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

Goodreads | Book Depository
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

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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...

Blog Tour and Excerpt: NAKED MOLE RAT SAVES THE WORLD - by Karen Rivers

Today I'm sharing an excerpt from an upcoming Middle Grade adventure: Naked Mole Rat Saves the World! Read on to find out more about this book.

Interview with Kim Chance - author of KEEPER and SEEKER

Kim Chance is one of my favourite authors. I've enjoyed her urban fantasy duology, and her YouTube channel is a constant source of writing advice and inspiration. It should come as no surprise, then, that I am beyond excited to interview her today. Thank you, Kim, for answering my questions! I absolutely love your answers. 

Mini Book Review: CIRQUE DE LA LUNE - by Emma Hamm

Novella
Goodreads | Amazon
Published: 2019. 
Genres: Young adult / paranormal / dystopia / romance.
Pages: N.A.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Sexual innuendos / mild violence. 
Format: eARC. 
Source: Thank you so much to the author for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

Frank Fairwell had it all, until he didn't. Stripped away in a moment of philanthropic guilt that left him penniless, jobless, and despised by the people who'd raised him. Perhaps that's why the Pinkertons jumped him outside a bar and left him for dead in the river.

Evelyn Dubois lives on the outskirts of society. She's seen both the good, and the bad, all while hiding behind a striped tent known as Cirque la Lune. With her fiery red hair, and a flaming temper to boot, most people avoid her. Other than the man they found washed up on their shores, bootless, and nearly dead.

The Big Top hides many secrets, least of all the man who should have died. Frank quickly realizes these creatures who boast of magical abilities are far more powerful than their shows let on.

The only question is: Do they really want to stay hidden? Or should they let the world see what they can really do?

Monthly Wrap-Up: The One Where I Hardly Blogged

Here is my long overdue life update (and monthly wrap-up) post. I hope you all had a wonderful September, and that October treats you well :) If I haven't visited your blog in a while, apologies! I'm very behind on blog hopping, and hoping to get back into it during October.

QUEEN OF RUIN (Grace & Fury #2) - by Tracy Banghart

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: July 2019 - Hachette Children's Group. 
Genres: Young adult / fantasy / romance / adventure.
Pages: 337.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Violence / gory 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 & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again.

Nomi's sister, Serina, is far away on the prison island of Mount Ruin - but it is in the grip of revolution and Serina leads. The women there have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They will stop at nothing to gain freedom for the entire kingdom. But first they'll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.

Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, to build something better in its place.