A Wish Made of Glass

Title: A Wish Made of Glass

Series: None

Year: 2015

Author: Ashlee Willis

Summary: Deep in a forest glade, the fey folk dance with Isidore, a young human child. Their kinship is the very fabric of her childhood. When her mother dies and her world darkens with sorrow, Isidore finds her belief in the fey folk wavering.

The love of her new step-sister, Blessing, proves an unexpected gift in her time of need. Yet even as their friendship blooms, Isidore begins to see that Blessing is everything she herself has always wanted to be, but is not. Jealousy grips Isidore as she watches this beautiful new sister steal away all she holds dear.

Driven to desperation, Isidore turns to the fey folk once more. She has only one wish to claim from them, one chance to make things right. But she must tread carefully. For wishes, like hearts, are easily broken. And obtaining the one thing she desires could mean destroying the one thing she truly needs. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Isidore
~ Blessing 

Review: After reading Ashlee's The Word Changers, I was truly eager to read more from her. I had the opportunity to be an advanced reader for that novel, and when I saw that she was looking for influence readers for her latest story, I jumped on the chance. BECAUSE in addition to being another book by Ashlee, it was a Cinderella retelling. I just *had* to read this book.

And it didn't disappoint in the least. In fact, it went way above and beyond my expectations. Even from the first chapter, first paragraph, FIRST SENTENCE... I was hooked.

"When I was a child, I danced with the fey folk."

How much more intriguing can you get than that? Isidore takes us immediately into her world, her story, and we're introduced to everything she holds dear. Unlike most Cinderella tales that begin with a beloved mother's death, Isidore's tale begins with a promise of the future. 

The symbolism in this story is just... wow. Strong, to say in the least. When she dances as a child with the fey folk, Isidore learns from her mother that those special people carry their hearts within their shoes. But carrying their hearts within their shoes is dangerous, as the fey folk must take extra care with each step and leap, because with each step and leap they are treading upon their own hearts. This is a lesson that Isidore was meant to learn when she was young, yet after her mother's death, she banishes the fey folk from her mind and must learn it the hard way... treading upon her own heart with each step and leap and stumble that she takes.

What makes it even better is that the symbolic shoes that carry the hearts (for the ladies, at least) are made of glass. Glass slippers. The fey folk wear glass slippers. BING! *cue breathlessness*

As for being a Cinderella retelling, there's a lot in this novella that borrows from the original tale. You've got the death of her mother, a new stepfamily (with only one stepsister), another tragic loss, a ball, a handsome prince.... but it's like Ashlee took the tale of Cinderella and turned it completely upside down! This isn't the quest of a young servant girl finding a fairy godmother and a rich husband. No! This is the story of a bereaved young heroine who must learn to love and how to show that love to those closest to her. It was such a pleasant difference than your typical Cinderella romance, and I quite enjoyed it.

Isidore, herself, made also a pleasant difference. After the first and latest installment in Cinderella cinema, every Cinderella girl is stuck on having courage and being kind. However, Isidore is a far cry from your typical Cinderella. She's stubborn, jealous, bitter - and she has to learn to overcome her faults. She doesn't start off being kind. She learns kindness through the course of the story. 

Blessing, her stepsister, was wonderful. I absolutely loved Hazel. And the ending... *sigh* I will admit I called it, but it still left me feeling wowed. 

Advisory: Some light violence/injury (i.e. cheek slapping, some blood due to a head injury after a fall, etc.), and then also a touch of romance leading to a kiss. But all very light and highly appropriate to the tone of the novella.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


*Please note: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

Half-Blood (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Half-Blood 

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Prequel Novella)

Year: 2015

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: "The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place."

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will and turn him into the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Jace

Review: How Jaye knew we needed this book before we even asked for it still amazes me. I absolutely loved Resistance and I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of The King's Scrolls. Jace has proven himself an epic character again and again in my mind, so to get a chance to take a peek into his life before Rayad was truly amazing. If you call yourself any kind of fan of Jaye Knight's work, then you simply must read this book.

