Mundie Moms

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

LEGENDARY by Stephanie Garber / Book Review #Legendary



By: Stephanie Garber
Published by: Flatiron Books
Released on: May 29th, 2018
SeriesCaraval #2
Purchase Links

Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED It!
Source: Purchased Book



The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval
A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.
The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun
An enthralling, magical read that will hold you captive and wanting more. Even than, it will leave you begging for more! I absolutely loved this book. Garber took everything I loved about Caraval, to a whole new level. Her writing and storytelling is perfection. With her visually stunning descriptions of the world of Legendary, and enchanting Caraval games, to the lively characters, everything about this book easily comes to life, and makes you feel as though you're part of it. 
This is a story I wanted to crawl into, and hang out in. The characters really made this story for me. What annoyed me about Tella in Legendary, I absolutely loved about her in this book. I realized that much of what she does previously, is not without reason. Everything I thought I knew about her was wrong. I greatly admired her in this story, and love that this story is told from her perspective. Numerous times I found myself agreeing with her decisions, had I been in her shoes. 
Along with Tella, I really enjoyed getting to know more about Dante and Legendary. There is so much more to these two characters than I previously thought. I'd like to say "I KNEW IT", but everything in this story is so much more complicated, and twisted. From the characters, to the game, the stakes are deadly, and are much more real than they were in Caraval. Just as I think I have things figured out, something happens that makes me second guess myself. I love it when a book does that. 
This book is a WOW book for me. It's one that does such an incredible job at creating a story, characters and their world so vividly you feel as though you're there while reading the book. This book is a masterpiece of deception, and truth that's so deeply embedded into the story that you won't figure it out until the story is completely unraveled. I'm in awe of how Garber created a story so complex and layered and did so, so perfectly. 
This book is one of my all time favorite reads of 2018! I highly recommend picking up this series. I can not wait to find out what happens in FINALE! After this book's ending, I NEED ANSWERS! 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

OUT TODAY! 10/30/18 New YA Releases!


Out Today! Happy Book Birthday to today's newest YA releases. Here's what you'll find out on bookstore shelves now:




Which new titles will you be picking up today? I'm currently waiting for three of these new releases to arrive today. 

Monday, October 29, 2018

Enter To Win The WITCHLANDS Series by Susan Dennard / Giveaway #Witchlands


I am so thrilled to partner up with Tor Teen and host a giveaway for one of my favorite YA series! If you've not yet picked up The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard, you are missing out! Truthwitch, Windwitch and Sightwitch are already in stores. The next book in the series, Bloodwitch, will be out in February! Now is the perfect time to pick up these books, or enter for your chance to win Truthwitch & Windwitch, and read them before Bloodwitch is out. Check out what else you can enter to win, and find out more about the series below:


ABOUT THE WITCHLANDS SERIES 

A favorite of booksellers, reviewers, and readers alike, Susan Dennard has become widely known for her young adult epic fantasy saga set in the imaginative world of her New York Times bestselling series published by Tor Teen, The Witchlands, told through TruthwitchWindwitch, the special illustrated novella Sightwitch, and the forthcoming Bloodwitch (February 2019). The Witchlands is set on a distant continent, in which some are born with a "witchery," a magical skill that sets them apart from others. The series follows best friends Safi (a Truthwitch) and Iseult (a Threadwitch), as well as the cunning ship captain Prince Merik (a Windwitch), and the mysterious and powerful Aeduan (a Bloodwitch) as they must navigate warring empires, political machinations, and mercenaries who seek to use their magic for selfish gain. 

Any fan of a gripping and fast-paced fantasy saga will be captivated by the wonderful world of The Witchlands, where Dennard focuses on the true power of magic, bravery, and most importantly, friendship.

Witchlands Series Book Order 

Book 1: Truthwitch – In Stores Now
Book 2: Windwitch – Paperback Released October 16th (Hardcover In Stores Now)
Book 3: Bloodwitch – Releases February 12th, 2019
Prequel: Sightwitch – In Stores Now


More Information 

Follow Susan Dennard on Instagram and Twitter
Follow Tor Teen on Instagram and Twitter
#Witchlands


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUSAN DENNARD is the author of the New York Times bestselling The Witchlands series as well as the Something Strange and Deadly series. She has come a long way from small-town Georgia. Working in marine biology, she got to travel the world—six out of seven continents (she’ll get to Asia one of these days!)—before she settled down as a full-time novelist and writing instructor. When not writing, she can be found hiking with her dogs, slaying darkspawn on her Xbox, or earning bruises at the dojo.


