The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons (Tour Review + Giveaway)

The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons
Release Date: October 23, 2014
Publisher: Cerulean Books/Self-Published
Pages: 355
Series: The Collectors' Society #1
Review Source: eARC for review through InkSlinger PR

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet.

After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth.

It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?

My Thoughts:
I have to admit that I had a hard time with the first 20% or so of this book. It has a bit of a slow start and then it becomes very info dumpy. The thing is, it’s an info dump for Alice -- she comes into the Society with no knowledge of it and she wants to be informed. In that way, I can understand why the author wrote it that way, but it still isn’t my favourite way to be introduced to a new world. I also thought Alice was quite accepting of the Society in a little too short a time period, but I can also understand that once you've been in Wonderland perhaps anything that seems impossible is easy to accept.

After the first quarter or so of the book I found myself much more engaged in the story and in the characters. I felt like I had a stake in the story once I met the members of the Collectors' Society, getting to know them and connecting them with their stories in classic literature. There are a lot of fun references, but I think even if you don’t know the original stories the characters come from you’ll enjoy the book, because the author has made the characters her own.

I liked this completely kick butt version of Alice. She was similar to the Alice from the short-lived TV series Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. I loved how Heather presented the Alice and the Wonderland we’d expect, but that she also put a very different spin on things. I found the different aspects to be very fun and imaginative.

On the romance end of things (because yes, there’s definitely a romance), I really liked Finn and I really liked Finn/Alice. I don’t think it’s too spoilery to name them as a couple, because there’s a definite chemistry there from the beginning. What happened between Finn and Alice happened quickly, but it felt right at the same time, so I wasn't too bothered by the fast pace.

The Collectors’ Society is a great book because it offers an awesome start to a new series, but it also works well as a standalone. It fulfills some aspects of the plot, giving you resolution, while still leaving some larger things open ended. I enjoyed this book and I definitely can’t wait to read about more of Alice’s adventures.

The Cover:
Like!!

Rating:
[3.5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

About Heather:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—she’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Where to find Heather:
Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow along with the rest of the tour HERE.

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress by Marissa Meyer
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 560
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3
Review Source: eARC through Raincoast Books

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

My Thoughts:
Basically? This book is incredibly epic! If you haven’t read this series before now, I highly recommend you drop everything and pick up Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress right away.

The main plot of Cress centres around stopping a certain wedding, but, of course, there are many snags along the way. I’m honestly not sure how Marissa Meyer packs so much action into her books without having them feel rushed or busy. I was only a quarter of the way through the book when already so much had happened. Cress is the type of book that you want to keep reading and reading to see what will happen next, but you also want to savour it and not get any closer to the end, because it’s just so good, and getting to the end will mean an even longer wait until Book 4.

Marissa has managed, so far, to be three for three in creating incredible leading ladies, who are equally endearing, but so different from one another, too. Cress is such a lovely character. She's absolutely brilliant, but she's also a bit wide eyed and unsure around people, having been kept in a satellite all alone for years. Cress also has a massive crush on Captain Thorne, which makes their interactions super adorable.

I’m honestly not sure how to describe how much I love these books. They feature crazy action as well as romance and heartbreak (my heart was ACHING for one character while I worried about another). Cress, like Cinder and Scarlet, is intricately plotted, presenting multiple POVs effortlessly. I care about all of the characters so much, and reading these books is like journeying with a group of friends. I can’t recommend The Lunar Chronicles enough, and I'm incredibly eager for Winter, the conclusion to the series.

The Cover:
Like.

Rating:
[5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 433
Series: Fire & Thorns #3
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
The epic and deeply satisfying conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.

"Carson joins the ranks of writers like Kristin Cashore, Megan Whalen Turner, and Tamora Pierce as one of YA's best writers of high fantasy."-Locus magazine

Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy.

My Thoughts:
I’m going to try and review this one with minimal spoilers, though some aspects can’t be avoided since this is the third and final book in the Fire & Thorns trilogy. If you’ve read the past two books you’re probably already dying to read this one. If you haven’t read this series I’m going to try and convince you! This has become of my favourite fantasy series, and I really think all fans of YA should read it.

Elisa is such a kick butt character -- she is so strong. She’s not a fabulous fighter, though she can definitely hold her own. I like that she has weaknesses that are shown to us, because it makes her seem more real. Elisa has definitely grown into her own throughout the series and has become a woman of strength, determination, and character. She’s a fair ruler who sometimes has to make tough decisions, but who always wants the best for her kingdom.

There's really not enough good stuff to say about Hector. He's strong, loyal, and loving. He's strong enough to be loved by someone of a higher standing, which might bother a man who is less secure. Without getting too specific, the romantic relationship here is so loving, honest, and full of respect and friendship. These are two people who care for each other tremendously, but who also have other duties and concerns.

