REVIEW: IRON GOLD BY PIERCE BROWN

Hello everyone, long time no see. I apologize for being silent for so long but I simply didn't have anything worthy to write about. However, last week I finally read a book that inspired me to write proper review to share with you.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
(Red Rising Saga #4)
Published by: Del Rey Books
Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia
Release date: January 16th 2018

      
        

They call him father, liberator, warlord, Reaper. But he feels a boy as he falls toward the pale blue planet, his armor red, his army vast, his heart heavy. It is the tenth year of war and the thirty-second of his life.

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?

And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever:

A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined.
An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life.
And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Red Rising was the story of the end of one universe, and Iron Goldis the story of the creation of a new one. Witness the beginning of a stunning new saga of tragedy and triumph from masterlyNew York Times bestselling author Pierce Brown.

NO MORE WAITING #9: THE SAXON STORIES

Are you fed up with cliffhangers? Are you not patient enough to wait months for next instalment when reading series? Or do you just prefer to completely lose yourself in story and marathon all the books together? If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, this post is for you. NO MORE WAITING is a feature on my blog that spotlights completed series. You can look forward to spoiler-free reviews and graphic arts to accompany it.

The Saxon stories by Bernard Cornwell

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre: Historical Fiction

     

This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.

The story is seen through the eyes of Uhtred, a dispossessed nobleman, who is captured as a child by the Danes and then raised by them so that, by the time the Northmen begin their assault on Wessex (Alfred’s kingdom and the last territory in English hands) Uhtred almost thinks of himself as a Dane. He certainly has no love for Alfred, whom he considers a pious weakling and no match for Viking savagery, yet when Alfred unexpectedly defeats the Danes and the Danes themselves turn on Uhtred, he is finally forced to choose sides. By now he is a young man, in love, trained to fight and ready to take his place in the dreaded shield wall. Above all, though, he wishes to recover his father’s land, the enchanting fort of Bebbanburg by the wild northern sea.

This thrilling adventure—based on existing records of Bernard Cornwell’s ancestors—depicts a time when law and order were ripped violently apart by a pagan assault on Christian England, an assault that came very close to destroying England.

MY NEW ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK

The Name of the Wind 

Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
(The Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Release date: March 2007

     
      

"MY NAME IS KVOTHE

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me."

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature--the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: STEPHEN KING

Stephen King has been my favorite author since I was 14 years old and read Firestarter for the first time. And because I had neglected Stephen King during last couple of years, last month I decided to rectify that. Best decision ever.

(check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF CROOKED KINGDOM

It has been long since I read a book that inspired me to write full and proper review. Until today. Crooked Kingdom completely blew me away and I simply have to share my thoughts with you!

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)

Written by: Leigh Bardugo

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release date: September 27th 2016

        
          

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: SOME KIND OF PERFECT BY KRISTA & BECCA RITCHIE (MY NEW ADULT QUEENS MADE ME CRY AGAIN!)

Some Kind of Perfect by Krista & Becca Ritchie

(Calloway Sister #4.5, Addicted #3.5)

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Release date: May 20th 2016

          
               

Falling in love was just the beginning

The conclusion to the epic ten-book series about the unbreakable strength of family, friendship, and love.

Lily & Lo are back one final time. Childhood best friends and soul mates.

Ryke & Daisy are back one final time. Wild risk-takers and flirty adventurers.

Connor & Rose are back one final time. Genius rivals and intellectual teammates.

Ten years of laughter. Of heartache. And love.

***Authors' Note***
Some Kind of Perfect is a full-length epilogue novel. It is highly recommended to read this book after Long Way Down. Otherwise, it will spoil the entire series. Some Kind of Perfect is meant to be the 10th book in the series. 

MORNING STAR BY PIERCE BROWN (QUICK SPOILER-FREE REVIEW WHERE I DO NOT DISCUSS PLOT AT ALL!)

Morning Star (Red Rising #3)

Written by: Pierce Brown

Published by: Del Rey

Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopia

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Release date: February 9th 2016

     

      

Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society's mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.

Finally, the time has come.

But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied - and too glorious to surrender.

REVIEW: 5 REASONS THAT MAKE TRUTHWITCH BY SUSAN DENNARD YOUR NEXT BOOK-HUNGOVER-WORTHY READ

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)
Written by: Susan Dennard
Published by: Tor Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo
Release date: January 5th 2016

       
          

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

REVIEW: FANGIRLING OVER SIX OF CROWS

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Published by: Henry Holt and Company

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release date: September 29th 2015

Purcase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

        
          

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.  

REVIEW: END OF DAYS BY SUSAN EE (SPOILER-FREE)

End of Days by Susan Ee

(Penryn & the End of Days #3)

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Dystopia

    
     

End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy.

After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.

When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

REVIEW+GIVEAWAY: BROKEN JULIET BY LEISA RAYVEN

Broken Juliet (Starcrossed #2)

Written by: Leisa Rayven

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 28th 2015

Pre-order: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

       
        

How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?

For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?

Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him.

Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online.

LIFE CHANGING READS #3: HOW HEATHER DEMETRIOS CHANGED MY PERCEPTION OF YA CONTEMPORARY NOVELS

LIFE CHANGING READS is occasional blog feature in which I talk about books that recently (or in the past) had a big impact on me and left me in the state of slight addiction in one form or another.

REVIEW: GOLDEN SON BY PERCE BROWN

I'm starting new year with a bang. My first review in 2015 is of the book I read couple of weeks ago but still can't stop thinking about. It is completely spoiler-free so you can read it even if you haven't started this series yet (in such a case, I suggest you put everything aside and read first book Red Rising right now!)

Golden Son (Red Rising #2)
Written by: Pierce Brown
Published by: Del Rey

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / BD
Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy

       
        

With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within. A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices.

REVIEW: BAD ROMEO BY LEISA RAYVEN

Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

(The Starcrossed Series #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: December 23rd 2014

Pre-order: Amazon / Kobo / iBooks

LIFE CHANGING READS #1: OUTLANDER SERIES

 LIFE CHANGING READS is occasional blog feature in which I talk about books that recently (or in the past) had a big impact on me and left me in the state of slight addiction in one form or another.

We know it all. Sleepless nights and reading until early morning hours. Sneaking to read your kindle/paperback in work or school. Daydreaming about book characters and being unable to concentrate on something else than the book you are reading at the moment. Hours and hours of chatting with your friends and passionate discussions on book forums. Emotional reactions to all the bad or good that happened to the characters of the novel you are addicted to and the biggest possible book hangover as a result. And most importantly the knowledge that in some way, your life has been altered. Oh yes, I am talking about life changing reads.

REVIEW: Made by J.M. Darhower

Made (Forever #0.4)

Written by J.M. Darhower

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

REVIEW: RED RISING BY PIERCE BROWN

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

(Red Rising Trilogy #1)

Published by: Del Rey

Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopia

Release date: January 28th 2014

    
      

The Earth is dying. Darrow is a Red, a miner in the interior of Mars. His mission is to extract enough precious elements to one day tame the surface of the planet and allow humans to live on it. The Reds are humanity's last hope.

Or so it appears, until the day Darrow discovers it's all a lie. That Mars has been habitable - and inhabited - for generations, by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. A class of people who look down on Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought.

Until the day that Darrow, with the help of a mysterious group of rebels, disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside. But the command school is a battlefield - and Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda.

MY REVIEW:

Wow, what a page-turner! I am impressed. Red Rising is outstanding debut novel by Pierce Brown, phenomenal introduction into new series and my personal new favorite of this year.

I'm not going to provide summary of this book. It would be too long and it wouldn't do this complex story justice. You need to read this book yourself, experience it all on your own without having any knowledge of storyline or spoilers. After all, this is kind of the book that, plot-wise, you should definitely go into blind. But what I can tell you is how this story made me feel, what kind of impression it left on me. And let me tell you, it affected me big time!

Red Rising is one of the most creative and captivating stories I have had the pleasure of reading. Its imaginary took my breath away and heart-stopping situations often left me in goose bumps. Moreover, world building is done perfectly. This great introduction into dystopian society will grab your attention from the first pages of this novel and its twists will keep you anxious and entertained till the very end.

Red Rising is story about death and sacrifice, about big dreams and broken ideals. It is story that most definitely won't let you indifferent. Power, freedom, justice, politics and loyalty. All these topics have been used countless times in the books before. ButPierce Brown gives them new shining, he shows them in his own singular light. And result is awe-inspiring and enthralling.

Most importantly, I can't forget to mention writing style. I absolutely loved how author managed to narrate this novel. It was straightforward, fast-paced and attention-grabbing. There was not a single thing I would not love about it and I can't recommend this book enough to all those who love great storytelling.

This novel shows us one thing. When you live for the dreams of others, you can easily lost your true self in the process. Will that be Darrow's fate? I already can't wait to read next instalment - Golden Son!

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REVIEW: SKYGODS BY SARAH LATCHAW

Skygods, sequel to my favourite contemporary romance of 2013 - Hydraulic Level Five (read my review HERE). For a chance to win set of ebooks from Hydraulic series, do not forget to enter giveaway at the bottom of this post!

Skygods (Hydraulic #2)

Written by Sarah Latchaw

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N

Synopsis:

Kaye Trilby and her ex-husband, world-famous author Samuel Cabral, vowed to fight for their rekindled love in rain or shine. They didn’t realize they’d be caught in a deluge so quickly.

A near-fatal skydiving accident shows Kaye how her reckless behavior affects the ones she loves. But while she knows Samuel is afraid to lose her again, she isn’t ready to give up the thrill of the wild backcountry.

Something darker is slipping into Samuel’s mind, though. The specters of his past are re-emerging. His polish is deteriorating, just as all of Hollywood braces for his blockbuster book-to-movie adaptation. When he appears on Kaye’s doorstep late one night in a rumpled tuxedo, erratic and agitated, it seems that romance with her ex might be her biggest leap yet. A string of failed relationships has pushed Samuel to the brink, the fall-out leaving him in a dark place—a place where Kaye is powerless to help him. She is reluctantly drawn back into Samuel’s glittering and backbiting world of celebrity, all the while clinging to the steadfast peaks of home.

Can Kaye risk her heart with Samuel a second time? Will they ever find their blue skies?

My Kaye and Samuel:

* 5 STARS * Review:

It is a huge talent when author is able to touch her readers with her words in a powerful way. And Sarah Latchaw has it. Skygods is not your ordinary contemporary romance and Kaye's & Samuel's story touched me like no other.

Skygods is utterly beautiful, captivating and realistic tale of rekindled love, tale of two people finding a way back to each other in spite of adversity. It is sad, but hopeful story which shows us the lenght person would go to, sacrificies person would make for the loved one. Moreover, Skygods is believable, never over-the-top drama-filled novel. And thanks for that. Because nothing can ruin a book as irritating, eye-rolling drama.

Book starts where Hydraulic Level Five ended - with main protagonists trying to mend their long time ago broken friendship. Once again, Sarah Latchaw provoked various emotions in me while reading her book. I adored playful side of Kaye's and Samuel's relationship. I rejoiced at every single happy moment. And my heart broke for Samuel, seeing firsthand how his dark demons were slowly destroying him. Is Kaye strong enough to deal with Samuel's secrets, eccentric behaviour and his stressful life of famous writer?

But it is not only emotions that makes this story so precious to me. It is also in depth depicted characters and admire worthy storytelling skills that will completely drag you into the story. Believe me when I say that I cannot recommend this series enough!

Hydraulic Level Five was my favourite contemporary romance novel of 2013 and I can genuinely say that this sequel secured the same position in the year 2014. I already cannot wait for more from this incredibly talented author!

 Giveaway:

Giveaway of ebook copies of both books in Hydraulic series:

- Hydraulic Level Five by Sarah Latchaw

- Skygods by Sarah Latchaw

For a chance to win, comment on this blog post. 

Do not forget to leave your email so I am able to contact the winner.

I will  pick winner on Friday, August 29th 2014. Good luck!