About the Book:

Title: The Silvered Serpents

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: September 22, 2020

Pages: 416

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Returning to the dark and glamorous 19th century world of her New York Times instant bestseller, The Gilded Wolves, Roshani Chokshi dazzles us with another riveting tale as full of mystery and danger as ever in The Silvered Serpents.

They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

Severin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost — one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Severin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumored to grant its possessor the power of God.

Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into the icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all.
As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.

A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow! I’m kind of speechless. This sequel surpassed my expectations. I really enjoyed the Gilded Wolves, but I loved this one! It’s magical, twisty, diabolical, and one heck of a ride!

The Silvered Serpents takes place right where The Gilded Wolves left off. They have thwarted the Fallen House, but at a very steep price. Desperate to make amends, Severin follows a lead for the long last artifact. The hunt brings them from Paris to an Ice Palace in Russia, where the majority of the story takes place. The crew, still grieving the loss of one of their own are thrown into quite the risky venture. There are lots of clandestine activities that take place, and the things that are revealed will leave you questioning everything.

I felt much more connected to the characters this time around. We learn even more about where they all come from, and what makes them tick, as the book has multiple points of view once again. On this adventure, the crew must decide if they’re going to give into their grief, or if they will enjoy the moments that they have, as they work together to find the artifact.

If you thought the ending of The Gilded Wolves was heartrending, be forewarned that this ending will make you desperate for the third book.

 

About the Author:

Roshani Chokshi is the author of commercial and critically acclaimed books for middle grade and young adult readers that draws on world mythology and folklore. Her work has been nominated for the Locus and Nebula awards, and has frequently appeared on Best of The Year lists from Barnes and Noble, Forbes, Buzzfeed and more. Her New York Times bestselling series includes The Star-Touched Queen duology, The Gilded Wolves, and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which was recently optioned for film by Paramount Pictures.

About the Book:

Title: Kingdom of the Wicked

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Books

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Pages: 448

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Kerri Maniscalco introduces her next series, a dark tale of a beautiful young witch, a troubled demon, and their epic romance, set against a 19th century Italian backdrop.

Emilia and her twin sister Victoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Victoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to discover who did this, and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, the outlier among the seven demon brethren, always choosing duty over pleasure. He’s been tasked by his master with investigating a series of women’s murders on the island. When Emilia and Wrath’s fates collide, it’s clear this disturbing mystery will take a bewitching turn…

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher Jimmy Patterson Books in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco so I was very excited when I heard she was starting a new series. I am over the moon that I was able to review this early! Thank you Netgalley and Jimmy Patterson Books.

I was totally unprepared for this book! I was completely and utterly spellbound, and drawn in from the very first page. A beautiful witch, a demon prince, and an Italian backdrop, who could ask for more?!

The story begins with a family in Palermo, Sicily that runs a popular restaurant called the Sea & Vine. I could totally relate to this family, their love and affection for each other, and the phrases used by Nonna, the main character’s grandmother. I had an Italian American grandmother and an Italian great grandmother that was from Sicily, and the descriptions of Nonna cooking with Emilia and Vittoria just made me feel so happy, and it felt like home. The twins help their parents and Nonna with all the cooking and the cleaning at the restaurant. The thing that makes this family different though, is that Emilia and her twin, Vittoria, are witches that live secretly among humans. They have been told since they were little girls to always wear their amulets, or cornicello, and to beware the Malvagi.

Vittoria does not show for dinner service at the restaurant one night, and Emilia finds her body completely desecrated. Emilia is completely devastated, goes out looking for vengeance, and doesn’t care what the consequences are. She uses dark magic to summon one of the Malvagi, or seven princes of hell. In comes Wrath, the demon prince who chooses duty over pleasure. Their fates become intertwined and Emilia gets pulled into Wrath’s investigation of the murders of women on the island.

I loved Emilia Di Carlo, and watching her character throughout the journey. After the loss of her sister, she goes through so much, but she keeps fighting. She’s so smart and so fierce! I completely fell for the sexy demon Prince Wrath! I always seem to fall for the bad boys, lol.  I highly enjoyed the witty banter between him and Emilia.

