Review: Darken the Stars (Kricket #3) by Amy A. Bartol

Review: Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol
*THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOKS*

Author: Amy A. Bartol
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Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: September 8th 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
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Summary:
Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.
As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.
As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.

6 Recent Releases Perfect for November

1. Inconceivable! by Tegan Wren

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A popular, young royal couple can't produce an heir? INCONCEIVABLE!
When Ozarks native Hatty goes “whole hog” during karaoke, she catches the eye of Prince John. He isn’t what she expects the heir to a small European nation to be: he's affable, witty, and isn’t put off by her tell-it-like-it-is demeanor. Their flirtation should be short lived, but a force stronger than fate—Hatty’s newspaper editor—assigns her to cover the royals. After spending time together, she and John soon begin dating, and Hatty finds herself making headlines instead of writing them.
But challenges loom that are even more complicated than figuring out how to mesh Hatty's journalism career with life at Belvoir Palace. Hatty and John soon find themselves embroiled in an unusual sex scandal: they can't produce an heir. Tabloids dub Hatty a “Barren-ess,” and the royals become irate. Hatty politely tells them to shove it. But beneath her confident exterior, she struggles to cope with a heartbreak that invades her most intimate moments with John. Pressured to choose between invasive medical procedures and abandoning John’s claim to the throne, the couple feels trapped until a trip to Ethiopia shows them happy endings sometimes arrive long after saying “I do.
2. Soundless by Richelle Mead
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From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore. 
For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom. 
When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.
But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.
Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever...
3. Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown
Samantha Donaldson’s family has always done its duty for the British Crown. In the midst of World War I, seventeen-year-old Sam follows in their footsteps, serving her country from the homefront as a Girl Guide and messenger for the intelligence organization MI5. After her father disappears on a diplomatic mission, she continues their studies of languages, high-level mathematics, and complex puzzles and codes, hoping to make him proud.
When Sam is asked to join the famed women’s spy group La Dame Blanche she’s torn—this could be the adventure she’s dreamed of, but how can she abandon her mother, who has already lost a husband to the war? But when her handlers reveal shocking news, Sam realizes there’s no way she can refuse the exciting and dangerous opportunity.
Her acceptance leads her straight into the heart of enemy territory on a mission to extract the most valuable British spy embedded in Germany, known to the members of LDB only as Velvet. Deep undercover within the court of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Samantha must navigate the labyrinthine palace and its many glamorous—and secretive—residents to complete her assignment. To make matters worse she finds herself forming a forbidden attraction to the enemy-a dangerously handsome German guard. In a place where personal politics are treacherously entangled in wartime policy, can Samantha discover the truth and find Velvet before it’s too late…for them both?
From author Teri Brown comes the thrilling story of one girl’s journey into a deadly world of spycraft and betrayal—with unforgettable consequences.
4. Magnus Chase by Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he's tracked down by an uncle he barely knows-a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

5. Mirrorred by Alex Flinn

Mirror, mirror in my hand . . .
Beauty is the key to everything. At least, that's how it seems to Violet—ugly, bullied, and lonely. To be beautiful, in her eyes, is to have power and love. And when Kendra, the witch, teaches Violet how to use magic, she may finally get what she wants.
For Celine, beautiful since birth, her looks have been a hindrance. She discovers that beauty is also a threat—especially to her stepmother, Violet, who doesn't want anyone sharing the attention she worked so hard to get and who will do anything to be the fairest of them all.
But beauty isn't only skin deep and love isn't based on looks alone. And though Violet and Celine may seem to be completely opposite, their lives are almost . . . mirrore


6. The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas

In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.
However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort. . . .
Iolanthe and Titus will put their love and their lives on the line. But will it be enough?
With The Immortal Heights, Sherry Thomas brings the acclaimed Elemental Trilogy to its breathtaking conclusion.

