Sunday, August 31, 2014

Bookish Digets: August 2014

Hello lovelies! Welcome to Bookish Digest - something we'll be putting together at the end of every month to highlight our recent favorite reads and recap any posts you may have missed. We also include an About My Life and Things I'm Looking Forward To section in an effort for you to get to know us better. Don't forget to tell us in the comments some things that happened to you over the past month so we can get to know you guys better too!

Also, you may have noticed that this month we held Mermaids and Myths month on Bookish. We read amazing books, interviewed authors, and had some awesome giveaways! If you missed anything you can click on the links below or head to the Mermaids and Myths kick off post!



Genre:
Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Website:Andrew Smith 

Goodreads
Review:
Unknown
Finn Easton sees the world through miles instead of minutes. It’s how he makes sense of the world, and how he tries to convince himself that he’s a real boy and not just a character in his father’s bestselling cult-classic book. Finn has two things going for him: his best friend, the possibly-insane-but-definitely-excellent Cade Hernandez, and Julia Bishop, the first girl he’s ever loved.

Then Julia moves away, and Finn is heartbroken. Feeling restless and trapped in the book, Finn embarks on a road trip with Cade to visit their college of choice in Oklahoma. When an unexpected accident happens and the boys become unlikely heroes, they take an eye-opening detour away from everything they thought they had planned—and learn how to write their own destiny.

Reviews

Miscellaneous
The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman {Interview}
Sea Witches, Sailors, and Salt & Storm {Guest Post}
Guardian by Alex London {Guest Post}
Courtney Alameda's 30TH BIRTHDAY HORRORPALOOZA!

About My Life in August
Tori caught her very first cold, ate her first chicken and veggie meal and babbled mama

I celebrated my 29th birthday

I watched The Fault in Our Stars and bawled. 

Things I'm Looking Forward to in September
Leaves changing colors 

The Maze Runner movie

More fun times with Tori



Genre:
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, Thriller
Website:Michelle Hodkin 

Goodreads
Review:
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
Side note: This was the hardest decision! I read so many awesome books this month. Such awesomeness cannot be contained!



Features
Read the Classics {Top Ten Tuesday}
To Read or Not To Read {Top Ten Tuesday}
Give Me These Books {Top Ten Tuesday}
Social Media {Feature & Follow}
Time for Hollywood {Feature & Follow}

Miscellaneous
What Is A Myth? {Socratic Seminar}
Sherrilyn Kenyon: Author Goddess {Socratic Seminar}
2014 Beat the Heat Readathon {Reading Challenge}
Twisted Dark by Neil Gibson {Blast}
Signed, Sealed, Delivered {Book Haul}

About My Life In August
My birthday! I had an awesome birthday week! I went to an Indian restaurant, had a cookout at my dad's, read all day on my birthday and saw Guardians of the Galaxy - which I highly recommend. I got some awesome gifts off our wedding registry, some books, and a few other little things.

The month of books. Aside from obtaining quite a few books this month, I read a lot too. I think I've read more so in this month than any other. It did wonders for my TBR pile, review books, and the mini goals I've set for myself. Not only that, I read so many amazing books this month.

Things I'm Looking Forward To In September
My bridal shower and dress fitting #2. So excited for these things. I know bridal showers are usually boring, but we're playing a game at mine that involve nerf guns. Oh yeah.

I have friends coming in from Arizona. And they're bringing their two little girls with them - I cannot wait to see their faces!


Genre:
Young Adult, Mermaids
Website:Sutton Shields 

Goodreads
Review:
Someone wicked walks among them.

Heartbreak usually requires time to heal. For Marina Valentine, however, time has other plans: like sticking her with a shiny, stubborn accessory, sending her on a surprising date with someone other than Troy Tombolo, and introducing her lips to kisses that could save or destroy everything and everyone.

