The Power Within: July 2018 FairyLoot Unboxing!!!!

The long awaited July 2018 Fairy Loot box, appeared on my door step last eve.  As I anxiously and feroucously opend the box (as gently as possible, mind you.  Because books and bookish merch. are very important and should be handled with care.....)  I was blown away by the beautiful useful stuff inside...... and the best part, you ask????????   The gorgeous copy of Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton!!!!

Did I mention that this copy is SIGNED!!!!!!!

Now...... Let me tell you what My Favorite Item is.............. the MUG!!!!! Yes, words appear when Hot liquid is in the mug.  Yes, It is awesome!  No, you may not have it, and I'm sorry not sorry, you should have subscribed to Fairy Loot if you wanted one!!! :)    MUHHAHHAHAHA

Top secrete quote on the mug..... " You Must continue to believe with all your heart.  Sometimes belief is all it takes to make something real" - Morgan Rhodes- Falling Kingdoms. 

What are all the other amazing items I received??? Well, sit on back and let me tell you........

1st up- Exclusive Theron's Study Room Spray by Geek Clean.( Not Pictured..... because I placed it with my other sprays and forgot to photograph it...... Listen, I was just so excited, I placed it and moved on.... stop judging........  anyway.....

2nd on or list of amazingness:  Ond Elder Vinyl Sticker by Reverie and Ink.  Inspired by the AMAZING book Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young.  If you have not yet picked up Sky in the Deep, I am unsure what you are actually waiting for...... I loved this book, and I am a Viking Now because of it! so yea..... Ond Elder- Breath Fire!!!!







3rd is this amazing Tea Towel by KDP Letters.  Because Fairyloot is amazing and sends High Quality items......When they realized that the quote from And I Darken by Kiersten White was backwards, they immediately sent an email stating it would be replaced!!!! and I cannot wait to get the replacement and the extra time is perfectly fine with me!!!

4th and one of my favs..... the Exclusive Quidditch Pen by Fairyloot!!!!  Yes it's Harry Potter, and Yes it says "Don't chase the quaffle if you see the snitch" :) :) :)

5th and flat is the beautiful Exclusive Zelie Art Print by Diana Worak!! 

Last, but def.... not least is....... Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton!! Its Signed, Its sprayed red, and Its Fantastic!!!!!! 

I think this is one of my Most Favorite boxes!!!  I absolutely loved every item in this box!!!! I am sooo excited for next months box...Mutinous Pirates!!!!! I can NOT wait!!!!!! 

Until Next time.......

B

Caraval by: Stephanie Garber Book Review

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.

Review:
    I was literally swept away into a world of mystery and danger.  While you are trying to keep up with the characters as they transverse the world of Caraval, you are also trying (and failing) to figure out who the hell Legend is. I swear I thought every damn character was somehow Legend. 
   The world of Caraval is so mysterious and beautiful.  The colors, smells, sounds, and magic!!!! Did I say Magic!!!!!! You will truly feel as if you are trying to win Caraval with Scarlett. 
    Talking of Scarlett....... I was not a huge fan of her through this book. I felt she was winy and scary.  What I mean by scary, is that she was so afraid to actually live.... She was so worried about her sister, Tella, that I felt annoyed with her.  I don't relate much to Scarlett, but she is a needed character in the boook. 
    Overall this book was great.  I loved the world building and the story.   Not a fan of Scarlett, but the supporting characters make this book as magical as anything.......

Rating:

4 out of 5 Paws 

Possible Spoilers Ahead!!!!!!!!!

Actual (out loud) things I said while reading....... 

"Is Julian actually Legend?"

"why the F is Scarlett such a winer???? I know you are worried but damn.  Throw your pity party out the window."

"Is Dante Legend?"

"why do I think everyone is Legend?"

"Nope, not him Damn!"

"Leap Girl Leap"

"who's getting played now??"

OH MY GOD!!!!!!

"go to the party.... Find out the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god. "

"Girl you got some balls, now use them!!!"

