The Bird and The Blade by Megan Bannen

The Bird and the Blade
by Megan Bannen
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

As a slave in the Kipchak Khanate, Jinghua has lost everything: her home, her family, her freedom … until she finds herself an unlikely conspirator in the escape of Prince Khalaf and his irascible father as they flee from their enemies across the vast Mongol Empire. On the run, with adversaries on all sides and an endless journey ahead, Jinghua hatches a scheme to use the Kipchaks’ exile to return home, a plan that becomes increasingly fraught as her feelings for Khalaf evolve into a hopeless love.

Jinghua’s already dicey prospects take a downward turn when Khalaf seeks to restore his kingdom by forging a marriage alliance with Turandokht, the daughter of the Great Khan. As beautiful as she is cunning, Turandokht requires all potential suitors to solve three impossible riddles to win her hand—and if they fail, they die.

Jinghua has kept her own counsel well, but with Khalaf’s kingdom—and his very life—on the line, she must reconcile the hard truth of her past with her love for a boy who has no idea what she’s capable of ... even if it means losing him to the girl who’d sooner take his life than his heart.

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When I saw the The Bird and the Blade is based on an opera, I thought uh oh. I admit I love bittersweet endings (I'm still not over Uncontrollably Fond or Scarlet Heart Ryeo) but I knew I would have to be prepared. I'm not sure if I've ever heard of an opera not having causalities. I enjoyed The Bird and The Blade to be a rich story along with the tears.

I loved the fact that the characters are Mongolian. After I saw Mulan, I actually did a lot of research on the Mongolian Empire because I found it really interesting. It's a section of history you know about but don't necessarily get a lot of information about. I loved how this story tied some of that in. I did find some of the politics confusing at first and I did appreciate the glossary of who was who. I had to refer to it a little.

I loved the characters. All interesting in their own way and unique in the way they are shaped by their experiences. It's a different kind of romance as well. One that can endear tragedy. It's a beautiful story and I think it held on to that opera quality while making into novel form.

Megan Bannen is a librarian and the author of THE BIRD AND THE BLADE. In her spare time, she collects graduate degrees from Kansas col-leges and universities. While most of her professional career has been spent in public libraries, she has also sold luggage, written grants, and taught English at home and abroad. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, their two sons, and a few too many pets with literary names. She can be found online at www.meganbannen.com.

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Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Tile: Love & Luck by
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 8, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admitted-ly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.


That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

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Love and Luck is a really cute story. That not only deals with heartbreak but also family dynamics.

Love and Luck found a soft spot in me. I have three older brothers myself so seeing the family dynamics made my heart happy. Just so much like my own family. My two oldest brothers are 12 and 10 years older than me. So they kind of paired off, so if there is something to discuss about me. I wouldn’t doubt they would talk to each other. The younger of the three is closer in age to me so we were the pairing. It just happens that way. Which he had a falling out and haven’t spoken in a while. A long while. So Ian and Addie felt very familiar. Their trip to Ireland just reminded me of a time when the all of us went on a trip together and my oldest brother was throwing peanuts at my head on the airplane (planes were different back then). So I absolutely loved how much family is a part of the story. Especially the sibling conflict. Everything seems so much more dramatic sometimes and as you grow older you change and I thought this story captured this perfectly.

Addie’s secret is one of those that you can picture happening. Once you find it out you just keep thinking of all the consequences of it. I loved that she finds the Guide for the Heartbroken and uses it as a way to heal. Nothing is perfect but it definitely helped keep her mind off of things.

So I thought the interactions between Addie and Rowan are cute but I loved the relationship of the three more. I just enjoyed the story so much that I didn’t need anything else. They were all finding themselves in their own way.

It’s a great story and just has that uniqueness about it to make it something you want to keep reading. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the story.

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times Bestselling author of LOVE & GELATO and the upcoming LOVE & LUCK.

When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and two young children.

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Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Royals
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Published: May 1st 2018 by Penguin Random House
Buy: Amazon | B&N

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.

I adored Royals!! I’m not the biggest contemporary reader so for a contemporary book to be in the love category for me. It has to have that something special. I loved the uniqueness of the story and the wonderfully beautiful setting. Also that fairytale-esque story to it, that had some Pride and Prejudice vibes.

