Fiction Freak

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom—all because of a reckless bargain her father struck. And since birth, she has been training to kill him.
Betrayed by her family yet bound to obey, Nyx rails against her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, she abandons everything she’s ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, disarm him, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.
But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her. As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. But even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, could she refuse her duty to kill him?
Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

This just sounds SO good and is definitely one of my more anticipated releases! Thank God it releases this month.
I always love those stories where you just have no idea who's the "good" guy/who's side you're really on. INTERNAL CONFLICT! Love vs. duty. I never tired of that story. Not to mention, Beauty and the Beast? YES! AND I ADORE THE COVER! It's so clever! And I love the name Nyx. I mean, it means night and that just is too perfect for the dark sounding book!

*Update* READ AND LOVED (and my review goes up on Tuesday!)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Pages: 352

Genre: Fantasy/Retelling

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: Jan 28, 2014

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.
With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.
But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.
As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Oh God, the love I have for this book! As I'm writing this, I literally just finished reading it in one sitting at midnight, so excuse me as I collect my thoroughly gasted flabber off the floor and turn it back into a brain. I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting when I dove into Cruel Beauty, but I know it wasn't this. And for once, that's a good thing!

So I'm a giant fan of retellings. And when I say giant, I mean giant. Add in Beauty and the Beast? It just got better and better! The tale as old as time is one of my favorites and one of the more commonly retold stories--but it's so, so, so hard to get right. But I can say with absolute certainty that Rosamund Hodge is a genius author whose brilliance can not go unheeded.

Hodge is a wonder with words, something that you can easily see through her debut. I fell in love with the first chapter and couldn't let go after until I'd read everything and was clinging to my plush rabbit in agony. The most amazing part, I think, is the worldbuilding, which has it's feet set in the plot, the characters, and pretty much everything.
The world is a mix of high fantasy, paranormal, and Greek mythology, something I found extremely unusual, but undeniably enthralling. It was amazing seeing the world come to life in the pages and being told the world's history and background through snatches of folklore and tale and absolutely fascinating, how the author pieces together bits of her fantasy world with that of Greece. Who knew demons and gods went together?

The plot, I realize, is actually rather slow, but you don't get bored at all. The tension between Nyx and Ignifex kept me laughing and giggling forever and you can't help but get sucked into the story once they meet. It's more than just the romance, of course. It's Nyx trying to defeat Ignifex, to avenger he mother's sacrifice, and to keep her promise. It's amazing how this goes about and there are still so many plot twists I can't accept. I refuse to accept.

Romance! There are hints of a love triangle, but I can't really say anything beyond the fact that, well, it's not really a love triangle and that I loved Ignifex from the moment we met him, with his snark and wit and charm about him!

Nyx is truly a badass character. She's not quite the assassin I was expecting, but she's tough, she's fierce, she's curious, but beyond all that, she's absolutely and brilliantly flawed. It's even stated in the book that her heart was threaded with darkness, and you can't help but relate to her sometimes. Not to her situations, of course (I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone engaged to a demon prince), but her feelings and her regrets. She's a broken character and it's just something you love about her.

The ending, I have to say, was absolutely perfect. And that's all I have to say about that.

So yes. Cruel Beauty is one of those books you can't help but fall in love with, and one of those books that'll automatically jump to your favorites list. It's gorgeously written with brilliant characters, a cutthroat plot, and a romance that'll set you on fire. It's like reading a fairy tale--there's honestly no choice but to get enthralled. I honestly can't recommend this book enough! So seven out of five stars it is!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Pages: 432

Genre: Sci-fi

Series: Avalon #1

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: Jan 2, 2014

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

I'll admit, going into this, I was just a bit unsure. I'm not one for alien/otherworldly sci-fi, but Mindee Arnett? Galactic thieves and mercenaries? I was willing to risk it--and I am so glad I did.

Avalon is one of those stories that starts off with a bang and just keeps climbing up. The plot was one of those that doesn't let you rest, doesn't give you any worry-free time, and just intrigues more and more. Excluding all the plot twists (which were more than shocking) what surprised me was that what I thought was going to be the main conflict was resolved in only a few pages. Curiouser and curiouser, right?
Either way, it was what happened after that made everything even more interesting and even more cutthroat.

I will say that there was a twist I did predict from the first half of the book, but it was how I was right that made me gape. You have to hand it to Arnett--she sure knows how to keep you hanging and coming back for more! I read maybe a chapter of Avalon and then read the rest in one sitting. Because who can resist something like this book (that felt like an intergalactic horror story for a few chapters!)

