Stacking the Shelves (#2)

 

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to showcase the amazing goodies that you procured throughout the week!

Hello Everyone! This week I have two books that I am just so excited to talk about. Hopefully you have either read or want to read one of these... I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

Book #1:
Title: Truthwitch (The Witchlands # 1) 
Author: Susan Dennard

“In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi makes a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.”

*I had to pick this book up because so many people had been saying how much they loved this! I was definitely sucked into the cover and I am so glad I picked this up! I did have a few problems with the story but overall it was really well done. See my full review here


Book #2:
Title: Code Name Verity 
Author: Elizabeth Wein

“Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie…” (While the amazon review does give more information I think that it is spoiler-y for the story!)

 *I grabbed this (CD) book when my coworker practically forced it into my hands and told me to read it and let her know what I thought. At the time I had no idea how popular this book was! Having finished the book I can truly say that this is an amazing story that I am phenomenally happy to own. I would highly recommend this story if you are looking for your next great read (or listen). Review to come. :)

So what do you all think? Have you read either of these two books and did you enjoy them? And what did you grab this week?

Waiting On Wednesday (#1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming releases we're excited about.

This week I am waiting on the highly anticipated second installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series! If you haven't read the first book yet then DON'T read the synopsis below. SPOILERS. SPOILERS EVERYWHERE!!

    Title: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses book #2)
    Author: Sarah J. Maas
    Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
    Release Date: May 3rd 2016

"Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights."

 
I absolutely loved the first book in this series (review to come) and I cannot wait to see what happens with all of these characters in the second book. I am a little nervous because I felt like the end of the last book was trying to open the door to a love triangle--but I'm holding out hope that Maas wouldn't ruin the series like that! There is NO WAY that after everything Feyre goes through for Tamlin in ACOTAR that it is even plausible for her to "love" anyone else. Just saying. Not that I would mind seeing more of Rhysand...

Needless to say that I am very excited to be three weeks away from this release!

Review: Truthwitch

Title: Truthwitch (The Witchlands # 1)

Author: Susan Dennard

Book Summary:

“In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi makes a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.”

Safiya is the high-bred hot-headed side of this dynamic duo, and it comes as no surprise to her Threadsister, Iseult, when they find themselves in the midst of danger.  Again.  When a terrifying Bloodwitch catches the scent of Safi’s blood, it becomes clear; the secret of her magic might finally be revealed.  In a desperate attempt to stay together and escape discovery, they rush to outrun the Bloodwitch.  When Safi’s drunk Uncle decides to pay an unexpected visit, these best friends must find a way to navigate the hurdles of political society while protecting the only thing that matters to them: each other. 

I really love the premise for Truthwitch: two best friends who can seriously KICK SOME BUTT and a wild pursuit across the lands (and seas!)   What’s not to love about that?  Throw in some amazing magic, smoldering men, and the constant threat of war after a 20 year respite and, Yikes, I had to get my hands on this one!

After actually reading this book, I am confused as to how I should feel.  Excited?  Check.  Confused?  Check.  Frustrated?  Check.  Now this review is hard to put into words because I absolutely love SO many things about this story… and yet, there are parts that just leave me standing around looking for the actual story.

What I struggle with in the story is twofold.  The first problem is that there is so much new information presented to the reader at all times.  There are powers, witches, types of Threadconnections (Threadsister, Heartthread, etc), names, titles, places, dates, war history, and different supernatural objects and events.  Normally, this would be difficult to keep track of BUT, when each chapter follows a different character and what is happening to them, there is all of this information overload multiplied by 3.  It's exhausting, and there are  sooo many pages that require looking back to earlier parts of the book just to get the names straight or to try and figure out who was talking!  The second problem, is with Safi’s magic.  It is not obvious why it is considered so super special.  This could be a result of the aforementioned confusion about most of the world-building, but it is hard to understand why Iseult can’t also detect deception with her ability to see threads.  With the magic of seeing threads, she can tell when people are nervous or frightened and that sounds like a very useful tool towards detecting deception—it’s what we try to rely on today with modern lie detectors.  Taking this into account, coupled with the fact that Safi’s gift can be confused if the speaker BELIEVES they are telling the truth, her whole gift seems filled with problems.

Aside from the inability to keep all the places and names straight and a lack of understanding of the extent of the various powers, I really do LOVE many things about this book.  The friendship that the two girls display is undeniable and powerful.  This is so raw and right that I can’t help but connect with it.  This is the type of friendship that is instantly relatable to anyone who has ever had a close best friend and the envy of those who haven't.  Everything about their friendship is glorious.  The way they both sacrifice themselves for the other person and place their friendship over romance. *Sigh*

Another thing that I adore about this book is the uniquely identifiable personality for  each of the characters.  With each person's perspective,  I feel myself shift and step into their mindset and problems.  I distinctly hear each character’s voice and love watching each of these personalities mesh and clash throughout the book!  Overall, this story is a brilliant new addition to the fantasy world, and I cannot wait to experience the next chapter.  (Especially now that I have some terms under my belt!)

The Cover:

This cover presents exactly what we can expect from the book a (and Safi) Warrior-y, Magic-y, Stunning and Fierce story.  For once, the model on the front actually fits the description of the character in the book.  I have no problem at all picturing this fighter as the headstrong Safi! Hopefully the second book’s cover will focus on Iseult.

I give Truthwitch a 3.5 out of 5 hearts: Good Book

Stacking The Shelves (#1)

 

Hello and welcome to Epilogue! If you have ever visited this blog before then you know that I haven't posted anything in quiteeee a while. In fact I have been completely absent as I focused on school, work, and other obligations in my life. Anyway, I have decided to reboot my blog and rejoin all of the wonderful fangirl and fanboys out there who love books just as much as I do.  What better way to dive back in than to participate in my first ever week of Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews. I am so glad to meet you all and I hope you like it here!

And now on to the actual reason for the meme....showcasing books!

Though I have quite a few books sprawled out over my bedroom, basement, living room, car, and... well you get the idea...I only want to focus on two of the books that I have added recently. These are the two that I am most excited to read this week.

1. The Queen of the Tearling

 

"Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in the care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdom's haunted past . . . or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Long ago, Kelsea's forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this feudal society has divided into three fearful nations who pay duties to a fourth: the powerful Mortmesne, ruled by the cunning Red Queen. Now, on Kelsea's nineteenth birthday, the tattered remnants of the Queen's Guard—loyal soldiers who protect the throne—have appeared to escort the princess on a perilous journey to the capital to ascend to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling.

Though born of royal blood and in possession of the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic, Kelsea has never felt more uncertain of her ability to rule. But the shocking evil she discovers in the heart of her realm will precipitate an act of immense daring, throwing the entire kingdom into turmoil—and unleashing the Red Queen's vengeance. A cabal of enemies with an array of deadly weapons, from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic, plots to destroy her. But Kelsea is growing in strength and stealth, her steely resolve earning her loyal allies, including the Queen's Guard, led by the enigmatic Lazarus, and the intriguing outlaw known simply as "the Fetch."

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her."

Who else thinks that this sounds like a fantastic read?! I have heard so many amazing things about this one and I would love to hear your thoughts if you have already read it or are planning to try it.  

2. The False Prince

 

"The False Prince is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point—he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage’s rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats."

If I am being honest I will admit that I have actually read this book before. Twice. However, I absolutely loved this book both times that I read it and I will be rereading so that I can do a proper review for you guys!

*Let me know in the comments down below what you think of these two books or what you are excited to be reading this week. No spoilers!*

Cover Reveal: Free Souls (Mindjack Trilogy #3)

Free Souls by Susan Kaye Quinn

(Book Three of the Mindjack Trilogy) Now Available!

THE SUMMARY FOR THIS BOOK CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

When your mind is a weapon, freedom comes at a price.

Four months have passed since Kira left home to join Julian’s Jacker Freedom Alliance, but the hole in her heart still whistles empty where her boyfriend Raf used to be. She fills it with weapons training, JFA patrols, and an obsessive hunt for FBI agent Kestrel, ignoring Julian’s worries about her safety and repeated attempts to recruit her for his revolutionary chat-casts. When anti-jacker politician Vellus surrounds Jackertown with the National Guard, Kira discovers there’s more to Julian’s concerns than she knew, but she’s forced to take on a mission that neither want and that might be her last: assassinating Senator Vellus before he can snuff out Julian’s revolution and the jackers she’s come to love.

All Mindjack stories available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and iTunes (Note Free Souls is not yet available on iTunes)

Early Praise for Free Souls

“Quinn paints a picture of a not-too-distant America where politicians inflame the hatred of one section of the populace for another—all for their own gain—and you worry that her world is not so far off from our own.” --- Dianne Salerni, author of We Hear the Dead, The Caged Graves, and the forthcoming The Eighth Day  

"Free Souls starts with a bang and doesn't let up. Like a mash-up of all your favorite science-fiction adventures from Star Wars to The Legend of Korra, it blends nonstop action, nail-biting escapes, and great romance. I absolutely loved it! A great series conclusion—a must-read."

— Leigh Talbert Moore, author of Rouge and The Truth About Faking

*Susan did it again. Free Souls was WOW! I expected Kira to step up to her role as heroine but not like this. Surprises kept coming until the very end which tied up more loose ends than I knew existed. Warning: Don't start reading until you have time to finish. I didn't want to put Free Souls down for a second. It's that kind of book.”

— Sher A. Hart, Goodreads Review

Interview Susan's over at Amy Saunder's blog today (12.14.12), answering questions about how she came up with the mages' abilities, what kind of mage she would be, and all about her future works.  

Digital Box Set Since Free Souls is out, there is now a Digital Box Set of the Mindjack Trilogy for those of you who want the whole series!

Available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble

Mindjack Origins Collection Want more Julian? Wondering how Sasha's ability really works? Looking for EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls? This collection of novellas, scenes, and other goodies is for those craving a bit more of the characters and drama of the Mindjack series.

Includes: Mindjack Novellas Mind Games (Raf's story) The Handler (Julian's story) The Scribe (Sasha's story)

 TWO EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls (published nowhere else!) PLUS Mindjack flash fiction, an (imaginary) conversation between Raf and Julian, and other goodies for readers who want just a little bit more of Kira, Julian, Raf, and the Mindjack crew.

Available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble

ENTER TO WIN one of FIVE ecopies of the Mindjack Origins Collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway