Mundie Moms

Monday, March 21, 2016

THE SKYLIGHTER by Becky Wallace / Blog Tour: Book Review / Giveaway



Hello and welcome to the next stop for THE SKYLIGHTER blog tour! I'm thrilled to celebrate tomorrow's release of Becky Wallace's sequel to The Storyspinner. The Skylighter is a fantastic end to Johanna and Rafi's story. Check out my review and enter to win!! 

ABOUT THE BOOK 



By: Becky Wallace
Published by: Margaret McElderry Books
To Be Released on: March 22nd, 2016
Series: The Keepers' Chronicles #2
Pre-Order From: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Add It Goodreads
Rating: 4 Stars - I Enjoyed It
* I received an arc to review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

As the last of the royal line, Johanna is the only person who can heal a magical breach in the wall that separates her kingdom of Santarem from the land of the Keepers, legendary men and women who wield elemental magic. The barrier protects Santarem from those Keepers who might try to take power over mere humans…Keepers who are determined to stop Johanna and seize the wall’s power for themselves. 

 And they’re not the only ones. As the duchys of Santarem descend into war over the throne, Johanna relies more than ever on the advice of her handsome companion, Lord Rafael DeSilva. But Rafi is a duke too, and his people come first. As their friendship progresses into the beginnings of a tender relationship, Johanna must wonder: is Rafi looking out for her happiness, or does he want the throne for himself? 

With war on the horizon, Johanna and Rafi dodge treacherous dukes and Keeper assassins as they race to through the countryside, determined to strengthen the wall before it’s too late…even if it means sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their world. 

An exciting ending to an unforgettable, action packed journey. With a sweeping romance, magic, shocking plot twists, betrayal, and plenty of danger, this is a fantastic ending that fans of Becky's Storyspinner will be pleasantly surprised with. 

I loved Wallace's debut, The Storyspinner, and have anxiously been awaiting this book's release. This book did not disappoint. It lived up to my expectations, and then some. Wallace's writing is awesome. I love her storytelling, and how detailed everything in her story is. It was incredibly easy to visualize the characters, and their world. I enjoyed the way she brought her characters life, how vividly detailed their world is, and how the overall story is told. Talk about plot twists, this story kept me on my toes! Nothing that I excepted to happen, happened. It was impossible to figure out what was going to happen next. 

There is no shortage of romance, action, or danger in this fast paced sequel. I didn't think I could admire Johanna more than I already did, or fall in love with Rafi, and the way he treats Johanna any more, but I did. I love the way these two know how to push each other's buttons, and how they can ignite the pages with the chemistry between them. There's some awesome kissy scenes between these two! I also loved the way these two get each other, and support each other. They allow each other to make their own choices, even if it's one they may not agree with. I also loved getting to know some of the other characters, including Dom, Rafi's brother, as well as Pira and Leao. The story is also told from their points of views, as well as two other characters.

The only thing that kept me from loving this story as much as I loved The Storyspinner, was the numerous points of views. Rarely to numerous povs work when it comes to a story, at least for me. When there are more than 3 points of views, I felt like it becomes distracting and at times pulls me out of the story. Which was the case with this book. Even though each pov kept the flow of the over all storyline progressing, and Wallace did a great job in writing each pov, there were a few times I was a little annoyed with how much it kept changing povs. 

However, there are things that worked with this many povs. Wallace kept it impossible to detect who the betrayer was, the plot twists were fantastic, and it was nice getting to see more of the over all story from various characters. There are so many incredible parts to this story, that I understand why there are a few povs. It would have been hard to tell the story the way she did without them. Having this many povs also allows the reader to both sides of the story, like from Johanna and Rafi's sides to those trying to help her, and as well as from those who are pursuing them, and trying to stop them.

This was a fantastic way to end Johanna and Rafi's journey together. It's one that wraps up everything that was perfectly fitting for the characters, and also allows readers to imagine what happens next for them. I love it when an ending to a book isn't the end. Sure it's the end of this part of the character's adventure, but instead of mourning their ending, I'm hopeful for what their future holds, and I'm able to freely imagine what these two characters are going to do next. If you were/are a fan of The Storyspinner, I would highly recommend picking this book up!


ABOUT BOOK 1 - THE STORYSPINNER


By: Becky Wallace
Released On: March 3, 2015
Series: The Keeper's Chronicles #1
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Add it: Goodreads |


Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.

Find her online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads


ENTER TO WIN
* 5 winners will receive autographed SETS of STORYSPINNER and SKYLIGHTER with swag, US Only.
10 will receive swag sets, US Only.




FOLLOW THE TOUR


Week One:
3/14/2016- Once Upon A TwilightInterview
3/15/2016- Jessabella ReadsReview
3/16/2016- Owl Always Be ReadingExcerpt
3/17/2016- Take Me Away To A Great ReadReview
3/18/2016- a GREAT readInterview


Week Two:
3/21/2016- Mundie MomsReview
3/22/2016- Supernatural SnarkGuest Post
3/23/2016- Wishful EndingsReview
3/24/2016- Two Chicks on BooksInterview
3/25/2016- Seeing Double In NeverlandReview

Morena Baccarin Talks Narrating the Lady Midnight Audiobook #LadyMidnight


Happy Mundane Monday, Shadowhunters! Some of my favorite audiobooks are Cassandra Clare's audiobooks. While that may not come as a surprise, I don't just love them for their stories, I have loved who they've picked to narrate each story. Audiobook narrators either make or break the story for me. I have to say, Shadowhunter fans have been spoiled with awesome narrators when it comes to Cassie's audiobooks. Simon & Schuster audio recently shared this interview with Morena Baccarin, who narrated the audiobook of Lady Midnight. Check it out below!




Have you listened to the Lady Midnight audiobook yet? What did you think?

ShadowhuntersTV: Episode 10: This World Inverted / Review


Hello Shadowhunters! Today we're sharing our thoughts for Episode 10 of Shadowhunters, which aired this past Tuesday. Let's just say we weren't fans. 

Katie's Thoughts


Just as I thought the series couldn't get worse. This week's writing totally proved me wrong. What in the world did I just watch? This was like watching a poorly written fanfic come to life. They literally just ruined much of the overall Shadowhunters storyline from the books, for no reason. None of what I watched this week made sense. As was said in this week's episode, "focus on the differences". Okay, let's do that, oh wait, the entire episode was different than the books. Yeah, an adaptation still has some things from the book series in it, but other than the character names, this episode had none. 


I've officially lost all respect for Alec. Great job writers, you've totally ruined a great storyline, and a crucial character (when I say you, I mean the show runner, Ed and his head writers). You have done a huge disservice to the character that Cassandra Clare created. You've instead created a character that doesn't care about anyone but himself. He's selfish, and commits an unforgivable thing. Not only did he stand by when his sister got arrested, he turned his back on his family, and sold them all out to Lydia, someone he doesn't even really know, yet he's engaged to her?! Yep, still trying to figure out that one. Also if you read the TID series, you'd know that she can't be related to Henry. Back to Alec, I didn't buy into this deranged version of Alec what so ever at all. Not only has he sold out his family, and Jace, he's sold out his sister and he's bargained the mortal cup for her freedom. Worse than that, he didn't care if his bond with Jace broke, and he claimed Jace was dead to him. Wow. Way to ruin a character! He contradicts everything the real character stands for. And no, I didn't fall for the attempt to make Alec into a knight in shinning armor when he confessed to Izzy some of what he did to try and save her. 

Let's talk about the alternate world. First off, I didn't realize the faeries could create portals. I thought Warlocks were the ones who could do that. Apparently the books got that wrong. I found it funny that Luke owns a bookstore in this world, when that's exactly what he owns in the books. However, I will say him being a cop works for the show, and I love what he and Simon do to throw the cop of their case. Back to the alternate world.... I found the whole Alice in Wonderland inspired "alternate world" a complete joke, including making Valentine the 'Mad Hatter'. I guess I should say that the one good thing about this was, is that Valentine wasn't in Chernobyl for the entire episode. Speaking of Chernobyl, do the writers even realize what they just did by introducing Michael Wayland into the the storyline? They have already introduced way too many characters for this first season, and as a result already had to kill some off, but introducing Michael really ruins a lot of the story.

This episode was a disaster! Did the show runner, Ed or any of his head writers actually read any of Cassandra Clare's books? If they had, they would have used some of the material from her books to at least create a decent episode. All the material the writers needed is already in Cassie's books. If they had taken the time to read her books, or do their own research, this episode could have gone so much better than it did. This is no longer an adaptation of Cassie's books, nor is it inspired by her books. It's something else entirely, which would be fine, except back before the tv series aired, Ed told fans he was going to stay true to the book series as much as he possibly could. This episode proved him wrong.

The only things I liked from this episode was Izzy telling Lydia a piece of her mind, Chairman Meow, Church, Izzy's Star Wars shirt she wore in the alternate world, Java Jace (hello Jace), and seeing Jocelyn and Valentine together. Not even Jace's "Shut up and kiss me!" line were enough to save this train wreck of an episode. Considering how bad ratings dropped after this episode, I'm wondering how the writers are even going to come back from this, and how the end of this season is going to wrap up. 

Em's Thoughts

What did I just watch? Did that episode make any sense? Felt like a clip show from a bad sitcom. I know it was supposed to have an alternative universe upside down feel but no just no. There was even awful CGI with the demon in the basement as if the dimension was in 1950's bad tv. My Mr16 even punched the wall (no damage) when Jace & Simon high fived at the party. I'm lactose intolerant I can't handle that much cheese.


So I know this doesn't follow the books any more as far as story goes, but why tamper with the world and myths/laws etc that Cassie wrote so well. It now appears that Fey are now Warlocks and can open portals. And when can a parabatai link can be broken or weakened without it being a big deal! Have the writers not read The infernal devices, or Lady midnight for that matter. Such a huge part of the overall story of the books just changed for no sound reason.


And that last bit at the end, with who Clary & Jace found. Did you hear Miss13 and I shout NO? We live in Australia I think you guys in the USA might have heard us. So that has just really changed the whole story. Not happy at all, I'm sorry producers but I think you might loose us fans


Sophie's Thoughts


Again, I find myself wondering why when there are literally thousands of pages of material, do the writers (and ultimately the blame lies with the producers) insist of not using ANY of it?

I love time travel story lines, but the Shadowhunter Chronicles do not contain that element. There is no Harry Potter-esque time turner, no Dr. Who TARDIS, no wish granting genie in a bottle. Oh but wait, there is a Seelie faerie. But, his name is Meliorn not The Doctor.

Was there something redeeming in this epi? I wouldn't know. Maybe BaristaJace can whip me up a doppio espresso, so I can clear my thoughts. This episode added literally nothing. Okay, the betrayal of Jace (because he stole the Mortal Cup) to Alec. And it added so much nonsense -- breaking of the Parabatai bond/geo locator, a dimension with no Shadowhunters and time travel.

I am honestly hoping that this season ends soon, and while I hold a tiny bit of hope for the newly announced season two, I am left worried. Deeply worried. In season two, will Jace become the Mother of All Dragons?



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What did you think of this week's episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you thought. You can read our previous reviews here. Check out ShadowhuntersTV.com's recap of this week's episode here

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