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Blog Tour: “Places We’ve Never Been” by Kasie West

Welcome to my tour stop for Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West! I am so excited to share my review with you all!

Don’t forget to check out the other tour stops here: https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2022/04/22/tour-schedule-places-weve-never-been-by-kasie-west/ In addition to the blog tour, there is also a bookstagram tour going on now. I have a post up on there as well if you want to check it out here!

Book Info:
Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publishing Date: May 31, 2022

Synopsis:

A sweet and swoony contemporary Young Adult novel about a cross-country family road trip that puts one girl and her childhood bestfriend on an unexpected road to romance!

Norah hasn’t seen her childhood best friend, Skyler, in years. When he first moved away, they’d talk all the time, but lately their relationship has been reduced to liking each other’s Instagram posts. That’s why Norah can’t wait for the joint RV road trip their families have planned for the summer.

But when Skyler finally arrives, he seems…like he’d rather be anywhere else. Hurt and confused, Norah reacts in kind. Suddenly, her oldest friendship is on the rocks.

An unexpected summer spent driving across the country leads both Norah and Skyler down new roads and to new discoveries. Before long, they are, once again, seeing each other in a different light. Can their friendship-turned-rivalry turn into something more?

My Review:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kasie West did it again! There are only two authors who consistently blow me away with their YA contemporary romances and Kasie West is one of them! (Sarah Sutton is the other, in case you’re looking for something similar!) I read YA fantasy romance more often than contemporaries, but I can’t say no to a Kasie West book!

This is the perfect book to read on a summer road trip/vacation! Just reading it made me want to pack my bags, jump in an RV, and travel across the country! Unfortunately, that’s not happening any time soon, but at least I got to live vicariously through Norah.

Speaking of Norah, she is probably one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve read about recently! She makes weird jokes, speaks in video game references, and overanalyzes things. I also liked how sarcastic she could be at times. Reading this book from her perspective was an absolute joy!

This book begins with two families going on a cross-country road trip in an RV. Norah is beyond excited– she’ll get to see her childhood best friend for the first time in years! But her hopes are quickly destroyed when Skyler, her childhood friend, wants nothing to do with her or the whole trip. His rudeness starts to rub Norah the wrong way, and she decides to fight fire with fire.

If you’re a fan of the childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, I’d strongly recommend this! It also includes Norah’s fight to become a video game animator in a male-dominated industry, lots of secrets, friendships, and entertaining sibling relationships. I wish we could get a chapter from Skyler’s perspective or even a sequel! I feel like there was a lot more to his story than we got to see.

Kasie West fans or fans of sweet romances should read this!

Content: Underage drinking, romance only goes as far as kissing

Purchasing Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58784452-places-we-ve-never-been
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Places-Weve-Never-Been-Kasie/dp/0593176308/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=places+we%27ve+never+been&qid=1648500119&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/places-weve-never-been-kasie-west/1140394045?ean=9780593176306
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Places-We-ve-Never-Been/9780593572542
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/places-weve-never-been/9780593176306-item.html?ikwid=places+we%27ve+never+been&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=721eee821e8064db6f3ce25b4402f5d5
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593176306

About the Author:

Kasie West is the author of many YA novels, including The Fill-in Boyfriend, P.S. I Like You, Lucky in Love, and Listen to Your Heart. Her books have been named ALA-YALSA Quick Picks, JLG selections, and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. When she’s not writing, she’s binge-watching television, devouring books, or burying her toes in the sand of the Central Coast. Kasie lives in Fresno, California, with her family.

Author Links:
Website: http://www.kasiewest.com/Twitter:https://twitter.com/kasiewest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiewest/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5027236.Kasie_West
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057934607048

Thank you for visiting my tour stop! Have you ever read a Kasie West book? If you have, name your favorite book of hers in the comments! As one of her fans, it was an honor to get the opportunity to join this tour and review her newest book! Have a great day everyone!

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On Wings of Ash and Dust by Brittany Wang: Episodes 1-3 Review

Hello everyone! I’m back with more reviews today! These reviews are a little bit different from my usual ones, but I hope you enjoy them anyway!

Brittany Wang has created an amazing serial that I highly recommend! A serial is essentially a book that is published in smaller installments. Brittany’s serial, On Wings of Ash and Dust, refers to these installments as “episodes.” Reading her serial is like watching a TV show! It’s a really unique publishing format, and I think it works great for Brittany!

I have the honor of being in Brittany’s ARC team, so I get to read each episode early! I have currently read the first three episodes (of six), so I’m going to go ahead and share my thoughts on them here! If you’re interested, you can purchase the first two episodes and/or pre-order episode 3!

