Waiting on Wednesday (32)

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

What I'm Waiting on:

The Falconer (The Falconer #1)

by Elizabeth May

Goodreads Synopsis:

Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

Edinburgh, Scotland, 1844

Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.

Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.

But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge?

Why I'm Waiting:

Read the cover -

"Deputante, Fae-slayer, Murderer"

Um.......awesome! 

I'm sold. 

Must. Have. Nowwwww.

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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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 

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The Luxe (Luxe #1) by Anna Godbersen

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
by Anna Godbersen
Pages: 433
Source: Library
Format: Hardback

Rating: 2.5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899. Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone--from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud--threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

My Review:

I was never incredibly interested in this book, but I was looking through my library and the pretty dress on the cover was just calling my name. The cover just screamed that there would be numerous scandals, breath-taking balls and gorgeous gowns within it's pages.

It lied to me.

First off, I knew what happened as soon I was introduced to Elizabeth's love interest. The prologue of the book is actually the ending, with the rest of the book leading up to it. So, it's pretty much given away then and there. I guess the "how" they got there was supposed to be the suprising part, but once Will was introduced, I figured it out. So the plot ended up being very "meh". Not to mention it wasn't very scandalous nor were there many balls.

The characters were alright, but nothing special. Actually, the only two characters I actually liked were the younger Holland sister and Henry. And that was pretty much the only scandal. Elizabeth grated on my nerves because she hated the fact that everyone thought she was the perfect socialite and treated her as such instead of realizing her true feelings. Well, it was her fault because she acted the part of the perfect socialite and never voiced her opinion. Now, I understand the why behind it, but ultimately it is her decision, so it's pointless to complain. Penelope was your stock mean girl who was just petty and annoying.

Overall:

Meh...just meh. Not much glitter and glamorizing going on within these pages. Scandals? Pfffttt...yeah right. Beautiful descriptions of dresses? As if. Awesome characterization? Ha. You make me laugh. Sadly this book just lacked the glitz, glamour and beauty I was hoping for.

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Gilt (The Royal Circle #1)
by Katherine Longshore
Pages: 398
Source: Netgalley
Format: eARC


Rating: Loved it!!


Goodreads Synopsis:


In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free--
and love comes at the highest price of all. 

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.


My Review: 



   Welcome to the Tudor court, the breeding ground for vicious back-stabbers and master manipulators, where secrets are the currency. Enter if you dare.


   I used to think how fun it would be to live in medieval times. Come on, every girl wants those pretty dresses and gorgeous jewels the size of an egg. Seriously, its a girls dream. And most books just add to this sense of beauty. Sure, they didn't have plumbing (ewww) or toothpaste or whatnot, but in most books, they don't focus on that so it can be forgotten. You just get the pretty dresses and court intrigue. Heck, now that I look back at other historical fictions, the court intrigue wasn't as scandalous, but more political. They show you the good stuff. And, more often than not, the MC's go against the norm and are kick-butt and all that jazz. Well, Gilt brought reality crashing back down. Medieval times sucked.


   This is the story of Catherine Howard's rise to queendom. Starting off as a lowly maid and working her way to becoming the most powerful woman in England. 






   Alright, I'm going to be as nice as I possibly can but I have never hated someone so much. But I loved to hate her. Cat is the most manipulative, self-centered, selfish, vicious, vindictive, devious and shrewd person ever. Heck, those words don't even begin to describe her. Cat started off as a maid but even within that group she was their leader. You wanted to fit in? Cat had to like you. Cat could make or break you. All she wanted was more, more and more.She was never satisfied with anything and was willing to do anything in order to get what she wanted, even be mean and vile to those she considered "friends". Heck, even in the end she still wasn't happy even though she got what she wanted. In the end, it was all about Cat. 


   Kitty, our MC, was the complete opposite. She was like a kicked puppy. She followed Cat around like her shadow and did whatever Cat said. One moment Cat would actually be nice to her, but the next she would manipulate and condemn Kitty and she just dealt with it. She was a pansy and pathetic and passive, and yet I couldn't help but care for her. She was an orphan, and Cat was the only one ever there for her. So, even though Cat can be mean and manipulative, she deals with it. She knows that in order to fit in, she has do whatever Cat says. She's the Cady Heron to Mean Girl's Regina George. 




   The thing is, going into this book, you know it's not going to have a happy ending. I mean, come on! She's one of Henry VIII wives and we all know how well it worked out for them. So, you know this is just a car wreck waiting to happen, yet for some odd reason I simply couldn't put it down. Was it because I simply loved to hate Cat? Is it all the delicious scandals? The court gossip that could make or break you? Whatever it was, I was hooked. Throughout the story I was gasping and yelling and quite frankly calling Cat many names I'm not proud of. 


