Review: Stain by A.G. Howard

Stain

Author: A.G. Howard

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retellings

Published: 15th January, 2019

Source/Publisher: Abrams/Amulet Books

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Summary

A high-fantasy gothic fairytale inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea.

Once upon a nightmare, her fairy tale begins…

After Lyra—a princess incapable of speech or sound—is cast out of her kingdom of daylight by her wicked aunt, a witch saves her life, steals her memories, and raises her in an enchanted forest … disguised as a boy known only as Stain. Meanwhile, in Lyra’s rival kingdom, the prince of thorns and night is dying, and the only way for him to break his curse is to wed the princess of daylight, for she is his true equal. As Lyra rediscovers her identity, an impostor princess prepares to steal her betrothed prince and her crown. To win back her kingdom, save the prince, and make peace with the land of the night, Lyra must be loud enough to be heard without a voice, and strong enough to pass a series of tests—ultimately proving she’s everything a traditional princess is not. 

REVIEW

Stain is a retelling of Princess and the Pea, and just happened to be the book I needed. After reading many YA fantasy books with the same premise and same tropes used in the same way, this was like a breath of fresh air.

God, I love this book.

Our main character Lyra is the princess of the Kingdom of Daylight, but she’s moon-touched, meaning she can’t walk in the sun without being burned. Vesper is the prince of the Kingdom of Night, dying from a curse/illness that courses through his veins, and the only person who can save him is Lyra. They are quite literally the night to each other’s day, equals in every way, and such fantastic characters. I loved the secondary characters too, Crony, Luce, and Scorch will always hold a place in my heart.

I must point out that in this moment, an hour after finishing the book, my mind is still reeling from everything that is this book. This is what I expect high fantasy to be, the world building was excellent from beginning to end, the curse and magic systems were complex but it adds so much to the story and I think I’m on a fairytale retelling high from reading Stain.

Normally, I’m able to kind of guess what the plot twists are in a book, and to some degree I’d get it right, but this threw me. I could not have guessed any of the plot twists, which was such a delight!

The writing was something I had to adjust to a little (again, doesn’t affect anything) but once I did everything flowed so perfectly. It’s written in third person and is reminiscent of actual fairytales, down to the magic and charm that flew off every page. AG Howard really out did herself with this one, and I will gladly pick up any books she writes because if I had to describe Stain in one word, it would be impossible because it was absolutely stunning.

4.5/5 stars!

If you love high-fantasy gothic fairytales, with an enchanting world, and a gorgeous cover? I mean, look at it! Then I highly recommend this book.

Happy reading,
Francine xo

Weekly Wrap-Up: 15-21st April ♡

Happy Easter, everybody! To those who celebrate and to those who don’t, I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend. I know I have because it’s not over yet! Monday’s a public holiday here in Australia, so I get to spend more time with my boyfriend and of course, reading!

Oooh, did I get some reading done this week! I’m still in the middle of trying to write out reviews for some of the books, as well as catch up on back logged reviews that I should have written ages ago.

I think I’ve kind of, maybe slightly broken out of my fantasy slump – and that’s me jumping up and down, cheering because I finished one YA fantasy book… one. Yes, that’s how bad it’s gotten. Oh well, onto more interesting things: here are the books I read this week! I’m also going to try out a new layout for this just to see what works better, let me know what you think!

➸ Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)

Author: Susan Dennard
Series: The Witchlands
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: ❤❤❤❤

➸ Scary Hot

Author: K.D. Robichaux
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read my review here!

➸ Ache

Author: S.M. Soto
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Note: Review to come because this book ripped my heart out.

➸ Just Exes (Blue Beech #3)

Author: Charity Ferrell
Series: Blue Beech
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤

➸ The Roommate Agreement

Author: Emma Hart
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Rating: ❤❤❤

➸ Desperately Seeking Roommate

Author: Micalea Smeltzer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read my review here!

➸ Until Valerie

Author: Jessica Marin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
See my bookstagram post here!

➸ Until Mayhem

Author: Layla Frost
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤.5
Read my review here!

➸ A Perfect Wreck

Author: Mila Crawford & Aria Cole
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤.5

In case you were wondering that was nine whole books I read this week! I feel like I’m back on the reading train, devouring contemporaries the way I used to inhale fantasy books. Now all I’ve got to do is get back on the fantasy reading train and all will be right in the world again!

No audiobooks were listened to this week, but I did buy a new book on Tuesday. I got The Night Circus, which I’m super excited to read. Here’s to (hopefully!) another week of great reading.

What books have you read this week?

Happy reading,
Francine xo

ARC Review: Desperately Seeking Roommate by Micalea Smeltzer

Desperately Seeking Roommate

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 26th April, 2019

Source/Publisher: Micalea Smeltzer

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary

WANTED: A ROOMMATE

Requirements
1. Don’t be a smoker. That’s gross.
2. Don’t be a jerk. I have no time to deal with your mood swings.
3. Clean up after yourself. Is it really so hard to put dirty clothes where they belong?

If you meet these qualifications, call me.

Sincerely,
Desperately Seeking Roommate

When I put the ad in my university’s newspaper, the last thing I ever expect is for the star football player to respond. 

From what I know of him, Abel Russo is a womanizer and an absolute jerk.

Sadly, he’s the only thing stopping me from being evicted by my annoyingly gleeful landlord. 

It should be easy enough—there’s no chance we’ll fall for each other. But then he gives me lingering looks, and I might just be looking back. 

All I wanted was a roommate, but I’m about to get so much more than I bargained for.

REVIEW

Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own ❤

Obviously I’m on a contemporary romance binge at the moment. So forgive me if there are a bunch of CR reviews. Micalea Smeltzer was one of the first romance authors I read when I was younger and have loved all her books. So my excitement was barely contained when I received an ARC of Desperately Seeking Roommate on my kindle!

The main character Louisa, Lou, is unbelievably smart, quirky and witty. I didn’t know it until I read this book but she is the female protagonist I have been waiting for all my life. I kid you not, the things that run through her mind are scarily similar to what runs through mine on a weekly basis. I may have just found my fictional spirit animal!

Abel… Oh, Abel. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have a new winner for the explosive ovary award. This guy was all sorts of swoony, he was like… just the most perfect male specimen (here’s hoping my boyfriend doesn’t read this). If you’re looking for a stereotypical jock, then look the other way because Abel is anything but. He’s nice, and hot, and so sweet to Lou, and just overall swoony. Oh did I mention he was hot? He was a swoony, swoony man (guy?) and I could not get enough of him.

I love, love, loved watching both character’s feelings develop for each other throughout the book – the chemistry was there from the beginning! The banter between these two was off the charts, and I lived for it.

This was such a great standalone, I enjoyed the heck out of it. A massive thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Five strawberry starbursts to this one!

Happy reading,
Francine xo

ARC Review: Until Mayhem by Layla Frost

Until Mayhem

Author: Layla Frost

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: 16th April, 2019

Source/Publisher: Layla Frost

Rating: ❤❤❤❤.5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary

She was my princess.
I was her psycho.
Two worlds colliding with a BOOM.

There was a sh*tstorm brewing. Whispers. Rumbles. A rot—fueled by greed and protected by corruption—that’d seeped like sewage, eating away at everything it touched. The only people I trusted were my brother by blood, my brothers by patch, and the crazy Irish-Scottish bastard I did jobs for.

That was why, when the hot-as-hell blonde started trailing my brothers and me, I had to act.

Maybe Ophelia Kline was working with the enemy—playing me with lies from that damn mouth. Or maybe she was innocent—caught in the spread of toxic rot.

Either way, she was mine. And when push came to glock-in-the-face, I wouldn’t let her go.

Because all good relationships start with a BOOM and a little kidnapping… right?

—

This is a Happily Ever Alpha novel featuring crossover from the Hyde Series and Aurora Rose Reynolds’ Until Series. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s recommended you read Until Nox first since a certain accented someone shows up often.

Warning: Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to alllll the good things: Adult language. Adult situations. Biker hotties who work in the gray. And an OTT hero who knows what he wants when he gets hit by the BOOM.

REVIEW

Layla Frost did not disappoint with this stunning addition to ARR’s Happily Ever Alpha world! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Layla Frost, she writes a sexy biker series called Hyde and Seek, which was how I found her actually. I’ve been in love with ARR’s Until series for the longest time, and when I found out that there would be a Happily Ever Alpha world centered around the Mayson’s and all the characters I loved, I was all over it!

Last year, the author wrote a book for the HEA world called Until Nox, and she’s back this year with Until Mayhem. This book was all steam and grit, which was awesome.

Judge and Ophelia’s relationship does not start in a conventional way. It’s so far from conventional it made me laugh. Judge was all kinds of swoony, and Ophelia was such a badass considering the situation she was put in!

I loved seeing all my favourite characters from Hyde and Seek and a hint of my favourite Mayson’s. It was like a trip down nostalgia lane, which ended with me craving a re-read of all Layla Frost’s books.

If you love yourself some sexy bikers, witty heroines, and a whole lot of steam then boom! This book is for you! 😉 All books in the Happily Ever Alpha world are up on Amazon for you to one-click purchase ♡

Thank you so much Layla for trusting me with an ARC & I honestly cannot wait for the next book you write (and while I’m doing that I’ll just read Stoned, AGAIN).

Happy reading,
Francine xo

ARC Review: Scary Hot by K.D. Robichaux

Scary Hot

Author: K.D. Robichaux

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance

Published: 16th April, 2019

Source/Publisher: Boom Factory Publishing

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary

Z and Kayan’s happily ever after.
Aurora Rose Reynolds’s Happily Ever Alpha World.

Alpha former-military biker.
Quirky office manager of a vet clinic.
When their best friends meet and have a whirlwind romance, they get swept up in it and have a hot tryst of their own.
It leads to a surprise pregnancy—and a soul-deep connection—neither see coming.

REVIEW

Note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh, where do I begin with this book!?

As you can probably imagine, I actually squealed when I received an ARC of Scary Hot from the author. Until November by ARR is my all time favourite, and Until July was too – so when I heard that K.D. Robichaux was writing a Kayan and Z book, I needed it in my hands!

Scary hot was everything I needed, and more. I was hooked from page one, and finished it in one sitting! Kayan and Z’s chemistry basically oozed off of every page and had a goofy smile plastered on my face the entire time.

I loved how the author wrote the story following the timeline we see in Until July perfectly ♡ We even get familiar scenes between Kayan, July, Wes and Z, which blew me away! Way to really write a cross over. We got to learn more about Z and Kayan’s backstories, and can I just say that I absolutely adore Z’s parents!

The author did so much justice for Kayan (pronounced Kay-Ann, and not Cayenne) and Z’s story, I honestly couldn’t ask for more. But that’s pretty much a lie, because there was one problem I had with this book: it was too short! I wanted more, like heaps more, I just didn’t want it to end! That being said, K.D. Robichaux managed to fit in the right about of sweetness, panty melting hotness, and action into this beautiful novella!

Can I please get this in paperback?

Five stars! No, more than five stars!

Happy reading,
Francine xo

Can’t Wait Wednesday: I Can’t Wait for House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books that we’re excited about and have yet to read. The idea is based on Waiting on Wednesday, which was previously hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Super late post on a Wednesday but it’s here! For those of you who know me, you’d know that I’m absolute trash for anything Sarah J. Maas writes! A Court of Thorns and Roses? Check. Throne of Glass? Check. Am I considering getting Throne of Glass in hardcover? YEP. And the Indigo exclusive edition with all the pretty art even though it’s $70? You bet I am. Plus, have you heard of the A Court of Thorns and Roses collectors edition being released in November? Well, I’m all over that too.

I suppose you get my point, so I’ll just cut to the chase. I’m so excited for this SJM’s upcoming adult fantasy series Crescent City!

House of Earth and Blood

Series: Crescent City

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Release Date: 28th January, 2020

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Summary

Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. By day, she works for an antiquities dealer, selling barely legal magical artifacts, and by night, she parties with her friends, savouring every pleasure Lunathion—otherwise known as Crescent City— has to offer. But it all comes crumbling down when a ruthless murder shakes the very foundations of the city—and Bryce’s world.

Two years later, her job has become a dead end, and she now seeks only blissful oblivion in the city’s most notorious nightclubs. But when the murderer attacks again, Bryce finds herself dragged into the investigation and paired with an infamous Fallen angel whose own brutal past haunts his every step.

Hunt Athalar, personal assassin for the Archangels, wants nothing to do with Bryce Quinlan, despite being ordered to protect her. She stands for everything he once rebelled against and seems more interested in partying than solving the murder, no matter how close to home it might hit. But Hunt soon realizes there’s far more to Bryce than meets the eye—and that he’s going to have to find a way to work with her if they want to solve this case.

As Bryce and Hunt race to untangle the mystery, they have no way of knowing the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents, and down to the darkest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir…

| Goodreads |

(I forgot to mention that I also have the ACOTAR series in hardcover on the way! Fangirl status: Activated.) But how good does this book sound!? I was about to say something about the cover, but it doesn’t even have a cover yet. 2020 can’t come soon enough, but while I’m waiting – a surprise Nessian book drop would be great 🙂

Have a wonderful week everyone, and I can’t wait to see what you’re all looking forward to reading!

Happy reading,
Francine xo

Weekly Wrap-Up: 8-14th April + Review ♡

Oh hey, would you look at that, I’ve already missed last Sunday’s post! This is not looking good for me, but it means it’s time for another (very late) weekly wrap-up! Now I’m going to mention now that I barely got any reading done last week for several reasons. First I had the most hectic week and the moment I had free time, I fell horribly sick. I’m still sick, so here’s hoping I feel a little better tomorrow.

Let’s hop into the one book I finished reading last week:

SHADOW FROST

Author: Coco Ma

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Release Date: 1st October 2019

Source/Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary

IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.

Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes.
Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm.

Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.

Not one has ever returned.

When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields—though has yet to fully understand—Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed. 

To kill it. 

But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her friends begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known. 

That is… if the demon doesn’t get to them first. 

REVIEW

*Note: A massive thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for giving me a digital ARC of this book, and congratulations on a stunning debut, Coco Ma. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was what I needed to break out of my fantasy reading slump!

Shadow Frost is Coco Ma’s YA Fantasy debut novel, set to release October 2019. If you haven’t already marked your calendars for this release, I highly suggest you do! I may or may not have devoured this book in one sitting.

There are so many things I’d like to say about this book! From the intricacy of its world, to the magic system, but I refuse to spoil this for anyone so I’m going to settle on the fact that I loved, I mean loved, every character in this book. Every female protagonist in this book is strong and independent, but are not without their flaws. Watching them grow and develop throughout the book was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a long time.

As with every great book, there are lots of unexpected twists and turns and to be honest, I have no idea what to expect when the second book releases! Yes, I’m (im)patiently waiting for the next book already because everyone knows I have no chill, and I need the next book, now!

I recommend this book to everybody, everybody! So mark your calendars, I know I have because I need to own a physical copy of this glorious book!

On a different note, I’ve received a heap of ARCs from various authors that I need to get through over the course of this week and the next, I’ve already knocked three of the bad boys off of my list so stay tuned for those reviews!

I hope you’re having a wonderful week!

Happy reading,
Francine xo

Weekly Wrap-Up: 1-7th April ♡

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope everyone’s had a great week.

After much deliberation, I’ve finally decided to start doing weekly reading wrap-up’s on my blog, because:

a) It helps me keep track of books I’ve read (I know Goodreads is a thing, but when I’m binge reading a series or multiple books back to back, it just doesn’t cross my mind to update on Goodreads. I try though!);

b) It makes my monthly wrap ups so much easier; and

c) I get to share my week with you! Which is something I’m super excited about, though most days are boring and filled with ‘adulting’, I plan on just letting you know what I’ve been up to in the bookishsphere. Yes, I just made that up – I couldn’t think of a better word.

So this week’s been a really good week for me in terms of how many books I’ve read and ticked off my reading list. I’m still in a bit of a fantasy slump though, which upsets me because I’ve got so many books to pick from on my shelf, and not a single one can hold my attention for longer than a chapter ☹

No worry though! I’m hoping the gigantic pile of contemporary romances I’ve got waiting for me will help me break out of this slump! I’ve missed reading books that are easy on the mind (not necessarily heart) and that I can relate to on some level. Not saying I wouldn’t want to relate to a girl who can fly, shoot fire out of her hands, and change her hair colour whenever the hell she felt like it. I’m just saying it’s difficult.

So before I start rambling on about everything under the sun, here are the books I’ve read this week and have not yet reviewed, I’ve probably reviewed one but oh well!

Unexpected Fate (Hope Town #1)

Author: Harper Sloan
Series: Hope Town
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤/5

Link to Goodreads!

 

Of Rioters and Royals (Swift Shadows #1)

Author: M.L. Greye
Series: Swift Shadows
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: ❤❤❤❤/5

Link to Goodreads!
Read my review here.

The Roommate Agreement

Author: Emma Hart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤.5/5

Link to Goodreads!

 

 

Again, but Better

Author: Christine Riccio
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤/5

Link to Goodreads!
Read my review here.

 

Axel (Corps Security, #1)

Author: Harper Sloan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤/5

Link to Goodreads!

 

 

Everlasting (Eternal Series #1)

Author: J.C. Horton
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤/5

Link to Goodreads!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which will be up sometime in the coming week.