Before I share my reviews, I have something fun to share with you all! You can find out which of the faerie clans you belong to! Brittany has created a quiz to place you in your clan! Take it here!

Episode 1: Wings of Betrayal- The Faerie Rebel

Blurb:

Pixie pirate Quinn may be an outlaw, wanted by all five faerie clans, but she prefers it that way. All she wants is to finally become a captain in the pirate fleet and bury her true identity beneath the rolling waves. Except, she never expected to be looting a funeral—least of all her twin brother’s.

Derailed by the news of his sudden death after he entered a competition for the faerie crown, Quinn can’t stay in the shadows any longer. Risking everything she’s built to avenge him, Quinn and her crew of outcasts infiltrate the world of clashing clans to attempt their biggest heist yet.

But there’s more at stake than she knows. And to truly honor her brother, she’ll have to face the dark past she’s spent years hiding while evading the same dangers that claimed her brother’s life.

My Review:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Quinn is so close to achieving her dream of becoming a pirate captain, eager to leave her past behind. When news of her twin brother’s sudden death reaches her, she risks it all to attend (and loot) his funeral. But her past catches up to her, and the dream of being a pirate captain has never seemed so far away.

What an exciting first episode! The action starts at the very beginning, and it continues through the end! We’re quickly introduced to Quinn–her struggles, her flaws, her secrets–and what she’s capable of. She’s definitely got some issues to work on, yet I couldn’t help but root for her! I’m looking forward to following her journey in future episodes!

The world-building was fantastic! The different clans are really impressive! I also really enjoyed the world itself, though not much of it has been introduced to us yet!

The plot was action-packed, but easy to follow! It drew me in from the first page! I’m so excited for the next episode to come out!

I’m really looking forward to meeting more characters and learning more about the clans and the world itself as On Wings of Ash and Dust continues! I already have a ship (the romantic kind!), and the ending of this book has me waiting very impatiently for more of this story!

I would definitely recommend this first episode to YA fans who love action, pirates, and spectacular world-building!

Episode 2: Palace of Potions- The Sylph Trial

Blurb: (Please note that the blurb may contain spoilers for episode 1!)

Quinn entered the Ethodine for her brother. Now she has to survive it.

Quinn has never felt so out of control. Stripped of her precious daggers, she’s thrust into the privileged world of the potion-making Sylphs and their floating sky city. While preparing for the first dangerous trial, she plots to retrieve her weapons from Moon Face at any cost.

But neither task is as easy as she hopes. She doesn’t expect foreboding visions of her brother to start haunting her dreams or the stakes of the Ethodine to be so high. Besides the flirty Nymph prince who can’t seem to leave her alone, she now faces the Sylph queen and three other powerful competitors: a half-blind artist, a mute beast tamer, and a pompous princess.

Just when everything starts falling apart, an unlikely ally offers a deal to get everything she’s always wanted. But trust is fragile. It will take more than promises to survive the perils of the Ethodine.

My Review:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Spoilers for episode 1 ahead!

Entering the trials is one thing; surviving them is another. Weaponless and completely unprepared, Quinn is left very vulnerable. Meeting the other competitors only makes her realize how difficult these trials will be for her. Nightmares haunt her sleep, strange allies appear, and secrets abound. It doesn’t take long for Quinn to realize that it might take all she has just to survive.

This second episode was amazing! Since this book centers around the Sylph trial, we learn a lot of information in this episode. But the information wasn’t just given in info dumps–Brittany cleverly weaves world-building facts into the story. I’m already fascinated by this world and we still have the rest of the trials to get through!

The other competitors are also intriguing. We still don’t know too much about any of them, and I’m looking forward to seeing more interactions with them! Each one seems to have their own secrets and their own motives…

There’s not a lot of action in this episode, but that doesn’t take away from it at all! The trial had me on the edge of my seat! I have a feeling things are going to get even crazier from here! I have so many questions! I wasn’t expecting to get through this episode as fast as I did, but it was hard to put it down! Once again, the last page has me desperate for the next episode! Bring on the second trial!

I definitely recommend this serial! If you’re looking for an entertaining adventure with an intense competition, royal intrigue, possibly some romance, and a dash of magic, this is something you should read!

Episode 3: Sea of Secrets- The Nymph Challenge

Previously on “On Wings of Ash and Dust”: (still slight spoilers for episodes 1 and 2!)

