Reviews + Giveaway: Marked & Claimed by Sarah Fine

Marked (Servants of Fate, #1) by Sarah Fine
Release Date: January 1, 2015 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I've been pumped to read Marked ever since I heard about its release a year ago. Sarah Fine's one of my favorite authors, and Marked is book one in her first adult series. While she's known for her young adults novels, after reading this book I think she's proven she can write for any audience.

Marked follows paramedic partners Cacy Ferry and Eli Margolis as they try to save lives and survive in a futuristic and devastated version of Boston. They also have to fight their intense attraction to one another and deal with the deadly secrets Cacy and her powerful family are hiding. Cacy and Eli were both awesome characters. I loved how accepting they were of each other and how their relationship developed from friendship to romance. I especially enjoyed the romance. It got really hot and steamy at times! I also appreciated how protective and close they were with their siblings. Good relationships between siblings are something I haven't seen much in the books I've read, so it's always nice and memorable when I do.

Marked was a fun and exciting start to a new series involving family politics and the afterlife. As soon as I finished it, I could not wait to pick up the next book Claimed! If you love adult books in the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres, I definitely recommend this series to you.

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Claimed (Servants of Fate, #2) by Sarah Fine
Release Date: March 24, 2015 / Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Claimed is book two in the Servants of Fate series, and I thought it was even better than Marked! I felt that the world became more unique and the characters more fascinating in this book. It was just an unputdownable read!

While Marked was about Eli and Cacy, this time the story revolved around Eli's sister Galena and Cacy's brother Declan. Galena is a scientist, working on finding cures for the diseases ravaging the world, and Declan is a paramedic, part of the powerful Ferry clan, who wants to honor his father's dying wish of protecting Galena in order to save the future. We met Galena and Declan in the previous book, and it was clear from the beginning that they were going to have a deep, emotional bond. What happened to Galena and her brother years ago was devastating and traumatizing, and I'm glad Galena had someone as patient and protective as Declan at her side. They worked so well together, and their relationship was sweet and intense. I honestly couldn't get enough!

After reading Claimed, it's no surprise I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the final book Fated. (I hope a certain intriguing Kere is one of the main characters!) This series is set in a harsh, yet captivating world full of wonderful characters, non-stop action, and amazing relationships. I highly recommend it!


To celebrate the upcoming release of Claimed, I'm giving away a paperback copy of Marked! This giveaway is open to US residents and ends March 7. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Review + Giveaway: Chaos by Sarah Fine

Title: Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands, #3)
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 388
Publisher: Skyscape
Release Date: October 7, 2014

With Juri in control and everything in absolute chaos, Lela plunges into the depths of hell to free Malachi from creatures that have waited decades to exact their revenge. But the Judge has her own way of doing things, and Lela must work with Ana, the new Captain, who has a very personal mission of her own. Together, they infiltrate the most horrifying realm either has yet encountered in the Shadowlands—the bitter landscape ruled by the Mazikin.

The stakes could not be higher, and Lela must accept the help—and love—of people she barely knows or trusts. As alliances and loyalties shift and she realizes the soul she came to save isn’t the only one in need of rescue, can Lela summon the strength to see the fight through to the very end?

My Thoughts: After the devastating cliffhanger in the previous book Fractured, I was dying to know the fate of Lela and Malachi! I had no idea what would go down or how things would be resolved in this final book, but knowing what the characters had already gone through in the first two books, I knew it wasn't going to be easy for them. Or even me as a reader, since I knew I had to prepare myself for the all the heartbreaking moments to come.

It really was no surprise that Chaos had me hooked from the very first page. It picked up right where Fractured left off with Lela determined to do everything she could to save Malachi. I was so happy when Ana, a familiar face from Sanctum, teamed up with Lela on the mission, even though their reunion wasn't what Lela expected (if you've read Vigilante, you'll understand Ana's reaction). Plenty of other characters made an appearance throughout the book as well. Some were familiar, others were new. And just like in Fractured, it wasn't easy figuring out which characters were trustworthy or not. It caused me to question every single action of certain characters and definitely raised the tension in the book.

