September Wrap-Up

So, my month did not start off well at all. I've had a couple of sick animals - one that was sick for about a year and the other, a couple of weeks - that both died within a week of each other. My cat, Allison, died August 31st and my dog, Axel, September 5th.

Needless to say, I wasn't reading much or wanting to socialize for my blog at all - so I am super glad I was on hiatus. Because, seriously, this is not something anyone needs to experience.

Now I am currently without any animals for the first time since I was, like, six years old. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I mean, I like not having to take care of any animals - and I'm sure this winter I'll like not having to walk a dog practically in the middle of a blizzard, or when it's below freezing - but it's all the little things that get me. All that stuff that I'd do without thinking about it anymore. Picking up dog cookies at the store or cat food, or waving bye to them before I leave for work. So, things have been a little lonely the last three weeks.

I have been thinking about, maybe, getting a less attention-heavy pet. Like a turtle. Or a lizard. But I'm not sure I want to make my bedroom smell like turtle. Or lizard. We'll see - but right now I'm liking not being responsible for anyone but myself.


What I've been reading...

Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly - **
The Spirit Eater by Rachel Aaron - ****
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski - ****

The Heart of Valor by Tanya Huff - *****
The Paladin Caper by Patrick Weekes - *****
Fire Falling by Elise Kova - ****

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison - **** - Review to come next month!

I feel like a had a really, really good reading month. I mean, not only did I enjoy nearly everything I read, I also got quite a bit read. While most of these books were sequels - so I kind of did know what I was getting into - I also went with what I wanted to read for the most part and not what I thought I should read.

What I've been watching...

So, mostly my TV shows this month have been of the next season variety. I watched (or, maybe that should be re-watched because I saw most of it when it was on TV originally) season 4 of Diagnosis Murder. I also watched season five of Once Upon a Time (which my feelings for are totally all over the place except I now officially HATE Rumpelstiltskin) and I watched season 4 of Elementary - which is a show that seems to get better and better with each season and I love it so, so much!

So, that was my month. What have you been reading/watching?

Review: Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Series: Mechanica #1
Genre: Steampunk/Retelling
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Nicolette’s awful stepsisters call her “Mechanica” to demean her, but the nickname fits: she learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, though, and the Steps have turned her into a servant in her own home. 

But on her sixteenth birthday, Nicolette discovers a secret workshop in the cellar and begins to dare to imagine a new life for herself. Could the mysterious books and tools hidden there—and the mechanical menagerie, led by a tiny metal horse named Jules—be the key to escaping her dreary existence? With a technological exposition and royal ball on the horizon, the timing might just be perfect for Nicolette to earn her freedom at last.

Gorgeous prose and themes of social justice and family shine in this richly imagined Cinderella retelling about an indomitable inventor who finds her prince . . . but realizes she doesn't want a fairy tale happy ending after all.

Top 5 Fantasy Gateway Books

This month I joined another meme - Top 5 Wednesday! Its homesite, is a group on goodreads that you can find here. Now, I won't be doing a post every week for this group, but some of the topics are just too great to pass up on. Like this week's topic of 'gateway books to your favorite genre'. Well, as you all know, I am definitely a fantasy reader, so here's my top five fantasy books that I'd recommend to first time readers.

They definitely aren't where I got my start reading fantasy - because that was entirely D&D books. Also, my list might tend to change a little, based on who I'm suggesting these books to, but it's a pretty good overview.

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.


There's no ancient evil to defeat or orphan destined for greatness, just unlikely heroes and classic adventure. Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, are two enterprising rogues who end up running for their lives when they're framed for the murder of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy that goes beyond the overthrow of a tiny kingdom, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery before it's too late.

The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
The adventure starts here...

Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and pacify thugs, if not with a blade, then by toppling an eight-foot pile of coffee canisters onto their heads. But when ravaged bodies show up on the waterfront, an arson covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a tad overwhelmed. 


Worse, Sicarius, the empire's most notorious assassin, is in town. He's tied in with the chaos somehow, but Amaranthe would be a fool to cross his path. Unfortunately, her superiors order her to hunt him down. Either they have an unprecedented belief in her skills... or someone wants her dead.

The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes
The most powerful man in the republic framed her, threw her in prison, and stole a priceless elven manuscript from her family.