After pixie pirate Quinn gets wrapped up in a competition for the faerie crown (find out how in Episode 1!) she faces off against a flirty merman, a mute beast tamer, a half-blind artist, and a pompous princess in a series of dangerous trials. After just barely surviving the first trial set by the Sylph faeries in the sky, mysteries abound and the line between rivals and allies blurs as the Nymph trial approaches (read Episode 2).

Now Quinn is back at sea—but this time, it’s dripping with secrets… (Episode 3)

My Review:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Spoilers for episodes 1 and 2 ahead!

Wow, this episode went by fast! I sincerely hope this serial gets a TV series someday! The action doesn’t slow down at all, and it was such an exciting read! A masquerade ball and another deadly challenge are only a few of Quinn’s problems. As more and more secrets rise to the surface, Quinn is left with more questions than answers. I love the romance that is slowly starting to take shape! I’m very curious about some of the information revealed in this episode! I reached the end of this episode way too fast! The cliffhanger once again has me desperate to get my hands on episode 4!

I highly recommend reading this serial! I’m looking forward to uncovering more of this spectacular world in the next episode!

Those are all the reviews I currently have for On Wings of Ash and Dust! I will be back with another post when I’ve finished episodes 4-6! I hope you enjoyed these reviews! Before you go, leave a comment with your faerie clan below! I’m a Sylph! Happy reading, everyone!

Celebrating “Strayblood” Release Week & Free Book Announcement!

Hello everyone! Thank you all for joining me in celebrating the release of Strayblood! As you might recall, I recently shared the cover reveal for this book. If you missed my last post, you can see the stunning cover on the banner above!

Strayblood is officially out and available for purchase! Read on for more information, as well as a free book!

The 2nd book in the Coming-of-age Fantasy series: Draev Guardians has released! Where elemental magic reigns and monsters lurk, and where Cyrus, a girl who can manipulate metal, and Aken, the last Scourgeblood, struggle in a world that is determined to either use them or destroy them…

If you’re new to the series, scroll down further to see book one: Strayborn, and the Amazon sale!

Purchase Links: AMAZON| BARNES & NOBLE| GOODREADS| BOOK DEPOSITORY

Book One: Strayborn

The Draev Guardian Academy is their only sanctuary. But training to become a Draev won’t be easy. Cyrus has to hide her human side as she gets placed in Floor Harlow with the outcast students, and nightmares of her deceased mother keep returning.

With creepy Corpsed on the prowl, and whispers of Cyrus possibly being a reborn Hero, both she and her friend Aken find themselves caught up in a web of secrets, racial tension, and an old legend with enemies that could spell their untimely demise…

If you’re new to the world of Draev Guardians, check out the links to book #1 below and the Amazon sale: The hardback price is discounted, and the e-book is FREE on Amazon through December 1st-5th, and will be $0.99 cents 5th-12th!

Author Bio:
E.E. Rawls is the product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years. She loves exploring the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book. She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind turning, as she writes stories that will both entertain and inspire, creating worlds that one can explore and quickly become lost within… Be careful you don’t lose your way.
WEBSITE| INSTAGRAM

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to grab a copy of Strayborn TODAY while it’s still free if you haven’t already read it! Happy reading, everyone!

“Strayblood” Cover Reveal!

Hello everyone! I am so excited to share the cover for Strayblood with you all today! You might recall a few reviews I posted about another series by E.E. Rawls (the Madness Solver in Wonderland duology) a while back; I have yet to read her Draev Guardians series, but I hope to get to it in the future! They sound really interesting! Also, the covers are BEAUTIFUL, as you are about to find out!

Book Blurb:

“I am the rescuer of the weak. The hope of those who have none. And the executioner of
vempar kind. I am the White Ghost—and your worst nightmare.”

With the events of the Festival Duel over, Cyrus wants to focus on training her Ability with metal. But trouble soon comes in the form of a shapeshifter: the White Ghost, who’s determined to exterminate all vempar kind, and he’s seeking the power of the Swan Princess in order to carry out his plan.

Seriously, why can’t people just leave Cyrus alone? She doesn’t want to be the Swan, some reborn hero from legend! She just wants to be with her friends and train to become a Draev Guardian. Is that too much to ask for?

Apparently, it is. The Oracle, who happens to be a faeryn child, can lead the Ghost right to her—and the Impure Nights, as well. Harlow must keep the Oracle safe, but with the Academy’s yearly Hunters Race coming up, things get even more complicated. The Scourgeblood in Aken’s veins is awakening, and to face the powerful shapeshifter, Cyrus’s fellow Draevs-in-training may have to pay the ultimate price…

As a reminder, Strayblood is the second book in the Draev Guardians series! I have posted the links to the first book, Strayborn, below, along with the pre-order links for Strayblood!