    I've tried to write this review without too many spoilers because although you know how it ends, its the journey that's the adventure. This book is a stark reality to the other historical fictions out there. This book makes you realize how easily you could be destroyed back then. One word and you were ruined. It was brutal. And women were treated worst of all. 


Overall:


   I simply loved to hate Cat and I hated to love Kitty. I really would have had a hard time not punching both of them back then, but at the same time I understand why they are like they are. Women were treated like nothing and the only thing they could get back then was a rich husband, so why not get the richest of them all? And for Kitty, Cat was the only one keeping her life better than it used to be. This book has scandals and gossip and backstabbing girls. It's like a high school! And it's so addicting. This is a historical fiction with real characters and while it may not have a happy ending for all of them, it's still a story worth reading and reading about what greed and manipulation can do to you. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Waiting on Wednesday (12)

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

Something Strange and Deadly 

by Susan Dennard

Release date: July 24, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Why I want to Read it:

Zombies in Victorian Philadelphia?! Give me one reason you wouldn't want to read it and I'll give you a cookie. Okay, not really, but you get what I'm trying to say. It's ZOMBIES! IN VICTORIAN PHILADELPHIA! Awesome! Also, the whole "maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor" doesn't hurt anything either ;) 

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? Be sure to let me know in the comments below!

P.S. I promise that review of Ordinary Magic is coming! I've just completely lost track of time (it's Wednesday?!)!! Look out for it either tomorrow or Friday :) 

All the best ♥

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Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
by Robin LaFevers
Pages: 549
Format: Paperback
Source: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt


Rating: LOVE! Read it now!


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


My Review:


One word: amazing Seriously, this book was just utterly fantastic! I could not put it down! I tried, believe me, but everything I was supposed to do (ya know homework, food, sleep) took a backseat to finishing this book. So, I've now made it my goal to convince you to read this book with a list (I've noticed that I've made a lot of these lately. Since when did I get organized o_O) 

1. Ismae

She's an assassin. I've noticed that I've had a really unhealthy obsession with assassins lately, but, what the heck :P They are pretty awesome. And Ismae is no exception. Strong, intelligent and fierce. But it wasn't just her strength that I fell in love with. Her growth is what made her truly admirable. Yes, even from the beginning she was strong and independent but she grows to learn more about herself.  She starts of as an abused girl who finally finds her place in nunnery where she learns where she came from. As a handmaiden of Death (who was her father) it is her purpose to do his bidding. Should you bear the marque, your death will come by her hand. But on her journey acting as Duval's mistress to protect the queen and see who wishes to do the queen harm, she becomes a strong woman that, while sometimes vulnerable, learns to make her own decisions and follow what she feels is right in her heart. Her loyalty and heart are astounding. While she may be a bit tough and cold at the beginning, once you get to know her, you see how good she truly is.

(P.S. The fact that she can kill a man in one of those huge medieval dresses didn't hurt in me admiring her more :P)

2. Assassin Nuns

Honestly, need I say more?

3. Duval

Oh, Duval, Duval, Duval. First off, I'm pretty much guaranteed to fall for any man who knows how to handle a weapon but I really fell in love with Duval. Yes, he's your typical cold, aloof guy that you know actually has a heart underneath all that man's man attitude that he just doesn't show to Ismae. However, his loyalty and love for his sister and country made him just that much more swoonworthy! I liked his cold demeanor because I wanted to find the man beneath it. I knew he had to be good, but part of the fun is learning and figuring it out. I liked learning why he was like that and learning to fall in love with him just like Ismae did. His honorable nature coupled with his intense loyalty and heart definitely made him a man to remember.

4. Romance: 

Insta-love? What is this insta-love you speak of? Because there is definitely not a single ounce of that in this book. This is definitely my favorite type of romance. Hate (or suspicion) turned love. Oh, of course you know they are going to fall in love in the end, but it's the build-up that makes this romance much more palpable. It starts out as suspicion and lack of faith in one another, to learning to trust and rely on each other. Its slow and steady and real.

5. awesome weapons:

Knives, garrotes, swords, miniature crossbows hidden in the folds of skirts, pearls decorating the hair that are actually poisonous, plus countless other weapons? Yeah...pretty freaking awesome

6. Beautiful atmosphere:

The author definitely gets perks for creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout this book. Sometimes in historical fiction the author can drag down the book with far to many details, but LaFevers gives just the right amount to showcase the time and give a dark yet intriguing and exquisite atmosphere without bogging you down with unnecessary details. Kudos!