If you’re looking for something deliciously wicked, then look no further! I suggest that you preorder/library request/add to your TBR as soon as possible. You are not going to want to miss this one! Now to wait for the sequel with bated breath.

 

About the Author:

Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.

She is the #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the STALKING JACK THE RIPPER quartet. The final installment, CAPTURING THE DEVIL, will be released on 9/10/19. KINGDOM OF THE WICKED, the first in a new YA fantasy series, is slated for fall 2020.

For more information, visit Kerri online:
www.kerrimaniscalco.com
www.facebook.com/KerriManiscalcoAuthor

About the Book:

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Orion Children’s Books

Release Date: September 27, 2016

Pages: 536

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets – a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Review:

Fantastic conclusion to this amazing duology! Twisty and magical, I was completely here for it.

After the heist in the first book, Kaz and the crew find themselves back in Ketterdam fighting for their lives. The dregs are struggling with everything and without much hope. The story snowballs from there, and we are immersed in lots of action, intrigue, and excitement!

We have multiple points of view in Crooked Kingdom, like in Six of Crows. There is a lot more character development that we see in our crew of Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Matthias, and Nina. We get to see much more of their backstory, and what has shaped them into who they are. I liked how some of our Grishaverse characters were in this one as well. Throughout this story, I was often on the edge of my seat, wondering how the crew was going to get out of certain situations (Kaz is a genius!). I came to truly care for these characters and what happened to them. This book was painfully heartbreaking at times. I found myself sobbing, and that doesn’t happen for me that often. I think I’m still picking up the pieces of my broken heart.

I absolutely recommend this duology. I’ve been doing a buddy read which has included the Grishaverse series, and the Six of Crows duology so far. Next up is Language of Thorns and King of Scars! Yay for more in this amazing world.

About the Author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse (coming soon to Netflix) which spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and King of Scars— with more to come. Her short stories can be found in multiple anthologies, including the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019) which is being developed for television by Amazon Studios. Leigh was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Southern California, and graduated from Yale University. These days she lives and writes in Los Angeles. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter.

 

 

About the Book:

Title: The Gilded Wolves

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: January 15, 2019

Pages: 388

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

No one believes in them. But soon no one will forget them.

It’s 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history–but only if they can stay alive.

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

I loved the lush atmosphere in this one! It’s set in 1880’s Paris when the city is at the height of power and there are telltale signs of a revolution. Add in a magic system, and a heist, and you’re ready for this adventure.

The Exposition Universelle has brought new life and secrets to the surface in Paris. Severin Montagnet-Alarie is a treasure hunter and hotelier and soon finds himself on a mission from the Order of Babel. They offer Severin the chance at his true inheritence.

In order to hunt down an ancient artifact, Severin enlists an unlikely group of experts. An engineer, a historian, a dancer and a brother in arms. They help Severin explore the heart of Paris, and what they find might change the course of history and their lives forever.

I liked how we got different POVS in this story, and that we got to know each diverse character and what exactly makes them tick. Together, they make the perfect team with their combined abilities.

If you enjoy treasure hunts, heists, romance, glittering Paris, and characters that will both make you laugh and cry, then I think you will enjoy this book. Can’t wait after that ending to find out what happens in The Silvered Serpents!

About the Author:

Roshani Chokshi is the author of commercial and critically acclaimed books for middle grade and young adult readers that draws on world mythology and folklore. Her work has been nominated for the Locus and Nebula awards, and has frequently appeared on Best of The Year lists from Barnes and Noble, Forbes, Buzzfeed and more.

Her New York Times bestselling series includes The Star-Touched Queen duology, The Gilded Wolves, and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which was recently optioned for film by Paramount Pictures.

