The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead

The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Pages: 432
Series: Age of X #2
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodline series returns with the second installment in her acclaimed Age of X series.

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

My Thoughts:
I can easily say that The Immortal Crown is even better than the first book, Gameboard of the Gods, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Gameboard is a great book, but it had the huge task of introducing readers to a new world. Richelle Mead did a great job with that, but this book was still more enjoyable because of how easy it was to fall back into the world, already knowing how everything worked and how it was all set up.

I feel like the first thing about this book that I have to mention is the major UST (unresolved sexual tension!) continuing between Mae and Justin. I just adore how close they became in this book. There’s sexual chemistry dancing around the edges, sure, but it’s so much more. Them together is just this natural thing, and seeing how much they began to care for one another? So. much. swoon.

The Immortal Crown features even more influence from the gods. There are so many things changing and going on in regards to them. There’s definitely more pressure toward Justin and Mae from deities to commit and work with them. Another huge aspect of this book is the diplomatic mission to Arcadia. Senator Darling has a campaign for peace talks and to work out agreements, but of course many other things happen because of this.

There really is something for everyone in this series and in this book. There’s action, there’s serious romance-y feelings and affection, there’s mysterious things happening with the gods, and there’s a CRAZY TWIST. Seriously, that ending? Oh my word. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger, per se, but it’s a definite twist. It’s something I didn’t see coming, even though there were some hints. It was a gasp out loud moment, and it totally changes everything -- or at least a lot of things.

Basically I just think this series is flawless. It is filled with amazinggggg characters who you care about, and it takes place in a very interesting society that Richelle has build up. Absolutely recommended.

The Cover:
Good but not great? Hmm..

Rating:
[5/5]

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

The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons (Review, Excerpt & Giveaway!)

The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons
Release Date: February 13, 2014
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Pages: 288
Series: n/a
Review Source: eARC for review through InkSlinger PR

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

My Thoughts:
It's actually difficult to describe how much I love this book, because I was enthralled from the very beginning, and that wonder lasted throughout the whole book. Heather Lyons’ books have always had an addictive quality to them, but she improves as a writer with every single one. This story, Medusa’s narrative, was intriguing, sad, and yet, at times, hilarious. I love when books make me feel things from all over the emotional spectrum and this one definitely did. The Deep End of the Sea features an epic, epic best friends romance. The relationship is just so lovely and pure: two individuals who are clearly meant to be.

Heather’s characterizations of the gods were fabulous. She stuck to some of the typical stories and traits, but she also made the characters completely her own. Hades, Persephone, and Aphrodite are three gods who stood out to me in the story: they were so much fun to read about. I’d also be remiss not to mention Hermes, because he definitely shines in this book. Medusa is not someone I ever expected to see as a main character of a novel, but Heather has taken Ovid’s version of the myth and twisted it to perfection. Medusa is one of the most lovely, honest characters I've read about in a long while. She is so pure and kind, despite what she's had to endure, and even though she doesn't realize it, she's very strong.

The Deep End of the Sea features lush and vivid storytelling. It’s suspenseful at times, and it features a gorgeous, swoonworthy romance where the characters have to fight to be together. The romance is not an easy journey, but it was so sweet, and one of the most romantic stories I’ve read in a long, long while. This book features all of that, plus a surprise reveal that I didn’t see coming at all. Add in some major feminist props for a great dialogue about not blaming the victim and giving power back to women, and you have a completely epic book. I stayed up late to finish this book, and when I woke up the book was still on my mind. I was so satisfied where the book ended up, and yet I was sad that there wasn’t more to read. Basically, I can’t recommend this book highly enough -- it’s a must read!

The Cover:
Gorgeous!!

Rating:
[5/5]

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

EXCERPT:

“Where are Hades and Persephone?” I ask, glancing around the empty living room. They are nowhere to be seen tonight; neither are any of the Automatons.

The corner of Hermes’ mouth quirks. “Out. Possibly in the Underworld. One never knows with those two.”

Relief unfurls in the muscles in my shoulders. Still, I can’t help but ask, “Without saying goodbye?”

He’s definitely amused. “Shall I fetch them for you?”