7. Court intrigue and politics:

If there is court intrigue and politics, I'm definitely bound to enjoy it. Its one reason I love historical fiction so much! Scandals? Scheming plots? Backstabbing? Yup, definitely my cup of tea and Grave Mercy does not disappoint. Throughout the plot there were twists and turns and I have to say, I wasn't 100% sure that I saw that coming. Yes, I kind of guessed the villain but I was not absolutely certain. I definitely changed my mind multiple time but thats alright because I like to be kept guessing! 

8. Standalone! Well, technically:

NO CLIFFHANGER!! HALLELUJAH!! Actually, I'm kind of sad because I fell in love with these characters so much, but I have to say this is definitely a breath of fresh air. While it is a standalone, the following books will contain characters that are mentioned in this book but they are considered companion novels instead of sequels. 

Overall:

This book was fantastic. I fell in love with everything! The characters, the plot, the world-building.  It was an adventure that I didn't want to end and I actually wanted to re-read it after I finished. I truly hope that all who read this enjoy it as much as I did :)

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

Part of my 2012 Historical Fiction Challenge

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The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats

The Wicked and the Just
by J. Anderson Coats
Pages: 352
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley


Rating: DNF (for now-I might pick it up again)


Goodreads Snyposis: 
Cecily’s father has ruined her life. He’s moving them to occupied Wales, where the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will finally be the lady of the house.

Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now she must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl.

While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And outside the city walls, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point.

My Review:

Yes, I am DNFing a book that has been on my TBR forever and that I was eagerly anticipating. But just because I'm not finishing this book, it doesn't mean its not good. In fact, it had many good things, but there was just one aspect that I couldn't get past.

The good:

Writing: The writing was phenomenal. It's obvious that the author did her homework and cared enough about making this book as real as possible via the language. While reading, I truly felt as if I had been transported back in time! I always love when the author takes the time to write in the language relevant to that time. 

Also, the characters weren't that bad either. I'll admit, Cecily is not what I normally like and although I didn't love her, I didn't hate her, which is weird considering I normally don't like those with her personality. She's a spoiled rotten little priss pot, but for some reason I found her misery and the way she talked to be kind of funny. She was so overdramatic that it was humorous. Gwenny, is the complete opposite of her. Since I only got about half-way through the book, I haven't read too much about her, but from what I have read she is fiercely loyal and defiant. 

Why I DNF: 

1. 

While its writing is perhaps its greatest strength, it is also perhaps its greatest weakness. Don't get me wrong, as I said before, I love when the author takes the time to write in the language relevant to that time, but it could've been taken down a notch. There were too many words that I had a hard time understanding. Normally, context clues are more than enough, but in this case, sometimes they were not.

2. 

Another reason I didn't care for this is because it was not what I was expecting. Normally, even in historical fiction books, I like my characters strong and defiant and if they know how to wield a weapon, all the better. I expected scandals. Not to mention, a hot male lead definitely wouldn't hurt. That's not what happens. Cecily is taken from her home to live in Wales. So far, it is mostly her complaining and trying to fit in. I guess from the synopsis that there would be more action. I figured the fighting would have started by now. But, alas, it has not.

3. 

However, my main reason for not finishing this book, is the lack of direction and plot. Normally, the book is leading somewhere. There is a mystery to solve, or something to find, but I couldn't figure out the plot to this book. What's the point of this book? What are these characters looking for? What are they striving towards? I'll admit, I'm impatient. I like my action to start right from the beginning. I got 46% through and I still don't know exactly what is supposed to happen. This feels more like a biography than a story. Normally, even if I don't like the characters of a book, if the plot is still interesting, I'll continue to read it and vice versa. However, this time neither the characters nor plot are phenomenal enough to keep me going. I think this lack of plot is what really pushed me away. 

Overall:

This book wasn't a book that I wanted to throw across the room or anything, its just not one that I wanted to hug either. I encourage those who like heavy historical fiction and girls that really fit into that time period (prissy, rich girls) to read this. Will I pick this up again? I hope so. I'll just have to do it when I have a lot of time that I can dedicated to it.

All the best ♥

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Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould

Cross My Heart
by Sasha Gould
Pages: 262
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Source: Netgalley
Format: Ebook


Rating: I liked it


Goodreads Synopsis: 
When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.


My Review:

In a city of secrets, what is yours worth?

     
That is the sentence that first drew me to this book. Secrets? Maybe its the gossip lover in me, but that sounds fascinating. 


Cover Love:


I am totally loving the cover. It gorgeous and fits the book perfectly! The mask of Venice, the sinister smoke, its just beautiful. 

