Red Queen - Red Queen Series Book One - Victoria Aveyard

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

This is a world divided by blood - red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Y'all probably know by now that when I find a YA series that I really like...I binge read (see my reviews on The Selection, Leviathan, and Lunar Chronicles) the ENTIRE series. While I attempt to SWOOF (squeeze words out of feelings) Red Queen...I am already in the middle of the next book. Because...I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

Not gonna lie...I was a bit sceptical when I picked up this book. But I was quickly pulled into the world of Reds and Silvers and the Red Guard. I found myself listening to this book every spare minute I had. Intrigue, secrets, unknown powers, fears, lies, family, betrayal, and HOPE bleed onto the pages of this book in a neverending flow.

I still don't know who to trust, although I DO know who is evil...I think...You know, come to think of it...I have no idea...afterall...

“Anyone can betray anyone.”

― Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen

It is ridiculously hard to review a book like this...Only because I don't want to give away spoilers. So I will leave you with this...If you love YA books...and have a fascination with dystopian/sci-fi type books...You should definitely give Red Queen a try. I think you will really enjoy it! Now excuse me while I finish the series....

I borrowed Red Queen on audio from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

https://www.victoriaaveyard.com/about

Victoria Aveyard is an author and screenwriter, born and raised in a small town in Western Massachusetts. Both her parents are public school teachers, as well as avid film, television, and literature fans. Victoria grew up on a steady diet The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and LOST. She pursued a degree in Writing for Film & Television at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. After graduating college in 2012, Victoria moved home from Los Angeles and began writing the manuscript that would become Red Queen. 

She has since published three #1 New York Times bestselling and USA Today bestselling books, two New York Times bestselling novellas, and continues pursuing her writing career while living full-time in Los Angeles, California.

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Rondi Bauer Olson's 'All Things Now Living' Blog Tour and Giveaway

While on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle in Rondi Bauer Olson's All Things Now Living. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are. Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer. Time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else.

Stay up all night reading this thrilling new book from Rondi and enter to win a Kindle Fire!

About the Book Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him. Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn't like anything to die, she won't even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can't let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it's God's will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God's curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own. Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are. Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction. Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else. Learn more and purchase a copy. My Thoughts Personally, I admire the author's creativity on creating this dystopian world. Full of new creatures, new threats, and new ways of life.  I LOVE dystopian YA, however this particular style wasn't a good fit for me, but it might be the perfect fit for you! If you love the genre and the description piques your interest, I recommend checking it out.  I received a complimentary copy of All Things Now Living through Litfuse, from the publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone.  About the Author Rondi Bauer Olson is a reader and writer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Kurt. She has four grown children, works as a nurse, and also owns a gift shop within view of beautiful Lake Superior. Find out more about Rondi at http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com

Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of All Things Now Living
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 14. The winner will be announced December 15 on the Litfuse blog.

Tour Landing Page
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ROlson

The Choosing - Seer Book 1 - Rachelle Dekker

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

From the Back of the Book

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

As Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

2016 Christy Award Winner! (Young Adult category)
2016 Christy Award Finalist (First novel category)

My Thoughts

I am finding it difficult to write a review without giving too much of the story away!  This book is filled with so many aspects that left my mind reeling, my heart aching, and my stomach churning. But through it all, the message is clear. The Father has chosen us, chosen me. I am beautiful, I have worth. There is freedom in the truth.

With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful. 

The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series. 

I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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Christian Book

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About the Author

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

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Also by Rachelle Dekker

The Crown - The Selection Book Five - Kiera Cass

With Illéa in a vulnerable position, Eadlyn has a decision to make. Not only for her country, but for herself as well.

**Please be aware of possible spoilers if you have not read the first four books in The Selection Series**

About the Book

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

The Heir - The Selection Book 4 - Kiera Cass

As a new Selection begins, will Eadlyn stay cold towards those selected? Or will she be able to open her heart to love?