Something I really appreciated about Chaos, and this series in general, was how important love is to the characters. Being loved and loving someone gave them the hope and strength they needed to keep going after all the hardships and trauma they had endured. Which brings me to one of my absolute favorite relationships ever: Lela and Malachi. I don't want to get into too much detail about what happened between them in Chaos because it's one of those things that shouldn't be spoiled. However, I will say that there were many times where I was swooning and smiling like crazy and many times where my heart completely broke for them. Their moments together were some of the most emotional parts in the series, and I'm going to miss reading about them.

Chaos was addicting and filled with the explosive action and sweet romance I've come to expect from this amazing series. Even though the ending was bittersweet to me because the story is now over, and I'm going to miss Lela and Malachi and all the other wonderful characters, it was the perfect conclusion to Lela's story and one that she deserved. The Guards of the Shadowlands series will always be one of my favorite series, and if you have not started this series yet, I highly recommend that you do!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

To celebrate the release of the final book, I have two prizes up for grabs! The first one, for US residents only, is a hardcover copy of the first book Sanctum. The second prize will be open internationally (if you live in the US, you are eligible as well), and the winner will be able to choose a paperback copy of either Sanctum, Fractured, or Chaos! Both giveaways end November 8. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck! :D

Reviews: Shatter by Erin McCarthy & Vigilante by Sarah Fine

Shatter by Erin McCarthy
Release Date: September 2, 2014 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I'm a fan of Erin McCarthy's True Believers series. I think this series contains some of the more unique new adult storylines out there. That being said, Shatter could not hold up to my expectations. In fact, I didn't find it to be all that memorable compared to the rest of the books in the series.

I was really looking forward to reading Kylie and Jonathan's story, especially since it involved pregnancy, which I don't believe I see much of in new adult books. However, Kylie and Jonathan weren't interesting characters to me. And for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to believe in their relationship. I just wasn't feeling the chemistry between them. Basically, I had no emotional connection to them or their story. There were things that surprised and shocked me, but in the end, I was left feeling unsatisfied with this final book.

Although Shatter may not have lived up to my expectations, I would still recommend the series to those who love new adult books. And I would still definitely recommend Shatter to True Believers fans. You might enjoy it a whole lot more than I did!

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Vigilante by Sarah Fine
Release Date: July 25, 2014 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I was upset for days after finishing Fractured, book two in Sarah Fine's Guards of the Shadowlands series. It ended on a devastating cliffhanger that broke my heart to pieces. When it was announced there was a short story from Ana's perspective that could be read before the release of the final book Chaos, I was ecstatic. Ana is awesome, and I've been wondering what happened to her after the events in book one Sanctum.

Vigilante gave plenty of insight into Ana's character and had answers to questions I've been wondering about since the first book. Including more information about the other worlds that have been mentioned in the first two books and Ana's relationship with Takeshi. It also gave a glimpse as to what happened to a certain character after the end of Fractured. This story covered a lot more than I was hoping for, which made me feel so grateful, and at the same time, it left me craving for Chaos even more.

Vigilante may be a short story, but it was full of the powerful emotions and action that I've come to expect from this amazing series. It is a definite must read if you have read Fractured and are dying for Chaos! Don't miss out!

Review + Giveaway: Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine

Title: Of Metal and Wishes
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 320
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: August 5, 2014

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

My Thoughts: As soon as I finished reading chapter one, I just knew I was going to love this book. The eerie setting gave me a feeling similar to what I get when I look at photos of old buildings and factories. Wonder and awe. I felt this way not only with the setting but the entire story. It wasn't at all a surprise though because Of Metal and Wishes is the fourth novel I've read by Sarah Fine and her stories are some of my absolute favorites.

