Mundie Moms

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

EMPIRE OF DUST by Eleanor Herman / Blog Tour: Book Review / Giveaway


Hello and welcome to today's blog tour stop for EMPIRE OF DUST! The newest release, and the second book in Eleanor Herman's Blood of Gods and Royals series. After you read my review, be sure to check out the giveaway and enter to win!

ABOUT THE BOOK




By: Eleanor Herman
Published by: Harlequin Teen
To Be Released on: June 28th, 2016
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Ibooks | B&N
Add it Goodreads

In Macedon, war rises like smoke, forbidden romance blooms and ancient magic tempered with rage threatens to turn an empire to dust

After winning his first battle, Prince Alexander fights to become the ruler his kingdom demands—but the line between leader and tyrant blurs with each new threat.

Meanwhile, Hephaestion, cast aside by Alexander for killing the wrong man, must conceal the devastating secret of a divine prophecy from Katerina even as the two of them are thrust together on a dangerous mission to Egypt.

The warrior, Jacob, determined to forget his first love, vows to eradicate the ancient Blood Magics and believes that royal prisoner Cynane holds the key to Macedon's undoing.

And in chains, the Persian princess Zofia still longs to find the Spirit Eaters, but first must grapple with the secrets of her handsome—and deadly—captor. 

Epic! It's a rarity when the sequel is almost better than the first book, and I say that having LOVED Legacy of Kings. You can read my review here. I loved this sequel! Everything that I loved about Legacy of Kings was upped in this book, and I didn't think that was possible. 

Continuing right were Legacy of Kings leaves off, Herman thrusts readers right back into her world of magic, romance, history, and deceit. The stakes are even higher in this book, as shocking discoveries are made, and new ones are in need of answers. The twists in this series keep coming. Nothing about this story line is predictable and I love that. Some characters have changed, new relationships have formed, and the romance is perfectly developed. I love how each of the characters's live continues to intwine with each other. 


Legacy of Kings introduced us to the characters, but Empire of Dust allows us to see some of the characters for who they really are. I love how each of these characters has changed, whether for good or not. Herman continues to surprise me with her characters, and the choices they make. Now that there's a lot more at risk, loyalty is tested, love blossoms in unexpected places, broken hearts fuel a bitterness that easily leads to hate, and betrayal can easily be bought. Murder is a constant threat, shocking betrayals happen, and nothing is ever as it seems. The plot definitely thickened with this book, and it is awesome! 


Intriguing characters, and mesmorizing storytelling aside, I absolutely LOVE the history in this book. I am fascinated by Herman's ability to weave together historical references with that of fantasy elements, and create something that feels natural. I love the history that is at the heart of this series. I admire Herman's ability to not just tell a story, and bring it to life, but to bring to life history in such a way that makes you feels as though for a moment you're experiencing it first hand. It's so incredibly easy for me to get swept up in this series. If this series was endless, it still wouldn't be enough! 


Herman's writing is addicting, and it makes you wish you could just crawl inside her book and stay awhile. Empire of Dust is another epic edition to a fantasy that has it all. If I thought the ending Legacy of Kings was brutal, this ending has me wising book 3 was already in my hands! My word, I can't wait another year to find out what happens next. I need answers! 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Eleanor Herman is the New York Times bestselling author of several highly-acclaimed works of nonfiction, including Sex with Kings—a history of royal mistresses—as well as Sex with the Queen, Mistress of the Vatican, and King Peggy. Called “enlightening” by The New York Times Book Review, with prose that “sparkles” according to The Boston Globe, Eleanor’s historical nonfiction has received worldwide critical praise and was described by The Washington Post as “a lot more fun than Danielle Steel or Dan Brown.” Eleanor is also a frequent commentator in the media about royal scandals, and has hosted episodes for The History Channel’s show, Lost Worlds

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Eleanor graduated with a degree in journalism from Towson University, studied languages in Europe, and for thirteen years worked for NATO’S Nations & Partners for Peace magazine. Fascinated since childhood by the ancient world, she has visited most of the well-known sacred sites, palaces, and arenas still in existence, from Homer's Troy to the great temples of the oracles. She lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband and four very dignified cats. Legacy of Kings is her first novel, and marks the beginning of the Blood of Gods and Royals series.


ENTER TO WIN


Thank you to Harlequin Teen, 2 winners will each receive a paper back copy of Legacy of Kings, and finished copy of Empire of Dust. *US only




FOLLOW THE TOUR


Week One:
6/20/2016- The Cover ContessaInterview
6/21/2016- Zach's YA ReviewsReview
6/22/2016- Fiction FareGuest Post
6/23/2016- My So-Called Book ReviewsReview
6/24/2016- Two Chicks on BooksInterview

Week Two:
6/27/2016- Lisa Loves LiteratureReview
6/28/2016- A Dream Within A DreamGuest Post
6/29/2016- Mundie MomsReview
6/30/2016- Once Upon A TwilightReview
7/1/2016- Curling Up With A Good BookInterview


Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge / Waiting on Wednesday #279



By: Rosamund Hodge

Published by: Balzer & Bray
To Be Released on: September 27, 2016
Series: Book #1
Pre-Order from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . 


I am a huge fan of retellings, and Rosamund is an author who's retellings I love. This retelling of Romeo & Juliet sounds like it's going to be a fantastic read. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on this book when it releases.
What book are you waiting to get your hands on?


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