Strayblood releases December 1st! Would you like to join in and help spread the word about the release? Join the Book Release Shout-Out HERE.

Pre-order Links:

AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
GOODREADS

Purchase the first book, Strayborn, at:

AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
BOOK DEPOSITORY
INDIEBOUND
GOODREADS
BOOKSHOP

Author Bio:

E.E. Rawls is the product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years. She loves exploring the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book. She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind turning, as she writes stories that will both entertain and inspire, creating worlds that one can explore and quickly become lost within… Be careful you don’t lose your way.
WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

Aren’t these covers amazing? I adore them! Don’t forget that you can sign up to help share about the book release using the link above!

Have a great weekend everyone!

“Chances for Serendipity” by Natalie Chung

Hello everyone! Happy September! I hope you all are doing well! I recently had the chance to read a book written by a friend of mine, and it was spectacular! I’ll be sharing the blurb and my review below!

But first–isn’t this cover so cute?!

Blurb:

One chance meeting can change everything.

Serendipity Tsang never suspected the kind, sweet guy she once met would become famous. Aiden Andale—Australia’s newest hotshot tennis player. And to think she accidentally hit him on the head with a tennis ball!

As years pass by, she’s busy juggling her family’s beloved Chinese bakery, her future career, and navigating relationships.

Then she starts seeing Aiden again—in magazines, on TV, in tennis tournaments. He’s everywhere she turns. Looking happy with his life. Unlike her.

But reality isn’t always straightforward. What happens when serendipity finds them both again in the most unlikely of ways?

My Review:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book was everything I’d hoped it would be and more! I read the entire book in one sitting! There are so many things I loved about this book, but I should warn you: this book will make you hungry. Very hungry.

I was expecting a romance (which I got), but this story is about so much more than that. Serendipity’s journey throughout these pages is one of self-discovery, forgiveness, learning to take risks, and finding happiness. There are so many good lessons and messages woven throughout the story. While the story is mostly light and adorable, it does touch on deeper topics that are dealt with so well.

I also want to note that my knowledge of tennis is limited to what I picked up from Wii Sports, but I had no trouble following along. I actually got really into the tennis match scenes! I felt like I was really watching the matches in person!

Serendipity was a character who I just wanted to cheer on! Her struggles are so realistic, and I genuinely wanted to see her succeed. The story follows her over the years, starting at age 16 and ending in her early 20s. It’s rare to find a book revolving around this particular age, so it was refreshing to see the struggles of college, careers, etc. Aiden was also a super sweet character! I loved his relationship with Sere! Their scenes together were probably my favorites!

And I can’t not mention Sere’s family and their bakery. Sere’s family is supportive and loving, and I loved their interactions! I loved all the moments at the bakery, between the family conversations to the wonderful baking scenes. (Again, this book will make you hungry! Natalie did a great job writing the food descriptions and baking scenes, so it made everything sound delicious!) Ming is another great character who you’ll learn more about if you read this book!

In the end, this book was much more than just a romance or just a tennis story. It will make you smile, it will make you laugh, it will tug on your heartstrings, and it will make you hungry! I can’t believe this is Natalie’s debut novel—she has definitely given me high expectations for her future books! I highly recommend reading this book! I’m looking forward to reading Natalie’s future stories!

Content: clean and wholesome!

Find Natalie on Instagram at: @nataliechung.writes

I hope you enjoyed this review! Go ahead and add Chances for Serendipity to your TBR! You can find this lovely book on Goodreads here.

I’ll try to be back soon with more reviews! In the meantime, happy reading!

Blog Tour: “Macario’s Scepter” by M. J. McGriff

Welcome to my blog tour stop for Macario’s Scepter by M. J. McGriff! This tour is hosted by MTMC Tours! An unlikely Chosen One, her pirate captain ex-lover, and a nun. A prophecy that unleashes a fire-breathing sea serpent pouring its wrath on the isles and a magical scepter with the power to destroy—or save—the world. This YA Fantasy (first in a series!) released on April 13th, 2020.

Keep reading for the book information, my review (with GIFs!), an international giveaway, an excerpt from the book, and the links to the other tour stops!

Book Information & Synopsis:

Title: Macario’s Scepter

Author: M.J. McGriff
Series: Magian #1

Publishing Date: April 13, 2020
Genres: YA Fantasy

Purchase a copy: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | Blackwell’s

Add on Goodreads!

