Rogue

Rogue
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher
Check out my review of Talon....here!

Days after the events of Talon, Ember is free from the organisation and is on the run with Riley and Wes, however, Ember is determined to go after Garrett the boy who turned out to be an enemy soldier of St.George, and who she just can't forget. Lucky for him really, seeing as he's just been sentenced as a traitor to the Order who raised him, and is due to be executed. Ember manages to convince Riley to free Garrett, and once Garrett's all rescued...well....they don't just have Talon after them. The Order don't like it when the enemy come in to their territory and steal from them, so they're even more determined to track down the gang and they're hot in their tails.

Ember and co flee to Vegas and one of Riley's safe houses, officially on the run from pretty much everyone. While in Vegas, Riley is determined to find answers as to why his safe houses are vanishing. It would appear they have a leak in the network. But before Riley can seriously start to question it, two hatchlings in need show up. Meanwhile, Ember's brother Dante is the one leading the hunt for her, while Ember is still determined to save him from the clutches of Talon.

Not everyone is who they seem and Talon and St. George are swarming Vegas to hunt for them. The gang are beginning to realize there might be more to the battle of the two factions than they originally thought. Secrets are everywhere, and some of them are about to come out in to the light, and change everything they thought they knew.

"That's okay. If we are attacked by zombies I don't have to run fast. I just have to run faster than you."

I LOVE THESE BOOKS SO MUCH OKAY! Seriously, I love all of Kagawa's books and I'm yet to be disappointed by one, and this one is very close to becoming my new favourite Kagawa series. This is just as awesome as the first book, it's the kind of sequel that is perfect. Rogue is the perfect continuation of Talon, we pick up where we left off, the stakes get higher, more comes out in to the open, making the series even more intriguing, and it's just literally the perfect sequel. It's equal to, if not superior to the first book and I just need the third book now okay!?

The uniqueness and originality from the first book seeps in to this one as well as we learn more about Talon, and more about the characters and more about what's going down with the over arcing storyline. Which is clearly going to be badass and in the third book I have a feeling the shit is going to hit the fan. I'm still in love with the concept, dragons in a fight with St. George and all of that. It's just awesome, and the whole dragon fire thing, I can't remember if we learned about that in the first book, but it was another unique touch.

Like with Talon, I was drawn in from the beginning and I read this one in one sitting because I knew I would't be able to put it down, especially towards the end, it reached a point when I just knew there was no way I would be able to put it down and walk away, and so I was doubly glad that I'd specifically made time to read it in one go! The pace was fast, the action constant, with points where you where on the edge of your seat and holding your breath. The plot twists and turns where shocking and most of them where a total surprise. I mean I had Mist pegged from the beginning but Faith, she totally had me going.

The world was engaging, and vivid and totally engrossing, it's a huge part of what sucks you in, as well as characters and the plot and so on. The atmosphere of each setting leaks off the page, while the world building throws you straight in, so you feel like you're actually there with the characters. I could picture Vegas so clearly, and it was a different angle and side to Vegas than the side portrayed everywhere, especially with the little twist about who runs Vegas.

We already gained an understanding of the politics of both sides in the first book, this side expands on that. You get an understanding of St. George's politics thanks to Garrett, and how they treat traitors. It's very military, but then we already knew that, this however, drives it home. They're military, they think they're in the right, that they're protecting the people and so on. You understand that, but you don't entirely agree with it because you love Garrett as a character and they want to kill him, and then you love Ember and Riley and they want to kill them.

"I don't feel like playing whack-a-mole with a trained sniper right now."

We also got to know the rich mythology and background to Talon, well in this instalment we learned loads more about Talon and how they work and what they may or may not be up to. You realise there's more going on, there's the whole question of why they care so much about getting Ember back rather than just having her killed like they usually do, and why they want Riley's hatchlings. Thanks to Dante's point of view, you really get to know Talon and the higher ups a little bit better, as well as what they're willing to do, and you really understand that Dante actually doesn't know what they're willing to do. I feel like in Talon we got all about St. George and this time round we got all about Talon and what they're like.

Kagawa is an expert at writing colourful and rich characters with plenty of depth, and in this book we get to know more about our new favourite characters, as well as meeting some new ones that we'll most likely see again in the next book. Mist, she was a total bitch, but she did have me going at one point and I already mentioned Faith, she had me going multiple times, by the time Faith's reveal came I didn't even know what to believe anymore.

We get to know more about Dante thanks to his POV, seeing as he gets a couple of chapters, which are nice and ominous. Dante is a hard character because I kind of want to hate him, because he's doing all this to his sister and so on, but at the same time, reading from his POV, you can see he's just trying to protect Ember, as well as himself, and he really thinks he's right and Riley's corrupted her and he genuinely believes that Talon are right. It's also important to know that while he thought he was in charge, Faith had orders that he did not give, so he still doesn't realise exactly what Talon is about.

This is why Kagawa's multi POV approach is perfect. She does the perfect multi POV. Each POV is a new scene rather than the same scene, with matching dialogue from different views. Each point of view adds something to the story, gives away little clues, and gives doses of intrigue as well as helps you to understand characters even better. I love how when you think something happened to Riley, there's no Riley POV for a while so you can't be entirely sure! Each POV change is perfectly timed, you get the POV you need when you need it, and each narrative, as I mentioned in my Talon review, is engaging. As well as the fact that each character has a distinctive voice, and you can feel the difference in the characters, particularly Riley and Garrett.

The multi POV's where just spot on at the beginning as well when everyone was being reintroduced after everything had gone down, I could picture the scenes in my head like a movie, which isn't hard seeing as this is so cinematically written! The first book was all about discovering what Talon was about and setting up and so on, this one is all about finding answers, things being revealed and building up toward a battle.

Thanks to the multi POV we learned loads about Talon and how they work and what it's potentially up to, as well as St. George to a lesser extent, and they where more about the tactics and so on. But it also means we get to learn more about Riley. There's more Riley POV in this book, with less of Garrett, like waaaaaay more Riley. Why? Because we get Riley's POV and Cobalt's POV. Yes they are the same person, but Cobalt's POV isn't an actual current POV, Cobalt's are all flashbacks.

