Mundie Moms

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

THE TRIUMPHANT by Lesley Livingston / Blog Tour: Book Review / Favorite Quotes #TheTriumphant


I am so thrilled to partner with Penguin Teen to celebrate the recent release of Lesley Livingston's THE TRIUMPHANT, the third and final book in the Valiant series. If you haven't yet picked up this series, I highly recommend you do! You can check out my reviews on the first two books here. Today's tour post includes information about the book, my thoughts, as well as Penguin Teen's 5 favorite quotes from the book. I always love getting posts like this from the publishers. It's fun seeing what parts of the book they enjoyed too. 

PENGUIN TEEN'S TOP 5 FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE TRIUMPHANT: 


1. “I miss the days when all we had to worry about was beating the living tar out of each other.”

2. “I’m no more a lady than either of you two are lords. We’re all just gladiators, after all.”

3.   The murder itself was over in mere moments. The consequences would ripple down through the days and years to come.

4. “All of you,” Cleopatra continued. “All of you are extraordinary young women. Never doubt that, or what you have accomplished. You have all walked fearlessly into a place that, before you, was a kind of temple reserved for men only. You took oaths that, before you, only men took. You fought and hurt, and some of you even died . . . but you won glory in ways only men did. And you did it all with the grace of women.”

“And the occasional kick to the stones of the nearest man,” Elka said.

5.   "Destiny is not something that is given. It’s something you prove yourself worthy of taking."

ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Lesley Livingston 
Published by: Razorbill
Released on: February 12th, 2019
Add it to Goodreads

The final book in the Valiant series takes Fallon and her warrior sisters on an epic journey from the corrupt Roman Republic to the wonder of the ancient world: Alexandria, Egypt.

“You are from a world, Fallon, that values honor over everything else. Rome is not that world.”

In the wake of their victorious fight to win back the Ludus Achillea, Fallon and her gladiatrix sisters have become the toast of the Republic. Only for Fallon, glory turns to ashes when she learns that Cai has been stripped of his Decurion rank and declared infamia, cast down to serve as one of Caesar’s gladiators. All because he chose his love for her over the life of his treacherous father during the ludus uprising.

But treachery in Rome runs far deeper than Fallon ever suspected. While she is fighting for Cai’s freedom, the unthinkable happens and the Republic begins to tear itself apart at the seams. In the chaos that follows, the Achillea gladiatrices lose any protection they might have had once and for all. They’re not the only ones. 

When Fallon discovers that Cleopatra is in grave danger, she and her sister Sorcha rally their war band in an attempt to spirit the Queen of Aegypt out of Rome, embarking on a remarkable journey that will take them to Alexandria—the wonder of the ancient world—and beyond. Far beyond. Along the way, Fallon will have to decide where her heart truly lies, as well as what—and who—she is willing to sacrifice to get there

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

WARRIOR OF THE WILD by Tricia Levenseller / Book Review #WarriorOfTheWild


By: Tricia Levenseller
Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Released on: February 26th, 2019 - TODAY
Purchase Link
Add it to Goodreads
Source: e-arc from publisher 


An eighteen-year-old chieftain's daughter must find a way to kill her village’s oppressive deity if she ever wants to return home in Warrior of the Wild, the Viking-inspired YA standalone fantasy from Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King.  

How do you kill a god? 
As her father's chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: To win back her honor, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.
Levenseller does it again! Much like her previous books, this new release has a twisted storyline, and a fierce heroine who is capable of taking care of herself while trying to save those she cares about. This cover may be one of my favorite YA covers yet. It definitely captures the heart of this story perfectly. 

This book had me at 'Viking-inspired YA'. It didn't disappoint on that end. This story has it's ruthless moments, which I wouldn't except anything less given it's Viking inspiration. What I also liked about this book is it's fiercely, independent theme. Rasmira makes you realize that with a lot of hard work, and determination girls can do anything. Especially ones raised to be fierce warriors.

