Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Description

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Published: May 3, 2011

ISBN-10: 0062024027

ISBN-13: 978-0062024022

Author’s Website

Source: Public Library

Review

Long story short, I loved this book. I read it over two days and would have had it finished on the first day if I didn’t have a family that needed my attention. This is the sort of book you stay up late to finish or skip meals just so you can read. Who needs food or sleep when you have an interesting story? What makes this book so good that it is all consumedly important that you do nothing else but read it? A few reasons, the first being that I identified so much with Tris, who leaves everything (her family, lifestyle, possible future) to have the chance to see who she could be. Tris’s struggle between the selfless lifestyle she grew up with and the dangerous/daring world of Dauntless. The sexy love interest Four.

 

This is not the Hunger Games, dystopian yes, but it has a very vibrant feel to it. The world is hopeful and filled with people who really want their world to work, so to solve past problems they form four factions; Abnegation/Selflessness, Dauntless/Courage, Amity/Peace, Erudite/Knowledge and Candor/Honesty. Each faction prizes their trait above all others and live their lives accordingly, so Abnegation handles food distribution and government programs. Dauntless acts as the military, Amity seems to be some sort of farmers, Erudite handles technology and I think Candor handles the rest of the government, but I don’t really remember. This book is more about Abnegation, Erudite and Dauntless for reasons I can’t tell because that would be a spoiler. This book is worth reading just to see the transformation from Beatrice to Tris and all that comes with it, it is pretty exhilarating at some points. Tris’s mother is also Awesome and I saw it coming.

 

Just trust me and go read this book before it is turned into a movie, because the movie rights have already been bought. It’s that good.

 

Happy Endings,

Kelly

 

5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.

 

Recommended For

Teen and up: For kissing and a nongraphic sexual assault.

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Pick This Week

Description

Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Dragonswood

Author: Janet Lee Carey

Release Date: January 5, 2012

Publisher: Dial

ISBN: 0803735049

Why I’m Waiting

Um can you say looks epic? Cause I can. EPIC! I can’t wait to read this I read the description and immediately knew it was going to be one of those reads I was going to want to get lost in.

What are you waiting on?

~Rebecca

Review: Happily Never After (Night Huntress #1.5) by Jeaniene Frost

Description

Isabella Spaga is about to reluctantly walk down the aisle with Mr. Dangerously Wrong…but not if dashing vampire Chance has anything to say about it. As a favor to Bones, Chance has come to derail this wedding of beauty to the beast. Now if only he can keep his hands off the bride. From New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, it’s the wedding of the season…that everyone wants to miss. (Originally appeared in Weddings From Hell anthology) (Goodreads)

Book Details

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 319 KB

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Published: July 19, 2011

Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers

ASIN: B00570QXV8

Author’s Website

Source: Self Purchase

Review

As most of you know today is the release of the much anticipated One Grave at a Time, the sixth book in The Night Huntress series. In fact if you’re reading this review after 9AM I have most likely already drug my children to the store, am back home, and reading my copy. Now if you are one of the few that does not know the awesomeness that is Jeaniene Frost, Happily Never After is a great place to start.

Even though this novella is set between the first and second books in the Night Huntress series, Happily Never After has it’s own set of characters, so you don’t feel like you’re starting out of place. Isa is a strong female lead, who is going along with an engagement (that she wants nothing to do with) to save her brother. Then there is Chance… Hmmm Chance. He’s a hot vampire sired by Bones! Do you really need another reason to read this?

The chemistry between Isa and Chance is just what you want in a paranormal romance. Or it was what I wanted because I loved them. With only 42 pages of story I always fear going into novellas that I’ll feel rushed as I’m reading, but I’m happy to say that’s not the case with Happily Never After. Bonus it’s only 1.99 and for you newbies there are excerpts to the first and second book in the Night Huntress series at the end.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

Recommended For

Adults: Graphic sex scene.

Other Books In This Series

Review & Giveaway: The Paladin by Ken Newman

Description

Larry is an angel of the Lord... retired. To avoid final judgment and rather warm room without a view he seeks to make amends by helping humanity against spiritual darkness. Unable to directly interfere, he must use a human to do his dirty work, or as he calls them... Paladins. A lonely kindergarten teacher, Harriet Smith, dreaming of romance and an exciting life of high adventure, has no idea that she has been chosen... that is until she is kidnapped by a five year old, and reborn as the sultry, Maggie Black. Maggie is about to find that the world is a far different place than she could have ever imagined as she faces shape shifting hit men, psychotic witches, and four thousand year old living weapons of mass destruction. Fortunately, Maggie isn't alone, as Silas Cole, a deceased Paladin, comes to her aid, possessing the body of his murdered great grandson. Maggie soon falls in love with the dashing Silas, but finds that to save humanity, she must sacrifice the man she loves. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: The Paladin

Author: Ken Newman

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Paperback: 272 pages

Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.

