Meritropolis by Joel Ohman Ebook Sale, Interview, & Review!

Quoted as "The Hunger Games meets The Village with a young Jack Reacher as a protagonist."

Book: Meritropolis
Author: Joel Ohman
Genre(s): Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Kindle, Amazon

Synopsis (Via Goodreads): The year is AE3, 3 years after the Event. Within the walls of Meritropolis, 50,000 inhabitants live in fear, ruled by the brutal System that assigns each citizen a merit score that dictates whether they live or die. Those with the highest scores thrive, while those with the lowest are subject to the most unforgiving punishment--to be thrust outside the city gates, thrown to the terrifying hybrid creatures that exist beyond.

But for one High Score, conforming to the System just isn't an option. Seventeen-year-old Charley has a brother to avenge. And nothing--not even a totalitarian military or dangerous science--is going to stop him.

Where humankind has pushed nature and morals to the extreme, Charley is amongst the chosen few tasked with exploring the boundaries, forcing him to look deep into his very being to discern right from wrong. But as he and his friends learn more about the frightening forces that threaten destruction both without and within the gates, Meritropolis reveals complexities they couldn't possibly have bargained for...

About the Author:

Joel Ohman is the author of Meritropolis--"The Hunger Games meets The Village with a young Jack Reacher as a protagonist". He lives in Tampa, FL with his wife Angela and their three kids. His writing companion is Caesar, a slightly overweight Bull Mastiff who loves to eat the tops off of strawberries.

Goodreads Author Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8546485.Joel_Ohman

Author Website: http://www.joelohman.com/

*About the sale: Meritropolis is currently $0.99 for Kindle (Thursday, November 27 to Monday, December 1st), if you're a Kindle Unlimited member you can read this for free.*

Reader Interview with Joel Ohman

Who or what was your inspiration to write about post-apocalyptic, dystopian sci-fi?

I've read a lot in this genre, so I would say it’s a mix of a lot of different things. I really just wanted to explore this question of, "What gives a person worth?" Is it their usefulness to society? Is it because someone loves them? Is it because of how they look? Is it because of their health or ability? As a Christian, I believe that all people have worth, because they are made in the image of God. I wanted to explore some different takes on this question. I think that the post-apocalyptic/dystopian/sci-fi genre was the best vehicle to tackle some of those deep philosophical questions in a fun and interesting way.

Why do you write? Is it for fun, or because you have something you need to say in your writing?

Some writers are loath to say their writing has a message, because maybe they think doing so diminishes their art (not true, in my opinion), but I think that everyone has a message in their writing, even if they aren't as consciously focused on it—and that's a good thing. My message is in my epigraph: "Because everyone matters - Psalm 139".

Why the title Meritropolis?

I wanted a short one word title that was a clever—or at least semi-clever—play on two different words. I like "Meritropolis" because it combines "Merit" and "Metropolis," two words that are great for describing a city where each resident's worth is measured by a score given to them.

In Meritropolis how were the animal combinations decided upon? For example, I know you chose to write about a bion (bull-lion), as well as many other freaks of nature. So what I want to know is how did you decided which animals to meld together and why.

I have a big list of animal combinations that I came up with before I began writing the book, and I tried to work in as many as I could. Sometimes the only criteria was that I liked the way the name sounded. Look for many more in the following books!

Can you tells us about your characters and who/what inspired them?

I am a big believer in John Truby’s approach to building a “character web”, because this deepens the relationships between characters and helps to make each of the characters more complex. Absent building a good character web, it can be all too easy to fall into the not-very-true-to-real-life good-person/bad-person false dichotomy where your protagonist devolves into this I-can-do-no-wrong character and your antagonist is just pure evil. I was very much aiming to show the imperfections and brokenness in each of the characters. My thinking as a Christian influences this to some degree, given that the Bible teaches that we are all essentially the same; we are all sinners—only God is perfect.

Do you have a favorite genre that you like to read?

I read pretty much everything! Fiction, non-fiction, you name it! I am of the opinion that, as an author, I can learn something from almost every kind of writing. Sometimes, it most definitely is a matter of learning what not to do—but, on the whole, I love to read a wide variety of writing styles, genres, etc.

