folklore but make it fantasy: Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston Blog Tour review + giveaway

 Hi, friends! I know it's been a little while, but *gestures to world* there's a lot going on out there, and sometimes it's hard to find the mental space to write and blog. I have struggled this year. But that's why I'm especially excited to participate in the blog tour for Among the Beasts & Briars. I preordered this book back in March because I knew I'd need it during this frustrating and difficult year, and this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Scroll down to read my 5 star review and some of my favorite quotes from the book. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a finished copy!

Rating: 5 stars

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Genre: young adult fantasy

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: standalone?
Links: Geekerella review (also 5 stars)

Geekerella blog tour - guest post by Ash

The Princess & the Fangirl review (also 5 stars)

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book before voluntarily joining the blog tour, which does not affect the content of my review. The tour was organized & hosted by The Book Terminal, and the full tour schedule can be found HERE. Please go give my fellow tour hosts some love!

Summary:

Cerys is safe in the kingdom of Aloriya.

 

Here there are no droughts, disease, or famine, and peace is everlasting. It has been this way for hundreds of years, since the first king made a bargain with the Lady who ruled the forest that borders the kingdom. But as Aloriya prospered, the woods grew dark, cursed, and forbidden. Cerys knows this all too well: when she was young, she barely escaped as the woods killed her friends and her mother. Now Cerys carries a small bit of the curse—the magic—in her blood, a reminder of the day she lost everything. The most danger she faces now, as a gardener’s daughter, is the annoying fox who stalks the royal gardens and won’t leave her alone.

 

As a new queen is crowned, however, things long hidden in the woods descend on the kingdom itself. Cerys is forced on the run, her only companions the small fox from the garden, a strange and powerful bear, and the magic in her veins. It’s up to her to find the legendary Lady of the Wilds and beg for a way to save her home. But the road is darker and more dangerous than she knows, and as secrets from the past are uncovered amid the teeth and roots of the forest, it’s going to take everything she has just to survive.

Blog Tour: When She Reigns by Jodi Meadows

Today I'm celebrating the upcoming release of When She Reigns, the final book in Jodi Meadows's Fallen Isles trilogy. Scroll down to find out what goodies you can get when you preorder (you still have 5 days!), check out my painted pages tutorial, AND enter the tour giveaway!

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: young adult fantasy

Status: Book 3 of the Fallen Isles trilogy

Links: Before She Ignites blog tour

As She Ascends blog tour

Summary:

The First Dragon

The Great Abandonment has begun. Panic has seized the Fallen Isles, where no one knows which god will rise next. Mira Minkoba believes her dreams hold the secret to bringing an end to the destruction, but in order to save her people, she’ll have to find a legendary treasure: the bones of the first dragon.

The Last Hope

Mira’s desperate search leads the Hopebearer and her friends on a dangerous journey into the heart of enemy territory: the Algotti Empire itself. The empress is more than willing to help—for an impossible price. And as tensions escalate beneath the shadows of the risen gods, Mira grapples with a terrifying question: What will she have to sacrifice to preserve what she loves?

The explosive finale to Jodi Meadows’s Fallen Isles trilogy is ablaze with sizzling romance and fiery magic as Mira’s fight to save dragons from extinction evolves into a mission to save her world from annihilation.

Novella Review: Bridal Boot Camp by Meg Cabot

Rating: 3.5 stars

Pub Date: May 28, 2019

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Genre: adult romantic comedy

Format/Source: eARC, Edelweiss

Status: novella, book #0.5 of the Little Bridge Island series

Summary: Physical trainer Roberta “Rob” James moved to Little Bridge thinking she’d found paradise, but things haven’t turned out quite as she’d hoped.

The closest Rob has come to her “happily ever after” is happy hour at the Mermaid Café with her buddy Bree, the bartender slash waitress who’s got romance problems of her own.

But Rob’s situation suddenly changes when sheriff’s deputy Ryan Martinez accidentally enrolls in her bridal boot camp class. Turning mush into metal in time for the big day is Rob’s passion (because even the happiest bride could use a little toning).

But what happens when a guy who’s all mush meets a girl who’s all metal?

They discover they have a lot to learn . . . about each other, themselves, and the island paradise they’ve come to call home.

Review:

Bridal Boot Camp is the first look into Meg's new Little Bridge Island series, which I'm really excited about! I've been needing some more adult romance from Meg since I frequently reread her Boy series and last year I reread the entire Heather Wells series. Her books are a shot of fluff that I always appreciate, and Bridal Boot Camp isn't any different.

I think Rob and Ryan have really really great chemistry, and I loved seeing them overcome some initial not-quite-right first impressions to get to the good stuff (ie kissing). However, I'm going to give Bridal Boot Camp 3.5 stars because it was SO SHORT. I don't mind novellas, but I like them more in the 80-120 page range. Bridal Boot Camp is only 51 pages, and that really wasn't enough time to get a good arc with Rob and Ryan. We only get four chapters, and while they're good, fun chapters, full of that classic Meg Cabot banter and charm, this didn't feel like a fully fleshed out story.

And although I thought it introduced the world of Little Bridge Island decently, I prefer for companions (whether novellas or full-length novels) to be at least a little more connected. The summary mentions Bree (who is the mc of the first full Little Bridge Island book No Judgments) and Rob being friends, but really, Rob is just Bree's one-a-week trainer, and Bree is the "sad-eyed" waitress Rob sometimes sees at the Mermaid Cafe. I've also just finished reading No Judgments, which I really enjoyed (review coming closer to its pub date in September!), but Rob was not even mentioned by name in it. Ryan is in exactly one scene, and only refers to Rob as his girlfriend.

I never miss an opportunity for more content in a good series so I love novellas, I just think this one was not quite meaty enough to be a must-read. But if you're a die-hard Cabot-fan like me, or if you read No Judgments and want more Little Bridge goodness, Bridal Boot Camp will whet your appetite while you await the next book in the series.

Purchase Links:

 

About the Author:

Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign, but learned at an early age that a good storyteller can always give herself a happy ending.  Her 80+ books for both adults and tweens/teens have included multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, selling over twenty-five million copies worldwide. Her Princess Diaries series has been published in more than 38 countries and was made into two hit films by Disney. Meg’s numerous other award-winning books include the Mediator series, the Heather Wells mystery series, and Avalon High, the latter of which was made into a film for Disney Channel. Meg Cabot (her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming”) currently lives in Key West with her husband and various cats.

Author Links:

    

Blog Tour: The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

Rating: 4 stars

Release Date: October 24, 2017

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: young adult contemporary

Format/Source: paperback, from the author

Status: standalone
Links: My Lady Jane blog tour, My Plain Jane blog tour

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour, which was organized & hosted by Your Book Travels.

Summary:

On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways.

She didn't.

And then she died.

Now she's stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge--as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past.

Every year, they save another miserly grouch. Every year, Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. So far, Holly's afterlife has been miserable.

But this year, everything is about to change. . . .

Epic Reads Epic Giveaway

I've been to several really cool author events in the past couple months, and you know what that means: it's time for a random giveaway just because I want to send someone a bunch of books! And since most of the events I've gone to have been signings with HarperCollins authors, you're getting an epic Epic Reads prize pack!

The Prize:

Heart of Thorns - Bree Barton (signed)

Two Dark Reigns - Kendare Blake (signed)
My Plain Jane - Lady Janies

The Towering Sky - Katharine McGee (signed)

As She Ascends - Jodi Meadows

These Rebel Waves - Sara Raasch (signed)

Epic Reads tote bag

View this post on Instagram

Happy Wednesday, friends! I've been lucky to attend a bunch of awesome signings lately & I want to share some of those books with one of you! So head over to my blog (link in bio) & enter to win all these books & this awesome tote bag. Everyone gets a free entry & if you're following me here on IG, that's another! . QOTD: which author or authors are you dying to meet irl? . . . . #bookgiveaway #giveaway #bookish #bookstagram #instabook #bookblogger #bookdragon #bookaholic #bookworm #ilovebooks #readerlife #epicreads #harperteen #balzerandbray #katherinetegenbooks #myplainjane #AsSheAscends #theserebelwaves #twodarkreigns #thetoweringsky #heartofthorns #idratherbereading

A post shared by Mary Had a Little Book Blog (@knoxdiver) on Sep 12, 2018 at 8:02am PDT

The Deets:

One winner will receive all the books above. Open to US. Entrants must be 13+ with parents' permission. Giveaway is open until 12 AM CST October 1. Please enter via Rafflecopter below; winner will be chosen at random, and odds are determined by number of entries. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries that are not in accordance with my giveaway policies as stated in the Review & Site Policies tab at the top of the page. Good luck!

BTW this giveaway is NOT affiliated with HarperCollins & Epic Reads. I just named it that because all the books I have are Harper books. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Here Be Dragons: As She Ascends by Jodi Meadows

YOU GUYS. I have an AMAZING post for you today! To celebrate the upcoming release of As She Ascends, Jodi Meadows is stopping by the blog to share some tidbits about the dragons that populate the Fallen Isles, I'm sharing some amazing DIY dragon crafts, AND there's a giveaway! PLUS PLUS PLUS if you haven't yet preordered your copy of ASA (honestly, why haven't you??), I've got all the information you need to snag some fantastic goodies from Jodi!

Release Date: September 11, 2018

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: young adult fantasy

Format/Source: DRC, from the author

Status: Book 2 of the Fallen Isles trilogy

Links: Before She Ignites blog tour

Summary:

MIRA, THE HOPEBEARER

Mira Minkoba is on the run with her friends after a fiery escape from the Pit, where she’d been imprisoned for defending the dragons she loves. And she wants answers. Where have all the dragons been taken? Why are powerful noorestones being shipped to the mainland? And did the treaty she’s been defending her whole life truly sell out the Fallen Isles to their enemies?

MIRA, THE DRAGONHEARTED

As her connection to the dragons—and their power—grows stronger, so does Mira’s fear that she might lose control and hurt someone she loves. But the only way to find the truth is to go home again, to Damina, to face the people who betrayed her and the parents she’s not sure she can trust.

Home, where she must rise above her fears. Or be consumed.

The second page-turning novel in Jodi Meadows’ Fallen Isles trilogy scorches with mysterious magic and riveting romance as one girl kindles a spark into a flame.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows

Today I'm giving the My Plain Jane blog tour an epic (and ghostly) sendoff! Check out my list of the best ghosts and ghost hunters and enter to win a copy of the book. Don't forget to check out the other amazing & creative stops on the tour (Fashion! Food! Famous Janes! Ghost hunting tips! Reviews! Gift guide!), and don't forget to enter to win a My Plain Jane prize pack on Instagram. Details below!

Release Date: June 26, 2018

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: young adult historical/paranormal romance

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: Book 2 of the Jane companion series
(the books aren't connected in any way, but they're still the Jane series)

Links: My Lady Jane blog tour

Summary:

Move over, Charlotte Brontë. The authors of the New York Times bestselling My Lady Jane are back with an irreverent spin on Jane Eyre—a tale of mischief, romance, and supernatural mayhem perfect for fans of The Princess Bride or A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue.

You may think you know the story. Penniless orphan Jane Eyre begins a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester—and, Reader, she marries him. Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Bronte, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Dread Nation

by Justina Ireland

Coming April 3, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

Why I Want It:

BADASS GIRLS TRAINING TO KILL ZOMBIES. THAT IS ALL.

Why I think you should want it:

See above! Seriously, that summary is killer, if you'll excuse the pun.

Waiting on Wednesday: Puddin' by Julie Murphy

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Puddin'
Dumplin' #2

by Julie Murphy

Coming May 8, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Millie Michalchuk has gone to fat camp every year since she was a girl. Not this year. This year she has new plans to chase her secret dream—and to kiss her crush. Callie Reyes is the pretty girl who is next in line for dance team captain and has the popular boyfriend. But when it comes to other girls, she’s more frenemy than friend. When circumstances bring the girls together over the course of a semester, they will surprise everyone (especially themselves) by realizing they might have more in common than they ever imagined.

Filled with heart-stirring romance, friendship, and serious Texas-size girl power—this is another winner from Julie Murphy.

Why I Want It:

Julie is another of my auto-read, auto-buy authors so I'll always read everything she publishes, but I'm specifically looking forward to Puddin' because Dumplin' was one of the most meaningful books I've ever read. 

Why I think you should want it:

Julie is a powerhouse, and she writes powerhouse girls, but she writes them in different ways. I love that Julie is writing about so many different experiences. Everyone talks about Dumplin' being a great representation of a fat girl, and it absolutely is. But there's more than one fat girl in the world so there should be more than one story featuring fat girls, and from what we can see of Millie in Dumplin', her experience is vastly different than Willowdean's. So I'm excited to discover Millie's story. And Callie, who was pretty bratty in Dumplin', kind of reminds me of Alice from Julie's first novel Side Effects May Vary. Julie gives a voice to so many different girls, and I know Puddin' will keep that glorious tradition going. Also, Dumplin' movie is releasing this year so who wouldn't be super excited to have another story in that world??

Waiting on Wednesday: Allied by Amy Tintera

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Allied
Ruined #3

by Amy Tintera

Coming May 1, 2018

HarperTeen

Summary:

In the final book in the New York Times bestselling Ruined series, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores and her sister, Olivia, were determined to bring peace to the people of Ruina. But as the war for liberation raged on, what triumph and freedom meant to Em and Olivia slowly changed. As Olivia’s violence and thirst for vengeance became her only ambition, Em was left to pick up the pieces.

But it’s not only Em who is upset by Olivia’s increased violence. Other members of the Ruined army are beginning to see the cracks, and soon a small group of them defects from Olivia’s army and joins Em instead. The two sisters are soon pitted against each other in an epic battle for the kingdom and the future, and only one will win.

Why I want it:

So Avenged really destroyed my feels, and I need the final book immediately, please and thank you.

Why I think you should want it:

Since this is the last book in a series, I'll say why I think you should read the Ruined trilogy as a whole. First of all, Ruined is filled with all these really powerful women. Powerful queens (as in plural) and badass princesses (as in plural) literally rule this series. Sure, there's kings and princes, but DANG, the girls are boss. Secondly, along that vein, Amy created a world where sexual assault is just not a thing! Sure, people might try to behead you, but there's no sexual violence, and I love that. Third, tons of amazing action and lots of cool magic. Fourth, KISSING. Fifth, political twisty-ness! And it's easy to see how the action changes the political landscape. Each move the main characters makes directly affects the world of Ruined, the story isn't removed from each country's history and culture, which I like. Finally, the series is just really face-paced and fun. You'll get sucked in super fast, and you won't be able to catch your breath until you finish each book, and even then, you'll only catch it long enough to yell, "WHYYYYYYY" before diving into the next installment.

Waiting on Wednesday: Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Heart of Iron
by Ashley Poston

Coming February 27, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Ana is a scoundrel by nurture and an outlaw by nature. Found as a child drifting through space with a sentient android called D09, Ana was saved by a fearsome space captain and the grizzled crew she now calls family. But D09—one of the last remaining illegal Metals—has been glitching, and Ana will stop at nothing to find a way to fix him.

Ana’s desperate effort to save D09 leads her on a quest to steal the coordinates to a lost ship that could offer all the answers. But at the last moment, a spoiled Ironblood boy beats Ana to her prize. He has his own reasons for taking the coordinates, and he doesn’t care what he’ll sacrifice to keep them.