Of Metal and Wishes revolved around Wen, a sixteen-year-old girl trying to adjust to living with her doctor father at the local slaughterhouse Gochan One. Although she was friendly with many workers at the factory, it didn't stop the loneliness and sadness that consumed her ever since the death of her mother. Her responsibilities as her father's assistant kept her busy and were a comforting distraction, but life at Gochan One became complicated and dangerous for Wen once the barbaric Noor were hired to work there and she challenged the ghost haunting the factory.

While Wen seemed unsure of herself and what she wanted in the beginning, there was a quiet fierceness to her that was hard to miss. Her compassion and bravery were traits I really admired about her. When most of her people treated the Noor horribly, she took care of the Noor and stood up for them. Sometimes she made mistakes or acted impulsively, but she always tried to do the right thing and didn't allow others to influence her decisions. She went through a lot in this book and grew immensely, and I found her to be such a great and relatable character.

The Noor, specifically their leader Melik, had quite an impact on Wen. To most of Wen's people, the Noor are considered lower than dirt. Wen was quick to judge them too, but she eventually saw how wrong she was. Melik was honorable, hardworking, and treated his people with respect, which fascinated Wen because it didn't match what she had been told about the Noor at all. Melik had me swooning with his words, his actions, and the attention he gave Wen. I loved their tentative romance and how comfortable and protective they were of each other. What they shared was sweet and slow-burning, and I was always so happy when they had moments alone together. Being around Melik and the other Noor really helped Wen to see the world in a different way.

The mysterious Ghost was another important part of Wen's journey. He brought life to the factory, granting wishes to the workers and making Wen feel less alone. However, he also brought fear and death, and I didn't know whether or not to trust him. His obsession with Wen was a curse, but I admit, in a way, it was a blessing for her as well. If it weren't him, Wen wouldn't have gone through all the guilt that she did, but without him, she wouldn't have survived many of the things she experienced. I guess that's why I found myself sympathizing with him. He did some pretty horrible things in the factory, yet I thought he proved that redemption was possible. It even made me wish things had ended differently for him all those years ago, and I know Wen felt the same way.

I really liked that Of Metal and Wishes showed the importance of kindness, trust, friendship, and love. For Wen and those she cared about, the final chapters of the book were a bit heartbreaking and bittersweet. But it was also full of hope, which made it a fitting end to the story. With its beautiful and fluid writing and characters that were remarkable and inspiring, Of Metal and Wishes easily became one of my favorite books this year. I can't recommend it enough, and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Bookittyblog and Joyousreads have also read and reviewed Of Metal and Wishes, and you can read their reviews on their blogs. Not only that we're giving away a signed ARC to a lucky winner! The giveaway is open internationally and ends August 4. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Review + Giveaway: Scan by Walter Jury & Sarah Fine

Title: Scan (Scan, #1)
Author: Walter Jury & Sarah Fine
Pages: 336
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: May 1, 2014

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

All Tate knows--like how to make weapons out of oranges and lighter fluid--may not be enough to save him as he’s plunged into a secret inter-species conflict that’s been going on for centuries. Aided only by his girlfriend and his estranged mother, with powerful enemies closing in on all sides, Tate races to puzzle out the secret behind his father’s invention and why so many are willing to kill for it. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

My Thoughts: Before I started reading Scan, I expected it to have action and suspense. But I wasn't fully prepared for just how nonstop the action would be! There was car chases and crashes, explosions, gun fights, and so much more. It was nerve-racking yet exciting, and I could not wait to find out what would happen to the characters and how the book would end.

Throughout the majority of his life, Tate's had to endure rigorous training in combat and master as many subjects and languages as he could all because that's what his father wanted. Tate doesn't know why his father puts him through this, and since both of his parents refuse to tell him, it unsurprisingly causes tons of friction between them. Once Tate finds out the truth, though, he has to use all the knowledge and skills he's learned in order to survive and protect his loved ones.

I couldn't help but to be just as frustrated as Tate was with his parents. I didn't feel like they had been fair to him, keeping all kinds of secrets and information from him that would have been really helpful to know as soon as the chaos started. But as the story went on and things became more and more dangerous and complicated, I began to realize right along with Tate that it was necessary and for his own good. He probably would have been blinded by his beliefs and wouldn't be as good of a person as he is now had he known everything from the very beginning.