Marina and the rest of the Mer-Nor gang must find a way to push through the grief caused by The Dealer, for their next mission will take them on a dangerous, scandal-filled journey that may very well be the most significant to date: hunt down the evidence they need to prove once and for all that the tyrannical King Zale breached the water pact.
But with the shocking identity of The Dealer and overwhelming guilt weighing heavily on her, Marina struggles with frightening emotional urges and begins to question whether she is truly strong enough to succeed as the all-important Siren Savior.

Marina is in more danger than ever before—even inside the familiar study with her trusted friends—because unbeknownst to her, someone has been lurking about, waiting for the chance to undo everything the Mer-Nor gang has achieved…and with the Siren Savior’s doubt growing, that person’s chance has finally arrived.
*Note:  This was a very hard decision. If you look below I had a lot of 5* reviews.  I ended up picking the 5* that I had most been anticipating. 

Reviews
Coral & Bone by Tiffany Daune {5/5}
Betrayal by Amber Garr {5/5}
Merminia by Emm Cole {5/5}
Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block {5/5}
The Twice Lost by Sarah Porter {5/5}
Scorched by Mari Mancusi {5/5}
Of Neptune by Anna Banks {5/5}
Flicker & Burn by T.M Goeglein {5/5}
Promise Bound by Anne Greenwood Brown {5/5}
Rifted by Sutton Shields {5/5}
Endless Shores by M.R. Polish {5/5}
Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly {4/5}
Lost Voices by Sarah Porter {4/5}
Waking the Merrow by Heather Rigney {4/5}
Waking Storms by Sarah Porter {4/5}
Stalked by Death by Kelly Hashway {4/5}
The Island of Excess Love by Fancesca Lia Block {4/5}
Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs {4/5}

Author/Book Spotlight
The Merworld Wars by Sutton Shields {Dream Cast}

Miscellaneous

Outlander Screening

About My Life In August
I finished my third and final academic semester- In September I go into a block placement but have no more studying for exams and assignments!! I can't even explain how exciting this is to me.

Excited that Mermaid & Myths Month was on Bookish! I am so happy that we had this event and that it was such a success.  I adore this event and all of the books in it.  Thank you to everyone that stopped by! 

Things I'm Looking Forward to in September
I don't know...  Life has been so crazy I haven't had much time to look forward.  I will let you know next month if there was any awesome things that I forgot!



Genre:
Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Website:Juile Cross 

Goodreads
Review:
To be posted October 6
Life loves a good curveball…

Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold), attending an all-girls school (no boys), and navigating the strange world of professional sports. But Annie has dreams of her own—most of which involve placing first at every track meet…and one starring the Royals' super-hot rookie pitcher.

But nineteen-year-old Jason Brody is completely, utterly, and totally off-limits. Besides, her dad would kill them both several times over. Not to mention Brody has something of a past, and his fan club is filled with C-cupped models, not smart-mouthed high school “brats” who can run the pants off every player on the team. Annie has enough on her plate without taking their friendship to the next level. The last thing she should be doing is falling in love.

But baseball isn't just a game. It's life. And sometimes, it can break your heart…

Reviews
I saw Jennifer L. Armentrout! Jen is my absolute favorite author, and it's always great to see her. She is so freaking nice. I went to her signing at Book People in Austin (which is amazing, because a bunch of us have been trying to get Jen to Austin for a while), and it was a good time. She came over and said hi to me, which was awesome because I'm always astounded that she remembers me. And then I got even more happy pants when I saw how she signed my book!


My brother and his family are here for a bit. This is kind of a big deal, because I haven't seen my brother since my freshman year of high school. He's had two kids since then (well, not HIM, but his significant other did) so it's great meeting them and all their cuteness.

I started school. This is kind of good and bad. Good because all that stuff is finally sorted and I'm going. My dad can stop spazzing about it. But it's bad of course because...SCHOOL. My schedule is actually not too bad, though. So at least there's that.

