Book Review: Captivate by Vanessa Garden

Captivate by Vanessa Garden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In a glittering underwater world, nothing is as it seems...

For the past twelve months since her parents’ death, seventeen-year-old Miranda Sun has harboured a dark secret — a secret that has strained the close relationship she once shared with her older sister, Lauren. In an effort to repair this broken bond, Miranda’s grandparents whisk the siblings away on a secluded beach holiday. Except before Miranda gets a chance to confess her life-changing secret, she’s dragged underwater by a mysterious stranger while taking a midnight swim.

Awakening days later, Miranda discovers that she’s being held captive in a glittering underwater city by an arrogant young man named Marko...the King of this underwater civilisation.

Nineteen-year-old Marko intends to marry Miranda in order to keep his crown from falling into the sinister clutches of his half-brother, Damir. There’s only one problem. Miranda is desperate to return home to right things with her sister and she wants nothing to do with Marko. Trying to secure her freedom, Miranda quickly forms an alliance with Robbie — Marko’s personal guard. However, she soon discovers that even underwater, people are hiding dangerous secrets..

 Review:

This is a fast and enjoyable read for me, since I've read this a couple of days ago when there is no internet because of the recent storm in our place I wasn't able to re-read the summary and so I've read this without a clue what this book is all about...and that is seriously refreshing.

I loved the plot, the world building, and the main characters. I was seriously scared that I might fall for the wrong guy (or Miranda will fall for the wrong guy) because to my dismay there's a semi love triangle, I hate love triangles! but thank goodness.. Miranda and I both fell for the same guy lols.


The story started with Miranda being held captive in an unknown place and later discovering her purpose is to wed the king and breed the next heir! Imagine that...that's cray cray but that's just only the beginning.


All in all I loved this. A hidden underwater city. A handsome king. Dangerous Secrets. I am captivated! only to discover that this is not a stand-alone! I'm dying to read the next book.


***received a copy via netgalley.
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Cobweb Forest (Cobweb Bride Trilogy #3)

Cobweb Forest by Vera Nazarian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Summary:

The world is broken... A dark Goddess rises. A mortal maiden must stop her. 

COBWEB FOREST (Cobweb Bride Trilogy, Book Three) is the third and final book of the intricate epic fantasy flavored by Renaissance history and the romantic myth of Persephone, about death's ultimatum to the world.

Percy Ayren, ordinary girl from the small village of Oarclaven, and now Death's Champion, has delivered the Cobweb Bride to Lord Death--or so she thinks!

But nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Percy and Beltain Chidair, the valiant and honorable Black Knight, discover that even more is at stake than anyone could have imagined, when ancient gods enter the fray.

It is now a season of winter darkness. Gods rise and walk the earth in unrelieved desire, and the Longest Night is without end...

Meanwhile, landmarks continue to disappear throughout the realm. The cruel Sovereign's dead armies of the Trovadii clad in the colors of pomegranate and blood march north... As the mad Duke Hoarfrost continues to lay siege to the city of Letheburg, it is up toClaere Liguon, the Emperor's dead daughter and the passionateVlau Fiomarre who killed her, to take a stand against the enemy.

But Percy still has a difficult task to do, the greatest task of all... For in the end the Cobweb Bride awaits, together with the final answer.

At last all the occult mysteries are revealed in this stunning conclusion to the Cobweb Bride trilogy.

My Review:

Adding Cobweb Bride Trilogy to my to-recommend and favorite-series-shelf because this series is AWESOME! seriously the in-between waiting for each book to be publish is worth it. Have you ever read a book that is part of a series that totally rocks only to be disappointed in the next book? it happens a lot and it sucks because then I will be so depress and lazy I won't be able to function like a normal being for a few days..lol




so anyways I was skeptic when I started reading Cobweb Forest, I keep on telling myself to lower my expectations and be prepared for anything.




but just like the first two books, Cobweb Forest is a well-written fantasy that keeps on surprising the reader,



the story is never dull and I find myself rooting for Percy and Beltain's happiness. I loved this book though sometimes it tends to overwhelmed me because it's action-packed and lots of things are happening on the same time.


So if you guys are looking for a fantasy read, try the Cobweb Bride Trilogy...I find this series very refreshing and original.


Book Review of Cobweb Bride (book 1) - Cobweb Bride
Book Review of Cobweb Empire (book 2) - Cobweb Empire

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Book Review Sworn to Conflict by Terah Edun

Sworn to Conflict by Terah Edun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Book Summary:

The latest release in the high fantasy series which has drawn comparisons to Kushiel's Dart, Graceling, and the epic world of Tamora Pierce.

Ciardis Weathervane fought for the living dead and won. But worse than taking on a mass murderer, was her discovery that she had been deceived by her friends. Now she needs to not only fight a war in the North and survive, but also decide where she stands in the midst of competing sides.

A threat to all she holds dear lies in the North and her heart is not the only thing she might lose. A massive army awaits in the mountain pass, surging closer to the gates of the southern lands. Nothing the Algardis army has done so far has dissuaded their march forward and Ciardis finds out that her powers to enhance are needed now more than ever.