Beauty Abounds:

One aspect of this book that really drew me in was the author’s beautiful and enticing descriptions. It has been a while since I’ve been to Venice, but her language brought all of those images back to me. Venice truly is a beautiful city and I can only imagine how beautiful it must have been then with all the masquerade balls and glittering dresses. 

Not much character love:

I liked Laura well enough, but she wasn’t memorable. As I’m writing this, I don’t even really remember much of her personality! Don’t get me wrong, I liked her, just wasn’t saying “Go Laura!” throughout the book. I guess indifferent is a good word to describe my feelings towards her.

But I did like Giacomo. He’s not seen very much throughout the book but Laura’s descriptions of him made me swoon a bit. It wasn't so much he himself that made him intriguing, but how Laura describes him. And he’s Italian…so he’s automatically pretty hot. However, as with Laura, I can’t remember his personality too much except that he was kind and always had humor in his eyes. Now, grant it, I am writing this review almost 2 weeks after I read it, but most books can still resonate with me that long afterwards.

Engaging Plot:

While I was indifferent to the main character, the plot was very intriguing. With the death of her sister, she will now be set to marry her sister’s fiancée, someone she doesn’t love. In order to get out of the marriage she meets with a secret society of women, the Segreta, who help her in situation. However, there is always a price to be paid.

I love secret societies. If the description mentions it, I’m almost guaranteed to give it a shot. And this one was interesting. I like that it was a way of female empowerment. While men may lead the society of Venice on the outside, the women truly lead it behind the scenes. Their secrets and gossiping ways are what rule this society. Make the wrong person mad and your status plummets. Scandalous, isn’t it? I love scandal ;)

Well…I wasn’t expecting that:

While the plot was still interesting, I wasn’t….in love with it. Yes, it kept me interested and I wanted to know what happened I just wasn’t “OMG WHATS GONNA HAPPEN?!?!”. This plot had a more subdued feel to it. However, at the end was when I was like “What?!”. I'll be honest, I didn't really know who was the "villain" here. However, the "villain" was not even someone that was on my list of possibilities! And because of this twist, I ended up enjoying it a lot more. I must say that I was indeed shocked! Also, the whole thing with Giacomo surprised me to! I love when a book has twists or shocking reveals. 

Overall:

Cross My Heart is a beautifully written story that takes place in the heart of Venice. The descriptive writing ensnares you in its beauty and culture. While I didn’t fall in love with the characters, it was the twists in the story that really drew my attention.

People that will enjoy it:

Those that like a more subdued feel to a book, light historical fiction (as in not a ton a scandal or intrigue, just some), and beautiful writing language. 

All the best,

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The Silver Sea by Julia Golding

The Silver Sea 
by Julia Golding
Release Date: October 1, 2010
Pages: 334
Format: Hardback
Source: Library 
★★★★



Goodreads Synopsis: 
A raid on a Viking village leaves 16-year-old Freydis seriously injured and her older brother Toki taken prisoner by the attacking pirates. When their father returns to what is left of the village, he gives Freydis an African slave, who is called Blue Man for his blue-black skin. Freydis and Blue Man are left with a neighboring tribe while her father pursues the pirates. Toki manages to escape, but he, Freydis, and Blue Man are set on a collision course with the pirate king. This engaging historical tale features plenty of rousing adventure and some hard truths about love—both familial and romantic. There are also passages that encourage readers to be tolerant of cultures other than their own. Golding includes a brief author’s note that describes the historical facts at the root of the story and a short glossary that helps with the characters’ references to Norse mythology. This addition to the growing number of Norse and Viking tales will be enjoyed by fans of Judson Roberts’ Strongbow Saga or Tim Severin’s Odinn’s Child


My Review: 

After Freydis’ village is attacked while her father is away, she is injured and her brother is taken captive. Upon her father’s return Freydis and her newly bought slave Enno embark on a journey to save Toki. On this journey they learn about friendship, family, love and overcoming their differences.

   Freydis may seem fragile but she has a quiet strength, something I came to love. She was resourceful, admirable and had spirit, especially when it came to her father. Her father didn’t care about her at all. In fact, he was disgusted by her because he thought she wasn’t really his daughter and it didn't help that during this time period women were worthless. He only cared about his son. There were many times that I wanted to jump into the book and defend her myself! But she took it in stride and knew that there were others that cared about her.

Toki was defiant and stubborn but good-natured with an insatiable sense of curiosity. He loved his sister dearly and stuck up for her when her father wasn’t kind to her. The love between him and Freydis was incredibly touching. They would do anything for each other, including crossing the frigid seas and fighting pirates to save each other.