If you're wondering what Tate's father had been hiding from his son, well, it was lots of things. But what it all involved was...ALIENS! Aliens that arrived on Earth about 400 years ago and look exactly like humans. But what started off the unfortunate chain of events was a small device, a scanner, Tate stole from his father that can reveal who is a human and who is an alien. Both sides wanted it badly, and while you would think the aliens were the evil ones, it wasn't that simple. Everyone seemed to have their own agenda, and like Tate, I didn't know who to trust! Even by the end, I still didn't know who the real enemy was, which was something I really liked because not all humans were good just like not all aliens were bad.

One other thing I would like to mention is the importance of the women in Tate's life. I'm glad that Tate's girlfriend Christina and his mother were involved with the mission of protecting the scanner. Tate's skills and resilience helped him a lot, but I don't think he would have made it without them at his side. They were tough, smart, and resourceful, and together they made an awesome team! I especially adored Christina. She didn't have the training Tate and his mother had, but she knew how to hold her own. I loved how much she was willing to help them, even when she was hurt or terrified. As for Tate and Christina's relationship, it was sweet and obvious that they cared deeply and felt strongly for each other. But because of what they were going through, they also had plenty of tense and uncomfortable moments. I hope they are able to overcome whatever issues they may have because I really want them to stick together.

Walter Jury and Sarah Fine have a written a truly thrilling and suspenseful story that had me on the edge of my seat till the very end. I have no idea what's in store for Tate, his mother, and Christina in the next book, but I can't wait to find out. If you're looking for a smart, action-packed book, you need to get your hands on a copy of Scan!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Bookittyblog and Joyousreads have also read and reviewed Scan (check out their blogs to read their reviews!). We want to give someone the chance to read Scan early too, so we're giving away an ARC! This giveaway is open internationally and ends April 26 at 11:59PM EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Interview with Walter Jury & Sarah Fine, co-authors of Scan

Today I have an interview with Walter Jury and Sarah Fine, co-authors of the new YA alien thriller SCAN! Walter Jury is one of the producers of the Divergent movie, and Sarah Fine is the author of the Guards of the Shadowlands series and the upcoming Of Metal and Wishes.

I had the opportunity to read SCAN a few months ago, and it was an intense read! My review, along with an ARC giveaway, will be posted next week. So keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, I included the cover and the summary of SCAN below so that you can learn more about it before you read the interview.

Scan by Walter Jury & Sarah Fine

Release Date: May 1, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

All Tate knows--like how to make weapons out of oranges and lighter fluid--may not be enough to save him as he’s plunged into a secret inter-species conflict that’s been going on for centuries. Aided only by his girlfriend and his estranged mother, with powerful enemies closing in on all sides, Tate races to puzzle out the secret behind his father’s invention and why so many are willing to kill for it. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

Walter Jury (left) and Sarah Fine (right).

Interview

I think author Morgan Rhodes's blurb of SCAN ("Nonstop, action-packed thrill ride") describes it perfectly. What did you enjoy the most about writing SCAN? Do you have a favorite scene?

(SPOILER ALERT) Walter's favorite scene is the final set piece. Without giving away any plot points, I will describe it as a major action sequence that involves Tate and his primary pursuer, along with a few other names in a very fun location that is described in detail, but allows for the imagination to run wild with the options as the scene progresses. With Tate's skills that we establish early on, we get a real sense of how high the stakes are and how far he can progress with his Dad's tutelage and influence guiding him.

While I was reading SCAN, I couldn't help but to be in awe of Tate and all his skills and knowledge. He was a brilliant kid. It made me wonder, how much and what kind of research went into SCAN? Was it intimidating to write about someone who pretty much excelled at everything?

