WoW Pick of the Week

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


It's been awhile since I've done one of these and I thought it was about time to do another but with the year almost over I'm going to cheat a bit and pick a book from my 2018 wishlist.

Book Description:

They call him father, liberator, warlord, Reaper. But he feels a boy as he falls toward the pale blue planet, his armor red, his army vast, his heart heavy. It is the tenth year of war and the thirty-second of his life.

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?

And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever: 

A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined.

An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life.

And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Red Rising was the story of the end of one universe, and Iron Gold is the story of the creation of a new one. Witness the beginning of a stunning new saga of tragedy and triumph from masterly New York Times bestselling author Pierce Brown. 

I absolutely loved the Red Rising Saga and when I saw that a new series, a spin off of sorts was being made, I was super excited. Pierce Brown is an amazing writer but, I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't happy with how it all ended in the first three books and I'm super nervous for this one. So nervous in fact that I have yet to look or request for an ARC for it. I don't want anything bad to happen to my characters, they've been through so much already, I just want them to be happy and that synopsis, does not look happy. 

Review: The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Becoming of Noah Shaw
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Series: Book One in the Shaw Confessions Series (Spin off from the Mara Dyer Series)
Published By: Simon and Schuster (November 7, 2017)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA/NA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.


They’re right.

*Amazon*B&N*

Full disclosure here, I was nervous picking this up. I loved how the Mara Dyer series ended and I was hesitant to read something that may ruin the satisfied feeling I had when I closed the last book and said goodbye to these unforgettable characters. But, Noah. Need I say more?

I had to get inside this strange wonderful, and unsettling boy that more often than not stole the show throughout the series. I just hoped and prayed it would stay true to the rest of the series and not screw anything up for lack of a better phrase. 

And it does ruin it. And yet...it doesn't. 

It's been days since I finished this and I'm still very much torn up about it. I loved it. I hated it. And, I didn't want it to end. I needed to know, after that somewhat explosive ending, what the heck happens next. I can't believe the twists that were thrown, the turns that were taken and I both loathe them and craved them. 

All I can say about it is...read it. Experience it and decide for yourself if you too love and hate it. Loathe and crave it or  just wish that you never would have read it. Even though I too am still undecided about it all, one thing was certain, it was so well done, so well written, and deliciously evil. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Because I had so much fun putting together my favorite ghost and witch reads, I thought it would be fun to stick with the theme but add on to it. As in all things supernatural. Because what better way to celebrate Halloween all month long than to talk about those books that fit right in with it right?

So here are my top UF and PNR series and books that I just couldn't get enough of. 

There are so many I want to add from my ghost and witch list but, I will be good and not duplicate them, although if you haven't checked out that post yet stop by and check it out, you might find some new books and authors to try. You can find the post HERE.

I got to thinking about all those books that have zombies and vampires, and werewolves in them and decided I must create a list for them as well so, in no particular order, these are the series and books I just can't get enough off and whet my appetite for all things supernatural, prepare yourself, the list is long...:

I'm sure this series isn't new to everyone out there but for those that it is, Cecy's Weird Girls series (and the spin off) is still one of my favorites. And since the spin off is still going strong, I still get to dive back into this amazing world full of witches and demons, and all form of sups once in awhile.

It isn't often I enjoy books the focus a lot on the fae for some reason but this series is an exception. I've had so much fun with it and not only does it have faes but witches and other things as well. It really is a fun series to check out if you haven't already. 

This next one not only has witchcraft and sups but a dead (hilarious) pirate! And to top it off, its set in NOLA, one of my most favorite settings out there for anything supernatural. 

Linda Grimes Ciel Halligan series is a fun one because it isn't about your normal supernaturals. Nope, instead this one focus on an ability to take the form of others. That's right, the characters are chameleons of sorts. And not only does it have humor galore, but a touch of mystery and romance too. 

Who doesn't love a good assassin that is guided by none other than Death? This series is just so good, you really have to experience it for yourself to understand. 

This next one probably really should have been included in my last post all about ghosts and witches but I sort of forgot about her, which is s shame because Maria is an indie author with a lot of talent. In my defense though, I first read this series in 2011 I think, so yeah...it's been awhile but they are so good and definitely worth a second look.

And peaking of indie authors, who can forget Cambria Herbert's Heven and Hell series. So freaking good!

Here is one of the few angel series that had me hooked from the first book to the last. It was the author's debit novel and series and she did so well with it, I still think about it once in awhile. 

This was one of the first werewolf books I can remember reading that also set place on the fateful Titanic. It was a super fun read and devoured it whole. It is also a stand alone so bonus points for that as well. 

Aw, the Hemlock series. I absolutely adored this series. Yes it is YA but don't let that stop you because it really is good and well done and, come on now, the covers are just gorgeous!

This list wouldn't be complete without these next two series, the Mercy Thompson series and the Kate Daniels series. Still two of my absolute favorites and I'm so thankfully they are both still going strong.