Things I'm Looking Forward to in September
September is actually a simple month for me. I can't think of anything too crazy exciting. But I know I'm looking forward to some books I'm finally going to get to on my TBR. Like OPPOSITION, which I still haven't finished because I'm a wimp. And ROGUE, which I've been waiting until I have more tiiiime. That's what I need--more tiiiime. Oh, and THE WRITE STUFF by Tiffany King! I am so excited to gobble that one up.

And some awesome books are releasing in September! Like STAY WITH ME, by JLA. I'm looking forward to another NA contemp by her. They always make me feel all happy inside.

Oh, and I hope to see IF I STAY at some point. I looooved that book, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the movie is. I remember reading that book way back in the day, like the year it came out. I was in middle school--8th grade, to be exact. I borrowed it from my friend and that book was such an experience. SO MANY FEELINGS. Awww, Adam Wilde.



Genre:
Young Adult, Mythology, Paranormal
Website:Terra Lynn Childs 

Goodreads
Review:
Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Reviews

About My Life in August
I got a great part time job in accounting, plus a surprise raise after 2 weeks with the company. 

Things I'm Looking Forward to in September
Moving!

My best friend from New York will be visiting.



Genre:
Young Adult, Mythology, Romance, Retellings
Website:Kaitlin Bevis 

Goodreads
Review:
There are worse things than death, worse people too

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

Reviews
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep {5/5}
Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis {5/5}
Oppression by Jessica Therrien {4/5}
Firelight by Sophie Jordan {4/5}
The Gatekeeper's Sons by Eva Pohler {3/5}

About My Life In August
My little brother turned 21! Unfortunately that event took away a lot of my reading time, but I listened to some audiobooks.

My best friend's sister had her baby. It was a long delivery that was scary at times, but both her sister and her beautiful niece are happy and healthy!

I was offered a new position at work and I am awaiting the promotion that should happen sometime next month! SUPER EXCITED!

Things I'm Looking Forward to in September
Getting out of that damned warehouse so I can get a little bit of my life and my READING back!

4 Wheel Jamboree Weekend!!!!!!

Fall time!!! I just LOVE the Autumn season!!

 

What were some of your favorite books this month? Tell us about what went on in your life during the month of August - reading and other wise - and what you're looking forward to in July! :) 

Antigoddess by Kendare Blake (Review, Interview, + Giveaway)


Series:
Goddess War #1
Genre:
Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy
Publication.Date:September 10, 2013
Pages:333 (hardcover)
Published By:  Tor Teen
Website:Kendare Blake 

Antigoddess on Goodreads
My review copy:
Bought/Personal Library

Where to get:



Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin. (Goodreads)


She swallowed again, and the pin of the feather poked her. She took another drink of water. In the old days, she would have been able to wish the feather right out of existence, to burn it up with a though, into nothing but a hiss and a curl of smoke. It was still hard to believe that this would be her end, that it would be so quiet and slow, her lungs filling up with feathers. It would be like breathing through a pillow. She wouldn't even be able to scream.
Hermes snorted. "Rarely. And never front and center. Face it, sis, I was always the Geen Lantern to your Iron Man." "Don't be such a nerd. Besides, you're mixing up Marvel and DC." "Who's the nerd?"
The tables had turned. Allies had shifted. Two thousand years ago, the three of them had made the world burn. Now it seemed they would do it again.


The Greek gods are dying and they are not going quietly into the night. I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and I absolutely love what Kendare has done with her version of the mythology. These are not the high and mighty, bad ass Gods I've read about before. These are pitiful creatures dying in horrific ways. Athena is chocking on feathers, Hermes's body shutting down, Demeter  is slowing being stretched across the Earth for miles. Not pretty.

The narratives from Athena and Hermes point of view help the reader to understand the dire situation the gods are facing. Things don't look too hopeful and they aren't going to have much luck on their side when it comes to stopping their slow deaths, if there is a chance to stop it a tall. Athena is especially struggling with their situation as she was the Goddess of Wisdom and War, she shouldn't be losing, especially not slowly and painfully. I love her inner thoughts that "in the old days" she could have brought mortals to their knees, but now she can't even give them a migraine.

Interwoven through Athena and Hermes narrative is the story of Cassandra, a high school psychic, and her boyfriend Aidan. Cassandra and Aidan know nothing about the dying gods, but soon find out that there is more to this world then they know. I wasn't a huge fan of Cassandra in the beginning as she seemed flat and one dimensional, which is no good for a main character, but once she gets truly involved in the war, she gets all sorts of dimension and moved up the ranks in my mind. She also gets a resolve that I've seen in few characters and I know she's going to be so bad ass in Mortal Gods.

The two narratives help to speed the novel along as well as they are basically set in two distinctly different worlds (Athena and Hermes story is filled with all kind of Greek myth, while Cassandra and Aidan are in the "real world") but collide in a way that is nothing short of brilliant and masterful.

Antigoddess is definitely a page turner and a wonderful reflection of Kendare's talent. If you've read her Anna series, you know this woman in not shy when it comes to horrific and grotesque scenes, along with truly evil characters. And not just evil-bad-guy-evil, but the kind that will rip your heart out and eat it while you die and then dance on your dead body evil. I have a pretty high tolerance for horror, blood, guts, and all that but some of her descriptions made even me shutter.

I can't even talk about the ending. I mean, I can, but I won't. I'll just tell you that the ending is masterfully done and you will be turning pages like a crazy person. At least, that's what Joe said I looked like while I sat on the couch, hunched over the book, and freaking out when this or that happened. Whether it's a ghost girl being sucked into a hell dimension or Greek gods battling it out in the middle of the street, this woman knows how to end books to make you hunger for more.

A fresh take on a well known mythology, Antigoddess is filled with vivid imagery, creepy vibes, kick ass women, dark undertones, and twists that even the most well versed twist figure outers (it's a thing) will never see coming.


Side note, Joe went to New York Comic Con last year and I had him take my copy of Antigodess for Kendare to sign. So I didn't get to meet her personally, which is a bummer, but this is a pretty close second.


He didn't get the reference and just thought she was being mean or something. I had to explain it's from one of the best movies ever. 



Welcome back, Kendare! I'm so glad to have you back on Bookish, this time for your wonderful novel Antigoddess, which you must now describe in tweet form (a 140 characters or less).

Ah, the dreaded elevator pitch. I suck at these. Let's see. The Greek gods are dying. Athena and Hermes want answers. Along the way they'll fight a war and ruin some mortal lives for old times sake.

I think that about sums it up!   :)   I am so in love with your take on the Greek gods. I'm a huge fan of the mythology in general and completely geek out whenever I can talk about them. I taught a high school mythology class once and I'm pretty sure the students thought I was nuts, but that's okay. Where did you get your inspiration and ideas for this series?

I find its always better when the students think you're nuts. They can probably relate. Also, cool! I wish I'd had the opportunity for a mythology class in high school. I had to wait for college, and then it was all serious. Some of the inspiration from this series came from reading a lot of Angela Carter. She's so visual, and mythical, and fantastic. I had this vision of dying goddesses. Athena with feathers in her throat, punk purple hair. Demeter stretched flat against the earth. And of course, I loved the Iliad and the Odyssey growing up. Hector was my first ever bookish crush.

Is that why you focus on the myth of Troy and the Trojan War? Because of the cute boy? Why did you decide to focus on this myth among all the others? I notice you acknowledged Homer, "or the multiple people who actually wrote" the Iliad and the Odyssey, so how much research did you have to do?

They are my favorites and I've always been a little obsessed with them. So I didn't have to do much. I was worried though, about taking liberties with them in the fiction...which I did, but I feared the backlash from readers who had strong identities carved out for the gods and heroes already. It was daunting to play with characters who aren't mine.

