Shadow

Author: Jenny Moss

Summary: (goodreads) In a time of kings, queens, and conspiracy, it's impossible to know whom one can trust. . . .

In a kingdom far away and long ago, it was prophesied at her birth that the queen would die before her sixteenth birthday. So Shadow, an orphan girl the same age as the young queen, was given the duty to watch her every move. And as prophesies do tend to come true, the queen is poisoned days before her birthday. When the castle is thrown into chaos, Shadow escapes with a young knight, whom she believes was betrothed to the queen.

Unsure of why she is following Sir Kenway, but determined to escape as far as possible from the castle, her long-time prison, Shadow sets off on an adventure with the handsome knight who has been charged with protecting her. As mystery builds, and romantic tension does, too, Shadow begins to wonder what her role in the kingdom truly is. Soon, she learns, it is up to her to save her land.

Jenny Moss's novel is a lyrical, fast-paced adventure filled with mystery, magic, honor, and romance that will lead readers on an incredible journey.

Review: I love fairytale books, so I looked forward to reading this book, but I feel like the vividness of the scenes could have been stronger. The main character isn't actually the most likable which is kind of a different view and the romance is slow to develop, but I feel that it was a good thing because it seemed more realistic. The way in which relationships and human qualities are portrayed ring true to real life and pretty much every single character was flawed in one way or another.

Rating: 1 2 3 3.5 4 5

Blog Tour: Mad Love

Welcome to today's book tour post! Thanks go to Bloomsbury for providing me with a review copy of this book which I throughly enjoyed. Read on and have a wonderful President's Day!

Author: Suzanne Selfors

Summary: (inside flap) Writing her own love story could drive a girl insane!

As the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life for sixteen-year-old Alice Amorous should be pretty good. But ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness, Alice has been forced to maintain a brave front--lying to her new crush, Tony; answering fan letters; forging her mother's signature; telling the publisher that all is well. Now time is running out, and so is their money. The next book is overdue and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs to deliver a new novel for her mother--and she needs to come up with one fast.

That's when she meets Errol, a strange guy claiming to be Cupid, who insists that Alice must write about his tragic romance with Psyche--the greatest love story of all time. Only, Alice doesn't believe in Cupid.

Review: One of the cutest books I've ever read, this book touches briefly on bipolar disorder, eating disorders, parent-child relationships and death while somehow keeping a light and sweet mood throughout.

Alice Amorous is a strong character able to pull off living her mother's life, but humanly vulnerable to also have to confront fears about her mother's love for Alice. Cupid's version of his life with Psyche is depressing, but the author manages to find the silver lining in all of Alice's problems.

Even though it wasn't too full of action, I was compelled to read it. I think the dialogue of this novel really stood out, setting up the characters and bringing them to life. The descriptions were good at setting the scene and painting the people involved.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Out now, I hope you decide to read it! :) Here are a few links about Mad Love:

http://www.suzanneselfors.com/madlove

Book Trailer!

Contest Alert! :)

Taschima Cullen at the BloodyBookaholic is holding a very big giveaway with over 30 books and four winners! Exciting, I know. But if you want a chance to win, then hurry because it ends February 16th which is TOMORROW! HERE

Oh and it is INTERNATIONAL

Song: Supa Luv

This valentine day's I'm obsessed with Teen Top's Supa Luv song. Hope you enjoy!

Artist: Teen Top

Language: Korean

About: This group recently debuted with six members. This is their second MV out and very catchy.

Here is the MV:

The False Princess

Author: Eilis O'Neal

Summary: (goodreads) Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.

Review: Love princess tales? I most certainly do! I'd place this book very high on my princess must-reads list because it was just one of the most entertaining. The characters are lovable and wonderfully cute. The plot turns and twists, but it can be a bit slow overall. I wasn't expecting much from this book for some reason, but it turned out to be a whole lot better that what I could have hoped for. I don't think you'll regret picking it up!

Keirnan can only be described as human, boyishly handsome, sweet and very crush-worthy in the midst of all the recently paranormal hot guys out there. The chemistry between him and Sinda is realistic and slowly developed to keep it natural. Sinda is a nice person with a couple of flaws that make her a character that the reader can relate to.

This book was just pleasing and wonderful. There was magic, adventure, a memorable setting, and a sweet romance.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 4.5 5