Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews: April 2016

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

Title: The Rose and the Dagger
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Publisher: Putnam
Release: April 26, 2016
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn
Pages: 432
Review: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

First Impressions

I was super excited to read this book. As you can see from my review of The Wrath and the Dawn, the series became a surprise favorite of mine. When I had the chance to get an ARC of The Rose and the Dagger, I jumped on it. And let me tell you, it had ALL THE SWOONS!

Characters

I love Shazi SO MUCH! In the first book, she's fueled by rage, but now she's fueled by love. But at the same time, she doesn't get all weepy because she's not with Khalid. Shazi takes her and Khalid's fates into her own hands and gets. Crap. Done. No matter what anyone else tells her. She has a lot of people that care about her, but none of them really know what to do with her.

My love for Khalid only grew with this book. If Kaiden Rowe hadn't stolen the title of Love of My Life, Khalid might just have a chance at taking it. You can really see how good Shazi's love has been for him.

Writing

Ahdieh's writing is amazing. It has this lyrical quality that many might find annoying, but just works. That is shown by the legion of fans that the author already has. I'm gonna be amazed if The Rose and the Dagger isn't an immediate bestseller.

World-Building

You'd think Renée would have done all the world building she needed to do in The Wrath and the Dawn, but you'd be wrong. The world expands a ton in this book. While it was already a vast world, we only saw a small part of it. In The Rose and the Dagger, the characters go to far-flung places and their adventures intensify. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Author Bio:

I live in North Carolina (Go Heels!) with my husband Victor and our dog Mushu. My YA fantasy novel, THE WRATH AND THE DAWN, is available wherever books are sold. Its sequel, THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER, will be published on April 26, 2016. In my spare time, I like to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of my characters.

I’m also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as an active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

You Can Find Her At:

Website

Twitter
Tumblr
Instagram
Facebook

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Book Blitz: The Rose and the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh

I am so excited that THE ROSE & THE DAGGER by Renée Ahdieh releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN and a hardcover of THE ROSE & THE DAGGER and an awesome candle from The Melting Library’s Etsy Store, US Only! So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Come back and check out the blog tomorrow for when my review of the book goes up!

Title: THE ROSE & THE DAGGER
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Release: April 26, 2016

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Pages: 432

Synopsis:

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

You Can Find it At:

Goodreads

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

Praise:

“Above all there is the shattering, triumphant catharsis of love… In a story about stories, love is ‘the power to speak without words.’ Thrillingly full of feeling.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fiery romance, a spirited heroine, shifting loyalties… With more than a few heartrending twists and turns.”—Booklist

Excerpt:

Author Bio:

Renée lives in North Carolina (Go Heels!) with her husband Victor and their dog Mushu. Her YA fantasy novel, THE WRATH AND THE DAWN, will be published on May 12th, 2015. In her spare time, she likes to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of her characters.

She’s also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as an active member of theScience Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

You Can Find Her At:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Tumblr
Pinterest
Instagram

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN, a hardcover of THE ROSE & THE DAGGER, and a His Calipha candle from The Melting Library’s Etsy Store, US Only.

Ends on May 3rd at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday (66)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spines, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I'm super excited for Summer Days and Summer Nights, which is edited by Stephanie Perkins. It has short stories from a bunch of other authors as well, including Nina LaCour, Leigh Bardugo, and Cassandra Clare! I love so many of the authors whose stories are in there. If it's anywhere as good as My True Love Gave to Me, this is gonna be an awesome anthology!

Synopsis:

Maybe it's the long, lazy days, or maybe it's the heat making everyone a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time for love to bloom. Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, written by twelve bestselling young adult writers and edited by the international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, will have you dreaming of sunset strolls by the lake. So set out your beach chair and grab your sunglasses. You have twelve reasons this summer to soak up the sun and fall in love.

Featuring stories by Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Release: May 17, 2016

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Top Ten Books That Will Make You Laugh

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

1. An Abundance of Katherine's by John Green

2. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

3. My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows, and Cynthia Hand

4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

5. I'll Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

6. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

7. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

8. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

9. A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

10. Summer on the Short Bus by Bethany Crandell

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Book Blitz: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

Rachel Harris’s THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US is already getting swoons from readers everywhere! We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. Known for her sweet romances, Rachel’s THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US, is no different! Check out everything we have for you on this amazing title and then go grab your copy today. Justin and Peyton’s story is sure to put a smile on your face and keep you turning pages long into the night!

Title: The Natural History of Us
Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release: April 5, 2016
Series: The Fine Art of Pretending
Pages: 255

Synopsis:

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who’s forever owned his heart.

Justin Carter has a secret. He’s not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy…and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she’d ever forgive him.

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she’s done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she’ll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first.

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate’s given him a shot at redemption, he’s determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton…well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

You Can Find it At:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

IndieBound
Goodreads

Excerpt:

A musical laugh sprang free, her happy smile trailing behind, and I was in heaven. “Until you,” she agreed. She squinted one eye and added, “Though you should know, I’m probably gonna be really, really bad at it.”

The expression on her face said she honestly believed it, and I couldn’t wait to prove her wrong. I leaned close to her ear and whispered across her skin, “That’s impossible.”

Peyton’s breath caught in a gasp, and I angled back to see her face.

That’s when the moment changed.

Sounds of the emptying baseball field fell away. The cool air around us kindled. The soft smile on her face faded as she looked into my eyes, shifting her gaze between them to see what I’d do next. Part of me wondered the same thing.

I’d kissed dozens of girls before. Some I wanted, others purely because I was bored. But I’d never felt anything like this. Anticipation. Want. Fear. Unlike any other kiss I’d ever shared, this one needed to be epic. Girls remembered their first kiss for the rest of their lives, and I had to leave Peyton with something good to cling to later… when I inevitably screwed everything up.

Gauging her reaction, I slowly lowered my head and watched her soft lips part. Adrenaline surged through my veins at the swipe of her tongue. She nodded once, silently giving me permission, then closed her eyes.

Inhaling the scent of sunflowers, I kissed her.

Soft and sweet. Those two words defined this girl. She tasted like sugar and her sigh was addictive as I brushed her mouth with mine. Again and again. I couldn’t get enough. Her hands clenched my wrists, tugging me closer. I could’ve lived in that moment forever.

My restless hands memorized the curve of Peyton’s spine, the dip of her waist. Hers slid down my arms and around my back, fisting my shirt before slipping underneath. A jolt of electricity ran over my skin. When her nails raked down my spine, I jerked and groaned into her mouth. She was a fast learner.

I kissed the corners of her triumphant smile, licked the bow of her top lip, and nipped at the bottom one. She sighed again and sank in my arms, matching me kiss for kiss, playful tug for playful tug. And still, I needed more. I’d probably always need more.

Tilting my head for better access, I grazed her cheeks with my fingertips. Traced the seam of her mouth with my tongue, silently asking for what I wanted. Hoping like hell she’d open up. Her answer was one shy flick. The shiver reached my toes.

No girl had gotten to me like this. Burrowed under my skin, held my interest, or had me thinking about tomorrow. Wishing I could be that guy. I lost myself in the strawberry taste of Peyton’s mouth, the sweet sounds in her throat, and I didn’t fully emerge until hours later. When I did, it was with one thought circling my brain:

How long until I mess this up?

You can order a signed and/or personalized copy of THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US now through April 8th HERE!

And don’t miss Rachel Harris’ THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING!

Author Bio:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

You Can Find Her At:
Website

Facebook

Twitter

Newsletter Signup

Goodreads

Giveaway:

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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Book Blitz: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

I am so excited that THE GLITTERING COURT by Richelle Mead releases today and that I get to share the news, along with a special giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Richelle Mead, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book and a $25 Sephora Gift Card courtesy of Richelle, Penguin Teen, and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: THE GLITTERING COURT

Author: Richelle Mead

Pub. Date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook

The Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling author Richelle Mead.

"Brilliant and original, Mead’s new series starts off with a bang and will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end."

—School Library Journal

Synopsis:

For a select group of girls, the Glittering Court offers a shot at a life they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. To high-born Adelaide, whose wealthy family is forcing her into a loveless marriage, the Glittering Court represents something else: the chance to chart her own destiny, and adventure in an unspoiled, prosperous new land across the sea.

After a chance meeting with the dazzling Cedric Thorn, Adelaide poses as a servant to join the crop of impoverished girls he promises to transform into proper ladies. But her familiarity with upper class life comes with a price: she must hide her identity from her new friends, mysterious refugee Mira and fiery former laundress Tamsin, and most importantly, from Cedric himself—even though she’s falling in love with him.

Everything begins to crumble when Cedric discovers Adelaide’s ruse, and she catches the eye of a powerful young governor, who wants her for a wife. She didn’t leave the gilded cage of her old life behind just to become someone else's property. But nothing is as daunting—or as wonderful—as the potent, forbidden attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. One that, if acted on, would make them both outcasts in a wild, dangerous, uncharted world, and possibly lead them to their deaths.

You Can Find it At:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iBooks
Goodreads

Exclusive Excerpt:

About Richelle:

Richelle Mead has written over twenty-five novels for teens and adults. She is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series and its spinoff series, Bloodlines. Her recent standalone novel, Soundless, draws upon Chinese mythology and history, and her forthcoming series, The Glittering Court, follows the adventures of girls destined for arranged marriages in a fantasy world inspired by colonial America. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

You Can Find Her At:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a hardcover of THE GLITTERING COURT & a $25 Sephora Gift Card. US Only.