I like that this a story about sisters. Ellie is the sister who is prim and proper and born to be a queen. That is how Daisy sees her, where Daisy loves to stand out. Not in the, I want to be in the tabloids way, but in the way that she isn’t afraid to be who she is. When her life is uprooted and she is whisked away to Scotland in order to keep her from causing anymore “scandal” she has to struggle to fit into her sisters new world. Although it seems like the sisters, can be sisters, and often fight. I think they both start to see what the other has to go through. As far as one being in the public eye by choice and one being in it as a side effect. It was great to see it develop.

I think I always love stories that take place in other countries. Maybe that’s what the fantasy reader in me that looks for that in a contemporary. I love the descriptions of Scotland from the beautiful landscapes to the castles. Who doesn’t want to go to a castle.

I liked the tie in with the tabloids, the Royal Wreckers and the overall drama involved in that. Which is the cause of most of Daisy’s grief. She is someone who isn’t necessarily prepared for that kind of exposure.

The romance is so sweet. I kept thinking of Miles as having a little bit of Darcy in him. He is part of the Royal Wreckers but he is not annoying as some of them. None of them are really that horrible, really. Well maybe Seb is a little frustrating. Miles is a lot more low key and observant. Plus he is kind when he wants to be.

I really loved Royals and it’s such a fun story. I really recommend it and I’m so glad to have read it.

The Outcast by Taran Matharu

The Outcast (Summoner #4)
Author: Taran Matharu
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Enter an immersive world where the chosen few have the ability to summon de-mons...

Arcturus is just an orphaned stable boy when he discovers he has the ability to summon demons from another world. He is sent to Vocans Academy where the lost arts of summoning, spell craft and demonology are taught to the noble children of the Empire. As the first commoner gifted with this ability, his discovery challenges the nobility and the powers that be and Arcturus soon makes enemies. With no one but his demon Sacharissa by his side, Arcturus must prove himself as a worthy Summoner...

Set before the events of SUMMONER: The Novice this is the perfect introduction to the New York Times bestselling SUMMONER series.

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It’s been a long time since I’ve read The Summoner Series and I actually bought Battlemage but didn’t get a chance to read it. Reading The Outcast reminded me how much I really enjoy this series and that I want to go back and reread the whole thing now that I have a little different insight.

So even though The Outcast is the fourth book in the series it’s actually a prequell. It reads like a standalone but leaves you enough at the end that makes you want to go back and start from the beginning. It’s actually a perfect way to get a feel for the world and series before diving into Fletcher’s story. (I love Fletcher by the way so go back and read!)

We find ourselves with Arcturus in this story. He is a simple commoner. Someone who has been abused and looked past his entire life. He has never had a sense of belonging or the feeling of being loved. When Arcturus discovers he can summon, this is at a time when Nobles are able to do so. Throwing himself into a world that he once again is an Outcast. Not only that but the commoners are becoming restless with the cruel King and Arcturus could just be the key to overthrowing them. Arcturus walks that line however where he doesn’t really belong on either side.

I love watching Arcturus develop. You can tell that he is hesitant at first, not just with trusting people but with his confidence as well. As the story goes on we see him grow into this person that he is meant to be. Strong and loyal and finding friends but also family. The strongest with his bond with his demon Sancha.

The plot is great and interesting. We don’t spend the whole time at Vocans. Which is the school for summoners, we actually get to explore different parts of the country. Even get a little up close and personal time with the Orcs. It kind of reminded me a little bit of World of Warcraft, which if I can find a video game comparison a series has sold me. Ha ha. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s an adventure story of sorts. PIcking up people as they go along.

I love how the magic of Summoners works. Since they do start at the school, you get a great introduction to some of the simpler spells and how summoning works. As well as different demon types and even a brief introduction to the Ether.

I also really love that this is a series that I think my son would enjoy as well. I’m always happy to find one that I think will appeal to him. Especially when he gets a ittle older.

I really enjoyed The Outcast. I think if you haven’t read the series it’s a great introduction and will make you want to read Fletcher’s story as well. If you have read the series, I think it’s a great addition to the World.

Taran Matharu is a New York Times bestselling author. He was born in London in 1990 and found a passion for reading at a very early age. His love for stories devel-oped into a desire to create his own during early adolescence, beginning his first book at 9 years old.

