BLOG TOUR SPECIAL POST, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy #2)

I am SO excited to help celebrate the release of Rae Carson's LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS. And great news - it's out TODAY! This series has me so captivated. It's gorgeous and sweeping and so epic.

Speaking of epic, I was thinking about my own Oregon Trail team and who would be on it if I wanted our group to be epically successful on our cross-country trek. Here's what I came up with.

My Oregon Trail Team

1. Bear Grylls - Bear Grylls is an expert at surviving in the wilderness, and in the mid-1800s, that is exactly what much of North America is. I would definitely want someone who is an expert at hunting and gathering like he is on my team. But, I draw the line at drinking my own pee and eating bugs and animal dung. #idratherdie

2. Ree Drumond - You may know Ree Drumond by her blog and book name - The Pioneer Woman. And, ah - this choice makes sense now, doesn't it? Ree is a jill of all trades, and that would come in handy on our long journey. She lives on a ranch, so she knows about animals. She is the MacGyver of  the home, able to make beautiful and useful things out of seemingly nothing. And best of all - SHE COOKS. WELL.

3. Drew and Jonathan Scott - When we finally reach our destination, I want a sweet homestead in less than six weeks. (Camping in the woods is SO not my thing.) So, of course, I need The Property Brothers. Jonathan can build anything we need and Drew is an expert at dealing with difficult people, so he can smooth things over with any Native Americans we encounter.

4. Nick Bateman - Because, NICK BATEMAN. Also, he has mad ninja skills.

5. Rae Carson - After working all day, side-by-side with Nick Bateman and the Scott twins, I'm going to want some down time. I can't think of a better way to pass the time than to sit around a campfire and listen to stories. And no one tells amazing stories like Rae Carson.

Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy #2), by Rae Carson
Publish Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: young adult historical fiction/fantasy
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.

The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

I've heard big-time professional book reviewers use terms before like "sweeping" and "epic" and "sprawling," and I never really got it before I read Like a River Glorious. I thought those were fancy schmancy words they threw around to make them look extra special. But, seriously - Those terms describe The Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson perfectly.

Leah, Jefferson and their friends have made it to California, and now it's time to get to work. But, Leah is constantly looking over her shoulder waiting for that other shoe to drop. A shoe by the name of Hiram Westfall, her positively evil uncle. He's been waiting for her to get comfortable before coming for her. And he has too much to lose - he WILL come for her.

Once again, Rae Carson brings California in the 1840s to life in vivid detail. Not only is the landscape and situation described beautifully, but the people really take on lives of their own. We meet more Americans, both good and bad, Chinese immigrants, and of course, Indians. The situations in which the Indians find themselves will horrify you, and what's even worse is I'm sure some of this really happened.

For those that bemoaned the lack of Lee using her gold seeking ability in Walk on Earth a Stranger, fear not. She more than makes up for it in Like a River Glorious. Lee herself is still discovering the depth of her abilities, and it's awesome to be along for the ride. Lee and Jeff also make up for the lack of romance in the previous book. My swoon meter was pegged a few times.

Like a River Glorious was an incredible book. It was exciting and heartbreaking and infuriating and romantic. And yes - sweeping, epic and sprawling. I can't wait to see what the final book brings.

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on this tour, organized by Irish Banana Tours:

Week 1:
9/19: Two Chicks on Books - Photo Tour
9/20: Ex Libris - Review
9/21: The Irish Banana Review - My Oregon Trail Team
9/22: Good Books and Good Wine - Review
9/23: Across the Words - Dream Cast


Week 2:
9/26: Alexa Loves Books - Review
9/27: Krista's Dust Jacket - My Oregon Trail Team
9/28: Awkwordly Emma - Review
9/29: A Backwards Story - A Modern Day Oregon Trail
9/30: YA Bibliophile - Review

ABOUT RAE CARSON:  I write books about teens who must do brave things. I'm originally from California, but I now live in Arizona with my husband, who is the smartest and therefore sexiest man I know. My books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. I especially love to write about questions I don't know the answers to.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

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EARLY REVIEW: The Power (Titan #2)

The Power (Titan #2), by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publish Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Format: ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: new adult paranormal/fantasy romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.Fate has other plans.

The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.

But the gods are sensing a greater threat.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.

The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.

Just as chaos breaks out, familiar faces from the past return, complicating the already strained bond between Josie and Seth, and when the danger from the Titans erupts with devastating consequences, the dark allure of power calls to Seth again, but this time Josie might not be able to pull him back.

And when the struggle between power and love becomes the deadliest battleground, there may be no salvation.

I really think Jennifer Armentrout is at her best when she's writing paranormal. Don't get me wrong - I love her contemporary books too. But, there's just something about they way she can capture a completely fantastical concept and make it seem totally real. Like, it's totally possible that Apollo could just wink into existence on my La-Z-Boy or that I could catch a glimpse of a shirtless Seth taking down a daimon army in the cornfield behind my house. 

Oh wait - that last one was actually my dream last night. 

In the Power, Jennifer Armentrout marries the very best part of the paranormal/fantasy genre with the very best part of new adult genre - you get creepy monsters and awesome super powers coupled with angst and feels so strong that I promise your tears will be real. Oh - and there WILL be tears. 

Seth and Josie have hit their stride as he's training her to use her powers by day and being her cuddle bunny by night. But, they have a dangerous mission on which they must soon embark. And old friends are scheduled to arrive that will only serve to complicate matters even more. 

Seth broke my heart in The Power. Into. A. Million. Pieces. He has never dealt with the guilt he still harbors over his actions in the past. And, now Josie looks at him with her heart in her eyes, and it's making him feel even more unworthy. And, he knows she's full of aether now that her identity has been unlocked, and he's tempted every minute by it. Which, of course, only makes him feel worse. 

Seth has trouble recognizing his positive presence in the lives of those around him. He only sees the bad, and every time Josie does something nice for him, it hits him like a ton of bricks. I wanted to give him a hundred hugs. From the very beginning of The Power, you got the feeling that Seth was nearing his breaking point, and we were just waiting for that other shoe to drop.

My heart went out to Josie too. She is flat out totally in love with Seth, and because of his issues, he's running very hot and cold with her. Those hot moments are SCORCHING. But, the cold moments brought tears to my eyes. And things only get more complicated for her when Alex returns with Aiden for their six months topside. It is not easy to be around Seth and Alex with their connection and their history when you're trying to be the new woman in his life. Talk about odd woman out.

Despite how awful all that had to be for her, Josie has no problem stepping up when she needs to and putting her new skills to use. This chick is totally my hero. She's fighting for everything - her man, her life, the whole world.

The Power is feels upon feels upon feels. It's also crazy awesome action and a creative blend of Greek mythology and that certain something that can only come from Jennifer L. Armentrout. You will laugh. You will cry. You will root for the good guys and yell at the bad guys and bemoan the end when it comes, because it will be a whole year until we find out what happens next. But that's okay - that just gives us plenty of chances to re-read.

RELEASE WEEK BLITZ REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Anarchy Found (Super Alphas #1)

You guys - this book is like nothing you've ever experienced before. And I'm so excited to help roll it out to the world. Check out my review for ANARCHY FOUND by JA Huss, and enter the giveaway for 5 $100 Amazon gift cards, plus 5 signed copies of Anarchy Found.

Anarchy Found (Super Alphas #1), by JA Huss
Publish Date: December 2, 2015
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary sci-fi/fantasy romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Everyone needs a hero.

That’s what Detective Molly Masters tells me. “What we need,” she says, “what the whole world needs,” she pleads, “is a champion.”

The only thing I want to talk about with Molly Masters is how I’d like to make her scream my name when I push her up against a wall, slide my hand up her thigh, and live out my wildest fantasies.

“Someone who will fight against injustice,” she says.

I’ll fight against anything you want, honey. Just come a little closer.

“Someone who will stand tall in the face of adversity,” she says.

I’ll do it standing, sitting, or lying down. See how easy I am?

“Someone who believes in the value of a good deed,” she says.

I believe in the value of me, sweetheart. Because I’m Lincoln Wade. Jaded genius, obscenely wealthy, capable of violence, and looking for revenge.

Molly Masters might have delusions of grandeur. She might see me as some superman capable of cleaning up the scum, filth, and corruption in Cathedral City.

But I’m not the hero she’s looking for.

I’m the dark alley where all her good intentions hide.

So be careful what you wish for, Molly Masters.

Because you’re about to get it.

I have to admit - I struggled with how to write my review for Anarchy Found.  That is mostly because I have nothing I can compare this to - there is no standard. No set bar to reach. Anarchy Found is unlike any book I've ever read before (and I've read A LOT of books in the past four years). 

It's not exactly a super hero book, although the men featured in this book are definitely super, and their hero potential is off the charts. It's not exactly a romantic book, even though some parts definitely had me swooning. It's not erotica, but prepare for some sizzling hot chapters. And it's not an MC book, even though our main character, Lincoln Wade, owns a few bikes and rides them like he means it. 

Anarchy Found is none of those things, and yet all of them at the same time. Trust me - this is a good thing. And, what's even better is, this is just the beginning of what I'm guessing will be an exciting ride. 

Molly is a green detective who is six months out from the tragic loss of her brother, who is the last family she has left. She runs into Lincoln one night on a rainy stretch of road, and has an interesting and unexpected afternoon with him. There's no doubt he left an impression on her

But damn if he isn't one sexy asshole in that leather jacket, the tight jeans that show the muscles in his legs, that black t-shirt clinging to his chest like it's painted on, and a face I might be thinking about when I'm alone tonight.

Prepare yourself for some serious info dump in Anarchy Found. It definitely sets the stage for the rest of the series, and as such, there is a lot of backstory to reveal and absorb. Luckily, it's not done all at once in long droning paragraphs. The story of how Lincoln Wade and Molly Masters ended up where they are today is slowly revealed as Molly tries to uncover how and why employees of one company committed suicide.

Lincoln is unlike any hero you've ever encountered before - I promise you that. I can't tell you all the reasons why - that will spoil the fun. But, I can tell you that Linc embodies the anti-hero role. When he tells Molly that he's the bad guy, he really means it. 

She's a cop. I'm a criminal. She's good and I'm bad. She's the end and I'm the beginning. 

So, you have to ask yourself - if someone does bad things for a good reason, what does that make them? A hero? A villain with a conscience? Are good intentions enough to absolve someone of the consequences of their actions? These are all questions I found myself asking as I read Anarchy Found. Molly asked herself those questions too. And by the end, I think both of us had our answers. 

One of my favorite parts about Anarchy Found was the connection between Linc and Molly. It was powerful from the very beginning. I had no idea how powerful it was, or why, until many chapters later. Before I fully understood everything that was going on, Linc's actions and words confused me. He would do and say things that conveyed that he loved this girl fiercely. And then, he would say and do something to contradict that. But, in the end, it was crystal clear that Molly was it for him, and always had been.

"I didn't save anyone. You saved yourself. And don't you ever forget that. You're the superhero with all the power and I am nothing without you."

There's a very strong sci-fi element to Anarchy Found. There were times that I found myself likening to to the X-Men franchise. Other times, it had a bit of a Terminator vibe to it. And, still other times, despite Lincoln's constant annoyance at the comparison, I could've sworn that he was a Batman wannabe and Cathedral City was the new Gotham. No matter what you compare it to, just be aware that each chapter sends you further and further down the rabbit hole, so where you start is light years away from where the book ends. 

This review may seem a bit vaguer than usual, and I'm sorry for that. But, SO MUCH happens in this book. I don't want to give any of it away so that you can experience it all for yourself. Prepare for a wild and twisty ride. 

JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).

If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Author links:
http://jahuss.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss
https://twitter.com/jahuss
http://www.newadultaddiction.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446815.J_A_Huss

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REVIEW: Salt & Stone (Fire & Flood #2)

Salt & Stone (Fire & Flood #2), by Victoria Scott
Published February 24, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Format: hardback, purchased
Genre: young adult adventure/fantasy
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

Victoria Scott’s Fire & Flood series continues to surprise me at every turn. I love how it gets you thinking beyond the words on the page. There is an overarching theme in both Fire & Flood and in SALT & STONE of integrity and principles and loyalty and how high of a value you place on those things when faced with tough choices. Not easy questions for anyone, much less teenagers.

In Salt & Stone, Tella, Guy and the members of their alliance are facing the last two legs of the Brimstone Bleed, knowing that each leg will get harder and harder as they get closer and closer to the single cure available to save a loved one. Tella is particularly struggling. She has strong feelings for Guy, but he doesn’t seem to have much confidence in her abilities. This makes Tella determined to prove her worth and think for herself. Meanwhile, she is also struggling to maintain her integrity as the contenders are constantly faced with choices designed to break you. Does she stay true to her friends and the pandoras, or does she look out for number one and do everything she can to save her brother’s life?

Gah, Tella – this girl constantly amazes me. This girlie girl who loves glitter and chocolate and shoes is also the girl who made it through the jungle and the desert alive. This experience has changed her, though. How could it not? She has seen friends and enemies alike die. She has fallen in love, and is now faced with the possibility of it being unrequited. All these things have hardened Tella in some ways.

“I used to be the girl who catalogued sandwich shops by which had the best oatmeal cookies. Now, I’m the girl who catalogs death and the girl who vows revenge. “

The pandoras play a much bigger role in Salt & Stone than they did in Fire & Flood. It’s obvious they have feelings and thoughts just like the humans, which made them so much more important to me as the reader. To the race organizers, they are just as expendable as the humans are, which is absolutely infuriating. That they’ve made this race and created these creatures specifically for it, and are then able to dispose of them without a thought when their apparent usefulness has worn out is frustrating and just so… WRONG.

It appears that Tell has the same feelings, because as contenders die, and their pandoras are left behind, Tella brings them into her fold and cares for them. When pandoras are treated badly by their contenders, Tella offers them kindness. She’s often chastised for this practice, but this is where her principles kick in. It’s just not in her to mistreat any creature, and she’s determined to not have this race turn her into someone who does. As it turns out, Tella’s big heart and unfailing loyalty have both benefits and drawbacks throughout the book.

As in Fire & Flood, no one is safe in Salt & Stone. Characters die. Pandoras die. It wouldn’t be realistic if they didn’t. And, every time it happens, my heart broke. Seeing their deaths through Tella’s eyes was so sad. And, each time I found myself hoping that this death wouldn’t be the one to break her.

Tella’s relationship with Guy is complicated. It’s obvious they care about each other a lot. But, Guy has no faith in her or her abilities. He’s of the opinion that she’s only made it this far because of him and his help. Tella resents him for that (and rightly so), and in an effort to prove herself, she makes a few mistakes. Tella’s also frustrated because Guy refuses to talk to her about what he wants or how he feels. She thinks she’s being strung along, and it sucks for her.

I know that Victoria Scott has only been contracted by Scholastic for two books in this series. But, I am imploring the publisher to PLEASE sign her up to finish the series! Salt & Stone ends as if there will be a third book. The Brimstone Bleed comes to an end, but there are still SO. MANY . QUESTIONS. Tella’s and Guy’s story is not over, and it needs to be finished.

EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Salt & Stone (Fire & Flood #2)

My friends, if you are even halfway as excited as I am for the release of Victoria Scott's SALT & STONE in two short weeks, then, you're already perfecting your happy dance. You really want something to dance about? I've got a super delicious excerpt from Salt & Stone and a crazy awesome giveaway for you.

Salt & Stone (Fire & Flood #2), by Victoria Scott
To Be Published February 24, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: young adult contemporary romance/fantasy
To Pre-Order: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) What would you do to save someone you love?

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

I swallow and stare at him in the dark, my entire body itching to feel his touch. When I see the anticipation in his stance, the way he looks at me as if I’m both infuriating and appealing — it makes me feel powerful. But when he takes a step in my direction, that power plummets to some place untouchable. Now I’m a seventeen-year-old girl again, standing in the shadows with someone who feels like he’s lived three lives to my one.

“Come with me,” he orders.

There’s no room for refusal, and I don’t want there to be. He takes my hand to help me step over sleeping bodies, both human and Pandora. When I stumble, he leans over and sweeps beneath my knees. I’m brought into his arms with the same ease I may use to curl a rabbit to my chest. But I’m not such an innocent, silent creature.

I’ve got spirit and fire in spades. Though, right now, as he carries me to the single back bedroom, I have neither. I’m somebody else now. I’m Tella Holloway, Boston girl turned Montana transplant, sitting on the edge of her bed, awaiting her very first date with the boy who makes her parents uneasy. A boy who doesn’t speak nearly enough, but when he does, this girl stops and listens. In my mind’s eye, I’m wearing the silver-sequined dress that’s hibernated in my closet far too long. I feel beautiful and confident, and who cares if he said we’re going to the lake at night? I want to glimpse the look on his face when he sees me. I envision how his entire face will light up as if it’s lit from within. How his full lips will part slightly and his cold blue eyes will soften.

Guy sets me on my feet, and I gaze up at him.

Oh yes. Right there. That’s the look I imagined.

Enter below for a chance to win a signed UK edition of FIRE & FLOOD, a signed galley of SALT & STONE, and signed swag. It's open internationally.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Wonderfully Wicked

I'm so excited to be a part of the WONDERFULLY WICKED blog tour, organized by the lovely ladies at Kismet Book Tours! A new adult fantasy novel? Um, yes please! Check out my review, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for Wonderfully Wicked swag and a $50 gift card at the end!

Wonderfully Wicked, by C.J. Burright
Published May 13, 2014
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Format: e-book, provided by the author
Genre: new adult fantasy romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 4 STARS

(From Goodreads) A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life… until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her.

Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…

A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v'al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing. Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost.

To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered… a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both.

In the new adult genre, too often do we see the typical contemporary romance story played out. I've said to many bookish friends that there needs to be more new adult dystopian or fantasy books out there. So, when I learned of WONDERFULLY WICKED, I had to applaud C.J. Burright for reaching inside my head and my heart and giving me what I wanted. 

Kalila - Lils as those who know her best call her - is a dreamcaster, which means she can make her nightmares come to life. One day, she's kidnapped and taken to a fortress in the Pacific Northwest where she's promised she'll be safe. She soon learns she's anything BUT safe, and the one who imparts that wisdom is none other than her kidnapper, Lydon. The worst of the worst. But, Kalila can't deny her attraction to him, and she soon learns way more about him and her own abilities than she had ever bargained for.

I loved Kalila. She's exactly what I need in a heroine - someone who isn't afraid of making the hard choices but she's not so hard that they don't affect her. She doesn't have many people in her life that she's close to, but those that are, she holds very dear. She knows her abilities come with problems, and she jumps at the possibility that they could finally be taken away. I empathized with Kalila - actually meeting the monster in your closet must be terrible. So, I get why the initial things that are told to her when she reaches apparent safety seem so alluring. 

But, the allure of Lydon is much stronger. Her relationship with him is adorable. She has this very volatile love/hate relationship with him right off the bat. I mean, he kidnapped her! It's understandable she should hate him. But, there's this instinctual pull toward him too that she just can't deny no matter how much she wants to. Their words with each other are biting and caustic and completely adorable. 

Lydon was the same. He was brought up to kill and destroy. He's literally the worst of his kind, and his task was to find Kalila and essentially destroy her. He just can't do it, and he spends a large portion of the book trying to convince himself to go back to the unfeeling bastard he has been his whole life. When he finally gives up and gives in was a great part of the book. 

This book was also very frustrating in that both Kalila and Lydon believe the other could never truly love the other. They never really communicate properly until the very, VERY end. I thought I would scream waiting for that point to actually arrive. 

The premise of the dreams coming to life and what that means is a super cool one. I was, however, a little confused as to how the dreamcasters worked with the V'alkara. It was explained throughout the book in bits and pieces, but it feels like there were too many layers to the concept, which muddied the waters a bit. I get that the V'alkara can control the nightmares that Kalila can manifest. I think if it would've stopped there, it would've been perfect, and this could've been a five-star book. But, there was more there about how the dreams must sustain the V'alkara, and the naming of them by the dreamcaster and the dreamwalking... it got to be a bit much. 

But, the romance is what I ultimately read NA books for, and in this case, it was great. It wasn't nearly as steamy as some I've read - it was rather tame in that regard, actually. But it didn't diminish the intensity of Kalila's and Lydon's relationship in the least. I definitely would recommend this book to any fantasy or NA fan. 

About the Author

C. J. Burright was born and raised in Oregon and loved it so much she never left. While she has worked for years in a law office, she chooses to avoid writing legal thrillers and instead leans toward urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or—since all things medieval and magic fascinate her—fantasy romance. A member of Romance Writers of America and Secretary for the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal special interest chapter, C. J. also has her 4th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and believes stories should always include a gratuitous fight scene. In what spare time she has, she enjoys working out, reading, gardening, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners with a nice glass of wine. She shares a house with her husband, daughter, and a devoted herd of cats.

Tour Stops

Check out all the stops on the WONDERFULLY WICKED tour!

• Monday, September 8th - A Bookish Escape
• Tuesday, September 9th - Curling Up with a Good Book
• Wednesday, September 10th - Supernatural Snark
• Thursday, September 11th - Krista's Dust Jacket
• Friday, September 12th - Parajunkee

• Monday, September 15th - Nocturne Reads
• Tuesday, September 16th - Seeing Night Book Reviews
• Wednesday, September 17th - Mother, Gamer, Writer
• Thursday, September 18th - Her Book Thoughts
• Friday, September 19th - The Book Swarm

• Monday, September 22nd - Bewitched Bookworms
• Tuesday, September 23th - A Dream within a Dream
• Wednesday, September 24th - A Thousand Words, A Million Books
• Thursday, September 25th - Alison Can Read
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REVIEW: The One (The Selection #3)

The One (The Selection #3), by Kiera Cass
Published May 6, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: hardback, provided by the publisher
Genre: young adult fantasy/romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Series enders have not been kind to me lately. I get it - finales are tricky for both the readers and the author. In all the previous books, dramatic situations, love triangles and bad decisions can all be put aside in our minds because the final book is still ahead, so everything has a chance still to be put to rights. But, once that last book comes out, you realize you're down to only 350 pages to clear everything up. The author has to answer to fans while maintaining their professional integrity. Authors - you are rock stars.

Perhaps this is why there are several series in which I've read all but the last book. I'm simply scared to finish it all up in case things don't go my way. I don't want it to taint the rest of the series, particularly if I've enjoyed all the previous books. So, it was with great trepidation that I cracked the spine on The One. And, when I was done, the main thought in my head was...

THANK YOU, KIERA CASS. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.

I have to admit - given the state of affairs in the Maxon/America/Aspen love triangle at the end of The Elite, I was nervous. America seemed pretty screwed either way you looked at it. The king was pissed at her. Maxon was pissed at her. The public was pissed at her. And, she couldn't get a minute to talk to Aspen about any of it. The Selection was down to only four girls and rebel attacks were escalating.

I loved that the excitement started pretty much immediately. America is anxious to get back in the game, so she's stepping up her seduction skills, and the claws come out among all four girls still left in it because of it. For Maxon's part, he seems like he does still prefer America, yet it's obvious that he's also still keeping his options open, particularly with Kriss.

Thankfully, America seems to make up her mind what she REALLY wants fairly early on in the book. Where the stress and angst for me came in was when she decided it was a good idea to not tell anyone about it. ARGH! She doesn't even tell her ultimate choice, which was just... ARGH! The fact that America couldn't get outside of her own head for even a short while so that she could think objectively about her situation made me stabby.

The two guys, on the other hand, keep seeking out opportunities to come to a final decision about their feelings for America and to figure out her feelings for them. Her moments with Maxon were so sweet. The sexual tension between the two of them was off the hook, too. America's moments with Aspen were rushed and nostalgic. It was obvious they still cared about each other quite a bit. Both guys love America and would do anything for her. Lucky girl.

"Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway. I'll love you until my very last breath. Every beat of my heart is yours."

Finally we get a lot more information about the two camps of rebels in The One. We've been dancing around their motives and actions through two books, so it was awesome to get more insight into both the northern and the southern rebels, and even meet some of them. In addition to the bride wars going on in the castle, there's quite a bit of subterfuge and military strategy involved in this book. I loved how America threw herself into the thick of things without hesitation. She was really brave and selfless.

And, in the end, there's a final showdown between the Illeans and the rebels, and WOW. It did not disappoint. Characters were injured. Characters died. And yes. There was a wedding. I was so blown away by how everything ended up being tied together - I didn't see a lot of it coming, even though it had been building since book 1.

The One is a perfect example of exactly how a series finale should be done. Not everything goes smoothly. Many aspects of the plot aren't ironed out until the very VERY end. Not every character makes it. But, I can honestly say, it's been a long time until I've felt this satisfied when it was all over.