Sarah consulted with a chemistry professor regarding many of the explosive chemical reactions in the book, and with one exception where she used major creative license, they're totally possible. But also, the Internet is a writer's friend. Look on Youtube for "Super Soaker flamethrower" or "nitrogen triiodide detonation" and there is a wealth of terrifying-yet-inspiring source material! DO NOT try that stuff at home PLEASE.

Tate's not the only the one with a family who is hiding big secrets about aliens, but unlike some of the others, Tate's parents never told him anything. How different would Tate be from the person he is today had his father (Fred) told him everything from the very beginning?

(SPOILER ALERT) Fred knew what he was doing. He wanted to see an advanced level of consistent maturity from Tate prior to giving him the keys to the castle of his family heritage. Consistent is the key word, because as we see adversity really fortified Tate's focus. So it was probably the right move at the time for Fred not to share the information with his son--had Fred have passed along the information, then maybe Fred would still be alive, but if Tate had demonstrated irresponsibility in a different manner, then it could have been very costly in some other manner. To answer the question directly, I believe Tate needed some real adversity to get him to a higher level of maturity--and I don't believe just his father's divulging of their family history would have been enough to change that particular aspect and weakness.

I know SCAN is Tate's story, but I love his girlfriend Christina too! She's awesome, and I kept wondering what she was thinking throughout the book. Will readers ever get a glimpse inside her head? Like maybe a novella or anything from her POV?

Great question. It is actually a great suggestion and certainly something that would be fun to write--the shootout in Act I especially, would be great to see from her perspective as it is devastating to both Tate and Christina, but maybe surreal to Christina as opposed to calamitously real to Tate. We will have to give you a special thanks if that ever becomes a novella or an ebook teaser!

I saw on Goodreads that the sequel to SCAN is called BURN. What can you tell us about it? Is this a duology or will there be more books after BURN?

BURN is currently in the works so while we are working hard to finish it, it would be premature to spoil any of the major plot points and sequences--but what we can say is: more secrets revealed, more MacGyver-like maneuvers, and definitely more action! As of now, we are looking at a duology, but we love these characters and the world-building that went around this mythology, so we certainly would be open to exploring more possibilities in the future!

Is there anything else about SCAN you would like to mention to readers?

SCAN is really a labor of love for us--it was a story that just flowed out of us very seamlessly because we so passionately wanted to look at the ramifications of a visit from aliens prior to the advent of modern technology. The characters definitely are inspired and we hope, creatively unique, to readers of all ages and all proficiencies in young adult literature. We hope everyone gets out of reading the novel the exact same feeling we had when writing it!

Finally, if you found out you were actually an alien, how would you react?

Walter: I would start researching right away in order to figure out how to get to outer space using one of those services like Elon Musk's SpaceX. At this stage, I know they are still experimental and very expensive, but it is a great excuse for me to book a costly trip to outer space and gives me the perfect retort when my wife asks what I'm doing--"Babe, I'm just planning a trip to visit some family!"

Sarah: It depends. Am I a member of the dominant species? If so: sigh of relief. Possible fist pump. If not: ACT CASUAL AND TRY TO BLEND IN.

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Thank you to both Walter Jury and Sarah Fine for answering my questions (and Stacey from Penguin for asking me to interview them)! I loved the in-depth answers, and I'm even more eager to read BURN. And anything from Christina's perspective would be awesome, if a novella or teaser ever becomes possible! :D

Well, I hoped you all enjoyed the interview! Did it make you curious to read SCAN? If so, SCAN will be released May 1, 2014 by Putnam Juvenile, a Penguin imprint. So not too long from now! And as I mentioned before I will be posting my review and a giveaway next week. Stay tuned!

Review + Giveaway: Fractured by Sarah Fine

Title: Fractured (Guards of the Shadowlands, #2)
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 357
Publisher: Skyscape
Release Date: October 29, 2013

In the week since Lela returned to Rhode Island as Captain of the Guard with Malachi as her second in command, local news has been dominated by chilling sightings of human-like creatures running on all fours. Lela knows there’s only one explanation: the Mazikin have arrived in the land of the living.

