Paralyzed by Sarah Noffke

"The show must go on."

Before I begin my review, I have to mention the unbelievable covers this series has! The colours are just amazing!

I went into this book ready for action, violence and intricate plans to defeat Charles Knight and make him pay for what he did. What I got was a book full of grief, sadness, anger, unbelievable revelations (some too raw for me to swallow), declarations of love and hate, hilarious scenes in hospitals and an ending that brought everything upside down leaving me again starring at the last page and needing the 3rd book right now!

"That top hat wouldn't fit anyone else."

After what happened in the first book, everybody is trying to come to terms with the new situation and deal with their pain and grief. The story is unraveling in every page, giving us glimpses of what happened in the past. Now we get to understand each character more, and the events that have led to the current situation. The revelations about Knight and the inhumane conditions under which he keeps all those kids in the compound and under his command are unbelievable, making you dislike him and hate him even more.

"One must weather the storm to spy the rainbows."

You can feel the contrasting emotions that Zuma deals with as she realises what has happened. But as the story unfolds and she finds out things, you can see how her feelings just change around. At the same time, even though you learn so much about Finley's awful past, you never for one minute feel pity for him. You just feel proud that he has managed to come out of it as a strong and confident man. But his demons will come and chase him and for once again he will have to be strong in order to protect the people he loves and cares about.

Even though I missed the mesmerizing world of the circus that we were introduced in book #1, this was a necessary installment to clarify things and to give us more information about the story and the characters surrounding it. But now I am ready for more action and plans to finally take Charles Knight down! I'm sure book #3 will be kick ass! ;)

*Many thanks to Sarah Noffke for giving me an eCopy of her amazing book!*

Favourite Quote:
"Life is full of magic and if you try and explain it all then you lose the opportunity for bewilderment, which is a beautiful thing."

Paralyzed
by Sarah Noffke
Published: February 15, 2016

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Girl Power!

This book was full of strong female characters, amazing friendships and powerful magic. Loved it!

'Stasis. Stasis in your fingertips and in your toes.'

It took me a while to understand all this world building and I have to admit that I got quite confused in the beginning with all the different characters and their powers, along with the Twenty Year Truce, the three empires, the other small nations and the politics surrounding all that. However, after the first 1/3 of the book I was hooked and I just dived into the story!

'Sometimes justice was all about the small victories.'

I really liked the two main female characters; they're quite different between them like night and day, but together they were two very powerful and kick-ass heroines! Safiya was my favourite character of all. I loved her personality, her sense of humour, her powerful feelings and her sense of loyalty. At the same time she has a restless spirit and she will not settle for anything less than her freedom. I enjoyed reading about her friendship with Iseult - they're threadsisters after all!

The chemistry between Safiya and Prince Merik was unbelievable and I loved the love-hate relationship they had throughout the book. It made everything even more interesting.

I even liked Aeduan, the bloodwitch that is after Sadiya - he is presented as mean and evil, very powerful and smart - qualities that make him a very, very interesting character.

'Threadsisters to the end.'

Even though I don't generally like books with witches, I really like this one! It was a fast paced and very enjoyable adventure and I can't wait for book No.2!

Favourite Quotes:

'Why always me? There are a thousand shoulders for a gull to crap on, but they always pick me!'

'Give it to me now, Polly, or I shal castrate you with a fork.'

'If you wanted to, Safiya, you could bend and shape the world.'

Thruthwitch
by Susan Dennard
Published: January 5, 2016

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

"Red and Silver and stronger than both."

Oh my... I am lost for words...
I honestly didn't see this ending coming...

The second book in the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard begins with amazing action, while Mare and Cal with all the others try to run and hide from Maven and the Silvers that are after them. We are being reunited with old characters from the first book, both good and bad, some that have changed and others that haven't, some that I liked and some that I just couldn't stand reading about! We are also introduced to some new characters that really add to the plot and the story.

The Scarlet Guard is bigger and more organised than we (or Mare) thought, with connections to other countries too. It was very interesting getting to know all the newbloods and the amazing and different abilities that each one has. How they were trained and used to accomplish each mission.

"Trust no one."

It is evident from the very beginning that again Mare should trust no one, something that makes everything even more interesting! You can't stop guessing and double guessing who's with who, and if anyone is double crossing them and so on. There were at least a couple of instances where I was just left with my mouth forming a wide 'O' while still staring at the book and trying to come to terms with what I just read!

"To rise. And rise alone."

Even though I enjoyed reading the whole book and there was not a dull moment, the last third of it was simply amazing! I loved the last mission - realizing the dangers behind it, how difficult it was to plan and quite frankly how impossible it all looked. You can feel how scared the characters are through the pages and how determined they are to make this work. It totally kept me at the edge of my seat while reading it, and that ending.... woah .... I did not see that coming....  I was sad, frustrated and upset.