With the help of a crack team that includes an illusionist, a unicorn, a death priestess, a talking warhammer, and a lad with a prophetic birthmark, Loch must find a way into the floating fortress of Heaven's Spire–and get past the magic-hunting golems and infernal sorcerers standing between her and the vault that holds her family's treasure.

It'd be tricky enough without the military coup and unfolding of an ancient evil prophecy–but now the determined and honourable Justicar Pyvic has been assigned to take her in.


But hey, every plan has a few hitches.

The Spirit Thief by Rachel Aaron
Eli Monpress is talented. He's charming. And he's a thief.

But not just any thief. He's the greatest thief of the age - and he's also a wizard. And with the help of his partners - a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls - he's going to put his plan into effect.

The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he'll need to steal some big things. But he'll start small for now. He'll just steal something that no one will miss - at least for a while.


Like a king.

The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells
Once a fertile and prosperous land, Ile-Rien is under attack by the Gardier, a mysterious army whose storm-black airships appear from nowhere to strike without warning. Every weapon in the arsenal of Ile-Rien's revered wizards has proven useless.


And now the last hope of a magical realm under siege rests within a child's plaything.

Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

So, after a bit of a lackluster showing for my Summer TBR - I think I only managed about half of the books I planned to read, I want to get back to making TBR lists/stacks and actually reading the books. I also want to clear out all the books that I've had over two years so when 2017 starts, I won't have books that have been lurking for ages.

2016 Challenges - 3rd Quarter Update

Pages of Starlight's Chunky-Book Challenge
(Adult 400+ YA 500+)
I plan to read 12 chunky books this year - or as many as I can find that sounds good, whichever comes first.

Title - Author Here

The Ace of Skulls by Chris Wooding

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

The Prophecy Con by Patrick Weekes

The Better Part of Valor by Tanya Huff

Entreat Me by Grace Draven

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

The Spirit Eater by Rachel Aaron
The Heart of Valor by Tanya Huff
The Paladin Caper by Patrick Weekes

Total books read in January: 1
Total books read in February: 1
Total books read in March: 0
Total books read in April: 3
Total books read in May: 1
Total books read in June: 1

Total books read in July: 0

Total books read in August: 0

Total books read in September: 3

Pages of Starlight's Finish-the-Series Challenge
My goal is to finish 7 series this year.
I'm also including series I've caught up on if there's no indication when it'll be finished.

Series by Author Finished
Tales of the Ketty Jay by Chris Wooding
Cold Steel and Secrets by Rosemary Jones
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Forgotten Ages by Lindsay Buroker
A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
Riyria Chronicles by Michael J. Sullivan
Swords & Salt by Lindsay Buroker
Feyland by Anthea Sharp
Earth Girl by Janet Edwards
Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The Artifactor by Honor Raconteur
Arisa by Natsumi Ando
Loki: Agent of Asgard by Al Ewing
The Snow Queen by K.M. Shea

The Lovegrove Legacy by Alyxandra Harvey

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly

Rogues of the Republic by Patrick Weekes

Total series finished in January: 2
Total series finished in February: 3
Total series finished in March: 1
Total series finished in April: 2
Total series finished in May: 4
Total series finished in June: 2
Total series finished in July: 0
Total series finished in August: 1
Total series finished in September: 2


Pages of Starlight's TBR-Clean-Up Challenge
Finally read some of those books I've had on my TBR list for over a year.
Not my physical TBR.

Book - Author Here
Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones
The Ace of Skulls by Chris Wooding
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Wearing the Cape: The Beginning by Marion G. Harmon
Beneath the Surface by Lindsay Buroker
Cold Steel and Secrets: Part 1 by Rosemary Jones
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Fortune Hunter by Diane Farr
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Poison Dance by Livia Blackburne
Starbridge by A.C. Crispin
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Total books read in January: 8
Total books read in February: 2
Total books read in March: 1
Total books read in April: 1
Total books read in May: 1
Total books read in June: 0

Total books read in July: 0

Total books read in August: 1

Total books read in September: 0

Fandom Mashups - Sword in the Stone

So, in my quest to find different, fun things to do for my blog, I found Fandom Mashups at Lunar Rainbows. The brain behind this says 'The idea here is that every week, I propose a unique fictional scenario and then build a personal dream team of 5 fictional characters from 5 different fandoms to help tackle each scenario!'

