THESE REBEL WAVES (Stream Raiders #1) - by Sara Raasch

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Published: August 2018 - Balzer and Bray.
Genre: Young adult / fantasy / romance.
Pages: 474.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Violence / child abuse. 
Format: Paperback.
Source: Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishers for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

ONE GOOD DEED - by David Baldacci

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: July 2019 - Macmillan.
Genre: Adult / thriller / historical fiction.
Pages: 432.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Violence / occasional gruesome descriptions / sexual innuendos. 
Format: Paperback.
Source: Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan SA for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts are my own. 

In 1949, Aloysius Archer arrives in the dusty Southern town of Poca City. He has nothing but a handful of dollars, the clothes he's wearing and an appointment with his new parole officer. After his wartime experiences in Italy and a prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit, Archer is looking for a fresh start and a peaceful life.

On his first night of freedom, Archer meets local business tycoon Hank Pittleman, who promises Archer handsome compensation to work as his debt collector. Yet Archer takes on more than he bargains for, as he becomes embroiled in a long-running feud between the drought-struck town's most dangerous residents. When one of them dies, the authorities label Archer as their number one suspect.

A bloody game is being played above and below the law. Everybody playing has a deeply buried secret, and Archer must uncover them all - if he's to avoid going back behind bars.

3 Mini Film Reviews: DOWNTON ABBEY (2019), ALADDIN (2019), THE AFTERMATH (2019)

Disclaimer: These are mini reviews, and not as analytical and "professional" as I usually try to make my reviews. I'm simply spilling my emotions. For better or for worse ;) 

IMDB 
Released: 2019. 
Screenplay: Julian Fellowes.
Director: Micheal Engler.
Cast: Michelle Dockery / Hugh Bonneville / Elizabeth McGovern / Laura Carmichael / Jim Carter / Allen Leech / Maggie Smith.  
Triggers/Content Advisory: PG for some suggestive material and mild violence. 
Score: John Lunn.
Cinematography: Ben Smithard. 
Source: Cinema.

The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.

THE DEATHLESS GIRLS - by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: October 2019 - Orion Children's Books. 
Genres: Young adult / retelling / paranormal / Gothic horror.
Pages: 304.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Strong violence / gory descriptions / scene of attempted rape / strong sexual innuendos. 
Format: Paperback ARC. 
Source: Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan SA for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

They say the thirst of blood is like a madness - they must sate it. Even with their own kin.

On the eve of her divining, the day she'll discover her fate, seventeen-year-old Lil and her twin sister Kizzy are captured and enslaved by the cruel Boyar Valcar, taken far away from their beloved traveller community.

Forced to work in the harsh and unwelcoming castle kitchens, Lil is comforted when she meets Mira, a fellow slave who she feels drawn to in a way she doesn't understand. But she also learns about the Dragon, a mysterious and terrifying figure of myth and legend who takes girls as gifts.

They may not have had their divining day, but the girls will still discover their fate...