Teaser Tuesday: In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken.

In the Afterlight – Hyperion

Objectively, I knew that what he was saying was true—but the words sparked such a fierce denial and fury in me, I almost pushed him away. I didn’t need reality right now.
— Chapter 2

“That’s not very Team Reality of you.”
His smile matched mine. “Screw Team Reality—I’m leaving to join Team Sanity.”
— Chapter 8

I wrote about my excitement for the upcoming movie of this last summer. By now the release date (3rd August in the US) and the trailer have dropped. And wonder of wonders, Germany is only about two weeks behind the US release … as opposed to other movies, looking at you Love, Simon.
Without spoiling too much, I think I can only say that this book broke my heart and then mended it with duct tape (still in place a couple of years later). But that’s okay because that is exactly how reading this series should feel – at least in my opinion. In a post-apocalyptic scenario, things cannot be returned to their original state and thus an altered but functionally mended result is very appropriate.
There is a new book set in this universe coming out at the end of next month featuring an all-grown-up Zu and also an interesting aspect you rarely get with scenarios like that: What the world looks like a couple of years after it was saved from the brink.
So what can I say; excitement levels for this series are high this summer. I might go for a quick re-read in preparation for the fourth book and the movie.

Lots of trailers dropping at the moment. Which book to screen adaption are you excited about right now? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh.

Smoke in the Sun – G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Books for Young Readers

The Emperor of Wa enjoyed toying with people to see how they would react. And Mariko refused to be any man’s toy.
— Chapter 10

It was time for him to forgive his past. Not forget it. Only a fool would do such things.
— Chapter 31

Since I’m a reader, I’m more than allowed to change my mind about things. Like, for example, first complaining about too many books being part of a trilogy, then not enough stand-alones … and now about duologies, because I can’t bear to part with these characters. Special added bonus because this is the authors second duology and she manages to do this to me again.
The first book was one of my absolute favourites last year and I fell head over heels in love with the world and its characters. So far so good. But as with the second book of her first set, Renée Ahdieh totally managed to surprise me with leading the narration in a completely different and yet totally fitting direction. I don’t actually know what I expected and now that I know how this plays out I can’t imagine any other way for this to go, but I remember that I was caught a little off guard at first.
Seriously, what  wonderful, magical, and empowering story. It’s definitely one I’m going to keep recommending for its drive and overall greatness.

Is there a follow-up book to a story you loved that initially didn’t go in the direction you thought it would but you ended up loving it anyway? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

A Court of Frost
and Starlight – Bloomsbury

Her mouth—painted a berry pink—tightened. “Not so happy an ending, I’m afraid.”
— Chapter 4

“But nothing,” Amren said, returning to the puzzle. “Because I like her, I am not inclined to gossip about her current state.”
— Chapter 15

You know those books that are 90% doom, peril, danger, and fearing for your favourite characters and the general fate of the world? And then the big fight is over and you get perhaps a chapter of cleaning up and maybe a sort of strange feeling epilogue … and they lived happily ever after (or not so happily, but book’s over). I’m no exception in wondering about and wishing for moments of normalcy and happiness depicted for those characters. Not all over the book all the time, because there are books for that as well and I’m more the “no conflict, no story” reader apparently.
Sarah J. Maas gives her readers more or less exactly those moments of normalcy, fluff, and happiness after almost destroying everything. I say more or less because there obviously is another series looming with new conflicts and new struggles and with new main characters who are gently showed onto the main stage here as well.
This is a bridging-novella in its true sense in being short, not too plot-driven or revealing, and definitely not essential to either series. As opposed to what was supposed to be a novella in Maas’ other series, which instead became a fully-fledged book. So knowing this I didn’t have very high demands, but I fully expected to be entertained and to enjoy some spending time with these characters without fearing for their lives. Which is what held true for most of the book with the occasional grin and chuckle and maybe eye-roll about one too many mate-mentions. I also enjoyed the beginning set up of the new series – even if I still don’t think that those particular characters belong together.
You’re waiting for the but? Here it is: But that conclusion?! That was really in the face in terms of my house, my car, my boat only in fantasy terms. It just didn’t seem to fit with the main character I got to know and love for the main trilogy. Yes, the war will definitely have had an impact and changed her but  … that “gift”. Wow, that messed with me quite a bit. I understand that it might be the most desirable goal for some, I just never understood Feyre to feel that way. Or at least not right away. Authors and their lives should be viewed separately from their works, yet here I feel the particular circumstances heavily influenced this plot.
So maybe I don’t want normalcy and happiness after all. Or maybe just not this brand of it. Or more likely normalcy and happiness that feel more organic and true to characters and their motivations. I will pick up the follow-up books at some point – maybe not with the highest priority and maybe I’ll have to block out certain aspects. I’m all for the author’s joy and happiness and wish her all the health and love in the world, but this felt a little too projected onto her characters.

Have you had a book that totally threw you in terms of either plot or character developments? Share those along with your teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West.

