ARC Review: For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig

Happy Release Day to For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig!

I received an ARC of this one from Harper Collins Canada (HCC Frenzy) in exchange for an honest review!

My rating: 4/5 stars

My thoughts:
'For a Muse of Fire' is a bold tale about family, honour, and sacrifice. Jetta's family are shadow players, and one of the best, thanks to her. Jetta's unique ability to see souls of the dead allow her to blood bind them to their dazzling puppets. As danger draws closer, her family seeks out refuge aboard on a royal ship to Aquitan, and closer to a possible cure. The plan becomes difficult when loyalties become less clear, and not everyone is who they claim to be.

There were a lot of things about this book that I really liked. The concept was dark and wicked, drawing readers in as the complex plot continued. The bold Asian fantasy world was historically rich and well described. The multiple points of view and unique writing style were interesting (first person narrative as well as play writing style), and I liked hearing from the various characters thoughts. The beginning of the novel is an immersion in the rich culture and unfamiliar phrases, and that took a bit to get accustomed too. It might appear intimidating and a bit confusing to some , but I am glad I continued. The finished copy seems to have maps and folklore graphics throughout the novel that the ARC had left spaces for, and that will be beneficial to readers.

Leo's character is my favourite in the novel. His charm and compassion make him easy to like, and his desire to help is clear. I would've liked to get to know him more, but that might come in the next books in the series. Jetta's character was a bit harder to support in the beginning. I found it harder to connect with the story, but later on it improved - once there was more backstory shared about her. I am excited to learn more about Theodora and Cheeky in the series, they have the potential to be very impactful individuals.

Overall, the slow start led way to a great fantasy novel with a strong heroine. Fans of dark, twisted fantasies will appreciate the necromancy aspects, and the bold characters will draw readers in.


Thanks for reading, and feel free to check this one out at your local bookstore!

September Uppercase Unboxing

Hi lovelies! Long time no chat, sorry about that guys! School has been hectic but as the month comes to end, I have got some unboxings to share *happy dance*


First up is the September Uppercase Box! This was my second box from them, and it was out of this world!

Included:
✨ Library pattern scarf
✨ Ignite the Stars pin
✨ Ignite the Stars Deleted Scenes booklet
✨ Free Preview of Descendant of the Crane
✨ BOOK: Signed copy of Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan @mauraisdoomed


This box was so much fun! In terms of the goodies, I loved the the scarf the most. The light fabric and fun pattern makes it a gorgeous bookish accessory for any outfit. This is my first bookish scarf, and I cannot wait to wear it. The feather pin was another goodies included and it is absolutely stunning. Finally, the book, Ignite the Stars - which is a fast paced sci-fi adventure. The reviews already excellent, and it has moved to the top of my TBR!


The extra online content that is unlocked with special codes is one thing that sets this box apart. Adding a bookmarked filled with codes to unlock behind-the-scenes video from the author, as well as quizzes and discussions, is an awesome way for readers to connect and interact. I love the idea of meeting other readers and sharing opinions about the book included that month, and it further increases my excitement about each monthly box from Uppercase.

Keep in mind friends, Uppercase Box is only available in Canada & the U.S.A. currently, but maybe it will expand in the future. Overall, I highly recommend checking it out for Young Adult readers if you enjoy fun new YA releases, high quality items, and interacting online with fellow book lovers.

Thank you so much to Melissa and the wonderful team at @uppercasebox for sending this my way to review, it was amazing!

Blog Tour: Ghost Road by Charis Cotter

Good morning everyone! Today I'm sharing Ghost Road by Charis Cotter, in partner with Penguin Teen Canada.

Tour Schedule: 

Book details:
Ghost Road by Charis Cotter
Publication date: September 4th 2018
Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Historical


Synopsis:

Ghosts, a family curse, buried secrets -- and two girls who have to figure it all out. A new book from an acclaimed author, for fans of Coraline, Doll Bones and The Night Gardener.

For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.

When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?