**Please be aware of possible spoilers if you have not read the first three books in The Selection Series** 

For the first time in Illéa's history a female is in line for the throne. Eadlyn Schreave is determined to be a strong leader and Queen, and she will do it without a husband. But when the country begins to show signs of unrest, her parents are desperate for a distraction until they can come up with a solution. What better way to deter the citizen's attention than by holding another Selection. This time, with a female Selector. Eadlyn has grown up listening to stories about her parents fairy tale romance, but she is positive that won't happen for her.  She is determined to make it through the Selection without losing her heart. But could her impression of these boys as they let her into their hearts? Will she learn how to be vulnerable with those she cares about? Or will she hold her resolve and remain the cold, hard princess her people see her as?

“You can be brave and still be feminine. You can lead and still love flowers. Most importantly, you can be queen and still be a bride.” - The Heir

Have you ever gotten to the end of a series and thought..."Well what happens next?" Most of the time we are left to imagine the continuation on our own. I am happy to tell you that in The Selection Series, that is not the case.

The One - The Selection Book 3 - Kiera Cass (And Happily Ever After)

As the Selection comes to a close, who will be the next princess of Illéa? 

**Please be aware of possible spoilers if you have not read The Selection and The Elite**

With rebel attacks at their peak, is anyone safe anymore? Unexpected alliances may be the only hope left for Illéa. Where will Prince Maxon's heart lead him in the end of the Selection? 

"The best people all have some kind of scar" - The One

I admit, I did NOT expect to become so obsessed with this series! But once I started, I simply could not put it down. Mercifully, I did not read these until now.

The Elite - The Selection Series - Book 2 - Kiera Cass (And Novellas)

The Selection has narrowed down to just six girls. Who will win the Prince and the crown? 

**Please be aware of SPOILERS if you have not read The Selection**

Tensions rise as the selection is narrowed down. True motives are shown and more than one heart is broken. The intensity dramatically increases in The Elite. Rebel attacks become more frequent and violent. Passion is heightened and the stakes are higher than ever. Who will stay and who will be sent home? 

"It wasn't like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn't some explosion; it wasn't fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out." - The Elite Page 298

The Selection - Book 1 (And Novellas) - Kiera Cass

The Queen & The Prince

I started this series by reading the novellas The Queen and The Prince. Once I started reading The Selection I was very glad I did. The Queen is Queen Amberly's story (the current Queen in The Selection) and gives us much insight into her character. Learning about her made me love her even more while reading The Selection. The Prince is written from Prince Maxon's point of view. While a few of the scenes overlap in The Selection, I don't think it gave away anything crucial. If anything, it enhanced my view of Prince Maxon. I feel like I understood him better going into The Selection and was grateful for that. The Selection is written solely from Lady America's viewpoint and therefore the novellas definitely added the much needed insight into the other characters. 

The Selection

Set many years into the future The US has undergone drastic change. Under the rule of a monarchy once again. Prince Maxon, only child and heir to the throne, is ready to find his future queen. In a lottery type draw, one young lady (between the ages of 16 and 20) from each province is selected as candidates for the throne, and for Maxon's heart. Among them is America Singer. A Five in the caste system (There are eight total). Although her becoming a part of the selection was an accident, of sorts...Will she be able to forget her past and embrace her future? There are 35 girls, and only 1 prince. Who will emerge as Queen? 

It has been a long while since I have been so engrossed in a book that I couldn't put it down to go to sleep. I finally had to, as my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer, with only two chapters remaining! I kept having dreams about the book! I finished it as soon as I woke up this morning and am now anxiously awaiting to check out The Elite from the library. Since this is a book about a prince finding a wife, you can expect to have romance with a mild dystopian flair. Although I personally think the emotions are slightly intense for a YA book, it is still clean and decent. Prince Maxon is an honorable man. Parents, please use your own discretion. (For more about content go here.)  Kiera Cass has done a fabulous job imagining a new world of castes, monarchy, fashion, rebellion and love. (It's like The Bachelor, but way better!) Please be advised that these books do not stand alone. And once you finish The Selection you are going to want to start The Elite immediately (so do what I didn't do and place a hold on BOTH)! This book ends well, but definitely leaves you wanting more. I have also heard that The Selection is being made into a movie. Although all I could find out was that it is in pre-production. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, but I know that it won't be to everyone's taste. Keep in mind that it is a Young Adult novel and is written for that level. Happy reading! And may the odds be ever in your favor....wait....

I found The Selection Series and The Selection Stories at my local library. All opinions expressed are mine alone. The Selection Series is published by HarperTeen.

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