Are there any books that have inspired your own writing?

I read A LOT so there are many different things that have shaped my writing over the years, but I wouldn't say there was any particular book, or books, that I was consciously looking to for inspiration while writing Meritropolis. Looking back though I can definitely see different threads of influence in almost everything I have read over the years that contribute toward making Meritropolis what it is: the strong protagonist of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, the philosophical bent of C.S. Lewis’ fiction, the dystopian setting of Hugh Howey’s WOOL series, and many more.

Are there any authors that have emerged in the last three years that have caught your interest?

Hugh Howey is an author that I really like that has caught my attention lately. I would highly recommend his WOOL series!

*Note, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

My Review:

My Rating: 4/5 stars

To be honest, one of my favorite parts of this book was the really cool illustrations in front of every chapter. There are so many way-cool animal combinations/hybrids!

I really loved the main character, his flaws made him perfect (to me anyways). He was such a fun character and I understood him so completely. 

The action was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. The setting was awesome. 

I ended up flying through this book in just a couple days, it was an amazing thrill ride.

Another Read-A-Thon!!

I'm going to squeeze in one more Read-A-Thon before the end of this year. It's the "It's The End Of 2014 Read-A-Thon"

If you want to know more about this Read-A-Thon, click HERE

This Read-A-Thon starts December 20th to the 31st. So basically Christmas/Holiday break.



My TBR  for this Read-A-Thon will be posted some time next week, So stay tuned!


Will you be joining this Read-A-Thon?

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and reading my post(s)! Comment below so we can chat!

Waiting On Wednesday #4

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine

This week's WOW pick is... Reawakened (Untitled Series, #1) by Colleen Houck

Book: Reawakened (Untitled Series, #1)
Author: Colleen Houck
Pub. Date: August 2015

Synopsis:

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.

Top Ten Tuesday #9

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish

This week's TTT category is... Top 10 Books On My Winter TBR!


10. Winterspell by Claire Legrand

9. Between The Spark & The Burn (Between, #2) by April Genevieve Tucholke

8. Crown Of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil

7. Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

6. Gates Of Thread & Stone (Gates Of Thread & Stone, #1) by Lori M. Lee

5. Elusion (Elusion, #1) by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam

4. The Winter People (The Winter People, #1) by Rebekah L. Purdy

3. Blackbird (Blackbird Duology, #1) by Anna Carey

2. The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon

1. Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes, #1) by Sara Raasch




Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my post(s)! Comment below so we can chat!

Review: Daughter Of Isis by Kelsey Ketch

Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis #1)
by Kelsey Ketch
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: October 26, 2013

Blurb:
“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

You can find Daughter of Isis on Goodreads.

You can buy Daughter of Isis here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- Smashwords

***Praise for Daughter of Isis***

“Daughter of Isis is an addicting and enthralling read brimming with Egyptian mythology. Readers will be pulled into the story after simply reading a page!” —Emily, Reader Rising

“I always enjoy a good book about Mythology and Daughter of Isis brings a thrilling modern day spin to one of the tales. Kelsey Ketch wove the story perfectly and sucked me right into her magnificent world.” —Naomi, Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

About the Author:
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

You can find and contact Kelsey here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads

My Rating: 4/5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the amount of mythology presented in this book. (Me being a major ancient history fan)

The adventure was extremely well written and kept me biting my nails, for I was so nervous of what's to happen next. 

The romance was also written well done. I was laughing out loud and swooning almost the whole time haha.

I love Seth. He's the perfect combination of swoon-worthy and bad-boy.

I adored how this book finshed out and I was rooting for Seth & Natti the entire time.

True Calling Blog Tour Review, Interview, & Giveaway!!

        Release Date: August 1, 2014

Blurb:
Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.

As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.

Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.

You can find True Calling on Goodreads.

