Graphic Novel Review of Birthright Vol. 1: Homecoming by Joshua Williamson

Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge

Synopsis: "For the Rhodes family, losing their son was the most devastating thing that could have occurred...but it couldn't prepare them for what happened when he returned. Skybound's newest hit turns fantasy into reality in this all-new series from the creator of Nailbiter and Ghosted. Pick up this introductory-priced collection and see what everyone's talking about!"

My Review: This was not at all what I expected, not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be a bit like a Kid in King Arthur's Court. We only get bits and pieces of what happened in the other realm once the son disappears. We see more of what happens to those left behind and the choices made when the son returns completely changed. There is a bit of a twist on who is good and who is evil and what is right or wrong.

My Rating: I was surprised with how different this was than I expected, maybe I would have enjoyed it more without those expectations, but for now this is a series that I may not continue with in the future.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Review of Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley & Book Box

Synopsis: "Leading your first heist is a major milestone in Sky Hawkin’s family—even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It’s a chance to gain power and acceptance within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated—especially when you’re a wyvern, a human capable of transforming into a dragon.

Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky’s mission uncovers deep secrets about the mother who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family’s wealth and rank in their community.

With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist—and get back the people she loves in the process. But instead, she ends up discovering a dark truth about were-dragon society—a truth that is more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be."

My Review: I really loved Queen of the Blood by Sarah Beth Durst and knew I wanted to read this book, dragons, gold and a heist, yes please. Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book, it took me a while to find the motivation and mood to pick it up and then once I did I had a really hard time staying focused on it. It is fantasy, but it is more of an urban fantasy, almost along the lines of paranormal, so we have a teen girl in the modern world but she has her special abilities and upbringing due to being wyvern. We still get a bit of that teen drama that I have very little patience for anymore. I also figured out pretty early on what happened to her mother and where the story would end up leading, so that also made it hard to continue, there was more to the end than I expected but it was still pretty much along the lines I had already come up with. I also found it difficult to find a character I really cared about, I didn't have much connection to any of them, except maybe Gabrielle but we didn't spend enough time with any one character except Sky, and I wasn't a huge fan. I can see how other readers would really enjoy this one and I urge you to try it but it really just wasn't for me. It would be a great bridge from YA contemporary to YA fantasy for those who have struggled with fantasy in the past.

My Rating: I am so bummed that this book didn't work for me.  I am starting to think that heist books aren't for me, but this one was more of an issue with the characters and the mystery of what happened to Sky's mom.  I give it a rating of Two Paws but again, I think it would be great for those readers wanting to get into fantasy but who have struggled in the past.

I received this complimentary book via Netgalley, the above is my honest review.

You can find out more about Sarah Beth Durst and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.

Fire & Heist was just released on December 4th, you can now obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check with your favorite local bookstore.

Review of Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Read for: 2018 Recently Added Challenge 

Synopsis: "Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself."

My Review: I honestly didn't go into this one with high expectations, I had heard others loved it but had been burned by YA with royalty (I'm looking at you Princess Diaries). Luckily, this one went way beyond anything I could have asked for, it was everything I would want in a book like this. I adored Daisy and her witty and quick humor, Miles' long suffering friendship and cool distance, the trouble causing royal siblings, a rowdy but friendly group of friends. It was like a comedy of errors and it had me giggling throughout. Also, I highly recommend the audio book, the accents are worth it alone! This was exactly the book I needed, cute and fun and light, a perfect slump breaker!

My Rating: I had heard a few people talk about this book and it sounded cute so I accepted it in a trade, not expecting a whole lot, but this was one of those right book at the right time moments and it was perfect! I give this book a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag! I can't wait for the next book to come out in May!

Monday Reading List

It is Monday again, and time to update with what I read last week, what I am currently reading and what to look forward to next week.

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

White Stag by Kara Barbieri
Zog by Julia Donaldson (Early Reader)
Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet (After Dark Romance)
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

Words We Don't Say - DNF
White Stag
My Lady's Choosing
Poppy War

Currently Reading:

Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst - Print/Kindle - on page 88 of 304
I'd Rather Be Reading by Anna Bogle - Print - on page 63 of 160

Pages Read/ Time Listened
30:42 Hours Listened (18:57 listened this week)
676 Pages Read (499 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
The Snow Gypsy
Book Nerds & Boyfriends
WarDance
Warsong



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It was not as great of a reading week as I had hoped, but I did get a big chunky books read this week so that was huge!  I also got a little bit back into the swing of things, I am nearly caught up on reviews and have a few blog posts ready to go. I am nearly caught up at work and the house is back to normal. I am just spending this week trying to catch up on card orders and trying to find some bit of planner peace. 

I am struggling a bit settling into the books I am reading, I keep getting distracted by all the books on my shelves I still want to read. I think this is a pretty common issue when you refresh or re-organize your shelves, long lost books are now screaming for attention. Thank goodness we have a long weekend coming up and I can settle in for some reading time!

Review of The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

Please excuse me while I catch up on some reviews of books I read in 2018 but some of them are too good not to share!

Read for: Recently Added/ Subscription Box

Synopsis: "Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory in the first book of an exciting historical trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin.

Intelligent, passionate, rebellious, and brave, Languoreth is the unforgettable heroine of The Lost Queen, a tale of conflicted loves and survival set against the cinematic backdrop of ancient Scotland, a magical land of myths and superstition inspired by the beauty of the natural world. One of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, Languoreth ruled at a time of enormous disruption and bloodshed, when the burgeoning forces of Christianity threatened to obliterate the ancient pagan beliefs and change her way of life forever.

Together with her twin brother Lailoken, a warrior and druid known to history as Merlin, Languoreth is catapulted into a world of danger and violence. When a war brings the hero Emrys Pendragon, to their door, Languoreth collides with the handsome warrior Maelgwn. Their passionate connection is forged by enchantment, but Languoreth is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of the High King who is sympathetic to the followers of Christianity. As Rhydderch's wife, Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way, her kingdom, and all she holds dear.

The Lost Queen brings this remarkable woman to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of the most enduring legends of all time."

My Review: I never saw this book coming, it wasn't on my radar but luckily I received it in a book box and was able to read it. I picked up the audio book to listen along with reading, the accent of the narrator added so much more to the story. I absolutely fell in love with Langoureth and her dedication and determination throughout the story. The sibling relationship between Langoureth and her brother is beautiful even with different paths and jealousy, it remains strong. I love the touch of romance but that it doesn't take over the book. The ending was rather abrupt but I was okay with that, then I found out there will be another book and I am beyond excited!

My Rating: I picked this book up after a bit of a reading slump and it was the perfect choice! I couldn't put it down and was completely absorbed in the story throughout the book. I give this one a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!