What I liked about Rasmira's character is her ability to do all she does, while also teaching others to save themselves. Even though she has been betrayed and wronged, something that fuels her banishment and survival in the wild, she does care about others, and wants to see them succeed. I also love her ability to outsmart her opponent. There are some things that happen to Rasmira and the handling of those things that definitely made me mad. Thankfully she gets the last laugh so to speak, and in the end, she proves who much she's changed and grown not only as a person, but as warrior and leader. 

Overall this was a quick, fast paced read. There's plenty of action, a number of creepy creatures and monsters that Rasmira and her friends battle in the wilds. Fierce warriors, themes of independence, feminism, and great world building. Don't worry, this book definitely wouldn't be a Levenseller book without some romance. I enjoyed this standalone fantasy.


Monday, February 25, 2019

Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu Will Be In Austin, TX 4/9/19! #RedScrollsOfMagic #Shadowhunters


Shadowhunters don't miss it! On April 9th Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu will be in Austin, TX to celebrate the release of their book, THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC! I am so thrilled to be moderating this event, which is hosted by Book People. This is a ticketed event. You can purchase your ticket (which includes a copy of the book), here. In case you can't make the event, but want a signed book, they also ship world wide. 

ABOUT THE EVENT PER BOOK PEOPLE:

Join us Tuesday, April 9th and the Central Presbyterian Church @ 7 PM

Book People is proud to present #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winning author Wesley Chu for their collaboration, The Red Scrolls of MagicThis is the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a Shadowhunters novel.


EVENT TICKETS & GUIDELINES

  • This event takes place at Central Presbyterian Church, located at 200 E 8th St. 78701
  • Pre-ordered books will be given to ticket holders the day of the event. They are not available for pick-up at BookPeople prior to the event.
  • A ticket+book admits one person to the event, and includes a copy of Red Scrolls of Magic.
  • Seating is general admission; first come, first served. 
  • A signing will follow the speaking portion of the event. Cassandra and Wesley will personalize 1 copy of The Red Scrolls of Magic. Cassandra will sign one additional book (either an additional copy of Red Scrolls of Magic or a backlist title) per fan. 
  • No posed photos/no signed memorabilia will be allowed.


ABOUT THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC


All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.

Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.

Friday, February 15, 2019

THE DEFIANT by Lesley Livingston / Blog Tour #TheDefiant #TheTriumphant


In honor of this week's release of THE TRIUMPHANT, the last book in this series, I'm thrilled to partner up with Penguin Teen to share my thoughts on the first two books. Today's posts will feature my mini reviews from the first two books, The Valiant, which you can read here, and The Defiant. Next week I'll be sharing my review for the epic conclusion of this must read series. 

THE DEFIANT (Book #2)


By: Lesley Livingston
Published by: Razorbill
Released on: 1/23/18
Add it to Goodreads

The darling of the Roman Empire is in for the fight of her life in this lush sequel to the acclaimed historical fantasy The Valiant.
     Be brave, gladiatrix... And be wary. Once you win Caesar's love, you'll earn his enemies' hate.
Fallon was warned.

Now she is about to pay the price for winning the love of the Roman people as Caesar's victorious gladiatrix.

In this highly anticipated sequel to THE VALIANT, Fallon and her warrior sisters find themselves thrust into a vicious conflict with a rival gladiator academy, one that will threaten not only Fallon's heart - and her love for Roman soldier Cai - but the very heart of the ancient Roman Empire.

When dark treachery and vicious power struggles threaten her hard-won freedom, the only thing that might help the girl known as Victrix save herself and her sisters is a tribe of long-forgotten mythic Amazon warriors.

The only trouble is, they might just kill her themselves first.


Talk about girl power! This book is fueled by an amazing group of female gladiators that literally had me cheering for them the entire story line. Picking up not long after where The Valiant ends, this story wastes no time throwing it's readers into the surprising betrayal, and a rebellion that is a result of it.