ENTER TO WIN!


Get Carried Away with The Witchlands! One (1) winner receives:
  • copies of Truthwitch and Windwitch (Books #1 + #2 in the series),
  • plus a branded tote or hoodie! 

To enter, please fill out the form below. Standard Mundie Moms giveaway rules apply. Read terms & conditions on the giveaway form. US residents only. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 26, 2018

THE DARKEST STAR by Jennifer L. Armentrout / Book Review #TheDarkestStar


By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published by: Tor Teen
To Be Released on: October 30th, 2018
SeriesOrigin Series #1
Pre-Order fromTor Teen | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Add it to Goodreads 
Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED IT!
Thank you to Tor Teen for providing an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old.


If you’re a fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series, you NEED TO READ this book! It’s a brand new story that I completely fell in love with. It has all the elements you’d except from an Origin/Lux story, complete with appearances from a few favorite nonhuman characters in this story. If you’re a fan of Kat & Daemon, just wait till you meet Evie & Luc! 

Like the books in the Lux series, The Darkest Stars has all the things you'd except from a Jennifer L. Armentrout book; fierce characters, character chemistry that ignites the pages, snarky comments that make you laugh out loud, tough characters who don't back down from fighting for what they love, and plenty of unexpected twists. This story was totally worth the wait! 

I absolutely loved being in the Lux world again. I like that while this is the first book in a brand new series set in the Lux world, some of my favorite Lux characters are apart of this story. If they're not present in the story, they're at least mentioned. There is also a whole new group of characters that readers get to know. Like the previously Lux series books, these characters are easy to fall in love with. 

Evie is a character I loved from the get go. I feel that if she and Kat were to ever meet, they'd become fast friends. It's no surprise that Evie is one tough character who can definitely handle the unexpected, and hold her own when it comes to danger. She has a lot to offer, and her ties to the Lux series are a twist I didn't even see coming! 


Daemon may have been Jennifer's first out of this world character I fell in love with, but Luc will definitely be the last. Luc is something entirely on his own. He's just as you'd except him to be. He's infuriating, hard to not fall for, demanding, and boy does he know how to keep you wanting more. 

From their first meeting to all that transpires between, Evie and Luc are two characters that had me rooting for them the entire time. I absolutely love watching these two fall in love, while at the say time infuriate each other. Their history is one that tugs at your heart strings, and breaks your heart all at the same time. These two definitely know how to push each other's buttons, and heat things up in no time. 

If you've been waiting for some answers from the Lux series, don't worry, you'll get them! Trust me, they are not at all what you'll except them to be. I loved the shocking twists and how this story ties into the rest of the Lux series. Whether you're a long time fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's, or new to her books, I highly recommend picking up this book when it's out on Tuesday! While you can read this book by itself, I would also recommend reading the Lux series.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber / Book Review #Caraval


By: Stephanie Garber
Published by: Flatiron Books
Released on: January 31st, 2017
Series: Caraval #1
Purchase Links
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED It!
Source: Purchased Books

Remember, it’s only a game…

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.


A mesmerizing debut! I loved being swept up in the enchanting story. The world of Caraval is full of magic, darkness, unexpected romance, and unpredictable twists. At it's heart is a dangerous game that holds you captive as you try to unravel it's secrets, and find it's complicated truths.  

Garber's writing is so elegant, and beautifully crafted. It was incredibly easy to visualize this world, and it's characters. I loved how she brought this story to life, and made me feel as though I was apart of the game. 

I absolutely loved this unpredictable and addicting story. I can't compare this book to anything else, as I've not read another book like this one before. That is part of what is appealing to this story must read. I can hardly wait to jump back into this world with book two. 

"Hope is a powerful thing, Some say it's a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed." 

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

OUT TODAY! 10/23/18 New YA Releases


Happy Book Birthday to today's newest releases! Here's what you'll find out on bookstore shelves now: 



Which new releases are you looking forward to picking up? I can not wait for my pre-order for Kingdom of Ash to arrive today! 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

GRIM LOVELIES by Megan Shepherd / Book Review #GrimLovelies


By: Megan Shepherd
Published by: HMH Teen
Released on: October 2nd, 2018
Series: Grim Lovelies #1
Purchase Links
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 4 stars
A copy of this book as provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood—and Anouk is accused of the crime.

Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known…but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

From New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd, Grim Lovelies is an epic and glittering YA fantasy. Prepare to be spellbound by the world of Grim Lovelies, where secrets have been long buried, friends can become enemies, and everything—especially humanity—comes at a price.


An enchanting, fast paced, dazzling read. The Grim Lovelies is the kind of book that hooks you with it's characters, lures you in with it's fantasy elements, and enchants you with it's beautiful Paris setting. 

The characters in this book are not as they seem when they're first introduced in the story. There's so much to what they really are, and who they are. It wasn't hard to fall in love with each of them as the story goes on. I absolutely love the 'grim lovely' part of this story. I was intrigued by the whole enchantment of the characters who were animals, and enchanted into humans by a witch. There's a twist that's wrapped into their fate of staying human that's at the heart of this story. I wasn't hard to feel their desperation, and their wanting to stay human. 

When it came to Anouk, she's the one who surprised me the most. It was so easy to love the character she becomes. She's the quiet, timid character who goes into this strong, confident character who isn't afraid to fight back.  She has such a well written character journey. Hers is the kind of character arc that is believable, and down right awesome. It's so well written.

Paris is the perfect setting for this book. After reading Grim Lovelies, the city of lights seems even more magical. The vivid descriptions brought this city to life in a whole way. I felt like I was discovering the sites and sounds of Paris, it's rich history, and the food, right along side Anouk. The descriptions were richly detailed, and so vivid, it almost felt as though you could smell the rich Parisian pastries as you turn the pages. 

The magic and fantasy elements were perfectly woven into this story. I absolutely loved thinking, 'what if' numerous times while reading this book. The only thing I wasn't a fan of, was the romance. It felt forced. There was absolutely no romantic chemistry between the two. I enjoyed the hints of other relationships through out this story, far more.

Overall, this story completely swept me up into all that was going on in it's enchanted world. From the desperate search, to the intense moments, the magic, the twists, and the fates of the characters. It's been awhile since I've read a magical book this well written. I loved the fairytale touches, and the magical elements. The cover did this book justice! I absolutely love it. I can not wait to read this book's sequel. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

THE DARKDEEP by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs / Book Review #TheDarkDeep


THE DARKDEEP by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs is finally out! Normally I share my reviews for kidlit and middle grade books over on Mundie Kids, but two of some of my most favorite people / YA authors have written a middle grade book together, and it's OUT NOW! I am so thrilled that Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs have finally collaborated on a book together. This book does not disappoint either! Keep reading to find out more about their new release, and to read my spoiler free review. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs
Published by: Bloomsbury
Released on: October 2nd, 2018
Series: The Darkdeep #1
Purchase Links
Add it to Goodreads 
Rating: 4 owlets
An arc of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

When a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland over the edge of a cliff into the icy waters of Still Cove, where no one ever goes, friends Tyler and Ella - and even 'cool kid' Opal -rush to his rescue... only to discover an island hidden in the swirling mists below.

Shrouded by dense trees and murky tides, the island appears uninhabited, although the kids can't quite shake the feeling that something about it is off. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat with an array of curiosities inside: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to places they've never heard of, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable.

As the group delves deeper into the unknown, their discoveries - and their lives -begin to intertwine in weird and creepy ways. Something ancient has awakened... and it knows their wishes and dreams - and their darkest, most terrible secrets. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy things that lurk within their own hearts?



MY REVIEW 

This book is a creeptastic, hard to put down, kind of read! I'm thrilled that Condie and Reichs finally wrote a book together. Their joint middle grade debut did not disappoint either. It is the right amount of creep, mixed with a little dark, but not in the terrifying Stephen King kind of way, and given a good dose of hard to put down, and wondering what was going to happen next. 

