1.13.2016

Recommended Reading: The MUST List

The start of the New Year always means that I am guaranteed some excellent reading. Starting 2016 with a wave of wonder here is what blew my pants off so far:


ENDURE

Defy Trilogy, Book 3
Available Now
Publisher: Scholastic Press // Pages: 320 // ISBN-13: 978-0545644907
Find it on: Amazon, B&N, Goodreads
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Alexa must face enemies known and unseen in the ultimate fight for survivial. The remarkable third novel in Sara B. Larson's bestselling Defy series!

At last, Alexa and King Damian are engaged to be married. But their lives are far from safe. The kingdom of Antion is under siege, and Rylan is a prisoner of the enemy. Even worse, Alexa remains at the mercy of the evil Dansiian Rafe, who controls her mind and can force Alexa to kill or harm Damian at any moment. Despite this, Alexa is determined to rescue Rylan, which soon leads her far from Damian and deep into enemy territory.

When she arrives, what awaits her is deadlier than anything she could have ever imagined: an army of black sorcerers, and a horrifying plot to destroy the world as Alexa knows it. Will she be able to gather the strength to free herself, protect the love of her life, and save the land? Will there ever be true peace?

Acclaimed author Sara B. Larson has woven a stunning, romantic, and evocative finale to the Defy trilogy, one that is sure to leave readers breathless until the very last page.


Quick Review: Alexa hid for years as a boy, becoming the best & most feared soldier in the King's Guard, getting her face scarred by magical fire in a boss battle, and being the one true love of the King. One day Alexa will be Queen, but she still can't sacrifice one life of a good man for the Kingdom, she is always willing to lay down her life for the people she cares about. You often want to rage at these reckless, selfless, and lone wolf decisions of hers- but the thing is, Alexa NEEDS to make these decisions, the chosen one always does. Soooooooooo many people die, and if you aren't crying by the end, just as haunted by ghosts of loved ones as she is at the end, then you have a heart of stone dear reader!


NIGHT STUDY
Soulfinders Trilogy, Book 2
Available Now
Publisher: MIRA // Pages: 448 // ISBN-13: 978-0778318750
Find it on: Amazon, B&N, Goodreads
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New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue. 

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear. 

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek…secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Quick Review:
I have been a fan of this series since it's inception with the original trilogy of Poison Study, Magic Study, & Fire Study. It is amazing to me that this world keeps improving, the characters are still as fresh and engaging as ever. I want to live and be a part of this family of sneaks, spies, and magicians. Snyder never fails to find new, inventive, and terribly torturous ways to imperil her beloved cast of characters and their Kingdoms. I am as ever non tenderhooks pleading for the saftey of Yelena and Valek. I am over the moon at the progress of their years long relationship. I love that it doesn't end when two characters finally become a couple. The BEST stuff comes when they work together to make a LIFE together. THAT is the best part for this rabid reader. 

I cannot express how much I adore this book, and indeed this series, which has only gotten better with time. Just goes to show, that a good idea can bring a great writer back to a series she had said goodbye to, and have the new additions make the series even better.

TRICK
Available Now
Publisher: CreateSpace // Pages: 310 // ISBN-13: 978-1517494957
Find it on: Amazon, B&N, Goodreads
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There is a rule amongst his kind: A jester doesn’t lie.

In the kingdom of Whimtany, Poet is renowned. He’s young and pretty, a lover of men and women. He performs for the court, kisses like a scoundrel, and mocks with a silver tongue.

Yet allow him this: It’s only the most cunning, most manipulative soul who can play the fool. For Poet guards a secret. One the Crown would shackle him for. One that he’ll risk everything to protect.

Alas, it will take more than clever words to deceive Princess Briar. Convinced that he’s juggling lies as well as verse, this righteous nuisance of a girl is determined to expose him.

But not all falsehoods are fiendish. Poet’s secret is delicate, binding the jester to the princess in an unlikely alliance . . . and kindling a breathless attraction, as alluring as it is forbidden.

*Mature YA: sexual content and language. Intended for readers 17 and older*

Quick Review: I'd kill for this book to be a part of a series, at the same time I am beyond grateful I know how it all ends. What a gorgeous book this is. Damned it! I'm so pissed at how good that was. If you are looking to swoon, here is your book!