Listen to Your Heart – Point

If she called me Kat one more time, there would be no mystery as to what my fist would do to her face. Okay, fine, there would be because I’d never punched anyone in my life. My thoughts talked a big game.
— Chapter 7

“I just never thought of him as a guy who held grudges.”
“When pride is involved, people can hold on to a lot of things.”
— Chapter 35

Show of hands who has either serious summer vacation longing and/or a certain song by Roxette stuck in their head right now. My hand is practically tied to the ceiling.
Kasie West has delivered solid and cute YA contemporary high school love stories before, but this one got me in a way I didn’t expect. Not because the others before weren’t entertaining and relatable, but because this one was all of that and then a little more. Kate has a very clear view of what she wants to do with her life, whom she likes and dislikes, what her strengths and weaknesses are, and so on. Until she finds herself almost literally out of her element and has to re-evaluate her perceptions and ideals. Of course, there is a boy involved. But I immensely appreciated how he is so not the centre of attention. Kate is, and her relationship to her home, her people, and her best friend. Even though she is the focal character we actually get to see why she is such a great girl whom someone might want to be friends with … or fall for. She also has flaws, not too few of them, and you’ll possibly end up wanting to shake her for several short-sightedness reasons. It’s all worth it in my opinion for the cuteness and realistic-factor. No romantic solution without a little frustration – in literature. A fun and summery read with all the right ingredients for friendship, family, and love. With the added bonus of character-depth and surprise-emotional-insight. I wish all contemporary love-story-writers took so much care to construct well-rounded and complete character casts.

Summer is officially upon us (apologies for my northern-hemisphere-centric worldview, happy winter to you?). Are you reading more or less during this time of year? Share your reading habits and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro.

The Case for Jamie –
Katherine Tegen Books

Only follow the rules that are reasonable.
The issue with this axiom is that very few rules are reasonable when examined closely.
— Chapter 2

I was seventeen years old. I was dating-or-not-dating another girl who was right now questioning the campus dealer about a crime I hadn’t committed, and I was in love with my best friend, who I hadn’t seen for a year but who lived on in my day-to-day like a splinter in my goddamn heart.
— Chapter 17

You know how some readers complain that they have to wait a whole year between books in a series while the time going by in books is not nearly as long? I won’t go into the other complaint how authors dare to take this long to write the next book, because … let’s just say that wouldn’t end well. Apart from the fact that a) in most cases it’s not up to the author at all when their book is published and b) have these complainers ever written anything of quality that has more than 60k words that needs to be checked for continuity, accuracy, and a whole bunch of other things? Right, zipping it for now. Just know that when I complain about waiting, I’m not out to blame anyone but want to appreciate the writing of the present book. And I’ll also try to do it in a more constructive way in the future. I might be compelled to write a little more about the process and thoughts on quality at some point though. End of PSA.
For now back to my favourite detective descendants Jamie and Charlotte. Or Jamie. And Charlotte. Because at the start of the book they haven’t seen each other in over a year (ha!). What is also new is that we now get regular chapters from Charlotte’s point of view, which is at the same time exhilarating and also terrifying. While Jamie is a somewhat known entity with a certain way of telling things and in general observing and recognising things, Charlotte has up until now mostly been unknowable and idolised by Jamie. That obviously had to change after the events of the last book.
Charlotte’s mind is at the same time a very clean and analytic yet also complicated and dark space. She’s rather taken the manic-pixie-dream-girl to town and twisted her into something even more self-destructive but also tortured. Her flashbacks about how she became who she is, which she will possibly never allow Jamie to know about had me understand her in a whole different way and I can now see how she arrived at the actions she thought she had to take and I also feel how and why she’s so conflicted about her emotions.
Jamie’s, as always, has been a comfortable perspective to occupy although I also have to say that he has changed quite a bit in this book and matured about a lot of things. Even if I still think that he is too quickly too dependent on whichever company he keeps. Guy should be more comfortable to be on his own. Or more observant in who he chooses to surround himself with. Nevertheless, I’d still like to read his tortured prose.
This book has a sort of closing and the series could comfortably end here, but I’m more than happy to report that there will be a fourth book out next year. I just hope that in-book-time won’t also be a year in-between because I’d really like to see the next couple of weeks/months unfold after how this book ended.

Have you had time-jumps in books which you’d rather have read in real time than hear about after the fact? Share your thoughts on those books and your teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan.

The Burning Maze –
Disney-Hyperion

Before I could argue, she took a flying leap out of the broken window—which was a pretty good metaphor for her general approach to life.
— Chapter 27

Power makes good people uneasy rather than joyful or boastful. That’s why good people so rarely rise to power.
— Chapter 44

Rick Riordan has forever earned a bump up on my reading list whenever his books are published because I implicitly trust him to deliver a story that I’ll enjoy … even if enjoy mean that my nails won’t survive the encounter and I’ll probably have some angst-issues for the foreseeable future. But what else is new, you know of my slightly destructive reading/favourite authors habits.
So this book is dedicated to the muse of tragedy, which should be warning enough, but sometimes even the dedication is part of the deception or already part of the story. And well … let’s just say this dedication is warranted and I’m still not really okay with the why and how and the circumstances. There better be a very good reason and/or solution. Because tragedy in its Greek origin (and I’ll hold the author to that) means that the thing that happens is the only way and couldn’t be prevented as opposed to the popular use of the words tragic and tragedy, meaning that something is very sad/dramatic and catastrophic. And frankly, I don’t (yet?) see the inevitability of the thing that happens. Nor it’s function apart from that confused, angry sadness. I suppose that’s one way to instil terror and anxiety in readers.
Apart from that, this book was as entertaining and well-written as ever and I was again quite taken with the characters (new and old). There were the patent humour and Apollo’s charming self. He’s not exactly beginning to accept his situation but maybe getting more and more used to it. His character arc is definitely one of the most complex ones in this by now massive universe and I look forward to accompanying him on his journey in the following books.