I'd get excited about that if I was you because Riley's flashbacks where VERY interesting. Very interesting indeed. The flashbacks showed a couple of Riley's missions, how his thinking changed about Talon and what they where doing. We see his final two missions and how he became rogue basically, as well as what his life was like after he went rogue, how he met Wes and how the two of them set up their underground thing. So yeah, we learn loads more about Riley and what happened to happen and how he became who he is, as well as learning more about Wes.

I LOVED Wes in the first book, and I still love Wes in this book. He's so perfectly British. He's one of the things about the book that made me chuckle, as well as Riley, the two of them bring the humour that's for sure. But we finally got to see why Wes was with Talon and how he left and begin to understand him a bit more! I was sad not to see more of Remy and Nettle though! I want to see more of the other hatchlings Riley saved!

"Silly me, here I was thinking we needed big neon signs that said Here We Are, Shoot Us Please on top of the roof."

The romance is still present in this book, and it's a bit less subtle and in the background, but that's okay because it fits with the plot. They have to save Garrett and then flee and then help some hatchlings and so on, but the romance is there, and it's not as subtle, but like I said, it fits. It's what you'd expect at this point now that everything is set up and the story is heading towards battle, high stakes territory. The thing I like is that the romance with both guys is different, and both romances are very realistic and natural and both give you the warm and fuzzies.

The love triangle solidifies in this book, in case you didn't guess. Like I told you in my Talon review, Kagawa writes epically good love triangles, she seriously knows how to write a good love triangle, not to mention her badass fighting scenes, but I digress. Last time we could see the triangle forming and see both sides. This time Garrett admits his feelings for Ember to himself and to her, Ember is struggling with her feelings for both, and then Riley goes and tells Ember how he feels about her and says he's going to fight for both of them this time, which was all kinds of "aaaaawwww!".

Ember doesn't know what her feelings are right now and then Garrett left, so hopefully after all of this Garrett and Ember time, we finally get to see what could happen with Riley and Ember if Garrett hadn't been around all the time. This is going to be a very interesting love triangle to watch play out, I think my wording from my Talon review was something like Garrett being the true love despite the odds option and Riley is the fellow dragon who's older and more badass. In this book we see what odds it is exactly, that Ember and Garrett would face, with the whole dragons living for ages and humans...well...not, and you see how dragons feel about the whole dragons and humans having a relationship thing.

Ember and the reader get an understanding of what the two would be facing, and I think with Ember it really starts to hit home. It's just an interesting love triangle because the human part of Ember wants Garrett because he makes her feel normal, but the dragon part of her, which is the larger part I would think, wants Riley and it's hard to tell which way it's going to go when it's concluded! It's a total toss up as to who it's going to be and I love that it's not blindingly obvious and that it's going to be a bit of a close call! I can't wait to watch it play out!

The thing is, the POV's make it clear that Garrett and Riley are both totally different, well...more different than the obvious. In this book Garrett struck me as more closed off and distance, with the whole soldier veneer on than in the previous book, maybe because he's not as present in the POV's, either way  he seemed a lot more quieter this book. Sure there was the whole romantic reunion and then he kind of tagged along after Ember and defended her and stuff, but it had never been more obvious how different they are and it really hit home that Garrett has killed Ember's kind before and has no problem doing it again to save her.

With Riley, he seems more open with his emotions as much as he tries to fight them, and he's doing all this stuff for Ember, he's saving Garrett, he's doing all this stuff that's a danger to him and everything he's worked for and to the hatchlings he looks after, and he kind of blows Garrett out of the water on that front. Garrett risked his life to save her and nearly got executed. Riley is risking himself and his entire life's work as well as other's to help her save the other guy she likes.

When I reviewed Talon I said that unusually, I hadn't picked a team, normally I pick a team pretty early on, but with Talon, I couldn't choose, both had a spark with her and both brought out a different side with her. However, after reading this book and learning all about him and what he's done and so on, I really loved him more this book, this book was heavy on the Riley whereas Talon was heavy on the Garrett and there's seriously loads of Riley in this book compared to Talon, and I think this was done on purpose. We've learned about both, seen loads of both of them and I have finally picked my side.

So yeah....in case you didn't guess, I'm totally Team Riley now! Like I said, I get Garrett and the whole Garrett thing but from my perspective, Riley totally blew him out of the water, and I'm not entirely sure that if it came down to it, Garrett would pick Ember over saving humans if something bad happened with the dragons. The fact Garrett left as well instead of staying to fight for her, when she couldn't say what he wanted her to say? TEAM RILEY.

I'm so Team Riley that I actually got annoyed at Ember at one point being all over Garrett and upsetting my precious flower (Riley) and being mean to him! Like hello, he's doing all this life endangering stuff for you....and it's still not enough!? I didn't have this problem with Iron Fey, this is so weird for me, because I was Team Ash from the beginning, and as I'm typing this, I'm like so does this make Garrett the Puck in this situation or is that Riley? I have an uncomfortable feeling it's Riley, but we'll see.

Anyway, the great thing about the multi POV is that while I love Ember and I connect with her and fully understand her thoughts, I can still get annoyed with her without it ruining the book, and I can be just as invested in Riley! After this book, I feel like I connected with Riley more than in the first book as well.

"Oh you know, a little burned, a little sore. Nearly died a couple times. The usual."

I'm excited for the third book and intrigued to see what's going to happen with the love triangle, and the plot, and I want to know why Ember is so important to Talon, I can't even begin to guess, and then the epilogue being all "SURPRISE BITCH SHIT JUST GOT REAL" like it wasn't a proper cliffhanger but I feel like I'm hanging you know?

The next book has been perfectly set up, there's questions we want answered, so much intrigue
all over the place, Garrett's off on his little mission to see what's up with the shady order of St. George, and Ember and Riley are about to go off on a hunt to see who's betraying him and his network, and I have no clue who that could even be. Seriously, I don't have any theories, I'm stumped, which is awesome, cos it'll be a surprise and a shock and yeah.

Rogue is the perfect continuation to an excited and original series. Rogue brings the feels, the intrigue, the higher stakes, and really raises the bar. Once you're drawn back in to the world it's hard to leave, and it's like you never left in the first place. I'm excited to see where this series is going, and I couldn't love Kagawa's books anymore. Rogue has everything you could want, badass action scenes, cute romance, an intricate plot, shadiness all over the place, and a plot direction that's impossible to guess, it's full of surprises and thrills and edge of your seat tension.

