Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep

* * * * *

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen. 

Source: Library/Hoopla audio

It's not often I read paranormal or fantasy but I recently had this strong need to read something set in that world. I chalk it up to needing a fantastic mental escape where there is a clear distinction between good and evil and the good actually wins. Then I saw one of my favourite authors, Amanda Bouchet, recommend Kill the Queen and I needed no further convincing.

My love of this novel has everything to do with Evie and her impressive transformation from unassuming wallflower to the enigmatic, fierce warrior who takes on a villain. It comes at a high price that shatters her trust but she still has room for faith. All that time under the radar while at Seven Spires has given her the opportunity to study people and discern their intentions. It has proven to be an invaluable skill as she fights to stay alive while in hiding as she bides her time before confronting her murderous cousin, Vasilia. It's the little things about Evie that endeared her to me like when she catches her self doubts and gently chides herself to remember that she's no longer that pushover that people ignored. It makes her a more believable character as she's adapts to her new persona and newfound resolution. And she consistently fights to do the right thing even if it means putting other people before her in order to save them. There's never a single moment of hesitation when it comes to that.

Surrounding Evie is an stellar cast of characters who belong to a travelling gladiator troupe that make up the family that she's been missing all along. These are folks who are true to their convictions and value loyalty and trust above all else. One of the new friends in her life is Lucas Sullivan, a magier who is initially brusque with her. She feels him a kindred spirit in a way but with his own secretive past and principles, he keeps a certain emotional distance from her. Aside from Lucas, sShe also gains a new best friend which is a giant step for her being that she doesn't trust easily. Gaining that camaraderie and seeing what true loyalty is has emboldened her to fulfill her promise of righting wrongs, avenging her aunt's death, and saving the kingdom that has been her home all these years. 

Kill the Queen is filled with drama, magic and suspense in a world that's aching for a true heroine to help it right itself. Jennifer Estep has created such a rich and detailed world that simultaneously feels relatable and fantastical. It's an underdog story (my catnip!) and an absolute page-turner that has me hooked!

~ Bel

Waiting on Wednesday (145)

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

By Jennifer Estep

Publication Date: April 28, 2015

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

By Leah Raeder

Publication Date: April 28, 2015

The next dark and sexy romantic suspense novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Unteachable.

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She's going to show them all.

By Tessa Bailey

Publication Date: April 21, 2014

When Honey Perribow traded in her cowboy boots for stilettos and left her small Kentucky town to attend Columbia University, she never expected to find a dirt-cheap apartment or two new best friends. No stranger to hard work, Honey is completely focused on her medical degree … until she sees newly minted professor Ben Dawson, and her concentration is hijacked. Honey is fascinated by her gorgeous young English professor and vows to find a crack in his tweed-wearing, glasses-clad exterior.

At an off-campus party, an accident lands Ben in a dark, locked closet with a sexy-sounding Southern belle … and their chemistry is explosive. But when he discovers that the girl in his arms is the same beautiful student he can't stop thinking about, he is stunned. Student-teacher relationships are strictly forbidden … yet no matter how hard he tries, Ben can't stay away from Honey.

And when his attempt to fight their attraction nearly ruins the best thing that ever happened to him, Ben will do anything to prove how much he needs her.

A Peek In The BiblioBin #140

Welcome to our Stacking the Shelves post! Stacking the Shelves (or as we like to call it, A Peek in the BiblioBin) has been created by the lovely ladies at Tynga's Reviews.

Stacking the Shelves is a way for bloggers to share what books they have won, received for review, bought from the bookstore, borrowed from the library or friend, etc.


For Review:

Raising Cain (the Key Guardians #1) by Kelli Ireland

Cold Burn of Magic (Black Blade #1) by Jennifer Estep

There You Stand (Between Breaths #5) by Christina Lee


Borrowed:

The Conspiracy of Us (The Conspiracy of Us #1) by Maggie Hall

Salt & Stone (Fire & Blood #2) by Victoria Scott

Trowchester Blues (Trowchester Blues #1) by Alex Beecroft


Purchased:

Rebound (Boomerang #2) by Noelle August

Black John (Johnnies #4) by Amy Lane

Sticks & Stones (Cut & Run #2) by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux

The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending #1) by Rachel Harris 

The Duff by Kody Keplinger 

Shel's Top Ten(ish) of 2013

2013 was a good year.  I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked, but I'm not complaining.  I barely hit 100 books this year and it was difficult to narrow down a top ten, so I may have cheated, just a little bit.  I do hope you will forgive me.  So here they are, in no particular order.

Darker Days is the first in a new series by Jus Accardo.  It's about Jessie Darker, who works at the family detective agency specializing in paranormal problems, her demon father and the seven deadly sins.  Trust me, it's fun.  I can't wait for the next installment.

Spirit is book 3 in the Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer and if my raving hasn't yet convinced you to read this series, well, I don't know what to do with you!  This year, Bel & Nat finally caved and read the series, much to my delight.  Spirit tells Hunter's story and it is heartbreakingly beautiful.  Also, I really think that Michael needs hugs from all of us.  

