Stacking the Shelves (6)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!

Gameboard of the gods (Age of X #1)

by Richelle Mead

Ok, so I was kind of excited about this one. The synopsis just sounded really cool and action-packed! Besides, I reluctantly liked her VA series, so I thought "what the heck". As long as it's got action, I'm game. But then I read reviews...

I'm terrified.

First off, I don't think this is Young Adult.

Second, I heard this book world was confusing.

Also, I heard the romance was cliche.

....Oh well. I bought the freaking thing and plan on reading it. 

Here's to hoping for a kick-butt MC and lots of actions!

So what have y'all gotten this week?

Be sure to let me know!

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

...

Hey everyone. 

I'll be MIA for a few more days. My grandpa is having his third open heart surgery today so I've been busy going back and forth to the hospital and taking care of my grandma. His bypasses have worn out since his last surgery 24 years ago and new ones are needed. Although he is happy and healthy, just please pray all goes well and that he recovers quickly. I know he can't wait to play golf again! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
By Marissa Meyer
Pages: 452
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Rating: Love!!!

Goodreads Synopsis:

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Review:

As with most sequels, I went into this book quite nervous. Sure, tons of people said it was just as great (if not better!) than Cinder. But honestly, how could that happen? It's the dreaded "filler" book. There was absolutely no way it could live up to Cinder.

Well...it did. And I freaking love Marissa Meyer for it!

Enter Scarlet. Fiesty and fiery Scarlet. Oh, how I love her. And she's stubborn to boot! While Cinder's story took place in New Beijing, the story of Scarlet is chronicled in the beautiful countryside of France.  Although Scarlet is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, don't mistake her for being easily fooled. Maybe she didn't always make the best decisions, but she's got heart and wanted to do whatever she could to protect her grandmother. That's loyalty.

And Wolf! I really came to adore him! Don't let his shy and secretive nature fool you (completely at odds with his looks by the way). No, this guy can kick butt like no other. He's called "Wolf" for a reason. And even though I kind of guessed his "secret" early on, I still looked forward to learning more about it and him.

But, by far, my favorite new addition was Captain Thorne. Oh, you scoundrel, you. Thorne added a bout of comedic relief and was a welcome addition to the cast. Who doesn't love a sarcastic, arrogant thief?

I think that one reason this book turned away from the stereotypical second book was because this book had a completely new plot and set of characters. It was a complex new story that tied together with the first book, yet it was still uniquely its own. I loved going on this journey with Scarlet and Wolf and it became even better when Cinder entered the picture. This book was an absolute non-stop thrill ride of action, surprises and tension! Can't wait for book 3! No, seriously guys, I need book 3 now. Wanna hook me up Meyers? ;)

Overall:
Go pick it up. Now. You don't have to worry about it being a filler book, because it's not. Now breathe a sigh of relief and head to the bookstore. You won't regret it.

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Why I'm Waiting:

WHY WOULD I NOT BE WAITING?!?!?! Ughhhhhhh I've been dying for this book. After I absolutely fell in love with the first book, I have been waiting, rather impatiently, for this sequel to be released.  And, yes, it did come out yesterday, but considering the fact that it isn't currently in my hands, I'm still waiting on it. Now, if someone wants to remedy this problem, I wouldn't be adverse to it ;)

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday?

Look for my reviews of The Eternal Cure and Scarlet to come soon :)

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

I'm back (this time I promise!)

Hey everyone. Unfortunately for the past year I've been AWOL. With school and everything, I just lost time to read and I got side-tracked with social activities, homework, and netflix. But mainly Netflix. Seriously, that website is addicting. Anyways, these are just excuses (shame on me) and I really want to get back into reading and blogging again. I didn't even realize how much I missed reading till I read The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (just finished and WOIDSFNMLWKERJ!). I forgot how enchanting and exciting the world of books can be and I plan on trying to recapture the magic that is books.

So, in short, I'm back.

Yes, yes. I know you guys are just so excited to hear that.

You may continue clapping. 

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

The Friday Society
by Adrienne Kress
Pages: 440
Source: B&N
Format: Hardback

My Rating: What fun!

Goodreads Synopsis:

An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns –and the heroines who use them all 

Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder–and the crimes they believe may be connected to it–without calling too much attention to themselves.

Set in the past but with a modern irreverent flare, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike–well, relatively ladylike–heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

My Review:

A magician's assistant, a lab assistant and a samurai become friends. What could go possibly go wrong? If you're looking for a book with steampunk, explosions, guns, explosions, costumes, and more explosions, then you've come to the right place!

Cora, Lab Assistant:

Intelligent, proactive and practical, Cora just wants to invent. If it's got gears, lasers, triggers or all three, then Cora's your girl! And when dangers got you down, this is the right girl for a pick-me-up!

Nellie, Magician's Assistant:

Lover of all things make-up, glitter and sparkles, Nellie's the girly-girl of the group. But don't let her feministic personality fool you. Oh, no. This girl's got fire in her soul and tricks up her sleeves. And her ability to get out of tight situations is a great aid to this group.

Michiko, Samurai: 

She's got a katana. Automatic awesomeness points for that! Sure, she may not speak English, but this girls got a great heart. Her determination mixed with her deadly skill makes her a force to be reckoned with!


Honestly, plot-wise, the plot had it's ups and downs. Was it perfect? No. It definitely had some imperfections (the modern language being one). And I didn't care (nor really understand) the villains and their motivations. But there is no denying that this is an entertaining read.

Is this book a work of literary genius? No. But it sure is chock full of fun, exciting adventures! Three seemingly different girls come together to solve a mystery in this adventure-packed murder mystery explosion of steampunk awesomeness.  

Overall: 

A word of warning: Don't go in expecting this to be some fantastic work of historical/steampunk fiction with an awesome murder mystery. Because, quite frankly, it's not. I didn't really care for the mystery once I actually found out about the villain, but that doesn't take away from how much fun this book is! Honestly, if you just read this book for what it is, a fun, easy adventure with girl-power, then you'll really enjoy it. 

Stacking the Shelves (5)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!

Cinders & Sapphires (At Somerton #1)

by Leila Rasheed

Ohhhhhhh. This sounds scandalously delicious. I must admit that I'm a bit iffy since it only has a 3.48 rating on goodreads, but I'm willing to give this Historical fiction a try. 

Well that's all for me. What'd y'all get this week?

Be sure to let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥

Mackenzie