First off, it was a lot shorter than Resistance. I really wasn't sure what to expect reading this prequel, but even from my confused thoughts, Jaye blew me quickly away. I had been afraid at first to dive into it, lest by some terrible design the character of Jace that I had grown to respect in Resistance be damaged. Nope. No way. Instead, this novella opened up an entire new world of understanding who he really was. It added so much depth to him. I was dumbstruck. Pretty much.

I love that Jaye starts out with Jace as a younger boy. She takes us through his childhood, how he grows, what he learns from those he comes in contact with. The foreshadowing... the suspense... the desires... the pain. Wow. Instead of just throwing us directly into his gladiator fights with Jasper, Jaye gave us to see Jace before the fights. 

But the fights themselves! *whistles* I was concerned with how Jaye might handle the progress of the fights, as there were many of them over the course of... quite a long time. But she did marvelously. There were times I felt I was at the arena with Jace - fighting with him, or yelling from the sidelines. He lived up to every one of my expectations and hopes... and then of course, Jasper walked on the scene, and my heart just broke for Jace. 

Really, what more can I say than this book is a must for all Ilyon fans, fantasy lovers, and adventure nerds alike? I give five stars whole-heartedly.    

Advisory: Quite a bit of violence as Jace fights different opponents/enemies, so please expect some descriptions of that. Several characters are wounded and, as a result of his fighting, more than one death follows Jace, haunting him. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here to buy Half-Blood on Amazon!

*Please note that I was given an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.* 

Brothers and Betrayal (Tales of Taelis)

Title: Brothers and Betrayal

Series: Tales of Taelis 

Year: 2015

Author: Sarah Holman 

Summary: A boy, running for his life.
A princess, trying to save her people.
And an archer who seeks to defend the defenseless.

Bryon, after witnessing his brother’s murder, takes his sisters and flees into the woods to a mysterious figure known as The Archer who lives there. But though he finds temporary safety, bitterness threatens his heart.

Brianna only wants to help the people of Taelis, but her father, the king, seems bent on making life hard for all of them. She works tirelessly to save the kingdom from war, while secretly helping The Archer. Join the adventure in… Brothers and Betrayal. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Brianna
~ Bryon
~ John

Review: If possible, this book was even better than the first! I don't know how Sarah did it, but she did! If you liked the first book, or if you like medieval stories, or if you just love adventures in general, you have to read this book!

Sarah's writing, I thought, in this book was stronger. The more she writes, the more she's developing her skill, and it's really a blessing to see. Just well done. I'm really looking forward to more tales from Taelis.

Brianna is the young princess, trying to save her father from ruin. Sure, he's the king and all, but his temper and mindset are such that he insults every noble and foreign ambassador coming through his gates. Without Brianna's interference, the kingdom would have long ago fallen with no trade and internal conflict. But trouble lies with more than just in the palace. Outside the town, outcasts gather in the woods to try to scratch out a living for themselves. Led by a man known to many as The Archer, they are aided by an anonymous benefactor inside the city. 

And then we've also got a third main character, a younger boy by the name of Bryon (keeping well within the "b" theme for this book). I liked Bryon a lot more than I thought I would, honestly. After reading the synopsis for this novel, I expected him to be a moody sort of man/hero (usually my least favorite type of character), but instead, Sarah made him real for me. I loved how his character developed. Absolutely amazing. 

The title, too, is so aptly chosen. This book really is all about brothers and betrayal. The brother theme is well woven throughout the entire novel, but the betrayal was a bit more tricky. At first, I was a little disappointed that the only betrayal came in the beginning of the novel, but plot twist! More betrayal in the end! I won't say what it was, of course, but it was awesome. I wanted it, but I didn't exactly expect it. Well done, Sarah.

You know what else I loved about this book? IT WAS ROBIN HOOD! Yes, rob from the rich to give to the poor. And very well done. I usually don't condone Robin Hood for the fact that he steals, but there's none of that in this novel.

Advisory: Just some fighting/injuries/illnesses, but well done for the tone of the book. And then some hints at a romance, but very light and very well done.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Click here to purchase Brothers and Betrayal on Amazon!

Michael Vey: Hunt for Jade Dragon

Title: Hunt for Jade Dragon

Series: Michael Vey (Book #4)

Year: 2014

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Summary: Michael and his friends must rescue a child prodigy as the thrilling action continues in this electrifying fourth installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling series!

Michael, Taylor, Ostin and the rest of the Electroclan head to China in search of a girl who may have discovered why Michael and his friends became electric. Her name is Lin Julung, or Jade Dragon, and she’s a child prodigy with an IQ higher than Einstein’s—and Ostin’s.

But Hatch gets to her first, and the Elgen are holding her prisoner in their Taiwan Starxource plant. Now the Voice wants Michael and the Electroclan to go to Taiwan and free her before Hatch can realize his dreams of an army of electric children.

The hunt for Jade Dragon is on, and it’s a race against time! (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Michael Vey
~ Taylor Ridley
~ Dr. Hatch
~ Ostin Liss
~ Jack
~ Nichelle
~ Ben

Review: Another electrifying tale from Richard Paul Evans! Having founded the Elctroclan, rescued his mother, fought off electric rats, survived the jungles of Peru, and blown up a yacht, Michael returns for yet another adventure - this time to save a young girl who has figured out the formula to make more electric people. If Hatch had the formula, there would be nothing left to stop him from taking over the world. Enter danger, desperation, and dares of the utmost capacity.

After saying goodbye to their families at an undisclosed ranch somewhere three hours from Los Angeles, Michael and the Electroclan travel to Taiwan where they are greeted with everything Chinese. I really like how Mr. Evans incorporated some of the country's culture into the book - especially with the food scenes! It gave a more authentic feel to the story.

While the other books had a lot of chapters dedicated to the bad guys' focus, this one didn't. There were a few chapters here and there written to show us what they were up to, but for the most part, the action stayed central on Michael. I kinda liked it better that way. 

One complaint that I have, though, is the amount of time spent on the members of the Electroclan. There are a lot of kids there, but I'd love to get to know them all better. McKenna, Abigail, Ian... they haven't really had any big parts, other than just being there for the adventure. Mr. Evans has taken the time during the different books of the series to focus a little more on certain characters and develop them more, so that's definitely a plus. I know I expressed an interest in Nichelle in a previous review, and I was not disappointed when she became more of a major character in this book. She probably became my almost favorite character. I'm hoping for more focus on different characters in the next books in the series.

There's also no disappointment for action in this novel! I was hanging on to the edge of my seat as the Electroclan escaped the Taiwan Elgen plant, and wow. Just wow. That was ultimate amazing right there. However, I did think the whole rescuing Jade deal at the end was a little rushed. It kinda felt like the rest of the book had gotten too long so the main goal of the book (rescuing the little girl) had to be stuck in and stuck in as fast as possible. I would have liked a little more information on the rescue.

Advisory: Lots of action, peril, danger... you know, the usual. Guns and explosives and some blood make appearances, but nothing I would deem out of tone for this book. Also some light girlfriend-boyfriend action with a few kisses and hand-holding. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

Related Reviews: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
                              Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen
                              Michael Vey: Battle of the Ampere

Click here to buy Hunt for Jade Dragon on Amazon!

Adventures and Adversities (Tales of Taelis)

Title: Adventures and Adversities

Series: Tales of Taelis (Book #1)

Year: 2013

Author: Sarah Holman

Summary: One day Alditha is content living with her family, the next she is taking her friend's place to serve at the king’s castle. Her father's final instructions, to keep smiling and to do what is right, will be harder to live out than she ever imagined. She will face a royal nephew who delights in making people miserable, an angry servant girl who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and noblemen who plot murder. Will she be able to keep the promise she made to her father? Will she find the faith she longs for during all her Adventures and Adversities? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Alditha
~ William
~ Eleanor

Review: This is another review I am shamefully just getting to. I think I won a Kindle copy of this book over a year ago, and yet life got so hectic that I forgot to actually read it. Why I took so long, I don't know, but I am so glad I decided to pick this book up. 