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

OH MY GAWDDDDDD TELLA and Legend!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!!????!!!!

Fangs and Fins by Amy Mcnulty: E-ARC Review

Hello Beautiful People!!!!  Welcome to my review stop for the Fangs and Fins by Amy Mcnulty, Blog Tour!!!

Click the Banner At the right for the full tour schedule.  Make sure you enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post, and make sure you have fun!!!!

About the Book:

Title: FANGS & FINS A Paranormal Romance (Blood, Bloom, & Water Book 1)

Author: Amy McNulty

Pub. Date: May 1, 2018

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 330

Find it: Amazon, Goodreads

A dapper vampire. A sullen merman. Two heirs to a great conflict—and each needs to claim a beloved to become his kindred’s champion.

High school senior Ember Goodwin never had a sister, but after her mom’s remarriage, she now has two. The eldest is no stranger to her—Ivy is a witty girl in her grade who’s almost never spoken to the shy bookworm before—but she’s surprised to find the popular girl quite amiable. Their burgeoning friendship is tested, however, when Dean Horne, a pale, besuited charmer, shows interest in them both and plans to reveal his appetite for blood to the one who’ll stand by his side.

Seventeen-year-old Ivy Sheppard is tired of splitting her time between her dad’s and her mom’s, particularly when her dad uproots their lives to move them in with his new wife and step-daughter. Used to rolling with her parents’ whims, she tries to make the best of it and befriend her nerdy new step-sister. Her hectic life grows more unwieldy when she catches the eye of junior Calder Poole, whom she swears she sees swap well-toned legs for a pair of fins during a dip in a lake. Now she’s fending off suitors left and right, all while trying to get to the bottom of the strange happenings in her town.

The first book in the Blood, Bloom, & Water series sets family against family and friend against friend as an epic, ancient war comes to a head in a supposedly sleepy suburb.

About Amy:

Amy McNulty is an editor and author of books that run the gamut from YA speculative fiction to contemporary romance. A lifelong fiction fanatic, she fangirls over books, anime, manga, comics, movies, games, and TV shows from her home state of Wisconsin. When not reviewing anime professionally or editing her clients’ novels, she’s busy fulfilling her dream by crafting fantastical worlds of her own.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads


REVIEW:

First, let me start by saying; I read this book in 6 Hours!!! yes just 6 hours, and here's why........
This book is Fast paced.  If your ready for an easy read that is fun, has magic, a small battle, and alot of surprises, this is the book for you!!. 

Character talk.......
I love Ivy and Ember, and they way they change throughout this story. You will be annoyed, you will laugh, you will cuss at Ember (especially with the driving situation...) you will gasp, and you will thoroughly attach yourself to one or the other.  Or maybe you have traits of both.  Whatever your story, you will fall into this fun ride with excitement. 
Now, for my favorite character, we meet Orin.......... three words to describe him, Sexy Bad Boy..... That is all..... I suggest you read this book to meet him, because I pray he has a much bigger role in upcoming books.

Overall story........
This story, to be honest, is a bit cheesy in certain parts....WAIT!!!! don't discount it yet.  I say cheesy because of the Fangs, that we all know is Vampires..... I am soooo tired of vampires and meet a girl, fall in love, happy happy happy..... BUT THIS IS NOT THAT!!!!! Yes, there is some (small amount) of cheesy vampire shit, but Amy is amazing at creating her own type of vampire.... These vampires are not sparkly, they are not nice (per-say), and sunlight does not make them burst into flames.... That is all I will say.  Make sure you read this to see the not so cheesy version of vampires :) 
Remember I said Fast Paced- this story is.  There is an epic battle between Vamps, and Merpeople.  One needs to kill the other (for a reason im not really all that clear on..) There are secrets, magic, fighting, and lies, and tricks, and Orin....... I know, but hes my FAV!!!!!


Final words:  This book was alot of Fun with twist and turns I did not see coming.  If you want a fun fast read to start off your summer reading,  Fangs and Fins is for YOU!!!!! 

