Dust - Heirs of Neverland - Kara Swanson

My Rating

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

About the Book

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself. (from the author's website)

My Thoughts

It's no secret that Peter Pan is my favorite fairytale. It holds such a special place in my heart. And when I saw this book was coming, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. 

Kara Swanson brings us a unique retelling of this beloved tale. Claire and Peter are brought together by forces bigger than anyone knows. Filled with suspense and fairy dust...Watching these two discover their true selves and true potential was truly magical. 

Captain Hook, Nibs, Tiger Lily, and more of your classic favorites can be found between the covers of this book. Forget everything you've known about these characters and dive into a new world.

I can't wait for book 2! We are definitely left with anticipation of what is to come next at the end of Dust. Get ready for an awfully big adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of Dust from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

As the daughter of missionaries, KARA SWANSON spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. 

Swanson is the award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See and Peter Pan retelling/sequel Dust (Enclave Publishing, July 2020). She helps young writers explore their passions as a faculty member of the Young Writer’s Workshop and also offers her own author coaching services.

Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid—though not necessarily in that order.

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Serpent & Dove - Shelby Mahurin

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts

***This book is general market fiction. There is language and Mature elements***

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book a couple months ago. And oh my lands! WHAT a story! I was completely blown away...

This unique take on magic had me enthralled from the first pages. Lou is tenacious and incredible. Her abilities are outstanding and she is just brilliant. Reid is...WOW! Swoonworthy and dedicated....Passionate and maybe a bit conflicted...I really don't want to give away any spoilers...So I'll leave you with this...

If you love stories with magic...You won't want to pass this one up!

I purchased a copy of Serpent & Dove for my personal library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of Serpent & Dove and Blood & Honey. She grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn't fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. When not writing, Shelby watches the Office and obsesses over her Instagram feed. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband, semi-feral children, two dogs, and one cat.

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A Curse So Dark and Lonely - Brigid Kemmerer

My Rating

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

About the Book

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall … and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin. (From the author's website)

My Thoughts

“I am always surprised to discover that when the world seems darkest, there exists the greatest opportunity for light.” A Curse So Dark and Lonely

This dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast definitely lived up to my expectations. My only regret...not buying the physical copy of BOTH these books. (Yes...already added to my Amazon wishlist 😂) I really enjoyed the different twists Ms. Kemmerer used to portray this beloved classic. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Harper! Aside from a few normal teenage indecisions, she was incredible. Being swept into another realm. Stuck there with strangers. Stuck in The Curse. She adjusts quickly and jumps into the necessary role of Princess Harper of Disi. Although lacking in proper training, she is determined to be useful... and her compassionate heart sets her on a path of success. Her growth throughout this book was fabulous!

Rhen...oh Rhen...from a mopey defeatist to a Prince with determination and strength. His transformation throughout this story was executed so well. After hundreds of seasons without being able to break the curse, it takes Harper, a woman who wasn't even supposed to be in Emberfall, for him to open his eyes to the plight of his people and something shifted in his heart and I LOVE THIS RHEN. His sense of duty and loyalty to his people is admirable, if belated.

Riddled with violence, this is not a book for sensitivity to blood. Overall, this was a well-constructed retelling, with new elements, variances to the original story, and a much darker twist as a whole. 

Please note: This is a general market title. There are some secular worldview references that, while I don't support, I didn't feel took away from the story. 

I purchased a copy of A Curse So Dark and Lonely. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Brigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of dark and alluring Young Adult novels like A Curse So Dark and Lonely, More Than We Can Tell, and Letters to the Lost (Bloomsbury), as well as paranormal YA stories like The Elemental Series and Thicker Than Water (Kensington). A full-time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her husband, her boys, her dog, and her cat. When she’s not writing or being a mommy, you can usually find her with her hands wrapped around a barbell.

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Coral - Sara Ella

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Taking a new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—tale, “The Little Mermaid,” Coral explores mental health from multiple perspectives, questioning what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

There is more than one way to drown.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?

Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin? (from author website)

My Thoughts

Oh, my friends! Coral is probably one of the hardest books (emotionally) I've read, maybe ever. There is a ***TRIGGER WARNING*** in the beginning of this book for a reason. (read the trigger warning here) Sara Ella has approached a very real and very HARD topic in Coral. And she delivers it beautifully!

