Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts

Release Date: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Pages: 384
Series: Dark Inside #2
Review Source: ARC from S&S Canada

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In this apocalyptic sequel to Dark Inside’s “well-balanced, realistic suspense” (Kirkus Reviews), four teens continue the struggle for survival as they face a world gone mad. Aries, Clementine, Michael, and Mason have survived the first wave of the apocalypse that wiped out most of the world’s population and turned many of the rest into murderous Baggers. Now they’re hiding out in an abandoned house in Vancouver with a ragtag group of fellow teen survivors, trying to figure out their next move.

Aries is trying to lead, but it’s hard to be a leader when there are no easy answers and every move feels wrong. Clementine is desperate to find her brother Heath, but it’s impossible to know where he’d be, assuming he’s alive. Michael is haunted by the memories of his actions during his harrowing struggle to survive. And Mason is struggling with something far worse: the fear that he may be a danger to his friends.

As the Baggers begin to create a new world order, these four teens will have to trust and rely on each other in order to survive.

My Thoughts:
Even though I enjoyed 'Rage Within' from the start I do wish I had time to re-read ‘Dark Inside’ before starting this second book. Jeyn Roberts does a fabulous job with her four main narrators, but I found it difficult to keep track of the large cast of characters at first. Once my memory was jogged I found myself enjoying the book even more, especially because all of our main characters are together in one location now.

This book deals with the takeover of the Baggers, and, as you’d expect, it has a creepy and suspenseful vibe to it. You see the characters trying to survive under the radar, and there’s danger at every turn. The narrator ‘Nothing’ also continues on from the book before, and even when you have guesses as to who this is you can never be completely sure who to trust and who not to trust.

I loved the overall themes and subplots of ‘Rage Within’. You have the growing relationships between certain characters, with each person trying to fit into a role. Along with this you have questions about what makes a good leader, and who should really be in charge of the group. There’s definitely a lot of loss and hardship in the book, leading into questions about humanity and what potential for darkness might be within all of us.

If you enjoyed ‘Dark Inside’ you’ll definitely want to pick up ‘Rage Within’. It’s a fabulous second book that looks deeper into what caused the Bagger attacks to begin with. I loved how there was a parallel between this fictional world and our own, leading readers to think about how we treat the earth and its resources. If you like apocalyptic books with a deliciously creepy vibe to them then look no further than 'Rage Within'.

The Cover:
It's SO CREEPY and sinister, which basically makes it perfect for this book. ;)

Rating:
[Strong 4/5]

Find Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Interview with Heather Beck + Giveaway

I'm happy to be hosting fellow Canadian, Heather Beck, on Book Labyrinth today. Heather's newest book, Whispers in the Shadows, was released in January, and it features volumes 5-9 of her Legends Unleashed series.

Heather was lovely enough to answer some questions of mine, as well as offer up some eBooks to give away.

Fall in love, if you dare…

Inside these pages are jilted ghosts who seek revenge, a sexy tour guide with deadly secrets, cunning mermen who emerge from the ocean, a magical forest where love truly can last for eternity, and a new breed of men who are too good to be true.

Filled with chills, twists and boundless passion, Whispers In The Shadows explores the beauty of love along with its darker side.

Interview

Besides writing novels, you are also a screenwriter. Do you prefer one over the other, and what are their similarities and differences?

I love writing novels and screenplays equally. Both writing mediums must have a solid story, well-developed characters and great dialogue, but that’s where the similarities end. With novels, a writer can be much more descriptive and delve deep into character’s thoughts. However, with screenwriting, you must “show, not tell” so a writer has many more limitations. Also, formatting is very different; scripts definitely have a stricter format to follow.

What is your favourite genre to write?

