Unraveling Sundays

I'll be posting about what happened last week and what you might expect this week and anything else that has caught my attention. I'm linking up to the Sunday Post, a meme by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

What happened last week on Unraveling Words...

Reviewed

• Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike - 1.5 Stars - It just wasn't my type of book.
• Destiny Gift (Everlast #1) by Juliana Haygert - 3.5 Stars - Solid start to this new series. Really enjoyed the concept.
• [ARC] The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise - 3 Stars - Outrageous but albeit fun read.
• Of Silver And Beasts (Goddess Wars #1) by Trisha Wolfe - 3.75 Stars - A new exciting fantasy read with a great heroine.

Memes

• Releases of the Week #22
• Feature & Follow #15

Featured Posts

• International Trailer for The City of Bones!
• April Recap!
• Book Blitz + Giveaway of Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

What you can expect this week...

Reviews:

• [ARC] Tremble by Jus Accardo
• [ARC] Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon
• Running Blind by S.W. Vaughn

Memes

• Releases of the Week #23
• Feature & Follow #16

Featured Posts

• Book Tour for Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver

*Don't forget to check out the giveaways!*

Review: Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Title: Of Silver And Beasts

Series: Goddess Wars Book One

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Publication Date: April 18, 2013
Rating: 3.75 Stars

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena. 

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

 

***

My Thoughts

This book came soo close to 5 stars, but botched it at the end. Not that I didn't like the actual ending or anything, I thought it was pretty awesome till we come to that one scene.

At first I had a hard time coming to terms with the new world of Cavan, mostly cause in my mind fantasy means old school living with magic or some such, but in this case it's advanced science and goddesses. So every time they would mention holograms and transmitters and Cury-crafts I'd be thrown off. I'm still not sure how that all ends up working, but it is a fantasy world so I just need to wrap my mind around the whole thing.

Science progress aside, I really did enjoy this new world. The 3 main realms with their respective rulers and goddesses and beliefs. We find out that all their special gadgets are powered by Mercury, because it's the purest element. I don't know the technical why's but I would liked learning some more in regards to that aspect. Not sure if anyone else would though xD. I very much enjoyed how in the realm of Cavan the heads of family are actually the women and the men are the ones who cater to them. Thought it was great, specially their scientific reasoning for this. 

All the characters that we are introduced to are fleshed out nicely. I liked Caben's instinctive reaction to always try to lighten the mood, specially in such a dire situation. Kaliope came across at times as a little too serious, which is why Caben's humor really was needed to balance her out. Also, as much as she kept bashing Caben about demeaning women, she kept demeaning his beliefs without even trying to understand them either. But there was character growth and they both do learn to about each other's beliefs.

The pacing of this book was perfect, there was always something going on, whether that was in terms of action, romance or plot development, there was never a dull moment. In the beginning we are introduced to the world and a little of their politics and the brewing war but once they got down to the Otherworld realm, that's when the crap hit the fan. Caben and Kaliope are both taken as fighters in the Cages and they have to fight to the death against their opponent.

While some might think the whole cage fighting thing and all against each other is being over done, it really works in this case. The killing isn't just for the hell of it, nor does it have a flimsy excuse. It serves a big purpose and that's one of the many things that they have to find out while stile managing to come on top. During their time down there, they are all scouting, plotting, forming alliances and finding out information to get them and everyone else out. While I was able to figure out the main reason behind the dark priests scheming it still didn't detract from my enjoyment of this novel.

As I mentioned at the start of this review, there was one scene that kinda killed it for me towards the end. I just don't understand why it had to happen that way. The whole issue could have been resolved so easily by doing one simple action and yet it didn't. I understand that it hadn't happened like that then there would have been no need for more books, but if that was the case then it should been done differently, cause it was all just really flimsy.

***

Other books in the series:

1. Of Silver and Beasts
2. Of Darkness and Crowns (November 1, 2013)

Book Blitz: Of Silver And Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

***

Excerpt

“What’s your rank, baby blue eyes?” the guy asks, pushing off his cot and stalking toward the prince.

Everything in me screams to act, but I don’t want to declare alliances this early on. Not without understanding the dynamic of placements and bonds already formed among these people. But I’ll not let this hulk of a man harm the prince. I brace my heel against the wall, ready to push off and lunge.

Prince Caben rises to his feet, slowly turning to face him. He straightens his spine, squaring his shoulders. “I don’t have one. And my name is Payne. Not ‘baby blue eyes’, meathead.”

Big guy laughs, his husky voice bounces off the rock walls. “I’m Crew”—he beats his chest hard once, like a barbarian—“and I’ve won three fights. I’ll win the next two and be the one awarded the freedom ring.” He leans down toward Prince Caben, leveling their faces. “So don’t even think about you or your princess over there walking out of here. I’m ranked as a Colossal. The strongest Colossal in Bax’s league.”

Princess? I nearly scoff. Then I realize what the problem with Crew is: he feels threatened by Prince Caben. That revelation almost makes me laugh out right. What does a big stack of muscles like Crew have to fear from the prince?

The other prisons slowly circle around the stand-off in the center of the cell. Tension thickens the musty air. It coils around my spine, tightening my muscles. If I allow the fight to continue without interruption, will the guards stop it? They’d want their fighters in pristine shape, wouldn’t they?
Prince Caben doesn’t back away from Crew. Instead, he moves into his space. I roll my eyes. Stupid, conceited man.

“Freedom ring?” the prince questions. “As in, there’s a chance to leave?” He rubs his chin, and I notice the dark shadow of facial hair that has darkened his features overnight. “Is there a season that has to be won, or can someone gain five wins during their entire imprisonment?”

Crew’s eyebrows pinch together. He’s clearly despondent that he hasn’t succeeded in intimidating the prince. “We’re in a season right now, you weakling. If you don’t win—you’re dead. Which by the looks of you, will happen in your first match.”

Prince Caben nods, as if he’s simply piecing together a jigsaw puzzle and not being told of his demise. “What is the cuff for?” He points to the iron clamp around Crew’s wrist.

“It’s our biometric monitor.” Crew shoves the cuff up close to the prince’s face. “See those three blue lights? Those are my wins. When the fifth lights up, I’m outta’ here.”

“Has anyone ever won the freedom ring before?” Prince Caben asks.
Crew’s massive arms tremble. “No,” he grinds out. “But I will.” He cocks his cuffed hand back, then sends a blow to Prince Caben’s chin.
Hell.

I’m up and racing across the cell before the prince hits the ground. Crew spots me from his peripheral. He turns and swipes the air. I duck, roll, and come up behind him. I jump on the cot and leap onto his back.

“You squirrely little ...” he mumbles, trying to reach over his shoulders to get a hold on me.

Tightening my arms around his thick neck, I squeeze. He gasps for air, and rams my back into the wall. I wheeze as the air whooshes from my lungs, pain splintering through my already bruised chest. But I hold tight, bearing down harder, and cut off his supply of oxygen.

Finally, I feel Crew weaken beneath my hold. He drops to his knees, and I only release him once I’m sure he’s knocked out.

Stepping around the now limp Crew, I glance at all the wide eyes studying me, and meet the prince’s. Fury ignites his stormy blue irises. He picks himself off the floor and heads toward one of the side chambers, throwing the tattered material aside as he stalks inside.

I follow after him. When I step inside the tiny, dank room, my eyes trail Prince Caben as he paces. He reaches each side of the small chamber with three quick strides.

Back and forth.

On his third round, I open my mouth and get out a single syllable before he holds up a hand, halting me. He drives his hand through his dark hair. “Thank you for making me look like a spineless jerk.” He shakes his head and faces me.

Taken aback, I say, “This is my duty to protect—”

“No. In your country it was your duty to guard me. In my world and here”—he opens his arms wide—“a man fights his own battles. He does not depend on a woman to fight them for him. You just disgraced me.”

Fire simmers in my core. “I’m still assigned as your protector no matter what realm we inhabit, Your High—” I stop myself before addressing him by title out of habit.

“Your pride is polluting your reasoning.”

He laughs. “Yes, well. Thanks to your show out there, I no longer have my pride to worry about.”

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Buy Of Silver and Beasts for only $2.99: 

 

***

Giveaway

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Book Blitz organized by:

Feature & Follow #15

This is a meme hosted every Friday by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, where book bloggers answer a question each week and check out how others answered it. It's a cool way for bloggers and viewers to connect and learn more about each other!

Follow by RSS or Bloglovin' is preferred :)

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

I am currently between books at the moment. Finished last night, or should I say early this morning (it was 2am) Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris. Loved the book! There was so much action and never a dull moment. Even cried a bit at the end.

 What are you currently reading?

April Recap!

I'm kinda late doing this post, hadn't realized it was already May..The months seem to just fly by, 3 more weeks and I'm already done with my semester. Can't wait! xD

Books Read: (23)

Books Reviewed: (9)

• [ARC] Black Feathers (Black Dawn #1) by Joseph D'Lacey
• Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon
• And All The Stars by Andrea K. Host
• Hell's Hollow by Summer Stone
• Fractured (Slated #2) by Teri Terry
• The Rules (The Rules #1) by Stacey Kade
• Feudlings (Fate on Fire #1) by Wendy Knight
• Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Favorite Reads: 

Absolutely loved Z's book. My favorite of the bunch so far. Was surprised by how much I liked this retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Favorite Cover: 

Tell me you didn't fall in love with that cover too.

2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

12/41-50  At least I read some more towards this challenge xD

TBR Pile Monthly Objectives

Month of April was a half success. Did much better than I thought lmao. Read 5 books from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, so just 6 more to go. Might get to those this month. I'll try, cause if I don't I probably will never catch up with the freaking series. I'm so horrible at finishing series.. 

[ARC] Review: The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise

Title: The Boyfriend App

Author: Katie Sise

Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Rating: 3 Stars

In The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise, super-smart, somewhat geeky Audrey McCarthy can’t wait to get out of high school. Her father’s death and the transformation of her one-time BFF, Blake Dawkins, into her worst nightmare have her longing for the new start college will bring.

But college takes money. So Audrey decides she has to win the competition for the best app designed by a high schooler—and the $200,000 that comes with it. She develops something she calls the Boyfriend App, and suddenly she’s the talk of the school and getting kissed by the hottest boys around. But can the Boyfriend App bring Audrey true love?

 

***

My Thoughts

This book was definitively a fun read. A bit over the top at times, but that's probably what made it so fun at the end.

The first half of the book was a bit slow, and there was quite a bit of technological talk about programming, computers and the like. While I didn't mind, some people might find it a drag to read all that. The second half is where things pick up. The 2.0 app comes out and things start getting crazy. The ending I thought was very appropriate and fitting :) My favorite scene was when Audrey was trying out version 2.0 at her school. Very reminiscent of Mean Girls, loved it :D

While this book is fun, especially the second half, it's not all about the craziness. We have Audrey still dealing with her father's death and the loss of a best friend and the bullying of said ex-best friend. And this is were it lost points for me. While I understood the confusion and miscommunication between them, it did not call for some, or should I say most, of the things that Blake does to both, Audrey and her mom. It was just plain cruel, specially coming from an ex-BFF, and what she did to her mom?! Who does that to an adult! It was all just really uncalled for.

Asides from Blake, I loved Audrey's cousin and her friends. They were a nice close knit group that supported each other. Specially liked Aidan, he was just so sweet and caring! Always looking out for Audrey. It was a nice change of pace from all the bad boy MCs out there.

In conclusion if you are looking for a fun read with some outrageous scenes then this is the book for you :)

Review: Destiny Gift by Juliana Haygert

Title: Destiny Gift

Series: Everlast Book One

Author: Juliana Haygert

Publication Date: March 30, 2013
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Thirty years in the future, a sinister New York City exists in permanent darkness. 

A student at the secured NYU, nineteen-year-old Nadine has visions of Victor Gianni, an imaginary guy she has real feelings for. Afraid of being truly insane, she explains the visions away as simple daydreams, but she can no longer deny them when she bumps into Victor in real life. But this Victor doesn’t know her, and turns her away. After the encounter, Nadine’s visions change to those of eerie fates, gods she’s never heard of, demons with sharp claws they are not too timid to use … and instructions.

To discover if she’s losing her mind, Nadine follows the vague directions—with the real, rude and reluctant Victor—leading to a man who knows it all: Nadine can restore an ancient creed by unveiling the clues on her visions, and bring sunlight and peace to the world again. But that’s only if the demons and the other evil forces behind the darkness don’t stop her first.

 

***

My Thoughts

This is a tough book for me to rate. Even though I finished it and I did like the premise and the characters, I just felt like there was something missing.

By reading the blurb you have no idea what the book is actually going to be talking about, and I really don't want to spoil anything so I guess I can't really talk about the premise except to say that it was a slightly different take on an overdone subject but it was done very well. 

The characters were all great, specially Nadine. She had so many things she had to deal with, all the information from her visions, but she takes everything in stride and just keeps thinking of the next step and taking it. There is a love triangle in this book, which I didn't know about but it wasn't too bad I guess. The reason why it wasn't so, is because even though I did admire Nadine and liked the characters, it was all very abstract. I just couldn't connect to any of them. Which untimely led to me not caring which one she chose, cause I just didn't care either way.

I don't know what exactly is wrong. This book has technically all the elements that would make it 4 or even 5 stars, and yet I just can't seem to care too much. 

I will be giving the second book a try, since I want to know what happens to the boys and how their story progresses, and I hope that by then I'll be able to appreciate this as much as it deserves.

***

Other books in the series:

1. Destiny Gift
2. Untitled (Coming October 2013)