This story is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid but not in the "expected" sense. The doors that this story opens...the rooms of the mind that are explored...is truly astonishing. Anxiety, PTSD, depression, manifest themselves differently in every person...but there are definitely aspects I personally could relate to throughout this entire book. Although the events portrayed are not things that I have experienced, the characters, their emotions, their struggles, were one hundred percent relatable.

I loved the relationships portrayed. Between family, friends, more than friends...And I appreciated the approach Sara Ella took in this story. I wish I could elaborate more on this, but #spoilers. Needless to say, this was a VERY tough read. I had to put it down several times after reading just a couple chapters. I needed time to digest and process the emotions and information. Yes, I WOULD read this again. Yes, I recommend it to Young Adults (parental discretion heavily advised). Yes, I think Sara Ella portrayed mental health in a unique and real way. Have I recovered from it yet? Absolutely not.

I truly hope that this book will help to open minds and conversations about mental health. I loved this story and thought that the ending was wrapped up really well. And left me with a feeling of hope. 

I received a complimentary copy of Coral from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Photo Credit: E.A. Creative Photography

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a Disney castle. Today, she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings. Oh, and her husband is definitely more swoon-worthy than any Prince Charming.

Sara’s UNBLEMISHED trilogy has received high praise and multiple awards, but none as rewarding as the love and support she receives from her readers every day. Her new story CORAL, a reimagining of THE LITTLE MERMAID, releases in the fall of 2019.

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More Books by Sara Ella

  

Fawkes - Nadine Brandes

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back. (From the author's website)

My Thoughts

A stunning masterpiece. Melding history and fantasy into an unforgettable story.

I can not get over just how much I have come to love this story! There is so much history in this story that I was shocked by how well the author was able to mingle such a rich fantasy aspect to the story as well. 

This story has so much to captivate the imagination, magic, romance, battles, plots, alliances, and true history! Brandes has created such a world of Colors that makes me believe color speak is possible. I am so impressed I am in a sort of color-daze.

The bottom line, if you enjoy YA Fantasy you will fall in LOVE with this story. If you enjoy historical books but haven't been brave enough to give the fantasy genre a try yet...I have a feeling you will enjoy this one. So be brave, give it a try...You may just fall in love with a new author! 

I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Nadine Brandes once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning Out of Time Series and her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband live in a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.

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Unbreakable - The Unblemished Trilogy Book III - Sara Ella

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Eliyana Ember is stranded in a foreign country in the Third Reflection with no passport, the inability to mirrorwalk, and zero clue where the nearest Thresholds back into the Fourth or Second might lie. Her mind is a haze, her memories vague. She knows a wormhole from the Fourth sent her here. She remembers her mom and baby brother Evan. Makai and Stormy and Joshua . . .

Deep down El realizes she must end the Void once and for all. Is there a way to trap the darkness within its current vessel, kill it off completely? To do so would mean sacrificing another soul—the soul of a man Joshua claims is a traitor. But he’s lied to her before, and even El senses Joshua can’t be fully trusted, but one thing is certain . . .

The Void must be annihilated. And only the Verity—the light which birthed the darkness—can put an end to that which seeks to kill and destroy. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

***Please be aware this is the third book of the Unblemished Trilogy. I have done my best to keep this review spoiler free. Not an easy feat, let me tell you.***

Oh, be still my heart! What a rollercoaster this series is. I wonder if the author knew what the outcome was going to be when she started this series...Or did the characters surprise her just as much as they did me? Haha! 

Eliyana Ember has grown so much. And in Unbreakable she has to face even bigger obstacles. Get ready for a whirlwind of events as you hold your breath with every turn of the page! As you travel from Reflection to Reflection with Ky, Joshua, El (or Em), and Ebony, you will lose yourself in the world that Sara Ella has created.

Even though my heart aches that this series has come to a close...I look forward to visiting these stories again soon. And...Sara's NEW book, Coral, will be releasing next year!  

A fabulous creation of words, Unbreakable, is a must-read! 

I received a complimentary copy of Unbreakable from the publishers as part of the publicity tour with JustRead. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle, and she did work for Disney! Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”

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More Books by Sara Ella on Bookworm Mama

   

Coming Soon!

CORAL

June 2019

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise.