Thursday 31 March 2016

Prologue and jacket reveal for Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer

Here are the prologue and jacket reveal for Laini Taylor’s STRANGE THE DREAMER.

A brand new, heart-stopping novel and the first in a thrilling duology from the much-loved author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, Laini Taylor.

Strange The Dreamer is the story of:
– the aftermath of a war between gods and men
– a mysterious city stripped of its name
– a mythic hero with blood on his hands
– a young librarian with a singular dream
– a girl every bit as perilous as she is imperiled
– alchemy and blood candy, nightmares and godspawn, moths and monsters, friendship and treachery, love and carnage.



Prologue

On the second sabbat of Twelfthmoon, in the city of Weep, a girl fell from the sky.

Her skin was blue, her blood was red.

She broke over an iron gate, crimping it on impact, and there she hung, impossibly arched, graceful as a temple dancer swooning on a lover’s arm. One slick finial anchored her in place. Its point, protruding from her sternum, glittered like a brooch. She fluttered briefly as her ghost shook loose, and then her hands relaxed, shedding fistfuls of freshly picked torch ginger buds.

Later, they would say these had been hummingbird hearts and not blossoms at all.

They would say she hadn’t shed blood but wept it. That she was lewd, tonguing her teeth at them, upside down and dying, that she vomited a serpent that turned to smoke when it hit the ground. They would say a flock of moths had come, frantic, and tried to lift her away.

That was true. Only that.

They hadn’t a prayer, though. The moths were no bigger than the startled mouths of children, and even dozens together could only pluck at the strands of her darkening hair until their wings sagged, sodden with her blood. They were purled away with the blossoms as a grit-choked gust came blasting down the street. The earth heaved underfoot. The sky spun on its axis. A queer brilliance lanced through billowing smoke, and the people of Weep had to squint against it. Blowing grit and hot light and the stink of saltpeter. There had been an explosion. They might have died, all and easily, but only this girl had, shaken from some pocket of the sky.

Her feet were bare, her mouth stained damson. Her pockets were all full of plums. She was young and lovely and surprised and dead.

She was also blue.

Blue as opals, pale blue. Blue as cornflowers, or dragonfly wings, or a spring—not summer—sky.

Someone screamed. The scream drew others. The others screamed, too, not because a girl was dead, but because the girl was blue, and this meant something in the city of Weep. Even after the sky stopped reeling, and the earth settled, and the last fume spluttered from the blast site and dispersed, the screams went on, feeding themselves from voice to voice, a virus of the air.

The blue girl’s ghost gathered itself and perched, bereft, upon the spearpoint-tip of the projecting finial, just an inch above her own still chest. Gasping in shock, she tilted back her invisible head and gazed, mournfully, up.

The screams went on and on.


And across the city, atop a monolithic wedge of seamless, mirror-smooth metal, a statue stirred, as though awakened by the tumult, and slowly lifted its great horned head.


(©Laini Taylor, STRANGE THE DREAMER, out September 2016 by Hodder & Stoughton).


ABOUT LAINI TAYLOR

Laini Taylor is the author of three previous books, the most recent of which, Lips Touch: Three Times, was a silver medal finalist for the 2009 National Book Award. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their baby daughter Clementine Pie.

Cover Crush: Mayhem and Murder by Sarah Pinborough











Erin over at Flashlight Commentary is the one that came up with the cover crush idea and I loved it so much that I decided that every Thursday would I post a cover that I really love. 

Check out this week's cover crush over at Flashlight Commentary and 2 Kids and Tired Books!

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Today I'm actually choosing two covers instead of one. And, that's because they are both very much alike and also because they are part of a series. I have to admit that I did not enjoy the books as much as I hoped I would. They were OK, but not fantastical good. But, I still love the covers for the books very much , I love the simplicity of the covers, and the font and the details you see when you look closer.

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A new killer is stalking the streets of London’s East End. Though newspapers have dubbed him ‘the Torso Killer’, this murderer’s work is overshadowed by the hysteria surrounding Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel crimes.

The victims are women too, but their dismembered bodies, wrapped in rags and tied up with string, are pulled out of the Thames – and the heads are missing. The murderer likes to keep them.

Mayhem is a masterwork of narrative suspense: a supernatural thriller set in a shadowy, gaslit London, where monsters stalk the cobbled streets and hide in plain sight.




Dr. Thomas Bond, Police Surgeon, is still recovering from the event of the previous year when Jack the Ripper haunted the streets of London - and a more malign enemy hid in his shadow. Bond and the others who worked on the gruesome case are still stalked by its legacies, both psychological and tangible.