You guys know I'd never lie to you, and I promise you, this is a series you need to read, Kagawa is an author to look out for because she brings it every single time with her books. (There's also an excerpt from the next Iron Fey book in the back of the UK version and don't even get me started on my longing for that book). Read it, love it, and join me in impatiently waiting for the third book! 

Wishing For Wednesday #37

Helloooo!
This week I've got two books for you instead of one!
The first book is one that I'm really excited about, forget the retellings of all the standard fairy tales, beauty and the beast, cinderella and so on, this one is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, and I've not come across one before, and it sounds awesome! Like so awesome, there's magic and princes and yeah. Awesome.
The second book I've got for you is full of demons, orcs, mages and general coolness, it sounds different, it sounds interesting, and it sounds fascinating. It's the first in what's promising to be a fantastic and popular trilogy, and you should all take note of it!

Crimson Bound

When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

Crimson Bound is out May 5th, pre-order your copy....here!
Add it to your TBR...here!

The Novice

When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help.

As the pieces on the board maneuver for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands. The Novice is the first in a trilogy about Fletcher, his demon Ignatius, and the war against the Orcs.

The Novice is out May 5th, pre-order your copy....here!

Add it to your TBR....here!

A Court Of Thorns And Roses

A Court Of Thorns And Roses
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher!

The world was once ruled by Fae, but after a great war between the Fae and the humans, there was a treaty agreed upon by both sides. Ever since the humans have lived on one side of the wall, hating the Fae, and the Fae have lived on the other hating the humans, but 100 years ago a blight settled upon the lands of the Fae....

Feyre is 19 years old, the sole provider for her family ever since they fill from grace to live in a cottage, she does everything her father can't for them to survive. It's when she's out hunting that she stumbles across a wolf, one who's skin would give them enough money to survive a little longer, so she does what any hunter does....she kills it....and it lets her.

That's when everything goes wrong in her life. Not long after a beast shows up, demanding retribution, she has two options according to the treaty....die or go and live across the wall with him, a life for a life. Feyre chooses to be dragged across in to the magical lands she's heard stories about, not good stories either, for her entire life. Except it turns out that the beast is actually Tamlin, and the beast is just a form he can take...he's actually a High Fae, and his emissary Lucien...well he's a pain in the ass.

Turns out everything she thought she knew was wrong. Fae can't lie? Hell no, they lie all the time. Iron can harm them? Aaaactuuuaaalllyy....no. They'd probably just laugh if you tried to use it against them. The only thing that works is Ash Wood, and we all know there's none of that on Tamlins estate. So she's stuck there. For now.

As she lives on his estate, Feyre starts to fall for the Fae with the clumsy attempts at flattery, who is nonetheless quite charming. She even manages to stomach Lucien, as they snap at each other. Just as she starts to call the estate home.....the blight comes back for round two. But what is the blight? Who is this she, the others are all fearful of? There is far more going on than Feyre is aware of, an ancient evil....a curse.....will she be able to figure it out, and survive, long enough to save Tamlin and his people?

Dammit I knew I was going to love this before I even started reading because I love Throne Of Glass, and I was so excited to start reading this I couldn't wait any longer and so read it now (February). I loved it. I can't even right now, with how to properly explain it. It was too awesome. I mean, it had a map at the beginning how could it not be awesome?!

So I felt like this take on the Fae was original, I loved the different courts, usually there's only been two in other Fae books I've read, but I loved all the different ones, the different looks, and the politics of the Fae world in this book. ACOTAR has a rich history to it's world, and you get to discover a lot of it, but still want to know more about the world and the war that happened, the history of the Fae is so rich and so intriguing!

 I'm curious about this King, and there was one point when I thought "Wait maybe this is actually a standalone" because towards the end of the book things where wrapping up quite nicely, but there's been a couple of threads of the plot, subtly left open for the second book involving a certain Night High Lord and a King and disappearing human.......what is the word I'm looking for.....uuh....appendages? Belonging to a certain b word that rhymes with witch.

ACOTAR much like Throne Of Glass throws you in to a unique and rich world, painted vividly for you to get utterly lost in when reading, I was fully engrossed and this is the first time I managed to read a book in one sitting in months. Months I tell you! As soon as I started reading, I fell in to the pages, and was following Feyre through her world, watching everything unfold, the atmosphere was a tangible thing, and the vivid and beautiful descriptions, not to mention previously mentioned rich and intriguing history to the world, helped to suck you in to the story, not to mention keep you engaged.

Don't worry, all of said rich history/background/politics, is slotted in to the narrative smoothly at the correct moment to give you maximum knowledge to keep up with the story and what's going down, without having to read pages of it all in one go. The book was complex and intricate with it's plot but never confusing, everything was laid out so you understood what was going on in the world of the book when you joined it, and you could understand why things where happening, or atleast the things you know about! There's the odd bit of intrigue, subtly hinted at, that keeps you guessing.

The plot was fast paced, there was a lot going on the book, and you go on a real journey in terms of character development on Feyre's part as well as with the story, if that makes sense. I loved seeing the two contrasting parts of the world, then seeing that third part, and the world is clearly extensive, and i'm intrigued to see more of it and more of the other courts.

There was always something going on, the book was hard to put down because it's one of those where you say to yourself, one more chapter, and then it's like 4am and you have no idea what happened or where the time went because it was actually daylight when you started reading and you realise you've nearly eaten an inedible type of thing because you can't even raise your eyes from the book to eat. (You don't want to know)

There's so much to the story and the plot, like I said it's intricate, getting all the details of the world in to build it, adding in the background and history to the world, the politics of the Fae, the characters and their own backgrounds, the action, the intrigue, the curse. The book is almost in two parts, we have Feyre getting to know Tamlin and trying to figure out what's going on and falling in love, and then we have the second part where she tries to get the freedom of everyone. One is no less action packed than the other, I can assure you. The book has it's own plot, and own goal, that is subtly setting up an overarching plot for the rest of the series, like for example, the King who is mentioned a few times, but you know is going to be a bigger player overall. I love when books set up the series without sacrificing the plot of the first book.

I'm rambling, I know, but this book is full of awesome, so we've done world building and plot, lets get cracking on the characters!