Rating:

4/5 PAWS!!!!

Below are my reactions to this book as I was reading it........ Beware!!!!!! some may be spoilerish.......

"Ok, so Ember is already annoying me and I'd most likely smack her if I was Ivy.  Pay attention, deepr breath, drive like you know how......"

"So, this is interesting, I'm intrigued"

"What the Hell just happened??!!!!!"

"I need to know what is going on NOW!!!"

"What the HELL!!!!!"

"ok, now were getting somewhere..... come on "pretty boy" tell me your secrets."  

"No the hell she won't!!!!"

"WOW....... I did not expect that."

"Oh YES....... Orin.... you devil Fae you.... "  

Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

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 Below you will find the Full tour schedule!!!!!!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/30/2018- BookHounds YA- Interview

5/1/2018- Book Bite Reviews- Review

5/2/2018- Bri's Book Nook- Review

5/3/2018- Book Briefs- Review

5/4/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

Week Two:

5/7/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert- Review

5/8/2018- Don't Judge, Read- Review

5/9/2018- Brandi’s Book Reviews- Review

5/10/2018- A Backwards Story- Guest Post

5/11/2018- Eating Between The Lines Inc- Review

Hey book lovers!!!!!! Coming to you live on May 9th 2018, Is the 4 out of 5 Paw review of Fangs and Fins by Amy Mcnulty!!!!!!

I have posted the tour schedule below.  Make sure you hit each stop, and don't forget about the giveaway!!!! That's right there will be a giveaway!!! :):):)   Happy Thursday!!!! and stop by for my review post on 5/9/18!!!!!  Let the battle BEGIN!!!!!!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/30/2018- BookHounds YA- Interview

5/1/2018- Book Bite Reviews- Review

5/2/2018- Bri's Book Nook- Review

5/3/2018- Book Briefs- Review

5/4/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

Week Two:

5/7/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert- Review

5/8/2018- Don't Judge, Read- Review

5/9/2018- Brandi’s Book Reviews- Review

5/10/2018- A Backwards Story- Guest Post

5/11/2018- Eating Between The Lines Inc- Review

Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett : E-ARC Review

Let me just start by saying this book is in my top 5 books I have read in 2018!!!

  I want to start this review off with a couple of quotes by one of my favorite characters in this story, KATE.
"Pain is better than death" - Kate
"Love is a cage too." - Kate

These two quotes ( for Me)  are definitely statements to live by, especially in Rime right now.  This book is full of choices, and lessons, and battles between what is right and wrong and the grey area in between.

This book is full of mystery, battles, plotting, scheming, traitors, and dragons??? ( I still do not picture daydrakes as dragons.... I don't know why..... I picture something oily black and dark... but hey, that's just me...) Oh, and did I mention MAGIC!!!!!!  I love magic, kingdoms, and fighting for the crown!!!! This book has it all!!!.

So lets talk setting....... Gorgeous lush landscape with a dark danger lurking........When nightfall hits, darkness emerges....  but what of the dangers in the day??? Don't worry, Mindee Arnett does not disappoint.  Day time dangers are all around.  Our main characters battle many internal and external foes no matter what time of day it is..... Rime is a kingdom.... and places in Rime are protected with Magic... (If you want to know why....... READ THE BOOK!!!! I will not spoil it for you!!)  The Author has great descriptions in this book that truly transport you into Rime...

What about the Characters, you ask.......

I will discuss some.... Kate, Bonner, Corwin, Signe, and Raith (my all time favorite)

Kate- strong, searching for answers, not getting held down, doesn't need saving.... or does she??/
Bonner- I want him as my friend, loyal, strong, a fighter, can't wait to see him again in upcoming book/books.
Corwin- The guy you love and want to throat punch sometimes.  He has some demons, but, who doesn't, right?
Signe- This girl is me!!  Well, she's not me, but she thinks like I would and she is strong independent and never gives in.....
Raith- my favorite......He is awesome!!! I was worried about him but he quickly became a mystery that I needed solving and Mindee solved that shit out of it!!!
Below you will find character cards for the characters I listed.  (pssssst:  You can also win all 5 of them in the Pre-order giveaway (go here)

Overall, this book is fast paced, adventure and mystery. I loved this story and I can't wait for you all to read this book and fall in love with these characters like I have.

