House Of Salt And Sorrows By: Erin A. Craig

I want to send a huge thank you to Netgalley and the wonderful people over at Delacorte Press, for approving my request to review this crazy amazing book. 💗💗💗

I can't say enough good things about this story, and I encourage everyone to go grab a copy when it releases August 2019 

As one by one her beautiful sisters mysteriously die on their isolated island estate, Annaleigh must unravel the curse that haunts her family. Be careful who you dance with. . . .

In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.

This book! Oh my goodness this book!!

I've been on a huge fantasy kick this past month. (It's been the only thing to pull me put of my reading slump)

And when I saw this one on Netgalley I decided to take a chance and requested it.

And I'm so happy I did.

Erin A. Craig is a new to me author, but she's now one I will definitely go back to the more books she writes.

This story just really drew me in. It had that great mix of suspense, mystery, well built characters, and amazing story telling.

It took me a bit to really put together that this one was loosely based on the 12 dancing princesses (at least I think it is haha)

But the spin on it, if I'm right about that. Was so great. It was such a fresh look on the story. And even if that isn't the true bases for the story, I loved the mythology that was created in the book.

There was just so much thought and world building put into HOSAS.

I could picture myself on the islands. Surrounded by the salty breeze and crashing waves. And I loved that. It takes a special kind of author to create such a vivid and realistic world. And to put it mildly, I was impressed.

Something else that really did that for me too, was Erin's ability to keep me on my toes and guessing.

I always joke about having bookish spidy powers. Being able to guess book plots and twists and all that. And this one had me 2nd guessing myself so many times. Just when I would think I had the plot twist down, something new would be thrown at me and I'd be reevaluating everything. (I was right on 2 of the biggest things though. So go me haha)

But I'm always super in love with books that have the ability to make me question my own thoughts. They are a fun surprise and just drive me to keep turning the pages to see what will really happen.

And let's talk characters for a second.

From all 8 sisters, to the maids, to dreamy boys and broody guards. I honestly enjoyed them all.

Everyone had their own special personality. And all contributed to the story. No one was there as a place filler. They all had a purpose, and built off one another to deepen the attachment to the story.

There was a great dynamic between them all. How they could showcase the others weakness or flaws. But also allow them to blossom and shine at times.

It was like looking at the cast of a well written script reading about each of them and seeing how they interacted.

Annaleigh, Verity, and Cassius especially. I truly adored all 3 of them. And they quickly became my favorites of the bunch. Plus, the craziness that surrounded the 3 at any given time was just a blast to read.

They all had different stories to share. But they added so much to the overall plot and helping to put all the pieces together.

Plus.... Cassius was especially dreamy in his dark and mysterious ways *wiggles eyebrows

And the twist. Oh man the twist. I won't spoil it, but just know. This one will be one you will be dying to find out about. To see how the book unfolds and who will live and who may not.

My maybe only one complaint would be that I felt the ending was just a tad rushed. Like the wrap up of it all. The big climax was plenty suspenseful and crazy with the reveals.

But I felt the last chapter just maybe could have given me just a bit more. But even at that I cant say it changed how I felt about the book. It was still an amazing read, and the final ending was pretty perfect.

This book is a seat of the pants, cant turn the page fast enough kinda book. And you will want to scoop up a copy as soon as it releases.

I give HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Soul In Darkness By: Wendy Higgins

I cannot tell y'all how excited I am to the chance to read and review this book early. I want to give a huge thank you to Wendy for getting this pretty sent out.
And I highly suggest all of you go out and grab yourselves a copy when it hits shelves February 12, 2019

I know the tear has just started too, but this has been my favorite 2019 has brought so far haha

Wendy is one of those authors for me that I rarely even need to read the book description to know I will be buying her next book. She could put a wrinkled napkin with some writing on it in my hand, and I would probably gush over it haha
I've gotten the chance to meet Wendy a few times now (She was actually the first author I ever went to a book signing for too)

But she is one of the nicest and most adorable people I have met. So don't think my review is bias or anything haha

People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. 

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts. 

Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely. 

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

Awww this book. I always look forward to one of Wendy's stories. She writes the most amazing ones. Especially these re-tellings. Between this now, and the The Great Hunt duet. I cannot wait to see where her awesome head will go on the next retell.

But where to start on this actual book. It's easy to say it's designed wonderfully. Since the basis of it is already laid out so well. But the way Wendy spun it. How she created it into her own story was great. She gave so much more depth and feeling to these ancient characters. And I loved getting swept up in this book. And boy did I.
Less then 2 days pretty much is all it took. And that was having to work and sleep mixed into my reading time haha.

My favorite thing about this book by far was Psyche herself. If you've read the actual tale of her and cupid.... she was a kind hearted beautiful girl. But this version and expansion of her just made it that much better. She was fierce and strong. And so kind and caring. And you couldn't help but want to cheer for her with each accomplishment. And gasp at each challenge. Maybe because she's a mortal in this story. And that mortality shines though and can be relatable. She isn't some crazy mystic being the way any of the immortals are. And she still has those human characteristics that allow us to show sympathy and relate.

Cupid wasn't so bad either haha. I loved his personality, the quick whit and charm he shown. And yet how protective and loyal he could be to those he loved. Plus he's a God of love after all. He has that whole hot and brooding thing going for him too haha.

But also something else I really enjoyed in this book. Was the sense of looking deeper than what you can see. To trust yourself and your instincts. And not let what other tell you, or even your own mind sway you. That even when we have an option of something in out heads, it doesn't make it so.
That idea of blind love. That actions and our feelings are so much more powerful then our opinions.

All in all. I have to say this book just had it all for me. The romance, suspense, cunning, and the flow of just an amazing story.

I cannot wait for this book to be out so everyone can get the chance to read it. It should be one that's at the top of your to buy list ❤

I without a doubt give SOUL IN DARKNESS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cruel Prince By: Holly Black

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Y'all ready for my next audio review? Because this has been the book that pulled me- from my slump.

And good news, Book 2 THE WICKED KING comes out today! (1-8-19)

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

(Original Review Written Jan 3, 2019)

Oh! My! Goodness!!!

So I have had this book on my to-read list for a while now. My Audible wish list too (since I tend to like these fantasies on audio more most of the time)

And finally had a decent amount of credits built up and this book was on the 2-for-1 credit sale. So of course.... I finally downloaded it haha.

And I'm so glad I did. I'm just sad I have 5 more days until the next one comes out now still haha.

I started this one while on my way home to Florida for New Years. And played it the entire drive there and halfway back. Along with some headphone time between haha. I just didn't want to stop listening. The story itself was so good. And the narrator was amazing. I loved her portrayal of Jude. And her voice was just perfect for the character and story.

Also. The story itself was so detailed and fast paced. I kept just waiting to hear what was going to happen. And this book left me constantly guessing and trying to predict everything that was going to happen.

And then there is Jude and Cardan. And the whole cast of characters to be honest, that made this story so good in my eye.

All of them added so much to it. Offering little tidbits here and there. Showing how their individual personalities played so well together and helped to shape who they became or reacted with one another.

But specifically I want to talk Cardan and Jude. Duh haha.

I know it's become common knowledge I don't usually take well to female characters. And there were definitely things about Jude I disliked through the story. But I really did enjoy her character. She was feisty and strong willed, and just a plain ol' bada** haha.

I loved that even when she was at her most scared she used that to fuel her determination on.And then would comeback twice as strong to any of her adversaries, all the while being quick and cunning.

But the thing I liked the most about her I think,was her determination. She got knocked down so many times. And even when she was scared to death, she just revised her plan, and kept going. She admitted to her fears, and then learned from them.

While also showing that she could sometimes be vulnerable too. That sometimes even the strongest person has regular character flaws, or can be vulnerable to matters of the heart and family.

And I appreciated that in a character.

She didn't always make the right choices either. Sometimes she let her head or heart rule her actions (And these were the moments that just made me want to smack her haha) But I enjoyed that flaw in her, smacking aside.

So often these main characters in these fantasy stories are portrayed as these smart and instant-heroes. They just know what to do and how to do it with no training or guidance. And then there is Jude, who, while has had some of both, is still just a teenage girl. Trying to figure her way in the world. And making decisions that may be good or bad, even at times reckless and hasty. And I really really liked that. That she had flaws, was flawed.

And then we have Cardan... *Sigh*

He's such a complex thing. One that took me a bit to unravel as I listened to this audio actually. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out plot points and charter motives. It's typically my superpower of sorts haha. But this boy had me taking my time trying to fit each piece with the next. Every time I had him pegged down (Or what I thought was having him pegged) Something would change, and I'd be reevaluating my original guess.

And I liked that. I like the plot points or characters that can stump me. It happens so little for me sometimes with how overly-analytically I look at books most of the time.

But I think the thing that constantly tripped me up with Cardan was I could never figure out his motives. He could be cruel and vengeful one moment, and then completely docile and almost kind in others. And I couldn't decide which was the true prince, and which was an act he was putting on.

I liked that he was multidimensional. It added a lotto his part in the story. And why the ending is so gasp worthy I think (Even though I did have that part figured out haha)

I just wish we would have gotten more of him through the story. There would be times the story centered around the drama with him. And then we would get these huge breaks where he would maybe just be there in passing. And I think that caused the reader to lose some of the feelings they needed to build for him. To really be able to sympathize. It probably wasn't until about halfway through that you really start to see the pieces fit, and begin to really understand him and his motives, or lack there of at times too. And I just wish he played a bigger part through more of the book.

And I want to just touch really quick on a couple of the other characters. Like Vivi, Taryn, Locke, even Madoc and Dain.

They add so much to this story. I honestly couldn't believe how well Holly was able to write such complex characters as them in such a small amount of time. It takes so much development to give us characters like them. And each of them played such big parts in this story. And I didn't feel like any of them was underdeveloped or rushed. There was so much behind the scenes things happening with all of them. And none of the plot was ever lost. And I just really want to say how much I appreciated that in the story. It made all the betrayals and shocks that much more powerful when they happened.

And one last thing.... Locke... GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Ok, I think I'm done haha

This book was just perfect. And I cant wait for book 2 to be out!

I give THE CRUEL PRINCE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