ARC Review: Spin the Dawn ~ Elizabeth Lim

Format: E-book 

Pages: 400

My Rating: 5 Stars

Expected publication: July 9th 2019

Summary From Goodreads:

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

My Review:

First off, the cover of this book is absolutely, positively stunning. One of the most beautiful covers I've seen so far this year.

This was such a fun and enchanting book, and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read this book when it comes out.  It's definitely made the list of 2019 favorites.

It is touted as being a cross between Mulan (which is one of my favorite Disney movies) and Project Runway, which, I've never seen and episode of in my entire life *GASPS* shocking, I know. but I would definitely agree with the Mulan aspect, to an extent. It also had themes from Aladdin, too. Plus there were Zombies and Demons, and twists and turns.

It's also recommended for fans of Renee Ahdieh, and Sarah J. Maas. I would agree 100% on Renee Ahdieh, but only partially on Sarah J. Maas. It shared some themes, but Sarah's writing has a lot more action happening. This book is a little slower paced, which isn't a bad thing. But just don't go into it, expecting lots of action to be happening all at once.

I'm not particularly familiar with Chinese Mythology as I am with others so I don't know if any of it was based on real myths or if it was all made up, but  I was fascinated by it, nonetheless

I was excited to hear that this book was going to have a Gender Bending theme Mulan, Ouran High school Host Club, Hana-Kimi are all some of my favorite books/movies. I don't know why I like the Gender Bending theme, but I do.

I love how determined Maia was, even though she was scared out of her wits at times. She knew she wanted to protect her remaining family, and she'd do whatever it took to make sure that they were taken care of, no matter what it cost her.

I do think that the rivalry between *spoiler redacted* and Maia ended up being kind of...anticlimactic. It was built up throughout the first section of the book, only for it to fizzle out. I was thinking there would be more of a confrontation, but maybe that's something that's going to happen in book 2?

Edan. Oh Edan. He's my Smol Little Bean (I use that word a lot) He is so amazing and beautiful, and absolutely insufferable at times... And I loved him SO much for it. I would compare him to Rhysand (my other favorite Smol Bean) except it's easier to make Edan blush. (which made him even more charming, in my opinion) I loved getting to hear more about his history and what made him tick. I like how enamored he was with Maia from the start, and how hard he had to work to earn her affection.

The end of the book had me all sorts of worked up. The plot twist at the end that I did NOT see coming. I cannot wait to see what's going to happen next.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC of this title.

Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop

Hello my lovely readers!

I am participating in the Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds

You can enter to win a copy of Campaign Widows by Aimee Agresti (This is an ARC copy of the book, to learn more about the book, click HERE)

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Review: Drop Dead Demons by A & E Kirk

Drop Dead Demons

By A & E Kirk

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 598 pages

Published May 27th 2014

Summary From Goodreads:

GOING ON A TREASURE HUNT...
Aurora Lahey finally knows why supernatural slayers salivate to slaughter her, but how to stop them? Not so much. Sure, she's discovered her own lethal powers, and has six sexy, super-charged, demon hunting Hex Boys watching her back--the hottest one watching every part of her. But when a seductive stranger delivers a deadly ultimatum, Aurora and the Hex Boys plunge into a do-or-die hunt for a legendary Mandatum treasure, which will finally shift power in their favor. Or unleash hell on earth.

NEX MARKS THE SPOT...
Pursued by demons of mythical proportions, Aurora and the Hex Boys race deeper into the shadowy world of a centuries-old mystery and brutal conspiracy, where no one and nothing is what it seems. Where love and betrayal go hand-in-hand, and trusting the wrong person not only breaks your heart, but gets you killed.

DEMONS ON YOUR TAIL...
Uncovering shocking secrets from the Hex Boys' past, hiding her Divinicus Nex identity, lying to her pretend-wish-he-were-real boyfriend, dodging demons, breaking into ancient tombs, taking the unexpected side trip to the dark depths of the Waiting World, tracking a traitor, and passing Physics...Aurora could do that in her sleep. Or more likely, die trying.

My Review:
Oh my.... I just, I don't even know how to properly explain just how much I adore this series. AND I'M ONLY ON BOOK 2! It was funny and swoon-worthy, and I just... I don't know, but it makes my heart super happy. I'm obsessed. And I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not reading this series long ago. I't had been popping up in my feeds for awhile,but it wasn't until recently that I decided to give it a go.

I love Aurora and Ayden together, and I love her attitude and humor and the family dynamic. Such a great continuation of the series!

 

 

Review: The Geography of Lost Things By Jessica Brody

The Geography of Lost Things

By Jessica Brody

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 458 pages

Published October 2nd 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

In this romantic road trip story perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson, a teen girl discovers the value of ordinary objects while learning to forgive her absent father.

After Ali’s father passes away, he leaves his one and only prized possession—a 1968 Firebird convertible—to his daughter. But Ali doesn’t plan on keeping it. Not when it reminds her too much of all her father’s unfulfilled promises. So when she finds a buyer three hundred miles up the Pacific coast willing to pay enough money for the car to save her childhood home, Ali can’t wait to get going. Except Ali has no idea how to drive a stick shift. But guess who does?

Ali’s ex-boyfriend, Nico. And Nico has other plans.

He persuades Ali that instead of selling the car, they should “trade up” the items they collect on their trip to eventually reach the monetary amount Ali needs. Agreeing with Nico’s crazy plan, Ali sets off on a unique adventure that is unlike anything she ever could have expected.

And it’s through Ali’s travels, through the strangers she meets and the things that they value—and why they value them—that Ali eventually comes to understand her father and how his life may not have been as easy and carefree as she previously thought. Because just like the seemingly insignificant objects Ali collects, not everything is exactly as it appears.

My Review:

I think a lot of Ali and Nico's problems could have been solved if they had take the time to sit down and talk about what was happening instead of assuming and making a mountain out of a mole hill.

 There was a lot of overreacting, and miscommunication, and sometimes that was a little bit much for me. But I guess it works because they're teenagers and that's what's expected from that age group?

Overall, this was a pretty decent book, if you can get past the teenage angst. And I liked that there was a slight mystery aspect to it as well. 

And that cover is absolutely gorgeous.

Review: Claimed by the Assassins by Stacey Brutger

Claimed by the Assassins

By Stacey Brutger

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 296 pages

Published February 7th 2019

Summary From Goodreads:

The assassins have their hands full chasing down the creatures who've fled to the human world. Too bad Morgan has been consigned to the schoolroom, too valuable as the future heir to the crown to be risked. Not one to kick up her heels and do nothing, Morgan is determined to find out how to control her powers so she can protect what is hers...even if she has to sneak behind her team's backs to do so.

But what should've been a time to settle down with her mates turns deadly when secrets are exposed. Morgan is furious, but determined to fight for the chance to have a future with her men...even if she must challenge the sea queen to prove her claim on Draven.

The sea queen is vicious and will do whatever is necessary to get what she wants...and she wants Draven. There is always a price to pay for defying the queen, but her mates refuse to let Morgan pay the price alone.

When a deal is struck, Morgan and her team must survive the next three days of being hunted by the queen's mightiest champions. If she fails, she and her mates will die, and Draven will be forced into a life of slavery for all eternity.

My Review:

I am SO glad that there is going to be one more book in this series. There are so many things that I still need answers to! 

The character and world-building in this series never fails to amaze me, and this one gave me just as many feels as the other two.

If you're looking for a hot and fast romance book, then this one isn't what you should be reading. The Academy of Assassins books are very much a slow burn series. And I love them all the more for it. Instead of hopping right into, well, you know... Character development happens, and we get to see the friendships build among the characters. 

Review: Evermore by Sara Holland

Evermore

By Sarah Holland

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 229 pages

Published May 1st 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

 

The New York Times bestselling series!

Jules Ember confronts the girl who is both her oldest friend and greatest enemy in the highly anticipated sequel to Everless, praised by New York Times bestelling author Stephanie Garber as “an intoxicating blend of blood, secrets, and haunting mythology.”

Jules Ember was raised hearing legends of the ancient magic of the wicked Alchemist and the good Sorceress. But she has just learned the truth: She is the Alchemist, and Caro—a woman who single-handedly murdered the Queen and Jules’s first love, Roan, in cold blood—is the Sorceress.

The whole kingdom believes that Jules is responsible for the murders, and a hefty bounty has been placed on her head. And Caro is intent on destroying Jules, who stole her heart twelve lifetimes ago. Now Jules must piece together the stories of her past lives to save the person who has captured her heart in this one.

Perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard, Kiera Cass, and Kendare Blake, Evermore is the high-stakes, star-crossed follow up to the New York Times bestselling Everless that fans have been waiting for.

My Review:

Is there going to be a third book? I feel like it ended pretty solidly, but at the same time, it's left a few things open for another book.

I thought the whole premise of this series was pretty interesting, and I loved that whole enemies to lovers element in the first book.

The second book in the series focuses more on Jules growing as a character and learning how to handle the power that she has, and more of the history/background of her and Caro. 

In my opinion, this was a lot slower going, and it took a lot longer for things to happen. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I like when things are happening a little bit faster, because it keeps my attention longer.