Review: The Demon Catchers of Milan by Kat Beyer



Author: Kat Beyer
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Publisher: Liza Dawson Associates
Publication Date: July 28th 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
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Summary:

Mia’s ordinary life is disrupted for good in the most horrifying way possible when she is possessed by a hungry and powerful demon—and saved only by the arrival of relatives from Italy, the country her grandfather fled many decades ago. Now her cousins, the charming and gorgeous Emilio and stern, elderly Giuliano, say the only way to keep Mia safe is for her to come back with them to Milan, to live, to learn Italian, to fall in and out of love, and to master the family trade: fighting all demons with the ancient lore of bell, book, and candle. Milan is not what Mia expected, but it will change her forever

Review: Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol

20977124Author: Amy A. Bartol
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: March 31st 2015 
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
Rate:



Summary:

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.
A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars... - Goodreads

10 Beautiful Book Covers That Will Have You Running To The Bookstore

One of the things that get me, as a reader, are book covers. They are the representation of the story and sometimes they tell you what you're getting with the book. As the main visual aspect of the book they have the ability to slay you and make you want to buy the book or turn your head and move on.
I'm not tell you to judge a book by it's cover but when you're in a place with many books you end up feeling more attracted to the ones with the most beautiful covers.
I have compiled a list of ten book covers that I find beautiful and they're not in any particular order. Enjoy!

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Illustrated by Hugh Thomson)
This peacock feathery style has much to do with Jane Eyre. I can't tell if the designs are gold or white but they're surely beautiful! 

2. The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
I don't know anything about this book but this cover intrigues me and makes me want to check it out! The starry night sky with a lonely path seem pretty common, even tough they are exquisite, but what really strikes me is the lonely baby crib. Why is it there? What does it mean?

3. Until I Die by Amy Plum
I love this cover! The main character strolling through a the streets of Paris in what seems to be a division of night and day. If you have read the book then you know what simbolism might be behind this amazing cover but if you haven't then I advise you to read this series, the first book is called "Die For Me" (for my review click here).

4. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
This cover strikes me as being kind of a puzzle. The mix between the rose petals and the descending stairs is quite exquisit and beautiful, if you really think about it, and the little detail of a girl running down the stairs intrigues me!

5. Across The Universe by Beth Revis
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This is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! The galaxy and two lovers, I don't know what this book is about but I think it's going to be awesome! (currently on my TBR for two years)

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
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In this cover is not only the art that I find fascinating but also the title. Obsviously I think that this book talks about a circus, but what kind of circus and how is it like? With this amazing cover art, if I had the money I would buy it immediatly!

7. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
The American Heiress
The classic ambiance that surrounds the girl that, to me, looks like a bride is awesome. This window actually remminds me of a window I saw at the Palace of Versailles ( France). Maybe they're related? Maybe the girl is going to marry someone?

8. The Bird With The Broken Wing by D. L. Richardson
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This is one of the covers I find beautiful but I don't know why, it simply appeals to me. Maybe it helps that it has a wintery feel to it.

9. Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray
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Do I really need to say what's amazing about this book cover? The multiple settings, the different colors, the minuntious detail and the great quality of the artwork on this cover. Here you have it!

10. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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Watercolors and a wing thar has incorporated castle towers?! Sign me up for it!

Did you find any of these covers beautiful?

Here you have one spooky quizz in honor of Halloween!

Review: A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston



Author: E. K. Johnston
21524446Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: October 6th 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
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Summary:

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.
And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time. But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.
Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.
Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.

Review: Esther by Rebecca Kanner


Author: Rebecca Kanner
Publisher: Howard Books
Publication Date: 3rd November 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
Rate:



Summary:
From the award-winning author of Sinners and the Sea comes a breathtaking new look into the timeless tale of Queen Esther.
A glittering Persian king has a vast empire that reaches farther than where the sun meets the horizon. He is bathed in riches and commands a frightening military force. He possesses power beyond any other mortal man and rules his kingdom as a god. Anything he desires, he has. Any woman he wants, he possesses. Thousands of them. Young virgins from all across his many lands.
A Jewish girl is ripped from her hut by the king’s brutish warriors and forced to march across blistering, scorched earth to the capitol city. Trapped for months in the splendid cage of the king’s palace, she must avoid the ire of the king’s concubines and eunuchs all while preparing for her one night with the king. Soon the fated night arrives, and she does everything in her power to captivate the king and become his queen.
But wearing the crown brings with it a new set of dangers. When a ruthless man plies the king’s ear with whispers of genocide, it is up to the young queen to prevent the extermination of the Jews. She must find the strength within to violate the king’s law, risk her life, and save her people.
This is a story of finding hidden depths of courage within one’s self. Of risking it all to stand up for what is right.
This is the story of Queen Esther. (from Netgalley)