Needing to maintain the appearance of a normal life for her foster mother, her probation officer, and her classmates, Lela returns to Warwick High along with Malachi. At night they secretly hunt for the Mazikin nest. To assist, two new Guards from very different parts of the Shadowlands are assigned to Lela’s unit, including the bad boy Jim, who repeatedly challenges Lela's authority. Lela struggles to keep all her Guards on the right side of the law, but their mistakes come at a terrible cost.

As one painful revelation follows another and the Mazikin start targeting those closest to her, Lela finds herself more vulnerable than she’s ever been, wanting a future more than she ever has. With an enemy determined to separate soul from body, one question remains: how much is she willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves?

My Thoughts: It's been a few days since I finished reading Fractured, and I've finally managed to calm myself down enough to write a review. I'm really glad I took some time to absorb and process everything that happened in this book before I started writing it. Because, otherwise, my review would have been totally hysterical and all over the place. That doesn't mean I still won't mention how affected I was at times with certain things in Fractured, but now I'll make sure my thoughts are coherent and toned down enough to make sense.

Fractured is as addicting and captivating as its predecessor Sanctum, which was one of my favorite novels last year. There are some changes in the story such as the setting and the introduction of plenty of new characters, but it still has the same feel as the first book. Dark and terrifying. Emotional and powerful. There's also more kickass action and great character development. And there's even some fascinating revelations about the Mazikin and the Shadowlands that made the mission the characters were assigned much more complex and complicated.

Since I've become so invested in these characters and their journeys, I couldn't help how amped up my emotions were while reading this sequel. It was one of the reasons why I had such strong reactions to anything that happened to them, especially Lela and Malachi. They have already gone through so much in their lives and continue to go through a whole lot more. While there were moments scattered throughout that had me dying of happiness, other moments had me feeling a whole lot of frustration, anger, and sadness. Some moments just made everything seem hopeless and left me wondering why things couldn't be all sunshine and rainbows for them. I almost cried a couple times because it was overwhelming. But it's hard not to admire and love these characters for having the strength and passion to get through all these hardships.

For Lela and Malachi, they also have their own personal issues and issues with each other they have to sort out. They dream of having a future, and they wonder whether they'll ever have a chance to live a normal life without feeling like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Add in having to adjust quickly to their new life and surroundings, and it really causes a strain on their relationship. There were lots of misunderstandings and complications because of a lack of communication between them. It was painful to read, and I couldn't decide whether I wanted to hug or smack a certain someone. Thankfully, there were enough highs that had me melting and swooning (seriously, I was like *PASSES OUT* *HEART EXPLODES* during some parts) to balance out all the heartbreaking lows. And both Lela and Malachi at least got a chance to experience a little normalcy, even if it meant not experiencing it together.

I wish I could say that you shouldn't be nervous or scared, but then I would lying through my teeth. The great thing, though, is that Fractured kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was exhilarating and exciting, even when I was starting to feel panicked and stressed. I love everything about the world and the characters found in this series, and I desperately can't wait to know what Sarah Fine plans next for book three after Fractured's killer ending. I highly recommend this amazing series!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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I want to give someone the chance to read Fractured early too, so I'm giving away my ARC! This giveaway is open to US residents and ends August 1. Be sure to read my Giveaway Policy. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! ♥

Reviews: Captive by Sarah Fine & Evanescent by Gabriella Lepore

Captive by Sarah Fine
Release Date: April 15, 2013 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I've been on a Malachi high lately. First it was all of his journal entries (if you've read Santcum, book one of the Guards of the Shadowlands series, you'll know that he has tons of journals that he's written in over the years since he's been in the Shadowlands) that can be found regularly updated on the Guards of the Shadowlands Tumblr page. And now there's this short story Captive!