 

About the Book:

Title: Dance of Hearts

Author: Byrd Nash

Publisher: Rook and Castle

Release Date: August 7, 2020

Pages: 66

Genre: YA Historical Romance, YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

In Regency England, 1816, it is not fashionable to display fairy blood.
Melinda Wychwood managed to stay at her family home after her father’s death by working as her cousin’s unpaid housekeeper. But when a childhood friend returns, playing a game of deception, will she be satisfied acting as the dowdy chaperone? Or will her wild fairy heritage and a magical dress finally win her true happiness?

A Cinderella retelling as a historical romance with a touch of fairytale magic and a happily ever after ending.

Dance of Hearts is a quick read, short story romance that is clean and sweet. Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances, but who want a dash of fairy magic with their tea and cake.
This short story ebook is a friendly read for teens and adult readers who love Jane Austen and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Review:

*I was given an e-arc by the author in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored this Cinderella retelling! It’s a magical novella that’s part fairytale, part Jane Austen, and was just what I needed.

Melinda Wychwood is a delightful main character. She’s managed to stay at her family home after her father’s death, but has to work as her cousin’s housekeeper without pay. She’s spent the past 6 years arranging dinner parties, planning meals, and making sure everything is just so at the Grange, Chipping-Worth. She’s smart, beautiful and witty. I love how despite her circumstances, she remains true to herself.

A childhood friend arrives back in town, Alexander Kaye Arundell and his companion, Theodore Marlowe with a duplicitous plan of their own. Will their plan work, or will they find themselves in quite the predicament?

Melinda soon must decide if she’ll be satisfied playing the role of chaperone to her cousin, Miss Davenport, or if she’ll risk giving herself a chance at true happiness.

A quick, sweet read that you won’t want to miss! I’m excited for the next Novella in her Romantic Fairytales collection.

About the Author:

Reading fantasy and living in imaginary worlds made the childhood of Byrd Nash enjoyable despite parents angry about overdue fines for library books.

After gaining a B.A. in journalism, creative writing in Oklahoma during the year of the oil bust and 21% unemployment, she pursued a journalism career. Working as a reporter and editor justified her nosy fascination about what made people tick.

Her careers included being a museum director, horseback riding instructor, kid’s party planner, and a manager of a veterinarian’s office. However, she always returned to her first love of writing stories, dreaming up characters, impossible situations, and fascinating lands of fantasy.

Her interests include having a wicked sense of humor that is inappropriate during most times, reading mysteries from the Golden Age, watching historical dramas, and staying out of mushroom circles during her forest walks.

Her website ByrdNash.com provides details on her writing projects, speaking engagements, and how to obtain free stories, as well as a support network for new writers.

 

About the Book:

Title: One Way or Another

Author: Kara McDowell

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Contemporary, YA Romance

Synopsis:

The average person makes 35,000 decisions every single day. That’s about 34,999 too many for Paige Collins, who lives in debilitating fear of making the wrong choice. The simple act of picking an art elective is enough to send her into a spiral of what-ifs. What if she’s destined to be a famous ceramicist but wastes her talent in drama club? What if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in the ceramics studio and everyone drops dead? (Grim, but possible!)

That’s why when Paige is presented with two last-minute options for Christmas vacation, she’s paralyzed by indecision. Should she go with her best friend (and longtime crush) Fitz to his family’s romantic mountain cabin? Or should she accompany her mom to New York, a city Paige has spent her whole life dreaming about?

Just when it seems like Paige will crack from the pressure of choosing, fate steps

in — in the form of a slippery grocery store floor — and Paige’s life splits into two very different parallel paths. One path leads to New York where Paige falls for the city . . . and the charms of her unexpected tour guide. The other leads to the mountains where Paige might finally get her chance with Fitz . . . until her anxiety threatens to ruin everything.

However, before Paige gets her happy ending in either destiny, she’ll have to face the truth about her struggle with anxiety — and learn that you don’t have to be “perfect” to deserve true love.

 

 

 

Review:

* I was given an arc by the author and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

The holiday romcom you’ve been waiting for! This was my first book by Kara, and it did not disappoint. It’s a slow burn romance with lots of flirting, kissing, and swoon worthy boys!