The only thing that I have to say left me a bit disappointed, was the relationship between Mare and Cal. I couldn't feel the bond between them, the connection. I could still feel it between Mare and Maven, which was quite strange. Chapter 27 gave me amazing feels... I understood where Cal was coming from, but I was very confused with Mare towards the end. I couldn't get her views, her plans and her intentions.

All in all an amazing second book in an equally amazing Series. Can't wait for the final book. 

Favourite Quotes:

'If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter.'

'If you die, I'll kill you.'

Glass Sword

by Victoria Aveyard

Publication: February 9, 2016

:: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ::

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

'And we will rise up, Red as the dawn.'

I decided to re-read this book before I started reading book #2 and I'm so glad that I did! It was even better than the first time!

First of all let's take a moment and admire this amazing cover. I love it! Even before I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this book! :)

The writing is captivating... It grabs you and doesn't let you go.
The world building is amazing, with detailed descriptions of places and buildings, the family houses, the colours, the abilities, the histories... I could picture everything right in front of me while I was reading it. The characters are so intriguing combined with their unique abilities. Even the Reds are awesome! You could totally connect with them and their cause. The atmosphere is electric. The feels... oh, the feels you get from this book are all over the place... You're up and down and you just don't know what to think and who to side with till the very end. The pacing was great, not a dull moment and even though I was re-reading the book, I was still on the edge of my seat throughout reading it! There's so many twists and turns that you just can't put it down.

'Anyone can betray anyone.'

I was team Cal from the beginning but I have to admit I changed my mind multiple times throughout this book. I did not see that ending coming! OMG that was amazing and intense and way out there awesome!

I'm so glad I have book #2 in my hands right now so that I can literally jump in! ;)

Favourite quote:

'In the stories, the old fairy tales, a hero comes. But all my heroes are gone or dead. No one is coming for me.'

Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Publication: February 10, 2015

Suspended by Sarah Noffke

"There's still Magic in the World"

If you've been following me on Goodreads for a while, you should know by now that I have a soft spot for all books written by Sarah Noffke! I've read all of them (apart from one... Ren I promise you 2016 is your year ;) ). All her books are based on the very unique and fascinating concept of Dream Travelers, people with the power to travel while they're sleeping. I loved The Lucidites and The Reverians Series and of course I got all excited for the new Vagabond Circus Series too!

I absolutely loved it!

The circus world was mesmerising. I wish there was a circus like that in real life! It was unique and entertaining. The characters were so good, and different and perplexing and I enjoyed reading about each one of them. It was so interesting learning about their characters and their unique powers.

I liked Dave from the beginning. He was the best ringmaster and I enjoyed reading about his character. He is the soul of the circus.

The chemistry between Finley and Zuma was out of this world! I seriously couldn't get enough of it. And Finley, oh Finley! He was so mysterious, and interesting and drop dead gorgeous! Dare I say it that he was almost as good as Aiden???? (shocking I know!!!!) It goes without saying that I didn't like Jack much, for obvious reasons!

The suspense was killing me all through the book and the revelations of what was actually going on were so intriguing.

Can't wait to see what happens next. ;)

Favourite quote:

'She somehow always knew if one thing prevented her from doing something it was because something better was in store for her. She trusted life.'

Suspended (The Vagabond Circus #1)

by Sarah Noffke 

Publication: January 15, 2016.

*Free copy from author in exchange for an honest review*

Horde by Ann Aguirre

Excellent!

One of the most satisfying endings to an amazing trilogy.

I admire Deuce for her bravery and her courage and I loved everything about her! Her and Fade are ment to be together and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their relationship and how it evolved. The plot thickens with strategies, army building and a war that they so desperately need to win.

It kept me glued to each page and it's easily one of my favourite trilogies!

Favourite Quote:

'It was frightening how happy he made me with a mere handful of words, but my heart, stupid bird that it was, sang on.'

Horde 
by Ann Aguiree
Published: October 29, 2013

Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Simply amazing!

I loved the second book even more than the first. There was not a dull moment. It was full of action, the building of stong relationships and desperate measures for survival. Deuce is definitely one of my best female characters ever and I love Fade so much!!!!

Can't wait to jump in book #3!

Favourite Quotes:

'People took reputations seriously, and mine was already bruised, due to my insistence on being myself.'

'If there had been another female for him since we arrived in Salvation, I needed to cut off all her hair and beat her half to death.'

Outpost
by Ann Aguirre
Published: September 4, 2012

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

This was a combination of Walking Dead and Mad Max and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

I didn't know how to feel about it in the beginning and i couldn't connect with the characters or the story, but from the moment things started happening that changed completely! I loved the story and the characters. It was fascinating to read about different types of people and how they adapted under those 'end of the world' circumstances. I think the author did an amazing job with all the descriptions of that world. I also loved all the relationships between all the characters and how the dynamics changed during time.

