"Ignite" by Sara B. Larson is a Fun Fantasy Read--Second Book of Series

Ignite by Sara B. Larson is book 2 of 3 in the Defy series.  King Hectoer has been killed and now Damian is the king.  Alexa is there to protect him.  Peace reigns in the land, but that is fleeting.  Soon there is danger, plenty of it!  WOW!  This book is so good!  It is as good as the first if not better because there is plenty of action and you do not know what is going to happen next.  Alexa is a fantastic character and the secondary ones are very good too.  The writing is great!  It gives you all you could ask for in a book.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)


Karen's review 3/17/16, 4 stars:

Ignite by Sara B. Larson is book 2 in the DEFY series that is full of attacks, betrayal, suspense and mind controlling magic!  King Damian and his kingdom are at a loss when it looks like Blevon is breaking their peace treating.  Alexa and Damian’s love story continues and Rylan gets into some major trouble. Alexa is jealous when he falls for a beautiful woman visitor. Damian’s younger brother is abducted and just when things seem to be going right for King Damian, Alexa suppresses some important information from him and that’s where this book ends. This book left me with several unanswered questions that make me look forward to continuing on with the last book in the series, Endure.  Will Alexa and King Damian get their happy ever after ending?  What will happen to Rafe and Dansii?  Will Eljin fully recover and be able to help save Blevon and the sorcerer's temple?  Will Alexa actually get to become the Queen?

I liked this book as much as the first of this series and can’t help but root for Alexa and Damian to finally find happiness together. There is lots of fighting in this book but with a twist when Alexa has no choice but to fight her friends to survive. I liked all the action in this book as well as the romantic story line between Damian and Alexa.

See our review of DEFY.

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"And I Darken" by Kiersten White"

In And I Darken by Kiersten White,  Lada and Radu are brother and sister.  Their father sends them off to another land.  Lada hates it and cannot wait to go to her homeland and claim her birthright.  Lada is a great character!  She knows what she wants and how to get it!  There is a lot more to this book than her story line; I enjoyed it all!  There is good action so I look forward to book 2 in this series.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

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"DEFY" by Sara B. Larson (Both of us Liked This Fantasy!)

Manny Boy being defiant--ignoring the book!

In Defy by Sara B. Larson, Alexa is a fighter, the best of the guard that protects Prince Damian.  She also has a secret that she hides, but when another guard and the prince are taken captive, Alexa finds out there are other secrets out there.  

This book was SO GOOD!  I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it.  From page 1 I was hooked!  The characters are really good and there is lots of action too!  I will continue with this series for sure!  This is my book of the month!  I highly recommend this one!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)


(Karen's review 3/4/16)
Defy by Sara B. Larson is a YA fantasy novel about Alexa, who pretends she is a boy to avoid being captured and put into King Hector’s “breeding house.” Instead, she serves with her twin brother as a guard for Prince Damian. She is actually the best sword fighter in the army and would be captain except she is too young.

There is some mystery and action throughout this first book in the series. Secrets are revealed, people feel betrayed and Alexa finally gets to be herself. With some magic and a love triangle, this book kept my interest and I enjoyed it.  I look forward to reading the rest of this series with Ignite and Endure.
(4 stars)

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"Dark Breaks the Dawn" by Sara B. Larson (We Disagree on the Ending)

In Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson, Princess Evelayn can now have access to her full power!  Her mother is at the war front fighting against the Dark Power!  When her mom is killed, it is up to Evelayn to somehow gain the peace between Dark and Dawn.  WOW!

This book is so good!  The pace is perfect and it all leads to an incredible ending that I did not see coming at all!  I need book 2 soon!  This is a "must read" for fantasy lovers.
(Gerard's review 6/28/17, 5++ stars) 

Karen's review, 7/11/17:

Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson is a YA fantasy that held my interest from start to finish with no boring parts.  This has magic, romance, plots and betrayal.  It is not often I want to throw the book after I finish it, but this one got me riled up at the ending.  I really liked it all the way through up to the end which was heart breaking.    Because of the horrible ending, this one only gets 3 stars from me.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

Almost unconsciously, Neil Gallagher squeezed Hallie's hand between his.  She'd never held hands with a boy before. 

From page 23 of The Orphans of Race Point by Patry Francis.

Karen's:

"You ran into him in the forest?  When he tried to rescue you?  From what?  Or who?"

From page 25 of Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson.
 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"The Orphans of Race Point" by Patry Francis

The Orphans of Race Point by Patry Francis is about how a tragedy in the young lives form a bond between Gus and Hallie.  Hallie and Gus move forward with their lives, but when Gus gets involved in something what he thought he had dealt with comes back at him, Hallie tries to help.  This book starts out very strong, but drags in the middle.  If you stick with it, you will be rewarded with an unexpected ending!
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate (Historical Fiction)

In Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Avery Stafford has it all.  She was born into a wealthy family, a very good career and soon to be married to a handsome man.  A chance encounter with a member of her family cast light on a hidden secret that if gets out, her family name could be ruined!