As she faces her greatest fears on the battlefields and her heart is torn between her love of Sebastian and loyalty to her family, Ciardis must choose her fate carefully. For in her path, lies the destiny of the empire.

This third novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Transfer.

Review:

This is a wonderful continuation of the Courtlight Series, the third but not the final book..but I wasn't disappointed, definitely not! because half way through the book secrets are being revealed and unexpected wonderful things are happening which causes me to panic because..nOooo! I won't survive a rush ending so I was happy to learn that there would be a forth book and mmm maybe a fifth book? no news yet..anyway I'm happy with how the story progresses and how Ciardis keeps on meeting and becoming friends with unique uhm creatures and people. Sebastian growing into a dependable leader and a partner to Ciardis..Gosh!! I'm loving the ever growing chemistry between Sebastian and Ciardis, oh! how I love their blossoming relationship and I can't wait to read and know what happens next?! The intrigue, the secrets and conflicts equals to a great and exciting read..I want the 4th book NOW!

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Cobweb Empire by Vera Nazarian

Cobweb Empire by Vera Nazarian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Summary:

In a world where no one can die, she alone can kill... 

Cobweb Empire (Cobweb Bride Trilogy #2) is the second book of the intricate epic fantasy flavored by Renaissance history and the romantic myth of Persephone, about death's ultimatum to the world.

Now that she's Death's Champion, what will Percy do?

In a world where all death and dying has ceased, and only one person can kill, everyone can only expect a miracle. But what if it's just the tip of the iceberg?

Percy Ayren must make her way south, despite all odds, to the place where the death shadow of the Cobweb Bride calls her. With the help of her companions and the invincible black knight, Lord Beltain Chidairwhose enigmatic presence disturbs her in a way she cannot explain, Percy must continue her quest, while the mortal world falls apart around them….

Meanwhile, the Marquis Vlau Fiomarre faces the truth of his impossible feelings for Claere Liguon, the Emperor’s daughter. He had cruelly taken her life, and now he must serve her until his last dying breath—it is no longer a matter of honor but secret passion.

And now, the world itself is changing…. A new dark witch rises, and she will make your heart freeze with her beauty and power….

Empires clash, kings and emperors and gods vie for supremacy, the living and the dead are at war, while love stories play out in amazing directions, and new mind-blowing mysteries are born.

Experience the stunning continuation of the epic story in Cobweb Empire.

My Thoughts:

After reading this..saying that I'm excited for the third book will be a huge understatement because I'm freaking dying to read it!!!

The ending is no cliffhanger but the story keeps on getting awesomer (lol is this even a word? :P)

So anyways.. COBWEB EMPIRE did and totally hit my expectations..no actually it exceeded my EXPECTATIONS and that is saying a lot..I love how it continues to surprise me, the author never fails to leave me in awe.

I wanted everyone to read this ..and know this awesome feeling.. I'm feeling lol seriously..I think a friend of mine is getting tired hearing me my non-stop praise and stories about this book! So please everyone ..read this..YOU.WILL.NOT.REGRET.IT!

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Courage (Mark of Nexus, #2)

Courage by Carrie Butler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm really grateful for having the opportunity to read this one asap, I did really love the first and I'm seriously excited to know what happens next with one of my favorite couple.


So here it is, unlike the first book which is Strength, Courage is far more serious, we get to learn a lot of crazy stuff..Wallace's family history and ERA's cray cray plans ..etc. Our couple here, Rena and Wallace-baby is dealing with lots of things at the same time..I was kind of scared that the problems will tear them apart but hey it's Rena and Wallace right? need I say more?

Even though Courage is action-packed..

I'm glad that we still get to experience the funny dialogues that I fell in love with in the first book. I also loved the fact that the problems Rena and Wallace encounter doesn't turn them into whinny-dramatic-I'm-so-poor type of characters instead it made them stronger.

All in all ...I loved it! and I'm freaking excited to read the 3rd book, aside from the story itself I can't wait to see the 3rd book's cover..the cover keeps on getting better!!! So yeah to the fantasy-paranormal loving readers out there..please check Carrie Butler's Mark of Nexus series.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQRW7FS

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/courage-carrie-butler/1117074690

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/364060

Wind and Shadow

Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fantasy books will always have a special place in my heart, I always love to imagine a different world from what we have ...a magical world ..where magical creatures exist so when I was ask to read and review Wind and Shadow, I was excited! and maybe my expectations was a little too high.

I did love that most of may favorite paranormal elements are present here.. MAGIC, VAMPIRES and WITCHCRAFT!!..how awesome is that?

I did love the sizzling chemistry between the two main characters, and that our girl..Rayvin is a strong-willed woman who fought hard in able to withstand all the difficulties that goes her way ..but in the last few chapters I was like WTF?! with her..decisions are hastily made which made me gave this 3 stars instead of 4..but then this is just the beginning of a very promising book so I still do recommend this for all fantasy loving book worms out there.