Do you have a word that you notice has a different meaning as used by the public than how you think of it? I still think we should use the word tragedy more sparingly … Let’s hear from you about your words and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Royals by Rachel Hawkins.

Royals – G. P. Putnam’s Sons

“What thing with my face?” Miles asks, doing exactly that thing. It’s this lifting of his chin and tightening of his jaw that makes him look like he’s about to oppress some peasants, and I point at him.
“That thing.”
Glaring at me, Miles steps a little closer. “This is just what my face looks like.”
“That is unfortunate,” I say.
— Chapter 24

“Lucky bugger.”
“Because Greece or just because he’s not here, staring at ponies?”
— Chapter 32

In anticipation of a certain event next weekend … and because I flipping loved the idea when Rachel Hawkins posted about it way back when. Even if it has a screaming pink cover.
Daddy’s princess, I’m going to be a princess when I grow up, and several other princess dreams of little girls, how wonderful. Unless you’re actually the sister of the girl becoming a princess because then all the press attention and whatnot can quickly become a real nightmare. Exactly what happens to our protagonist Daisy when her sister becomes engaged to the crown prince of Scotland and thus catapults her fairly normal Floridian family into the spotlight of the yellow press all over the world. Bye, bye goes Daisy’s quiet and nerdy summer, hello sudden crash course in aristocratic etiquette and customs. Everything seems to go horribly wrong from the very beginning; good thing that the queen can’t actually order spontaneous beheadings and incarcerations.
To add insult to injury the younger brother of the fiancé and his troupe of friends are not called the Royal Wreckers for nothing. And one of them is ordered to show Daisy the ropes to prevent her from causing (perceived) irreparable damage to the crown. Miles is certainly up to the job in terms of title and knowledge, but if you ask Daisy he more than makes up for that by lacking in the human and social department – or does he? Much sniping and hilarity for the observer/reader ensue.
I’m mostly happy with this book and quite enjoyed Daisy’s and Miles’ antics. In fact, I would have loved more of that as it felt as though their page time together was not quite enough. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Daisy’s misadventures with the problem prince and her best friend … I still hope that those two will reconcile after that club incident. But more #Maisy would have been much appreciated. Even if they mostly used their time to snap at each other. Book two will seemingly centre on other characters, but I really hope we’ll see these two again.

Are you planning on watching the wedding this weekend? My friends and I are planning a group event complete with scones and possibly cucumber sandwiches. Let’s hear about your plans and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: The Season by Sarah MacLean

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Season by Sarah MacLean.

The Season –
Orchard Books

'Alexandra, there are plenty of young women who would happily assume your position, standing on that platform, 'suffering' through a fitting for that dress.'
'May I suggest any one of them take my place?'
'No.'
— Chapter 1

'Because we have' — Ella ticked off the qualities on her fingers as she spoke them — 'cleverness, a fresh eye for the problem, curiosity, superior instinct — as proven by my hunch that Montgrave was involved from the beginning — and' — She paused dramatically — 'the most important thing of all.'
'Which is?' Alex asked.
'Desire to prove that we can.'
— Chapter 19

This book almost has a double historical feeling to in as it’s not the newest of all with a publication date from 2009 … which in terms of literary development seems like an age ago considering all the great books published since then. But let’s not get into the discussion of when and how a book becomes dated. Especially not when the book in question has a historic setting.
This is a perfectly pleasant read about three Regency Era debutantes who have a decided antipathy against their prescribed societal role and gender restrictions of the time. Added in is also a slight deductive game of crime solving. And sweet blossoming friends to more romance.
This book has all the trappings to be really entertaining and a great read that you can cruise through on a sunny afternoon. Or a rainy one, maybe that would have added a little more atmosphere. That would be my sole point to critique: the fact that I somehow didn’t feel totally transported back to the time even tough the balls and the dances were all there. A little more scenery and props might have gone a long way here. I also would have liked for the story the run a little longer than the moment where it ends now. Just to get more information about the characters further proceedings.

How do you treat books that are a little aged? I realised with this one that I seldom read books that are older than four years or so. Unless they are books that are a lot older. The middle-aged books seem to have a difficult standing on my shelf. Weigh in with your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi.

A Crown of Wishes –
St. Martin’s Griffin

“I was disarmed by your beauty.”
“You were disarmed by a swift kick.”
“That too.”
— Chapter 4

Chivalry demanded that he should inquire after the Princess’s well-being. Then again, when the princess in question had tried to kill him and probably would try again the next chance she got, perhaps chivalry should be ignored.
— Chapter 6

There is a very vocal part of me that is also very susceptible to catching the travel bug. And whenever I can’t actually go I can at least comfort myself with imaginary travel. This weekend I packed my bags and off to not-quite-India I went.
This is the second book set in this universe, but reading The Star-Touched Queen is not entirely necessary to understand this one. It makes you appreciate certain scenes and references more and would be spoiling to an extent to read the other way around, but apart from that, they are independent.
The two protagonists are more or less polar opposites in their character and outlook, but they, in essence, share the deep desire to be acknowledged and remembered. I loved how Gauri is the fighter with smarts while Vikram in the clever thinker with faith. They are, of course, perfect partners to compete in the most fantastical tournament which offers the most unreal prize as it is limited only by the winners’ imaginations: a wish. This has its own double-edged blade quality, as you might imagine, especially if the judge of the tournament is a god who makes up the rules as he sees fit.
A rich and deep narrative with just the right amount of mystery and humour that will have you wishing for sumptuous meals and luxurious clothing while at the same time challenge you to outfox the smaller and bigger riddles and quests. I could have stayed in this world a while longer to savour all its wonder and sights. But the story is well-rounded and told in exactly the manner it called for, even if I’m going to have a hard time to let these characters go.

