First Books

There's just something about getting into the first book of a new series. The anticipation of a new world and meeting new characters. The inevitable cliffhanger and resulting book hangover. The tears of frustration as you wait for book 2... 

yeah, maybe its not all good after all...

You might want to get a drink ready before you start any of these, especially if you're near the end! To make a 1st Part cocktail, stir the following with ice and strain into a wine glass: 1 1/3 shot rum, 1 2/3 shot dry white wine, 1/3 shot elderflower liqueur, 2 dashes absinthe.

Viper - Bex Hogan

Marianne is the daughter of the Viper, captain of The Maiden's Revenge and the King's most brutal and powerful defender. Trained by her father as if she was a son, but made to wear girlish dresses which frustrate her and make it difficult for her on board the ship. All her life she has prepared for becoming the next Viper, but suddenly she's been promised to the prince and expected to spy for her father.

I absolutely loved this book. I could hardly put it down and then couldn't wait for book 2, though I had no date for it yet.

Book 2 is Venom, release is in April this year!

Grace & Fury - Tracy Banghart

Serina and Nomi are sisters but their lives are planned in completely different directions. Since she was very young, Serina has been training to be a Grace. If chosen she will live in the palace with every luxury. Her sister's only option is to be her handmaid, but Nomi has a secret that could ruin everything.

What a horrible world to live in! Women have no power at all. Their choices, if they can be called that, are basically to train to be a Grace or work in a factory and marry and have babies. Even these aren't really choices as it is decided for them when they are young. It's even forbidden for girls to learn to read.

I really enjoyed the 1st half of the book, until it started to get a bit predictable and typical. But then it got VERY good again and I didn't want to put it down. I ordered book 2 right away!

Book 2 is Queen of Ruin

A Curse So Dark and Lonely - Brigid Kemmerer

I've read a few contemporary books by the author and really enjoyed her writing. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one as it is very different to her other books but I absolutely adored it! Brigid Kemmerer is such an amazing writer.

This is a wonderful and very distinctive Beauty and the Beast retelling. Harper accidentally ends up being transported to the parallel world of Emberfall. What she doesn't know is that Prince Rhen is cursed to turn into a monster which terrorises his kingdom and she has stumbled into his last chance to find love and break the curse.

Harper is a great protagonist, she's so fierce and determined. She reminds me a bit of Juliet from Letters to the Lost.

I don't know why I waited so long to read this but I'm kind of glad I did, otherwise I would have even longer to wait for the sequel. I pre-ordered it immediately!

Book 2 is A Heart So Fierce and Broken