Samara is a ship wrecked at sea. She can’t seem to get anything right, especially her love life. Her former pirate captain, the famous Baz Blackwater, broke her heart and stranded her on an island of religious hypocrites. Samara wants nothing more than to escape to the freedom of the sea, so when her ex-lover shows up offering a chance at a magical treasure—and secret revenge—she jumps at the chance.

Seraphina prays every day for her wayward twin sister to stop chasing the pirate life and find the peace she’s discovered in her own quiet life at the convent. But Samara has nothing but contempt for her sister’s beliefs and religious rituals. Yet when Seraphina uncovers an ancient prophecy revealing the horrifying curse of the treasure Samara and Baz seek, she must leave her convent—risking the wrath of her Order—and search for the truth about Macario’s scepter.

In a world of friendship and betrayal, monsters and magic, seedy pubs and adventure on the high seas, will Samara’s magical powers, Baz’s cunning plans, and Seraphina’s unshakable faith be enough to slay a cursed sea serpent destroying everything they love?

——–
Book 2 of the series, The Secret Library, will be released in the Spring 2021! While you wait, you can read a free short story that takes place in the world of the Magian series by signing up to MJ McGriff’s email list.

Book Excerpt:

Baz

Baz smiled and leaned on the table next to Lady Kanti, the most desperate of them all.

“That scepter will bring this cove the notoriety it lacks and the coin you need to keep this place afloat.”

None of them could say a word. Admitting his plan was sound would injure their egos. And they are such fragile things.

My Review:

4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Samara can’t wait to find a way off the island she’s stuck on. After being abandoned by her former pirate captain and ex-lover, she has to take on miserable jobs to try to earn enough to get away. Seraphina wishes her sister would live a more respectable life. While Samara loves adventure, Seraphina prefers the quiet life in the convent. Both of the girls’ lives are upended when Baz, Samara’s ex-lover, reappears and needs Samara’s help to retrieve an ancient treasure. Samara isn’t eager to spend time with him, but she needs to get off the island. But Seraphina learns there’s a dangerous prophecy surrounding the treasure and sets off to save her and possibly the world.

This book was so fun! An unexpected Chosen One teams up with her pirate ex-lover while being assisted by her sister who is a nun—this isn’t your typical “Chosen One and friends save the world” story! The story is told from 3 POVs: Samara, Seraphina, and Baz. They all have very different perspectives which made the story even more entertaining!

I really liked how each of the characters had their own struggles. Samara is aware she doesn’t quite fit the Chosen One stereotype and doesn’t know how she’s supposed to save the world. Seraphina learns that her Order has many flaws and that the world outside the convent is quite cruel. Baz has some big shoes to fill as the newly-appointed captain of The Pursuer. While the story itself is very interesting, it was also enjoyable to watch the characters learn and grow!

The story is pretty fast-paced! I love a good pirate story, and this one did not disappoint! More and more enemies appear, plans are thwarted and adjusted, magic powers are hard to control, and lives are lost… This is much more than Samara, Seraphina, and Baz signed up for!

How I imagine Baz feels at this point:

Samara’s reaction to being the Chosen One:

Seraphina after learning about the prophecy:

I also need to mention some side characters! Mari and Jules, in particular, were some of my favorite characters! Mari, a kickbutt lady pirate, and Jules, a gentle older pirate, are members of Baz’s crew and I really loved all of their scenes!

Overall, this book is fun and adventurous! With an excellent cast of characters, an action-packed plot, and intense fight scenes, this book kept me engaged and intrigued! I would recommend to fans of pirates and fantasy books!

About M.J. McGriff:

MJ McGriff writes fast-paced YA fantasy and sci-fi stories featuring pirates, exotic locations, and amazing characters of color. She loves all things Marvel, Star Wars, and whatever she can find on a dessert menu. She lives in sunny South Florida with her two daughters who love to play pretend just as much as she does.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter

INTL Tour-wide Giveaway!

Enter the Rafflecopter below to win a hardcover of Macario’s Scepter via Book Depository! This is open internationally & it ends on August 4th, 2021 at 11:59pm EST.

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2aeeb25b86/?

Tour Schedule:

July 26
Paper Fury
July 27
Review Thick & Thin
@anabellasbooks
July 28
GivernyReads
@chapter.mjthomas
July 29
The Reader and the Chef
@clockwork.bookdragon
July 30
@regallywritten
July 31
The Lady With Books
@erincarstairs__x
August 1
The Bookish Raven

Head over to my bookstagram to see my post for Macario’s Scepter!