• You've discovered the Sword in the Stone! Who's going to help you free it?Sept 25th

Honestly, I immediately thought of the tv series Merlin. Then, because of Arthur showing up in season 5, I thought of Once Upon a Time. That would totally be the easy way out, though - and we know I don't like those.

Thor from Marvel (any of probably a dozen, but the one I know the best is from the movies)

With that 'if he be worthy' stuff on Mjolnir, I figure if there's anyone - besides the prophesied - king that would be able to simply pull the sword out, it'd be him.

Hessler from Rogues of the Republic (series) by Patrick Weekes

(Pretty sure he's the one in the pointy hat.)

Hessler is a self-titled Master Illusionist. Honestly, I can't think of any skill more important than this, because if I found the sword in the stone, I'd definitely want someone to keep the lookie lous and enemies off our backs. (Or, better yet, not even knowing that we found it.)

Belle from Beauty & the Beast

Honestly, without someone with a high level of intelligence, I think there's a high probability of this whole thing falling apart through some stupid reason. (Like I lost the map and can't find the way back after I assemble my team.) Besides which, with all those books of hers, she might be able to create a compound that'll melt the stone but leave the sword unharmed. And she's one of the few brains that I don't think would be adverse to a bit of adventure.

Erik Lehnsherr from X-Men

Okay, so I think he'd be useful to have around for this - maybe even could slide the sword right out, yeah? But... I totally don't see him just handing it over afterwards. So, the sword would be out but I might have just given Magneto even more power. (And say whatever you will, Ian McKellen will always be Magneto in my mind.)

And, when all else fails (because, seriously, with this crew, it will):


Vinny from Atlantis: The Lost Empire

We blow that stone up! Though, knowing me, I'd probably just start there. :)

September Book Haul

Ater last month being completely devoid of book buying - something that I'm kinda proud of - I went ahead and ordered a few of the books I've been wanting. (Not a lot, but if I don't be careful, I can see next month me going crazy buying books.)

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells
Cosmic Storm by Dom Testa

Review: A Tyranny of Petticoats

A Tyranny of Petticoats by Assorted

Series: No
Genre: Historical
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From an impressive sisterhood of YA writers comes an edge-of-your-seat anthology of historical fiction and fantasy featuring a diverse array of daring heroines.

Criss-cross America — on dogsleds and ships, stagecoaches and trains — from pirate ships off the coast of the Carolinas to the peace, love, and protests of 1960s Chicago. Join fifteen of today’s most talented writers of young adult literature on a thrill ride through history with American girls charting their own course. They are monsters and mediums, bodyguards and barkeeps, screenwriters and schoolteachers, heiresses and hobos. They're making their own way in often-hostile lands, using every weapon in their arsenals, facing down murderers and marriage proposals. And they all have a story to tell.

Sharing Art: Disney Steampunk

What seems like ages ago now, I came across some absolutely amazing art over at DeviantArt. It was a artist that took the Disney characters and turned them steampunk. You've got to understand, I love pretty much anything that's turned steampunk and some of this art is gorgeous.

Below I collected a few of my favorites, but to check out more, visit their gallery here.

Top Ten Books I Want to Hear as Full Cast Audio Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

I wanted to do a music list. I love music and it's such an important part of my life - but I love music so much that it's impossible for me to do a ten list of anything. Unless I'd do a top ten list of favorite Sara Bareilles songs. (Which I actually thought about.) Then I was hit with this idea.

I've only heard a couple of full cast audio books - and at least one of them was a play - but they were so much fun.

(Late) Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag

Hey, everyone! I've been looking forward to doing this since early May. All I did was adapt the questions from last year for this year. (And, I know I'm a little late with this, but I was on my hiatus recently but didn't want to miss posting this!)

1. Best Book You've Read So Far in 2016

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. SullivanTruthfully, there have been so many books this year that I've loved, but this one... Well, it's just so perfect and pretty much exactly what I want from my fantasy stories.