Adn while we are speaking of the Andrews duo and Briggs, here are two other series by them you really need to check out. Both just as good as the two above and also huge favorites of mine.

Again, another series that focuses sloely on the fae that I absolutely loved, only this time it's a YA series, but again, don't let that stop you from reading it. It is totally addicting and hard to put down. 

Okay okay, no witch craft or demons here but this story does focus on time traveling and other goodies so it counts right? Actually I don't even care if it does because this trilogy is so underrated and word about it needs to get out. ;) 

However slight the supernatural element is to this series it needs a second look. It is fabulous, seriously so good and for those of you like like some historical mystery with a touch of romance are going to love it. The March bunch are unlike any family I know. Such a crazy group of lovable characters and Brisbane? Swoon worthy. 

Georgina Kincaid. Ah yes, just read it already, you are going to love it. 

What's Halloween without some vampires thrown in for good measure? This series, funnily enough took me three tries with the first book of starting and stopping before I got into it. But once I did, look out, it was all over. Still one of my top 5 vamp series out there. 

What's not to love about a group of young people that slay demons and fight for the innocent? Clare does have another series (her debut in fact) that is good too but this one, the one that takes place before her debut, is actually by far my favorite of them all. 

this next author actually has two series I love beyond words so I'm adding them both together. One if YA and the other adult but both equally good. 

As we all know Kelley Armstrong is a fantastic writer and has a lot of series. I love her mystery series a lot but since this is suppose to be about supernatural stuff, here is a series that I couldn't get enough of by her. It just ended this year and I was both sad and excited about it.  I have yet to try her Bitten/Otherworld series, I know I really need to. So many books...

Ghosts, myths, legends, and psychics? Yep, a little bit of it all. All on top of some gorgeous writing and characters you are going to fall in love with. I still miss Blue and her Raven Boys.

Talk about a series that has a little bit of it all and then some, this is that series.

Hmm maybe I read more fae books than I thought because here is another good one. A bit different from the rest though as it centers around a society that went to war with the fae and won...or did they?

Brigid Kemmerer is such a good writer and her debut series was a home run. These Merrick boys are so diverse even if they are brothers and ones you can't help but fall in love with.

Witches, curses, plantations and a whole lot of secrets makes up this series. 

Believe it or not but I only liked the first book so so but by the ending, I adored the whole series. Something fun and a bit different. 

Another vamp book that doesn't get enough recognition. To be fair I've only read the first but it was really good, really dark and something I plan to read more of.

You'll find a lot of angels and demons in this one as well as a swoon worthy hero who isn't always the hero. 

Even though I never finished this series the first five books held my attention, well maybe that had more to do with Bones than anything else. 

I encourage everyone I can to read this series because it really is just. That. Good.

This trilogy might be pushing the boundries of UF and just plain fantasy but there are beasties in it and some magic so I'm counting it. Plus, it's underrated and so good more people need to read it and love it too. :D

We all know Neill is a great writer whether it's her Chicagoland Vampire series or this one, they are so addicting but her newest series right now is a favorite so I'm only posting about it but if you still like a good vamp story, check out her other one as well. 

I can always count on Cat Winters to deliver something a bit strange, a bit crazy but always good with just a touch of the supernatural.  Her YA novel In the Shadow of Blackbirds is really good too and also has a touch of the paranormal about it.

This series is probably my favorite vamp series out there because it isn't like the others, at. All. These vamps are not friendly, they are not pretty, and they only want one thing and it isn't a kiss. 

Ever have those series that you just read because they are just plain fun? This is that series for me. 

This book has something, well, other in it but I read it in high school (my first King book) and I was never the same again. I would be remiss if I left it off my list of books that will both entertain you and scare the crap out of you. 

So there is my huge bad list of books and authors I sort of associate, or maybe just love more of this time of year. There is something about reading a good story full of supernaturals that I love. How about you, did I miss a favorite or do you see something that is new to you?

Review: The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

Title: The Glass Spare
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Series: Book One in the Glass Spare Series
Published By: Balzer + Bray (October 24, 2017)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
A banished princess.
A deadly curse.
A kingdom at war.

Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.

But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.


With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever?

*Amazon*B&N*

I've been meaning to try this author for awhile now and even though I have many of her books in my TBR pile, I decided this story would be the one I would start with first.

I'm so very glad that I did. I opened this expecting cliches galore and a little bit of the same old same old that the YA market has been flooded with and instead I found a read that was not only engaging but easy to pick up and hard to put down. I quickly became not only interested in the story line and what the characters had to reveal but  I becamecaught up in it. It quickly captured my attention and I found myself even thinking about parts of it while I had to step away from it to do other things. 

It was sad in so many ways that I wasn't expecting, I would even go as far as to say emotionally charged at times. 

Needless to say, this took me by surprise with how much I really enjoyed it. I couldn't seem to get enough of it and it didn't take me long to read through it and be left wanting more by the end. I'm truly excited about this series and can't wait for more. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I  was not compensated for this review.*