Waiting on Wednesday (169)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.


By Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: October 27, 2015

The Iron Prince—my nephew—betrayed us all. 

He killed me. 

Then, I woke up. 

Waking after a month on the brink of death, Ethan Chase is stunned to learn that the Veil that conceals the fey from human sight was temporarily torn away. Although humankind's glimpse of the world of Faery lasted just a brief moment, the human world has been cast into chaos, and the emotion and glamour produced by fear and wonder has renewed the tremendous power of the Forgotten Queen. Now, she is at the forefront of an uprising against the courts of Summer and Winter—a reckoning that will have cataclysmic effects on the Nevernever. 

Leading the Lady's Forgotten Army is Keirran himself: Ethan's nephew, and the traitor son of the Iron Queen, Meghan Chase.To stop Keirran, Ethan must disobey his sister once again as he and his girlfriend, Kenzie, search for answers long forgotten. In the face of unprecedented evil and unfathomable power, Ethan's enemies must become his allies, and the world of the fey will be changed forevermore.


By Lisa Kleypas
Publication Date: October 27, 2015

A twist of fate...

Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

A clash of wills...

Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:

Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she's ever known? 




By Renee Collins

Publication Date:  November 1, 2015

They exist in two different centuries, but their love defies time

Cassandra craves drama and adventure, so the last thing she wants is to spend her summer marooned with her mother and stepfather in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on their private beach claiming it's his own—and that the year is 1925—she is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making.

As she searches for answers in the present, Cassandra discovers a truth that puts their growing love—and Lawrence's life—into jeopardy. Desperate to save him, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever.

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

* * * *

 

 

 

In Faery, there are always more tales to tell…

 

It has been thirteen years since Meghan Chase vanished into the Nevernever to become the Iron Queen, leaving her family and her half brother, Ethan, behind. But that doesn't mean the fey left them alone, or forgot about them. Now seventeen, Ethan Chase is an expert on all things faery and feels nothing but rage toward the creatures who stole his sister so long ago.

 

Bel's Top Three Reasons To Love The Iron Prince:

1) The book cover - have you seen it? It is hot!! What!?!
2) Grimalkin - who can't get enough of a dry-humored, sarcastic cat?
3) Puck - pure fun!

So if the above is not reason enough or doesn't qualify as a thorough review, then fine, I'll elaborate.

It's pure pleasure to return to Kagawa's world even if it comes with some baggage.  She starts off The Lost Prince with the same tone she set with the previous Iron Fey series.  From the beginning it’s clear that Ethan is troubled and spends a great deal of time putting measures in place to protect himself from the fey. His objective is to survive and to do so he’s put on the façade of the bad boy loser you don’t want to mess with let alone sneak a glance at. No matter, trouble still finds him. The fey always seem to discover who he is and that he has the sight. Not to mention that he also happens to be the brother of the Iron Queen.  And since he's had no contact with Meghan in years, he's just a little bitter.

When Ethan starts at a new school, he’s careful to go into full a-hole mode. Unfortunately, the fey world catches up to him. When he happens upon some jocks bullying a kid – and not any kid but someone Ethan recognizes as part fey – he can’t ignore it and confronts the bullies instead. Ethan learns that this kid, Todd has also been covorting with the fey not realizing how dangerous that is. Ethan is reluctantly dragged into Todd's mess. Along for the unexpected ride is Kenzie, a feisty, no-nonsense schoolmate who is not in the least bit intimidated by Ethan. She finds him to be a curiosity and is constantly in his face. Well, she got more than she bargained for!

So as the adventure begins Ethan and Kenzie are dragged through the Nevernever and encounter good old Grimalkin again. He does have a brief reunion with Meghan though it's bittersweet as he’s forced to confront his anger towards her.  Ethan also receives a surprise about his family but all that is put aside to fight a new nemesis threatening both the fey world and the mortal world where exiles are disappearing in droves, including Todd. This puts Ethan in the very unfathomable position of helping the very people he despises in order to save another.

The Lost Prince is like visiting an old friend. Everything is in its familiar place with some new additions but always with that gripping action we all love. This time most of the action takes place in the mortal world. Setting aside his bad memories and distrust of all things fey, Ethan summons all his knowledge and experience to work with them to find his friend and protect Kenzie.  It's almost therapeutic that he's finally confronting his nightmares. Ethan grows up quickly through the course of the book turning his animosity into motivation. As I mentioned at the top, it's pure pleasure to go on this spectacular adventure again!

~ Bel

 

 

Nat's Top Ten of 2011

When we decided that we would each make a Top Ten of 2011 list, I was convinced that it would take me days.  Surprisingly, it only took me 4 hours.  Granted that is partially because we all decided it was okay to cheat with books in a series and count an entire series as one book.  Even so, it was tough because there were so many books I read and loved this year.  So here it is!  Share with us your favorite reads of 2011!

The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - Shadowhunters, Downworlders, Demons, Mundanes.  A rich urban fantasy with all the necessary action, romance and teen angst that keeps me coming back for more. And it introduces some of my most favorite male characters in YA - Magnus, Jem and Jace

If I Stay by Gayle Forman - I sobbed.  And sobbed.  And then sobbed some more.  I am not much of a crier in my personal life, but there are a number of books that make me weepy at turns and there are very few books that turn me into an emotional basket case.  If I Stay wins the emotional basketcase category. Hands down.  It is equally funny, beautiful and oh so terribly sad.  If I had to put this list in order of favorites, this would compete with my next choice as number one on the list.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - The companion book to If I Stay.  Another beautifully written story.  The main character is so darn loveable you can't help but feel for him.  Even when he pulls the ultimate rockstar move and starts sleeping with his groupies.  What's not to love about a emotionally messed up rockstar?  Not a thing, I say.  Not a darn thing.  This one will also have you alternately laughing and crying.  Fortunately, it will not turn you into an emotional basket case.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - Just all sorts of happy. I have re-read this book 4 times in as many months.  This is the ultimate "pick me up" book when I am feeling down.  Perfect romantic comedy.  If they make a movie out of this (a well cast and well made movie), I will die.  Simply die.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - Take the happy from Anna and the French Kiss.  Add a dash of angst and a pinch of quirky and you have another awesome romantic read.

Anna Dressed in Blood - I read a few books that scared the crap out of me this year.  This one definitely takes the cake.  Super creepy.  I would purposely leave all of the lights on after reading it.  Actually those things would usually keep a book off my favorites list.  But it was so good.  I couldn't put it down and the characters (particularly Cas) were absolutely amazing.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green - Full of smart humor, slapstick, and just all sorts of awesome.  Definitely a book written for nerds that are boys by a nerd that is a boy.  But that doesn't mean girls don't love it too.  Obviously, since it did make it to my list.  And I am not a boy.  But I am definitely a nerd.

Geek Girl by Cindy Bennett - This is a story about a girl who learns to love herself and also learns that she is worthy of the love of people around her.  A great message without being beat over the head with it.  AND to top it off, the love interest in this book made me forget about Peeta for a few hours.  High praise indeed, if I do say so myself.

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins - Speaking of Peeta....There is too much to say so I won't say anything at all.  Other than if you are one of the 5 people in the universe that hasn't read this trilogy, READ IT!

The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa - An amazing fantasy about faeries with the feel of both The Dark Crystal and Alice in Wonderland.  The entire series is full of adventure and not a single character disappoints.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

* * * * *

"I'd expected to die that day.  I was ready.  Being ordered by my True Name to walk away, leaving Meghan to die alone in the Iron Kingdom, nearly shattered me a second time.  If it wasn't for my oath to be with her again, I might've done something suicidal, like challenge Oberon to a battle before the entire Summer Court.  But now that I've made my promise, there is no turning back.  Abandoning my vow will unravel me, bit by bit, until there is nothing left.  Even if I wasn't determined to find a way to survive in the Iron Realm, I'd have no choice but to continue. 

I will be with her again, or I will die.  There aren't any other options."

I’ve only recently come to enjoy Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series.  I’m so glad I finally did!  The series has been so much fun so far and The Iron Knight will not disappoint.  This time the story is told from Ash’s perspective, which I’m certain will delight legions of Team Ash fans. 

When we last saw Ash and Meghan, she had released him from his duty as her knight and banished him from the Iron Realm for his own safety.  Ash made a solemn promise that he’d find a way to be with her again.  The Iron Knight follows him, accompanied by Puck on his journey to become human in order to reunite with Meghan.  Of course, Grimalkin is there as their trusted guide and to provide a cool head and quick wit.  As with the previous books, Kagawa has created a world so rich in detail that it’s easy to get immersed in it and not want to leave. I was so transfixed by the story that every time I was away from the book, I’d think, “I have to get back to Ash.”

Throughout his journey several things happen to Ash that make him question his motives.  I had never doubted his devotion to Meghan but it was an eye opener to watch him come to terms with his decision with who he is.  Is he following through on his promise because he’s a man of his word or is it because he is truly in love?  The trials along the way strengthen his resolve as he learns what it means to be “human”.  There are uncomfortable, gut-wrenching moments particularly when Ash is forced to face the horrendous actions of his past.  It's remarkable to see his once cruel and heartless side and still feel compassion for him.  And there are other moments when I admit I shed a tear or two.  Through it all Ash learns about friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, love and discovers his own humanity.

Among the many highlights of the book is the interaction between Ash and Puck.  We’re all already familiar with the animosity between them and how their once unlikely friendship turned to hatred.  The Iron Knight delves deeper into their estrangement by going beyond Puck’s non-stop banter and Ash’s cold shoulder treatment until they’re ultimately forced to confront each other. It's a tense moment where you're left holding your breath.

Coming to the end of The Iron Knight reminded me of the first time I read The Hobbit.  By the time it was all over and done, I felt like I had gone through everything that had happened in that span of time.  The story this time is less about Faery politics and more about the struggle to find redemption and the opportunity to reinvent oneself.  And the incredible descriptions have left fantastic images in my head that I wish I could see this world as a movie right now.  The Iron Knight easily deserves 5 stars.

~ Bel

Prince Caspian? Winter Prince? Tomato, Tomahto...

The Bibliojunkies have been catching up on Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series and have of course fallen in love with Puck and Ash. Particularly Ash. Really. Who doesn't love the brooding yet loving Unseelie Prince? Even if he wasn't a love interest, he would be impossible to ignore. In my quest for fan art I instead found that the book lover world is all over a certain Prince Caspian playing the Winter Prince. And I have to say that with some pictures I found, I can't disagree....




Ash, you look so thoughful here.  Are you mourning your lost love? Don't worry.  We will comfort you.



Dear Ash.  You look so cold and evil....which we admit works for you.  Carry on. 





Since the cold doesn't bother you at all I can only assume you are wearing that scarf to so that you have something to tie the three of us girls up with later. Oh get your mind out of the gutter people.  He will tie us up to stop us from eliminating the competition.  You know, Meghan, the girl he so fiercely loves.  Actually, that's all kind of hot too.  

And before my ramblings become to spicy for this blog, I bid you all adieu....

~Nat