But now the bodies of children are being pulled from the Thames... and Bond is about to become inextricably linked with an uncanny, undying enemy.
 

Aurora Whittet's Bloodmark Saga Trilogy Book Blast

01_Bloodmark

Bloodmark (Book One)

Publication Date: November 1, 2013 Wise Ink Creative Publishing Hardcover & eBook; 388 Pages
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal/Romance/Fantasy
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Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves—she was able to shift to wolf form at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and as a result, she is forced to live in seclusion in Ireland’s countryside. Ashling’s reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed and defies the ancient laws. When her pack’s oldest rivals begin hunting her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine—far from everything she’s ever known.
In Maine, she crosses paths with the dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, and something ignites within her soul. There’s just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she begins to uncover long-buried pack secrets—secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear—Ashling’s courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey, or will she follow Old Mother’s path to her destiny?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bloodmark Saga Store | iTunes | Kobo

02_Bloodrealms

Bloodrealms (Book Two)

Publication Date: October 31, 2014 Wise Ink Creative Publishing Hardcover & eBook; 400 Pages
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal/Romance/Fantasy
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Werewolf princess Ashling Boru’s eighteenth birthday is only a year away, which means that she only has twelve months before she is claimed and fulfills her prophecy to unite the packs and lead her people. Her father decrees that her four suitors must fight in the Bloodrealms, the werewolves’ ancient underground fighting world, and the winner will have King Boru’s choice to win Ashling’s hand. The wolf laws are rigid and barbaric, and Ashling’s illicit love for Grey, if discovered, will mean his death. But when Ashling and Grey get trapped in the blood-soaked depths of the Bloodrealms, they find ancient horrors far greater than Ashling’s father’s rule.
With betrayal around every corner and old nemeses set to destroy Ashling, she is more divided than ever between the destiny she didn’t choose and the love that she did. To make matters worse, her decision will not only set the course of her future, but the future of her entire race.
"Bloodrealms will transport you to a fantasy world full of glamour, excitement, and the romance between Ashling and Grey will whisk you away!" -C.A. Gray, author of Intangible
"A must-read for all aficionados of first-class fantasies." -Juliann Rich, author of Caught in the Crossfire, Searching for Grace, and Taking the Stand
"Ashling Boru is an engaging and fiery heroine." -Wendy Delsol, author of Stork, Frost, Flock, and The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls
"Bloodrealms simply sparkles!" -Jami Brumfield, author of the Winters Saga, Mystery Springs Series, PBI Case Files, and Ghost Connection
"A one of a kind, must-read for all paranormal romance lovers." -Emily Fay, blogger for Hooked in a Book

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bloodmark Saga Store

03_Bloodmoon

Bloodmoon (Book Three)

Publication Date: March 21, 2016 Wise Ink Creative Publishing Hardcover & eBook; 400 Pages
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal/Romance/Fantasy
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Just months shy of her claiming at Carrowmore and fulfilling a centuries-old prophecy, werewolf Ashling Boru has stepped into her role as the Crimson Queen. She finally has the support of her pack and her love for Grey is stronger than ever.
But it’s not easy being queen. Ashling’s guardian, Baran, has been captured by the Dvergars, a family of evil wolves who will stop at nothing to possess Ashling’s power and destroy everything—and everyone—she loves. Ashling must unite the clans and build an army to stand against the Dvergars before it’s too late. Unfortunately, the Dvergars also have armies of the darkest creatures the world has ever known.
Shadows loom, growing ever larger as generations of pack secrets begin to unfold. Ashling’s people, the humans they protect, and Old Mother Earth herself all hang in the balance of Ashling’s choices. Will Ashling have to forsake her true love to save the world? And will she have the strength to do it?
"This was an action-packed book from the first chapter to the end. . . . happy and sad moments, but a great end for Ashling and her story. Fun, fast-paced, and all the loose ends were wrapped up nicely. . . . I loved it, and I would recommend the whole series!" -B. Kristin McMichael, Amazon bestselling author of the Blue Eyes Trilogy, the Day Human Trilogy, and the Chalcedony Chronicles
"Readers dying to know what happens to Ashling and Grey will not be disappointed by Bloodmoon. I know this reader wasn't. What a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy!" -Andrew DeYoung, author of The Girl from Beyond
"A unique urban fantasy world of werewolves and magic." -Aileen Erin, USA Today bestselling author of the Alpha Girl Series

Amazon | Bloodmark Saga Store

About the Author

04_Aurora WhittetAurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired child in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Today, she has completed the second of three novels in the Bloodmark Saga. She is a national award-winning graphic designer in her day job. Aurora lives with her family in Minnesota.

Bloodmark Saga Website | Aurora Whittet Website | Bloodmark Saga Store | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Book Blast Schedule

Thursday, March 31 It's a Mad Mad World
Saturday, April 2 A Holland Reads
Monday, April 4 Book Nerd
Tuesday, April 5 A Book Geek
Wednesday, April 6 100 Pages a Day
Friday, April 8 CelticLady's Reviews
04_Bloodmark Saga_Book Blast Banner_FINAL

Tuesday 29 March 2016

London Rain by Nicola Upson

London Rain by Nicola Upson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

London 1937. Josephine Tey has been invited to sit in on rehearsals on her play Queen of Scots that is going to be sent live on the radio at the BBC. It's also time for the coronation of King George and the whole city is in a frenzy. But, on the day of the coronation is newsman Anthony Beresford shot in cold blood by his wife. It seems to be an open and shut case, but then another body is found, and the wife denies that she has anything to do with that murder. It's up to Josephine to find out the truth.

I was interested to read this book because the idea of using a real life author as the main character in a book series sounded intriguing and also because I have wanted to read Josephine Tey books, but just never gotten to it.

I had some difficulties to get into the story, mainly because it felt like it took forever to get somewhere and because I felt so much of the time, in the beginning, was focused on the love triangle between Anthony, his wife and the mistress and the love triangle between Josephine and two other women. I think I read half the book before the story really picked up. But, then it got better. I liked the book better as murder case was in focus and the last part of the book in the book was good.

So, this book was not perfect, it started slow and got better. There was, however, some revelation about the characters towards the end of the book that made me want to read the next book in the series.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!

Monday 28 March 2016

Til Fear Do Us Part Book Blitz by Michelle Gross


 Title: Til Fear Do Us Part
Series: A Grim Awakening Series #1
By: Michelle Gross
Publication Date: February 24, 2016
Cover Designer: Mayhem Cover Creations
Genre: PNR/Fantasy
Sign up for the Blog Tour - http://goo.gl/1w8Fsz
How long does it take to change a person’s life from happy to terrifying? How long was I normal before that part of me was taken away? How long would I live in fear after that? After being attacked by something she can’t explain as a child, Melanie Rose is left with the ability to see ghosts and it haunts her everyday life. It only gets worse the night before her eighteenth birthday. Things that shouldn't be real, start appearing before her. The evil that attacked her as a child is back to finally take her life. Then he appears, a stranger wearing a black leather jacket. All the unanswered questions she’s had, start to unfold around her. She soon realizes it’s only the beginning. Melanie must control her fear before Fear claims her.
Amazon UK - http://goo.gl/lALS7e
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/OzCsN0
Michelle is from a small town in Kentucky where she spends her days chasing after her twin girls and conjuring up crazy stories in her mind. She loves all things paranormal and fantasy, the crazier, the better.She has a slight obsession with Korean Dramas and their men. She loves to write just as much as loves to read, but there's nothing like a good smutty read with strong alpha men!

The Father by Anton Svensson blog tour‏

The Father: Made in Sweden Part I by Anton Svensson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Inspired by the unbelievable true story of how three brothers came to be Sweden's most wanted criminals, written by the fourth brother
Superior... builds to a breathless climax’ Sun

‘The emotional centre of the story is truly 
compelling...the sweep and scope are epic’ The Herald

‘Unique and 
stunning. One of the most powerful novels you'll read this year’ Stephen Booth

THE FATHER
ANTON SVENSSON


Published 24 March 2016
Paperback | £7.99




How does a child become a criminal? How does a father lose a son?
An epic crime novel with the excitement of Jo Nesbo's Headhunters and the depth of We Need to Talk About Kevin, THE FATHER is a work of fiction, inspired by the extraordinary true story of three brothers who held Sweden to ransom, committing ten audacious bank robberies over just two years (in the early 1990s) and who rewrote Swedish criminal history.
None had committed a crime before. All were under 24 years old. All of them would be changed forever.
In this intoxicating, heart-breaking thriller, the fourth brother, who was not involved in the real robberies, tells of three boys who grew from innocent children to become public enemy number one - and of the father who made them that way. This is a gripping story about a family, about the bonds of brotherly love and the complex relationship between fathers and sons.
The Father is the first part of a two-part series, with the second part, The Son, to publish in hardback in 2017.

Review


The thing I find interesting about the book is that it's based on a true story about three brothers that robbed banks in Sweden in the beginning of the 90s. And, I have no recollections of it. Of course, I was around 12 years old when they started to rob banks and to be honest new around that time wasn't something I cared that much about unless it was things like the fall of the Berlin wall, etc. So, I was interested, to read this book even though it was a "fictional story" and not a biographical. There are similarities with the real robberies and the ones that committed them. 

I can honestly say that it was not an easy book to read, I had trouble really getting interested in the book and most of the time I felt that the story just wasn't engrossing enough. But, that has more to do with me than the book. The book is in no way badly written, and for the right person that likes stories like this one will this book be perfect. I prefer more mystery stories, this story well, one know how it all will end. What I found interesting were the similarities between the boy's story and the cop that was after them. They both had the same kind of childhood, with an abusing father. They just turned out a bit different, even though one can't say that the cop turned out that well either since he really had relationship trouble. 

I think that this book suits people that like to read fictional books about real crimes. If you, like me prefer books that have twists, then perhaps this is not four you. I struggled quite a lot to finish the book, there weren't enough in the story to really seize my interest. The best part was probably reading about the boys childhood and seeing how it formed the men they become.


About the authors

Stefan Thunberg is one of Scandinavia's most celebrated screenwriters. His body of work spans popular TV-series such as Henning Mankell's Wallander and HĂ¥kan Nesser's Van Veeteren as well as two of Sweden's biggest box office successes in recent years: Hamilton and Jägarna 2. While Thunberg achieved fame as a screenwriter, the rest of his family became infamous in an entirely different way: his father and brothers were Sweden's most notorious bank robbers, dubbed Militärligan (The Military Gang) by the media. The Father is Stefan Thunberg's debut novel.

Anders Roslund is an award-winning investigative journalist and one of the most successful and critically acclaimed Scandinavian crime writers of our time. Roslund is part of the New York Times bestselling author duo Roslund & Hellström, who are recipients of many prestigious awards, including the CWA International Dagger, the Glass Key and the Swedish Academy of Crime Writers' Award, and who boast sales exceeding five million copies. Films and TV series based on Roslund & Hellström's novels are in the works, both in Hollywood and Europe. The Father is Anders Roslund's seventh novel and the first he has co-authored with Stefan Thunberg.

Birthdays for the Dead by Stuart Mcbride (SWE/ENG)

Birthdays for the Dead by Stuart MacBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

Media kallar honom "Födelsedagsfiraren" för att han kidnappar flickor precis innan de ska fylla tretton Ă¥r och sedan skickar han ett födelsdagskort till deras familjer som visar hur han lĂ¥ngsamt torterar dem till döds. Varje Ă¥r fĂ¥r de ett nytt kort. För fem Ă¥r sedan försvann kriminalinspektör Ash Hendersons dotter Rebecca. Ett Ă¥r senare fĂ¥r han ett kort pĂ¥ posten, men han hemlighĂ¥ller detta för om det skulle komma fram skulle han inte fĂ¥ vara kvar pĂ¥ utredningen.

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Att skriva en bok om barn som torteras ihjäl kan inte vara lätt och det är definitivt inte nĂ¥got som är lätt att läsa om. Men Stuart McBride har lyckats sätta samman en bok som inte blir för nattsvart och det tack vare den lysande karaktären Alice McDonald, en kriminalpsykolog med sina egna problem, tack vara henne sĂ¥ känns det inte som man vadar i elände och misär hela tiden medan man läser boken. Alice uppväger Ash Henderson mer självdestruktiva karaktär. Ash är skild med pengaskulder och han fĂ¥r i början av boken ett nytt kort pĂ¥ Rebecca och vetskapen av detta behĂ¥ller han för sig själv. Polisen och hans ex-fru tror alla att Rebecca har rymt hemifrĂ¥n. Men sĂ¥ hittar de en kropp och med det sĂ¥ har de äntligen konkreta bevis istället för bara bilder.

Detta är en bok som är väldigt svĂ¥rt att sluta läsa, hela tiden ville jag läsa ett kapitel till för att fĂ¥ reda pĂ¥ vem som lĂ¥g bakom kidnappningarna och boken är väldigt spännande och tacksam nog ocksĂ¥ rolig, utan Alice, vars olika fobier gör boken underhĂ¥llande att läsa, skulle jag gĂ¥ under i allt mörker. Jag till och med ringde till min mamma pĂ¥ kvällen för att läsa stycken ur boken för henne när Alice hade sagt eller gjort nĂ¥got kul.

Detta är en bok som är bra frĂ¥n början till slutet och jag ser fram emot att läsa bok 2 i serien.

Tack HarperCollins Nordic för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

Media calls him "The Birthday boy" because he kidnappers girls just before they turn thirteen and then he sends pictures of them home to their families showing how he slowly tortures them to death. Every year they get a new card. 5 years ago Detective Constable Ash Henderson's daughter Rebecca was kidnapped. One year later get a card, but he keeps that a secret for his colleagues and because if they would know would he not be able to stay on the investigation.

