Cover Reveal Friday: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas!

So, is there a word for "this is sort of a cover reveal because I didn't know it existed but it has been out in the universe for a while but it is new to me so it is technically a reveal"? Lateveal?


Okay.

I can't help but think that this would look so beautiful next to the other two. I can already picture them all together. I know May feels like forever from now but this gorgeous book will be on our doorsteps before we know it.


Anyway, who's excited for this book? *raises hand* Who would sell their soul for an early copy? *raises both hands*

Release Day Blitz: Queen Of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

I am so excited that QUEEN OF SHADOWS by Sarah J. Maas releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful series by Sarah J. Maas, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a set of the first 3 books in the series (in paperback format). US only. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The book:

Title: QUEEN OF SHADOWS

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Pub. Date: September 1, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Pages: 656

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Read Chapters 1-5 of QUEEN OF SHADOWS HERE!

Sarah J. Maas is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling Throne of Glass series–Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire, and the series’ prequel, The Assassin’s Blade–as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses. She wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in twenty-three languages. Queen of Shadows, the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series, will release worldwide on September 1st, 2015.

A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies. 

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest | Instagram| Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive the first 3 books (in paperback) in the THRONE OF GLASS Series. US Only. Ends on September 11th at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review + Giveaway: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

 565 pages

Expected publication: September 2nd, 2014

 Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Source: Publisher

Rating: 5/5

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.  

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

This book, people. Actually, forget the book. This SERIES is awesome. I don't want to spoil it for any of you so I'll keep this review short. If you want an even shorter version of this, I wrote an "Early Cuddles" post for Cuddlebuggery. You can read it here. 

This book starts off with a bang. After we find out Celaena's true identity in Crown of Midnight, I was left a little unsure as to where this series was going. I can officially say that all those doubts were put to rest pretty early on into Heir of Fire. This book is fun, extravagant, and ridiculously addicting. You know a book is good when you want something longer than 565 pages. 

There are new characters galore. The beauty of this series is that you get to read multiple points of views, making it so easy to get to know old and new characters alike. The story never gets stuck in one place. Instead, it travels from character to character and this opens up the world in such a magnificent way. And let's not forget the fairy aspect of this series. The Fae are pretty fantastic, especially one in particular *cough* Rowan *cough*. Also, get ready for the craziest ending yet. You've been warned. 

For me, Heir of Fire falls somewhere between the first and the second book.  It isn't a secret that I didn't love Throne of Glass. In fact, I almost didn't read Crown of Midnight. I only read it because I kept hearing how amazing it was and guess what? Everyone was right. I've said it before and I'll say it again: don't give up on this series! Please read the second one before you make a decision. I would've missed out on an amazing second and third book otherwise. In all honesty, Sarah J. Maas is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to continue on with this series! 

Since Bloomsbury was kind enough to send me an ARC of Heir of Fire, I want to return the favor and give it to one of you! Due to the fact that this is the biggest ARC in the world, I have to make this giveaway US only. Sorry! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: Series Spotlight

Why I love it: 

The characters and their personalities impressed me the most throughout the first two books of the series. From Celaena to Princess Nehemia, every single character is interesting. The multiple points of view aids the development of the characters and their individual stories, which merge together to create a very magical and unique reading experience. I also really love that this series has such a strong female character. She's feisty, strong, and hilarious. How can you not love her? In case you are not sold yet, the twists and turns in this series are insane! Crown of Midnight took me on a ridiculous roller-coaster of emotions. Unlike Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight's plot is not predictable at all and it keeps you interested until the very end. 

What I didn't like about it:

I had some issues with the first book in the series. It took me over a month to read, which is insane! Even though I enjoyed it a lot, I had a hard time with it. I felt like the story was lacking a little bit and it was a tiny bit predictable. I expected a lot more action--considering the whole kickass-assassin-in-a-competition-to-be-the-top-assasin angle--but it wasn't there for me in the first book. However, Crown of Midnight gave me everything I wanted from the first book and more. 

Final Verdict: 

This is an excellent series so far. It is an action-packed novel with an insanely strong female main character, and vivid storytelling. I can't ask for anything better. There is a whole lot of room for development since this is a seven book series (A SEVEN BOOK YA FANTASY SERIES, SOMEONE HOLD ME). I cannot wait until the third book comes out. I'm so excited about it that I already pre-ordered my copy (let's ignore the fact that it comes out in September). Not to mention that a series with a hardcover copy of its novellas is a winner in my book. 

Flash Review - January Edition

More Than This by Patrick Ness

What I liked about it: This one must be the most confusing novel I've ever read. However, that made me love it so much more. I wasn't prepared for everything that happened in this book--trust me, it is an adventure--so you'll love the twists and turns and the unpredictable nature of this novel. 

What I didn't like about it: I had a hard time getting into the story at first. Once you really immerse yourself in the story, there's no way you'll be able to put it down.

Similar to: This one is so unique I'm having a hard time comparing it to another novel. Just read anything by Patrick Ness. That man is a genius. 

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

What I liked about it: This story is beautiful. The characters are complex and interesting. I love how the themes of the book---homeless teens and abuse--are represented in such a raw and heartbreaking way. 

What I didn't like about it: The ending is weak compared to the rest of the story. I'm not a fan of stories that tie every loose end, especially in books with such a strong message. 

Similar to: Easy by Tammara Webber, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

What I liked about it:  I really enjoyed some elements of this story: strong female character, good world building, and possibly one of my favorite male characters (Chaol).

What I didn't like about it: It had a lot less action than I was expecting. And it took me over a month to read. That's a deal breaker right there. 

Similar to: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands #1) by Sarah Fine, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

What I liked about it: I took a piracy class in college and I really enjoyed putting that knowledge to use. 

What I didn't like about it: To be honest, this one really made me uncomfortable. Some scenes---including rape and animal abuse--were really tough to read.

Similar to: This is the first Pirate Fiction I've ever read so I can't recommend another. However, a good non-fiction read is If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, "King of the Caribbean Pirates" by Richard Sanders. 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

What I liked about it: I loved every single page. The Rosie Project touched my heart in so many ways. Don Tillman is by far the most interesting characters I've ever come across. His voice is so unique and remarkably witty. I'm familiar with Asperger's and I think Graeme Simsion did a really fantastic job at representing Don's world and the way his brain functions. His behavioral patterns and his social interactions were fascinating to read. As far as the plot itself, I enjoyed it immensely. It was light, funny, and heartwarming. I can't wait to read more novels from this author in the future

What I didn't like about it: Honestly, this one is a five star novel for me. 

Similar to: This novel is not YA but I'll compare it to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell--based on the feel-good awesomeness--and I think it is a perfect Contemporary novel for any John Green fan.