Like The Valiant, this is a story fueled by strong women. Not just in their strength, but in their ability to rally together, to support each other, to offer friendship and love. They are united in a sisterhood, made up for fighters from all walks of lives. Some are closer than others, but no matter what, they all have each other's backs. With this storyline being much more intense, I really liked seeing how they laid differences aside, sacrificed their own lives, and worked together in their rebellion. They fought side by side because they wanted to. They fought for themselves, as much as for each other. Their fight was for freedom over having the chance to own their own lives, and not someone else controlling it.

This book definitely kept me hooked! There is a lot that happens, and I like that Livingston was able to add some humor, and lighthearted moments at just the right times. It kept the story entertaining, and not as dark as it definitely could have been. It was perfect placement. This story does go down a different path than The Valiant. There's still a lot of action scenes, rich Roman history, along with dangerous threats, a rebellion, and plenty of danger, and fighting. Like The Valiant, The Defiant is a well written, action packed, fast paced read fueled by GIRL POWER! It was definitely worth the wait for this book!

You can read my full 5 star review for this book here. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend picking up this series. 

THE VALIANT by Lesley Livingston / Blog Tour #TheValiant #TheTriumphant



In honor of this week's release of THE TRIUMPHANT, the last book in this series, I'm thrilled to partner up with Penguin Teen to share my thoughts on the first two books. Today's posts will feature my mini reviews from the first two books, as well as some favorite quotes. Next week I'll be sharing my review for the epic conclusion of this must read series. 

THE VALIANT (Book #1)



By: Lesley Livingston 
Published by: Razorbill 
Released on: February 14th, 2017
Series: The Valiant #1
Add it to Goodreads

Lost to history, the story of the female gladiator has never been told. Until now.

Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king and the younger sister of the legendary warrior Sorcha. When Fallon was just a child, Sorcha was killed while defending their home from the armies of Julius Caesar.

On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her place in her father's war band. She never gets the chance.

Fallon is captured by ruthless brigands who sell her to an elite training school for female gladiators owned by none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon s family might be her only hope of survival.
Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, deadly fights in and out of the arena, and perhaps the most dangerous threat of all: her irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier and her sworn enemy.


Sensational! The Valiant has everything I love! A strong heroine, a romance that swept me off my feet, gladiator battles, lush world building, and a rich Roman history. Not to mention a sisterhood of female gladiator warriors, and a strong female lead character whom I loved getting to know. 

THE VALIANT is an epic story where freedom has a price and love can be a dangerous thing. This is a beautifully told, captivating story. With a sweeping romance, epic battles and a strong heroine, I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book, I didn't want it to end.

You can read my full 5 star review for this book here. Next up, you can read my review for The Defiant. 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

OUT TODAY! 2/12/19 Newest YA Releases


Happy book birthday to today's newest YA releases. Here's what you'll find out NOW on bookstore shelves: 









Which new releases are you looking forward to picking up today? 
If you don't see a new release on the list, please leave us a comment so we can get it added. Happy Reading! 

Monday, February 11, 2019

Exclusive Waterstone's Edition of 'The RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC' Available for Pre-Order #Shadowhunters #RedScrollsOfMagic


Happy belated Mundane Monday Shadowhunters. Available for pre-order now, this Waterstones EXCLUSIVE edition of The Red Scrolls of Magic is definitely Magnus Bane approved. I love the runes on this cover. Hurry! The Waterstone's editions of Cassie's books never last long. Pre-order your copy here. They do ship worldwide. 

MORE ABOUT THIS EDITION:

Waterstones Exclusive Edition
The exclusive Waterstones signature stamped edition features a stunning red wibalin and navy blue foil featuring a striking, repeating pattern of the ‘Malec’ rune. Also included is an exclusive chapter How Magnus and Catarina Met. The hardback features a beautiful impression of Cassandra Clare’s signature in a Shadowhunters motif.
From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a Shadowhunters novel.
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd 
ISBN: 9781471185007 
Number of pages: 368 
Dimensions: 234 x 153 mm

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