"Frost Like Night" by Sara Raasch

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch is the final book (I think) in the Snow Like Ashes series.  Meira discovers that she alone is capable of saving the world from Angra's evil magic by getting the three keys to the chasm and giving herself as a sacrifice because she is a conduit.  In this book she learns how to control and use special magical power to its full extent.  Her relationship with Mather develops into romance and the ending is very exciting.

In this, there is a lot of traveling, a lot of different Kings and Queens to keep straight and yes, some adventure and excitement thrown in, but most of the book was just a very slow build up leading to the exciting finish.  I thought the first half really dragged along but am glad I stuck with it.  Things started picking up a little past halfway and then the rest was pretty good.  Being fair, I think I would have enjoyed this one more had I read it closer to the previous book.  I pretty much forgot who the characters were so it took me a  while to refresh my memory.  We really liked the first book in this series but were disappointed in the sequels.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

See our other reviews of the two previous books in this ho-hum series that seems like a wannabe of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas--this doesn't even come close:  Snow Like Ashes and Ice Like Fire. 

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 Stranger in the Woods" by Michael Finkel

The Stranger in the Woods--The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel tells the true story Christopher Knight, a hermit.  He was 20 years old and had a lot of things going for him.  Life was good.  Then one day he drives to Maine and heads into the forest, staying there for close to three decades and talking to no one!

I thought this was a remarkable story about how Christopher survived and how he planned things so he would not get seen by anyone.  I do not think you will read a book like this any time soon--this one is unique!
(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 Tuesdays

Gerard's:

"I said, 'Hi,'" Knight replies.  Other than that single syllable, he insists, he had not spoken with or touched another human being, until this evening, for twenty-seven years.  

From page 22, of The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel.
 

 The lights go off, and I jump.  You have got to be kidding me!

From page 51 of How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather.

You look up from your laptop and shrug.  You have all sorts of feelings but aren't sure how to react.

From page 20 of sad perfect by Stephanie Elliot.

Karen's:

I stumbled blindly on, deep into the forest, with one singular purpose:  vengeance.  It was only after I had run far longer than it should have taken to pick up the cart path that I realized I was lost.  

From page 41 of The Valiant by Lesley Livingston.

"How do you have magic?" I demand, my voice flat.  "And how can you use it on me?"

From page 34, of Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch.

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 Valiant" by Lesley Livingston (We Both Liked This!) UPDATED

The Valiant by Lesley Livingston is set during the time of the gladiators in Rome.  I would classify it more like historical fiction than fantasy, because it doesn't really have any magic in it and it is based on a real place and time period.  Fallon, the main character, starts out as a princess in love with Mael, a warrior she grew up with.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond her control, she finds no future with Mael.  Instead, she runs away and is taken captive and sold as a slave to become a gladiatrix for Ceasar!  She is shocked at what she learns and focuses on trying to earn her freedom by becoming a Gladiatrix. 

I liked this book because it moved along quickly, was not complicated and yet had some interesting twists.  I thought Fallen was a bit naive but then, she was young after all.  I really liked her older sister, Sorcha, Thalestris, Elka, and Cai.  It has lots of action and adventure too!  I always looked forward to getting back to it to see what would happen next.  The sister relationship was very interesting. 
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

In The Valiant by Lesley Livingston, Fallon is the proud daughter of a Celtic king. She is about to be 17 and wants to join the war band like her older sister did and fight for her country. At the huge birthday bash, her father announces a different plan for his daughter. Fallon runs off and will have to use all her training to survive.

Wow! What a non-stop thrill ride this book is! Fallon is a great character who reminded me of Celeana in the Sarah J. Mass Throne of Glass series. I loved the action in this and the story line moved along nicely. I want more of Fallon! This is my “book of the month.”
(Gerard's review3/15/17, 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!

"Sad Perfect" by Stephanie Elliot

In Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot, 16-yr.-old Pea has an eating disorder.  She calls it her monster.  She keeps it well hidden.  Only her family knows, but now she has a boyfriend.  She worries that when her secret gets out, how people will react, especially her boyfriend.  Will it be a deal breaker?

I thought this book was pretty good.  The story line kept me interested and I enjoyed all the characters.
(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!