I thought this book was very good.  I was into it from page 1 and loved the characters.  It is based on a true story.  If you get a chance, read this one--so far it is my book of the month!
(Gerard's review, 6/24/17, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 7/8/17 (4 stars):
In Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, there is a mystery connection between two old ladies who are in a nursing home and the granddaughter of one of them who stirs up an old family secret.  The part of this book about the Tennessee Children's Home Society run by Georgia Tann and its evil practices between the 1930s and 1950s was interesting, captivating, and very disturbing.  I really liked Rill, one of the main characters who told that part of the story from her point of view.

This is a sad story with a happy ending that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about families.  The story is told from two different points of view and jumped back and forth between two story lines which eventually came together.  I think people with rough childhoods would find this book encouraging.  This was a complex book that dragged for me in parts during the one story line so that is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.      

Karen also read The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate and liked that one as well.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Sharing a book review is one of the options for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop today.  Go link yours up or maybe respond to one of the other prompts.

"The Whisper" by Emma Clayton (Juvenile Fantasy)

The Whisper by Emma Clayton is the follow-up to The Roar.  Mika and Ellie, telepathic twins, are back together again, but now they have to try to lead the brainwashed army of children that the government controls to freedom and to stop the war that is coming.

I found this book to be better than The Roar.  There is much more action and I enjoyed the parts leading up to the ending very much!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"No One Cares About Crazy People" by Ron Powers (Non-fiction)

No One Cares About Crazy People is a non-fiction book by Ron Powers.  The author is the dad to his two sons, Kevin and Dean who were both gifted but had to deal with Schizophrenia.  Some of this book is like a textbook so I just glossed over those parts.  The parts where he talks about how he and his wife dealt with their two sons was very interesting.  I hope something can be done to help the people who have this and their caretakers who are trying to do all they can to support them.
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesdays

Gerard's:

Finding them, he yanked them on, cursing as he trod on something sharp, then he rushed into the living area where his parents were sleeping on a fold-down bed.  "Mum!  Dad!  Wake up!" he whispered frantically.  "There's something weird going on!" 

From page 27 of The Roar by Emma Clayton.

Karen's:

"I have missed that more than you will ever know.  But this is something I have to do on my own."

From page 68 of Roar by Cora Carmack.
 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"The Roar" by Emma Clayton (Science Fiction Juvenile)

In The Roar by Emma Clayton,  Mika lives in a safe spot of London, away from the plague land.  He has lived there ever since his twin sister was taken away.  Mika is sure that Ellie is alive and knows secrets that he does not.  Now the government has a new program for children.  Will it help Mika find Ellie? 

The pace of this book was sort of slow at first, but picked up halfway through.  The ending really sets up what should be a good book 2!
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

Evelayn dropped to her knees, tears spilling out onto her cheeks.  And then she crumpled forward, curling into a ball on the grass, the hot sunshine pouring over her as she shuddered with sobs.

From page 79 of Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson.

"Mista!  You hear me talkin' at you?"  The midwife turns mean now. 

From page 17 of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.

Karen's:

"I mean, you're the one who'll be missing out.  Who turns down twenty million dollars?"

From page 90 of Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith.

So she took a deep breath and let herself believe she was the fierce and powerful girl everyone thought she was.  And she stared right back.

From page 19 of Roar by Cora Carmack.
 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"Roar" by Cora Carmack (Updated)

Roar by Cora Carmack is about Aurora, a princess who has a secret.  She has always tried to make her mother proud of her, but now she must marry a man she does not love to honor her mom's wishes.  The night before the wedding, Aurora bolts and goes out on her own!

WOW!  This book was so good, better than I expected!  I was into it from page 1.  Aurora is a great character and the story line kept my interest all the way!  This is the author's first YA book and I want book 2 soon!  This is my new book of the month!
(Gerard's review, 6-25-17, 5++ stars)

Karen's review (3 stars):
Roar by Cora Carmack did not impress me as much as it did Gerard.  I had some trouble understanding the whole plot line, storms with souls of past dead people that can be taken from the storm just did not make much sense to me.   I did, however, enjoy the relationship between Locke and Aurora aka Roar.  I liked some of the other characters too, but not Cassius who I thought was a jerk.  I will probably read the next book though because I am interested to see how Locke and Aurora end up.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Bright Hour" by Nina Riggs

The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs is her true story.  She was already going through a rough time with her mom who has Cancer and does not have much time left.  Then one day she gets a call from her doctor that no one ever wants to get and hears that they found a spot on her breast.  It is hard to say I enjoyed this book because it's very sad.  I did enjoy her interactions with her family though which makes up most of this book.  Rest in peace, Nina, and God bless your husband and children.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

A heavy door slams outside, making us both jump.  She's as nervous as I am, I realize. 