Can't wait to see what happens in book #2!

Favourite Quote:

'I never belonged anywhere until I met you.'

Enclave
by Ann Aguirre
Published, August 7, 2012

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman

That was such a lovely story that just captivated me and I couldn't put this book down! 

'I could slap him. God, I could kiss him.'

I loved Tarver and his sense of humour. The interrogation part before each chapter was really good. I admit that at one point I actually gasped and I was so, so sad. It was an interesting story and I liked that you didn't know where it will take you.

'And there it is, against all hope, like the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. The smallest hing of a smile.'

It was a nice change from all the fantasy books I've been reading lately. :)

Favourite Quote:

'For a moment the image before us is frozen: our world, our lives, reduced to a handful of broken stars half lost in uncharted space.'

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman
Published: December 10, 2013

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

'And I love you. In any world, any universe.'

Another breathtaking cover!!!

I just can't get enough of this series! I love the way the author explains the travelling through dimensions without time traveling. I loved every single world and the way places and people are different and the same at the same time! And I also love the protagonist. The only thing that I didn't quite like was the way she had to go through her feelings for Paul and Theo all the time.

'I would love you in any shape, in any world, with any past.'

But apart from that this book was excellent with an amazing ending with a twist and I can't wait to see what's going to happen in book no.3!!! :)

Favourite Quotes:

'Ten thousand skies, and a million worlds, and it still wouldn't be enough for me to share with you. Nothing less than forever will do.'

'You realise as never before that your life is the only thing that is absolutely, truly yours.'

'When the highlight of your day is someone giving you a fresh bathroom bucket - it's not a good sign.'

Ten Thousand Skies Above You
by Claudia Gray
Published: November 3, 2015

Warriors by Sarah Noffke

*Many thanks to Sarah Noffke for giving me an eCopy of her amazing book!*

This is the third book in the trilogy and thank God it came out soon after I finished book number 2, because that ending had left me in a state of shock to say the least!

“I only ever save you because I can’t live without you. My reasons are purely selfish.”

I think it's fair to say that for almost the first half of the book I was so frustrated with Em and Zack, that I wanted, if possible, to jump in the pages and start yelling at them! Well, now that I'm thinking about it, I did that out loud while I was reading the book and I have to say that my husband was giving me some strange looks ( well more than usual if you know what I mean! )

This book was a real page turner as everyone is getting ready for this war. More revelations take place and Sarah Noffke had a play again with my emotions! I was upset and frustrated in the beginning and then sad and anxious of what's going to happen and in between all that I laughed as well! It was a real roller coaster!

“I don’t want to know the answer, but I can’t live without the truth.”

I can't go into details because of spoilers, but I can honestly say that that was one of the best endings in a trilogy! I loved it! Plus Zack plays a big part in this book which was a bonus for me!!! *wink*

Favourite Quote:

“People fight wars for power. But those who win are motivated by love. Never lose sight of that.”

Warriors
by Sarah Noffke
Published: October 15, 2015

Rebels by Sarah Noffke

*Many thanks to Sarah Noffke for giving me an eCopy of her amazing book!*

Sarah Noffke has done it again!!! That was amazing!!! What a page turner! It had me sitting at the edge of my seat. Every single page is full of action, the plot thickens as more disturbing facts about Viber and his plans come to light and that ending..... oh that ending.... I have no words!!!

“Fate has a way of finding us even when we hide.” 

Loved being reunited with all the characters once again, and for a very peculiar reason I really REALLY liked Zack more than Rogue in this one! *shocking I know!!!*

“Rarely does the truth set us free. Usually it chains us to the earth like a ghost.” 

I need the 3rd book in my life right now!!! October just seems too far away.... ;)

Favourite Quote:

“The beautiful thing about best friends is we can part and when we’re reunited no time will have passed between our hearts.”

Rebels
by Sarah Noffke
Published: September 15, 2015

Gambit by C. L. Denault

*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

What an amazing book!!! I loved every single word of it and all the characters!!!

"We're just getting started."

The story was amazing and kept me glued on the pages! I just could not put it down! The world was so well described and I really liked the Core city. I also enjoyed all the different extraordinary skills that different characters had. It made it very unique.

I loved Willow... She is an excellent main female character with all her skills and flaws. The only problem I had was the way she was described: being 16 very short and very skinny... I expected her to be completely different (especially next to Reece!) so I preferred to picture her in my head the way I wanted! ;)

Lastly, I think it's the only book (apart from the Shatter Me Trilogy), where I dislike so much a character in the beginning of the book and then I am totally in love with him in the end of it!!!!
Reece oh Reece!!! I'm head over heels for him and now I have to wait for the next book!!!

Can't wait!!!

Gambit
by C. L. Denault
Published: March 31, 2015