I can imagine that, but you do these characters justice. I think even then readers who have rather concrete imagines of the Greek gods can stand behind your interpretations, even if they are dying in extremely creepy and spine tingling ways. How did you come up with each individuals unique slow and untimely end?

It's almost like I didn't. A god would show up and I would see their wounds or their ailments. I didn't sit around pondering what might be happening to them. They arrived, said this is what's wrong, and I said 'huh. Sucks to be you." Apollo though, he was the tricky one. He wouldn't tell me. I didn't know, for the longest time. That's a frustrating thing about these quest stories, but it's also kind of fun. Like I get to quest right along with them. Some things I know from the start, sure, but a lot of it...I was just there for the ride.

Okay, I just had a fabulous image of you cooking spaghetti in your kitchen, Athena showing up and pulling a feather from the roof of her mouth, and shouting "This is not okay, Kendare! You need to fix this!"

Now, I know Mortal Gods teases Ares and that you cannot give away all your secrets (though you can always email them to me later), but will we being encountering other Greek gods and heroes in the upcoming books? Can you give us a hint as to who they might be?

The flap copy for Mortal Gods says that Ares shows up, and hints at Achilles. So I can tell you that they'll be there without giving away anything. But yes. There will be other gods. Other creatures. Achilles is it for the heroes though. We've got our mortal posse.

Let's pretend the Twilight isn't happening and never will. Which Greek god would you like to be?

Be? Athena. Or hang on...I think Hermes or Apollo might have more fun. As long as I'm not Zeus. That shit always seemed like a major headache.

Agreed. Can I have infinite power with the responsibility of keeping everybody in line? Thanks. For a bit more fun, finish these sentences:

If I was magically transported back in time to the Dark Ages, I'd . . . Die of some kind of pox disease almost immediately.

One time I spontaneously . . . combusted?

If I could tell the world just one thing, it'd be . . . That the world don't move, to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for you, may not be right for some! A man is born, he's a man of means, then along come two, ain't nothing what it seems cause it takes, different strokes, it takes, different strokes, it takes, different strokes to rule the world.

Just kidding. That's the theme song from the 80's sitcom, Different Strokes. But what the hell. It's a decent message.


The favorite place I have traveled to is . . . That's a tough one. Well, hands down, London is my favorite city. I miss it. The only place I think of as a second home.

Thanks for stopping by Kendare! It was great chatting again! :)

Thanks for having me by for Mermaids & Myths Month, Bookish!




This giveaway is open to US address only
Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond
All entries will be double checked and anyone found cheating will be disqualified

Ends: Sunday, September 14

a Rafflecopter giveaway



For more reviews, author features, discussion posts and giveaways, click on the banner to see the full MERMAIDS & MYTHS schedule!



Goodreads Twitter Instagram Google Plus Image Map

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs (Review)



Genre:
Mythology, Medusa, YA
Publication Date:September 3, 2013
Pages:384
Published By:  Katherine Tegen Books
WebsiteSweet Legacy on Goodreads

Tera Lynn Childs Website
My review copy:Purchased

Where to get:



The stunning conclusion of Tera Lynn Childs's Greek mythology–based Sweet Venom trilogy is perfect for teen fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.

The girls cannot hesitate as they seek the location of the lost door between the realms, even as monsters and the gods of Olympus descend on San Francisco in battle-ready droves.

Greer must use her second sight to step up and prevent anything from stopping her sisters' mission, even though a god is playing with her mind. Grace wants to trust her adopted brother, Thane; but will his secret put the girls in even more danger? And Gretchen has trained her sisters to stop the monsters, but her role as a huntress comes with more responsibility than she ever imagined.What will the girls' immortal legacy be? Three teenage descendants of Medusa must unite to restore balance to the world in this action-packed series with plenty of romance.
(Goodreads)



  Until Nick and my biological mother are safe, my sisters are back with the gorgons, and the looming war is over, I have to stay focused on the mission.  Lives are at stake.  My love life can come later.
My brain   always a source of pride and power, the means to all of my success   is suddenly my enemy.  It is brining my enemies to my side, to my sisters' sides.  And I hate it.
  "I saw the Fates."
  "The Fates?" Gretchen echoes.
  Graces eyes get as wide as saucers.
  "They were sent to give me advice."
  I know these moments never last long, but I'm going to hold on to it for as long as I can, because after this is over, I have a feeling that "normal" won't even be in my vocabulary any more.