Published:May 5, 2011

ISBN-10: 1934597449

ISBN-13: 978-1934597446

Source: Author

Review

When then author Ken Newman sent me a review request for his book The Paladin and part of the blurb attached was: "Tongue-in-cheek action-adventure in the genre of 'Kill Bill' and 'Hell Boy' --- the Publisher" After reading that quote I jumped on the chance to read The Paladin. Thankfully I was not disappointed.

Who hasn’t wanted to jump into the life of one of your favorite book characters? I know I have! Well careful what you wish for because that is sort of what happens to Harriet Smith. I loved Harriet’s character. In the first chapter she is given a test to see if she has what it takes to be The Paladin, aka badass super hero, for her new boss Larry. (Who happens to be a fallen angel that can’t kill anyone if he ever wants a chance at getting into heaven again.) Harriet passes the test with flying colors. As she  becomes the Paladin and her  story line progressed, I was amazed  at how smoothly Harriet went from kindergarten teacher to Paladin world savior, and it didn’t feel forced to me. I was with her every step of the way.

I will say that the introduction of characters in the first few chapters did get confusing, especially when it came to the super evil bad guy’s flunkeys for the simple fact that they had first and last names, and Newman interchanged them on occasion. Other than the disconnect in the beginning I loved The Paladin. There is so much more I want to say about characters but they would be spoilers!

I could definitely see this book turned into a graphic novel or a super hero movie. I am very glad to tell you that Mr. Newman says this is hopefully the first in the series. I was so happy when he told me this because I have to know what happens next to the Paladin after the news she got at the end of the book!

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

Recommended For

Older teens to Adult: For language, violence, and sexual content.

The Giveaway

*Up for grabs is one signed copy of The Paladin

• There will be one winner.
• This giveaway is open to the US only.
• You do not have to be a follower to enter, though it is always appreciated, please let me know if you are a new follower so we can check out your blog.
• To enter simply fill out THIS FORM.
• Giveaway will run from August 29, 2011 through September 9, 2011.
• Winner will be chosen by random.org
• Winner must contact me with mailing address within 48hours of being chosen or give up prize to next chosen winner.

Good luck everyone,
Rebecca

This giveaway is closed.

Follow Me Friday (16)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com and Alisoncanread.com

This weeks question:

Q.) In books like the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) series the paranormal creature in question "comes out of the closet" and makes itself known to the world. Which mythical creature do you wish would come out of the closet, for real?

A.) Hmmm. Well, you started with the whole Sookie Stackhouse as the premise for this question, and in that series eventually a lot of different… (um how would you put it) species come out. So, I want it all! I don’t want to have to choose. I want Shifters, Vampires, and Faeries to come out, and anything else that may be hiding. Though I would choose Mercy Thompson, or Kate Daniels in UF over Sookie Stackhouse any day of the week! But I just like their worlds better.

Happy Hopping Everyone

Rebecca      

The Near Witch giveaway Winners

Winner of a signed copy of The Near Witch and matching bookmark goes to… Evika

Winner of a signed Hourglass poster and a Ash to Nash bookmark goes to… Susan

Congratulations to you both!!! If you didn’t win, no worries there will be a new giveaway on the blog starting Monday.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

Early Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Description

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

 

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

 

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies. (Goodreads)

 

Book Details

Title: A Beautiful Dark

Author: Jocelyn Davies

Genre: YA, Paranormal, Angels

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: September 27, 2011 

ISBN-10: 0061990655

ISBN-13: 978-0061990656

Author’s Website

Source: NetGalley/ Publishers

Review

Love triangles, and angels, and crazy cliff hangers… oh my.

Finally a YA book with a main character that has friends that I really like. Real friends that were supportive and not annoying. I especially loved Skye’s best friend Cassie who stood by Skye through thick and thin. As much as I enjoyed the characters in A Beautiful Dark what rubbed me the wrong way was how often Skye’s Aunt was gone. I mean come on what parent is going to leave their teenage daughter home alone for 10 days? Mine never did. Maybe I’m just jealous.

Speaking of Skye, I liked her. I felt like she was a strong, smart character that showed a lot of emotion. I don’t know what I would do in her situation. Normally in a love triangle you can pick who you would go with…um, let me clarify that…who I would want Skye to go with, but, let me tell you right now, with Devin and Asher I just have no idea.

Asher and Devin are rivals and both are vying for Skye’s trust and, well, other things. Neither Asher nor Devin are supposed to want Skye romantically, but you can guess how that goes. As A Beautiful Dark progresses you don’t know who to trust, even though you want to trust them both. All of this leads up to a stellar of a cliffhanger ending that had me biting my nails off.

Dear Jocelyn Davies,

I need the next book. You just drove me crazy with that ending!

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

Recommended For

Teen and up: For language, drinking, kissing,and some violence.

Blog Update

Hi everyone! I wanted to take the time to tell you about an amazing giveaway I just won. About a week ago I entered a Blog makeover giveaway. I still can hardly believe it y’all but I won first prize!!! This is what I won:

Header Design

Background Design

Grab button with code

Stock customized avatar

Column style (3/4 column etc)

4 matching graphics for your blog (Meme badges)

Style menu bar with drop down if needed

Rating scale graphics

signature

custom fonts

Installation with maintenance for one year

Amazing right! Not that I don’t like the way my blog looks. I do. But I’m not a graphic designer. Look at all that is above. I am so excited! I’m thrilled that when you come to my site in a few weeks you will have something awesome to look at, along with the great reviews, giveaways and book info that you have come to expect from Bending The Spine. Thanks to Janice at Unreality for holding the giveaway. Janice has some wonderful freebies on her Baking Up Blogs site. You should go check her out. She will be doing a giveaway of the same kind in a month if you’re interested.

Giveaway News

You have until Midnight EST tonight to enter to win the signed copy of The Near Witch or you will turn into a pumpkin… No, ok so you won’t turn into anything, but this is your LAST CHANCE!!! At 12AM EST no more entries will be counted. I will send all numbers off to random.org. The winner will be announced no later than Friday. Click the book to enter.

If you happen to not win this giveaway don’t worry there are giveaways planed all the way up to November. The next will start Monday, August 29, 2011. The giveaway is a signed copy of The Paladin. You can click the book to go to The Paladin’s Goodreads page.

 

Thanks for helping to make Bending The Spine a great paranormal book blog. I hope to be here a long, long time.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

Review: Out in Blue (Return to Sanctuary #1) by Sarah Gilman

Description

In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents' gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren's wing.

 

Wren doesn't expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren's father, Wren's isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he's sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger's every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he's ever known. (Goodreads)

 

Book Details

Title: Out in Blue

Author: Sarah Gilman

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Paperback: 241 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC

Published: August 2, 2011 

ISBN-10: 1937044270

ISBN-13: 978-1937044275

Author’s Website

Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review

When I saw this on NetGalley I knew I wanted to read it because it was about angels, not the fat diaper-clad cherubs, but massively muscled sultry angels…sigh. When I told Rebecca about it, she was quick to point out that I do not read romances and to that I said…I didn’t realize that it was a romance. So, Out in Blue languished on my Kindle until I ran out of things to read. I started this book with the trepidation of a nun at a strip club, ready to run at the slightest loosening of clothing and terrified that with the first kiss bosoms would start heaving and things would start throbbing. I couldn’t have been more wrong about this book. Sure, the two character’s romance was love at first saving-your-life-from-ruthless-poachers, but at one point in the story Ginger admits that they have the instant love thing going on. The story is more about Wren’s past and finding a way to save his father and is full of action and kinda bloody for a romance.

 

It has to be a little bloody because Ginger was an orphan raised by demons, who are the good guys in this book and they protect the fallen archangels. Archangels are hunted for their feathers and happen to be a dying race anyway, because when they “fall” they become mortal, so not many angels chose to fall. Wren’s father fell when he saw Wren’s mother for the first time, so that he could be with her. However, archangels can mate with mortals, but usually the baby or the mother does not survive. The only off spring that survives human/archangel pregnancies are human baby’s, i.e no wings. Wren survived because his father healed his mother every morning of the pregnancy. So to live semi-normal lives archangels live on reservations and are protected by demons. After Wren’s parents are believed to have been killed by their demon protector, Lark, Wren leaves the protection of the reservation.

 

In this book there are several different voices going on: Wren, Ginger, Wren’s father and a hired-killer with a soft side, so it’s not just about Wren and Ginger and unrequited lust. Actually Wren and Ginger are very sweet and their ending is about as happy as they come in any book.

