!

The plot and the story itself definitely held my attention. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out "whodunnit" on my own. There were times when I thought I had it figured out only to be proven wrong, and even a couple of times when I actually did have it figured out but somehow managed to convince myself otherwise. The mystery part is very well written, and it was really interesting to see snippets from the killer's point of view.

I didn't, however, really connect with any of the three main characters. Nick's chapters are very bland and he's always just trying to prove himself to his brother or his mom. I mean, I guess I can understand why, but you'd think after so many years he'd be over that. And I think there was a little bit of a crush on Alexis going on there, but that's not really developed at all either so I wasn't upset with how that worked out. Alexis has to deal with a mentally ill mother, but we're never really told HOW she deals with it, besides worrying all the time. So I missed a connection there as well. And the romance in her section feels so unnecessary. 

Ruby was the only character who I thought was actually really interesting. She's different, and she has certain obsessions, but she's very focused once she gets her mind set on something. I thought it was neat to follow along with her thought process and to find out what she remembered about...well, everything. Every time the detective blew her off, I felt her aggravation. I sympathized the most with her, and I almost wish there were more chapters from her perspective. 

I think this book is well written as far as the plot and the content goes (there was definitely a lot of research into how search and rescue teams do their job!), but it fell short for me when it came to the characters. I think maybe a younger crowd would enjoy this book more - it's not too gory or anything, and is pretty informative, but I'm not sure that the older YA readers would enjoy this as much. I'd recommend it if you like mysteries and are looking for something a little bit different though! 3/5.


--Ashley

The Deep (The Island #3) by Jen Minkman - Ashley's Review

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

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Title: The Deep (The Island #3)
Author: Jen Minkman
Year Published: June 3, 2014

Ashley's The Island Review
Ashley's The Waves Review

Paul's The Island Review

Synopsis: ‘The world is never-ending.

I never realized just how much space there is – how far and wide the water around our island stretches out. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I may have believed that a second Wall ran around Tresco, containing the infinite waters so we wouldn’t all wash over the edge and plummet down into the depths.’

Leia and Walt are on their way to the Other Side, where the legendary land of Cornwall awaits them. Tony, their new friend, has told them that all wars of the past have been forgotten and the citizens of Bodmin and Dartmoor live in peace. People adhere to the tenets of an old religion that preaches forgiveness and non-violence.

However, Walt and Leia soon discover that even a peace-loving, ideal society like this one may have its flaws. While on a forbidden trip to Exeter, the old city of their ancestors, the two Islanders discover more about the new world than they ever bargained for.

Secrets run dark and passions run deep in this thrilling conclusion to the Island novella series.

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Review: I absolutely loved Jen's novellas The Island and The Waves, and I figured that would be the end of the story. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned there was a third installment. AND it's novel-length! And honestly, The Deep did not disappoint in any way! 

This time around, we get to see the story unfolding from Leia and Alisa's perspectives. Leia has left the island with Walt and Tony and anyone else who wanted to see what was on the other side of the waves, and Alisa has remained behind to help the Fools and Unbelievers still on the island. I really enjoyed seeing what things were like on the Other Side, and I think it's really interesting that even this new world that's supposed to be better than life on the Island has its secrets and its disadvantages. Leia and Walt learn that people are people, and maybe their lives before weren't as bad as they thought. 

And then there's Alisa, who struggles to accept Saul, who had been cast as a dangerous criminal. Even though she still struggles with losing Yorrick, I think Alisa's story is really important to showing forgiveness and that people will often surprise you. I really enjoyed reading about things from someone else's perspective, since we've already seen things from Leia and Walt. Seeing old characters from another viewpoint was interesting and helped me to understand them better.

Like the rest of the Island series, Jen's writing in this book is absolutely gorgeous. The world-building and character development is phenomenal, and I loved every second ofi t. I couldn't put this book down, and read most of it in one sitting! There are still some loose ends, and I would totally read more of this series if Jen ever decides to continue it. Most of the story is complete though, and I would be happy with it ending here if she decides not to write more in this world.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has read The Island and The Waves. It expands the world and the characters, and answers questions about the Other Side and Tony's people. I would also recommend the series to any fans of YA sci-fi and/or dystopian books, especially if you enjoy books with subtle (and not so subtle) Star Wars references. This is an excellent series, and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read it! 4/5!


--Ashley

The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor: Part One by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor: Part One
Author: Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga
Publication Date: October 8, 2013

My The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury Review
My The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury Pre-Reading

My The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor Review
My The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor Pre-Reading
My The Walking Dead: Compendium 1 Review
Synopsis: The third book in Robert Kirkman's New York Times bestselling series, The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor!

The Walking Dead original novel series, set in the universe of Robert Kirkman's iconic universe, continues with The Fall of the Governor. From co-authors Kirkman, creator of the Eisner Award-winning comic book and executive producer of AMC's blockbuster TV series, and Jay Bonansinga, Stoker Award-finalist and internationally acclaimed author, comes the gripping third novel in this richly woven, page-turning literary saga, which began with The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor.

In Rise of the Governor, uber-villain Philip Blake journeyed from his humble beginnings directly into the dark heart of the zombie apocalypse, and became the self-proclaimed leader of a small town called Woodbury. In The Road to Woodbury, an innocent traveler named Lilly Caul wound up in the terrifying thrall of Phillip Blake’s twisted, violent dictatorship within Woodbury’s ever tightening barricades.

And now, in The Fall of the Governor, the Governor’s complex story continues in a tour de force of action and horror. Iconic characters from the comic book, including Rick, Michonne and Glenn, finally make their entrance onto this nightmarish stage, and fans of The Walking Dead will see these characters in a whole new light.