Betrayal, Truths & a Spectacular Finish!


  Admittedly I only started reading this series last year before this book came out.  I enjoyed the way Childs used the Medusa mythology and the division of the Gods, creating something a little different.  She made characters and a background that made sense, and created something that had me intrigued from the start.  Childs writing and

   This trilogy has shown a lot of character, plot and world development.  From start to finish there has been change, some good and some bad but it has been a progressive ride.  One of the things I have always admired about these books, is the pacing.  Each book has progression and all of the needed details, but the action that is placed throughout always fits perfectly.  There is a feel of natural progression while reading each of these books. and you know that everything is happening for a reason.  However, this does not make the books or their contents predictable.  I often found myself questioning what was coming or where peoples loyalties lay, because there was always something to question almost right to the end.

  I am saddened to leave Greer, Grace and Gretchen.  There has been ups and downs with each of them, but ultimately they are characters that I have enjoyed.  Each girl earned to take the chances needed, but they also learned this unconditional love for one another.  They are sisters by blood, but not upbringing that have really come together to understand their differences and the strength that they can find within one another.  Heck, to a point they discovered their weaknesses within one another as well and yet they acknowledged this and owned them.  Greer, who had always been the most difficult really stepped up in this book and I seriously ended up admiring her for it.  Grace is Grace.  She has been the sweetest and who I thought was the most vulnerable of the sisters, but I should not have mistaken her big heart for weakness.  When push came to shove Grace stood up and took risks to save those that she loved.  Gretchen has always been the kick ass strength of the books, and what I loved about this book was that she grew into the girl that wasn't just strong for herself but became soft for her sisters and their well being.

  Romance was in the air with this book. Gretchen already had someone but the other girls also got someone for themselves.  I guess some people would call certain bits of it insta-love, but I really felt that what they got was something that had been building.  Not a single guy stepped out of the shadows and it was love, more like they had already been there and the girls were willing to take the chances.  Greers was a little more easy to accept because of the circumstances, but Grace got something that the others didn't.  She got acceptance despite the world she lived in being so different.  The only thing I had a hard time accepting was Nick.  I had really started liking him in Sweet Shadows, but he had me questioning his loyalty to Gretchen all over again in this book.

  Sweet Legacy was a great ending to this trilogy.  Yes, there is one big question left at the end of the book that may irritate some, but I feel that the answer is fairly obvious.  I did enjoy that little bit being left because it allows me to think of the characters in a future context.  These are books that I enjoyed picking up and will revisit in the future if I ever get the chance.  Pick them up if you enjoy mythology, or if you want to read something about Medusa with a twist!




For more reviews, author features, discussion posts and giveaways, click on the banner to see the full MERMAIDS & MYTHS schedule!



Goodreads Twitter Blog Instagram Facebook Image Map
Goodreads Twitter Blog Instagram Facebook Image Map

Friday, August 29, 2014

Endless Shores by M.R. Polish (Review)



Genre:
Mythology, NA
Publication Date:July 1, 2014
Pages:196
Published By:  Createspace
WebsiteEndless Shores on Goodreads

M.R. Polish Website
My review copy:Gift from author.