You can buy True Calling here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- iBooks
- Ciando ebooks
- Copia books
- Bookbaby

About the Author:
Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling.
A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).
Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years.
A member of the IWI writers group, Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Contact Siobhan at: www.siobhandavis.com

You can find and contact Siobhan here:
- Website
- Author blog
- Book website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Google +
- Goodreads

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of True Calling. The giveaway is open international. These are the prizes you can win:
- Paperback copy True Calling
- 3 e-copies of True Calling

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview:

What was your inspiration for writing True Calling?

It all started with a dream. Just not my own! I got hooked on Twilight in 2009 and was fascinated to hear how Stephenie Meyer felt compelled to write the series on the basis of the now-infamous dream. Dreams have always captivated me and I started thinking a lot about their meaning and whether our dreams have the power to change our lives (not just metaphorically speaking).

I wondered a lot about her ‘meadow dream’; probably more than was normal. Who sent her that dream? And why? And did someone (or something) plant that seed knowing full well that it would lead her on a path to a significant life-altering experience? And what are dreams anyway? A malfunction of our brain? An unconscious message from our inner selves? A medium for receiving messages from others? My thoughts jumbled around like this for weeks, and my idea started to grow from this silent analysis and developed from there. And hence ‘True Calling’ was borne.

What got you into writing? What persuaded you to be an author?

I loved reading from a very early age and English was one of my favorite subjects in school. My day job involves a huge amount of writing though it’s mainly corporate communications, policy documents and management reports/proposals. I’d felt the desire to write fiction for years (I was always dreaming up stories in my head and dissecting books/movies) and once I started fiction-writing five/six years ago I couldn’t, and haven’t, stopped. I’m a member of a writing group and I try to write something every day or every other day. It’s not really something that I choose to do at this stage –it’s something I feel compelled to do and it’s as vital to me as breathing! I have lots of things written, but my first published work is True Calling. I also have a True Calling related short story now available on Wattpad.

What was your favorite part to write in True Calling?

True Calling is set within the context of a technologically-advanced Utopian-style new world order on Planet Novo, and a technology-deprived, ravaged post-apocalyptic Earth. The story is told from two different perspectives and we get to explore the different experiences of the characters as they battle the challenges of the society they live in. I loved crafting both worlds, and describing them for the reader in a way that made them both believable and relatable. Several readers have already commented on this aspect of the book so I think my enjoyment of writing these parts has shone through.

Do you have any writing regrets?

Only one – that I waited so long to publish some of my work; I wish I’d had the courage and confidence to pursue a writing career sooner. I actually wrote True Calling back in 2010 and then got distracted with work and life in general, and it sat gathering dust in a drawer. It was only this year that I felt brave enough, and that the time was right, to release it.

Did you write the characters in your book based off someone you know/knew? If not in this book, have you written characters based off someone real before?

Not consciously! I didn’t base any of the characters on people I knew, but if I reflect on it now Ariana could be my alter ego – I was quite introverted and shy at aged 17 and I remember wishing I was more out-spoken, just like she is. My tendency is to shy away from basing any characters on real people, I personally feel that’s just asking for trouble!

Do you/are you attached to the characters you have written? Who's your favorite character you have written?

I’m very attached to my characters, and I often wonder what Ariana would do when I find myself in certain situations. Sometimes they pop into my head at the most random or inopportune moments, and I find myself scrambling for my pad to jot down some thoughts or ideas I’ve had. It’s really difficult to choose one favorite character as I’m very fond of all of them, for various different reasons. However, if I’m being forced to pick one then I’d choose Cal Remus for his unflinching loyalty to Ariana, his tenderness towards his sister, his bravery, his vulnerability and most of all, his lust for life.

Do you plan on writing & publishing more books in the future? If so, can you give us any kind of tidbit of info to look forward to in your next book?

My focus is on publishing Books 2 and 3 in the True Calling series in 2015. After I’m finished with this series there are three other stories in particular that are calling out to me. The first is another science fiction story but it’s a completely different premise than True Calling. The second idea is a contemporary drama/romance that will require heaps of research to ensure the facts are bang-on. The third is a historical fiction piece, based around Irish History and it’s something I have longed to write as I have a Degree in History and a love of the past.

Has the overall publishing experience been pleasant for you?