I absolutely love the main character, Paige. She’s completely relatable as a small town girl that has lots of trouble making decisions, and is terrified that she’ll make the wrong ones. She’s always thinking about the what-ifs. When she is presented with two different options for Christmas vacation, she finds herself completely paralyzed and unable to make a choice.  Should she go with her best friend and long-time crush to his family’s mountain cabin? Or should she go with her mom to NYC, a place she’s always dreamed of going? A slip on a grocery store floor leads her down two different timelines. The first timeline takes her to NYC, where she falls for its charms and unexpectedly, for a boy she hasn’t seen in many years, and who becomes her tour guide. The second timeline takes her to the cozy mountain cabin, where she may finally have a chance with Fitz, her BFF. Her anxiety seems to be getting in the way of her plans, however. I enjoyed watching Paige’s journey through this story of self discovery. She needs to face her struggles with anxiety and learn that you don’t have to be “perfect” to find happiness. Definitely a character that I cheered for along the way. It’s interesting to see where her decisions lead her, and it’s a story brimming with hope and empowerment.

Hope you add this adorable book to your TBR! It will definitely bring some holiday cheer.

About the Author:

Born in the mountains and raised in the desert, Kara McDowell spent her childhood swimming, boating, and making up stories in her head. As the middle of five children, Kara entertained her family on long road trips by reading short mystery stories out loud and forcing everyone to guess the conclusion. After graduating from Arizona State University with a BA in English Literature, Kara worked as a freelance writer. Now she writes young adult novels from her home in Arizona, where she lives with her husband and three young sons.

 

About the Book:

Title: The Forest of Stars

Author: Heather Kassner

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Pages: 288

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Synopsis:

In this mysterious and mesmerizing fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Splendor and Glooms and Circus Mirandus, a windswept girl who can float among the stars searches for her long-lost father at a shadow-filled carnival.

“Kassner’s writing dazzles . . . a tale of hope, courage, and friendship.” —Newbery Honor winner Ingrid Law

Left all alone after her mother passes away, twelve-year-old Louisa LaRoche watches the sky for her father. Long ago, a powerful gust of wind swept through town, stealing him away on the wings of his untamed magic—the same magic that stirs within Louisa. As if she is made of hollow bones and too much air, her feet never quite touch the ground.

But for all her sky gazing, Louisa finds her fortune on the leaf-strewn street when she spots a gleaming black-and-gold invitation—a ticket to the Carnival Beneath the Stars. If her father fits in nowhere else, maybe she’ll find him there, dazzling crowds alongside the other strange and wonderful feats. Only, soon after she arrives, a tightrope act ends disastrously—and suspiciously. As fate tugs Louisa closer to the stars, she must decide if she’s willing to slip into the injured performer’s role, despite the darkness plucking at the carnival’s magical threads.

In The Forest of Stars, Heather Kassner weaves a spectacle of wondrous magic, unexpected friendship, and dark secrets.

Featuring illustrations by Iz Ptica.

* “Irresistible.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Like the carnival at its heart, this story is richly magical and delightfully eerie.” —Cassie Beasley, New York Times bestselling author of Circus Mirandus 

Review:

* I won an arc in a giveaway on Instagram*

An enchanting and magical tale that is sure to delight readers of all ages! I immediately fell in love with Louisa and the rest of the cast of characters in this middle grade fantasy. Louisa sets out on a quest to find her father after her mother passes away. A long time ago, her father was taken from her when a gust of wind snatched him and his magic away. Louisa herself has this same sort of magic, as her feet don’t quite touch the ground. The quest begins when Louisa finds an invitation to a Carnival Beneath the Stars. She heads to the Carnival hoping to find her father, or any kind of lead as to where he could be. She winds up finding friends there, and people who accept her for the way she is. Along with her newfound friends, Louisa discovers that things aren’t all as they seem at the Carnival and with their help starts uncovering a dastardly plot. Along the way, she discovers that when you feel lost, sometimes you find where you belong in the most unexpected ways.