Feyre, I loved her, I love how Maas's characters are always badass and are in no means females in distress. Feyre bucked up and did what was necessary for her family to survive, and carried on doing it even though they treated her like dirt. We saw her go on a real journey as she goes from hating Fae, to falling in love with one. She's strong, she's determined and she's brave, she can stand up for herself and she can give as good as she gets. I seriously loved her, and I loved how she didn't lose her edge even when she was in love. I'm excited to see more of her. She's one of those characters you instantly connect with, and feel for, and you're totally on their side throughout the book.

Tamlin was interesting, and he really reminded me, more than once, of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast with his compliments in the beginning and Lucien prodding him along! Serious Beauty and the Beast vibes! I enjoyed him as a character, as you saw him change too, he was so gruff in the beginning but gradually over the book you see him soften a bit and you see more of the real him, and I'm so interested in his background and knowing more about him and his past!

I feel Lucien deserves a mention, because while I wanted to smack him one a couple of times, I did actually like him and he made me chuckle, and when you find out his story and at the end of the book when he helps Feyre, you can't help but love him a little for risking so much to help his BFF's girl out. I dare say he's a bit of a softy deep down, I think he should go up against Nesta, not gonna lie. I'd really love to see more of Lucien and the dynamics between him and his family!

I'm gonna mention two more characters I liked, which might not be a popular opinion either! I liked Rhys, he was dodgy and really shady (har de har har, geddit, shady) but at the same time, he did become kind of a guardian for Feyre and he helped her, and I'm curious to see what his game is with the whole deal they made, I really want to know what he's up to and it's driving me mad that I don't! Especially his reaction at the end! I want to get to know him more  because there's clearly more going on. Despite thinking she was a witch, I did actually end up quite liking Nesta, the sister who appeared to hate Feyre, yet hired a mercenary to take her to the wall to try and get her back. I was near on cheering when she and Feyre had their little moments and I'm desperate to see the pair reunited!

Each of the characters, main or secondary, where incredibly well written. They had depth, they all had a personality different from the other characters, and they all added intrigue to the story. The characters where a colourful bunch, and there where so many as there where so many Fae and different types! The characters where another aspect that kept you glued to the book, and helped draw you in to the world, as they came alive in your minds eye.

The romance, the important part to a few people, was subtle. It didn't take away from the story and the action going on and the mystery of what was going on, when it started it was subtle, and it built up naturally and I could appreciate it going the natural route, because I detest insta love! While it was subtle, it didn't stop me "Aw"ing and it's the squirmy, mushy insides kind of romance that we all love reading. Then ya know....the whole evil cow thing happens, and it's full of feels and pain, but then it's awww again and it's all good. So yes, the romance is enjoyable and believable you could say!

I'm as yet unsure if Rhys is going to be a problem or not, and I can't decide how i'd feel about it if he was to, say, create a triangle, or something. I don't know enough about him and what his goal is, but as of this book, there's no triangle or anything, but even if, in the next book or something, there was a triangle with Rhys, we all know it's going to be well written either way, Throne Of Glass is proof enough!

A Court Of Thorns And Roses is the beginning of what's set to be yet another utterly fantastic, mesmerising, spellbinding, enchanting, heart racing, emotional, badass, original, incredible series from Maas. This a fantastic first instalment, laying the groundwork and subtly setting up the series, without taking away from the story the first book is telling, and drawing you in to the world, and making you love the characters.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses is another original and unique offering from Maas, throwing you in to a world glimmering with magic, but with a hint of darkness as well, and another incredible romance. ACOTAR has some Beauty and the Beast vibes, and is going to be a must for Game of Thrones fans, (not just because of the Wall okay guys?!), and has an extensive world you're itching to learn more about, and see more of. I can't even begin to put in to words how I feel about this book, I have tried and I have rambled, but all I can say is just read it and I promise you won't be disappointed, especially if you're a Throne Of Glass fan!

I'm so excited to see where this series go, this book kept me on my toes and I never knew what was going to happen next, I just had to sit back and enjoy the ride, so I'm having trouble predicting what's going to happen in the next book, which is why I need it now! I want to get back to the world and the characters already, even after 400 pages I wasn't ready to leave them, and I'm sure the wait for the next book is going to be agonising. I'm fairly certain there is no book Maas will write that I will not be utterly obsessed with. (FYI this book is just as cinematic as Throne Of Glass should someone feel the urge to....I don't know.....make a movie of it)

So yes....well done Sarah, I am a hopeless fangirl of yours, and my book hangover is just....worse than any actual hangover I've ever had, and that's saying a lot, your storytelling and world building always draws me in, and I can't wait for the next book in this series, and in the Throne Of Glass series AND any other books you have up your sleeve! 100% obsessed.

(EDIT: It would appear i'm the only idiot that didn't know this was actually a fairytale retelling, so yeah....like I said...I got the vibes loud and clear, but it had it's own unique twist....obviously!) 

The Mage Winds

The Mage Winds
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher!

High Magic was lost to Valdemar centuries ago, when the last Herald-Mage gave his life to save the kingdom from dark sorcery. But now the realm is at risk again, and it falls to Princess Elspeth, Herald and heir to the throne, to defend it. Abandoning her home, Elspeth seeks a mentor who can awaken her untrained mage abilities, and soon learns that others, too, are being caught up in a war against sorcerous evil. The Tayledras scout Darkwind is the first to stumble across the menace creeping forth from the Uncleansed Lands. As the dark sorcery begins to take its toll, Darkwind must battle an enemy able to wreak greater devastation with spells than with swords, and is forced to call upon powers he has sworn never to use again. The Mage Winds omnibus follows Princess Elspeth, future Queen of Valdemar, as she masters her mage gift and defends her threatened kingdom.

In Winds of Fate, Elspeth, the Herald who also happens to be the Heir, is in the midst of her training, but when an assassination attempt is made, one that has something to do with magic, she starts to think about the magical situation in Valdemar. Her conclusion? The protective magic is changing and it's high time Valdemar started using mages. Elspeth finally gains her mother, and the council's permission to go on a  quest, to find a mage strong enough to get through the protections of Valdemar and help them fight against Ancar, training any Heralds with possible Mage gift. On the journey it becomes apparent Elspeth has a large mage gift, and decides to forge her own path, instead of the one laid out for her. When Elspeth makes it to her destination, she finds herself faced with new allies, a new group of people, and a battle with an evil Mage, Falconsbane. 