2. Best Sequel You've Read so Far in 2016

The Ace of Skulls by Chris Wooding
So very, very many sequels have been awesome this year. But, right now, I think this one might be my favorite. It's an awesome wrap-up to the series and, honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better end.

3. New Release You Haven't Read Yet but Want To

The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine I'd love to say I've heard great things about this book, but I really haven't heard anything. It seems crazy to me that with all the early hype that I heard surrounding this book, once it got released, everyone seemed to lose interest. Or something.

4. Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half of the Year

Imprudence by Gail Carriger
Totally cheating with this one considering that it already released, but I've hardly bought any books recently and this is the one I'm most excited to finally buy. I think I'll just let my adoration of the author speak for itself. (But this time Rue's going to Egypt!)

5. Biggest Disappointment

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
I wasn't expecting this book to be great - what with the up and down between each book - but I still thought I might like it. Instead, it was without a doubt my least favorite of the whole series and one of only two books that I rated one star so far this year. (Because, honestly, I think I hate this book.)

6. Biggest Surprise

Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis
I figured I'd like this book. I mean, it's a sci-fi fairytale retelling, so yeah. But I didn't think I'd love everything about it, the world, both 'Snow' and her love interest Dane and the fact that the seven dwarves get representation! Honestly, I have to say, I like this book soo much more than the Lunar Chronicles that it isn't even funny.

7. Favorite New Author (Debut To You)

Grace Draven
Books read: Radiance and Entreat Me
I've really not found many new authors this year. Or, if I have, I've only read one book of theirs - and I've learnt the hard way not to favorite an author after only one book - or the book flat out sucks. But Grace Draven books are so amazing. They are the perfect example of why I love fantasy romance books so much and there's only one other author that writes in this genre that I like more.

8. Newest Fictional Crush

Farrin Greydim
From The Snow Queen duology by K.M. Shea (Book I & Book II)
I seldom develop book crushes. Even less often when said book crush is part of the official couple. But this guy is just so perfect. He's honorable and noble and is working for the wrong person for all the right reasons. He's sweet and an awesome fighter. He's even got a facial scar - because, let me tell you, I am so sick of 'amazingly gorgeous' love interests. (I also have a bit of a crush on Rakel, the leading lady in this duology and Farrin's love interest.)

9. Newest Favorite Character

Nicolette Lampton
From Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell
This is going to be one of those books that I talk to death. (To death, I tell you.) And I love Nick. She's such a compelling character because she's not brave and courageous, but she settles on what she wants and she works for it. Also, her happily ever after wasn't dependent on a guy!
10. Book That Made You Cry

Earth Flight by Janet Edwards
I'm kind of weird. I know this. I tend to not cry during sad moments in stories. Someone dying, chances are that will not make my cry. But there was this scene in this book... It was so heartwarming and uplifting and just beautiful - and, admittedly, dealt with my favorite guy in the series - and I was already a bit of an emotional wreck from the awesomeness that came before that I just couldn't help it.

11. Book That Made You Happy

The Scofflaw Magician by Honor Raconteur
I might be cheating a bit here because this series always makes me laugh, but this book was so much fun. Don't start here though. Start with the first book in the series: The Child Prince.
12. Favorite Book To Film Adaptation

Unsurprisingly, I've not seen/read any pairs this year. I keep thinking I'm going to, but so few of the books they adapt even interest me at all.
13. Favorite Review You've Written This Year

This weeks A Tyranny of Petticoats. I really like how this review turned out because it's an anthology so I got to review each story individually and it was a lot of fun to write, anyway.
14. Most Beautiful Book You've Bought This Year So Far

Fire Falling by Elise Kova
This thumbnail totally doesn't do this amazing cover justice. I love the art style and the colors are so, so lovely.
15. What Book(s) Do You Need To Read by The End of The Year

LOL, too many to list. And I'm not going to list any here because my and TBR lists have not been on speaking terms much this year. In fact, if I did list a few books here, it wouldn't surprise me if I didn't get any of them read.

Fandom Mashups - Nerds

So, in my quest to find different, fun things to do for my blog, I found Fandom Mashups at Lunar Rainbows. The brain behind this says 'The idea here is that every week, I propose a unique fictional scenario and then build a personal dream team of 5 fictional characters from 5 different fandoms to help tackle each scenario!'