Everyone knows that Jill Shalvis is my imaginary BFF because I love her books so much, so it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that I LOVED all her books this year.  Rumor Has It was probably my favorite new Jill of the year, but they were all fun.  If you love steamy romance that will make you laugh out loud, you will love Jill Shalvis too.  

I was surprised by how much I loved this middle grade tale of Norse Mythology.  Loki's Wolves is my surprise favorite of the year.  I loved it so much that I bought it for my niece for Christmas. Odin's Ravens will be released in May 2014 and I will be ready! 

Sweet Evil had been on my TBR pile for far too long and once I finally read it, it stuck with me for days.  I haven't read Sweet Peril yet, because the third book doesn't come out until Summer 2014 and there's only so much torture a girl can take.  

I know, I'm cheating again, but seriously, there is too much JLA awesomeness in a given year to pick just one.  Seriously, she writes like a maniac and I love her for it!  I really loved Bitter Sweet Love, but I think her taking the Lux Series into the adult world with Obsession was my favorite of the year, especially with the completely new viewpoint of the Arum, as opposed to the Luxen.  I hope there are more to come.

I know everyone is raving about Rainbow Rowell's YA books, and I will get to them someday, but her adult book, Attachments had me laughing out loud.  It's an unusual tale about an IT person reading the emails between two best friends that work at the same company.  Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

Rick Riordan knows how to weave a tale, especially a tale of woe, which is exactly what House of Hades is.  A woeful tale of hope, the battle against evil and oneself.  House of Hades is probably my favorite book of the year.  It's definitely a standout and next year, the final installment in the Heroes of Olympus series, Blood of Olympus, will probably be my favorite of 2014.  

All I can really say about the Raven Cycle, is wow. I stayed up almost all night, for two nights reading The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves.  They are outstanding and I definitely see why Natalie has such a crush on Maggie Stiefvater.  

It's a tough choice between Midnight Frost and House of Hades for my number one choice of the year.  With the end of both series in 2014, I don't know what I will do, but I cannot wait to see what Jennifer Estep has in store in Killer Frost.  Midnight Frost was an action packed adventure of mythical proportions, with Loki's followers causing Gwen and crew all kinds of trouble.  Lucky for me I get to see how it all ends next month! (and then I will cry).  

I hope you all have as difficult a time picking your favorites of 2013 as well.  Here's wishing you tons to choose from next year as well!

~Shel

Waiting on Wednesday (85)

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

Shel is super excited for this one.  She is also super angry....because WHY does one of her absolute favorite series have to end?!?




By Jennifer Estep
Publication Date:  February 25, 2014

I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.

Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am.

Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy Novella) by Jennifer Estep

****


From KTeen:

I'm Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy.  At least I was - until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost.

Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I'm fine, that Loki and the Reapers don't have a hold on me anymore, but I can't risk it.  I can't risk hurting Gwen again.  So I'm leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away.

I know Gwen wonders what's happening to me, whether I'm safe.  I can't tell her, but this is my story...

Anyone who reads the blog knows that I am a huge fan of this series.  What i loved most about Spartan Frost was that it is told from Logan's point of view and after what he went through in Crimson Frost, it was awesome to get inside his head.

So, if you are looking for something to hold you over until Midnight Frost releases at the end of July, grab Spartan Frost.  It ends on a cliff-hanger, so feel free to tell Jennifer Estep that it was just mean, I did!

~Shel

Waiting on Wednesday (64)

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

By Jennifer Estep
Publication Date: July 30, 2013


Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …





By Jessica Sorensen
Publication Date: May 28, 2013

Ella and Micha have survived tragedy and heartbreak. When they're together, anything seems possible. But now they are thousands of miles apart, and managing their long distance relationship will put their love to the test.

Ella is back at school, trying hard not worry so much about her future. But with her father in and out of rehab, she's having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.

Micha spends his days touring the country with his band, but deep down he knows something is missing. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought it would be. He wants her closer to him-needs her with him. But he won't ask her to leave college, just to be with him.

The few moments they do spend together are intense and passionate, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever?

Undeadly by Michele Vail

***

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird…

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath.

Life at Nekyia has its pluses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another…except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble….

The Bad:

I'm not a fan of zombies.  Vampires, wolves, shapeshifters - all these I get, but zombies just don't do it for me.  So when I realized that Undeadly was zombie-centric, I was disappointed.  (Here's the thing, I never read cover blurbs, reviews, etc when I choose books.  I don't want to know much of anything when I start a new book.  In fact, if I know things about books it generally makes me reluctant to pick them up.  Just ask Bel and Nat about trying to get me to read The Hunger Games or finish the Iron Fey and Mortal Instruments series').  The only other downside to Undeadly for me was that it is very similar to Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series, which I love, so for my money, Mythos Academy is better, but until Midnight Frost comes out, Undeadly will do.