 

However-Ginger tells Wren that he will be her first…kiss. Really? Oh, but she’s not a virgin, she’s had sex, but NEVER kissed anyone before. I just didn’t buy that at all. Other than that I loved it and will be reading the second book which is telling the story of the ex-killer demon that was raised by scientist…really and it’s going to be awesome.

 

Happy Endings,

Kelly

 

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

 

Recommended For

Adult: For some language and sex.

___________________________________________________

Click the book to enter to win a signed copy of The Near Witch

Review: Eye of the Tempest (Jane True #4) by Nicole Peeler

Description

Nothing says "home" like being attacked by humans with very large guns, as Jane and Anyan discover when they arrive in Rockabill. These are professionals, brought into kill, and they bring Anyan down before either Jane or the barghest can react. Seeing Anyan fall awakens a terrible power within Jane, and she nearly destroys herself taking out their attackers.

Jane wakes, weeks later, to discover that she's not the only thing that's been stirring. Something underneath Rockabill is coming to life: something ancient, something powerful, and something that just might destroy the world.

Jane and her friends must act, striking out on a quest that only Jane can finish. For whatever lurks beneath the Old Sow must be stopped...and Jane's just the halfling for the job. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Eye of the Tempest

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Author: Nicole Peeler

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Orbit; 1 edition

Published: August 1, 2011 

ISBN-10: 0316128082

ISBN-13: 978-0316128087

Author’s Website

Source: Self Purchase

Review

Let me start this review by saying I love the Jane True series.  It has been one of my favorite Urban Fantasy's since I stumbled across Tempest Rising about two years ago. This book was to me a big shift in the series. I know I normally don’t do spoilers but this review will have some… You have been warned

For some reason I had a hard time getting into the first half of the book. What I think it finally came down to is the side characters that I’ve come to love just didn’t come across as real to me. They were very two-dimensional. This all changes around chapter fourteen… In walks Blondie!

I know a lot of people will probably dislike Blondie as she is the reason Anyan is not getting as much page time, but I absolutely love her. Blondie helps Jane on her quest. That’s right this UF goes total Fantasy with an epic quest that Jane must learn to do on her own. Jane learns a lot about herself. In the last three books Jane has relied on the help of her friends to get her out of bad situations, but in Eye of the Tempest I found out just how strong Jane truly is.

Now if you follow the series I know the question you’re asking. Did Jane’s libido finally get what it was after? Well… that’s one spoiler I’m not going to give. You will have to go read the book.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy

Recommended For

Adults: For language, violence, a talking libido, and sexual encounters.

Other books in this series

In My Mailbox (9)

Click the book to enter to win a signed copy of The Near Witch

________________________________________________

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.
This quick vlog post about the books we received this week. Enjoy!

 
The books mentioned in this post are below. Click on the Book image to go to there Goodreads page for more info.
 


 
All right y’all so that’s what I got in my mailbox. I’m excited to see what you got in yours. Give me some comment love
~Rebecca

Follow Friday (15)

Click to enter to win a signed copy of The Near Witch

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com and Alisoncanread.com

This weeks question:

Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

Oh… this is super hard! Ok I would want to be in an Urban Fantasy. And since in real life I have epilepsy I would want that to spring into some sign that I had this kick ass power that I never knew how to harness. Then once trained would be a total badass warrior…lol

Happy Hopping Everyone

~Rebecca

Review: Caressed by Moonlight by Amanda J. Greene

* This is a new edition of Caressed by Moonlight by Amanda J. Green. It has been reedited for the Kindle, and all eBooks. The rerelease was on August 12, 2011. New edition of the bound books with the new cover will be released in a month.

 

Description

Dorian Vlakhos is no ordinary aristocrat. He is a vampire king, who will do anything to save his clan from complete annihilation, before an ancient curse can claim his immortal life.

Penniless and orphaned, Victoria Kingston has nothing to bring to a marriage, yet she must shackle an unsuspecting gentleman into marriage by the end of the month or forfeit her rights as guardian of her younger sister. With the help of her dearest friend, Victoria begins her hunt, and vows to stay far away from the dark, mysterious, Prince Vlakhos.

After meeting the beautifully innocent Miss Kingston, Dorian had to have her. He would do absolutely anything to make Victoria his. One sweet stolen kiss would bring them together while a force, more powerful than any vampire would bind them for all eternity. But treachery, war, and death rule Dorian’s dark world and Victoria would be fortunate to survive. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Caressed by Moonlight

Author: Amanda J. Greene

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 285 KB 

ASIN: B004EEONLK

Author’s Website

Source: Author

Review

Every now and then you come across a book that is the first in the series and it’s so good you want to kick yourself for reading it. Not because it wasn’t good, because you think to yourself well damn now I have to wait a whole year to read about these characters again. Caressed by Moonlight is one of those books for me.

Amanda J. Greene has created a world in Caressed by Moonlight that you can really sink your teeth into. Set in 1814 England for most of the book, I honestly could envision all of the book. And I don’t generally care for historical romance, but Caressed by Moonlight was just so well done to me.  She has also created characters that you want to continue reading about after the last page has been turned.

Speaking of characters I loved Victoria. Victoria has had every obstacle imaginable thrown her way, and every time she picks herself up and continues on. She was not some simple, wimpy girl. Victoria was strong, smart, and tenacious. Then Dorian comes into her life. Oh and talk about a hot vampire, not that she knows what he is at first. The chemistry between these two packed enough power to charge my eReader for eternity.

Caressed by Moonlight has everything! There is action, suspense, lots of sexual tension, family drama, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this read.

I want the next one in this series, which will be out no later February 2012, and will be titled Caressed by Night. So, be on the lookout for that.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca

5 moons: I absolutely loved it, and will be looking into everything this author writes.

Recommended For

Adults: For graphic sex scenes and violence. 

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

 

Do This First!

Click HERE to enter our GIVEAWAY for a signed copy of The Near Witch.

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Pick This Week

Description

Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric bluestockings—a little odd, a little unfashionable, and far too educated for their own good. The truth is more complicated; they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it could mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before their mother died, she entrusted Cate with keeping them safe and keeping everyone, including their father, in the dark about their powers. When her father employs a governess and Cate begins to receive notes from her missing, presumed-mad godmother, her task becomes much more difficult. As Cate searches for answers in banned books and rebellious new friends, she must juggle unwanted proposals, tea parties, and an illicit attraction to the new gardener. Cate will do anything to protect her sisters, but at what cost to herself? (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: Born Wicked

Author: Jessica Spotswood

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Release Date: February 7, 2012 

ISBN-10: 0399257454

ISBN-13: 978-0399257452

Why I’m Waiting

I saw this a month ago and thought it sounded amazing. And I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but have you looked at the cover? Can you say GORGEOUS!?!

Happy Reading Everyone

~Rebecca

Early Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Description

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.


Elisa is the chosen one.


But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do. (Goodreads)

Book Details

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: September 20, 2011 

ISBN-10: 0062026488

ISBN-13: 978-0062026484

Author’s Website

Source: NetGalley/ Publisher

Review

When I finished The Girl of Fire and Thorns I had to step away from it before writing the review. Not that I didn’t like it, I was so engrossed in the world that Rae Carson created while reading it everything else faded away.

Now if your thinking because there is a princess and this is a fantasy that this is some mild sweet little romance then I am here to tell you you are wrong. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is action packed. I read this in one day and I was so sad when it was over. Don’t get me wrong there is some romance, but there is also friendship, betrayal, and deceit.

Elisa is The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I have to say I loved her character from the beginning of the book. When Elisa is first introduced she is an overweight princess that pours over religious writings all day. But this is what she has been raised to do. Elisa does not stay this way for long. After a quick marriage to a bordering king(who I could not stand), then from the kings kingdom to being kidnaped, and then she moves on to help lead an army. All this from a girl who was a fat bookworm. Looking back Elisa’s character development never felt forced, she grew as a person from one event to the next.

This Girl of Fire and Thorns is made of awesome and you need to read it! I have happily learned that this will be a series and I am so excited to read more and get lost in this amazing world.

Happy Reading,

Rebecca 

 

4 moons: I loved it. It's reread worthy.

Recommended For

Teen and up: There is violence and blood, some kissing.

Follow Friday (14)

Do This First!

Click HERE to enter our GIVEAWAY for a signed copy of The Near Witch.

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com and Alisoncanread.com

This weeks question:

Q. How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen? or If you are still a teen what new genres are you in love with currently?

My reading habits have changed drastically since I was a teen. I would say the paranormal/ fantasy genre love is still the same but I didn’t read even 20% of the books I read now. I don’t know why I have way less time now, but I just can’t stop reading 

Happy Hopping,

Rebecca