Considering the characters I like in entertainment, I knew this would be the perfect week to jump in.

• Brainy is the new sexy! Pick your five favorite nerds to geek out with 8-) Sept 18th

Cisco Ramon from The Flash

This was pretty much a no-brainer for me. This guy, with his sense of humor and movie taste - and skill at naming the freak-of-the-week - would be so much fun to hang out with.

Evelyn Carnahan/O'Connell from The Mummy & The Mummy Returns

Okay, I'll admit, when I was younger, I kind of wanted to be Evelyn. (She had my dream job and went on one of the coolest adventures ever.) But now, I think she would just be great to hang out with and, added bonus, she would totally love to teach me all about ancient Egypt.

Douglas Fargo from Eureka

Even with his habit of pressing any button - including the big red ones - that he comes across (which he does not do as often as the show progresses) I think he would be a blast to hang out with. And not boring.

Dr. K from Power Rangers RPM

She is a certifiable genius that was taken in by a government think tank as a young girl and has since created the morphers, the zords and is quite adamant that the suits aren't made of spandex. Even - especially? - with the sarcasm and no social skills, she'd be so much fun.

Flynn Carsen from The Librarian (movie trilogy)

Can I just say that it would be a blast to get Flynn and Evelyn together in the same room and get them talking about Egypt. Beyond that, this is just the kind of person that I think would be fun to hang out with.

*Blinks*

My god, we're going to destroy the world, aren't we.

Or, maybe, just accidently cause its destruction.

So, what nerds would you want to hang out with?

Top Ten Favorite Sci-Fi Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

So, when I saw the topic for today my first thought was fantasy. But then I go...meh. Now, fantasy's great and I'll always love it but I've been expanding my horizons lately. Then I thought steampunk. Then I remembered that I did a 'syllabus' for steampunk last year and I wanted to do something different.

Then I realized science fiction. The fact is that, lately, I have been on this huge sci-fi kick and as a genre, I love it. These are my ten favorites (if they're part of a series, I went with the first one).

Top Ten New Shows (Divided Into Two Parts)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

I never pass up an opportunity to talk about TV shows. As back in May of 2015, I did a post of my favorite TV shows (here) and not a lot has changed, I decided not to do that again. Instead, I'm breaking this list down into two parts; my five favorite shows that are still on TV (as so many of my favorites aren't anymore) and five new shows I want to start watching.

September Releases

I almost didn't make this post, but when I saw how many books were coming out this month that I'm interested in, I decided that I had to. This doesn't mean that I'm completely back from my hiatus, but I will be posting sporadically throughout the month.

Releases September 13th

The Reader by Traci Chee
Sefia knows what it means to survive. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin’s been taken, or if she’s even alive. The only clue to both her aunt’s disappearance and her father’s murder is the odd rectangular object her father left behind, an object she comes to realize is a book—a marvelous item unheard of in her otherwise illiterate society. With the help of this book, and the aid of a mysterious stranger with dark secrets of his own, Sefia sets out to rescue her aunt and find out what really happened the day her father was killed—and punish the people responsible.

Releases September 15th

Kingdom of Ash and Briars by Hannah West
Bristal, an orphaned kitchen maid, lands in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she is an elicromancer with a knack for shape-shifting. An ancient breed of immortal magic beings, elicromancers have been winnowed down to merely two - now three - after centuries of bloody conflict in the realm. Their gifts are fraught with responsibility, and sixteen-year-old Bristal is torn between two paths. Should she vow to seek the good of the world, to protect and serve mortals? Or should she follow the strength of her power, even if it leads to unknown terrors? She draws on her ability to disguise herself as a man to infiltrate a prince's band of soldiers, and masquerades as a fairy godmother to shield a cursed princess, but time is running out. As an army of dark creatures grows closer, Bristal faces a supernatural war. To save the kingdoms, Bristal must find the courage to show her true form.


Building on homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jane Austen’s Emma and the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a spectacular debut.

Releases September 20th

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.


If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst
An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms. 


With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.

Releases September 27th

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge
When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.


Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting...


So, there are the books I'm interested in this month. I think I'm most interested in Three Dark Crowns and The Queen of Blood. They both sound like really interesting fantasy stories. What books are you interested in?