Darkwind is dealing with his father's changes since their sacred Heartstone shattered, he is the first to notice the evil brewing beyond their borders. When he saves a change child who happens to be the daughter of Falconsbane, they have an insight in to their foe, but with Nyara being Falconsbanes daughter she can't resist his call. When the Gryphons and their gryphlets are attacked and the evil mages mark put upon them, as a way to get to their magical node, and a friend of Darkwinds is trapped in her bond bird, the truth about Darkwind's father and the shattering of the Heartstone comes out. Just as well that Elspeth arrives, ready to help take down Falconsbane. 

In Winds of Change, Elspeth is in the Vale being taught magic by Darkwind, who is also learning himself, and Hydona when help from another clan arrives, powerful Adept Firesong. His purpose is to help Starblade and the Heartstone, but in order to help heal the Heartstone he will need the help of the only other two Adepts in the Vale...Elspeth and Darkwind...it's safe to say their teacher kicks their training up a notch! Unfortunately, Falconsbane isn't as dead as they where hoping, and the gang have to face him in battle again.

Meanwhile, pre-battle with douchey Falconsbane, Skif is on a mission to find Nyara and bring her back to the Vale, while Nyara is undergoing an attitude change courtesy of Need, and just in time. They will need Nyara's help to take down her father once and for all. 

In Winds of Fury, Elspeth and the gang head back to Valdemar to deal with Valdemar's newly created Heartstone, and find out why, exactly, the power transferred there instead of to the new Vale. The answer is something they certainly weren't expecting, something ancient and spiritual, shall we say. When the shield around Valdemar has to come down, it's a race against time to train up and gather as many mages as they can to help defend Valdemar from Ancar. 

Meanwhile, Ancar finally rears his ugly head, and he's not alone. When his magic goes wrong, he finds himself with a  new best friend. Falconsbane. A very knackered Falconsbane, but still. Falconsbane is under Ancar's control, but not as much as Ancar believes, however, Falconsbane also has the remnants of the person who's body he stole, still floating about in his head....and he wants to fight back. 

As the two kingdoms prepare for battle, Elspeth and co find themselves travelling undercover to Hadorn to deal with Ancar and Falconsbane once and for all. 

Okay so this was a great omnibus and I need to read the first omnibus as soon as possible and then the next one! I think I'm going to be reading all the other books this author has to offer as well because this book was so good, and so engrossing and it sucks you in to this incredibly imaginative world and keeps you there the entire time you read. 

The first book built the world fantastically around the plot and the action, you see the different areas of it and the world is created so vividly you feel like you're actually there. It's an impressive show of imagination and one that reaches out to your imagination, and brings it to life as you read. The world created is expansive, with a rich history and mythology and background to it that comes across in the story, alongside the plot. The first book is a perfect set up, moving the characters where they need to be for the next part, while explaining what's going on in the world politically and in general and while filling you in on the history. 

But all of this information works because it's compelling and fascinating and you want to read about it as much as you want to read about the characters and what they're doing. Somehow all this background information is twined with the plot and the action so you get a huge understanding of the world without being bored. 

The world sucks you in as much as the characters do, but what I loved was how original, at least to me, the books where. I loved the idea of the Heralds and their Companions and why they exist and how they came about and how the current set up of the kingdom came about. I loved the idea of the Hawkbrothers and their Bondbirds, and this series is so full of awesome! 

I need to read the other two omnibus's and pretty much every other book the author has written because I want to know more about the world and the background and the history, I want to see other parts of the world, other lifestyles. 

The politics, history and mythology to the world are not only rich, they're complex, and very well detailed and explained. I came away from the book with  more understanding of the goings on of the world in the book than the one in my own. 

There was some romance in the book but it was very subtle and secondary to the main plot of the book, I enjoyed the romances, they where natural, realistic, they developed realistically and where just so cute and adorable. 

There's plenty of action in the book, as well as the splashes of romance, enough to keep you turning the pages, and reaching points where it really is impossible to put the book down. There's plot twists all over the place, the type where you're gasping out loud and like "oh hell no" and you're totally blown away. I could never tell what was going to happen next, it's like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. 

There where multiple POV's, these where marked in the first book, but in the second they where changing without saying the character, but the characters where all so well written that each one had a distinctive voice and you could tell which was which without having to be told. Each had an engaging narrative that added insight to them as well as other characters, there was no doubling of scenes with word for word dialogue, each POV had a fresh scene. Once they came together as a group the POV changes didn't need to be announced as it where. 

Anyways, the POV's where mainly Elspeth and Darkwind with a couple of pages from another character, and once we hit the third book you get huge chunks that are from Ancar and Falconsbane's POV, which was interesting because Ancar wasn't as badass as I was expecting. I thought it was a great build up saving Ancar for the last book, you finally meet him and you know things just got real. Each POV change was smooth and seamless, at exactly the right moment. I enjoyed the interludes in the first book, they where very intriguing. 

The characters are all utterly fantastic. They're so well written they practically come to life in front of you, each one is so different from the other and they have so much depth it's incredible. I connected with Elspeth immediately, she's definitely my favourite character, she's also very interesting in how she acts and behaves at home and then on the road, and then in the other books coming back to being more like her usual self, and her reasoning behind her actions. She's the kind of awesome fleshed out character that actors dream of getting a crack at. You can empathise with her so easily. 

Darkwind is also very well written, you feel for him, he and Vree make you chuckle just like Elspeth and Gwena. Both Darkwind and Elspeth have had difficult lives, or at least difficult periods, and it comes across in them and their actions. Skif was interesting, but I loved Elspeth so much I found myself adopting her point of view of him at more than one point! He was kind of adorable though, but I felt like I didn't really get to know him that well, he clearly has an interesting backstory that I'm dying to know! 

I really loved Kero and I wanted to see more of her, which is why I need to read the other trilogy I think! And the voices of Need and the companions and the Gryphons where just perfect. They came across on the page so well, and there was no confusion about who was speaking when it was all in mind speech, and I just really want a Companion okay. 