When everything goes wrong, she and the Ironblood end up as fugitives on the run. Now their entire kingdom is after them—and the coordinates—and not everyone wants them captured alive.

What they find in a lost corner of the universe will change all their lives—and unearth dangerous secrets. But when a darkness from Ana’s past returns, she must face an impossible choice: does she protect a kingdom that wants her dead or save the Metal boy she loves?

Why I Want It:

I absolutely fell in love with Ash's writing and style when I read Geekerella so I knew I wanted to read more of her work. Then I discovered Heart of Iron is an Anastasia retelling AND it's set in space, and those are two of my very favorite things! Also, Ash is a boss person, and I adore her. 

Why I think you should want it:

ANASTASIA IN SPACE, Y'ALL!!! Also, I heard this book will break you in the greatest way possible. How can you NOT want to sign up for that??

Blog Tour: Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows: Guest post + giveaway

I am so excited to bring you today's stop on the Before She Ignites tour! BSI is the newest fantasy from Jodi Meadows, and it's out TOMORROW! *celebrates* Jodi joins me on the blog today for a special guest post. Be sure to check out ALL the stops on the BSI blog tour for more guest posts from Jodi, interviews, reviews, and excerpts PLUS the awesome giveaway!

Release Date: September 12, 2017

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: young adult fantasy

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: Book 1 of the Fallen Isle Trilogy
Links: My Lady Jane blog tour | The Mirror King blog tour | Incarnate review | Asunder review | Phoenix Overture review | Infinite review

Summary:

Before

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the Mira Treaty named after her, a peace agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira has never felt as perfect as everyone says. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

After

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the Treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit–the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles–and herself–before her very world begins to collapse.

Review + Giveaway: Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

Rating: 5 stars

Release Date: May 9, 2017

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Genre: young adult realistic fiction, contemporary romance

Format/Source: ARC, ALA mw conference

Status: standalone

Summary:

Ramona was only five years old when Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever.

Since then, it’s been Ramona and her family against the world. Standing over six feet tall with unmistakable blue hair, Ramona is sure of three things: she likes girls, she’s fiercely devoted to her family, and she knows she’s destined for something bigger than the trailer she calls home in Eulogy, Mississippi. But juggling multiple jobs, her flaky mom, and her well-meaning but ineffectual dad forces her to be the adult of the family. Now, with her sister, Hattie, pregnant, responsibility weighs more heavily than ever.


The return of her childhood friend Freddie brings a welcome distraction. Ramona’s friendship with the former competitive swimmer picks up exactly where it left off, and soon he’s talked her into joining him for laps at the pool. But as Ramona falls in love with swimming, her feelings for Freddie begin to shift too, which is the last thing she expected. With her growing affection for Freddie making her question her sexual identity, Ramona begins to wonder if perhaps she likes girls and guys or if this new attraction is just a fluke. Either way, Ramona will discover that, for her, life and love are more fluid than they seem.

Review + Giveaway: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Rating: 5 stars

Release Date: April 11, 2017

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Genre: young adult contemporary romance, realistic

Format/Source: ARC, from the author

Status: standalone
(but related to Simon vs / in the same universe)

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love. No matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly's totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie's new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. If Molly can win him over, she'll get her first kiss and she'll get her twin back. 

There's only one problem: Molly's coworker, Reid. He's a chubby Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there's absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. 


Right?

Review + Giveaway: Avenged by Amy Tintera

Rating: 4 stars

Release Date: May 2, 2017

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: young adult fantasy

Format/Source: ARC, ALA mw

Status: book 2 of the Ruined trilogy

Summary:

In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. 

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.


Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

Review: Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

Rating: 4 stars

Pub Date: May 2016, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: young adult contemporary thriller

Format/Source: hardcover, my own copy

Status: book 1 of the Tiny Pretty Things duology

Summary:

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

Review: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Rating: 4 stars

Pub Date: January 17, 2017

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: young adult science fiction

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: book 1 in the Carve the Mark duology

   

Summary:

Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.


Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.