Ends on April 15th at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, April 4, 2016

Blog Tour: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

Rachel Harris's THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US is already getting swoons from readers everywhere! We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. Known for her sweet romances, Rachel's THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US, is no different! Check out everything we have for you on this amazing title and then go grab your copy today. Justin and Peyton’s story is sure to put a smile on your face and keep you turning pages long into the night!

Title: The Natural History of Us
Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release: April 5, 2016
Series: The Fine Art of Pretending
Pages: 255
Review: 4 Stars

Review:

First Impressions

I was excited to read this, having enjoyed The Fine Art of Pretending, but my expectations were on the low side, simply because I didn't have an insane excitement for it. While the book wasn't perfect, it was a really fun, quick read.

Characters

I really enjoyed Peyton's character. She felt like a real person. Her responses to things were natural, though I don't think I'd have been as nice to Justin as she is, given their history. I really loved meeting her family, and the important people in her life. Peyton, along with the rest of her family, has an open heart that can't wait to be filled. That said, I don't trust anyone who likes baseball that much. If you can't tell, I'm not a fan.

My feelings are conflicted about Justin. On the one hand, I really like him and how he tries to earn Peyton's forgiveness. But GAH! Freshman year Justin is a pain in the butt. He can be nice at times, but he doesn't feel like a real teenager. Most freshman are fourteen or fifteen years old. The amount of experience he has doesn't make sense for that age. And I can speak with authority, as I am in high school. From my experience, high school guys are neither suave nor experienced. As I told my mother, all the guys I've met are pimple-covered doofuses. There's nothing wrong with that, but Justin as a freshman just doesn't feel realistic. By the time he reaches senior year, I like Justin a lot more though.

There were multiple characters within the book that I hope we get to see their stories, including Lauren and Cade.

World-Building

A lot of the world is already built, given that this is a companion novel to The Fine Art of Pretending. The characters all go to a very nice private school, which is fairly small. That said, we do get introduced to Peyton's ranch. It is so a cool property, and a place that I would love to visit. I think the high school setting could have felt a bit more realistic, but they do go to a special private school.

Overall, The Natural History of Us was a really fun read that I would recommend. I just had to nitpick a little bit. Most books portray high school kids as being cooler than we are, I just felt the need to point it out with this one.

Synopsis:

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who's forever owned his heart.

Justin Carter has a secret. He's not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy...and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she'd ever forgive him.

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she's done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she'll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first.

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate's given him a shot at redemption, he's determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton...well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

You Can Find it At:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
IndieBound
Goodreads

Excerpt:

“Hold out your hand.” At the expression on his face, I rolled my eyes. “Just do it.” Cautiously, as if I was going to put out a cobra or something, he uncurled his fingers and lifted his palm. I dropped a small silver coin in the center. “For luck.”

Wonder warred with confusion in his gorgeous brown eyes and my heart melted.

“On this side there’s a horseshoe,” I said, my cheeks warming with a blush. “You know, the universal symbol for luck… and a small reminder of me.”

I bit my lip, hoping he didn’t think that was too corny—or that it revealed too much.

I flipped the coin over, exposing the other side, and my fingers slid across his rough skin. My breath caught. When I lifted my eyes, I found him watching me with so much intensity, so much heat, that an actual shiver rolled through me. Just like in my favorite books.

Huh. So that was what smoldering looked like. Good to know.

I swallowed hard and noticed him do the same, and nothing could hold back my smile. Justin glanced down and laughed. “Kick some ass!” he read, skimming his fingernail over my initials.

“I figured…” I cleared my throat. “I thought you could hide it in your sock or something,” I said, unable to tell if he liked the gift or not. He just kept staring at it. “If it’s dumb, you don’t have to—”

“No.”

He’d said it so quietly I almost wasn’t sure he’d spoken at all. But then he closed his hand around the coin and raised his head. Time ceased to exist as Justin’s eyes trailed across my face. I held my breath waiting and a sweet smile crossed his face.

“Damn.” He shook his head softly. “You’ve done it now.”

“What?” I asked, hoping whatever it was that it was a good thing. “What did I do?”

Justin merely shook his head again and smiled. “Wait for me after the game.” Shifting his gaze to the old concession stand, he took a step back and said, “Over there, okay?”

When I nodded, excitement lodging in my throat, making it impossible to speak, he winked and then took off to join his teammates. As I watched his cute butt in those uniform pants run across the field, a giddy grin found my lips.

You can order a signed and/or personalized copy of THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US now through April 8th HERE!