Rating

5/5 Paws!!!!

Below you will find some of my actual reactions while I was reading this book (in word form of course)  And please be advised, these have the potential to be spoiler-ish..... so BEWARE !!!!

"Ha take that!! Go Kate"

"Oh That trial sucked.....Damn emotions."

"Oh shit... This is not good...or....it could be great.... still wary, but i'll go with it."

"RAITH!!!!!! damnit!!! I forgot you were there!!!  possibly condemed just because she wants to save the horses!!! UGH!!!!"

DANG!!!!!!! OMG!!!! WHAT!!!!! OH WOW!!!!! This is AMAZING!!!!!

Oh my gosh,.... so many secrets!  I am as surprised as Kate!  My emotions are crazy!!

AWWWWW not fair!  you will rule and can change laws dumb dumb!!

"this league is starting to make me angry.  There is def. some corruption!

OOOOOOHHHHHHHH the plot thickens.....

Every time this magical ability pops up I always have that "would I really want that magic?  Would I do the right things with it???? I don't know....

WOW JUST WOW

"WHAT?????!!!!!! No, No, No, it cannot just end there!!! What about the other trial? what about Kiran? I can't just wait a year to find out!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This is not ok.... This book was soooo good and, Mindee, You can't just leave us waiting and obsessing until the next book!! You evil genius!!!!

Atlas Fallen by Jessica Pierce : E-ARC review

Let me start by saying I hate e-books.  It feels so impersonal to me when I read a book on a device.  I can’t feel the physical weight of the book, feel the pages flip through my fingers, or smell that “new book” smell that somehow transports me to the world in which I’m reading.  That being said I had no issues flying through this amazing E-ARC of Atlas Fallen by Jessica Pierce. 

This book is by far one of the best books I have read in 2018 so far.  The characters, setting, and plot are beautifully spun together in the author’s detailed voice, making you literally feel as if you’re on The Atlas. 

This book is about secretes, surviving, revolution, economical class and trying to do what is right…. On top of all that, It’s set in SPACE!!!!!!  And let me say the world building is amazing.  I am always inspired by the way authors are able to make living in space so obtainable.  While reading this book, I truly felt as if I were in the Gulch, and sneaking into the upper levels past the deimark……

This book has a writing style that will pull you in and not let you go.  I devoured this book in less than and 8 hour period….. The writing flows very well, and the world is so amazing that you will NOT want to leave it.

From the beginning I was pulled in.  I was learning flaws as well as amazing skills that Tesla possess.  (Oh... I also have a picture of Tesla.... I borrowed this pic from the author's email,)

The way Jessica Pierce can make you really feel the emotional ups and downs of the characters is an amazing feat.  I laughed, I yelled, I cussed (I did, some things really teed me off- like that effing deimark!!) Anyway, I cried and I cheered. (All out loud, by the way, and receiving disturbing looks from family and co-workers…… just saying)  This book took me on a space adventure I will take several more times. 

I loved this book!!!! I’m telling you now, if you love space, secretes, revolutions, class bending, royalty, and ass kicking, you will love this book!!!!! Oh did I mention robot fighting???? HAHAHAHAH!!!!

I know you will fall in love with Tesla, Daxton, and the rest of the team!  So what are you waiting for?? Get out there and pre-order this book! NOW!!

Rating:

I have to admit..... This book is worth way more than 5 paws..... For the second time EVER this is a 12 PAW RATING

Below you will find some of my actual reactions (in word form of course) while I was reading this 

Amazing book!!! 

 *******warning********potential spoilers ahead************

“I want to wear a bot suite and fight!!! Like UFC with bots!!! HAHAHA!!!”

“Oh you mother-f-er Kiyo……… of course she said mean things….. You are doing mean things!”

“I despise arranged marriages…. “

“Oh, This Bitch!! No way is this going to work out.  She’s pretty much a sociopath and possibly a full-fledged psychopath!”

“Oh you’re wrong Daxton- But I’ll let you run with it.”

“WOW!! Not how you show someone you care about them!”

“ I DO NOT LIKE THIS Beotch!! Scheming lil tramp!!!

“OOOOOH….. I did not see that coming…..I thought, then I was like, no……but it’s TRUE!!”

Final thoughts…..

Revenge or Justice- Traitor or Vigilante- Sometimes the lines get blurry……

PSSSSSSSTTTTTTT:

By the way,  The author has pre-order goodies!!!!! Any US resident who purchases either the e-book, hardback, or paperback copy can email their prof of purchase to jessicapiercebooks@gmail.com to receive a swag pack including a character magnetic bookmark, signed bookplate, and the gorgeous art print of Tesla ( shown above) the kick-ass main character of the book!! 

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman : Review

Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza—but who knows what they'll find seven months after the invasion? 

Meanwhile, Kady's cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza's ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys—an old flame from Asha's past—reappears on Kerenza, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. 

With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heroes will fall, and hearts will be broken.

Review:

I cried actual tears of happiness!!!! That Fucking Parachute!!!! You two are by far plot geniuses!!

I don’t know where to begin…… It’s not often that I feel the need to read the acknowledgments at the end of a book, but when I do, it’s because the book has changed me in some way and Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff's voices are ones I don’t want to let go of just yet.  

This is what Obsidio did for me…… Actually this entire series has made me truly consider questions that are extremely hard to answer.  Would I be able to kill a few to save a bunch?? Could I stand back and watch the man I love fly a ship to certain death???? (This is very close, since the man I love wants to join the Air Force.)  Could I stay “human” through genocide and still show compassion?? 

 These books have allowed me to see a fictional world where characters have to make the hard choices.   This series is beautifully written.  The authors have put together a unique story, with an out of this world writing style.. I mean really…… The messages, briefing notes, and footage collected….. I am utterly sad it is over, but cannot wait for the new series by these amazing authors.  ( I do believe I would sell my soul to review an ARC of the new series J)

Obsidio was an EPIC conclusion to a story that stole my heart.  I fell in love with the characters.  I cried when lives were lost, and I laughed at the Little Spiders’ comments.  I applaud the AI for doing what had to be done…. But also for allowing for her consequence.   I LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!! I cannot stop gushing over how amazing this book was for me.   I finished the book in 6 hours…. YES 6!!!!!   I could not stop flipping the pages to see what happened to my favorite fictional families.  Even in the finale there were twist and turns I never saw coming, and Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff can make that happen.  

My Hat is off to you both!!!! Congratulations on the best ending to an amazing story!!!   I cannot wait to read what you both do next……..

This quote is one of my Favorites!!!   I believe that everyone should life a life that they would fight and potentially die for.  As an LSW and crisis therapist, I believe you have to be the change you want to see in the world.  This includes living a life you would fight to keep.   These books, for me, are about rising up and fighting for what you know is right!!!

Rating:

So usually I give a paws rating...(this is because I love kitties and my kittens assist in rating the books) However, due to the overwhelming emotion from me and my 3 kittens.... I was forced to rate this book as........

12 out of 5 paws!!!

You read that correctly....... According to Relic, Loki, Storm, and I.... This book is too good just to have a 5 paw rating.  The kittens decided that their paws should be represented..... (especially due to the amazing sacrifice and picture at the end of Obsidio)  

I am telling you all that this book and series is amazing.  You will be sucked in and spit out wanting more and more.   If you are waiting to buy this book or the others, STOP WAITING!!!! buy it NOW!!! Your life will be forever changed. :)