Thanks so much for following along with me today! I hope you enjoyed this tour stop! Happy reading, everyone!

Hosted By:

Blog Tour: “Madness Solver in Wonderland” and “Madness Solver in Wonderland 2” by E. E. Rawls

Hello everyone! Welcome to my tour stop for Madness Solver in Wonderland and Madness Solver in Wonderland 2 by E. E. Rawls! I’m a sucker for an Alice in Wonderland re-telling, so I was thrilled to read and review these books! Keep reading for more information about this lovely duology, my reviews, and purchase links!

Isn’t this cover just gorgeous?!

Synopsis:

Teenage Madnes Hatter wants more to life than what his island hometown has to offer—and he definitely doesn’t want a boring future in hat-making, like his parents. But he sure doesn’t expect a well-dressed cat named Cheshire to suddenly pop into his life and make everything worse—giving him the power of the Madness Solver and making him the guardian and peacekeeper between Wonderland and Earth.

What the heck? When he said he wanted more to life, this wasn’t what he meant! Now, he’s the only one who can see Wonderland creatures as they walk the streets, and when there’s trouble, it’s his job to solve it. His friends, Alice and Harrey, think he’s going crazy.

But when a problem arises with the portals linking Wonderland to Earth, an old mystery is brought to light—the case of the death of the previous Madness Solver. Will Madnes meet the same fate, with the guardian power sapping away at his life? Wonderland’s ruler, the Red King, has cast a dangerous spell, and an ancient evil is rising. Madnes may not have long to save his friends and both worlds before it’s too late…

My Review for Madness Solver in Wonderland:

4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Madnes Hatter is bored with the uninteresting life he is living on his island hometown. He never expected a talking cat to show up and wreak havoc on his life! The cat informs Madnes that he is the new Madness Solver, a person entrusted to keep both Earth and Wonderland peaceful. Madnes is suddenly forced to handle problems between the worlds, learn to use his newfound powers, and hide all of this from his friends. But the power comes with a price: it slowly is sucking away his life. And then a bigger problem surfaces—the Red King is using a dangerous spell that poses a threat to both of the worlds.

This was such a pleasant and fun read! I’m not sure what the intended age group is, but I would highly recommend it for middle-grade readers! The shenanigans of Madnes and his friends and the craziness of Wonderland would definitely appeal to younger readers! I also think YA readers would enjoy this! This unique take on Wonderland and the way it crosses over with Earth is so cool! I also really liked the author’s writing style—it strikes me as rather clever and witty. This is a fun tale of adventure and friendship with interesting world-building and enjoyable characters! It is also a clean read which is why I have no problem suggesting it to younger readers. Fans of Alice in Wonderland and readers looking for a short and amusing read should give this book a shot!

My Review of Madness Solver in Wonderland 2:

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review. (If you have not read book one, this review might spoil it for you, so proceed with caution.)

With Earth at stake, Madnes and friends split into teams to destroy the crystals. New friends and foes are introduced, secrets are revealed, and Madnes’s time continues to run out. Will they manage to stop Earth from turning into another Wonderland? And will Madnes save them all at the cost of his own life?

I enjoyed the first book a lot, but I enjoyed this one even more! The world-building here was spectacular! Many different parts on Wonderland are explored, and I loved all the unique settings and characters! It was also really interesting to follow each of the different teams as they searched for crystals. Madnes and the gang are such a fun group to read about! I honestly wanted to visit this version of Wonderland after reading this! Once again, I would highly recommend this to middle-grade readers as it is clean, fun, and easy-to-read! Also, readers who enjoy clean re-tellings would probably also enjoy this book!

Interesting, right? Here, I’ll even give you an excerpt from book 1!

Book Excerpt:

Something short entered the office, and Madnes had to lean over the counter to see who or what it was.

The most pristine woman approached them both, wearing red-frame glasses and a matching red handbag, complete with a fancy bonnet on her graceful head. Only, she had a beak for a nose, and a long white neck. In fact, despite her pristine attire and snooty aura, she was a goose. A rather large goose, compared to regular gooses in Oswick; she reached well above his waist. Her wingtip feathers like fingers adjusted the glasses perched above her beak as she eyed the human and debonair cat.

“This is the Madness Solver Office, if I am not mistaken?” Her voice matched her pristine looks, and a flowery perfume hung in the air.

“Indeed it is, Madam Mother Goose!” Cheshire swiped his hat off and gave a bow.