The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.


AUTHOR BIO:

Charis Cotter is a writer, editor and storyteller living in Newfoundland. She grew up in Cabbagetown and Parkdale in downtown Toronto. After taking a degree in English at Glendon College, York University, she went on to study acting at The Drama Studio in London, England. After several years as an actor, she moved into publishing, where she has been working as a freelance editor and writer for more than 20 years.


My Personal Review: 4.75/5 ⭐

Set in 1970’s Newfoundland, Ghost Road is a spooky middle grade tale by Canadian author Charis Cotter. Ruth’s first adventure to the east coast is full of dark secrets, ghost stories, and a curse threatening her family.

Despite being a middle grade novel, it had a well developed complex plot and was full of suspense. I loved the detailed family  history, and the villainous curse that followed the members for generations was a great mystery. Readers will be engaged throughout the story as Ruth works to handle the mysterious occurrences around the town, and piece together what truly causes the set of twins every generation to die young. The author also writes at a quality middle grade level, that will appeal to older readers. The dialogue was simplified a bit due to the target audience and historical time period, but it flowed well and the plot twists were excellent.

Ruth’s character is well written, and it’s heartwarming to see her grow throughout the book. Her structured city girl character is tested in the rural outskirts of town, she learns how to live like the rest of family - on the farm, helping in the house, and other activities.

Overall I adored Ghost Road. The concept was unique and it was to easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysterious middle grade reads!


See review on Goodreads click here

ARC Reviews: Wicked King by Holly Black & Rule by Ellen Goodlett

Good morning lovelies! I have two very exciting reviews to share with you, of two of the biggest upcoming YA releases:


Wicked King by Holly Black

If you know me, then you would know how much I ADORED The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - the fantasy realm, the bold and ruthless main characters, and the hint of a brewing love story all contributed to make it one of my favourite books of the year. This past month I had the incredible opportunity to review the second in the series, and here's what I thought:


* received an ARC from publisher in exchange for honest review *

RATING: 4.5/5 stars

The Wicked King starts out about 5 months into Carden's reign under Jude's control, and the dark powers of the Faerie Realm are still as prominent as before. Jude has new challenges to face as enemies emerge, and not everyone is as trustworthy as they claim.

I will admit, the first part of the book I found slower, a bit less engaging than I expected. It was important to develop new characters in that time, but I was hoping for a more fast paced plot. As the novel continued, my thoughts changed completely as the situations became more intense, and threats became more serious.

My favourite part about The Wicked King was the never-ending plot twists. The betrayals were unexpected and abundant, each more dangerous than the next. They added so much suspense, hooking readers and pulling them into the story. The emotions of heartbreak and surprise after each devious decision were raw and genuine with the characters, and the descriptions for each were written with grit and passion.

Jude's character disappointed me a bit in this book. Her impulsive actions seemed immature for her ruthless nature, and her decision making was rushed. However, I grew more fond of Carden as the story continued. He becomes more than just a pretty face as his complex character grows, especially in the second half of the book. As his reign continues, he becomes bolder, and more sure of his actions, transitioning into a daring leader.

Finally, just when readers think that they will survive this novel, *BOOM*, a massive cliffhanger ending forcing another agonizing wait to find out what happens next. Well done Ms. Holly Black, you've done it again.



Rule by Ellen Goodlett


* received an ARC from publisher in exchange for honest review *

RATING: 4.75/5 stars

For fans of Three Dark Crowns, and Pretty Little Liars, I highly recommend this title. This fast paced fantasy with a murdeous mix was engaging and bold from the first page. With deadly secrets threatening to expose them, Ren, Zofi, and Akeylah must quickly learn who is an ally, and who is just out for royal blood.

The main characters were one of my favourite parts of Rule. Each character's POV was unique and well written, describing different traits and ways of thinking that reflect that character. I loved the variety of upbringings that each sister had experienced, leading them to have all different perceptions about the future of Kolonya and the other Reaches. There are not often diverse characters in fantasy novels, so it was great to read about.