 

I also finished listening to Sadie by Courtney Summers as an audiobook on Scribd and enjoyed the heck out of it! I’d definitely give it ❤❤❤❤/5. If you enjoy books that keep you up at night with a lump of emotion in your throat you just can’t seem to swallow, then Sadie is for you! I will say though that it was an uncomfortable read, purely because of the heavy, darker themes introduced in the book, but it was still a great read/listen.

Trigger warnings: parental neglect, substance abuse, child sexual abuse, and pedophilia.

Personal note: I couldn’t sleep properly for days.

 

And that’s my weekly wrap up! I’ve also hit some milestones on Bookstagram, but maybe I’ll write about that in another post. Allllll about the bookstagram. How to get started, picture taking tips, interacting with followers and all that good stuff.

Until next weekend!

Happy reading,
Francine x

Review: Of Rioters and Royals (Swift Shadows #1) by M.L. Greye

Of Rioters and Royals

Author: M.L. Greye

Series: Swift Shadows

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Published: 18th January, 2019

Source/Publisher: M.L. Greye

Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Goodreads | Amazon

Summary

Emry is a Royal – a princess of Enlennd. As is tradition, she must have a knight at her side as her protector. The only way to appoint one is through The Trials. Her Challengers from the five regions of Enlennd must compete for the infamous title of Princess’s Knight. The problem, though, is that the people of Enlennd are split into two categories: Rioters and Royals. Finding the perfect knight may be the last of her worries. War is coming to Enlennd. 

Declan is a Rioter. An upriser. An anarchist. He mistrusts the Jewels – the sovereign family of Enlennd. Yet, he is offering himself up as a Challenger in The Trials. The Mistress, leader of the Rioters, has a mission for him. The first step is for him to become the Princess’s Knight. He is ready for the task, until he actually meets Emry and discovers that betraying her would be much more difficult than he’d thought.

REVIEW

*Note: A massive thank you to the author, M.L. Greye for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now this was a wonderful surprise! I was contacted by the author on Instagram and she so kindly offered to give me a review copy of her book. After seeing a review that compared it to The Selection and The Hunger Games, I was a little nervous. I may be the minority here, but I’m not the biggest fan of The Hunger Games. Yep, come at me with your pitchforks ladies and gents. I’ll admit I received this book ages ago, and because of other commitments I just haven’t had the time to read it, but I picked it up yesterday night and quite literally devoured it in one sitting!

Of Rioters and Royals is a brilliantly written young adult fantasy that involves political intrigue, a good amount of deception, plot twists, and a whole bunch of romance that I am all here for! While I like my romances in stories, I have a slight issue when a story is driven purely by the romance. This was not the case with Of Rioters and Royals, the romance is slow burn(ish), the attraction between our two main characters is so beautifully written, and I was cheering for them from page one.

The author creates an entire fantasy world that took my breath away. It wasn’t too over the top and still realistic, and can I mention that I absolutely loved the idea of eye-colours as an indicator of the kind of magic/powers a person possesses?! So cool. I can’t possibly not write about how well written the magic system was in Of Rioters and Royals, everything is well thought out and is logically presented, which is something I appreciate.

Now, onto the nitty gritty and thank god there’s not too much of it to write about, because the only thing for me was that I struggled to get through the prologue. Not too much but there was a lot of information given in the first few pages that sleep-deprived me couldn’t seem to grasp. However, not a single thing mentioned in those pages is irrelevant to the story – in fact, it helps you understand the world better. Once I hit the 25-30% mark, I blew through the book.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book: the only thing I have left to say now is that I need – like mind, body and soul type of need – the next book in this series! Stat. It’s been a while since I’ve been so invested in a book that I couldn’t see things that were staring me right in the face until it actually happened.

If you’re a lover of young adult fantasy including princesses and knights and all the yummy stuff that comes with that combination, then this book is for you!

Happy reading,
Francine xo

P.S. What was the last read that blew you away?

Can’t Wait Wednesday: I Can’t Wait For A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books that we’re excited about and have yet to read. The idea is based on Waiting on Wednesday, which was previously hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

It’s not Wednesday anymore, but it is somewhere in the world! So I’m hopping on this week’s bandwagon. The book I’ve chosen for this week’s CWW is one that I hear close to nothing about on social media, but I found it on Goodreads and actually have the release date written down in my planner.

A Treason of Thorns

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Release Date: 10th September, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

| Goodreads |

That’s me for this week! Have you heard of this book? What books are you looking forward to? Feel free to drop a link to your post below!

Happy reading,
Francine xo