This was my first book I read by Kassner and I was delighted! A charming, fast paced adventure you won’t want to miss.

About the Author:

Heather Kassner loves thunderstorms, hummingbirds, and books. She lives with her husband in Arizona, waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the rain, photographing hummingbirds, and reading and writing strange little stories.

About the Book:

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Release Date: September 29, 2015

Pages: 465

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge

 

 

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

 

Review:

After reading Leigh’s Grishaverse series, I jumped right into this one! It definitely lived up to the hype. It had amazing world building, beautiful writing, fantastic characters, magic, and a heist! What more could you ask for? I am so glad I finally know the Dregs! I would say that the characters were my favorite part of this one. I adore Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina and Matthias! They quickly wormed their way into my heart. Kaz and Inej are without a doubt my favorites. Kaz with his wit, sarcasm, and his devil-may-care attitude. Inej with her beauty, strength and her ability to kick butt.

I loved how Leigh wove in easter eggs from the Grishaverse series, and I’m glad that I read those first. You could technically read this duology without them, but I feel like you can understand the Grisha and their magic, history, and what drives them after reading the trilogy.

The book definitely ended with me craving more! I can’t wait to dive into Crooked Kingdom soon. Leigh definitely has me hooked!

About the Author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse (coming soon to Netflix) which spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and King of Scars— with more to come. Her short stories can be found in multiple anthologies, including the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019) which is being developed for television by Amazon Studios. Leigh was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Southern California, and graduated from Yale University. These days she lives and writes in Los Angeles. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter.

About the Book:

Title: Sing Me Forgotten

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Release Date: March 9, 2021

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house.

Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.

But Isda breaks Cyril’s cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she’s ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison.

Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place.

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

* I received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

As soon as I heard this was a gender bent Phantom of the Opera retelling and I saw the gorgeous cover, I knew I had to read this one! A stunning debut from Olson, I was completely swept away into this beautiful and magical world. I was drawn immediately to Isda. She’s a gravoir and has been living beneath the opera house, that Cyril, the man who rescued her, owns. She longs so much for human connection, but must live hidden away from a society that thinks of her as a monster. She meets Emeric, a boy that’s been hired to clean the opera house, and everything changes. He has an amazing voice, unlike one that Isda has ever heard. His memories give her hints as to how to break free from her prison of a life, and she begins to spend more and more time with him. She soon learns that the price for her freedom is steep.

Emeric is the best! He’s so full of sunshine and light. I loved his sense of humor and just how sweet he is. He also has dimples, *sighs*!

The romance between Isda and Emeric is definitely swoon worthy and they are two characters you won’t soon forget.

If you like lush, atmospheric, gothic romances, then this book is for you! It will leave you thinking about it long after the last act has ended.

 

 

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: Ruin & Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Pages: 422

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

 

 

Review:

Absolutely amazing conclusion to this epic series! This book picked up right where Siege and Storm left off. Alina and the gang are underground recovering from the Darkling’s attack, but know that they can’t stay there forever. They need to look for the final amplifier. Alina begins to figure out some of the Darkling’s secrets, and it reveals a past that changes her understanding of her power and the bond they share. The firebird is what they need to stop the destruction of Ravka, and claiming it could cost Alina everything she’s fighting for. A story full of twists and turns, angst, tears and heartbreak. It was everything I could have hoped for.

Leigh’s writing is just so beautiful and magical. The world is one I don’t want to leave. I also loved the character development that happened throughout the series. The Darkling has become one of my new favorite villains and I absolutely adore Nikolai. I am glad that I completed the trilogy before the new Netflix series starts. I’m super excited for it! Also, going to be reading the Six of Crows duology and King of Scars soon.

About the Author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse (coming soon to Netflix) which spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and King of Scars— with more to come. Her short stories can be found in multiple anthologies, including the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019) which is being developed for television by Amazon Studios. Leigh was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Southern California, and graduated from Yale University. These days she lives and writes in Los Angeles. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter.