The Goddess Legacy (The Goddess Test #2.5) by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Legacy (The Goddess Test #2.5)
by Aimee Carter
Pages: 395
Source: Netgalley
Format: ebook


Rating: I really liked it


Goodreads Synopsis: 


For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aime e Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness....

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal....

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another....

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others-but never knew true loss before....

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope....

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages.


My Review:


I was actually rather surprised I like this book as much as I did. Reading these novellas gave me a new appreciation for the characters and helped me reach a greater understanding of why they are like they are. It was raw and beautiful and heartbreaking. I always loved mythology and while I knew about the drama surrounding the gods, this takes it to a whole new level. This doesn't sugar coat the heartbreak or damage these characters went through. There wasn't always that "happy ending" they were hoping for. While I may not have always agreed with their actions, at least I could understand "why". 


Hera:


 It's not surprising that I despised Hera in the first two books. She was mean, vindictive and jealous. But after reading this book, I can't help but feel so incredibly sad for her. In the previous books, we always see her as the villain, when in reality she is also the victim. While I don't agree with many of her decisions and I do believe her own pride, jealousy and love for power helped shape her, the actions of many others, especially Zeus, made her who she is. All she wanted was to trust in him and he threw it back in her face. While I feel bad for her, I do believe she could have made better choices. However, reading her story helped me come to a better understanding of how she came to be. 


Aphrodite: 


  Aphrodite's story is of how she really came to be Hephesteus' husband and Ares lover. While most of the other gods/goddesses don't get a happy ending, Aphrodite gets everything she wants. I enjoyed her story and how she comes to learn about the different types of love, but ultimately, she's spoiled rotten and I believe Hephaestus deserved someone so much better. 


Persephone:


  I have a feeling this novella was supposed to make me feel bad for her, and while on one hand I do feel bad for her arranged marriage, ultimately I found her selfish. She could have easily made better choices, yet every single one was out of pure selfishness. I understand that she wanted to be happy, but she never even gave Henry or the Underworld a chance. One day doesn't count. After that first day she just gave up which wasn't fair to him. Then, every decision after that was so that she could be happy, and while I wanted her to be happy, it shouldn't have been at the expense of everyone else. She would constantly feel guilty and say how good Henry was, yet never gave him a chance. Ultimately, I think I came to hate her more. 


James:


  In James' story, you get to meet new characters and I found them refreshing. I felt bad for him because he became the scapegoat for the Persephone fiasco and all he wanted was his family to care about him again. I liked learning more about his affair with Persephone and how that affected his relationships with his family, especially Henry. And I love how he ultimately becomes the hero. 


Henry:


   Other than Hera's story, Henry's was the most heartbreaking. I did like him in the previous books but I've come to love him in this one. He's such a great guy, probably the best of all the gods/goddesses, and he deserves a happy ending. He not constantly trying to one up the others or manipulate them or hurt them in any way like the rest do to each other. He's the kindest one with the best heart and to be honest, I wanted to jump in there and give him a hug. We get to learn about his decision to fade and how it affects him. After his story, I can only hope that he finally get the happy ending he deserves in the third and final book.


Overall:


   What I ultimately loved about this book was how all the little details tied together between these stories and the previous books. I love that I got a better understanding of them and their actions, even if I didn't agree with all their decisions. Carter is a great writer and each person and voice was distinctly different and well-written. I think, even if you didn't absolutely love the previous books, you'll still definitely enjoy this. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

  


  

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Book Trailer: The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1) by Lisa M. Stasse

While I'm not one for book trailers, I'll admit I liked this one :) I'm actually really excited about this book! First off, she's got a "high capacity for violence" so that means 

action! I'm already interested. Add in a freaky island, crazy

 machines and wacked-up criminals? Count me in!

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis:

A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy.

As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

So what do y'all think? Are y'all excited for this book? Have y'all already read it? Let me know in the comments below! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Waiting on Wednesday (18)

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

This week, what better way than to do a WoW and cover reveal at the same time? So, without further ado, I'm eagerly waiting on:

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 19, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Clockwork Princess, Tessa and her companions travel all over the world as they race to stop the clockwork army before it’s too late. As Jem’s health worsens alarmingly and his friends search desperately for a cure, can Tessa choose between the two boys she loves—even if it means never seeing the other one again?

Why I'm waiting:

OMG!!!!!!!! I AM IN LOVE WITH THAT COVER!!!!! XD 

Okay, now on to the actual book. I absolutely love the Infernal Devices series, actually much more than her original series. And JEM! Oh good Lord do I love that man! If she breaks his heart I plan on jumping in that book and breaking her nose. No lie. That boy's been through enough and still has a positive outlook and so much life in him left and goodness! He deserves a happy ending. 

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? Do y'all like the cover? Are y'all looking forward to Clockwork Princess? Let me know in the comments below!


And don't forget to check out my 6 Month Giveaway. International!

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina (Seraphina #1)
by Rachel Hartman
Pages: 464
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley
Release Date: July 10, 2012


Rating: Loved it!!


Goodreads Synopsis:


Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.


My Review:


Beautiful, captivating, and richly detailed, Seraphina is wonderful coming of age story...with dragons. 


   The characters throughout this book were simply wonderful. Seraphina is such a strong-minded, capable and resourceful young girl. Kigg's happiness was contagious and his brilliant mind was worthy of praise. Glisselda was so innocent yet hardworking and Orma was simply and wonderfully complex. Yet what was so extraordinary about all these characters were their flaws. You get a raw view of each character and their fears. It's all out in the open, yet that's what made it so beautiful. They weren't perfect, but I didn't want them to be. This story was about them learning about who they are and learning to accept it, flaws and all. 


  The world itself is rich and complex, yet easily read. The pacing wasn't fast, but it certainly wasn't slow and agonizing. It was the perfect journey, like taking your time to drink the perfect cup of coffee. The plot had a simple beauty to it, yet it was so wondrously complex. 


  The dragons in this book were a phenomenal mix of the well-known and the unknown. Don't worry, you get your fire-breathing, town-destroying action. But these dragons aren't all about plundering villages. These dragons can fold themselves into human-shapes and value knowledge above all else. They believe emotions add unnecessary baggage and only wish to gain knowledge. What was so intriguing about them was watching their awful attempts of humans customs. Honestly, it was like waiting for a train wreck to happen. Watching these dragons try and grasp an understanding of human nature and emotions was like watching Sheldon try and understand social customs. 

 Oh, Sheldon.

But the underlying theme of love and acceptance is what truly makes this a beautiful book. These characters aren't without problems but its how they overcome these problems that make them so utterly wonderful. 

Overall:


  This book is a beautiful story about accepting who you are, no matter what makes you different. Seraphina is such an honest, open book with a richly complex world and simply fantastic characters. It's creativity and beauty are astounding and truly worthy of praise. 

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Stacking the Shelves (1)

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


Don't forget to check out my 6 month giveaway! 


Bought:

Eon (Eon #1)

by Alison Goodman

That cover is the baddest of the bad-ass! Add in an awesome sounding plot and you've got me hooked! Besides, I'm a sucker for a goo "girl masquerading as a boy" storyline.

Nightshade (Nightshade #1)

by Andrea Cremer

I actually already read this and I did like it. However, I hated Shay. With a burning passion. I actually already reviewed this one but I deleted it because every time I go back I keep finding more stuff wrong with the book and I didn't feel that the review really got my feelings across. So look for a new review coming up soon! 

Well, I think that's everything I got this week. There isn't a Barnes & Noble close to us so that prevents me from spending all my money on books. Which can be a good thing for a girl on a budget XD

So 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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Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
by Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 338
Source: Gift
Format: Hardback


Rating: I liked it/Really liked it


Goodreads Synopsis:


Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting asThe Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices,Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.


My Review:




This is one of those reviews that is really hard to write. Not because I loved it so much I simply can't find the words to describe its awesomeness, and not because I have such a burning hatred for it that my language would become less than ladylike. No, this is one book that while reading I was completely engrossed. I was completely immersed in it that I breathed it in like life itself. And then it ended. And I was left....wanting.


The writing is annoying. The writing is addicting.


Look. You're either going to love the writing, or hate it with the passion of a thousand fiery suns. Just a fact of life. Lucky for me, I loved it! Now that I look back, I think it was the writing that kept me so interested. Don't get me wrong, the story is fascinating, but the writing was beautiful and unique and fitting. Juliette is a broken girl and the writing reflected that. Think Blood Red Road meets Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Although there are broken sentences and the rules of grammar don't exactly apply (a la Blood Red Road), it's beautiful prose (a la Smoke and Bone) makes it addicting. Yes, there are major differences between these books, but if you can handle the writing in both of those, then you can handle this. While perhaps disconcerting at first, after a while it just flows together. 


Characters:


I actually liked Juliette. At the beginning. She's such a broken girl and I just wanted to give her a big 'ol hug. But there was a quiet strength to her. A battle within herself that she didn't give up on. But I think the thing I loved most about her is that, even when everyone turned on her, even when everyone wanted to lock her up, she still loved humanity. Part of me hated her for it because she kept blaming herself even though it wasn't her fault. But her continuing faith in people was admirable. 


I also liked Adam and I actually liked their relationship. At first. Well, really throughout it was rather sweet. Its sort of insta-love and at the same time it isn't. I can't describe it without spoilers but it is actually incredibly sweet. He's a great guy that truly cares about Juliette and wants to take care of her.


And Warner is....a psychopath. But that's what makes him a good villain! I'm talking really crazy. But, and I know I'm going to get a lot of flack for this, I feel bad for him. Yes, I understand he's got a few loose screws, well, a lot of loose screws, but we get these little glimpses of reasons why he's like that. We don't get much, but you get to learn that maybe his past wasn't that great and made him like that. I actually want to learn why he is like he is. Maybe is the psychology lover in me or just the fact that I obviously watch to much Criminal Minds (Morgan = ♥). 