IT'S PHENOMENAL!

Alditha (don't you just love her name?) is a young peasant girl who knows nothing but the simple life she had always led. Tragedy has struck her family on more than one occasion, most recently in the death of Alditha's youngest sister, Tana. Alditha struggles to accept it, praying for a stronger faith. Of course, that's before her best friend is picked out to be sent to the king's castle to work... and Alditha volunteers to take her place. Traveling to the castle, working in the king's kitchens, she finds no small amount of adventures and adversities. Yet throughout it all, she tries to keep a positive outlook and stay faithful. 

Alditha reminded me greatly of Elsie Dinsmore, but set during the Middle Ages. Sarah must have done some research on the time period because the historical references (though set in a fictional world) were well done. It made me see the Middle Ages in a whole new light -- a fantastic difference than the normal prince or fine lady story. The title is spot-on; this is truly a tale of adventures and adversities.

There is a great realm of characters in this book. Alditha was lovable, and I absolutely adored her little friend Eleanor. I can't say for certain that she was my favorite character because I went back and forth between Eleanor and her older brother, William. Ooh, yes, and Maggie. Maggie was amazing. I even started liking the horribly misguided Lady Laila. The way Laila's story tied in so neatly with everything there at the end was... wow. I think I saw it coming, but I was still cheering William on during those last few chapters. But I will say no more on that -- spoilers, ya know.

Sarah's writing style is very easy to read, and oftentimes I got so caught up in what was going on that I forgot I was reading at all. I had thought the book would be all about Alditha's life at the castle, yet Sarah took her plot way beyond the kitchens. I had a hard time putting the book down, so keen I was to discover what happened next. And what kept coming? A great number of plot twists! *grins*

There is one complaint I will make and that is that we don't find out what happens to the king's youngest children after they are rescued. I loved that scene, yet the children kinda disappeared after that. Or will they be making an appearance in one of the future Tales of Taelis? If my memory serves me correctly, Sarah will be writing 26 books in all (26? sound familiar? yeah, there's a reason the first book is "a" words and the second "b" words). I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on those.

Advisory: Some of the usual fighting/danger, but it fit the tone of the novel very well. Also, a very light romance popped up between two characters. Sarah handled it very well, and I actually enjoyed reading about it. Rare for me to actually be able to say that!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here to buy Adventures and Adversities on Amazon!

Haphazardly Implausible (Haphazardly Implausible)

Title: Haphazardly Implausible

Series: Haphazardly Implausible (Book #1)

Year: 2012

Author: Jack Lewis Baillot

Summary: Three unlikely heroes. A world teetering on the edge of war. A mad man who will stop at nothing to gain complete power.

Peter Jones, an Aeropilot in the Scottish Royal Air Force, has grown up believing his parents abandoned him. Isidore Thaddeus Reichmann, a famous detective running from his past, is trying to save the last person he cares about. Singur, an inventor who has been forced to hide his real name his whole life or risk being killed, holds an important secret. These three have never met. They live in different countries and have little in common.

Little do they know their lives are about to entwine and that together they have the power to save the world from complete destruction, or destroy everything.

Loyalties are questioned. Friendships are betrayed. Trust is shaken. Who do you turn to when the friends you've always relied upon become your worst enemies? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Peter Jones
~ Tony
~ Captain Shamus Steed
~ Darcy Steed
~ Isidore Thaddeus Reichmann
~ Jack
~ Singur

Review: Right from the beginning, this book swept me away. I've really enjoyed each book I've read of Jack's, but she just keeps amazing me. If I have a new-found interest in steampunk and the like, I'm blaming Jack. Yes, this book is that good. If you haven't read it yet, YOU MUST! Honestly, I don't know what took me so long to get around to reading this, but now I'm dying for the next book. 