However, although I care about Freydis and Toki, I loved Enno! His personality and actions definitely made this book for me. Stubborn, bold, intelligent, yet kind and philosophical. A slave who doesn’t act like a slave. And his love for Freydis? Incredibly sweet. No one can control him yet he has a soft spot for Freydis. He knows what its like to be treated badly and so he feels for her when her father treats her that way. This is a level that they  connect on and this makes their love for each other blossom.

  Their journey is a hard one but one they get through together. There is action and adventure and pirates (something that always makes a book better)! While nothing incredibly new, I liked the journey. I liked going on this adventure with them, if not for the adventure itself, then for watching the characters devotion for each other.

  I also liked that this story is realistic. That ending?! I almost cried….I don’t cry during books. However, I loved the ending. Of course I want a happy ending, but I also love realistic endings. They make the book more, well….real. There was something beautiful about the book, especially the characters attitudes toward it. Yes it was heartbreaking, but beautiful.

  The Silver Sea is a beautiful story about friendship, heartbreak and family. Their journey isn’t easy, but not impossible so long as they work together. This is a great piece of historical fiction with characters that you can’t help but admire. 


P.S. Happy Valentines Day!! ♥

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Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet 
by A. C. Gaughen
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 304
Format: e-book
Source: ARC via Netgalley
★★★★★







Goodreads: 
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.



My Review:
*I had such a hard time trying to find the words to write this review. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I loved it so much I just couldn't find the words for it! Whatever the reason, here it is :) 


Everybody's heard the story of Robin Hood. Steals from the rich, gives to the poor. Its been done many, many times with slightly different takes. However, its never been told like this before. You know that guy Will Scarlet? Yeah, well "he" happens to be a "she" which makes for a pretty freakin awesome story! 


Characters really make the story for me and these characters were amazing. Their all loyal, honorable and noble and would do anything for each other. 


Scarlet is one kick-butt girl...literally. I would be absolutely terrified if I ever made her angry. She's a rough and tough girl a la Alanna from Tamora Pierce's Tortall Series and I absolutely loved her. I loved her independence, determination and spirit. Scarlet is living in a time when all women were good for was birthin babies and this is NOT what she wants. Therefore, she feels the need to prove herself and doesn't want to show her girl side because she thinks the men won't take her seriously.


   Although I loved her determination to prove herself, these were sometimes the instances that she bugged me. She didn't realize that the band liked her for who she was, woman or not. The band was a brotherhood that would do anything for each other, Scarlet included. However, she always tries to put on a face and prove herself and her independence, when deep down, she really cares about the band and is very honorable and incredibly loyal. I would want her to have my back any day. But she's a girl with secrets...big secrets. These secrets actually make her who she is today. I can't say to much without giving stuff away, but her past truly was heart-breaking and I felt all the emotions right along with her.


Robin....*swoon*. This guy is hot by default. He's honorable, loyal, caring, and did I mention HOT? Robin is the leader of the group, but not the dictator. He listens to others in his group and they all come up with plans together. However, perhaps one of his most honorable aspects is that he sees the good in people, especially Scarlet. Rob just wants to show her how good she is, even when she can't see it herself (which is quite often). 


The band was a brotherhood that would do anything for each other which is extremely honorable (yeah, I know I've used that word a hundred times, but whatever works, right?). They've all seen death and destruction in their lives, they've even done it themselves, and they do what they do to atone for what they've done. 


And Gisbourne?! This guy is CRAZY! I'm not even sure what words I can use to describe him. Cruel? Vile? Just plain freakin crazy? Like seriously dude? Your gonna go through all that trouble for that reason? I know your pride was hurt but come on!! (Read the book to find out what I'm talking bout :P) 


Warning now: the writing is kind of weird. As in, its not proper English. But what do you expect? They're thieves! So personally, it didn't bother me. It became second nature after a while and added to the story to make it more authentic.


I absolutely love Gaughen's interesting new take on an old tale. It was creative and brilliant. Her version of this story made me fall even more in love with the tale of Robin Hood. While definitely staying true to the heart of the story, she gave it her own dash of spice. It was both beautifully romantic and action packed at the same time. She made my emotions run high right along with the characters, which is something I truly treasure in a book. 


This book is filled with action, romance, secrets, and kick-butt but loyal and honorable characters that are all special in their own way. Not to mention a pretty crazy bad villain. This book takes an old tale and gives it a new twist that makes it even better than the original in my book. Fans of the old tale, historical fiction, and tough female characters will truly enjoy this, though I'll recommend it to anyone that will listen :) 


P.S. I LOVE that cover! 

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