Do you have a preferred travel destination, imaginary or otherwise? Share them and your teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Son of the Dawn by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Son of the Dawn by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

Son of the Dawn –
Shadow Market Enterprises

The boy’s glance up at his face was shocking, the flare of twin suns in what was still almost night. They were not the eyes of a soldier, but a warrior.
— Page 55

Isabelle loved her big brother, but sometimes she despaired about their future demon-hunting endeavors. He was so bad at remembering her cool military-style signals.
— Page 67

The saying concerning growing with its tasks might primarily refer to character (and possibly the liver) but I’d also say that the heart grows with its tasks. Not in actual size, mind you, as that might soon become rather problematic … you know what I mean. However, no matter how many additional Shadowhunters and Co. will find their way into my reader’s heart, the original TMI (and TID) cast will always, always have a special place there.
It was really neat to catch a glimpse of Mini Alec, Jace, and Izzy before all the horribleness actually catches up with them and already get a whiff of the people they’ll grow up to be. Clearly, a well-honed sense of irony/sarcasm like Jace’s has to be grown organically and the roots are clearly already visible in his ten-year-old self. As are the beginnings of Izzy’s fierceness and independence.
That leaves the matter of the “punched right in the feels” parts of the framework. I really shouldn’t have been surprised, especially not about the tearjerker right at the end. But there I was, silently sniffling in my tissue (because I have at least – finally, you might say – learnt to keep those with me when I read my favourite heart-wrecking authors).
I’m extremely happy that there will be shorts about the Shadow Market and its surroundings coining out every month now leading up to the publication of Queen of Air and Darkness. The previous cooperation stories have been a total delight to read and I think these will be up to the task in terms of entertainment value and tear-levels.

If you were to choose a glimpse into a favourite character’s undocumented past, who would it be and which defining scene would you like to read about? Share your ideas and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Firstlife by Gena Showalter

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Firstlife by Gena Showalter.

Firstlife – Harlequin TEEN

Fate is an excuse, a way to remove blame and therefore guilt for poor decision making. Free choice decides the outcome of your life, not fate.
— Chapter 2

But the thing I wonder most? Do I have a set fate, or can I change it? In other words … can I mess it up worse?
— Chapter 3

When you’re turning 18 you are on the threshold of deciding things that will influence the rest of your life. That can feel pretty frightening. Now imagine that at this point when you hopefully still have more than three quarters of your life ahead of you the decision you have to make will also dictate where and how you’ll spend whatever comes after the end of your life, possibly for eternity. Sounds utterly terrifying? Welcome to the Everlife series.
Heaven and Hell are such old concepts in terms of afterlife scenarios that it is well time for a new idea … or maybe not such a new one but rather an updated version of an old one? Possibly Greek- and Egyptian-influenced but minus the multitude of deities and plus an army of solicitors clamouring for you to sign over your soul to their afterlife party.
I immediately appreciated the protagonist’s struggle to decide between the two options as both have their pros and cons. One of them sounds awesome in the short term but could turn very badly at any point for any reason and the other sounds safe but also a little boring if not uninspired … and also on the losing end of a perpetual war.
The other thing I appreciated how there were two guys trying to win over the girl and yet it is not a love triangle. Even if I don’t actually see the appeal of the love interest but I’d also think it’d be boring if all of us liked maracuya cheesecake ice cream (even if it’s so delicious).
The story is additionally (ha!) riddled with number facts and puzzles which are fun to work along and observe yet they don’t diminish the reading experience if maths isn’t your thing. I’m looking forward to continuing this series. Especially after that ending but I suppose it could have been even more cliffhanger-y.

There is a third option for not choosing a side at all, which is arguably the worst of all deals. Would you go safe and equal but also without rewards or negotiate for an amazing deal with benefits which is not safe and always in danger of being rewritten by the other party? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Frostblood by Elly Blake

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Frostblood by Elly Blake.

Frostblood – Little, Brown
Books for Young Readers

“Guest?” I repeated drily. “Does the abbey welcome many guests with ankle chains?”
“Its standards have fallen abysmally.”
— Chapter 3

“Perhaps if I gain some weight, you won’t call me a stick anymore.”
“You may hope to one day be a branch.”
— Chapter 9

The tagline – The Reign Of Ice Must End – held a very special appeal for me when I sat between all those snow Easter bunnies last week. And lo and behold, yesterday we actually had temperatures that one can call reminiscent of early summer. Which I promptly celebrated by sitting in a car for nearly nine hours but that’s neither here nor there.
This story takes the concept of having ice (or fire) in your veins a step further and has two classes of people, who can (masterfully or not so masterfully) command fire or ice. And as you can guess those two peoples do not get along too well. Or rather they want to each extinguish the other. So if you’re someone with fire magic it is rather a dangerous thing to live in the land of frost but that is exactly where our protagonist grew up. And rather quickly finds herself in prison about to die because of her fire. Until she is saved by an unlikely pair of ice wielders. Not that this makes things any easier but I’ll let you puzzle over that one yourself.
You probably know by now that I love some good banter and this book has so much of it. Ruby is everything you associate with someone who has fire in her heart, quite literally: passionate, consuming, unrelenting, yet also nurturing and caring. And I especially enjoyed her attempts to melt Sir McFrostypants. Great fun and I’m looking forward to reading more in the sequel after that twisty end.