“No!” My answer is too quick, which I fear broadcasts just how ecstatic I am at the thought of being along with Hermes right now. And that realization causes me to blush for the millionth time around him in the last month, so I clarify, “Of course not. I was just curious.”

“Curiosity killed the cat, you know.” To my delight, his hand finds mine and our fingers intertwine. It is a delicious sensation: his hand, warm and worn in mine in just such a way that feels like it’s an extension of my body.

It must be criminal to adore touching someone so much.

“Did it, though?” I ask, and he laughs a burst of exasperated air.

“Possibly, but then again, who am I to judge, when I am often struck by curiosity that I cannot help but sate?” He gives me that dazzling grin of his and pulls me through the house. “Case in point: you.”

“Me?” I squeak unattractively. There are lights ahead through the French doors leading to the patio, and I am curious myself enough to wonder what they are, but not nearly as much as I am for what he might mean.

“Yes, you.” He glances back at me. “I’ve never told you that I was overcome with curiosity when I heard Athena cursed some girl from one of her temples. It wasn’t like it was the first time she’d gone vindictively bonkers, but she was really put out over you. I mean . . . one of her followers? Even that was low for her.” His fingers squeeze mine gently and we stop about twenty feet from the doors. “When I first showed up on your island . . .”

I am helpless at looking anywhere but in his eyes. Tonight, they’re green. Vivid, beautiful, clear green. “Yes?”

“I’d been warned that you were a monster and that I best keep my distance. That you would slay me at the slightest provocation, and naturally, I believed it, as I could not blame anyone’s hatred toward my family after what my sister and uncle had done to you. But once Death handed me that first soul and departed, I heard you crying. My curiosity inflamed tenfold. What kind of so-called monster weeps like her heart had shattered and never would form whole again?”

Like clockwork, my cheeks burn. His fingers brush my reddened skin ever so gently before I turn my face to rest in his hand. The butterflies in my chest swarm frantically. “My sister misjudged you. I knew that the very second I heard your anguish. I’m afraid I was lost to you from that moment on. I had to discover all that made you you, even if I would suffer the same fate as the proverbial cat. And I never cared about the risks, as long as my curiosity about you was sated first.”

“Truly?” The word barely escapes my lips.

His eyes are so intense. “Truly.”

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 | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also follow along with the blog tour, running February 12 - 25.

Series Spotlight: Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep

Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep

#0.5 First Frost

#1 Touch of Frost

#2 Kiss of Frost

#3 Dark Frost

#4 Crimson Frost

#4.5 Spartan Frost

#5 Midnight Frost (out July 30)

[All links above go to Goodreads]

Series Synopsis: (from author's website)

The Mythos Academy books focus on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. Gwen’s magic lets her see everyone who has ever touched or used an object as well as feel their emotions — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen finds herself shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendents of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, and more. The academy is located in the fictional suburb of Cypress Mountain, North Carolina, and the kids there are training how to use their magic and various skills to fight Reapers of Chaos. The Reapers are some seriously bad guys who want to free the evil god Loki from his mystical prison so Loki can take over the world and enslave everyone.

Gwen doesn’t think that she belongs at the academy or that she’s any kind of warrior, but she’s wrong — and she’s a lot stronger than she realizes.

My Thoughts on the series:
I’ve been hearing great things about the Mythos Academy series for so long, that I finally had to take some time and read these books. I can see why people enjoy these books because they’re very reminiscent of Vampire Academy, the Covenent books, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson. There’s mythology, a boarding school setting, a strong heroine, and different powers. What’s not to love?

Interestingly enough, Gwen got on my nerves quite a bit in the first couple books, but I liked her enough that I was still able to get into the books. Even though she drove me crazy, I kind of liked that she wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Her situation sucks, and her defense mechanism is to be snarky. Gwen is definitely very judgmental at first about the school and its students. She tends to make a lot of mistakes by being rash and jumping into things. What Gwen also is, is very lonely because of her gift, and therefore very loyal to the people she does have in her life. Gwen definitely grows as a character as the series continues and she becomes more willing to learn from others.

As you would expect in a mythology based urban fantasy type series the central theme is a fight against evil, Loki in this case. The boarding school that Gwen attends is full of warriors who have different abilities. Gwen is a chosen one, a champion for Nike, who has to figure out how her ability will help her in the fight against Loki.