That’s a tough question because I write many genres for several age groups. I’m probably best known for writing scary stories for kids such as The Horror Diaries series. I’ve been writing these creepy, imaginative and suspenseful stories for ten years now and am flabbergasted by the positive response from readers and television producers (it’s in development for a TV series). I also write a lot of contemporary coming-of-age stories for young adults. Lately, I’ve been making my young adult books more literary in an attempt to push the boundaries of genre expectation. This is best exemplified by my work in the Syren Signature Series. Additionally, I write paranormal romances for adults. These stories, found in the Legends Unleashed series, are concerned with emotional and physical emancipation – essentially transcending the ordinary to find a beautiful life. The protagonist is always a strong woman who finds romance with an extraordinary man. Legends Unleashed is definitely an escapist series inspired by imagination and boundless possibilities. So, to finally answer your question, I can’t choose just one favourite genre!

Do you have a favourite character that you've written?

My favourite characters I’ve created are Forrester and Ariel from my TV series, Harbor Boys. Forrester is undoubtedly flawed but strives very hard to overcome the less than stellar circumstances he was born into. He is strong, both physically and mentally, ruggedly handsome and possesses a rational foresight that aids him when he’s inevitably put into difficult situations. I admire these traits and find Forrester to be an extremely multifaceted and interesting character to develop and write. Since he’s an avid outdoorsman, his hobbies include hiking and fishing – he’s definitely a manly man! As for Ariel, she’s a very strong character who knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything else. This attitude extends to everything in her life, so she’s an extremely passionate person. Additionally, I liken Ariel to a siren because she is a natural beauty who has a seductive essence. Forrester and Ariel are lovers whose relationship is constantly being tested by external forces such as other people and difficult situations. As I continue to develop Ariel throughout the series, I want to show a side of her which isn’t so pretty. Then I want to uncover the truth of how that came to be. Also, I want Forrester to become less shielded with his feelings.

What has self-publishing been like? Do you have any tips or advice for writers looking to self-publish?

I’ve actually found publishing my books under my businesses, Treasure Cove Books, Syren Books and Diamond Dust Books to be very fulfilling and successful. It’s great to have complete creative control over every aspect of your book, but it requires a lot of effort and hard work. Besides producing an industry-standard book in various formats, self-publishers have to know about distribution, marketing and a multitude of legal requirements such as obtaining an ISBN, CIP or ASIN and filing taxes as a business entity (if publishing under an imprint). To be honest, my first eight books were published by small but traditional presses, and if it wasn’t for my experiences working with them as well as a few other publishers, I doubt my business ventures would have been this successful. I get a lot of e-mails from aspiring authors who want advice on self-publishing and my answer is always the same – thoroughly research the publishing industry and then send query letters for your polished manuscript to legit agents and publishers.

What are 3 random facts about you that you’d like to share?

- I have an affinity with animals. I’ve even trained some chipmunks at my cottage to do cute tricks!
- One of my goals is to swim with dolphins in the wild.
- I’m seriously addicted to the outdoors. I love the woods and beaches.

What are some of your favourite recent YA novels?

I have a ton of projects, both books and screenplays, in various stages of development so, unfortunately, I don’t have the time for recreational reading at the moment. However, as a huge fan of paranormal romances, there are many books being published right now that I’d love to read, especially anything involving mermaids. Also, I love Pretty Little Liars. All the characters are so well-developed and the plot seems intriguingly endless. I admit I’ve only seen the TV series, but it’s very addictive!

GIVEAWAY

1 winner will win PDF copies of each of the following books (please note that these are some of Heather's paranormal romance titles, and are not YA):

- Sir Tristan's Estate

- Blue Water

- Where Feelings Go To Die

- Hot Egyptian Nights

I'm keeping things simple for this one: please fill out this form to enter the giveaway.

- Open internationally
- Giveaway runs until September 5 at midnight
- Winner will be chosen using random.org & their email address will be given to Heather who will provide the eBooks

Thanks so much for stopping by, Heather! It's awesome how many genres you've written in, and I love how in depth your answers were. =)

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Release Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Pages: 368
Series: Burn for Burn (trilogy title??) #1
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

My Thoughts:
I love Jenny Han’s books and I love Siobhan Vivian’s books, so as soon as I heard these BFFs were writing a book together I was, to put it mildly, So. Freaking. Excited.! Well thankfully my excitement wasn’t for nought, because this book was pretty darn excellent.

First off, the setting (a Martha’s Vineyard-esque island) captured my attention. Something about island settings make a book all the more intriguing for me. Second, there’s such a guilty pleasure in revenge stories. I don’t even technically believe in taking revenge, but reading/watching about it? It’s kind of therapeutic to experience other people exacting their own form of justice. Revenge is also a tricky, layered topic because there’s always the question of how much is too much, and whether the people taking revenge might regret it. Third of all, this is a story about friendship. There are definitely some boys and feelings brewing in certain areas, but this is first and foremost about friendship: how complicated friendships can be, how you feel when your friendship is betrayed, and how to possibly repair a friendship. All those elements?: Incredibly awesome, especially since they're done so well here.

I loved getting to know Mary, Lillia, and Kat in this first installment and I can’t wait to see where their story goes. 'Burn for Burn' felt like a sneak peek into the girls' lives, especially when the chapters had mini-flashbacks. It will be interesting to read book two -- 'Fire with Fire' -- and see the ramifications of their actions (because of course taking revenge has consequences!). This was a very strong first book of a trilogy, and I especially appreciated how seamless the writing was. I was also intrigued by the teeniest bit of the paranormal that was incorporated into the story and am curious how that element might grow as the series progresses.

The Cover:
Gorgeous! Love the huge, yet subtle, title placement, and I ADORE how the models accurately represent the characters.

Rating:
[Strong 4/5]

Find Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper Teen)
Pages: 416
Series: Defiance #1
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

My Thoughts:
I think I expected a lot from ‘Defiance’. Almost every review I’d read had been 5 stars, and there was so much excitement for it. And then I picked it up, and I was.... a bit disappointed. Conflicted, perhaps, is a better word. I had a really hard time getting into the story. I was bored at first even though I was intrigued by the concept/plot itself (contradictory, I know). Toward the middle I was really into the characters and was excited by everything going on, and then the ending fell a bit flat.

‘Defiance’ was really a rollercoaster for me, but I can still acknowledge that there are a lot of awesome parts to this book. I think most people will really love Rachel and Logan, and even the whole society that C.J. Redwine has created. This is just one of those books that on paper I should adore, that I even look back and think “why didn’t I love it??”, but that just didn’t do it for me. The uneven pacing of the book didn’t help, and while a lot of the plot and the characters were interesting, they never felt at all unique to me.

Some great parts (especially the action scenes with the Cursed One), but overall just not for me.

The Cover:
I like it, it's pretty fierce.

Rating:
[3/5]

Find Defiance by C.J. Redwine on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

2 Years of Book Labyrinth

I can't believe it!! It's been two years since I first posted here on Book Labyrinth (which also means it's been 2 years since Mockingjay was released!).

In some ways it feels like I've been blogging for forever, and in other ways the time has definitely flown by. I followed some book blogs for a few years before I actually started my own, but it was only once I started Book Labyrinth that I actually became immersed in the whole blogging community.

I'm so glad that I took that leap, because I can't imagine my life without my blogging friends. To everyone who faithfully visits and comments on my reviews and other posts: thank you! I love reading, I love reviewing, and I love visiting other blogs, but I wouldn't still be blogging if it weren't for you. This whole blogging thing is amazing, but it can also be stressful, so without you guys to remind me of all the fun, I definitely would have packed it in long ago.

So this post is nothing fancy... no massive event or even a giveaway (I'd love to, but my bank account doesn't agree with that idea) -- just a simple thanks to everyone for sticking with me. It's been a blast, and I look forward to seeing what another year will bring.

Moonlight Mayhem Quiz & Giveaway #MMBlogTour

“Which Spellbound Character Would YOU Most Likely Be?”

This giveaway is open internationally! So let’s tell the blogging world!

Hi everyone, I’m Sherry Soule—waving from Castro Valley, California, where it gets foggy even during the summer months. But even with the fog burning off by afternoon, I’m relaxing on the sofa and blabbering on Twitter about my life-long obsession with books.

It’s a real honor to be a guest today as part of my epic tour this summer and meet all these awesome booklovers.

To celebrate the release of author, Sherry Soule’s newest paranormal novel, MOONLIGHT MAYHEM, the second book in the epic Spellbound Series, take this super fun quiz to see which character in the Spellbound universe you’d mostly be similar to, and score a Kindle or Nook version of the first book in this unforgettable YA series, Beautifully Broken!

Take this quiz and be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.

1. What’s your favorite season?
a) Winter - Cloudy, Chilly, Rainy, Stormy
b) Fall - Windy, Misty, Foggy, Mild
c) Summer - Hot, Dry, No Wind, Sunny
d) Spring – Warm, Breezy, Greenery, Brisk

2. I detest using labels, but what would others call you at school?
a) Normal or Jock/ Cheerleader
b) Preppy/ Student Counsel
c) Amateur Fashionista
d) Girlish tomboy

3. Which of the following best describes your personality?
a) Stuck-up, Eccentric, Perky
b) Haughty, Moody, Smart
c) Tough, Snarky, Weird
d) Playful, Vivacious, Straightforward

4. Which genre do you read most often?
a) Urban Fantasy
b) Horror / Dark YA
c) Paranormal Romance
d) Young Adult

5. You are at school and witness a student bullying someone. What do you do?
a) Run in the opposite direction before they pick on you
b) Laugh and join in on the fun
c) Stop and tell the bully to knock it off or else!
d) Go tell a teacher what’s going on

6. What’s your hairstyle?
a) Short and sassy
b) Long and straight
c) Medium with highlights
d) Curly or wavy

7. What’s your typical breakfast?
a) Eggs and bacon
b) Oatmeal and orange juice
c) Coffee and a Pop tart
d) Heaping bowl of my fav cereal

8. What type of pet would you like to have or do you own?
a) Hamster
b) Small Dog
c) Shade
d) Cat

9. How often do you shop or hit the mall?
a) Only on sale days
b) Once or twice a month
c) Every week—duh
d) Hardly ever

If you answered...

Mostly a's: You and Kayla are a lot alike! You both love a good sale, and you’re energetic and sassy.
Mostly b's: Ashley and you could be sisters. You each enjoy autumn days, hanging at the mall, abut you can be a tad moody.
Mostly c's: Shiloh and you could be besties! You both love to shop for the newest trends, enjoy reading paranormal romance novels, and you even have a snarky-side.
Mostly d's: Sounds like you and Ariana have a lot in common. You each love to read YA books, adore cats, and can often be straightforward, but super fun.

MOONLIGHT MAYHEM Synopsis:

Otherworldly Creatures. Dazzling Magic. Fiery Romance.

Shiloh Ravenwolf thought she was getting used to the strange events in Whispering Pines, until the full moon brings another surge of supernatural threats to her coastal town. Ferocious wolves, deadly necromancers, and shambling zombies have descended upon the neighborhood, so Shiloh needs to gain control of her magical abilities—fast!

It sucks that she has a crippling fear of the dark, which for a demon hunter can be an epic problem.

When her classmates are attacked by a mysterious creature and her father is murdered, Shiloh vows vengeance. Forcing her phobias aside, she forms an unlikely coven of supernaturally gifted teens to help her eradicate this menace. Except that's not all Shiloh has to worry about. She’s battling a different monster within herself and struggling not to become the very thing she fights: evil.

But with demon blood inside her—anything can happen…

Moonlight Mayhem is the second novel in the unforgettably epic Spellbound series

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com

Official Spellbound Series Universe: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.com

Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry

Awesome Book Trailers/YouTube: http://youtu.be/5uqVXKygvUs

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o44sW-gFtvA

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4925996.Sherry_Soule

Giveaway details for a Kindle or Nook copy of
BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN:

1.) You must comment with your quiz results
2.) You must fill out this form.
3.) Giveaway ends August 31 at midnight EST. Winner will be chosen the next day using random.org; I will forward the winner's email address on to Sherry and she will send you your copy of the book.

Again, you must comment, but to officially enter the giveaway PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.

I'm looking forward to seeing your quiz results! I got Ariana, but I was almost evenly split between her and (interestingly enough) Ashley.