Straight after graduating with a First Class degree in Business Administration, Taran was keen to explore a new avenue and get inside the publishing world, land-ing an internship in Digital Sales at Penguin Random House, from June to Septem-ber 2013.

Thereafter, while taking time off to travel, Taran began to write ‘Summoner’ in No-vember 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’.

Thanks to Wattpad.com and updating daily, its popularity dramatically increased, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months.

After being featured by NBC News, Taran decided to launch his professional writing career and has never looked back.

His SUMMONER series is published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Can-ada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey and Unieboek in the Netherlands.

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Unbreakable by Sara Ella

Unbreakable (Unblemished #3)
Author: Sara Ella
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Eliyana Ember is stranded in a foreign country in the Third Reflection with no passport, the inability to mirrorwalk, and zero clue where the nearest Thresholds back into the Fourth or Second might lie. Her mind is a haze, her memories vague. She knows a wormhole from the Fourth sent her here. She remembers her mom and baby brother Evan. Makai and Stormy and Joshua . . .

Deep down El realizes she must end the Void once and for all. Is there a way to trap the darkness within its current vessel, kill it off completely? To do so would mean sacrificing another soul—the soul of a man Joshua claims is a traitor. But he’s lied to her before, and even El senses Joshua can’t be fully trusted, but one thing is certain . . .

The Void must be annihilated. And only the Verity—the light which birthed the darkness—can put an end to that which seeks to kill and destroy.

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10 Things Readers Don't Know about You

1. I have never stepped foot in NYC (despite the fact Unblemished begins there).

2. I think mayo is the most disgusting food (it’s not a food) on the planet.

3. I am terribly afraid of a certain creepy crawly bug—pincher bugs to some,
earwigs to others.

4. I have a huge crush on John Krasinski (and yes, my husband is aware).

5. I cannot watch horror movies (probably not even the recent one John Krasinski
did with his wife, even though I have a crush on him).

6. I am highly sensitive, empathetic, INFJ. Sneak upon me from behind me and I
will jump out of my skin. Every. Time.

7. My favorite Chinese food dish is chicken with snow peas in the white sauce,
which I have found is extremely hard to find. Only one restaurant near me serves
it.

8. I hate being cold.

9. I am allergic to most laundry detergents and have to use baby laundry detergent.

10. I have never read Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, or A Little Princess. But I own all of these books because I love the films, have watched them multiple times, and fully intend to get around to reading them . . . someday.

Once upon a time, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.

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Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Title: Sky in the Deep
Author: Adrienne Young
Published: April 24th 2018 by Wednesday Books

Seventeen-year-old Eelyn’s world is war. Raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen in a generations-old blood feud against the Riki, her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki if she wants to make it back to the fjord after the thaw. But when she begins to see herself in the people she’s been taught to hate, the world Eelyn once knew begins to crumble. And after the village is raided by a ruthless clan many believe to be a myth, Eelyn is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who has tried more than once to kill her. Together, they must end the blood feud between their clans or watch their people be slaughtered.

A lush, Viking-age inspired fantasy about loyalty, forgiveness, and the definition of family.

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Wow. When I started reading Sky in the Deep I couldn’t stop, I raced through the pages. The combo of the unique story as well as the characters had me riveted. Even when I finished reading, I did one of those. What was that awesome movie I watched, oh wait it was a book I read. I loved loved this book so much!

I loved Eelyn. She is this badass warrior and is fiercely loyal to her clan the Aska. It’s interesting to see her change and grow as she finds that things aren’t always what they seem. That hatred that she was taught isn’t necessarily right. I loved watching her develop as she struggled with the things she is supposed to hate but also the things she love and how could they be the same thing at times. Through Eelyn’s eyes we see her own traditions and how they differ from the Riki but are also very similar. She is just such a great character.

All the other characters are great two from Iri, who I had my own complicated feelings about. I could understand the conflict between the siblings. I have older brothers myself so I always think, how would I feel. Then of course Inge, Runa, Halvard and Fiske. (I love Fiske). They all have their special things about them that really just compliment the story.

What are great storyteller Adrienne Young is! The plot is fast moving, I never felt any lag. The fighting scenes were filled with action but not too overwhelming. It was the right amount for the story. You can’t have a book about warring clans without some blood. I actually like that the main characters are not exempt from getting harmed. The fighting season is a brutal time for these clans and it was definitely shown from both sides. I kept the Herja looking like the White Walkers from GOT. I honestly don’t even think they were described that way but it’s what my brain decided and could be swayed. In general though I could vividly picture all the settings and things happening. I really did feel like I had watched a movie.

Hate to love relationships are kind of my favorite type. I’m hoping there is lots of fanart for this book, because I would love to see art from this book.

I could rave all day how this a great read. I really did love it and I can not wait to see what Adrienne Young comes up with next.

Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.

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Tour Schedule:

4/1 Tour Stops

Review - Here’s To Happy Endings

Review  - Flyleaf Chronicles

Interview - Emily Reads Everything

Guest Post - A Backwards Story

4/8  Tour Stops

Interview -OMG Books and More Books

Review - Life of a LIterary Nerd

Review - Boundless Bookaholic

Review - Avid Reader Diary

4/15  Tour Stops

Review - Hopeful Reads

Excerpt- The Hermit Librarian

Review  -Dani Reviews Things

Review - Aimee, Always

4/22 Tour Stops

Review - Library of a Book Witch

Review - Pretty Deadly Review

Interview - Bookstacks Amber

Review - A Gingerly Review

4/29 Tour Stops

Guest Post - Sarcasm and Lemons

Review - A Thousand Words and A Millions Books

Interview - Tween 2 Teen Books

Review - A Book and A Cup of Coffee

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Isle of Blood and Stone
Author: Makiia Lucier
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy


Ulises asked, "How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers."

Elias reached across the table and flicked aside two shells with a fingertip. The map curled into itself. "It's bound to be a goose chase. You know that?"

"Or a treasure hunt," Ulises countered, "and you've always been good at those."

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expe-dition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.

The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beauti-ful cousin by his side-whether he wants her there or not-Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn.

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I love maps and I love puzzles, which can both be found in Isle of Blood and Stone. I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

I love the relationship between the three main characters! Elias is an explorer and map maker. He has a wanderlust spirit that makes him curious about all things. Ulises is the King but also cares deeply about his best friend, Elias, and his cousin, Mercedes. He is very kind and I love the respect he has for others. Then of course Mercedes, who has to deal with the inequality for being a woman and prejudice against her from being half Mondragan. She’s a very strong, clever and observant. The three of them make the perfect team and I Iove how they work together and their relationship.

The romance is so cute!!! I love when two characters already have the basics of the relationship established when you start reading. It’s not a main focus of the book at all but Elias and Mercedes have been friends since children. They are not children anymore and I loved the cuteness of them kind of circling around what they actually feel for one another.

I loved this plot!! It’s a book, so I immediately suspect everyone when there is a riddle to be solved. The only people I didn’t suspect were the people who were either babies or not born at the time the original crime was committed. I loved the way the investigation is carried out in Isle of Blood and Stone. Following maps that are filled with clues, finding pieces that end up leading the complete puzzle. I also like how Elias and Mercedes both worked together and separately. Even though the POV is mostly Elias. We do get some of Mercedes as well and they end up at the same conclusions but take different routes to get there. It’s actually pretty interesting. Even though I started to suspect certain things, the motivations weren’t necessarily completely clear. It was enough not knowing to keep you reading and make it interesting when things are revealed.

The ending is perfect. When everything starts coming together. It’s not easy, where the villain is unmasked while tied up like a scooby doo cartoon. There are still obstacles that they have to overcome in order to catch them. Also they have to deal with the aftermath of everything they have learned. This is my favorite part, it doesn’t just fade to black, crime solved. We get to see the emotions of the characters as they figure out what to do with the information and how it will change their perspectives in the future.

For being a Fantasy it’s not the kind that has some big action and battle scenes. This one is more about the mystery, the maps and politics. Which I like to read both kinds.

I really enjoyed Isle of Blood and Stone. I’ll be excited to see what the next book features.

Makiia is the author of historical fiction and historical fantasy for young adults. She grew up on the Pacific Island of Guam (not too far from the equator), and has de-grees in journalism and library science from the University of Oregon and the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Her debut novel, A Death-Struck Year, was called a "powerful and disturbing read-ing experience" by Publishers Weekly. It was a finalist for Germany's top book prize for children, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, as well as Japan's Sakura Medal, and was named an ABC Best Books for Children Selection by the American Booksellers Association.

Her second novel, Isle of Blood and Stone, will be available in Spring 2018.

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