Where to get:



The crash was no accident. Fate carried Brady and his airplane to the isolated island where Karis was banished to live alone. She feared the worst as she sifted through the wreckage, sure that no one could survive. But there he was, barely breathing yet still alive. The closer she got to him, the more her powers awakened. He was like a magnet she was drawn to. Maybe it was the years alone that left her yearning for companionship, or maybe it was the taut muscles in his arms that beckoned her to come closer, either way she had a hard time controlling her thoughts. She knew things about him that he couldn't remember, things that were blocked from his memory. He wasn't from earth either, and she needed his help to save both of their worlds. But the closer she gets to Brady the more she knows her world is with him. Even with a woman as beautiful as Karis, Brady was well trained, but he wasn't prepared to care as much as he did. Being an underground fighter made him the wrong man for a future Queen of a different world, and he knew it. But that didn't stop the yearning he felt deep inside. It didn't stop his heart from racing when she was around. And it didn't stop him from falling in love.
(Goodreads)



"Oh really?"  Karis asked as she sauntered the rest of the way to the bed, swinging her hips noticeably.  Teasing Brady was in all honesty teasing herself, but it was worth it.
  Brady didn't like the plan.  Hell, he hated it.  Leaving Azul to go find Karis bothered him more than any of it did.  That was his job.  He should be the one to go after her.  He hit the steering wheel.  Poseidon had better have answers.
  She'd play the game.  But only until she found a way to win.


Unique & Fast Paced!!

  M.R. Polish has created something that I am completely drawn to.  There is a unique twist on mythology, including mermaids and much of the Greek mythology we know, but she has also added her own twist and her own mythology.  I was addicted from the time I started the first book Ageless Sea and was eager to start Endless Shores, and I was not disappointed.

  One of my favourite things about this book is the phenomenal pacing.  There is seriously never a dull moment, and always something new happening.  This is like a race to the finish where new characters are always joining the race.  The players aren't always what they seem and I have learned to question things and people.  With this book largely taking place on earth, there wasn't much of the other worlds I had grown to love so much.  However, this does not mean that Polish didn't bring the places that are in this novel to life, just that I missed the beauty of the other worlds. I am also aware that this book has set many things up for the next, bringing in the powers that are needed for the coming war, but it also made me wonder just how many people are really with them.

  Karis is as strong willed as ever, but her strength is deteriorating in a way that no one else can see. Heck, she can't see it but feels it.  I understood her wanting to keep up appearances, because who wants to join an army with a weak leader, but I wish she would have told someone.  Namely Brady, but I guess he worries enough already.  I admired that she never backed down and took the risks needed to gain the strength and resources everyone believes will help them win the coming war.  She pulled from everything she had in order to prove she was the one everyone has spoke of, and save the people she cares about, and the worlds.  Despite everything that is going down, I believe she will pull through, as she is one of those characters that you know has the strength to make the impossible, possible.

  There really was not much time for romance in this book.  As said, there is a lot going on because of the impending war.  However, Karis and Brady prove time and time again just how strong their bond is. They are connected in a way that is real, and magical... No really it's a magical bond.  This has its perks, but it also can be distracting.  They are not always together and although there are things to be done, it is hard to do so when you know that your soul mate, your other half, is in danger.  What I love are the brief moments that they do get to let their passion shine through.  I love their connection, but I also love the risks they take because it's what is for the best for everyone, not just them.  Brady is like a brick wall, sturdy and reliable.  I actually want to swoon often when it comes to him, and I haven't felt that with a male lead in awhile.  Not that he is smooth or really witty but he is hot as hell and real, and that means way more to me.

  Endless Shores is the perfect second book.  It pulls from what was previously set up, but also develops the story and the characters as it goes.  I am anxious to see where the next book will take us, as well as if another romance will find a way to develop.  I didn't mention it prior to now because I want you all to have something to anticipate yourselves.  Polish is a prime example of why I love indie authors and one you all should look into.  If you are into mythology but want something that is entirely different I suggest you pick up these books (highly recommended you pick up Ageless Sea first).




For more reviews, author features, discussion posts and giveaways, click on the banner to see the full MERMAIDS & MYTHS schedule!





Goodreads Twitter Blog Instagram Facebook Image Map
Goodreads Twitter Blog Instagram Facebook Image Map
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...