Review: Ink by Amanda Sun

 

Ink is an enchanting, well-written, and deliciously dark story that will pull readers into a beautiful and dangerous world, one they won't want to leave. Amanda Sun has crafted a brilliant and refreshing mythology, and delivers a magical setting. Readers will be swept away by Japan's beauty and Ms. Sun's artful descriptions.

 

Katie makes for a wonderful narrator. She's funny, vulnerable, and strong-headed. I liked that she never backs down and is always ready to join the fight to protect those she cares about. Her relationship with Tomohiro is tumultuous, yet enthralling, and I loved the banter between them.

Ms. Sun has created an utterly unique and splendid mythology revolving around ancient Japanese gods and their descendants, and I absolutely loved this aspect of the book. The mythology is exquisite and reminiscent of Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone and is sure to draw readers in and leave them hungry for more.

 

The author unravels the plot at a fluid, even pace and skillfully combines Katie's more mundane activities with her fantastical and dangerous ones with Tomohiro and his powers. This combination results in a great balance in tone and plot development. The dialogue is smooth and believable, and it was fun learning a few Japanese terms along the way. I do wish some of Ms. Sun's character descriptions weren't repeated as often as they are, but overall she is a very skilled writer.

 

One of my other favorite elements of the book are the illustrations. While they are sparse, they provide an extra dash of magic to the overall product and work well with the story.

 

Overall, Ink is a fantastic debut and I cannot wait for the sequel. Amanda Sun has created a stunningly beautiful piece of art and is sure to enchant readers with her work. She is definitely an author to watch!

Review: Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield

Ms. Greenfield has written an alluring story, one that is every bit as enchanting as it is exciting. The plot unfolds at an even pace, and does so thanks to a perfect blend of drama, action, and fantasy. The characters are colorful and engaging, the descriptions are vivid, and the setting is dark and fascinating.

 

Lucy is a great narrator and I think readers will instantly connect with her. Her voice is gentle, believable, and she comes across as someone you’d like to be friends with. Her internal struggle over who she should trust and what she wants for herself is believable as well, and never feels cliché or melodramatic.

 

The official description for the book briefly mentions Lucy’s relationship with Nat, a young spy and friend, and their romance is exactly that: brief. Their scenes together are rare and short, and I wish their relationship—both romantically and friendly—had been explored more. Still, their relationship is gentle and holds its own without relying on heavily romantic elements.

 

Overall, Chantress is a unique, engrossing, and utterly enthralling read that will sweep readers up in a whirlwind of magic. Amy Butler Greenfield is a seasoned storyteller and this book is sure to enchant the world.

 

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Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England.

“Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing—and she is swept into darkness.

When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England.

Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion...

Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic. (GoodReads)

Waiting on Wednesday: Snakeroot by Andrea Cremer

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine 

that showcases the books people are eagerly awaiting.

 

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It's no secret that I love Andrea Cremer and her Nightshade series. I mean, I LOVE those books. So I'm really excited for Snakeroot, which will feature Adne and Logan as Bosque Mar attempts to escape his imprisonment. Sounds awesome, right?

 

 

Fans asked for it, and now they've got it!

 

Andrea Cremer is continuing the story she began in in her internationally bestselling trilogy: Nightshade, Wolfsbane and Bloodrose. In this new installment, Bosque Mar haunts the dreams of both Adne and Logan, trying to escape for the Nether, where Calla, Shay and the other Guardians trapped him in the final battle in the War of All Against All. Will he turn Adne to the dark side? Will Logan reclaim his birthright? And will darkness take over our world? In a novel filled with magic, romance and breakneck action, master storytelling Andrea Cremer's newest installment will not disappoint! (GoodReads)

 

Snakeroot will be released December 10, 2013.

 

GoodReads | IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble



HUNTED on Pinterest!

I've been a casual user of Pinterest for some time now and really got into it when they added the secret boards, which I use for story ideas. But this morning I had the sudden urge to do some pinning and what better board to create than a HUNTED board! Yay! Check it out and be sure to let me know of any images you find that remind you of my book!

HUNTED on Pinterest

Waiting on Wednesday: These Broken Stars

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine 

that showcases the books people are eagerly awaiting.

 

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My WoW pick this week is These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner. The premise sounds interesting, the cover is visually appealing, and I'm always game for a good sci-fi/space romance. Let me know what you think in the comments!

 



 

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds. (GoodReads)

 

GoodReads | IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 

 



Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan

What happens when two incredible authors team up to write a story about an invisible boy, the girl who can see him, and family curses? What follows is Invisibility, an exceptionally moving story that will captivate readers with its humor, romance, and fragility.

Andrea Cremer and David Levithan have written a clear, seamless, and perfectly executed story. The chapters alternate between Elizabeth and Stephen’s points-of-view, and the distinct and charming voices make for a fluid read. I often have trouble connecting with male narrators, but Stephen is presented in such a realistic light that it was easy for me to relate to him, despite his unusual circumstance. The plot maintains its momentum throughout the book and readers will be engaged up until the very last sentence. Elizabeth and Stephen’s relationship develops quickly, but it never feels fake or lifeless.

What I like the most about Invisibility is the level of humanity the story possesses. Despite the supernatural elements, the book provides a wonderful commentary on what it means to be alive and how people take simple things for granted, things like holding hands with someone. The balance between the supernatural and contemporary aspects is perfect and makes for an even more engaging read.

Also, Laurie, Elizabeth’s brother, is awesome. He is definitely one of my favorite characters in the book. With witty banter and a positive outlook on life, it’s hard not to like and root for him.

Charming and unique, Invisibility is a wonderful read that is sure to win over new and old fans of both Andrea Cremer and David Levithan. The two of them make an exquisite team and I hope they work together again in the future!

Cover Reveal: The Warrior's Code by David James

I am thrilled to help reveal the cover for David James' upcoming e-book prequel to his widely loved novel, Light of the Moon. Are you ready? Yeah? Thought so. :-)

Live by the Code. 

Die by the Code. 

In the magical world of the Order, Warriors fight for justice, freedom, and peace. Becoming a Warrior is an honor given to few, and twelve-year-olds Zackery Solts and Kate Black will do anything to have a place among the elite. Zack and Kate must compete against eighteen others and pass three deadly tests of courage and skill. Above all, they must be strong because while the dangers of the tests are unknown, one thing is clear: not everyone will survive.

Available 5.14.13

The Warrior’s Code (Book 1.2) is an e-format prequel short story in the Legend of the Dreamer series that can be read before or after Light of the Moon (Book 1) and The Witch's Curse (Book 1.1).

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David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer series, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH'S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. The sequel, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in late 2013. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. He enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Be sure to visit David’s blog and facebook to learn more about his various addictions and novels.

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