Definitely! It’s been a steep learning curve but a thoroughly enjoyable one. I’ve been amazed at how supportive the writing community is in general, and some very successful authors have willingly provided advice and guidance. There is no feeling as incredible as receiving a wonderful review, or a lovely email from a reader who has loved True Calling. I get such a buzz when someone enjoys my work, and takes the time to comment or provide feedback on it. This industry is not for the faint-hearted though, as it’s hugely competitive and it requires heaps of determination to see it through.

Review:

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

When I was young, well younger than I am now, I used to adore watching old Star Trek re-runs starring the one and only William Shatner. My love for science fiction grew as I became obssessed with Star Wars and Doctor Who. Which then grew even more as I saw movies such as James Cameron's Avatar, Predator, Pacific Rim, District 9, Men In Black, War Of The Worlds etc. It is quite apparent that I do love science fiction, so I thought that this book would be right up my alley, which it was!

I devoured every second of this book. One of the best read to review books I've read in a while!

The characters were fresh and absorbing. The plot was catchy and kept you on the edge of your seat. The themes were memorable. Case in point, this book was amazing!

I need more!

Time To Face The Facts!

All right guys. Since 2015 is just around the corner, it's time for me to face the facts.

I have way to many books on my TBR shelf.

My issues..

1. I am almost wholly a cover buyer. & to be honest there are a lot of gorgeous books out there, that may not necesarily be good.

2. I buy more books than I have the time to read. & as these books add up, my TBR shelf keeps looking more and more daunting.

Those are just my main issues that are causing me to have such a giant TBR shelf. I currently have 189 physical copy books on my TBR shelf.. and that is just sad. I don't even want to count how many ebooks (via Kobo & Kindle & Aldiko) I own.. I know I own over 300 ebooks sooo...

So, I am going to go on a Book Buying Ban for all of 2015.

Since I realize that a whole year of not buying books is pretty much impossible, I made a few exceptions.

Exception #1: I am allowed to buy sequels to books that I have read.

2: Books Listed below (not sequels to books I have read) I will allow myself to buy since I need them..

Reawakened, The Girl At Midnight, An Ember In The Ashes, Dove Arising, Passenger, A Court Of Thorns & Roses, Red Queen, The Glass Arrow, The Witch Hunter, The Stars Never Rise, Court Of Fives, The Orphan Queen, Prudence, Six Of Crows, A Wicked Thing, Daughter Of The Dragon, Corrupt, The Wrath & The Dawn, The Waterfire Saga, Becoming Jinn, Frostfire, Bone Gap, The Sin Eaters Daughter, Magonia and maybe a few others but no more.

I think I can do this. It'll definitely help increase the amount of money I'll have in my pocket.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post(s)! Comment below so that we can chat!

Paranormal Keepers Blog Tour & Giveaway!!

Book & Author details:

Paranormal Keepers by Jen Naumann
Publication date: March 11th 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Everyone thinks Harper Young killed her boyfriend. No one will say it to her face, but the signs are everywhere.
It’s almost been a year since Gavin was torn from Harper’s arms and brutally murdered. The police wrote it off as a freak accident, deciding Harper’s strange testimony was given under duress. But she knows something unnatural was involved and refuses to stop looking until she finds his killer, even if it means her reputation as a senior is ruined. Even if it means there really are monsters living among us.
With the discovery of the mothmen, witches, vampires and all the creatures she always suspected were out there, Harper finds herself amidst a complex bundle of unseen heroes who call themselves “Keepers”, sworn to keep the secret of the paranormal creatures that walk this earth. As she tries to understand what’s so special about her that she’s able to break an old Keeper law, Harper has a baffling vision of kissing a mysterious guy before a blade is brought down on him. Before she can get a handle on her future, she becomes central to a battle between the questionable “heroes” and the evil she’s been training to fight, leaving her to wonder if there’s any way to change the fate that has been foretold before it’s too late.


Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20642157-paranormal-keepers?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0991576209/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0991576209&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paranormal-keepers-jen-naumann/1118891043?ean=9780991576203

AUTHOR BIO:

Jen Naumann grew up in southern Minnesota as an addict of such flicks as Indiana Jones and The Goonies until she discovered John Hughes, and spent her high school days locked away writing love stories with a sci-fi twist. Married to a farmer in southern Minnesota, she tries to follow the madness of her four active children while balancing an imagination that never shuts down. As the author of CHEATING DEATH, SHYMERS, AND PARANORMAL KEEPERS, she writes stories with strong female leads who have a good sense of humor and tend to fall in love despite their better judgment. For more on Jen visit her website http://www.jennaumann.net/

Author links:

http://www.jennaumann.net/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5765367.Jen_Naumann

https://www.facebook.com/jennaumannauthor

https://twitter.com/naumannbooks

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review:

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I definitely liked the beginning of this book, and this book did stay consistent in quality. I did enjoy this book thoroughly. I enjoyed this book because the main character, Harper, wasn't annoying and was realistic. I also loved Sophia, she was so nice and a great side character. In the end, this book had me utterly impressed and wanting more.

Family Heir Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Tour Page & Calendar

Family Heir by Sara M. Drake

Kelley longed for a normal life – to go to college, to have normal friends, and to work a nice desk job. When an unknown predator starts a killing spree, she finds herself drug back into a world that includes vampires, werewolves, and her ex-husband. Kelley agrees to lead the small team to find the murderer – which consists of one uncommunicative ex-hubbie and an inexperienced federal agent. Only shots in the night prove that Kelley has become a target and her training as a Hunter does nothing to prepare her for being hunted.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

      Author Bio: 

Sara developed her book addiction as a young child. Her concerned parents attempted an intervention and cut off her supply. These desperate times called for desperate measures forcing her to write her own stories. Since a human being cannot live on books alone, she has worked as a stage hand, care giver, active duty Air Force, college instructor, mental health counselor, and civil servant on the theory that more pay equals more books. Outside of that, she spends time developing a reputation as a crazy cat lady and irritating introvert.

Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway:

$100 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Divine Fall by Kathryn Knight

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

After tragedy tears Jamie Brandt’s life apart, her only goal is to finish high school so she can leave her small hometown behind. In the meantime, riding her horse is her main source of solace, until a mysterious stable hand shows up at the barn. There’s something not quite right about the handsome new employee, and the more Jamie sees of him, the more determined she becomes to figure out what he’s hiding.

Dothan Reed came to historic Huntsville, Maryland, for one reason—revenge. But his plan can’t move forward until he finds the missing piece he needs to enhance his powers. As the only surviving Nephilim, Dothan is not only weaker than full-blooded angels; his forbidden lineage makes him an outcast in both worlds. When he discovers Jamie is the key to locating an ancient weapon, he’s forced to interact with a vulnerable human girl—a task that becomes more appealing with each encounter. 

Jamie soon learns Dothan isn’t the only one with a dark secret. Each new revelation further threatens her safety, and Dothan’s betrayal shatters her heart. Forgiving him seems impossible, but the thought of turning her back on him is equally painful.

As their connection deepens, Dothan will have to make his own difficult choice: continue on his path of vengeance, or protect the girl he loves. And when Dothan’s actions thrust Jamie into an unforeseen danger, he must seek the help of his enemy…or risk losing her forever.


My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

First things first, I freaking love this cover!! 

Everything about this book pulls you in, and trust me, you won't regret reading this.

The action and pace of this book is non-stop and nail bitingly good. I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book shouting "Nooooo!", "Oh. My. God!", "Awwwwwee!" etc.

The connection between Jamie and Dothan is soo adorable and heart-wrenching. I was rooting for them throughout the whole book. They belong with each other for sure.

Then there was all the surprises and twists and turns that kept me worried and surprised constantly. I mean.. I was worried for a while that Jamie would never forgive Dothan..

Then the ending occurred and I was like "Whaaa?!" it was soooo good!

Waiting On Wednesday #3

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine

I know this is a little late but hey!