Captive takes place during Sanctum where Malachi as Captain of the Guard first meets Lela. It's all from Malachi's perspective too. It may be short but gives enough insight to what was going on with him during that time. I loved reading what he was thinking when he saw Lela. I honestly can't get enough of them and the world found in this series, and I can't wait to read more about them in Fractured, the sequel to Sanctum!

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Evanescent by Gabriella Lepore
Release Date: March 15, 2013 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Evanescent is about a girl named Bronwen who finds protection with three teenage boys after she discovers she is being hunted by a creature known as a Severen. The three boys aren't ordinary boys though. In fact, they've lived for 200 years already because of the dragon's blood coursing through their veins that gave them eternal life. As Bronwen falls for one of the boys and realizes there might just be a cure for them, she has to come to terms with the fact that life was never meant to be lived forever.

My favorite thing about Evanescent was Felix, the boy Bronwen fell in love with. He was funny and sarcastic. I was giggling from the very beginning because of him. I thought his personality stood out from all the characters. That being said, I can't say I ever really connected with him, the rest of the characters, or the story. I also felt the romantic feelings between him and Bronwen evolved rather quickly. I'm not sure I found their love quite believable. I guess it worked for the pace of the story though.

Speaking of the story, it was bittersweet. I kind of had a feeling where it was going by some of the reviews I read. How everything played out seemed fitting, but I still wish it had ended differently. If you don't mind bittersweet endings, you might enjoy Evanescent even more.

Sanctum: Day 8 of Malachi's Journal + Giveaway

I'm such a huge fan of Sarah Fine's debut novel Sanctum! It's a top favorite read this year for me. You can read my review HERE or read the summary on Goodreads. One of the amazing characters in the book is Malachi. He helps the main character Lela while she's in Suicide Gates. Malachi is a really really awesome person, and it doesn't hurt that he's swoon-worthy. Lela is lucky to have him. They are wonderful together.

A quote from Sanctum: "Malachi’s quarters had no windows, no decorations. His room was just like everything else about him—nothing unnecessary, nothing wasted. His narrow cot rested in a corner, right next to something that looked like a hat rack. He walked straight to it and hung his bloody, stained armor over it. A small desk stood across from the rack, but the only things that sat upon it were a fountain pen and a single book, like some kind of journal. Neatly stacked in a corner rose a tower of identical books as tall as I was. A lot of journals."

If you want to get to know someone, reading his journal is the way to do it (though you should probably ask permission first). Malachi is no exception: his journals contain his thoughts, hopes, fears, plans, and adventures during his time in the dark city. Starting today, excerpts will post regularly throughout the publication of the Guards of the Shadowlands series at www.guardsoftheshadowlands.tumblr.com, but to get things started, you can read excerpts from Malachi's first ten days as a Guard right now.

I'm posting day 8 of Malachi's journal entries. I've included links to the other nine days from Malachi's journal below. I recommended reading them in order so that it'll make more sense.

Day 1 - Lili's Reflections

Day 2 - The Readers Den

Day 3 -  Rainy Day Ramblings

Day 4 - Ivy Book Bindings

Day 5 - The Nocturnal Library

Day 6 - Bookittyblog

Day 7 -  Paperback Princess

Day 8 - Collections

Day 9 -  Christy's Love of Books

Day 10 - My Guilty Obsession

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Day 8
Philip said I could come out of my chamber. He stayed close to me, and brought a group of eight inhuman Guards with him as if he knew I wanted to escape. He escorted me down a set of steps and into a room full of weapons. Takeshi was waiting for us. They said I am a Guard, and when I am trained, I will patrol the streets of this place with them. They gave me a knife and said I must learn to use it. I was all right until they attacked me, and then I lost control of myself. I wanted to kill them both. I could not stop, so Philip did it for me with a knife in the back. I thought I was dying again, but Raphael made everything go black. And when I woke up just now, I was back in my chamber, and I have a new scar, and I am still here and still alive and still trapped.

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I love getting a glimpse inside Malachi's head. He's such an interesting character. I'm not surprised by how he acted after arriving at Suicide Gates, but it still is kind of funny considering how he was like in the book. If you're curious and want to know more about Malachi and the story, well, you should definitely read Sanctum! You can buy it through Amazon.