To write a book about children being tortured cannot be easy and it's definitely not something that is easy to read about. But, Stuart McBride has managed to put together a book that is not too dark thanks to the character Alice McDonald, a criminal psychologist with her own problems, and thanks to her it doesn't feel like you are drowning in misery while you are reading the book. Alice counterbalance Ash Henderson more destructive character. Ash is divorced with debts and he gets, in the beginning, a new picture of Rebecca and the knowledge about this, he keeps to himself. The cops and his ex-wife all thinks that Rebecca just ran away. But, then they find a body och with that they finally have solid evidence besides the pictures.

Birthday for the Dead was a book that was hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading because I really wanted to know who was behind the kidnappings and the book was really thrilling och thankfully also funny thanks to Alice, whose phobias made the books really entertaining to read. Without Alice, would the book have been way too dark to read. I even called my mum during the evening to read her sections from the book when Alice had said or done something funny.

This book was good from the beginning to the end and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thanks HarperCollins Nordic for the review copy!

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn


Because of Miss Bridgerton
by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child, the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.

Billie Bridgerton has always been expected to fall in love with one of the Rokjesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors and friends for centuries and the tomboy Billie has always been close to Edward and Andrew and someday one of the would make a perfect husband. The only on of the brothers that wouldn't make a good husband is the older brother George. He and Billie have always had a strained relationship. That is until fate steps in...

I was kind of desperate the other day for a change in genre. I had read so many crime novels in a row that I just couldn't face reading another one and guess what? This book showed up in the mail. I was literally going locking my door going down the stairs thinking I need something else to read and this book was in my mailbox. Like magic. Or perhaps thanks to the publisher and the mailman (and some magic)

Anyway, I devoured this book in a single day, most actually during one sitting. Which is odd since it's a romance book and the one genre I read very little of. But, I guess it was what I needed at the time. The book wasn't perfect, but it was damn funny and easy to read. The only part where I felt the pace slowing a bit down was during George and Billies stay in London, but it was the typical part of the book when the both have realized that they love each other but haven't confessed it to each other. The love dance, or the mating ritual part of the book. For some reason, I always get a bit annoyed with having to read about two people clearly in love but unable to express it other than being jealous.

But, all and all, the book was good. I loved the intro with Billie stuck on a roof and having George rescue her and the Pall Mall game with some guests as also fun. The book also took a more serious tone towards the middle of the book when George's family got some bad news. I like the mix of romance, comedy and drama in books and it worked fine in this book.

So if this book can make even a non-reader of romance happy, then I guess the ones that usually reads romance will love this book!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Saturday 26 March 2016

The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King

The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mary Russell is used to dark secrets—her own, and those of her famous partner and husband, Sherlock Holmes. Trust is a thing slowly given, but over the course of a decade together, the two have forged an indissoluble bond.

And what of the other person to whom Mary Russell has opened her heart: the couple’s longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson? Russell’s faith and affection are suddenly shattered when a man arrives on the doorstep claiming to be Mrs. Hudson’s son.

What Samuel Hudson tells Russell cannot possibly be true, yet she believes him—as surely as she believes the threat of the gun in his hand. In a devastating instant, everything changes. And when the scene is discovered—a pool of blood on the floor, the smell of gunpowder in the air—the most shocking revelation of all is that the grim clues point directly to Clara Hudson.

Or rather to Clarissa, the woman she was before Baker Street.

The key to Russell’s sacrifice lies in Mrs. Hudson’s past. To uncover the truth, a frantic Sherlock Holmes must put aside his anguish and push deep into his housekeeper’s secrets—to a time before her disguise was assumed, before her crimes were buried away.

There is death here, and murder, and trust betrayed.

And nothing will ever be the same. 

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THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL is the fourteenth book in the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series, and I have read every single one of the books. This series is actually one of my absolute favorites, and to say that I've been waiting to read this book is an understatement.

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!

The Rivals of Versailles by Sally Christie

The Rivals of Versailles by Sally Christie
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

And you thought sisters were a thing to fear. In this compelling follow-up to Sally Christie's clever and absorbing debut, we meet none other than the Marquise de Pompadour, one of the greatest beauties of her generation and the first bourgeois mistress ever to grace the hallowed halls of Versailles.

I write this before her blood is even cold. She is dead, suddenly, from a high fever. The King is inconsolable, but the way is now clear.

The way is now clear.

The year is 1745. Marie-Anne, the youngest of the infamous Nesle sisters and King Louis XV's most beloved mistress, is gone, making room for the next Royal Favorite.

Enter Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, a stunningly beautiful girl from the middle classes. Fifteen years prior, a fortune teller had mapped out young Jeanne's destiny: she would become the lover of a king and the most powerful woman in the land. Eventually connections, luck, and a little scheming pave her way to Versailles and into the King's arms.

All too soon, conniving politicians and hopeful beauties seek to replace the bourgeois interloper with a more suitable mistress. As Jeanne, now the Marquise de Pompadour, takes on her many rivals - including a lustful lady-in-waiting; a precocious fourteen-year-old prostitute, and even a cousin of the notorious Nesle sisters - she helps the king give himself over to a life of luxury and depravity. Around them, war rages, discontent grows, and France inches ever closer to the Revolution.

Enigmatic beauty, social climber, actress, trendsetter, patron of the arts, spendthrift, whoremonger, friend, lover, foe. History books may say many things about the famous Marquise de Pompadour, but one thing is clear: for almost twenty years, she ruled France and the King's heart.

Told in Christie's witty and modern style, this second book in the Mistresses of Versailles trilogy will delight and entrance fans as it once again brings to life the world of eighteenth century Versailles in all its pride, pestilence and glory. 


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THE RIVALS OF VERSAILLES is the sequel to THE SISTERS OF VERSAILLES, Sally Christie's debut novel. In this book, we get to follow Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson also known as Marquise de Pompadour or Madame de Pompadour. Young Jeanne was told as a child by a gypsy fortune-teller that she would one day become the lover of a king and be the most powerful women in the land. And she became, by scheming and some luck, the mistress of King Louis XV. But, being the mistress of the king also means she gathers a lot of enemies who would do anything to see her thrown out of the king's bed and Versailles. And, she has to be vigilant to all those younger women who would do anything to take her place.

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!

Friday 25 March 2016

Crossing The Barrier Blog Tour by Martine Lewi

Skuggorna vänder tillbaka by Olivier Truc

Skuggorna vänder tillbaka by Olivier Truc
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Original Title: Le dĂ©troit du Loup
ISBN: 139789164204578

Swedish Review

I Skuggorna vänder tillbaka är Klemet Nango och Nina Hansen frĂ¥n renpolisen tillbaka för att ännu en gĂ¥ng lösa en mordgĂ¥ta. Boken inleds med att Erik, en renuppfödare dör när en renflock ska simma över ett sund, det verkar vara en olycka, men sedan hittas borgmästaren död i närheten av en helig klippa och ytterliggare dödsfall sker. Kan det vara ett samband mellan alla dessa dödsfall?

Jag läste Fyrtio dagar utan skugga 2014 och det var en bok som jag verkligen gillade. En kriminalare vars handling utspelar sig I Lappland var verkligen nĂ¥got nytt. SĂ¥, när jag sĂ¥g att det skulle komma en uppföljare sĂ¥ blev jag verkligen glad. I denna bok sĂ¥ förutom de besynnerliga morden är det en kamp mellan samarna och de som vill att Hammarfest ska växa och bli det arkitiska svaret pĂ¥ Dubai. Mycket pengar stĂ¥r pĂ¥ spel och samarnas livstil och traditioner hotar stadens framväxt. Klemet och Nina mĂ¥ste utreda om morden som begĂ¥s har nĂ¥got med Eriks död att göra, eller om hans bortgĂ¥ng bara vara en tragiskt olycka. Det är mĂ¥nga olika pusselbitar som mĂ¥ste passas ihop och det är svĂ¥rt att lista ut hur allting lĂ¥g till under läsningen och det gjorde boken verkligen läsvärd för att jag inte kunde lista ut hur allting skulle lösa sig.

I jämförelse med första boken tyckte jag att handlingen i denna bok inte var lika intressant samt att jag saknde en karaktär from första boken som inte är med i denna och varje gĂ¥ng hans namn nämdes sĂ¥ blev jag lite ledsen. Men boken är definitivt  läsvärt och man behöver inte läsa första boken för att hänga med i handlingen i denna bok.

Jag vill tacka Piratförlaget för att ha försett mig med ett recensionsex för en ärlig recension.


English Review

In Skuggorna vänder tillbaka are Klemet Nango and Nina Hansen frĂ¥n the reindeer cops back to once again solve a murder mystery. The book starts off with Erik, a reindeer breeder dies when a reindeer herd is going to cross a strait. It seemed to be an accident, but then the mayor is found dead close to a holy cliff and then several more people are killed. Are the murders linked to the death of the reindeer breeder or is it all a coincidence?

I read Fyrtio dagar utan skugga in 2014 and that was a book that I really liked. To be able to read a crime novel that takes place in Lapland, Sweden was really something new. So, I was really happy to see that a sequel was on its way. In this book, there are some mysterious murders, but there are also conflicts between the Sami population and those that want the city Hammarfest to grow and become the arctic answer to Dubai. A lot of money is at stake och Sami's way of life and traditions is threatening the city's progress. Klemet and Nina have to investigate to find out if the murders have anything to Erik, the reindeer herders death or if his death was just a tragic accident. The book is like a puzzle where everything that happens is a piece that needs to be fitted to the right place, and I like that I couldn't figure out the plot right away.

However, I think that the story in the first book was a bit better, for instance, I missed a certain person that was in the first book, but not in this book, and the mere mentioning of him made me a bit sad. But, the book is certainly worth reading and you don't have to read the first book to keep up with the story in this book.

I want to thank Piratförlaget for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!

Thursday 24 March 2016

Cover Crush: The Turncoat by Donna Thorland











Erin over at Flashlight Commentary is the one that came up with the cover crush idea and I loved it so much that I decided that every Thursday would I post a cover that I really love. 

Check out this week's cover crush over at Flashlight Commentary and 2 Kids and Tired Books!

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This week's Cover Crush is The Turncoat by Donna Thorland. I was a bit unsure what to choose this week, and I wasn't really finding anyone extraordinary going through my books on Goodreads. And, I usually just have to take a look and find one. Then I saw The Turncoat a book that I own, but have yet to read and the cover for the book is gorgeous. For some reason, I just love those cut-off faces covers that are quite popular. Hm, I think I need to find time to read the book...

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They are lovers on opposite sides of a brutal war, with everything at stake and no possibility of retreat. They can trust no one—especially not each other. 

Major Lord Peter Tremayne is the last man rebel bluestocking Kate Grey should fall in love with, but when the handsome British viscount commandeers her home, Kate throws caution to the wind and responds to his seduction. She is on the verge of surrender when a spy in her own household seizes the opportunity to steal the military dispatches Tremayne carries, ensuring his disgrace—and implicating Kate in high treason. Painfully awakened to the risks of war, Kate determines to put duty ahead of desire, and offers General Washington her services as an undercover agent in the City of Brotherly Love.

Months later, having narrowly escaped court martial and hanging, Tremayne returns to decadent, British-occupied Philadelphia with no stomach for his current assignment—to capture the woman he believes betrayed him. Nor does he relish the glittering entertainments being held for General Howe’s idle officers. Worse, the glamorous woman in the midst of this social whirl, the fiancĂ©e of his own dissolute cousin, is none other than Kate Grey herself. And so begins their dangerous dance, between passion and patriotism, between certain death and the promise of a brave new future together.
 

Wednesday 23 March 2016

Reviewing Swedish titles

I have been contacting the Swedish publishers for review copies and the response has been overwhelming. So far have, Bonniers, Pocketförlaget, HarperCollins Nordic, Piratförlagetet, Norstedts och Lilla Piratförlaget answers back.

As much as I enjoy reading books in English is it quite nice getting Swedish books as well. And this means that I can cut down on requesting books from NetGalley and Edelweiss. The only difference is that I will need to write reviews for the books in both English and Swedish, but I guess I can take that.

I wrote the emails last Sunday. And, today I got these two books from HarperCollins Nordic. And, I can't wait to start reading them.


And I have got two e-books to review from Piratförlaget! :D



Tuesday 22 March 2016

Far From True by Linwood Barcley

Far From True by Linwood Barclay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The screen of run-down drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, but was it really an accident? Or could someone have planned it? Private investigator Cal Weaver gets a call from the daughter of one of the victims who thinks that her father's house have been broken into. In the house, they find a secret room where it's quite clear that salacious activities have taken place, they also discover that there are missing DVDs. Could the burglar have taken them and why? Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth is trying to solve two murders that seem to be connected with each other.

Far From True is the sequel to the thrilling Broken Promise and I was very eager to start reading this book. What I like with Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls series is that there are a lot of things going one in the books. Some of the storylines are connected with each other, some get answered in one book, while some span over the books, like the connected murders that were discovered in the first book, and that storyline is part of this book and will be part of the next. I do recommend reading Too Close to Home before reading this series because that book's story also takes place in Promise Falls and the events taken place in Too Close to Home has ramifications on the town and it's people. And, it's darn good book so read it. Also, I would recommend not reading this book without having read the previous one. I read the first book last year, but I still had some trouble getting into the book and its characters stories. It took some time for me to place them all and get my bearing.