Set in an alternate Europe, Peter Jones is an aeropilot in the Scottish Royal Air Force. He's been in the army ever since he was seven -- when he was told his parents abandoned him. But life at a military base isn't all bad. He's got his best friend Tony to keep him company. He's basically the best pilot at the base... which means when a night air attack comes with bombs and everything, it's him the general sends up. Aeropilots don't fly at night, so Peter's mission is suicidal, yet he knows he can't back down.

And that's only the beginning! From there, the adventure unfolds, and Peter's life is never the same. Mysteries and secrets long hidden from the world come to light, and suddenly Peter must abandon everything he knows and forget where his old trusts lie. Falling among Air Pirates might not have been the ideal situation, yet that may be the key to saving his own life. 

Besides Peter's adventures, we're also treated to the journey of the famous German detective, Isidore Thaddeus Reichmann, who's been hired to find the elusive Peter Jones. It's no big task for him. He's found many missing persons before, and this will be another easy task to put on his resume... that is, until he picks up a very persistent shadow... and the shadow's dog. THEN we've also got a mysterious Italian genius thrown in the mix. Singur has spent his whole life hiding... in plain sight. Too bad that doesn't work forever.

This book has an amazing cast of characters. I love how Jack incorporated all the different nationalities (i.e. Scottish, British, German, Italian, Russian, etc.) and gave each its own unique personality. Peter was a favorite right from the start, and Tony and Kirk quickly battled each other for place as my favorite. Darcy was also amazing... even when at first I didn't think I'd like that character. *cue Thorin* Never have I been so wrong in my life. Captain Hogan... ahh... too many excellent characters. I shall refrain from gushing. And then we've got airships, guns, swords, Scottish mountains, submarines... all amounting to one of the most epic adventures you can ever live within the pages of a book... or on the eye-numbing screen of your Kindle. For some reason, I don't feel that five stars do this one justice. 

Advisory: Some battle descriptions/fighting/injuries/etc. Nothing overly graphic, and well-suited to the tone of the book. There is also a scene in which a man and a girl share a hotel room because they're pretending to be man and wife, but he very astutely sleeps in the closet, and nothing is ever mentioned about it again. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Click here to buy Haphazardly Implausible on Amazon!

Or click here to buy a copy from Hulu!

Waltz into the Waves: A Cinderella Story

Title: Waltz into the Waves: A Cinderella Story 

Series: None 

Year: 2015 

Author: Sarah Holman

Summary: Amelia has always lived in a manor by the sea with her father, and looks forward every summer to a visit from Alex. However, her perfect life is dashed one summer when tragedy strikes. Will her life ever be happy again? 

A 7,000 word short story of faith, love, and happily ever after. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Amelia Ella
~ Alex
~ Cynthia

Review: This novella is just what it claims to be: a short, sweet retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. This is actually the first book I've read from Sarah Holman, much to my chagrin, as I've heard a lot about her other works. I'm looking forward to reading those as well.

First off, we're introduced to Amelia Ella, a young girl who loves the ocean. Summers are always so much fun as her best friend Alex visits from court, and there are no problems to worry them. However, that's all before her father takes a new bride... a new step-mother for young Ella... with a new step-sister on the side. Ella's not entirely thrilled with the prospect, but she tries to keep a cheerful face up. Of course, that's only before tragedy strikes, and she finds herself scorned in her own house. 

I really like how Sarah incorporated the names in this story. Too many times we've got Cinderella retellings based around a girl named Ella. Not a bad thing, but with everybody and their sister doing it, it gets cliche. Instead, our heroine here is Amelia Ella, and the people close to her call her "Ella" (her middle name) as a pet name. Only, when her step-sister insists they switch identities, her name switches to Cinder-Ella. It was an interesting twist to something that has been slightly overdone.

I will complain about the length, though. I know it's a short story, but it ended much too quickly for me. Things happened quickly, keeping the story moving, but I would have preferred to have some things fleshed out. There were some choppy places that could have been smoothed out, but all in all, a satisfying Cinderella short story. 

Advisory: Light romance. Also, [Highlight for spoilers] one character is scarred severely when she accidentally falls into the fireplace. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Click here to buy Waltz into the Waves on Amazon!