What is so great about this book (and, indeed, each book of the series) is that there are so many different plots and journeys in it. I could see other authors taking the first quarter of this book and stretching it into a full length novel, but Rae never drags things out. There’s a nicely detailed plot with twists and turns, and it’s incredibly action packed. Rae Carson provided exactly what I wanted for this book, and also gave me things I didn't even know I wanted. Problems were solved, and there was examination of the prophecy and scriptures that were discussed throughout. There’s a fabulous romantic conclusion, political decisions are made, and we get to learn about Elisa's service.

What really brings this book, and the series, to life are a great cast of characters. I love how the secondary characters are so vivid that you could easily see them starring in their own books. I love the relationships they have with each other, and especially how they all relate to, and interact with, Elisa. Storm and Elisa in particular have a special bond. I loved reading about the type of connection and understanding that they have.

This was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I had seriously high expectations for ‘The Bitter Kingdom’ and it lived up to each one. Writing this review has me so excited to re-read this whole trilogy from start to finish. I’m jealous of those of you who have yet to read these books, because you have a fabulous treat in store for you. I really can’t praise this trilogy enough!

The Cover:
They're honestly not my favourite covers, but I don't dislike them either.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 384
Series: The Steampunk Chronicles #3
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken...

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

My Thoughts:
If I’m being totally honest, books with romance are my favourite type. But steampunk adventures? Also pretty awesome. So what I love about these books is that they are adventurous and full of action, but they’re such kissing books as well. Finley and Griffin are definitely my favourites. They’re so swoony, even though their relationship is complicated. I loved seeing them admit their feelings for one another and having their relationship progress in different ways.

Finley is my favourite character, so I liked her perspective the most, but especially as the book went on I was intrigued by every viewpoint and the story as a whole. Emily is such a kickass character, and I loved seeing both her tough side and her relationship with Sam. Those two have such friendship and respect, so seeing how they wanted to save one another was a great part of this book.

This volume features the continued traps of the evil Garibaldi, who returns in a crazy and unexpected way. What’s interesting in this volume, like in the past, is how the author delves into issues of humanity when referencing automatons and the placing of mechanical parts into humans. Really, with all these things how could you go wrong with this series? When you can include both ethical issues and swoons in your steampunk romp, you’ve got a winner in my book. The Steampunk Chronicles is a series filled with characters who I enjoy reading about tremendously, and I can’t wait for the fourth book to be announced officially.

The Cover:
The girl looks a bit old, but besides that it's gorgeous!

Rating:
[4/5]

Find The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Pages: 336
Series: The Assassin's Curse #2
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.

My Thoughts:
I highly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Assassin’s Curse, and this second (and final!) installment didn’t disappoint at all. Ananna is an incredibly funny narrator; she’s a character you can actually imagine growing up around pirates and having a bit of a tough upbringing. You can’t pull anything on her, and she’s so contrary and yet sweet underneath. Basically I find her totally adorable, but I would never say that to her face.

As I mentioned, this is the second and final book of the series. I didn’t know that it was a duology rather than a trilogy or series, so that would have been nice to know upfront. While reading the book I was pleasantly surprised by how much action there was, and how much happened to wrap up the overarching plot. There is definitely closure in this volume regarding the three impossible tasks and the relationship between Ananna and Naji. I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you’ve been shipping those two like I have, you won’t be disappointed. However, the romance aspect is the one part I would have liked more clarification on from one side of the party. What happened seemed real and yet way too sudden at the same time. All that being said, I reminded myself that we're reading from Ananna’s POV, and she’s pretty unreliable when it comes to presenting herself, so it’s hard to say what existed between the lines.

What I love about these books is just how much fun they are to read. There’s action, adventure, and piracy, and then there’s the fantasy aspect as well. There’s magic and curses, and, as you can see by the cover, a manicore. This character brought a lot of comic relief and also craziness to the book. If you’re looking for a hardcore epic fantasy tale then this definitely isn’t the read for you, but if you want a somewhat whimsical adventure with a fabulous heroine, then definitely pick this one up. ‘The Pirate’s Curse’ was a perfect conclusion to this duology -- it tells a complete story with a concrete, and yet open, ending. There are no tidy ribbons tied or a supreme Happily Ever After, but there was still happiness and hope. I loved how there were no easy answers, but there were good ones nonetheless.

The Cover:
Like!

Rating:
[5/5]

Find The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Terra by Gretchen Powell (Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway)

Terra by Gretchen Powell
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Hopewell Media
Pages: 286
Series: Terrestrials #1
Review Source: eBook from author

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
A broken and desolate Earth. A young girl struggling to survive. A lost boy with a powerful secret.

A discovery that will change everything.

In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.

Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own, and with him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.

My Thoughts:
What I really loved about ‘Terra’ is that it felt unique to me. Not only was the book interesting, but it was a story I haven’t read a zillion times over, which I definitely appreciated.

Our main character, Terra, is a tough girl. I loved how much she cared for her little brother, and how she would do anything to take care of him and protect him. I also loved the technology in ‘Terra’: the futuristic society was incredibly interesting. You had all the rich people living in floating cities, while the people on the ground are (for the most part) poor, eating slop, and working to repurpose the junk that the skyworld citizens throw away. These groundworld citizens are, of course, governed from afar by these skydwellers. I really enjoyed the world building. It felt like it was introduced naturally, instead of in an info-dump type of way, and it was something I could really picture.

What’s great about ‘Terra’ is that it appeals to fans of many different genres. There’s some sci-fi as well as dystopian and post-apocalyptic, plus there’s an action-adventure aspect and even some romance. The romance was the one aspect that didn’t feel entirely natural to me, however. I loved the friendship connection between Terra and Adam, but I didn’t quite see the romantic chemistry between them. Nevertheless I appreciated how it was a slow-building relationship rather than an instant love connection.

If you’re looking for something that’s unique and well-written, definitely check out ‘Terra’. The whole book leads up to an action-packed ending that satisfies, while still leaving readers in want of the second book.

The Cover:
Like it!!

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Terra by Gretchen Powell on Goodreads & check Where To Buy on Gretchen's site.

Where to find Gretchen: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Excerpt from 'Terra':

“Got her!” The sound is victorious and terrifying. With the flashlight lighting my path from behind, I immediately understand why. An enormous wall made up of huge metal panels stands twenty feet in front of me, blocking off the rest of the tunnel from top to bottom.

“No…” A small cry escapes my lips. Barricaded in front, raiders at my back. There’s nowhere left to run. I reach the wall and pound on it hopelessly, my fists echoing against the steel. The adrenaline that has been propelling me drains from my body as my impending defeat washes over me. A muffled ringing fills my ears, pressing against my brain, and I feel an icy chill in my cheeks, which should still be hot from the chase. The throbbing rhythm in my head calls forth a cool darkness that begins to seep into the edges of my consciousness.

A surge of light suddenly blinds me. Strong arms wrap around me, wrenching me from the wall. The arms are bare; I can feel the smooth skin against my own. I wonder with detached interest why the raiders would take off their jackets after going through the trouble of using masks and gloves up top.

My instincts tell me to struggle but it just seems so futile, I simply let my captor pull me back. Through the fog of the spreading blackness, I hear screams of outrage.

Why are they mad? They’ve caught me.

I am shoved from behind and burst through a door into impossible sunlight. I blink rapidly; my eyes, adjusted for the blackness of the tunnel, burn in response to the sudden brightness. I reach up to rub them and find them wet. The light must be making them water. Yes, that must be it.

A heavy hammering echoes from behind me, fists banging against metal, but the darkness and pain in my head has consumed me. I spin around just in time to see bare arms reaching for me, before I crumple to the ground.

Dun dun dun! Does that make you want to read the book, or what?? You can also check out the first two chapters (PDF link), find out where to buy Terra, and/or you can enter the giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Release Date: February 5, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 328
Series: Heist Society #3
Review Source: For review from Hachette Book Group Canada (@HBGCanada)

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting--or stealing--whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir--this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy.

My Thoughts:
The ‘Heist Society’ books are so much fun, and ‘Perfect Scoundrels’ is no exception. The book features a great combination of action, humour, and family. I absolutely love the family centredness of these books, especially because the message is that you can make your own family, a different kind that isn’t always related by blood. These books are also a lot of fun because the third person narration allows for some misdirection and leaving the audience in the dark at certain points. They remind me of heist films where you see the pieces falling into place but you don’t fully understand the con until that “aha!” moment.

I liked that ‘Perfect Scoundrels’ explores more of Hale’s backstory and that we got to see the world he comes from. There was also a couple of fun moments set in Canada (the Maritimes and Niagara Falls, respectively), which is always a nice surprise. I won’t say much about the plot, because I think it’s fun to delve in and discover it for yourself, but needless to say this was another great adventure. I liked that it was a bit different from the two previous books in the type of job they had to pull off.

One thing I should mention is that these books are great whether you’re a pre-teen or whether you’re an adult. The content is ‘family friendly’, making them accessible for younger people, but they don’t talk down to teens either. They’re fresh and interesting, and layered enough for people of all ages to enjoy them. I feel like Ally Carter’s books are great because of these facts, and I also see them as a nice break from books that are darker in nature.

Overall this was an enjoyable read featuring characters I’ve grown to love.

The Cover:
It's cute, I like how they've kept with the theme.

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.