The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

Release Date: August 14, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Pages: 320
Series: The Unnaturalists #1
Review Source: ARC from S&S Canada

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.

Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.

As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.

My Thoughts:
Liked:
- I loved the idea of the museum of Unnaturals (mythical creatures), and I actually wish more time had been spent in that location
- There’s something very imaginative about the whole concept, with all of “Old” London having been sucked into this parallel faery world
- The differences between our history and the world of the book really interested me; I loved how the religious zeal of the past was reformed into this scientific fervour where everything was based on science and logic
- The style of narrative interested me: it was a dual narrative with first person, present tense from Vespa and third person, past tense from Syrus; it actually worked quite well in keeping the voices separate, and yet they complimented each other as well: it wasn’t jarring to go between chapters

Not so much:
- I would have liked to have known Vespa better as a character; we get her inner thoughts, and yet I don’t feel like her showed herself that much; I would have expected more emotional reactions in certain situations (e.g. more of a struggle in her as she discovers things about magic, considering she was supposed to be very scientific and entrenched in that world)
- The bit of romance was pretty stale; I like the idea of those characters together, but the depth of Vespa’s feelings came about rather suddenly, and it almost wasn’t necessary for the book
- While I was intrigued by the world building, it almost felt too busy; there was information overload at times, and yet also a lot of potential for ideas and plots that didn’t get fleshed out

Conclusion:
I definitely recommend that you check this one out for yourself because I liked it, I just found it a bit slow and hard to get into in certain places.

The Cover:
Super pretty! Love the lettering and the whole feel of the cover.

Rating:
[3/5]

Find The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Excerpt & Giveaway - Emily For Real by Sylvia Gunnery

'Emily For Real' by Sylvia Gunnery was released by Pajama Press back in April here in Canada. Now as of August 1 the book has also been published in the United States.

To celebrate that fact I've got an excerpt of the novel here for you today, AND a chance to win a copy of the book.

Seventeen-year-old Emily’s world crumbles when her boy friend dumps her, and when she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse, a series of secrets are revealed that threaten to tear her beloved family apart. Emily’s heart has been broken into a hundred pieces and she feels like there is no one to turn to, until an unexpected friendship blossoms with a troubled classmate named Leo. Sometimes moody but always supportive, Leo is Emily’s rock in an ocean of confusion and disbelief.

But Leo doesn’t have an easy life either. He struggles to be both mother and father to his little sister while his mom battles her alcohol addiction. His deadbeat dad darts in and out of the picture, and Leo would rather he stay away, permanently. The two friends lean on each other, and in the end discover the inner strength to face whatever life throws at them.

With incredible insight into the teenage psyche and speckled with pitch-perfect humor, author Sylvia Gunnery has created a heart-warming coming-of-age story that explores the intricacies of family and friendship.

An excerpt from 'Emily For Real':

In the dream, I’m sound asleep here in bed. But I can still see because I’m watching Brian walking in through my bedroom door. He just comes and stands beside my bed. He’s wearing his blue jacket and it’s zipped up like it was cold when he was outside. I want to wake up and tell him how happy I am that he’s back, how much I missed him. I want to hold him and feel him holding me. Only I can’t move and I can’t talk. It’s like I’m trapped inside myself.

Even though I’m asleep, I realize that this is only a dream and that Brian isn’t actually standing beside my bed. So I try to wake myself up. With all my might I try to shake my head, but it won’t move. I keep trying and trying. It makes me panic. I shake my head and shake my head until suddenly I’m out of the dream. I’m here in my bed and of course Brian isn’t here with me. He won’t ever be with me. I can’t stand it.

Then all of a sudden I feel like I have to get out of here. I haul on my clothes and quietly go downstairs. On purpose I don’t have my cell with me. I put on my jacket and scarf and I go out. Sneak out.

Our neighborhood looks deserted. I don’t see one single other person, which I figure is a good thing considering it’s the middle of the night. The sound of my footsteps seems like it’s coming from somewhere else. Disconnected. All along this part of the street is a tall, thick hedge, and the streetlight is making my shadow fall on it. It’s like there’s a person I don’t know walking right beside me.

I remember when I was four or maybe five. Mom bought me new red rubber boots and a bright blue raincoat with a hat to match. I insisted on putting everything on that very afternoon and going out, even though it wasn’t raining. I went down our front walk and turned and waved at Mom who was waving at me. She let me go the whole way around our block all alone. I wasn’t afraid because I knew Mom was standing in our doorway, waiting for me to finally make it all the way back home.

I shiver because it’s cold and because I’m afraid.

I’m not sure if this was such a good idea. I picture people in these houses waking up and peering out their windows and saying, My goodness! That’s Emily Sinclair out there, walking in the middle of the night all by herself. Where is she going? Whatever is she thinking? Do her parents know where she is?

This is possibly the weirdest thing I’ve ever done.

I start walking faster and faster until I’ve gone all the way around the block and I can see our house again.

When I get home, I very quietly go in and take off my jacket and scarf. Then I tiptoe upstairs and get back
in bed.

I don’t want to close my eyes. In case I dream about Brian again.

I'm intrigued! If you are as well, be sure to enter for a paperback of 'Emily For Real' and a message from Sylvia.

US & Canada only. Winners selected randomly using Rafflecopter. I will contact you by email and you will have 72 hours to respond with your mailing address. This will be forwarded on to the publisher and to Sylvia.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

False Covenant by Ari Marmell

Release Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Pyr
Pages: 281
Series: Widdershins Adventures #2
Review Source: For review from publisher

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
A creature of the other world, an unnatural entity bent on chaos and carnage, has come to stalk the nighttime streets of the Galicien city of Davillon. There’s never a good time for murder and panic, but for a community already in the midst of its own inner turmoil, this couldn’t possibly have come at a worse one.

Not for Davillon, and not for a young thief who calls herself Widdershins.

It’s been over half a year since the brutal murder of Archbishop Wil­liam de Laurent during his pilgrimage to Davillon. And in all that time, Widdershins has truly tried her best. She has tried to take care of Genevieve’s tavern and tried to make a semihonest living in a city slowly stagnating under the weight of an angry and disapproving Church. She has tried to keep out of trouble, away from the attentions of the Davillon Guard and above the secrets and schemes of the city’s new bishop.

But she’s in way over her head, with no idea which way to turn. The Guard doesn’t trust her. The Church doesn’t trust her. Her own Thieves’ Guild doesn’t trust her.

Too bad for everyone, then, that she and her personal god, Olgun, may be their only real weapon against a new evil like nothing the city has ever seen.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this sequel to ‘Thief’s Covenant’. The book starts with Widdershins dealing with the aftermath of a loss from Book 1. She’s also trying to stay legit as she has a new business venture, as well as a new and growing friendship with a certain member of the guard. But of course she’s Widdershins, so trouble finds her and she gets wrapped up in another supernatural mystery.

Shins is such a great character; she’s tough and yet almost impish. I enjoyed her a lot as the main character, as well as seeing how other people related to her. This book also features a truly creepy bad guy. He’s truly cruel as well, and is childishly gleeful about it. Ari Marmell did a fabulous job with this character, because I was literally shivering at times in disgust/repulsion when the villain appeared on the page.

What I liked a lot about ‘False Covenant’ is that the progression of the narrative was linear and much easier to follow, both plot and character wise, than the first book. I also liked how there was a teensy bit of romance brewing: I loved the scenes between Shins and that particular character.

‘False Covenant’ has an interesting plot with a mystery involving the church and the supernatural, and tons of really interesting characters. The one thing I was disappointed with was the ending. It should have felt like an emotional punch to the gut, but instead it left me a bit empty and angry. It just didn’t feel necessary: instead it felt almost cheap, and like a senseless repeat of the first book’s ending. Nevertheless there is a certain magic to Ari Marmell’s writing, and it kept me hooked throughout this novel.

The Cover:
I like it, though not quite as much as the first book's cover.

Rating:
[4/5]

Find False Covenant by Ari Marmell on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.