There's excellent continuation throughout the three books, the first book starts with a prologue that's kind of like a "previously in history" bit. You learn more about the characters and their origins as the books go on, and you never fail to have surprises thrown at you. As well as the romances developing very nicely across the three books. There's three very distinctive parts to the series, the first setting everything up, the second being the Rocky training montage and the third being the conclusion and the final showdown. 

This book has it all, action, adventure, romance, quests, magic, gryphons, fire birds, change creatures, ghosts, and everything under the sun. The author has created a colourful world with colourful characters that gives your imagination a stretch and sucks you in for hours on end. Thank God the version I read is an omnibus because I didn't have to faff about waiting for the next book and being agonised in the waits in between books, I could just keep reading and it was awesome. 

Wishing For Wednesday #36

Howdy!

This week I bring you a gem from an amazing author! Okay so this book is the first in a series by an author that I LOVE. Like seriously I love her, I was totally obsessed with her Mythos Academy books, like omg I re-read them frequently. So good. So I'm in desperate need for this to come out faster because yeah. Excitement! How awesome does it sound!?

Cold Burn of Magic

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . . 

Cold Burn Of Magic is out April 28th, pre-order your copy....here!
Add it to your TBR....here!

BLOG TOUR: A Robot In The Garden

A Robot In The Garden
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy!
Source: ARC courtesy of the publisher

"A story of the greatest friendship ever assembled..." When Ben Chambers wakes up one morning, he has no idea his whole life is about to change. There's a robot in his garden you see, it's a bit broken and rusty, and very very lost and it's sitting under his willow tree...it's not like all the fancy new androids everyone has, and if he's honest...he feels a bit sorry for it. So ignoring his wife Amy, he brings it in to the house while he tries to figure out where it came from.

Thinking Ben has found another reason to ignore everyone and do nothing in general, Amy leaves him. Rather than curling up in a ball and drinking himself in to oblivion, Ben packs up and takes newly named Tang with him on a trip to find his creator, and who can fix him.

Ben and Tang form quite the bond and friendship as Tang learns from Ben, and they experience the highs and lows of their round the world trip....Ben never wanted children, but he might have just got himself one!

Oh my God. I literally just finished this book (when I say just I mean it's a Saturday at 9pm, 3rd of Jan to be precise, yes I know, what I wild life I lead, anyway, when this is published it while have been a while but yeah) and I'm kind of just sitting here staring at the book. I think it's emotionally broken me? That weaselly little robot has totally ruined my life because now I want a Tang!

This book is fantastically unique. The world, being at some point in the future, has androids and did have robots, robots are like a lesser being to everyone because they're the old version of the horrible androids, so it was so unique in that aspect because you had everyone acting like Tang was odd because he's an old model and calling him quaint and stuff, and then the people in Texas being all "He's a creation of God too" and don't get me started on Hotel California! Totally unique.

I loved Tang, obviously, he was totally adorable, and like a little kid learning about everything, and I wanted to just hug him when the androids where mean to him, and Tang becomes so real to you as you read, and you see him develop and become the Tang he is at the end of the book from where he started at the beginning. Not to mention Ben, his character growth was fantastic to watch, he truly never thought he'd be a good Dad, and yeah Tang's like his BFF, but he's also like a child to Ben and Ben doesn't realise this until later in the book, and it's so cute and adorable and IT REALLY HIT ME RIGHT IN THE FEELS OKAY. I HAVE BEEN EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED BY A ROBOT AND HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH A HUMAN.

Watching the friendship between the two grow, I can't even. It was incredibly well done, watching the relationship between the two grow and change brought so many emotions to the surface, depending on the situation. This book made me laugh out loud multiple times, for some reason I had the robot from Short Circuits voice, voicing Tang in my brain, and at times the book made me all teary because it was emotional and beautiful and I just really love this book okay?!

I think this has immediately become one of my favourite books, I wasn't quite expecting the huge journey we went on, from England to Cali to Texas to Tokyo to Micronesia and back, and the book was so well written, so beautifully written, I kind of want to say it's a coming of age story for Ben, but he's like 34 and so he's kind of not coming of age. Or is he? Screw it, it's a coming of age story  for someone who was stuck in a rut and finally had to grow up/man up and help someone who wasn't him for once and he changed for it.

Each setting was created fantastically, you could picture the places, but the real standout of the book was Tang, he seriously pretty much came right out of the page and buried himself in your heart. Ben was easy to connect to, I think a lot of people can relate to him and how he doesn't really know what he's doing and he's just kind of....not really living but just existing, until he starts his adventure with Tang. As a character I really got him, and felt for him multiple times, but then I was on Team Ben and Tang so when Roger was there? I was not having that!

The plot is kind of simple, with the mission to find the creator, but it's the writing and the characters and the relationship that makes this book so astounding and one that will stay with you. Not to mention the little bits of the story, like what the deal was with Bollinger, that was a nice little bit of danger and had me on the edge of my seat, because I'd be damned if he was keeping my robot! I mean...Ben's robot...yeah. Uhh anyway, and the glimpses of Lizzies and Kato's lives and past and relationship was a nice touch in a book that was all about a relationship, even the stuff with Amy and her and Ben reconnecting and everything. There was so much that made this book awesome, so much going on, I couldn't tear myself away from the book, I wanted to see where they where going to end up next, what crazy thing was going to happen to them next.

I would love to write essays about this book, because I really, really love it and it's immediately become a favourite, I can count on one hand the number of times that's happened to me, I found myself hugging this book after I finished. I can't quite describe just how awesome this book is to be honest, I can't find the right words to express to you all how beautiful it is and how much you need to read it, but you do!

Word of warning? You're going to be left wondering how to acquire a robot of your own!

Havana Sleeping

Havana Sleeping

Rating: 3/5

Buy or Borrow: Buy 

Source: Copy courtesy of the publisher! 

Havana in the 1850s is a city as dangerous as it is exotic. The murder of a humble night watchman at the British Consulate seems to worry neither the Consul nor the police.

But one person cared for the old man. The enigmatic courtesan Leonarda will not rest until she understands the mystery of his death.

In wintry England, George Backhouse is plucked from obscurity in the Foreign Office and given an unexpected promotion. His task: to travel to Cuba and take a stand against the illegal slave trade still flourishing there.

But Havana is a tinderbox of intrigue. As the great powers of the region conspire against each other with increasing ruthlessness for control of the island, Backhouse comes to see that the most innocent of actions could spark a devastating war.

To protect their interests, the powers-that-be in Whitehall are prepared to turn a blind eye to many things. Leonarda will not.

But what of George Backhouse? 

I've gotta say, this was fascinating and intriguing, and I found the authors notes at the end a welcome addition! They were concise, but told you a fair bit, and where a nice addition at the end of the book after you've read the entire story. 

I found this book quite atmospheric to be honest, I went on holiday to Cuba when I was younger, we didn't stay in Havana but we did visit it and it was a colourful and fascinating place, and this was evident in the book, albeit a Havana from a different time period. I did get a real feel for Havana in the 1850's, and you could practically feel yourself there. 

However, I did find the book hard to get in to, I did find the place and the politics and everything fascinating and intriguing, but I did struggle to keep reading at points, especially in the first half as there where lots of different plot threads and some of them I couldn't work out the significance of. 

While I did want to know what happened next, I wasn't glued to the page, I was interested, but I wasn't totally engrossed. A few of the scenes fell a bit flat for me, and a few of the reveals didn't have the shock element for me. 

I initially found George hard to get on with when I was reading, but as the book went on, I got a better idea of him and he turned out to be quite courageous and I did end up liking him by the end, so the end of the book made me all kinds of sad! 

I hate unsolved mysteries, fiction or fact, they annoy me because I always have to know what happened, who did it and so on. You wouldn't believe the amount of times I've watched documentaries about various historical mysteries and gotten annoyed because I couldn't work out who'd done it or even come up with something, and I'm fascinated by all the theories. 

So this book drove me mad, because it's not the actual answer, and then the notes with what happened, and it was so obviously dodgy because nothing was stolen so yeah. I WANNA KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED DAMMIT! 

But yes, while the book was a struggle to get in to and didn't have me engrossed 100% of the time, it was intriguing and it was fascinating to learn about the politics of the time, as well as being an atmospheric read, it really gave you a feel for Havana at the time. 

Adamant

Adamant
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy courtesy of the author!

In an alternative 21st century, Earth is one of many in the Multiverse. The Inter-World alliance exists to keep the peace and keep the monsters out. 

Ada Fletcher is twenty-one, keeps a collection of knives in her room, and is more interested in fighting than her day job as a cashier. She also risks her life on a daily basis, helping refugees from a devastating magical war on her homeworld hide on the low-magic Earth. But when she’s taken into custody by the Alliance, her unusual magic makes her a prime suspect for a supervisor’s suspicious death. 

For Kay Walker, whose family founded the organization, there has never been any doubt that his future is with the Alliance – even if it means dealing with sarcastic centaurs and dangerous monsters in the dark Passages between worlds. But when his supervisor is murdered, Kay discovers that a research project might have been the reason, and faces the choice of whether to ignore his instincts or risk becoming the next target, not to mention digging into the Alliance’s history and memories he’d rather keep buried. And there’s something not quite right about the strange, fierce girl he arrested as a suspect.

The last thing Ada wants is to help the infuriating Alliance guard who arrested her, but it soon becomes clear that the Alliance knows too much about Ada’s offworld origins. More, in fact, than she knows herself. Now she has to choose between loyalty to her family, and helping the Alliance save the Earth – and the Multiverse – from a deadly enemy.

Right, so, I tried to do my own synopsis, but the one on GoodReads and Amazon pretty much says all that can be said and if I tried to do my own it'd be full of spoilers and would leave you with no point in reading the book! 

Fair warning, at this point I'm slightly sleep deprived and really tired, so sorry if there's excessive spelling mistakes, my Mac's autocorrect is driving me nuts, and I might ramble and make no sense! 

So, I'm a bit of a fan of Emma's, I got to review Darkness Watching from NetGalley a while ago, and I loved it, it was unique and so when Emma asked me if I wanted to review this, I fangirled quietly, and calmly said yes! I had expectations from this book based from her other work, and I was not disappointed! 

I feel I should mention the cover by the way, it's too pretty! I want it as a poster or something! But yes...back to the review! 

I started to read it as soon as I could, and I settled down and prepared to be there for a while. I knew for a fact I would have to read this book in one sitting and I wasn't wrong! As soon as I started reading, I was sucked into this alternative timeline, and this totally awesome world that the author had created! I wanted to know more about this Earth, the Multiverse and other planets, not to mention the mysterious Enzar. I'd say more about that but spoilers! 

The world was vivid, and imaginative. Most of all, it's what I love best, original, unique, I love things that are a little bit different and so I immediately fell in love with this world, especially as it was so well written and so well crafted, you got a lot of information on the world historically without bogging down the narrative, and you were left satisfied, but still wanting to know more, which we hopefully will in the next few books! 

I was totally absorbed into the world, not just because of the excellent world building but because of the well written, and intriguing characters. Ada....she was a mystery, I was trying to work out what she is, or more accurately where she came from. I couldn't, I ended up being pretty surprised by that plot twist, which is why I'm not going to spoil it by going on about it! Anyways, Ada, I connected to her instantly, she made me laugh, she was written larger than life, or at least she seemed that way to me. She had depth, she was intriguing, you wanted to know more about her, and it's going to be interesting to see how she gets on with her magic in the next book and where she goes with this. 

Kay was another well written character, he clearly had a bad past, and you where constantly trying to take guesses at it and you wanted to know more about him and what happened, he add a nice level of intrigue, especially as little tidbits where mentioned and to be honest, the mystery nearly drove me crazy, I suck at mysteries and this book is full of them, they all get answered, and they always shock you! I did like Kay though, bless him. 

I enjoyed Kay and Ada's relationship, I liked how the romance developed slowly and naturally, and it was very well done, I think they're great together, and they have a chemistry that leaps off the page. Ada doesn't trust easily at all, and you can't really blame her, she's also a total badass, and Kay is trying to do his job, while working out why people are being killed and what for.....as well as facing the truth about his father and what he did, because guys....his dad is shaaaaaadddyyyy as fudge. I liked watching her open up to him slowly, and start to trust him, and it was 50 shades of cute! 

Because of these two excellently written characters, the narrative was incredibly engaging, and as it was a dual point of view from both Ada and Kay, you got a real feel for both characters, their motives and so on, and you also got to see what was going on while the other was busy rather than hearing about it second hand, not to mention see how they see each other. I loved the multi POV because it was done right. The changes where at the right moment, and most importantly we didn't get the same scene from both POV's, there may have been a little overlap, but mostly it filled in what would have been gaps and just added a great level to the story. 

