Kingdom from Ashes and Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski!

Princess Bennua is to be married. The daughter of a sultan, her duty is to marry a powerful yet cruel warlord to be her husband, sealing an alliance that will scare the desert of Sahrahn into submission. But the wedding is halted in place when the infamous Raider Prince, king of thieves and leader of the dark city Ashana, threatens to take her city by force. 

Sacrificing her freedom for her country, Bennua agrees to accompany the Raider Prince on his travels if he leaves her homeland alone. Stolen from her charmed life Bennua begins to learn the truth of what lies beyond the palace walls and the suffering that plagues Sahrahn’s people. Bennua begins to plan her escape, but the more she learns from the thieves the more she finds herself becoming one of the them...all while falling hard for their leader, the Raider Prince himself.

IMAGE AND SYNOPSIS FOUND ON GOODREADS

REVIEW:

The society in which this book was centered on was easily explained and the reader didn't feel lost at any point. There culture was explained as necessary and it actually had some very interesting elements that differ from typical Western Culture today. It was interesting to see the world come to live before your eyes.

The writing in Kingdom From Ashes drew the reader in, made them fall in love with the characters and created not so perfect characters, even if they may seem so at the beginning. It was certainly intriguing to watch the characters grow and develop.

The plot line was also kept moving and did not slow for a moment, giving readers tons of things to keep them interested. It was a beautiful and touching story, one that allowed me to fall in Love with Bennua and the Raider Prince.

Queen Bennua has grown into a powerful ruler. With her new laws encouraging rights for both men and women, Haya-Maa has grown from a small city into a prosperous nation. Engaged to Zahid, the handsome Raider Prince, it would seem the young Queen is ready to lead the desert of Sahrahn into paradise. 

But not all are so eager to follow the new Queen. A short time into her rule Haya-Maa erupts into civil war, rebels opposing the idea of a woman in power. Bennua must embark on a quest to find her missing friend, Toshana, who could hold the key to ending the bloodshed. Yet as her journey wears on Bennua discovers her title as Queen powerless against the wrath of gods and the wars of men. At her breaking point, Bennua finds the only way to save her country and defend her people...is to offer a devastating sacrifice.

IMAGE AND SYNOPSIS FOUND ON GOODREADS

REVIEW

It was different to have Toshana's point of view but it certainly allowed the reader to understand her character a bit more.

It was also amazing to see more of Bennua and Zahid, and to see that they were happy. Although that happiness comes into doubt many times, and there might have been some tears shed(once or twice), it was great that the author could draw such emotion from me! 

There were some elements of Fallen From Ashes that frustrated me but it was more so characters that frustrated me, more so than anything the writer wrote. 

I just don't have many more words to say besides the fact that while this book is a bit more painful then the first in the series it also brings some joy.

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The Labyrinth Wall by Emilyann Girdner

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Araina's been isolated for her entire life, struggling to survive. But when a man comes from through a wall in her labyrinth home she finds herself curious and hopeful...hoping for a better existence. She must find allies that she never thought she could or would make in order to get by. Find the official description by Goodreads.

The thing that I enjoyed most about this book is the quick, but informative introduction to the world of the Labyrinth. It's quick but it doesn't skimp on the information so that you can better imagine the world that Araina has been dealing with for her entire life. The descriptions and information don't drag on but at the same time they don't skimp. They allow you to understand the world better and perhaps find some way to understand it and the people within. 

The plot was interesting and trying. As well as the characters. You were never certain that allies would remain allies or those who were allies would be on the right side. It was difficult but interesting. The difficulties you experience in determining things makes things much more intriguing, never certain where you stand. 

Although it's a very unpleasant world. But you see Araina's experiences and her growth, allowing them to see where she comes from and maybe how she changes or is different from others. 

Overall The Labyrinth Wall is a good fantasy novel. If you don't enjoy a lot of romance then this is also the book for you. It's a bit out of my comfort zone but I'm glad I took that chance. And I'm sure you would be as well. 

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Hello, hello, hello

     Hi everyone, let me start by saying how happy I am to be a part of Reading Shy With Aly. Shout out to her for trusting me and giving me a spot on her blog. Let's roll with the introductions, shall we? 

I'm Ana, a 25 year old mommy living in the Philippines. I'm working as a forum moderator. I've started book blogging just a couple of months ago, and I must say, I love it! In just a short period of time, I've read some really great books, met some even greater people and just had a blast. I can't believe I'm now a part of this huge community that celebrates books all the time. To give you an idea of the kind of books I read, here are some of my favorites:

5 Stars All The Way

    

      

Young Adult Mythology

 Young Adult Contemporary

 

Paranormal Series 

 Sci-Fi

 Contemporary Fiction

That's it for now. I'm hoping to share more awesome books here at Reading Shy With Aly. Hopefully, you'll like me so I can stay here longer. Lol.

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The Strings of the Violin by Alisse Lee Goldenburg

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"A degree of boldness is required when one considers the gravity of the situation." -Alisse Lee Goldenberg, The Strings of the Violin

Carrie is trying to put off thinking about the future. At least for a few more minutes as she soaks in some sunshine. But when she saves a fox from her dog, Finnegan, she doesn't think it will change her world. But this fox can talk and he needs her help. His home world is cloaked in darkness and only the return of the magical strings of a violin will save it. But when Carrie and her friends enter the world, they'll find they should have listened to their grandmothers stories more. Will they be able to remember enough to save Adom's world? Find the official description on Goodreads. 

The main plot comes out pretty quickly. Or at least the beginning of the main plot. And in a shocking form. A talking fox. It is definitely different than what I'd been reading lately. The writing was well done, and easy to read. It was somewhat easy to get into although it wasn't one of those books you can just jump right into and immediately be completely immersed. It slowly builds up until you find yourself entering the world of Adom as the girls do.

The easy banter between the friends took away much of the danger of their situation until something happened to clearly bring that danger to the forefront. It made things relaxing and a bit like you were replaying conversations you had with your best friends before. It was great, and kept your attention.

Then there was learning about this world other than Earth. It was great to see a new setting and learn more about it. I had lots of questions and got answers as well.

It was very interesting to see how folklore and their grandmothers stories were actually incorporated into the story. The folklore of the situation just made things that much more interesting because you're learning about these stories in bits and pieces, as they're remembering them and it was fun to learn some about their pasts.

I was also happy that Alisse Lee Goldenberg didn't take advangtage of the fact that she is writing fantasy and thus uses it as a free pass to manipulate lief and death. I'm not saying that I don't cheer when that happens but still sometimes it seems that it's used too often or it's used as a way to please your readers. That didn't happen here and I was glad to see it. Even if I was crying and wishing it could happen.

The Strings of the Violin was a good read, and different than the books I've read recently. If you like fantasy and young adult novels than you should add this to your TBR list.

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Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

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Tracey won the lottery to enter the Eagle Elite University, and she's ecstatic. She's able to fulfill her grandmother's wish for her and she can pay back her grandparents for everything they've done for her. But when she arrives, she finds that things are much different on this campus. There are rules and if you don't follow them...while just watch your back. Find the official description on Goodreads.

Elite was a book that I enjoyed very much, and I'm definitely going to add this author to my list of keep an eye out for new books by. The writing really flowed smoothly and the Traci's voice really came through. It didn't feel like it was a book, it felt like it was either a movie playing out in front of me or that I was a background character in the book watching things happen. 

There were lots of different moments even moments where there was deep thought and speaking on the human condition. It added more depth to the book and I really enjoyed that.

Throughout Elite, you do find yourself thinking. Either sympathizing with different characters or trying to figure out what or who is being nice only to turn around and stab Tracey in the back. It added a little bit of intrigue into the book and I liked the fact that I was suspicious about people's motives. It made for a great read.

The Eagle Elite University is definitely not like any university I've ever heard of. I loved that. It added a bit of need to find out what was all going on. I found a lot of the book questioning what the heck kind of school this was and I swear there were points in which curiosity almost killed me.

The plot was very unique as I don't think people have really thought about taking on this age group and this topic(I'm not going to mention the combo as it would be spoilery, ;)) It was new, and shiny and I don't know but it made Elite stand out in my mind, and I definitely want to read more by Rachel Van Dyken.

You should definitely give Elite a read even if New Adult/Young Adult isn't something you typically read. It was a great book, one I will definitely be reading again.

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The Faded Trilogy by Chloe Miles

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Title: Faded (The Faded Trilogy, Book 1)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 392

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

“Savannah wanted to kiss him, but she had never even kissed a human guy before, let alone a ghost. How was she supposed to kiss him if he wasn’t really there?”

Savannah has never been in love before, but she’s in love with Hunter Emmerton. He’s cute, funny, charming ... and a ghost. How can you date someone if nobody else can see them?

When seventeen-year-old Savannah Fraser and her three friends are killed in a car accident, they are given a second chance at life by a group of century-old earthbound spirits who need their help.

Savannah learns she is a Chosen One, which means she can switch between human and spirit form, heal people, and control the weather—and she is also now invincible.

The Chosen Ones are the only ones who can defeat The Forces—a trio of evil half-spirits who are slowly destroying the perfect little town of Fort Everwick with violent storms and not-so-natural disasters—and stop them from harming everyone they care about.

The Forces are set on destroying everything Savannah knows and loves, but they also have a more sinister plan—they want a new member to join them. They won’t give up until they get the one they want—and they have Savannah firmly in their sights.

But what Savannah didn’t count on was falling in love with Hunter. She’s never loved anyone the way she loves Hunter, and she knows he loves her, too. But how can they be together forever if he no longer exists and she’s the only one who can see him?

Will Savannah have enough belief in herself to defeat The Forces, or will they be able to lure her to the dark side and turn her against her loved ones—and tear her and Hunter apart?

Review:

In the beginning of Faded the narrator sounds as if they are telling a legend or it's a legend in the making. It was great! I know that many books have to capture readers attentions in the first few pages and Faded certainly does that.

There are several scary scenes that really get your heart pumping. It was fun to be able to experience that even if it didn't happen often. 

Faded jumps between different characters perspectives in the third person which can make things slightly confusing once or twice. Most times I could figure out who was speaking but there was one time or another I was confused for a bit about who was speaking.

There were typical high school scenes that seemed to balance out the odd and at times scary occurrences. Although how the drama of high school can do that I do not know but it just seemed to work. Maybe because it's normal for many people?

I enjoyed the fact that while many times the group of four only use their powers for fighting the Forces, but they do occasionally use their powers for fun. It makes the powers seem a lot less of a burden. 

 The Forces were also convincingly life like. They use innocent people for their own purpose, do whatever they can to stay alive/get all the power. I was extremely saddened by this but it also gave me someone to hate. Which is terrible but at the same time, they do terrible things. 

The ending feels like it's setting up the next book, almost like one episode of a television show setting up for the next. It was an ending but it also felt as if there was plenty more to go on and lead into See No Evil.

One of the things I enjoyed most in Faded was the romances the reader could follow. Especially that of Savannah and Hunter even though their circumstances seem impossible. Which also added a bit of melancholy to my feelings of their relationship while for the others I felt only happiness. And maybe some sadness for at least one relationship at one point but also hope at the same time. Faded and Chloe Miles certainly made me feel a lot of different emotions during this book and this series as a whole.

(Image found on Goodreads)

Title: See No Evil (The Faded Trilogy, Book 2)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 350

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

“You could have perfect vision and still not see the evil in someone. Well, at least not want to see it, anyway.”

The enthralling story that was built in Faded continues in exciting and unexpected ways in this action-packed sequel in The Faded Trilogy.

Are Savannah’s dreams predicting the death of someone close to her? Or is it someone even closer than she thinks? Can Savannah save one of her best friends—and stop another from suffering the same fate?

Savannah will need more strength than she ever has before if she is to defeat The Forces for good, and with Hunter’s love and encouragement to believe in herself, she finds the confidence she never knew she had.

However, while The Chosen Ones become more confident in their roles as protectors of Fort Everwick, The Forces only become more evil—and prove they will stop at nothing to win.

What will Savannah do that will change everything and determine her position of power over The Forces forever—and prove to them that she just might have it in her to beat them at their own game?

But while becoming their biggest threat, it also reinforces Savannah’s position as Gwen’s most cherished target.

Review:

Confused at first in the prologue before I quickly figured out that it was actually a future event. Which deeply saddened me. I couldn't believe that this happened. Or was going to happen.

I still felt really hopeless about the Savannah and Hunter relationship so every moment they interacted was saddening and full of despair instead of happiness like the other couples interactions made me feel. I just felt like there was no way for them to be together and felt like they were just delaying the inevitable. 

I want to know how Gwen turned out the way she did. She was so different from the rest of her family and I was really saddened and confused about how Gwen turned out how she did. It made Gwen just a little bit more human even if she was crazy, evil and I really didn't like her.

It seems as if people can be so easily convinced? Just by using their feelings against them. And it seemed like the Forces were pretty much using the same play with different characters. I found it slightly frustrating that people could actually fall for this again. It was one thing I really didn't like about See No Evil.

I loved the touching scenes where the two couples were interacting. It made everything seem as if it was less of a big, bad thing. Except when Hunter and Savannah interacted. That was more of an addition to the bad things/feelings.

I wasn't a big fan of the time jumps but I do know they're necessary. I wish they could have been more spread out in their use or less used. But it was necessary to move the plot along so I got over my dislike.

See No Evil was a great addition to the Faded trilogy.

(Image found on Goodreads)

Title: Ever After (The Faded Trilogy, Book 3)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 462

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

"And she realized that everything that seemed to simple back then is nowhere near as simple as it should be and that nothing comes easy for the ones who want it the most."