After I complained about it being too cold for too long I immediately was almost boiled in my car last Sunday. Are you rather in the it’s-never-too-cold or the it’s-never-too-hot camp? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee.

The Dazzling Heights –
HarperCollins

But the thing about the truth was that once you learned it, it became impossible to unlearn. No matter how many pills Leda popped, it was still there, lurking in the corners of her mind like an unwanted guest.
— Chapter 2

They were friends again, and therefore any enemy of Avery’s was now an enemy of hers. She was still Leda Cole, damn it, and no one hurt the people she cared about.
— Chapter 36

With the first book I was unintentionally spoilt about the identity of the victim but with this one, I took good care to avoid any such thing. And thus I found myself hoping that it wasn’t one of my favourites and just a little bit wishing that it might be one of the others. And that wish shifted while I was reading because I had to shift allegiances a little during this second book. I’m usually quite set in my affections but here I find that it’s mostly a degree of whom you find least loathsome … in a way at least. I understand all their motives and struggles to an extent but their ultimate way of handling things is maybe a little above my pay grade.
The only thing I really have difficulty understanding is one of the main “secrets” regarding Avery because I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. But maybe I was raised in a too liberal mindset. But now I suspect the group has enough tension among itself plus most likely another secret that will either bind them forever or be their downfall. I’m very intrigued to find out how this will play out or possibly fall to ruins in the next book.

Have you had a character in a book you wished would die only to suddenly find that there is maybe another one you loathe even more? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Nemesis by Anna Banks

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Nemesis by Anna Banks.

Nemesis –
Feiwel & Friends

But with new problems come new solutions, and Tarik is not interested in clinging to custom if it means losing his people. Some traditions are to be respected—but so is common sense.
— Chapter 36

He dares not ask, for no matter what her answer, he will hear only the truth. And some truths he cannot bear the weight of. Only recently did he learn this about himself.
— Chapter 50

This book had me giggling for a completely unintentional reason: one of the gifted people is called Lingots, which has to do with hearing the truth but also being able to speak and understand any language … and funnily enough my language learning app rewards you in a currency called Lingots. I’m quite sure it’s unrelated but a nice detail anyway.
Only because someone is able to hear if they are being lied to obviously doesn’t mean they know the answer to everything. This becomes ever more clear when the two main characters of this duology … let’s call it meet. Tarik is a Lingot and Sepora has way too many secrets to hide, including her very existence. And apparently hiding in plain sight actually works. For a while at least.
I had a lot of fun reading about these two dancing around each other and learning to navigate personal and political matters (because obviously while falling in love you also must be able to run/save a nation/the future of your continent). I realised just now that most of my bookmarks happen to be in Tarik’s chapters. Maybe because the outside perspective of his third-person narration lends itself better to being quotable than Sepora’s first-person point of view. That or I’m toast, which is also a good explanation. Anyway, these perspective switches are a neat narrative method. It might have been confusing to switch points of view within characters as well, but sometimes that could have added another layer of mystique or insight. I would have loved to really have Tarik’s perspective or a more external view on Sepora, but I understand why this might have seemed unfeasible.
The book ends on a mean cliffhanger but luckily the second book is already out so that torture can be avoided.

Would you like to be able to immediately know if what you hear is the truth? I think this can be a real burden while at the same time also be quite useful for various reasons. Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones.

Wintersong – Titan Books

“But remember, Elisabeth, our childish games are behind us now.” Those wolf’s eyes glittered. “When I play, I play for keeps.”
— Chapter 6

But hope … hope was stubborn. Like a weed it returned, even after I had plucked it away again and again.
— Chapter 30

Happy Spring Equinox/first day of spring. (And happy birthday to two very important people in my life, although I suspect that if at all only one of them will read this ;)) Winter returned with a vengeance this past weekend to my neck of the woods, I hope you have been faring a little better than this sun and warmth deprived reader. So what could be better fitting than a book with winter in the title?
I was very pleasantly surprised that the setting of this book hit very close to home for me geographically speaking. And linguistically, because the author amusingly adds the odd German phrase here and there and while I usually find this a little tedious if the foreign language is then immediately translated this wasn’t the case here but I imagine that non-natives will be able to discern the meaning. I’m also quietly pleased that I only found one grammatical error and one stylistic oddity among those phrases. I wonder how the exotic phrases were handled in the German translation. But I digress … language nerd.
There is a second book recently published to which I will come eventually. It will be interesting to see if the connection of faery (yes, again) to motives from other mythologies will remain as strong there. Or maybe even stronger for there is a secret to be uncovered and a possible curse to be broken. As well as several other fun elements that I hope to see again and see resolved. It’s very fun to see one’s home depicted as a magical and to English readers also foreign/possibly slightly exotic place. After all, the deep dark German woods are the home to many of the original faery tale creatures. And if after you’ve read this book you feel the urge to read the decisive poem on der Erlkönig by Goethe, I’ll direct you to my favourite translation right next to the original and the literal version here. Only know that our heroine would soundly disagree with this version of him as she comes to know him in quite a different capacity.