The plot was fascinating and intriguing, I was pretty much along for the ride because I gave up trying to work out what was going to happen next, I'm beginning to learn I'm always wrong. ALWAYS. The plot was action packed, honestly the book was like a rollercoaster, it picks you up and sweeps you along for the ride, and it's thrills and spills the entire way through, I loved it, especially as the pace fit perfectly with the book and wasn't rushed, neither was it bogged down by the information we learn. There was a perfect balance. The fight scenes where hella awesome though! 

Adamant is a fantastic start to what's going to be a fun, adventurous and super cool series, it's different, it's original, it's got cool creatures, cool magic, mystery, rich background and history to the world, colourful characters, both supporting and main (I totally loved Alber and Jeth not to mention the centaur and I'm itching to know more about all 3 as well as nell), it's imaginative and it stretches your imagination out too, it's got a world so well written and brought to life you can totally lose yourself in it, and it's utterly fantastic. A strong start to the series, perfectly setting up the rest of the series but not without sacrificing the plot of this book! Can't praise it enough! 

In short, Adamant is a wild ride full of originality and imagination that will keep you engrossed in the world until the last page...

Wishing For Wednesday #35

Hey guys!
This week I bring you one of the books I'm most excited about! LIKE SERIOUSLY I'M SO EXCITED! If, like me, you're obsessed with Mortal Instruments and the Grisha, this is going to be right up your street!
And the Hardcover version is gorgeous....but yeah. I'm excited, you guys are gonna love it!

The Girl At Midnight

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire. 

The Girl At Midnight is out April 28th, pre-order your copy....here! 
Add it to your TBR (you know you wanna)....here!

Top Ten Tuesday: Inspiring Quotes From Books

I love how I said this post was coming today, and it is, it's going to be late, and last week I didn't have time to do it at all. But literally after I sent that tweet, I copped a look at the theme and I was like....bollocks it's going to be REALLY late!

So, this one is really hard for me. I don't highlight quotes in books, unless it's one of my acting books, those are riddled with highlighted bits, but for my regular books I can't bear to do it, nor do I put the little post it note strip thingies in to mark good quotes. I've never even thought about noting down quotes I like before, because I don't really have anywhere to put them, and I usually forget to look for them on GoodReads, so there are very few quotes I know off the top of my head and most of them aren't exactly inspirational, I just liked them, and there was one I LOVE but I'm not sure it counts as it's actually just one of those quotes from the front...but anyway....I've tried haha 

1. "Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you."- A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

So, when I read this, it really resonated with me, I'm not entirely sure why, maybe it's because I was bullied at school and I always wanted a way to just not really care what people said about me, and as various other things happened in my life, I kept wishing I just didn't care, or that the words would stop affecting me so much, and so this quote really resonated with me because of that, even though it doesn't really fit I suppose. To be honest there's so many GoT quotes I love, but I didn't really want to put more than one, but another one is "Fear cuts deeper than swords" the others aren't really inspirational they're bookish haha

2. "She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one."- Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

I have a feeling lots of people picked this one, and I hate to pick a Throne of Glass quote and this was one that I actually knew because when I read it I got chills. The entire series inspires me to be honest, it inspires me to be a badass and and give no damns and Celaena is such a strong character you just wanna be here or be more like her, and this quote kind of sums her up I think. 

3. "I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still"- A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

I think this was one of my, if not my favourite, quote of the book, I mean....wouldn't everyone? I love this quote because it inspires me to go out and find adventure pretty much, not just sit about and fall in to a routine, but go out and try and get my dream and have fun and do all the things that I normally would say I don't have time for, make time for them and have fun. None of that made sense but yeah haha 

4. "Nothing takes the heart out of a man more than the expectation of failure"- Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Now this one is another of the ones that sunk in to my brain and keeps a residence there. Why? Because the is one of the most inspirational quotes. In quite plain terms, it's telling you to stop expecting failure, stop being so pessimistic, and be positive, believe in yourself, believe in what you can do, and I think that's something everyone could do with remembering. 

5. "Words are everything. Words give wings even to those who have been stamped upon, broken beyond all hope and repair"- The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

It's not so much this is inspirational in the wider sense, but it's a quote I find very true. No matter how crappy you feel, books allow you to get lost, go to a different world and a different place and take you out of your current situation and give you hours of escape.

6. "When people say impossible they usually mean improbable"- Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

So, I find this one an inspirational quote because it reminds me that nothing is impossible. Which is true, nothing is actually impossible, improbable yes, but not impossible, and I think the word impossible gets bandied about too much by people who are too quick to give up. I also like to think that when you say things are improbable, it's like, sure things are unlikely, but there's still a smidgen of hope that things can all work out and so on. So that's why I like this particular quote. Also this one "The less you say, the more weight your words will carry" from the same book....as someone who speaks too much I should heed this one haha 

7. "Heroes aren't always the ones who win. They're the ones who lose, sometimes. But they keep fighting, they keep coming back. They don't give up. That's what makes them heroes"- City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

I think is is self explanatory as to why I like this and find it inspirational. It's got a nobody's perfect vibe, even our heroes in our stories. As well as it being all about not giving up because things get hard, you have to keep fighting for what you want and so on. Everyone has to fight for what they want, nobody gets an easy ride.

8. "Fairy tales are more than true, not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten"- G.K. Chesterton 

Okay so TECHNICALLY this isn't a quote from a  book, but it was a quote that was at the front of a book so I'm bending the rules a little because I'm struggling right now haha! I just loved everything about this quote. Fairy Tales give us hope, that's the point of them, that everyone gets their happy ending and so on. It's such an inspirational quote because it reminds you that everything can be beaten. 

9. "We all fail to appreciate each day just how much we already possess. Light, air, freedom, the companionship of friends"- Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella 

So this is another quote that I don't think I really need to explain why, I think it's a quote we could all do with seeing once or twice, just as a reminder about how lucky we all are. To remind you to go for a walk and really take in the world and everything. 

10. "Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read"- Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Again, another that needs no explantation. I love this one, I really do. I don't really know what to say about this one to be honest haha