Sure it may give you some goose bumps, and make you jumpy, but this book is also about friendship, self confidence, over coming fear, bullying, and empathy. The friendship in this book was an element I really enjoyed. I loved seeing how each of the characters grew individually, and collectively. For once, I don't have a favorite character, as each of them brought something unique to the story. I liked getting to know each of them.

The Darkdeep on the other hand.....well that's just say I have a feeling there's a lot more to this than we've learned about in this book. The history to this place was equally creepy and intriguing. I'm definitely intrigued and want to know more. Just look at the cover and tell me that doesn't make you want to learn more.... haha On serious note, I do love that cover. It illustrates the Darkdeep perfectly. 

What a fun, fast paced, action packed read. It's the perfect blend of thrilling, and mystery. This is the kind of books that gives you just enough answers that you're hooked, but still leaves you wanting to know more. I can hardly wait to pick up the second book in this series. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

OUT TODAY! 10/16/18 New YA Releases


Happy Book Birthday to today's newest releases! Here is what you'll find on bookstore shelves now: 



Which new releases are you looking forward to picking up?

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

CITY OF GHOSTS by Victoria Schwab / Book Review #CityofGhosts


By: Victoria Schwab
Published by: Scholastic
Released on: August 28th, 2018
Ages: 9 & up
Series: Cassidy Blake #1
Purchase Links
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 stars 
An arc of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Cassidy Blake's parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can really see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass and Jacob come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil.

Cass isn't sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn't belong in her world. Cassidy's powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.


A fantastic middle grade debut! I love it when YA authors can successfully cross over to the middle grade realm of story telling. Victoria Schwab's talent for vivid story telling, has done just that. What I have admired about her YA books is still very present in City of Ghosts, only it's written with a younger audience in mind. 

City of Ghosts is a book with a setting that beautifully and effortlessly comes to life. It's paired with an atmospheric feel that is crucial when writing a ghost story. Schwab makes readers feel as through they're getting their own personal tour of Edinburgh, and are thrust not only into the mix of today's bustle, they also get a glimpse of the city's rich, ghostly history that Cass sees. I absolutely loved this book's atmosphere and feeling as though I was an Edinburgh along side Cass, and her family. 

Character wise, this story has some great, easy to like characters. Like their story, they are straightforward, and fun to get to know. I loved the relationship Cass, and her ghost friend, Jacob have, and finding out why they're drawn to each other. That was a twist I wasn't excepting. Ghost wise, there may be a ghost or two, or possibly more that my younger reader self would have been equally freaked out by, and intrigued with. 

I absolutely love that while this book is in modern day Edinburgh, the historical part of this city is very much alive. That part of this story is what really drew in. It's obvious Schwab did a lot of research. She definitely makes the perfect ghost hunting tour guide. 

If you're looking for a good ghost story, I highly recommend picking up this book! It's an engaging, entertaining, fast past, paranormal read with age appropriate darkness I've come to except in a Victoria Schwab book. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

. @CassieClare Shares Snippet from 'The Land I Lost', Ghosts of the Shadow Market #7 #Shadowhunters #GoTSM


To celebrate today's release of The Land I Lost, the 7th installment in the Ghosts of the Shadow Market, Cassie shared a snippet from the book on her Instagram account. Here's what she shared:

A message from Jem and Tessa brings Alec to Buenos Aires, where he meets an abandoned Shadowhunter boy in a sinister Shadow Market . . . Sarah and I hope you like it!

"I said to stay down there with Jem,” Alec told Rafael. Rafael gave him a look that was at once uncomprehending and insulting, and then his big boots slipped on the ridged terracotta tiles. Jem caught him before he hit the tile, and set him upright. If Rafael kept walking like this, he was going to skin his knees. “You have to walk differently on roofs,” Alec told him. He took Rafael’s hands in his, showing him how. “Like this, because they slope. Do it like me.”

We can hardly wait to read this story. Have you downloaded your e-book of it yet or do you prefer to listen to the audiobook version?

OUT TODAY! 10/9/18 New YA Releases


Happy Book Birthday to these new YA releases! Here's what you'll find on bookstore shelves / available to e-book download today:


Which new releases are you looking forward to picking up? 

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