One of Savannah’s friends is hiding a secret that will change her life—forever.

In this heartbreaking yet heartwarming conclusion to The Faded Trilogy, Savannah is facing an epic final battle with The Forces—and the possibility of losing Hunter forever.

If Fort Everwick no longer needed protecting, and Hunter was free to cross over, would he stay with Savannah as he promised—or leave her to live the normal life she deserves?

Savannah can’t imagine her life without Hunter, but does he love her truly enough to let her go?

Until then, The Chosen Ones only have one thing on their mind—defeating The Forces. But they are stronger than ever—and not prepared to go down without a fight.

Will The Forces finally be defeated once and for all? And can Savannah and Hunter really live happily ever after?

Review:

I opened the third book in the Faded Trilogy with anticipation and excitement but at the same time dread. Especially after reading the synopsis. I felt as if there was no hope for Savannah and Hunter so I felt like the outcome was clear to me and it was saddening. I really wasn't looking forward to their parting. But as I read through, especially closer to the end I started feeling hopeful. And I'm not going to spoil it but there was a surprise that allows Savannah to be happy. I loved the ending and it definitely was a Happy Ever After kind of ending.

Throughout Ever After we get to watch everyone start to really grow up and get all of those relationship milestones that most couples follow such as moving in together. It was great to watch these things happen for Jackson and Madison as well as Logan and Abigail. But at the same time you felt sad that Savannah and Hunter would never experience these things. And yet Savannah was nice about the whole thing. She didn't really feel jealous of anything but these things. She didn't even feel resentful that she can't go elsewhere right now because of the fact that their powers are needed in Fort Everwick, none of them do. Or at least not that we see. At times I felt that this made them feel a bit unrealistic but then Chloe Miles had always said that Savannah at least wanted to go to FESU for her pre-med studies so it made it feel less of an unrealistic character.

Then there was Ryan. There's a bit of a mystery about him. Did he actually go to Canada or? And the answer to that question leads to a heartbreaking discovery. I had guessed what was going on but having it confirmed was not a happy time. He was honestly killing me and I had a hard time reading scenes with Ryan in them, even though he was always upbeat.

Ever After really captured my feelings on growing older. Especially the quote at the top of the synopsis. It made me feel really nostalgic and wishing once more for childhood. It was amazing to see all of my feelings of growing up and older translated to the pages of Ever After.

Is it bad that I got used to the book leaving much to the imagination in the case of the happiness of characters after the end of the book? Because I was almost disappointed to get a play-by-play almost of everyone's happy ending but also I loved it and read it as quickly as I could so that I would know everything! It was amazing! 

The Faded Trilogy is definitely a book to read if you enjoy paranormal romances. I would suggest that this is mostly for young adults but that doesn't mean that adults couldn't read it and enjoy the trilogy. So give it a chance and I think you'll find yourself a new, amazing book. 

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Hummingbird by Kay Causer

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"She tried to focus through the darkness but it was only a blur of colour." -Kay Causer, Hummingbird

Naomi has been called as a shadow weaver when there hasn't been need of one for 50 years. And yet dark spirits have started getting through and Naomi is needed. But when a shadow guide named Jesse finds her, will he be able to convince her of the truth that sounds like stories? Or will Naomi find herself in an early grave with no real explanation? Find the official description on Smashwords.

At first we are only given quick glimpses into the spirit world and it seems as everything is slowly coming to the reader, allowing them to soak in the information and yet still keep their attention. It isn't hard to get lost in the world as it's set in a familiar one that any person on Earth would at least know of from books and films. But when we start to get a glimpse into the supernatural world that surrounds Naomi it comes in slowly enough to allow the reader to get a grip on this new world within our own but also it isn't so slow that the reader loses interest. It's easy enough to get the necessary information from the book with very little confusion if any.

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Birthright by Vivian Eve

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“...in order to move forward, we cannot allow ourselves to forever dwell in the past.” - Vivian Eve, Birthright

A tyrant rules Arenhed. This doesn't seem to have any effect on the life of Hedy until one day the unexpected and terrible happens. Hedy loses everything. The village she calls home, her best friend, her mother, the last of her family. And now she finds herself in a world of dangerous politics where one mistake could cost her her life and the lives of those around her. Find the description on Goodreads.

Birthright was an interesting read. Right from the very beginning, the action draws you in, and keeping things hopping. The plot is full of twists and turns, some of which you think you understand fully, but of which it is actually impossible to fully guess. The ending was certainly a shock. I had some thoughts but I certainly couldn't have guessed the true ending. Vivian Eve has created a book that is engaging, and keeps the reader guessing. She drops clues and sometimes you might be in the right direction but then you might not.

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