The setting was a bold fantasy land with a violent history. I love the differing terrain in each outer Reach, and along with that, the unique ways of life. With the threat of rebel forces forming, there were various moments of suspense and anticipation in the novel, increasing the anticipation for readers. Finally, an intense cliffhanger ending will keep readers eagerly awaiting the next book - I know I am excited for the next now!


The noble court is a difficult social game to master, and these three newly crowned princesses learn just how far some members are willing to go.


Thank you HBG Canada for the review copies!

Blog Tour: Sadie by Courtney Summers

Good morning everyone! Today I'm sharing Sadie by Courtney Summers, in partner with Raincoast Books.

Tour Schedule: 

Book details:
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Published by: Wednesday Books
Publication date: September 4th 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary


Synopsis:


Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.

When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34810320-sadie?ac=1&from_search=true
Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-girls/id1413420595?mt=2


AUTHOR BIO:

Courtney Summers was born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada in 1986 and currently resides in a small town not far from there. At age 14, and with her parents' blessing, Courtney dropped out of high school to pursue her education independently. At age 18, she wrote her first novel and never looked back. Her first book, Cracked Up to Be, was published in 2008, when she was 22. To date, she has authored five novels and is best known for her unapologetic, difficult female protagonists. In 2016, Courtney was named one of Flare Magazine's 60 under 30.


I also had the incredible opportunity to ask Ms. Summers an interview question:

Katelin: Would you want Sadie to become a movie? Why or Why not?

Courtney: It would be awesome if Sadie became a movie! I always think it’s incredibly cool to see how one story translates across different mediums and what kind of vision another artist will bring to it. The Sadie audiobook is an example of this—it’s got a full cast, sound effects, musical cues, the works. It’s an entirely new way of looking at the novel and I just think that’s wonderful thing. A movie would be a new way of looking at Sadie too, one I’d love to see.


My Personal Review: 4.75/5 ⭐

WOW. This book was bold from the first page. Courtney's unique writing style led me to become so invested in Sadie's story, I could not put this book down. Told in alternating points of view, readers first learn the present day struggles of those left behind as radio show host, West McCray, investigates the Sadie's disappearance. Then perspectives shift, and readers experience Sadie's emotions in first person what happened that dreadful period, about a year ago.

The raw emotions and hatred that pushed Sadie to keep going throughout this novel was well written and truly made readers understand her persistence. She used the people she loathed as motivation, travelling far and wide to seek the truth that has haunted her since the night her sister disappeared. The secrets that she brings to light ultimately help her succeed in her attempt to bring her sister's murderer to justice.

The ONLY part I was not convinced on was the ambiguous ending. I did love how it wrapped up - the poetic lines pieced together Sadie's emotional journey in a heartfelt but grieving way. However, I do wish there was more details, I prefer solid answers. It does add more suspense to the novel and seems fitting for Sadie's character, but I was looking forward to a more conclusive closing.

I know this book will surprise, impress, and empower readers, and I look forward to its official release!


Keep in mind: I found this novel more suitable for mature readers - warning due to sexual abuse & drugs.


See my review on Goodreads

August Wrap Up

August was a very successful reading month for me! I loved a lot of the books I read, and had the opportunity to review some incredible books.

Here is my Wrap Up:

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - 4.5/5 ⭐

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han - 5/5 ⭐

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han - 4.5/5 ⭐

Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky - 4.5/5 ⭐
   
     Thank you Turner Publishing for the ARC!

Catwoman Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas - 5/5 ⭐
   
     Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the finished copy!

The Wicked King by Holly Black - 4.5/5 ⭐

     Thank you HBG Canada for the ARC!

The Ghost Road by Charis Cotter - 4.75/5 ⭐

     Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the ARC! Keep an eye out next week for a blog tour
     featuring my review!

Rule by Ellen Goodlett - 4.75/5 ⭐

     Thank you HBG Canada for the ARC!