This week's WOW pick is... The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Book: The Wrath & The Dawn (The Wrath and The Dawn, #1)
Author: Renee Ahdieh
Pub. Date: May 12th 2015

Synopsis:

A sumptuous and epically told love story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights

Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.

She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

Top Ten Tuesday #8

TTT is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish

Sorry that this is a little late! Better late than never though.

The category for this TTT is.. Top 10 Sequels I Can't Wait To Get!

10. Jubilee Manor (Landry Park, #2) by Bethany Hagen

9. Snow Like Ashes #2 by Sara Raasch

8. The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon

7. Unleashed (Uninvited, #2) by Sophie Jordan

6. Etherworld (Elusion, #2) by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam

5. Deadfall (Blackbird, #2) by Anna Carey

4. Invaded (Alienated, #2) by Melissa Landers

3. Throne Of Glass #4 by Sarah J. Maas

2. Tiger's Dream (The Tiger Saga, #5) by Colleen Houck

1. Bound By Flames (Night Prince, #3) by Jeaniene Frost


Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to read my post(s)! Comment below so we can chat!

Review: The Sham by Ellen Allen

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

When love leads to death, be careful who you trust…

Eighteen-year-old Emily Heath would love to leave her dead-end town, known locally as "The Sham", with her boyfriend, Jack, but he's very, very sick; his body is failing and his brain is shutting down. He's also in hiding, under suspicion of murder. Six months' ago, strange signs were painted across town in a dialect no one has spoken for decades and one of Emily's classmates washed up in the local floods. 

Emily has never trusted her instincts and now they're pulling her towards Jack, who the police think is a sham himself, someone else entirely. As the town wakes to discover new signs plastered across its walls, Emily must decide who and what she trusts, and fast: local vigilantes are hunting Jack; the floods, the police, and her parents are blocking her path; and the town doesn’t need another dead body.

WARNING: THIS BOOK IS UNSUITABLE FOR YOUNGER TEENAGE READERS. IT DEPICTS ADULT SITUATIONS, MURDER SCENES, CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SEX AND PROFANITY.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: The idea for this book came to me in a nightmare... It was so vivid that I imagined I was 17 again, at school, in the same group of 4 friends that I used to hang around with. We were involved in a murder and cover-up. I started writing partly as a way to get it out of my head and then the characters turned into real people... and Emily and Jack were born.

As some of the early reviewers have stated, it is quite extreme in chapter one, and necessarily so. This is the incident that sets up the whole book; something awful happens that sets off a train of events for the characters. This book is a mystery in two ways in that we're: 1) trying to find out who killed Emily's classmate; and 2) trying to work out who Jack is. I hope you enjoy it!

My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

I was really trying to like this book, and I feel really bad that I didn't. The synopsis makes it sound so good, that's why I said yes to reviewing this book.

I didn't hate everything about this book. I did find that the mysteries were really well written. I never knew what was going to happen. Also, the creepy/dark/scary theme was well written, because I was pretty disturbed/on edge throughout this entire book.

I wasn't a giant fan of the characters and found I was lacking in rooting for any of the characters. I wasn't emotional over any of the characters nor cared about them.

Maybe it's just me, maybe I just need to re-read this book some time. But, as of now, this is how I felt toward this book. I do want to re-read this book in the future though.

Review: The Fall by Stephen Cost

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:
For thousands of years, Death walked behind the dark veil of the living, waiting to ferry the dead. That is, until the day that Death took a life for pleasure rather than duty. On that day, the first Reaper fell to Earth. Now, Reapers live among us, craving the taste of death, forcing them to kill to satisfy their immortal hunger.

Giles Reid fell more than 300 years ago starving for the taste of death, only to find himself drowning in a sea of the living and blinded by a hunger that forces him to kill. In the centuries since his fall he has tried to be more human, desperate to live a life that makes up for what he is and the wrong he has done. Driven by his guilt over killing, he has chosen to feed only on evil; humans that have never been a threat to him but who are always a danger to others. That is, until the day he tries to feed on a human as strong, fast and cunning as himself; a human who, it turns out, has been hunting him. Now he is being pursued by the very evil he has fed on for centuries, embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game, where friends and other Reapers connected to him are simply pawns on a chessboard waiting to be sacrificed. Giles is left with a choice, save the life of the woman he loves, the daughter of his mentor, or betray her for his own survival.