And then the worldbuilding! I'm just blown away by all the science and every meticulous detail and research that probably went into this book. From dimensions to spaceships to lost planets and genetics, Avalon pretty much covers all your sci-fi needs! It's really just a gorgeous book.

There's a rather large cast of characters, but you just fall in love with each and every one of them (them being the good guys, I mean!) It was amazing how the team operated and how well they worked together and laughed together, more family than just some random teens stuck together. What I loved so much though, was how different each character was from one another. Some were more somber, most always joking, but each of them had their own quirks and habits that just made them stand out a bit and just make you love them, especially Jeth.
I don't read many male POVs, but props to Arnett for making a pretty believable voice and a protagonist you couldn't help but cheer for! Jeth was a rather complex character who had his faults and strengths and, like I already said--you can't help but fall in love with him!

Speaking of falling in love, the romance was the only thing I wasn't so sure on. While I did love the fact that romance took a back seat on this one, with only a kiss or two at most, I still felt a bit irritated by it in the beginning, especially considering that there's a bit of insta love when they first met, Jeth remarking on how beautiful Sierra, our love interest was, or something like that. I also felt a bit awkward because of a certain other character I felt like (almost wished) had feelings for Jeth. Then again, I'd probably have an issue with love triangles, so maybe not?

Avalon is an absolute must read for fans of hardcore (or not!) fans of sci-fi. I can almost guarantee you'll love this book with it's unbelievable twists and jaw dropping turns! I really just loved this read because honestly. Intergalactic thieves.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls

Pages: 206

Genre: Contemporary/Psychological

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Createspace

Release Date: May 31, 2013
UPDATE: The book has been bought by a literary agent so it's no longer available. When it re releases though you guys need to get it and read it!

Saylor Grayson makes herself sick. Literally.She ate her first needle when she was seven. Now, at nineteen, she’s been kicked out of college for poisoning herself with laxatives. The shrinks call it Munchausen Syndrome. All Saylor knows is that when she’s ill, her normally distant mother pays attention and the doctors and nurses make her feel special.Then she meets Drew Dean, the leader of a local support group for those with terminal diseases. When he mistakes her for a new member, Saylor knows she should correct him. But she can’t bring herself to, not after she’s welcomed into a new circle of friends. Friends who, like Drew, all have illnesses ready to claim their independence or their lives. For the first time, Saylor finds out what it feels like to be in love, to have friends who genuinely care about her. But secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What will happen when Saylor’s is out?

After seeing this floating around the blogosphere for a while, I caved and asked the author for a review copy. And was it a good idea? Yes.

At first I was a bit wary because I've heard of this type of psychological syndrome before and I've never understood it. I got that people wanted attention sometimes, especially from absent parents, but I could never fathom how people could hurt themselves, make themselves sick, when others who were naturally sick were trying desperately to live their normal life or become better.
So it wasn't really a surprise that I hated Saylor at first. She didn't seem to understand the people around her, and her hurting herself--for attention, no less--irritated me to no ends. She had a sick fascination and all she wanted was attention, bad or not. She wanted to be noticed, and I loathed that, not to mention that she faked a terminal illness just to feel "special".

Saylor also developed as a character throughout the book, but it was so gradual I almost didn't notice. She starts to learn about the people behind the diseases, and how horrible it is, being sick. She starts realizing that maybe there are things more important than attention--much more important. She grew on me, and I honestly didn't realize it until her world fell apart and my heart just started hurting for her.

Falls clearly did a lot of research on not only Munchausen Syndrome, but all the other diseases mentioned, and it definitely seemed like she knew what she was talking about (but I'm no medical professional!) Not only that, she managed to delve into the mind of a teen with Munchausen and create a realistically portrayed character with it. No matter how annoying she was at first.

All the secondary characters were all amazing and I loved each individually, but we have to focus on Drew. He was absolutely sweet and adorable. And it was deja vu all over again with The Fault In Our Stars. Knowing that the YA love interest you're falling in love with has a disease that'll eventually kill him? It's horrible and bittersweet, especially when you feel like you're invested in their romance. The two just seemed to compliment each others' personalities and how they reacted around each other was just too sweet for words.

At the end of this novel, I actually couldn't read the last two pages because tears were rolling down my face and blurring my vision. I'm not even kidding. Secret for a Song is heartbreaking, but hopeful, and it leaves us with an open ending, giving us just a little bit of hope for our characters. Gorgeously written, beautiful, and lyrical, Secret for a Song is one I have to recommend. And will likely shove in your face should you mention standalones or contemporaries.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Standalone

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: Jan 7, 2014

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

Being Sloane Jacobs was definitely high on my TBR, especially since Meant to Be managed to get to my Favorites of 2012. And having the covers match? Score!
The premise definitely excited me--a YA version of the Parent Trap? Please! And I have always been one for these contemporaries that have a dramatic flair.

Being Sloane Jacobs didn't disappoint! At first, I felt a bit iffy about it--what are the chances of meeting someone with the exact same name and looks similar to you, has family problems, and ice skates too? But that's the thing about books like this--you can't help but fall in love with them, even with all their improbabilities.

To be honest, I wasn't exactly the biggest fans of these two girls. Sloane Devon seemed to judge to quickly, one of those "Shoot now, ask questions later" kind of people and Sloane Emily seemed a bit cliche in her rich-girl-with-problems situation. And yet, there's something about them that grows on you and makes you love them throughout the story. We get to see them develop as a character, seeing them out of their comfort zone, but still making the best of it. They were so different, dealing with their own problems, their own secrets, but they were still the same--wanting to forget themselves and live another life.

But, to me, the romance is my favorite part. Being Sloane Jacobs wasn't by any means focused on the romance, but really. Who can resist two swoony guys?
While we didn't really get the full story on them, they were still adorably wonderful. We had Matt, Sloane Emily's love interest, who was a player-turned-sweet kind of guy who was surprisingly romantic and unbelievably adorable.
Nando, Sloane Devon's blast from the past, had that mysterious thing going on and it was clear that he had a thing for our tomboy turned girly! He was just as adorable, really, and how he acted around Sloane? Squeals!
My only complaint was that both romances were a bit underdeveloped and that our love interests were lacking and not entirely written well.

But honestly, we can't forget the writing. Morrill's writing style is brilliant and that's pretty much all I have to say about that! For someone who usually dislikes dual POV, I enjoyed how the author split the scenes and how she would perfectly keep us hanging without making the cutoff seem too abrupt.
And oh, the hilarity! I loved the humor in the book and I honestly LOL'd so many times I'm pretty sure my stomach hurt at the end of the day!

Being Sloane Jacobs was a pretty fantastic read that had me falling in love with the characters--and falling out of my chair! Morrill has a way with words that makes you giggle too many times than any human should be allowed to and makes your heart ache. While there were a few things I didn't exactly like, I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light read that'll cheer you right up!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S

Oh my gosh guys, another year has passed.

Another year.

ANOTHER YEAR OF FUHREAKING AMAZING BOOKS AND COVERS AND NOVELS AND AUTHORS. Eeeeeep this is so exciting! So what's going to happen this year? Who knows. But I bet it'll be awesome! (Speaking of? Follow the YA Valentines (@YA_Valentines on twitter. HERE is their website) because they're seriously some of the most amazing people ever!)

By the way, anyone have any romantic kisses at midnight? Anyone see the fireworks? Anyone see the ball drop?

ALSO. GUYS. Some things are going to change around the blog. If you'll notice at the bottom, I've made a new signature that's significantly bigger than my last one. Also, my review format has completely changed! I've also made a few new graphics. I may alssoooooo be moving to WP soon! EXCITED? YES. YES I AM.

Anyways, here are a few of my 2013 accomplishments I must brag about. :3

Accomplishments

I was quoted in Penguin's catalog for VENOM
I was quoted on Fiona Paul's website (here)
I was quoted on Lili Peloquin's website (here)
I was quoted in the "Praise for Death and the Girl Next Door" section in DEATH AND THE GIRL HE LOVES by Darynda Jones!
Business cards? I GOT EM. AND THEY'RE GORGEOUS
Merp Squad (here) opened up (and I got a group of amazing BBFFs!)
I became a Paper Lantern Lit (here) Blogger
EILEEN RAN A TWITTER PARTY FOR MY BIRTHDAY. IT TRENDED IN TWO COUNTRIES AND OUTTRENDED THE BACHELOR.
I went to my first authors event in Texas!
I got books from Harper, Hyperion, and Random!
I WAS INTERVIEWED BY PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY. HOW EPIC IS THAT. (HERE)
I reached 1000 followers! EEP!
I was a YA Crush Tourney advocate for Perry @ Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. EEP!
SARAH BETH DURST EMAILED ME GUYS.
I met several bloggers and authors this year! AWESOMENESS IGNITED.