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Book Review: The Sparrow and the Hawk (Tales of the Sparrow)

The Sparrow and the Hawk by Meg Lacey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Summary:

Jillie Harte, code name the Sparrow, a documentary film maker is an agent for the NAS (Normal, Abnormal, Strange) Agency. Her assignment-find The Carmaletta Choker before it falls into the wrong hands and destroys the world. Franklin Doherty and associates are suspected of having the choker, and they are definitely the wrong hands! To get close to Franklin, Jillie is producing a film on "Decoration, Fashion and Accessories Throughout History," featuring his antique collection. Her assignment is complicated by Griff Ryland, her new, hot cameraman, who is also looking for the necklace. Griff is an enigma. Is he friend or foe? And why is she so distracted by his "pure sex on a stick" appeal? Like the Sparrow, Griff, aka the Hawk, needs to retrieve the choker. It disappeared from his dimension years before, and his job is to bring it back. Since he can shapeshift into a hawk or a mountain lion at a moment's notice, Griff feels certain of success. But he doesn't bargain for a sassy, sexy redhead-and for his overwhelming urge to settle their differences in bed. Now Griff and Jillie must not only overcome the deadly dark forces who want the choker, but they must also face their developing relationship. And they thought saving the world from evil and chaos was hard!!!!

My Thoughts: 

I find the cover awkward(I'm restraining myself from saying more ugh hahah), if I haven't read the summary..I'm not sure if I'm going to read this at all lol, don't judge the book by it's cover applies here because I seriously enjoyed and loved reading The Sparrow and the Hawk regardless of my hate for the cover. The book is magical in a dark and twisted way. The characters are all kinds of mysterious and very unpredictable, they all carry big secrets from one another.

I loved both Jillie and Griff's character and their amazing...or let say sizzling chemistry. But I also love the fact that the story doesn't revolve around them, in other words..there is a love story in here, but we also experience more action and disturbing incidents..and creepy situations...gah those creepy situation are so detailed, my imaginations are running wild.

Aside from our main characters, we also have amazing secondary characters which reminds me of some "Alice in the Wonderland" characters, mysterious and dangerously mischievous...which I definitely liked! specially Franklin, he's err scary, creepy and funny at the same time..and his house, gah! If I happen to visit that freaking house and experience what Jillie experience I'll run as fast as I can far (very far) away from that hunted place.

Overall, I can say that I enjoyed and loved reading The Sparrow and the Hawk, and was sad when I reach the last page, looking forward to reading the second book!

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Runes by Ednah Walters

My rating:
Story: 5 awesome stars
Cover: 2/5

Goodreads Summary:


Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.


***Received a free copy via netgalley.

I've been busy reading lots of new adult and adult genre books for the past few months, I forgot how refreshing and fun it is to read a Y.A book. I immensely enjoyed reading Runes, it brings out the girly girl in me lol. The moment Raine met Torin *swoon, I knew that I'm going to absolutely add Torin to my book boyfriends list, gawd I don't even care about Eirik lol, team Torin all the way..if and if there is even a competition.

Torin was the new guy next door, and oh! what a guy-next-door he is, I am totally wishing I am Raine..so yeah, the new guy next door story is not really original but the author manage to make it awesome. I was constanly excited while reading Runes, Torin and the weird trio were all mysterious, there is so much to discover about the Runes and Raine's birth but more than that I keep on looking forward for Torin and Raine's moment(and damn, those moments are pretty hot).

I was surprise about how the book ended, it was totally unexpected.. even the answers about Torin's Identity is not what I expected. And now I'm dying to know what happens next..gahh I am so ready for the next book!

I loved loved this book and it kills me to know that it will be a pretty long wait for the next book in the series, but I know that it'll be worth the wait.

I think the Lux series and daemon fans will love this book.

Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Summary:


Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the kingdom. But beneath her kingdom’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.

Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron. 

But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.

***I requested and received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.

I'm always fascinated with stories about "companions", like Memoirs of a Geisha or stories about Kisaeng (korean geisha) because back in the days, those companions are not just companions, they are bunch of talented ladies who spend a lot of time mastering the art of entertaining, they are known for their exceptional skills in dancing, acting, playing various instruments and more. If the a certain companion manage to become a high ranking and most coveted companion, they become powerful in the sense that they can influence their "patrons" and most of that patrons are actually the most powerful men in their country.

Sworn to Raise tells the story of Ciardis, a girl who grow up in poverty but was given the chance to become a companion, if she'll manage to prove her worth. But being a companion is not just learning how to dance and recite poetry, in their world i'ts more..it's about possessing a different type of skill which is magic.

Ciardis is a character that is not hard to like and understand, she's not some soft kind of heroine, contrary to that..although naive she's streetwise and thank goodness far from being an annoying-dramatic-type-of-heroine, instead of complaining when facing hard situation she takes action.

In a way Sworn to Raise reminds me of one of my favorite fantasy series which is the Study series, hopefully Ciadris will became stronger just like Yelena.

All in all I can say that I absolutely enjoy reading Sworn to Raise, I love the world building and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Series.

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