Why?: I love the TV show and I love the comics, and I've enjoyed the other two books in this series, so it only makes sense to continue with The Fall of the Governor! Plus, I'm excited to see more familiar characters in a new form, and I hope that this book will give more information about them. 

Expectations: I'm expecting a story about Phillip Blake's downfall full of zombies and characters that fans of The Walking Dead already know and love. I'm also expecting to learn new things about old characters. 

Judging a book by its cover: I think this might be my favorite cover in the series so far! I like the zombies (or people? I'm not sure, which makes me like it even more) in the background, and Phillip's eye patch in the foreground. I would totally pick up this book if I saw it on a shelf! 


--Ashley

TITLE REVEAL: Rhiannon Paille's Outer Space Book!

Hi guys!

Rhiannon Paille, author of The Ferryman and The Flame series, is currently working on a new series! And she's kept the title secret until now... because today is the day she's revealing the title for the book she keeps saying is about outer space and that has something to do with Jupiter (but also nothing to do with Jupiter at the same time).

Confused yet?

It will all make sense soon!

Before the title reveal though, how about a little about Rhiannon?

About the author

Rhiannon is an up and coming Indie Author that writes Young Adult Fantasy books and some non fiction. She has a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. When she’s not writing books she’s reading minds, singing karaoke, burning dinner and sipping iced cappuccino despite her allergy to coffee. Some day she’d like to own a unicorn—as long as it doesn’t eat her. She's sold over 25,000 copies of her books worldwide.


Amazon | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Web








So, are you ready for the title yet?

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And the title is...

So, what do you think of this title? Are you excited to read it? Let us know in the comments! 

--Ashley & Paul

BLOG TOUR: The Silver Sickle by Ellie Ann - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Hello! We're really excited to be a part of the blog tour for The Silver Sickle by Ellie Ann today! We've got Ashley's review of the book for you, as well as a pretty nice giveaway. In celebration of the blog tour, Ellie Ann is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! So be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form at the end of the post for your chance to win.

Be sure to stop by the rest of the stops on the tour for more reviews and excerpts. You can find the list of stops by visiting the tour schedule.

About the book

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title:The Silver Sickle

Author: Ellie Ann 

Published by: Stonehouse Ink

Publication date: July 2013

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis: The Silver Sickle is for fans of steampunk, cyberpunk, Veronica Roth, Scott Westerfield, and Allie Condie.

The end of humanity will come through the Silver Sickle . . .

Farissa lives every moment with reckless abandon, for it may be her last. Any day now, the alien goddesses will harvest her and take her to the mysterious Silver Sickle, never to return. She’s accepted that. What she can’t accept is this new idea of freedom Zel has planted in her head. She’d give almost anything to be with Zel, but how can she run from her destiny if it means putting the whole kingdom in danger?

Everyone in the desert kingdom believes the goddesses are immortal, but Zel has invented a way to kill them. Now all he has to do is convince Farissa to run away with him and plant a seed of hope in her heart that she’s not destined to die. Little does he know that one seed of hope could change the course of the future.

About the author

Ellie Ann is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of science fiction, comics, and thrillers.

I was born in the jungles of Thailand, was raised in a small farming village in Iowa, lived in the middle of a Texan desert, and now abide in the Ozarks.

I like writing fairy tales, tall tales, thrillers, science fiction, and am seriously interested in transmedia storytelling.

I’m a creative editor for Stonehouse Ink. I’m a producer of interactive books at Noble Beast.

Come say hi! I don’t bite. Unless I’ve been turned into a zombie.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Ashley's Review

The Silver Sickle is a wonderful mix of sci-fi, romance, steampunk/cyberpunk, and good vs. evil. There's action, adventure, secrets, romance, aliens, and all kinds of things that make a story great! Once I got a few chapters in, I was sucked into this world and the characters and had a hard time putting this book down. 

There is quite a bit of world building, and I felt like it was enough to know a little bit about the structure of the world and why things are the way they are. It's enough to know that the Amar are worshiped as goddesses, there's a king who rules the people but worships the Amar, the cogsmen are metalmen who function as the king's guard, and there are people who are "harvested" as sacrifices to the Amar. But I still had so many questions about this world, and I finished the book feeling like I had been told more things than I had been shown. I wanted more, and I still have so many questions about this world and its people. Also about the world the Amar came from, but I think that's a story for a different day.

I did really enjoy how the romance was done though. There's no instalove, which was really nice. Zel and Farissa are in love from the beginning of the story, and it's implied that they have been for quite some time. The only thing standing in the way of their happily ever after is the Amar - they've marked Farissa as one of the consecrated and there is no way she can escape without them finding her. They both are forced to make choices and sacrifices that could ruin their plans to run away together, but they do it because they love each other. Friendships and rivalries are also dealt with, and I really enjoyed the way Ellie handled all of the relationships in general. 

The book is told from three perspectives - Farissa's, Zel's, and Gira's. Gira is the leader of the Amar, and her chapters really made me think about why she does the things she does and about how the "evil" characters aren't always totally bad. I wish there were more chapters from her, because I think it would have been interesting to learn more about the Amar from their leader. I mean, we learn about why they're there and what they're planning and how they mourn and think, but I really felt like there was just so much more to be learned. I also kind of wish there was a fourth perspective so that we could have learned more about the cogsmen. They were my favorite characters, and I feel like I don't know enough about them!

Overall, I think this book had a lot of potential. I think it might have made a good duology, especially if more information was included about the Amar and the cogsmen. Or maybe some short stories to go along with it would be nice. I enjoyed the stories and the characters, but I always felt like something was missing. I definitely think sci-fi  and steampunk fans would enjoy The Silver Sickle, especially if you like a little bit of romance and dystopia thrown in. I would give it a 3.5/5, but I will definitely be looking in to more of Ellie Ann's works! 

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by today! 

--Ashley & Paul