To save the woman he loves, Giles will have to be the monster he is.


Rating: 4/5 stars

To be honest, I adored this book! 

The cover is gorgeous for starters. I mean, for any cover buyer like I, this book is definitely one you'd like to add to your collection just based on that.

The plot was gripping and fun. I was biting my nails through the lot of it. I felt like the story line made perfect sense and was executed profusely well.

Though, I might add that the character development was scarce at first, the story itself makes up for that. Later on though, there was a fair amount of character development that I was pleased.

Review: Broken World by Kate Mary

*I was sent a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

When a deadly virus sweeps the country, Vivian Thomas sets out for California in hopes of seeing the daughter she gave up for adoption. Then her car breaks down and she’s faced with a choice. Give up, or accept a ride from redneck brothers, Angus and Axl. Vivian knows the offer has more to do with her double D’s than kindness, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach her daughter.

The virus is spreading, and by the time the group makes it to California, most of the population has been wiped out. When the dead start coming back, Vivian and the others realize that no electricity or running water are the least of their concerns. Now Vivian has to figure out how to be a mother under the most frightening circumstances, cope with Angus’s aggressive mood swings, and sort out her growing attraction to his brooding younger brother, Axl.

While searching for a safe place to go, they pick up a pompous billionaire who may be the answer to all their problems. Trusting him means going into the middle of the Mojave Desert and possibly risking their lives, but with the streets overrun and nowhere else to turn, it seems he might be their only chance for survival.

My Rating: 4/5 stars

I don't usually read zombie books. I've only ever read one other zombie book and it sucked. Though, I adore the Resident Evil movies, Warm Bodies movie, and the Zombieland movie.

But, this book surprised me! It was fun yet freaky. It was quite enjoyable and I was kept on the edge of my seat almost the entire time I was reading this book. 

The zombies were so realistic and the main character Vivian was kick ass awesome.

Review: The Reflections Of Queen Snow White by David Meredith

*I was sent a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

What happens when "happily ever after" has come and gone? 

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing: 

The king is dead. 

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old. 

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means? 

Only time will tell as she wrestles with her past and is forced to confront The Reflections of Queen Snow White.

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I haven't read that many fairy-tale retellings, so I don't have that much experience. I did find however, I want to read some more fairy-tale retellings in the future.

Now this isn't exactly a fairy-tale retelling as it is more of a fairy-tale continuation.

I felt like Snow White was portrayed very differently in this book than in the original Disney movie, but I guess that is to be expected.

I didn't find Snow White to be very likable in this book, though I guess I understand her depression/bad moods due to the death of her husband. I am glad that in the end of this book all my questions and accusations were answered. 

Review: The Cleansing by Danielle Evans

*I was sent a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

After the earth suffered from a series of severe natural disasters that claimed many lives, people are still fearful years later. America allows in foreigners from other devastated areas to assist with rebuilding. As a result, a new wave of immigration occurs, and now Americans are in the minority. They are discriminated against and blamed for global warming.

When a foreigner becomes president of the United States, he devises a plan that will prevent Americans from standing in the way of his tyranny. He forces them to attend the Earth Education Program, where they are supposed to learn how to take better care of the environment.

The story follows John and Annie Weber, an American couple, who discover that the program is more malignant than it appears. As a massive genocide takes place, John and Annie struggle to survive in this new world.

My Rating: 3/5 stars

I love these types of books. End of the world. Fight to survive. Corrupt society. I usually tend to read more books based in this genre/field.

I started reading this book with high expectations, but was a little bummed when my expectations weren't met, at least not all of them were met.

The couple, John and Annie Weber were decent characters, but sadly I wasn't that attached to either of them. I did, though, thoroughly hate the President.. the way he was portrayed made me disgusted at him and basically hate him.

The plot was well thought up, but not executed that well. I mean, I enjoyed the story, but it was kind of predictable.