The Good:

I love mythology.  Greek myths are my preference, but I do enjoy Egyptian mythology as well.  I thoroughly enjoyed Vail's portrayal of Anubis as a sarcastic, but caring god of the dead.  I also enjoyed Vail's (somewhat) realistic look at the vain, shallow teenage girl Molly was and admitted to being.  Undeadly was well written, well researched and a delightful way to spend a winter afternoon (and thankfully after the you get into the heart of the book, there aren't any zombies!).  I will definitely tune in for the next installment of the Reaper Diaries.  If you enjoy the Mythos Academy Series (Touch of Frost, Kiss of Frost, Dark Frost and Crimson Frost), then you should grab Undeadly.  

~Shel

Waiting on Wednesday (56)

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


By Jennifer Estep
Publication Date:  March 26, 2013


Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

**** ½ 

From KTeen (Kensington)

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming. I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

Crimson Frost is fantastic!  In this fourth installment of the Mythos Academy Series, Jennifer Estep explores bullying and prejudice against Gwen when Logan’s Dad comes to town making accusations that Gwen is a Reaper and the toll it takes on Gwen and Logan's relationship.  We also learn more about Logan's past.  It was  fun to meet more people outside of Mythos Academy who are fighting against the Reapers.  

Crimson Frost is fast-paced, full of snark and sarcasm and just a great read.  The series just keeps getting better (which I didn't think was possible!).  This was the best Christmas gift Jennifer Estep and Kensington could have possibly given me! 

I cannot wait for Midnight Frost!  Why, oh why do I have to wait for July???

~Shel

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

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

 

 

By Jennifer Estep

Publication Date: December 24, 2012

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…(

YA Mythology Giveaway Hop!

There are few people I know who are bigger fans of mythology related books than I am, so I was much too excited to discover the YA Mythology Giveaway Hop being hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and About to Read.  My only problem was deciding what to give away! 

 

We have had lots of giveaways featuring one of my favorite mythology series, the Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep, so I thought maybe we should try something new.  Perhaps the Half-Blood series by Jennifer Armentrout?  Oh. My. Gods. or Sweet Venom series by the super sweet Tera Lynn Childs?  Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn?  The ever awesome books by Rick Riordan?  I could go on and on.

I honestly couldn't decide and you really don't want to know what my convoluted thought process was to get to my choices, but here you go -

 

 And

 

There are lots of blogs participating, so please check out their giveaways too!  Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

~Shel

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Young Adult Giveaway Hop 2012

Wow, I cannot believe this is our 2nd Young Adult Giveaway Hop!  Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Reading Teen for hosting. 

BiblioJunkies recently celebrated our one year anniversary, but we've been so busy this summer that we could not quite get our acts together to do a giveaway.  Given this, we decided to say thank you to all our followers and friends by making this an extra special giveaway! 

You all know the drill.  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below and read the fine print in the terms and conditions.  Unfortunately. this giveaway is open to U.S. shipping addresses only.  So, enter to win -

Within months of discovering he's next in a long line of vampire hunters, Alex Van Helsing has already defeated two powerful vampire leaders. Not bad for a fourteen-year-old.

But when a newly risen vampire queen threatens the fate of the world, Alex faces his deadliest challenge yet. Teaming up with a motorcycle-riding witch, Alex jets between Switzerland, the UK, and Spain in a frantic race to prevent the queen from unleashing a curse that will plunge the world into darkness.

With the clock ticking, Alex barely has time to breathe, let alone see his friends, and he's beginning to wonder if being a vampire hunter is worth all its sacrifices. In this thrilling finale to the action-packed series described as "James Bond meets Dracula," everything—Alex's future and, ultimately, that of the world—hangs in the balance.

Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

AND

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

Thank you all for being a part of our blog.  Good luck!  Stop by again soon!

~Shel, Bel & Nat

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Waiting on Wednesday (19)

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

By Jennifer Estep
Publication Date: May 29, 2012

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

What books are you eagerly anticipating?

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

****1/2

From Kensington:

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

Dark Frost is the third in the Mythos Academy series.  In this installment, Gwen is dealing with attacks by Reapers; a task given to her by Nike, the goddess of victory; a confusing relationship with hottie Spartan Logan Quinn and attempting to stop the rise of Loki, the god of chaos, who wants to send the world into chaos and darkness.  That's enough to distract any girl, even my favorite Gypsy. 

Dark Frost is the darkest and best of the series thus far.  Gwen faces challenges by the Reapers and her friends.  At the end of Kiss of Frost, Gwen finds out who killed her mother.  In Dark Frost, she wants revenge, but is she strong enough to face and defeat Loki's champion? 

Dark Frost is full of intrigue and suspense - keeping you enthralled and leaves you wanting more.  Unfortunately, Crimson Frost is not scheduled out until January 2013!! 

~Shel

A Peek in the Biblio-Bin (19)

In My Mailbox (or as we like to call it, A Peek in the Biblio-Bin) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is a way for bloggers to share what books they have won, received for review, bought from the bookstore, borrowed from the library or friend, etc.

This week Shel gives you a Peek in the Biblio-Bin!



For Review:

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

Tangled by Erica O'Rourke
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

White Witch by Trish Milburn

Romeo Redeemed by Stacy Jay

Goddess Interupted by Aimee Carter

Halflings by Heather Burch

The Selection by Kiera Cass

What's in your Bin this week?