Have you ever been surprised by a book being set in what is basically your neighbourhood? I suspect this happens more often to English readers than to Germans reading English books. Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

The Cruel Prince – Little, Brown
Books for Young Readers

I do not yearn to be their equal.
In my heart, I yearn to best them.
— Chapter 4

“So you accept.”
It’s frightening to have a choice like this in front of me, a choice that changes all future choices.
— Chapter 10

Faerieland may have several kings, queens, and other royalty but it most definitely has one high queen to rule them all and her name is Holly Black. I have always loved Holly’s writing and especially the characters who populate her ever more fantastic stories. And I could not be more excited that after so long she not only returns to Faerie but that we also get two more books with these characters. If you’ve read her other Faerie books, you’re in for a special treat of cameos and other eastereggs.
The usual perspective for stories like this is the human looking in or the fae looking out but with this Holly has mastered the art of having a mortal brought up and more or less fully adapted to the strange tradition and doing everything to remain in, possibly overdoing it and in a way besting the fae at their own games. It’s in my opinion and interesting play on nature vs. nurture and the willingness and ability to adapt, to survive and thrive. And with this cast of characters, it’s really Holly at her best, each with their own motives, schemes, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses … and the occasional frustrating/endearing blind spot.
I’m fully jumping on the “I need the second book now if not yesterday” waggon. Not because the first book ends on a mean cliffhanger but because I cannot wait to find out how all of these plots continue. It’s a little like leaving a highly competitive chess match right when both players are about to check each other with equal chances of checkmate. Only that this game has more than two players and the rules change whenever you blink.

Readers know that wishes and bargains with the fae are dangerous. Would you feel prepared enough to enter into such an agreement? Share your ideas and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson.

Truly Devious – Katherine Tegen Books

Stevie had no fears of the dead. The living, however, sometimes gave her the creeps.
— Chapter 10

It had the feeling of a strange game, and one that filled Stevie with a low, simmering worry.
Games are not fun if you don’t know you’re playing.
— Chapter 13

Book titles are hard. I don’t say this as an excuse for every bad title ever made but from a sympathetic position. What I love about this title is that it so obviously states its intent. And that it works so well on so many levels for this book. I have disliked the analysis of poems and prose ever since my school days because I think that you kill words once you have to pick them apart, but I could easily write a whole essay on the title of this book. Which I won’t do, no worries, I’m just still quite captivated by all the layers.
I might be a little cross with Maureen for writing this before continuing Shades of London (I really hope there is another book coming) but I understand that if something demands to be written it has to take centre stage (and all the other reasons her writing was delayed – those definitely take precedence). Luckily, this prominent spot is quite deserved. Stevie is a very compelling main character and I immensely enjoyed following her on her investigation. I also liked the dual timelines which don’t exactly interact but intersect and inform each other on a very interesting level, you basically get two stories for the price of one and possibly a third overlay.
The nature of a mystery calls for inconsistencies so I’m not calling on them until I’m certain they aren’t intentional. I am very much looking forward to the continuation and how Stevie deals not with one but two discoveries/developments. And I really hope she solves at least the staircase riddle if not the whole thing, which feels very interconnected.

Are you a mystery and/or crime reader? I’m usually avoiding them unless it’s an author I already know and trust. Share your teasers and preferences in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Sightwitch by Susan Dennard.

Sightwitch – Tor Teen

But “there is no such thing as coincidence” and “there is no changing what is meant to be.” So I must accept this.
— Page 85

Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely.
— Page 230

Some authors sound amazing on paper and turn out to be somewhat of a disappointment in the person department, others might not live up to their persona in the writing department … and then there are authors like Susan Dennard who are not only great people but also really, really good authors where you feel that each scene and each word has been weighed and measured for its impact and function and whose world building and character development are on point.
This book is part of the Witchland series (which joy of joys – truly, I couldn’t let this go – is not a trilogy) and serves as a sort of prequel that should, however, not be read before the first book even though that would be chronologically correct. This book is illustrated with maps and sketches, there are handwritten annotations and pages that look like inserted scraps, and because my copy has rough cut or deckle edges it really feels and looks even more like the journal it is supposed to be. I loved getting this deep and personal connection to Ryber and others by reading their thoughts (as opposed to the two main books where the narrator is not first but third person) and the parallel narration of two timelines was in my opinion very cleverly done.
Ryber’s character growth has especially resonated with me in her quest to find out what is going on while also figuring out her own path. I’m a bit more reluctant than Ryber to use the word destiny even though I also don’t think that it’s all coincidental. With all this new information and background I feel that I should read the two main books again before the third comes out. And maybe make a map or chart of connections and points of interest … because if the author pours so much effort into creating all these threads (ha!) then I feel more than a little obligated to keep up and hopefully not miss too much of the expertly crafted hints, foreshadowings, and references.
As I have read Susan Dennard’s first series as well (and been following her on various social media) I’m quite aware how much she has grown as a writer. As another author I admire uses to say that books belong to their readers I’m not usually a fan of authors chipping in after the fact to add tidbits or explain their intent – if it’s not on the page it’s not in the book. BUT (all rules have their exception and some rules are made to be broken) if an author realises that he or she has mucked up in terms of representation or somehow else steered in the wrong direction and not only owns up to it but promises to do better that is something I am more than okay with. And with Susan Dennard especially I not only believe that she will do better but I know so because her work on improving her craft is evident in how much she grows between each individual book.

What are your thoughts on authors chiming in on their books after the publication date? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Going Viral by Amy Alward

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Going Viral by Amy Alward.

Going Viral –
Simon & Schuster UK

‘Hey, you can’t remember everything. That’s why we have the internet.’
‘You can’t always access the internet, but I can always access my brain.’
— Chapter 15

This is what best friends do. They not only lift you up but they give you the tools to keep going even in the darkest moment. Her friendship, her love, becomes the armour that I wear against every kind of battle: external and internal.
— Chapter 27

From the beginning, this series has felt something like a feel-good, sit on the couch and enjoy being entertained dramedy show. This is the third book in the series but you could easily start with this one … only you’d miss at least a metric ton of fun that way.
This book picks up the aftermath of the final revelation in the previous book with a literal viral spread of a mysterious disease ailing the magically abled and only the very best alchemist will be able to discover not only the cure but the dark intent behind this threat. And all that on top of finding her place in the world, in her relationship, her heritage, and whatever else life decides to throw Sam’s way.
What I like most about this series, in general, is that the main character never doubts what she wants to do with her life. In a vocational manner. Sam is an alchemist to her very core and is willing to do anything for that future through doubts and setbacks to the point of almost failing but trusting in her ability to emerge triumphantly. And when she doubts, she does so in a constructive and problem-solving oriented way. This almost single-minded determination (or stubbornness) along with her wit has been very relatable from the very beginning.
I wonder a little about that possible fourth book, to be honest. This third one seems to be a fairly round and conclusive end. There is more left to tell but for once I could be alright with leaving the characters where they are now. Or wait, there is that one unresolved issue. And the more I think about it the more I can think about other things that could also use some more exploration. So where is that fourth book?

Vocation is such a great word because it encapsulates this feeling of being called to do/work something. And I think if you can work in a field that calls to you, that is one of the luckiest things of all. Have you found your vocation? When did you know for sure that this was something you wanted to pursue? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston.

That Inevitable Victorian Thing –
Dutton Books

“Nary a frog in sight.”
“It’s the ones out of sight I worry about with you.”
— Interlude

She would do right by him, and hope that he could, at the least, respect her for it. She was almost positive he would, but the heart – ah, the heart – was the least logical part of the human body.
— Chapter 17

If I start sounding a little old fashioned, I will entirely blame this book, which was an absolute delight to read for its slightly slow pace combined with its thoroughness. It’s a very alternate universe in which the British Empire continues to prevail but with the modern amenities and even more modern cultural views.
I took great pleasure in the royal undercover story and the slow burn friendship to more with not just one but in fact three complications. And the thought experiment of what would have happened if certain events in history had played out differently is always something I will readily engage in. This book especially obviously made an effort to be as accurate and credible as possible in its alternate history and that really paid off. The characters are front and centre, which is exactly how I like them in standalone stories.

If you had the option to change one historical event and visit (or live in) its aftermath, where/when would you use this power? For example how would today be different if Caesar hadn’t been hacked to death like the salad of the same name. Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Death and Night by Roshani Chokshi

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Death and Night by Roshani Chokshi.

Death and Night –
St. Martin’s Press

What property is left to dreamers when every idea has been tamed and conquered? What about the poet who dreams of embracing the night sky?
— Chapter 7

You are courageous and clever, creative and compassionate. But your doubts will ruin you if you let them. Choose happiness. Choose love.
— Chapter 9

There is this pesky holiday coming up that clever advertisers have turned into over-priced roses and cavity-inducing Hallmark card slogans. Not much love lost between that particular date and me. However, I will never say no to a sweet and clever love story.
I won’t even attempt to find a fitting description how Roshani Chokshi can craft magic with words and make your heart grow about three sizes if you’re so inclined. Of course, this novella is way too short. I could have read about Death and Night and their courting and wonderful love story for at least a hundred more pages. But wait, I already got to do that in The Star-Touched Queen, which now feels even more bittersweet for all the extra knowledge about how those two main characters really met and fell in love for the first time.
This is also so much more than a love story. Just like in the novel these characters function well enough on their own but through each other they start to question the status quo and grow so much. They are not better together but because of each other. I love it when Night discovers that she doesn’t need Death to be influential and powerful. And that Death can well keep himself guarded and aloof but the world is a more magical place if you encounter wonder from time to time. Safe is not the same as free.
Wonder and love and wit and banter, the perfect package if you ask me. I’ll take those letters over flowers and cards anytime.

My reading tracker just admonished me that I was falling behind on my challenge (which, by the way, is not true, I just can’t log what I’m reading you nosy machinery). Have you challenged yourself to a number of books/pages or anything this year? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Invictus by Ryan Graudin.

Invictus – Little, Brown Books
for Young Readers

His choices were the following:
1. Fade into the background. Be lost.
2. Step out into the thick of the crowd. Be seen.
3. Walk the line between.
— Chapter 2

If it was his attention she wanted, as she claimed, why run? And why run so fast?
— Chapter 9

As you may be aware from past experience (and you’ll get in a second why I just giggle-snorted while writing that), I’m slightly partial to books that involve history and/or time travel. So here we go again, this book had me hook, line, and sinker with the tag “The Future’s Hope is in the Past”. Given the fact that I’ve read one or two … or more such book there is little to no wiggle room on my favourites’ shelf in that category though I get the feeling that I might have to make room there somehow. The characters are a colourful mix of different personalities and since I have just met one of the main players (I suspect so at least), who is aggravatingly shrouding herself in a combination of glimpses and mystery I can’t actually say very much about them apart from my general impression that this is going to get even more interesting very soon.
The whole premise of travelling back in time to observe and under no circumstances altering anything versus travelling back to partake and possibly disturb the future is very complex and so far well developed. It will be interesting to see how this might shift as the story progresses as the back cover already hints at the fact that the past might not be as stable as the present might think it is … possibly learning this by way of the future. And that is just the big threat. The smaller one is the also very daunting black market dealer who has way too much power over the lives of the characters I already care for.
Big plus, in my eyes at least, is that this is a standalone book. I love my series (more than I can say) but sometimes it is also very nice to have the end immediately in sight. I can also guarantee that I most likely won’t be saying this by the end of the book when I’m not ready to let go. Yes, I am aware that I am a walking contradiction most of the time. Not contradictory at all is my desire for a pet red panda. I can completely understand why Saffron had to become part of the time travelling crew. They’re just so cute.

If you could have any animal (extinct or not, time travelling makes it possible) for a pet, what would it be? Sharwoollyr wooly mammoth love and teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Tarnished City by Vic James

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Tarnished City by Vic James.

Tarnished City – Pan Books

‘I would say I’ve missed you,’ he said, raising a hand and lightly pushing the blade away from his neck. ‘But Mother instilled in me that a gentleman never lies.’
‘You’re no gentleman.’
— Chapter 6

She used to think ‘courage’ was a reckless, slightly stupid thing. She understood it a little better now. It was doing what was right, even when every shred of self-preservation screamed against it.
— Chapter 10

Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true. I distinctly remember that for the first book I said that I hoped for a more prominent role for a certain string pulling character. (Look here if you don’t believe me.) Well, let’s say I’m now equally happy about said more prominent role and also even more puzzled about what is going on and who has which motives. But in a really good way!
I’m not sure what the twists per page ratio is for other famous series but I’d bet that this one is quite high up among them. It’s probably all going to make sense at the end (or not, depending on where you stand) but I’m quite lost in this twisty labyrinth of allegiances and personal motives. And let’s not forget about debts and other enmeshments.
I was a little – or at one point a lot – thrown by the almost parenthetic death(s) of previously not-unimportant character(s). I understand that this is part of that almost feudal and basically heartless society yet I would have liked for a little more personal impact at least. This felt a little too just touched upon. I could have done without some of the details but that, too, adds to the overall impression of the society in this series. And also shines a spotlight on humanity in general. Or that part of us at least that has a destructive hive mentality because as horrible as it is, the events unfolding don’t seem unplausible if you take away the fantastic aspect.
There is also a host of new characters introduced in this book while others from the previous one take more of a backseat. I usually don’t like this practice too much (getting better at appreciating it though) but in this case, it not only made sense, it elevated the whole narration in my opinion. And I care quite a bit for whom I call the desolate castle thistle. Someone else has so fallen from grace I’m not sure if or how they could ever recover. Almost like they did a 180 while another character proved to live up to a feeling I had about them not being a totally lost cause. As I said: So!many!twists! I love it.
As my wishing worked out so well last time, I’ll attempt it again as I sure hope to a) uncover a certain string pulling character’s motivation and b) find out the story of said stubbornly brave thistle. I found several dates for book three but they seem to converge in summer 2018. Personally, I’m hoping for an early summer this year.

Have you ever had a bookish wish answered in the follow-up novel to an almost spooky degree? What was it and how did it feel for you? Share experiences and your teasers in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake.

One Dark Throne – HarperTeen

“What stories?”
“Nonsense, mostly.” Genevieve waves her hand. But Natalia frowns. Nonsense becomes truth if enough mouths repeat it.
— Chapter 1

“But remember that you thought the same of Billy when he first arrived.”
“Aye, but what are the chances of me being wrong twice?”
— Chapter 13

Siblings can be a real pest sometimes and they enter into the most dangerous arguments, one might even call them battles. Or so I’m told (precious, difficult, only-child, while we’re at the throwing cliches around stage). But I really think that the people who can love you best are also the ones who can hurt you the worst. Blood relation or not.
This is the second book and I originally had this also down as the final book, but surprise, there will be two more. This second book picks up the pace even more as the ascension of the queens gets up to speed and rivalries run high. Such a violent tradition cannot survive without bloodshed. And not without those upholding this tradition more than likely no matter the cost. I was surprised at myself for how easily I shifted sympathies at first and then really filled my pity cup. None of the three girls deserves what happens to them and how they deal with the situation is as much nurture as it is nature. And possibly a little extra magic. I especially loved those mysterious aspects and kept wondering which powers might be at work there. Whether they are sinister or just fateful.
The supporting characters do a really good job at supporting not only their chosen queen but also the plot in general. Some more than others. I felt that there was a slight imbalance toward two care-giving parties, but that at the same time reinforces that the third didn’t get much say in the keeping of their charge. Great plotting and construction overall. Not to mention the writing. So if a twisty, slightly dark (the title doesn’t lie), and gripping fantasy-mystery-thrilling read is something you enjoy and you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend picking up the first book and reading straight on through the novella (not before the first book!) and then this one. The third book is scheduled for September (wait, have I written that before – September is already beginning to look crowded).

What are your sibling rivalry experiences, own or observed? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!