The books feature lots of action, with some high stakes coming up occasionally. I definitely enjoyed reading the Mythos Academy books. I feel like the series keeps getting better, because while I liked the first couple of books, I didn't love them. But the next couple? A lot more exciting.

My Thoughts on Spartan Frost: (received for review from Netgalley)
This is a novella from Logan's POV, which makes it an auto-read from my perspective. While I liked hearing from him, I was disappointed that his thought process didn’t reveal anything particularly illuminating. The action sequence part was exciting, and I liked how the novella ended with you wondering what was going to happen next.

My Thoughts on Midnight Frost: (received for review from Netgalley)
This was an enjoyable story overall, and a good addition to the series. I liked the physical journey that had to take place, and how it showed how much Gwen has grown. Gwen started off claiming she didn't need anyone, and now she has all these friends who she’s willing to protect at all costs, including putting herself in danger.

What I didn't care for was that the overarching plot of the series (defeating Loki) didn't really seem to go anywhere in this volume. Of course there were bits and pieces, like gathering weapons that will help fight him, but besides that it didn’t seem like much happened in the big picture. I'm also getting tired of the big bad's henchwomen swooping in all the time and then flying away at the last second without getting hurt. It seemed unrealistic that they always get away, the other Reapers (aka bad guys) all die, and none of Gwen's “team” get mortally wounded, or even seriously hurt. While Gwen and her friends are obviously bad ass, and I don’t want them to die, I find it hard to believe that high school age kids are always better than the top trained enemy adults.

It seems like most of my thoughts on this book are gripes, but I honestly did enjoy it overall. I liked the Gwen/Logan interaction, and the journeying aspect of the book, like I mentioned. While this series isn’t my favourite, I still get a lot of enjoyment from it, and I’ll definitely continue on.

The Covers:
I like them in general, especially the first four. They fit the mood of the series well.

Series Rating:
[3.5/5]

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Pages: 464
Series: Age of X #1
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

My Thoughts:
‘Gameboard of the Gods’ is Richelle Mead’s latest adult release, but I’ve also seen it categorized as New Adult. It’s definitely an adult novel, but it does have appeal factors of New Adult and even YA. Justin is thirty-something, Mae is a bit younger, and then there’s also a focus on 16 year old Tessa. I think if you can handle mature YA with some adult content (read: sex between consenting adults), then it definitely works for all of those age categories.

Personally I was fascinated by all the little details that Mead snuck into this book, and how she world-built. It was super interesting to see genetic mixing and bi-racialism as the ideal, and to be in a world where genetic improvements and implants were commonplace for the elite soldiers. On the one hand you have these huge technological improvements and a highly tech based society, and yet there were also the “backwards” nations with low tech and lots of crime. Interestingly the “backwards” nations were the ones who hadn’t eradicated religion, whereas in RUNA (Republic of United North America) traditional religion is outlawed, and other types of religion are regulated. I was completely enthralled with all of these concepts coming up in the book; they’re all quite controversial subjects, and are related to things being talked about today (e.g. chipping people, messing with DNA, etc).

‘Gameboard of the Gods’ features interesting characters that got my attention right away. Justin is a playboy and an addict; he’s also charming and extremely intelligent. Mae is a super badass fighter who’s also vulnerable; she never wants to feel like someone's possession. Let me say that there is a hugeeee amount of chemistry between Justin and Mae. Justin can’t be with Mae because of a prophecy of sorts (so spoilers, it's talked about pretty upfront), which means the book has lots and lots of delicious UST. Tessa, the previously mentioned teenager, is Justin's ward and is trying to settle in to a school where most everyone sees her as backwards.

I’m sure you can tell from my thoughts that this book is very detailed with technology and how things work in every part of the country. I’m not the kind of person who normally enjoys this, but in this book it kept my attention well. Richelle Mead seems to be good at providing lots of information without making it seem too infodump-y. I also loved the contrast of the story: it takes place in a country that disparages religion, and yet the book is full of mysticism and gods/goddesses. There’s a great murder mystery aspect to the story with Justin trying to debunk real supernatural involvement, but this turns out to be difficult. The way it was all presented seemed like a natural progression for certain characters to start believing in more than just scientific fact.