From page 6 of He Said, She Said by Erin Kelly.

My heart is a yo-yo, whizzing up and down, and he's the one pulling the string.  Only I didn't ever know it could go this high.

From page 51 of Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith.
 
Karen's:



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"He Said/She Said" by Erin Kelly

In He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly, Kit and Laura want to see an eclipse but Laura sees something else too:  a man and a woman who is being attacked.  Months later, the woman shows up on Laura's doorstep.  Soon Laura questions if what she saw was really that bad.  There is a lot of twists and turns in this book.  The build up to the last part is so good!  You really do not know how it will play out.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Windfall" by Jennifer E. Smith is Interesting (We Differ on this one!)

In Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith, Alice and Teddy have a very close friendship. On Teddy’s 18th birthday, Alice, who has a huge crush on him, bought him a lottery ticket with numbers she picked. Teddy won a big payday! Teddy and his mom, who had next to nothing, now can have everything! How will this change Teddy? Will Alice and Teddy’s relationship grow or will it break apart over money?  I enjoyed this book because Alice and Teddy are both great characters and I liked the ending.
(Gerard’s review, 5 stars)

Karen's review:
I didn't care much for Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith and quit on it about half way through. It just dragged along for me and I didn't much like any of the main characters. I thought Alice was a fool, Teddy was kind of a jerk and his friend (Leo I think his name was) turned me off because he was gay.  Gerard told me how it ended and I think I might have enjoyed the second half, but just got tired of plowing my way through all the lame conversations.  (1 star)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Making Bombs for Hitler" by Marsha Forchuk

Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk is based on a true story.  Lida and Larissa are sisters who are separated by the Nazis when they are taken to a concentration camp.  Lida vows to find her sister.  Does she?  Do the two sisters even survive?  It addresses the question of "What would you do to survive?"  This book is a quick read and I found it very east to get into.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

The dog had two red lights for eyes, and although Sarah Schoefel knew they were nothing but colored lenses over laser targeting systems, she swore that those eyes glared at her.  With menace, with what she felt was a kind of bloody, wicked pride.

From page 48 of Dogs of War by Jonathan Maberry.

My heart is a yo-yo, whizzing up and down, and he's the one pulling the string.  Only I didn't ever know it could go this high.

From page 51 of Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith.
 

By the time we finished with the introductions, I realized that I wasn't the only one who had been separated from a sister or brother or parents.  We lay there, listening to the constant thunder of bombs in the distance, each of us wrapped in our own personal pain.

From page 30 of Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk.

Karen's:

The unrelenting weight of these stone walls would no longer be kept tolerable by his sister's presence, by the motivation that he was working toward her future as well as his own.  The whole world keeps on turning while you just try to hold your own life together.

From page 9 of Girl on the Leeside by Kathleen Anne Kenney.


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"Not A Sound" by Heather Gudenkauf

In Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf, Amelia is deaf due to an incident that she was lucky to still be alive from.  She is trying to get her life back together.  One day while she and her dog are out on the river paddle boarding, she comes across a dead body--a nurse she used to be good friends with!  Who killed her friend and why?
 
I really enjoyed the dog, Stitch but the main character was okay too.  I would have loved more action though.  The last 50 pages things picked up and I liked the ending so 4 stars for this one!
(Gerard's review)

Karen's review, 4 stars:
Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf is about Amelia and her service dog, Stitch. Amelia is a nurse who lost her hearing in an accident and whose life pretty much fell apart. She turned to alcohol and her husband kicked her out, only allowing her to supervised visits with her step-daughter, Nora. Her closest friend since childhood is Jake, a cop, who sort of watches over her like a brother. When she discovers the dead body of one of her nurse friends from several years ago in the woods by her river where she was paddle boards and kayaks, her curiosity gets the best of her and she jumps into the investigation. As she comes closer to figuring out who murdered her friend, her life becomes more complicated and dangerous.

I enjoyed reading this book but of course, the cops are once again portrayed as incompetent and it’s up to Amelia to figure out who and why murdered her friend. My favorite character in this book is the service dog, Stitch. The medical portion of this book was pretty scary. (4 stars)

Spoiler Alert – do not read further unless you have read the book! The ending of this book was very good and I really liked the big chase when the murderer came after Amelia but couldn’t help but think how stupid she was by leaving her dog and running off instead of using the guy’s stun gun against him that he dropped in the snow and retrieving her cell phone from his pocket when she had the chance. I did have to give her credit for getting out of her house through her bedroom window, but then again, why would she leave her car keys on a table downstairs instead of in her pocket? I was hoping her husband would not be involved and they would reconcile, but I am okay with her ending up with Jake. What did you think of this?


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!