“Mother…Goose?” Madnes wanted to exclaim, but a sharp cat-boot heel met his big toe, silencing him.

“What can we do for you, madam?” offered Cheshire.

“It’s my precious yet so naughty son, Ugly,” she replied, resting her handbag on the counter. “He’s gone and disappeared. I need you to find him and bring him back to me. But safely, mind you—not a feather on his head may be harmed!” A handkerchief that she suddenly held dabbed at her bird eyes—much larger and more eyelashed than normal Earth birds.

“What is his full name?”

“Ugly Duckling Goose.”

“Where was he last seen?”

“Last night, at our home in the Shoe. I tucked him into bed.”

“Hmm.” Cheshire looked to be taking notes. “Any ideas as to where he might have gone? Does he have a favorite hiding place, or a secret getaway?”

“None that I know of.” She frowned as bitterly as her bill would allow. “Are you done questioning me? This valuable time should be spent searching for him, not lollygagging around with questions!” She blew into her handkerchief. “Ohhhh, my poor Ugly. Poor, poor naughty Ugly!”

Madnes bit his cheek. Lollygagging? What a demanding, snooty fowl… He wanted to snatch that handkerchief away.

“Yes, well, I think we have enough to start on, then,” said Cheshire, taking care to ignore Madnes’s incredulous expression. “We’ll get on the case, straight away, madam. We’ll find your Ugly, don’t you worry about a thing!”

“Oh.” The handkerchief vanished and the tears stopped; the goose returned to her pristine self now that she’d gotten what she wanted. “Good, very good. I expect to hear from you soon.” She walked—waddled—to the door. “Remember: not a feather harmed!” she emphasized, as if she were the queen herself.

“Of course.” Cheshire bowed again, and the bell jingled her exit.

“Mother Goose from the nursery rhyme? And a snooty one, at that?” Madnes was finally able to exclaim.

Want to know more about E. E. Rawls? Or grab your own copy of these charming books? Read on!

Author Bio:

The product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years, Rawls loves to explore the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book. She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind turning as she crafts tales that will both entertain and inspire, creating worlds one can explore and quickly become lost within. Beware, you might not find your way back out again. Visit her online at:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Thank you for following along with me today! I hope you enjoyed this tour stop! Happy reading, everyone!

Blog Tour: “Untethered” by KayLynn Flanders

Hello everyone! Welcome to my tour stop for Untethered by KayLynn Flanders! I’m so excited to share more about this amazing book with everyone! Please keep reading for information about the book and the author, my review, a giveaway, and other tour stops.

Synopsis:

For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes the thrilling sequel to Shielded about a world in a deadly magical war and the newly crowned king and feisty princess who must defeat the deadliest of foes before there’s nothing left to save.

Although King Atháren’s sister, Jennesara, saved Hálendi from the Gray Mage, the reprieve came at a steep price–the life of their father. Now Ren rules over a divided kingdom, with some who want him dead, and a Medallion that warns of worse trouble brewing in the south.

As second born, Princess Chiara is the perfect Turian royal–perfectly invisible. She longs to help restore peace on the Plateau, but with no magic and no fighting skills, she doesn’t stand a chance against a mage. So when a member of the Turian royal family goes missing and Chiara finds a clue about the rumored resting place of the mages’ long-lost artifacts, she decides it’s time to be seen.

As Ren’s and Chiara’s paths cross, they find the depth of the mages’ hold on the Plateau is more powerful than anyone suspected, and that they must learn to trust themselves, and each other, before the mages retrieve their artifacts and become too powerful to ever defeat.

My Top 5 Reasons to Read Untethered:

The adventure! Awesome world-building, interesting magic system, dangerous journeys…what more could you want?
Ren and Chiara. These two characters didn’t play huge roles in Shielded, the first book in this series. However, they steal the show in this book. While Jenna and Enzo still appear in the sequel, Ren and Chiara are the main characters this time around. Ren and Chiara are both such lovable characters, and I thought it was cool that we got to see them struggle and overcome their anxiety/self-doubt.
The balance between heart-warming moments and intense fight scenes. One of my favorite things about this series has always been how wholesome it is. It’s rare to see books with good sibling/parent relationships, especially in the fantasy genre. Those relationships, as well as the friendships and romances, really make this book stand out. However, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any action-packed moments! There are some powerful mages with lofty goals, and Ren and Chiara are desperate to keep them from getting what they want.
The messages/themes. Unlike many other YA series, this book has a lot of important themes in it. Forgiveness and second chances are a huge theme in this story. Unlikely allies help the main characters learn to trust others and realize they shouldn’t be so quick to judge or make assumptions. Ren struggles with self-confidence; Chiara struggles with wanting to be noticed/appreciated. This book has many important truths between its pages–it truly is a spectacular story!
Yesilia. Yesilia is Chiara’s grandmother who we met in Shielded. She doesn’t play a huge role in this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of her scenes! We need more fantasy books with kick-butt grandmas who are wise, useful, and reckless!

My Review:

4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Potential spoilers for book 1 ahead!

With his father dead and Jenna in Turia, Ren becomes the king of Halendi and is left alone to pick up the pieces. There are those in his own court who want him dead, making his list of allies slim. To make matters worse, the Medallion continues to warn of danger. Meanwhile, Princess Chiara of Turia feels invisible. No one pays her much mind, even her own family. When horrible news arrives in Turia, Chiara takes it upon herself to settle matters. Along with a mysterious clue, she sets off on a difficult journey. Both she and Ren discover how powerful the mages truly are and must work together if the Plateau is to be saved.

This was an excellent sequel to Shielded! I am always wary when a series shifts to a different character’s POV from book to book, but I genuinely enjoyed following Ren and Chiara throughout Untethered.

First things first, the world-building is just as amazing as it was in Shielded. More of the Plateau is explored here and we learn more about the land and its magic. While there is a lot we don’t know, it doesn’t take away from the story at all.

Ren and Chiara were also very interesting characters. They struggle with believing in themselves and worrying that they’re not enough. Ren is not sure he can handle a kingdom; Chiara feels like a useless princess with nothing to contribute. As they continue on the journey, they also learn more about themselves and what they’re truly capable of.

In addition, the messages in this story were what truly made this book excellent. The characters learn a lot about forgiveness, trust in both others and themselves, and that there are many different kinds of strengths in life.

This is a clean and wholesome read that is still fun and adventurous! I think this is a great book for both teens and older readers. This duology will forever have a special place in my heart!

If you’re interested in buying Untethered, you can do so here:

You can also find the book on Goodreads!

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a finished copy of Untethered. The giveaway starts on July 19th and ends on July 26th.

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fc15a59535/

Tour Schedule:

Interested in the other tour stops? Click here for the schedule!

About the Author:

KayLynn Flanders has a degree in English Language and editing, and has been a freelance editor and book designer for over twelve years. Her debut novel, Shielded, was published by Delacorte Press/PRH, with the sequel, Untethered, forthcoming. KayLynn and her family live in Utah between some mountains and a lake, and she is directionally challenged without them. She loves reading, writing, traveling, and volleyball, and thinks there’s nothing better than a spur-of-the-moment road trip.

Author Links:

Thank you so much for coming to my tour stop! Have a great week!

March Wrap-Up

Hello again! I’m going to post this while I still remember! I hope to get some reviews up soon!

March Wrap-Up

An Enchantment of Thorns by Helena Rookwood & Elm Vince
Hive by Jeremiah Ukponrefe
Dark One by Brandon Sanderson
Laughing Under the Clouds, Vol. 1 by Karakara Kemuri
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Covet by Tracy Wolff
Rogue by Moriah Jane
A Thieving Curse by Selina R. Gonzalez
Living Water by Allison Wells
The Firebird Song by Arnee Flores
10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston
You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
My Epic Spring Break(Up) by Kristin Rockaway
Gemina by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

Happy reading, everyone!

February Wrap-Up

Hi everyone! Long time, no post! I will be the first to admit that I’m horrible at remembering to post on here. Between writing college papers, book reviews, and bookstagram posts, I get overwhelmed sometimes. I try to get on here and post, but I often forget too, so I’m sorry about that! Thank you to everyone who still follows this blog and reads what I post on here!

Today, I’m posting a very late February Wrap-Up. I will also be posting my March Wrap-Up. Hopefully, I’ll actually post on here in the month of April!

February Wrap-Up

The Maiden Ship by Micheline Ryckman
Haru’s Curse by Asuka Konishi
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman
Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Vol. 1 by Yoko Nogiri
A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1 by Suu Morishita
Spindle Fire by Lexi Hillyer
Winter Glass by Lexi Hillyer
The We and the They by Kyra Ann Dawkins
Faking Reality by Sara Fujimura
Solo Leveling, Vol. 1 (Light Novel) by Chugong
The Water Child by Ellen McGinty
Perfect World, Vol. 1 by Rie Aruga
Wotakoi, Vol. 1 by Fujita
Harper Unhinged by Jo Cassidy

Happy reading, everyone!