It may seem like this book is ambitious and too busy with so many themes and concepts (murder, genetics, religion, secret sects, as well as issues of nationality versus culture and class structure), yet somehow it all worked for me. ‘Gameboard of the Gods’ is a sci-fi paranormal/fantasy set in a future that seems plausible. I found this book to be very enjoyable and interesting, and I can't wait to see where things go in book two.

The Cover:
Like it!

Rating:
[Strong 4/5]

Find Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: April 9, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 360
Series: Covenant #4
Review Source: ARC from publisher

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

My Thoughts:
I feel like these books go back and forth for me. I really loved Deity, so I think I had high expectations for this one. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! But is it a favourite? Not so much. Even though there was action I didn't feel like that much actually happened. Scenes were dragged out, and it was all just a journey that ends in a weird place. The ending was kind of a cliffhanger and kind of not, but mostly it just felt like the book randomly stopped. Even though things were learned, to me it felt like a lot of the book was dragged out, and that everything of importance is still to come. Maybe I'm being way too harsh, because I can still see that this was a good book, but to me it didn’t feel up to Jennifer Armentrout’s standards.

What I did like was the continued devotion of Aiden and how his and Alex’s relationship was portrayed. I love how much they respect each other and that they bring out the best in one another. I also liked seeing Alex interact with other characters with whom she’s had complicated relationships in the past. Alex will always be a snarky character who is quick to action, but it was nice to see her mature a little bit and spend a bit of time thinking before acting (not too much time, though, or it wouldn’t be the Alex we’ve grown to love).

Bottom line, this is definitely a decent installment in the Covenant series, and if you’re a fan of the books you’ll definitely want to check it out. Most people on Goodreads seem to be rating it 5 stars, so I’m sure that most everyone else will adore ‘Apollyon’. For me, I liked it well enough, but I was expecting a bit better. Nevertheless I’ll still be eagerly awaiting the next (and final!) book in the series -- ‘Sentinel’.

The Cover:
Pretty, I really like this one.

Rating:
[3/5]

Find Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

Release Date: November 6, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 360
Series: Covenant #3
Review Source: ARC for review from publisher

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed ‘Half-Blood’, and I liked ‘Pure’, but ‘Deity’? Let’s just say that this book brings back the awesomeness of book 1 and kicks it up a notch. The book starts off with repercussions of what happened at the New York Covenant in ‘Pure’. And as if Alex doesn’t have enough on her plate with her Awakening quickly approaching, she also has to deal with both those who want to harm her, and with the two guys she has a connection with.

One reason why these books are so great is the characters. Alex is a great narrator because she’s just hilarious. She’s also reckless and self-sacrificial, but you can’t help but like her, especially because she has a good heart and wants to fight for what is right. And the two guys? Well, I definitely have a preference between the two, but they are both really interesting and well developed.

I feel like this book upped the ante in almost every way. I absolutely adored the romance that happened later in the book and there was also so much going on, including some jaw dropping action moments. Without getting too spoilery I thought it was an amazing decision to bring the gods into play. We’ve heard so much about them in the series, that having them more present raised the stakes even more.

I have to say that I’m really intrigued by the mythology and complex politics of these books. Seeing where everything is headed, my head was spinning trying to figure out how there could possibly be an eventual HEA. ‘Deity’ features an ending that will leave you absolutely dying for the next full length Covenant book. The Covenant books have always been fun, but ‘Deity’ is the best installment yet. This is a must-read series for fans of mythology based books.

The Cover:
Definitely not my favourite of the series, but I do love the colouring.

Rating:
[4.5/5]

Find Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Check out Jennifer on the following sites:

- Facebook

- Twitter

- Official Website

GIVEAWAY

Spencer Hill is running a giveaway as part of the tour, and there will be three winners. You could win: a $25 Amazon giftcard, a copy of the book, a shirt, and lots of SWAG. Open internationally. See widget for full details.

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There are also swag giveaways going on for promoting the tour:

US Only --
a Rafflecopter giveaway

International --
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find the whole blog tour schedule HERE.