Ah...but here's where the unbelievable part comes in. Juliette has been in prison for almost a year, and all of a sudden she gets out and becomes some kind of sex kitten? Um....no. I don't believe it works like that. While reading I lapped it up! Come on, you gotta admit those shower scenes are pretty steamy ;) but not really believable. So...I kind of have a love hate relationship with it. On one hand, I loved it. Tension is always good XD but I just couldn't understand it. 


Another thing that bugged me. A HUGE sense of Deja Vú. This felt like a dead ringer for X-men. Which isn't a bad thing considering the fact that I love X-men (Wolverine anyone?), I just really hope that it veers off that path. I know it says that in the synopsis, but its almost too close. I don't mind the X-men like powers, I just hope it can remain unique in it's plot. 


Also, I know those who abhor lack of world-building will have a hard time with this book. It isn't exactly the best as setting up the world, more along the lines of just dropping you into it. For me, I can accept it. Do I like world building and would I like to know how it came to be? Of course. But its also fantasy and therefore, not the most important thing. However, I'll admit that I do wish there was more. 


cover lust Cover hate


I know most of you are going to kill me but....
I hate that cover. Well, at least the model. The title and background are absolutely perfect and applicable to the story, but the model! Ugh....normally I'm a sucker for the cover model books, but this one is just a no. First off, what's with that look? She's trying to look all tough and "I'm so cool with my power of death!" but comes across as vaguely confused and constipated. And that dress? All that peplum is in the wrong place! And there is way to much! The top of the dress is simple and elegant but then it's like BAM! Chiffon explosion! NOT GOOD! 


Overall:


While reading this book, I loved it. I devoured it. But after reading I felt....odd. I looked back and found a lot of things wrong with it. While I liked the characters, the whole prisoner turned Miss Desirable wasn't believable though definitely steamy. Also, while the plot was interesting, I also had a huge sense of Deja Vú. But the writing is just so beautiful. 

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Happy Independence Day and 6 month Giveaway!!

♥Happy Fourth of July♥

Happy Independence Day! This is a day to celebrate the birth of our nation and remember and thank all those who have fought for us so that we can remain an independent nation. I hope all y'all have a great day BBQing and watching fireworks and don't forget to thank a soldier XD

However, today isn't just Independence Day. I've now officially been blogging for 6 months! Woot!! I started this blog on January 4, 2012 and I've had such a blast! I want to thank all of y'all that have stuck with me thus far. You have no idea how much your comments make me smile :D So, because I appreciate y'all so much, and in honor of our freedom to read, I'm doing a 6 month giveaway!!

So what can you win? 

I decided to pick some of my favorite books from my favorite genre:

Fantasy!


*Will ship from Book Depository
*International as long as Book Depository ships to you!

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

by Leigh Bardugo

Blurb from my review:

"This is high fantasy at its best. I adored all the characters. I loved Alaina's imperfections and the fact that she grows so much throughout the book. While I may be coveting after the alluring Darkling, I'm simply swooning over the perfection that is Mal. The world is incredibly unique and beautiful in its own terrifying way and the plot is simply addicting"

The False Prince (The Ascendence Trilogy #1)

by Jennifer Nielsen

Blurb from my review:

"This book is fantastic. If you read this book for no other reason, read it for Sage's voice. Even if the synopsis doesn't grip you, his voice will. He's roughish and strong-headed and clever, but has a kind heart worthy of swoon."

The Demon King (Seven Realms #1)

by Cinda Williams Chima

Blurb from my review:

"It is ripe with action, love, political intrigue, twists, turns and betrayals." This is such a fantastic fantasy series! Fantastic characters, incredible world-building, and complex yet intriguing plot.  

Alanna: The First Adventure

by Tamora Pierce

I read this before I started blogging and haven't done a review for it, but this is one series that got me started on the fantasy genre. It's rich and powerful and a must-read for all fantasy lovers. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

I just wouldn't feel right talking about my favorite fantasies without talking about Harry Potter. I know almost everyone out there has read this, but if your one of those people who has been hesitant to pay for it, what better way to see what everyone else is talking about than a free book? ;)

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

by Robin LaFevers

Assassin. That's all you need to know. 

Poison Study (Poison Study #1)

by Maria V. Snyder

This is the first book of Snyder's that I read and ever since I've been hooked on all her books. They are just simply fantastically done! And there's Valek *swoon*

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)

by Rick Riordan 

I don't think I've ever read such fun, adventurous and humorous books. I was constantly laughing and had my heart pumping throughout a good majority of the book. All the characters are fun and unique and hug-worthy. The incorporation of Greek Mythology and all the craziness it entails is just icing on the cake XD

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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