Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

(Throne of Glass #3)

September 2, 2014

Bloomsbury USA Children's

565 pages

Genre: Mature YA Fantasy

Contains: violence, sexual references

Source: eARC and personal purchase

Synopsis:

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

My Review:
 
WOW! Just wow! I LOVED IT! This series continues to get better and better. Heir of Fire picks up not long after where Crown of Midnight left off. After all that Celaena has endured in the previous books and novellas, you can only begin to imagine where her heart and mindset are at the start of this book. And then Celaena's journey just gets richer and deeper and more intricate and more engrossing. I won't reveal how the story progresses. But just know that the tale that Sarah J. Maas continues to weave is so incredible. I am amazed by the direction the story took, and I cannot even begin to try to imagine where the next three books will go (because this is a 6-book series plus the novellas). Nor do I want to try and predict anything. I think the beauty of reading this series is being led on this amazing journey itself and letting the story unfold on its own.

I must at least speak a little on character, though. The character development, revealing, and interpretation throughout the series, and in Heir of Fire in particular, is truly special. Here we get several POVs. Breaking up the action using this split POV style can hurt a novel, but in the case of Heir of Fire, it simply made it all the better. I loved that we get the full picture of this world and all that these varied characters encompass. We get to see our favorites from the previous novels, plus some new characters who were simply stunning. I already loved Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian. Now I have new loves in Rowan, Manon, and Abraxos. Actually, there are many characters I completely loved (and a few I totally hated). Seeing their struggles, their hearts, their torments, their beliefs, their questions, their tragedies, and their hope. I loved it all!

Bottom-line: READ. THIS. SERIES!!! It is truly a work of genius, and it only gets better and better with each additional book, each additional character, each trial and tribulation, each life and death and everything in between. I cannot even begin to imagine where this series will ultimately go, but I'm on board until the very end. My heart has already been broken and I'm sure it will be again, but I can't wait to see what comes next. Wow!

5+ STARS

 

Book Links:

Amazon -- Goodreads

You must read this series! It is so good!!!

The Assassin's Blade (#0.1-0.5)

 

Throne of Glass #1

 

Crown of Midnight #2

Cover Reveal: Killer Queen by L.H. Cosway

We are pleased to share with you the cover for Killer Queen, the companion novel to Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway, scheduled for release on October 20th. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome… Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.
Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.
I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.
If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.
The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.
Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.
Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.
Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.
Cover Designed by: Letitia from Romantic Book Affairs

   

I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

 

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

 

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

 

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

 

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

 

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

 

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

 

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

 

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”  

 

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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♥READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL!♥ Painted Faces

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It's Monday! What are you reading? (16)

 It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

What I Read Last Week:
 
  
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Smart, Sexy, and Secretive by Tammy Falkner
Breakdown by Amanda Lance
The Perfect Wave by AJ Prior
 
What I Finished Re-Listening To: 

 

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

 
My Reviews Last Week:

    
Anyone But Alex by Katy Regnery 
(4.75 star review & author interview)
Take Me On by Katie McGarry
(5 star review & excerpt)
 
 What I'm Reading This Week:

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
 

Stacking the Shelves (77)

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Books Purchased:

 

365 Days of Wonder by RJ Palacio (signed)

The Infinite Sea by Rock Yancey

 

For My Kindle:

 

 

Smart, Sexy, and Secretive by Tammy Falkner

Falling For Max by Shannon Stacey

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

The Wright Brother by Marie Hall

 

eARCs for Review:

 

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Finding Her Way Back by Heather van Fleet

 

Used Book Finds:

  

The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

Superior Saturday by Garth Nix

Book Blitz, Review & Excerpt: Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Take Me On 
(Pushing the Limits #4)

by Katie McGarry

Release Date: 05/27/14

Harlequin Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

Bonus novella included: Crossing the Line.

My Review:

West Young is Rachel's brother from Crash Into You. While Take Me On can be read as a standalone, there are several references to what happens in Crash Into You, plus this takes place during the ending time period of CIY, so it may be helpful to read CIY first. Plus I loved CIY, so I recommend it anyway.

Our MCs, West and Haley, are not perfect characters, nor perfect people. They have made mistakes, hurt others, suffered loss, and have yet to find the tools to dig them out of the holes and traps they are in. Some of their struggles are from their own choices, some from other's choices, and some are just what we call "life." What goes down in this book, and the past situations these two have endured, are heartbreaking. But this story brings these two people who shouldn't even know each other together, and somehow they find reasons to change, grow, and renew their focus, purpose, and hope in life. I loved reading about both West and Haley. I genuinely liked them both, and rooted for them to make the right choices. Not only did I like them individually, but I loved the tender, determined, and endearing traits they brought out of each other.

Take Me On tackles numerous topics, numerous social and personal issues, and though I don't want to say what they are specifically because I don't want to give away spoilers, I will say that McGarry is able to seamlessly blend so many situations and struggles together, that anyone reading this book should be able to relate to at least one issue, if not more. All of McGarry's books have handled difficult topics, but I think Take Me One has touched on the most topics, and I really appreciate the respect and sensitivity she shows the characters and their situations through her writing. Which then makes the reader feel respected, which is always a good thing. The plot is also exciting, with just the right blend of emotion and action. I didn't want to put the book down, and wanted to fight alongside West and Haley until the end.

I realize that McGarry will write books outside of this series, but honestly, I would be perfectly content if she only wrote stories in this series. I will read them all. Every book is not only the story of its main characters, but we are exposed to incredible secondary characters, and I want to know all of their stories. Katie McGarry has such an amazing knack for bridging gaps between opposing ends of the spectrum and bringing unlikely characters together, to understand each other, to empathize and sympathize, to forgive, to care, to hope, to dream, to live. Take Me On once again hits the mark, and I loved it. I'm looking forward to whatever and whomever comes next.

5 STARS

Excerpt from West’s POV:

With each halfhearted throw, I step in, and in smooth, rhythmic movements, Haley continues to counter, keeping a safe distance between us. She stays close enough to block me, close enough to go on the offensive if she chooses, but far enough away I can’t touch and that’s what I want…I crave to touch Haley.

 

Without warning, I slide into her and back her into the cage. Haley’s breath leaves her body in a rush and those dark eyes focus on me. Her hands rest on my chest and her fingers flutter, as if not sure whether to push or to explore. With my gloves against the fence on either side of her head, I lean into her and draw my nose up her jawline to her ear. Her body is warm and firm and she smells so damn good.

 

“We shouldn’t do this,” she whispers, yet her hands wander to my back and trace my spine. “I won’t date another fighter.”

 

“Then walk away.” I trail a line of kisses along her collarbone, up her throat, then pause, staring straight into her eyes, giving her the chance to end this now. “I won’t lie. I want this, Haley. I want you.”

Available from:
    

Books in the series:
(covers linked to Goodreads)

Here are two exclusive teaser excerpts from Breaking the Rules, if you would like to share one in your post J

 From Noah’s Point of View

I love how Echo molds her body around mine: head on my shoulder, her hair teasing my neck, her arms winding around my chest. I hug her and revel in her warmth.

From Echo’s Point of View

Noah leans into my touch, and I love that I have that effect on him. I lick my lips, half hoping he kisses me—half wondering what would happen if he did.

 

Links for Breaking the Rules:

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo Books * iBooks * Google Play

 

About the Author:

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie would love to hear from her readers. Contact her via her website, katielmcgarry.com, follow her on Twitter @KatieMcGarry, or become a fan on Facebook and Goodreads.

Author Links:
   

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