It's a thick book, but much is happening and it's never a dull moment in the book. Although I felt that I could get a bit frustrated with the book, not in a bad way, more I want some storylines to have more focus like the serial killer storyline and less about the couple that wants to kidnap their grandchild. But, the last 100 pages is really good when (some) answers are given to the reader. But, the ending almost broke me. It was intense, I turned the page, it was just a line and then I turned the page and the next page was blank. The book had ended and then it was just acknowledgment and the first chapter of the next book. I wanted to scream!

I recommend this series very much. Do you like Harlan Coben? Then you will love Linwood Barcley's books!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.

Gotham Academy, Vol. 2: Calamity

Gotham Academy, Vol. 2: Calamity by Becky Cloonan
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a perfect graphic novel for children or YA, and also for grown-ups like me of course. I think one of the reasons I enjoy this series is because Map's reminds me of Jubilation Lee, whom I adore. And, this graphic novel has a lot of Maps in it. Don't take me wrong. I like Olive also, and she has an important part in this volume also with trying to come to terms with her mother's death.

But, it's Map's adventure with Damian Wayne and Robin (well a Robin since it's apparently a group of Robin's now) that really makes this volume enjoyable. Olive is always so serious and Map is instead so wonderfully cheerful and it's a pure delight to read about Map's adventures. It was also nice to see that Map's brother Kyle had a big role also. The more I read the more I feel that this series is becoming a favorite of mine. It's really nice to have something a bit lighter to read now and then.


The art was good, however, the art in the first issue with felt a bit off, (see above) but other than that the whole volume was good. I do feel that it was a bit too fast to read it. Which not necessary is a bad thing, but I do want to read more.



The first volume was good. This one was even better. The stories felt a bit stronger in this one and I never felt like I was missing something like I did in the last volume while I read it.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review.

Monday 21 March 2016

Superstitious Feelings Pre-Order Blitz by LJ Winters


 Title: Superstitious Feelings
Series: Soul Scavengers #3
By: LJ Winters
Publication Date: April 8, 2016
Genre: Ghost Hunters/Romance
Sullivan Wilde finds himself alone and wondering just what happened.  Olivia Emerson finds herself on the other side of the country without the Ghost Man, facing down her greatest personal demon in the flesh.  When Sullivan gets a video clip of the Soul Scavengers team's latest investigation, he's stunned. Tracking Olivia down, he rushes to make it to her side before the Devil Himself can swoop in and destroy everything Sullivan holds precious.  What was supposed to be a thrilling paranormal investigation at an archaeological dig site inside the spooky Superstition Mountains, turns into the team's worst nightmare. This time, it isn't the dead that threaten Sullivan and Olivia. Lost gold, a doomsday cult, and an old enemy all plot against them as they fight to stay alive.

The Series
Soul Scavengers #1
Amazon US - http://goo.gl/BuAxYv
Soul Scavengers #2
Amazon US - http://goo.gl/C3jPCG
 “Twin flame?” he asked, and placing the pictures on the nightstand he turned to face her.
“It’s another way of saying, your soul mate. You’re my soul mate Sullivan, and I’m yours.” She nestled closer to him on the bed, her hand resting on his knee. “It’s said that Twin Flames meet lifetime after lifetime, sometimes as lovers, sometimes in other family incarnations. I truly believe we’ve been married to each other’s souls for a millennium or more.”
“How?  Like husband and wife?”
“Not exactly. I could have been your father, you could have been my brother or sister. You could have been my wife and me your husband sometimes. The common belief is that it varies. However, a few times in our earthly incarnations when we were lucky, we got to be lovers. Like we are today.”
“Fascinating.” His slow, sexy drawl created an uncontrolled tailspin inside her belly, and Olivia found her carnal-self needing him in the worst possible way.
“Yes. It really is. You and I are old souls, Sullivan. Children of the stars,” she told him, ghosting her hand down his arm. “You just had to wait a few years for me to catch up to you in this life. I’m just sorry for taking so long.”
Lisagh J. Winters is an emotional writer who loves pitting determined women up against hard, difficult to love men. Her stories read much like watching your favorite TV drama, where POV can sometimes head hop here and there, but you're always sure where you stand. Intriguing, strong-willed characters, their push-me-pull-you relationships and an uphill battle of wills are what drives Lisagh's emotionally rich tales. Angst is her middle name. When not glued to her laptop, she enjoys life with her husband, three dogs and seven cats. She also loves interacting with her readers on Goodreads and Twitter!
Social Media Links
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LJ-Winters-806013342875813/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8029386.Lisagh_J_Winters Twitter - @MissLisaghW Website - http://ljwinters.blogspot.ca/