About the Author: Sarah Fine was born on the West Coast, raised in the Midwest, and is now firmly entrenched on the East Coast, where she lives with her husband and two children. When she's not writing, she's working as a child psychologist. No, she is not psychoanalyzing you right now. Contact her through her website, Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr.

Sarah Fine is offering one of ten Sanctum swag packs, which include an exclusive bonus scene from Malachi's point-of-view, for giveaway! It's open WORLDWIDE to those 14 years old or older, and you can enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Review: Sanctum by Sarah Fine

Title: Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands, #1)
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 433
Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing
Release Date: October 16, 2012

"My plan: Get into the city. Get Nadia. Find a way out. Simple."

A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos's best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance – hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn't just anyone – she's determined to save her best friend's soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife.

As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she's captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city's endless streets. Their all-too-human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn't – the dark city isn't the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate.

My Thoughts: I love the feeling of going into a novel, not knowing what to expect, and realizing right away that I'm going to like it. And that as I get further in the story keeps getting better and better, and that once I'm done I just want more people to know about the book and to read it too! Sanctum was that type of read for me. The characters were multilayered and extremely likeable, the world was fascinating, and the story made it hard to stop reading. I can easily say that it is one of my top five favorite books this year! I'm so excited to read the next book in this series.

"Welcome to Suicide Gates!"

Those words and the frightening, otherworldly city where she first heard them have haunted Lela ever since she tried to end her life two years ago. Lela knows that place is where she could have ended up if she had died, but she doesn't realize how true that is until her best friend Nadia commits suicide. Lela starts having nightmares, visions, about Suicide Gates through her friend's eyes, and she becomes determined to save Nadia from that dark place even if she has to sacrifice herself in the process. The journey is nowhere near easy though. Suicide Gates is a harsh and bleak world. Everyone who ends up there must work hard to come to terms with what happened to them and to find strength within themselves so that they can finally move on. And not everyone is able to do that.

Lela's feelings towards Nadia were powerful and the driving force behind most of her decisions in Sanctum. She did everything she could to save Nadia, even if she later regretted the choices she made. This is one of the few books where I truly felt the strong bond a character has with a friend. I remember thinking that I wanted Lela to succeed, I wanted Nadia to be saved, and I wanted happiness for them both. It really was heartbreaking, and it made me just admire and adore Lela even more. She felt so real to me. She's been through so much in her life, yet she stays strong and focused for the friend who believed in her and made her a better person.

Not only is Sanctum about friendship and sacrifice, it's about love and overcoming gripping fears bit by bit. After Lela arrives at Suicide Gates, she's captured by the Guards of the city. They know she's different from the humans who are suppose to be there, and she's interrogated by their brave and intimidating Captain, Malachi. Lela and Malachi don't trust each other at first, but once they open up, Lela begins to feel safe around Malachi and he begins to feel protective of her. There's a gut-wrenching reason why Lela wanted to die two years ago, and when Malachi finds out he helps her overcome some of her fears of allowing anyone, especially a man, to touch her. He's so respectful and let's her be in control. I absolutely loved their relationship. It was sweet and beautiful and touching. They are amazing people and brought out every single bit of goodness in each other. They are also kickass and helped each other survive along the way to finding Nadia. They're the main reason why I cannot wait to read the next book.

Sanctum brings up many heavy, emotional subjects and there are plenty of terrifying moments, but it still manages to be filled with hope and love. And when a story is awesome and has wonderful characters and relationships, it makes me really happy. The ending freaked me out so much though. (I was scared and praying it wouldn't end at a cliffhanger!) It also made me pumped for book two. I wish I could talk more about the unique world in Sanctum, but it's complex and something you need to discover and experience yourself. I highly recommend Sanctum, especially to those looking for a dark, yet hopeful read. It's easily one of the best YA urban fantasy novels I've ever read!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of Sanctum!