How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

Title: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse

Author: K. Eason
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy
Series: The Thorne Chronicles # 1
Hardcover, 416 pages
Publication: October 8, 2019 by Daw Books
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
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Rory Thorne is a princess with thirteen fairy blessings, the most important of which is to see through flattery and platitudes. As the eldest daughter, she always imagined she'd inherit her father's throne and govern the interplanetary Thorne Consortium.

Then her father is assassinated, her mother gives birth to a son, and Rory is betrothed to the prince of a distant world.

When Rory arrives in her new home, she uncovers a treacherous plot to unseat her newly betrothed and usurp his throne. An unscrupulous minister has conspired to name himself Regent to the minor (and somewhat foolish) prince. With only her wits and a small team of allies, Rory must outmaneuver the Regent and rescue the prince.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse is a feminist reimagining of familiar fairytale tropes and a story of resistance and self-determination--how small acts of rebellion can lead a princess to not just save herself, but change the course of history.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse is the perfect union of Science Fiction and Fairy-tale. Although to be absolutely fair, it’s more Science Fiction than Fairy-tale but great nonetheless. The story begins with a blessing and a curse. Rory Thorne is the first princess born in a long, long line of princes to the Thorne Consortium. On her name day, everyone in the multiverse came to witness the significant day…even the thirteen fairies whom no one has seen for thousands of years. Each fairy blessed/cursed Rory with a gift. Kindness, Beauty, courage through adversity and of course to see through illusions and lies. Apparently, it’s exactly what a princess needs.

From the opening chapter, I knew I was going to like Rory. Despite all odds and to everyone’s surprise she was born not only challenging the status quo but eventually changing it. Reading this far, you can guess that Rory is no ordinary princess. Only sixteen-years of age, Rory is more intelligent and skilled than most of her seniors. What makes this book stand out and superior than many novels nowadays is that it doesn’t resort to physical combat or flashy battle sequences. It doesn’t involve a ‘girl’ going on a beserker mission of revenge and bloodshed for power or greed. Rory utilized her mind and voice to outsmart the most respected arithmancers (magic-magician), regents and would-be kings and got shit done. No gimmicks here. I found it quite refreshing to see such an independent character with fortitude and cunning, using her mind and words to get what she wanted. The supporting cast was just as multifaceted and unique as our heroine. From Rory’s two trusted advisers Messer Rupert and Deme Grytt to her two bodyguards Thorsdottir and Zhang. Rupert and Grytt couldn’t be more polar opposite but their love for Rory made them an amazing team. I loved their banter. The same could be said for Rory’s bodyguards. I loved that it took equally intelligent women to guard Rory. Never send a man to do a woman’s job, amiright?

The world building was as scientific as they come. While there was what some would considered as ‘magic’ I felt like it leaned more towards technology-science. Messer Rupert is Rory’s Arithmancy teacher. Arithmancy is the ability to manipulate and hex codes. Whether it be that of a database, firewall security or one’s mind. There was a lot of code hacking going on to obtain confidential secrets, passwords and the disabling of cameras and bugs. You get the picture. I thought Eason’s world building was a breath of fresh air. She took a seemly simple idea and made it uniquely her own. I particular liked the aura reading aspect; it was an interestingly fun aspect of the novel.

Every year I discover a gem of a book and this year’s book is without a doubt How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse. Eason’s writing was flawless and I loved how she used the ‘inner monologue' technique, super clever. I thought the world building was well developed and easy to understand. But the best part of the book were the characters. If you’re looking for an extraordinary, nonconforming, out-of-the-box type heroine then look no further. I highly, highly recommend How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Universe. There are countless of novels that try to incorporate science fiction with fairy-tale in the market but none done as well as this book. Read this, you won’t regret it!

Lastly, there was little to no romance here. It's all about girl power!

City of Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

Title: City of Bastards
Author: Andrew Shvarts
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Series: Royal Bastards # 2

Hardcover, 320 Pages
Publication: June 5, 2018 by Disney-Hyperion

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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Tilla, bastard of House Kent, has it made. Safe from her murderous father in the dazzling capital of Lightspire, she lives a life of luxury under the protection of the Volaris King, alongside her boyfriend Zell and best friend, Princess Lyriana.

So why isn’t she happy? Maybe it’s the whispers and stares that follow her wherever she goes, as the daughter of the traitor waging war against Lightspire. Or maybe it’s the memories of her beloved brother, Jax, who lies cold in his grave even as she tries to settle into a life in the city's prestigious University.

Then, Tilla stumbles upon the body of a classmate, a friend. The authorities are quick to rule it a suicide and sweep it under the rug, but when Tilla herself is attacked by a mysterious man with terrifying powers, she’s convinced of a conspiracy. Her friends beg her to stay silent; what she's suggesting is impossible... and treaso

But Tilla can't, won't, let it go. And the deeper she digs, the more questions she uncovers. How is the West beating the supposedly invincible Lightspire Mages in battle? Is it connected to the shadowy cult wreaking havoc in Lightspire? Nothing is as it seems in the glorious capital, and Tilla’s presence might just be the spark that sets the Kingdom aflame.

There are plenty of books featuring princesses, princes, villains and lost heirs. And that’s all great stuff, but sometimes don’t you just find the side-background characters of a story more interesting? Like Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter or Mr. Tumnus from The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe…what if they were the main character of the story? I think some of the most fascinating characters are the one that are normally overlooked, which is why Shvarts’s series stands out in a sea of Young Adult Fantasy. The book is centered on the nobility’s bastard children. When I first heard about Royal Bastards, the first book in the series..I thought “that is brilliant!”. It was fresh, new…something that hasn’t been done before (or at least something I’ve never read before). I read and enjoyed Royal Bastards last year and Shvarts’s second installment, City of Bastards is no exception. It was another fun and action-packed novel that is just as good, if not better than its predecessor.

City of Bastards takes place a few weeks after the events of Royal Bastards, Tilla and Co have brought Princess Lyriana safely home to LightSpire and has the protection/sanctuary of King Leopold as thanks. It has always been Tilla’s dream to see the city of LightSpire, to dine in the banquet hall and to dress up in the resplendent dresses. But LightSpire wasn’t anything like Tilla pictured with danger around every corner; not to mention the rumors beyond the wall of her father’s troop making their way towards Lightspire with an arsenal of their own apostate mages in tow.

If you read Royal Bastards last year, you knew how explosive and game-changing the ending was. I didn’t think Shvarts could top that but I was so wrong because Shvarts upped the stakes in City of Bastards and the ending…the ending was a…Total. Crazy. Game. Changer. I loved the surprises and unexpectedness of it all. But don’t worry the trademark humor found in the first book is in abundance and action, so much action. Readers will never be bored because there was so much to see and learn and the action and mystery will have you at the edge of your seat as Tilla, Lyriana, and Zell search for a killer and prevent an assassination attempt.

Overall, City of Bastards was an solid and great follow-up to Royal Bastards. I loved that we got to be in a different city and to learn more about the world and politics. As I mentioned earlier, the ending changes everything for the characters and I can’t wait to see what Shvarts has planned for the series. And if these two books are anything to go buy, I know it’s going to be shocking and phenomenal. Just how I like it! I highly recommend the Royal Bastards series, if you’re looking for a fun, high-octane book to get lost in, this series is the answer. 

Riders by Veronica Rossi

Title: Riders
Author: Veronica Rossi
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Series: Riders #1

Hardcover, 384 pages
Publication: February 16, 2016 by Tor Teen

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

*Thank you Tor Teen for sending me a finished copy!*

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Nothing but death can keep eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

While recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine, and Death—are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence. 

Now—bound, bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

When I first heard about Riders, I was intrigued. I mean, who doesn’t know or love a tale about The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? I haven’t read any book tackling the Four Horsemen; so I was pretty stoked to start Rossi’s new YA series. It was a first for me, both in term of the mythology being used in YA and my first novel of hers. And I must say, I am impressed. This book was full of wonderful surprises.

The book opened with our main character, Gideon hooded and tied to a chair as he is interrogated by Agent Cordero. Something big and important just occurred and the only person with all the answers is eighteen-year-old Gideon. The first surprise for me was this book was narrated by a young man. I had no idea the point-of-view was going to be male! I had no problems about it but I guess I was just expecting a female narrative when it comes to YA. I can count all the times I’ve read YA with a male narrative on one hand. Yup, very few. Gideon was a great main character. I loved his voice/narration; he had that instant likability that is rare in YA (whether it be female or male characters). The second surprise was the way the narration was written. You know how in movies or shows when it begins at the end (like the shows Revenge and How to Get Away with Murder) just like that. Readers are dropped into the scene with Gideon held captive and then we rewind back to the beginning to learn/see all the events leading up to the present where Gideon is being held against his will. The book jumps back and forth between the present and past all the while Gideon is telling Cordero the story. It’s all very fascinating, this technique. I haven’t seen it done before till now (I may sound confusing, but you really must read it to understand).

As I mentioned before, I liked Gideon right off the bat. Sure, he was a tad cocky, impulsive, and had some anger issues but at the same time he was fiercely loyal and went the extra mile for the people he cared about. As far as anger issues went, there was a good, understandable reason behind it. So no, he’s wasn’t a typical angsty boy for no reason. The reason was a family matter and Gideon held onto a lot of anger and guilt at the beginning of the book. But as the story progressed Gideon learned to accept the past, to forgive and to channel his newfound powers/density towards saving the world from demons hell-bent on enslaving humanity. The secondary characters were just as awesome. Jode, Bas, and Marcus; the other three horsemen were an eclectic bunch. I loved them as individuals as well as a group. It was fun seeing everyone learn about their abilities and how/why they were chosen to be the embodiment of Conquest, Famine and Death. And you know the phrase behind every strong man is a strong lady….well, in this case behind these young men was Daryn, a seeker who is task with bringing the horsemen together. She’s an enigma and while she is constantly with the gang, she is very reserved and only discloses the need-to-know facts to the guys. I can’t really make heads or tails about her yet, so I hope we learn more about Daryn in the next book. (I just saw on Goodreads that the next book is titled Seeker, so looks like I will be getting my wish?!!).

That twist at the end was so unexpected! I was like...''Wow, totally didn't see that coming!''. And as far as climactic scene goes, it was pretty darn good. I was on pins and needles the entire time. All in all, Riders was an excellent start to a brand new series. It had action from start to finish, a lot of heart, and a harmonious balance of romance (bromance lol), humor and mystery. I love the world building, characters and the mythology and can’t wait to read the sequel, Seeker when it comes out! 

[Early Review] Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Title: Tell Me Three Things
Author: Julie Buxbaum 
Genre: Contempory Fiction, Young-Adult
Series: N/A

Hardcover, 336 pages
Publication: April 5, 2016 by Delacorte Press

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review/blog tour.

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What if the person you need the most is someone you’ve never met?
  
Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she’s thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short);offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?

It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son.

In a leap of faith—or an act of complete desperation—Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?

First and foremost, I should mention I rarely read contemporary fiction, adult or young-adult. But there was something about the cover of Tell Me Three Things that caught my eyes and I knew I just had to read it. And I’m so glad I did because I absolutely loved it! Let me tell you three things: 1) This book will make you laugh and cry in the best ways. 2) It is unequivocally heart-warming and will evoke every feeling imaginable. 3) You will love this book.

Tell Me Three Things is Buxbaum YA debut and it was amazing. While the basis of the plot has been done before, it is the writing and characters that makes this book standout. Buxbaum’s novel is part book, part email and part messenger/texting…and while I’m not usually into the whole emailing/texting thing (I’ve seen some books done in this style) Bauxbaum made it work and created a whole new experience when it comes to reading. Well, for me at least. The emails/textings just made everything feel more personal; like I really knew Jessie, Dri, Scarlett and SN…they all felt relatable and realistic.

I loved Jessie, she was so adorable...an all-around great heroine. Jessie’s life gets turned upside down when her mom passes away and her dad remarries; picking up and leaving everything behind as she and her dad moves to the suburbs of Los Angeles. Describing Jessie’s life as chaotic might be an understatement; between dealing with her mom’s death, moving in with people she’s barely met and navigating junior high as the new girl is stressful and overwhelming but I thought Jessie handled her situation perfectly. Her best friend, Scarlett describes her as a ninja/fighter and it certainly fits. Jessie is strong, independent, brave, funny, and most importantly she knows who she is and doesn’t let others define her. She’s confident as heck, and I love that about her. As it is typical of high school, there’s always a group of mean girls and bullying, and Jessie isn’t immune to it as two girls constantly pick on her. Never once did Jessie let it get the best of her and never once did she stoop to their level or ratted them out. Jessie never pretends to be someone else or conform to the likes of her peers (In this case, rich private school kids). For a sixteen-year-old she is extremely mature, an old soul as her dad says.

Tell Me Three Things was everything I looked for in a novel; it had a great story, realistic and lovable characters, a heroine with a great voice and personality, and an enthralling mystery (Yes, I kind of figured out who SN was but I was still at the edge of my seat as their meet-up came closer and closer)! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tell Me Three Things! I know my review can’t do it the justice it deserve , but trust me when I say this you don't want to miss this one! We’re a little over a month and half till Tell Me Three Things hit shelves and I can’t wait for everyone to read it. I know it’s going to be a hit! I highly recommend this fun, sweet and heart-warming novel. It is, hands-down the best YA contemporary I’ve ever read. E-V-E-R. Pre-order the book now you guys, I’m that confident that you’ll love it as much as I did! L-O-V-E. I will definitely be checking out Buxbaum’s other books and I can’t wait to see more YA books from her. World, get ready because Buxbaum’s YA debut is going to make waves!

*Side note: That cover is so perfect for the story, it all made sense after read it! ♥ My new favorite word is Waffle lol. 

Between a Vamp and a Hard Place by Jessica Sims

Title: Between a Vamp and a Hard Place
Author: Jessica Sims
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Midnight Liaisons #5 (?, possible standalone)

Mass Market Paperback, 384 Pages
Publication: December 29, 2015 by Pocket Books

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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Lindsey Hughes loves antiques and couldn’t be happier to make a living in the estate sale business. But when her assistant accidentally buys an entire estate without her approval, Lindsey is forced to clean up the mess herself.

Lindsey travels to the newly purchased, age-old house in Venice, Italy, and soon discovers more than she (never) bargained for. While digging through the hoarder’s trove that fills every floor, she finds a secret staircase behind a wall that leads to a strange coffin…with an even stranger inhabitant.

Vampire Rand FitzWulf has been in his coffin for 600 years. But now that he’s awake, he’s ravenous, and there’s a delicious-smelling woman with a rare blood type in his basement. Luckily, Lindsey has more to offer than blood: she agrees to travel throughout Europe with Rand to help him get revenge on the one who turned him. But as the unlikely pair grows closer, will the billionaire vampire be overtaken by his thirst for blood—or his thirst for love?

It’s been a long time since I read a Paranormal Romance novel. Between a Vamp and a Hard Place was a fun, light read…and I forgot how much I missed and enjoyed them. This is my first Sims book but like all Paranormal Romance it features a different main couple, location and plot/problem. In Between a Vamp and a Hard Place, readers are introduced to Lindsey and her BFF/business partner Gemma, antiques dealers who make a living by hunting for valuables at estate sales. Lindsey and her friend have been in a slump and struggling with bills but finally hit a possible jackpot with an empty apartment in Italy. To their surprise they find a trove of valuable porcelains among other treasures…..and a 600-year-old Vampire.

For the most part, I liked Between a Vamp and a Hard Place. However, the overall plot has been used a few times before. Human girl meets sexy vampire. Sexy vampire seeks revenge on those who’ve wronged him; in this case who staked him and left him vulnerable and lost in the 21st Century. And said human girl falls for sexy vampire. At times I found Lindsey hilarious and likable but other times she just had me scratching my head. The whole ‘I’m attracted to you, not attracted to you’’ was getting a little tiring. She came off as confusing and indecisive…especially since she threw her career/job on the back burner. Rand, the 600-year-old Vampire was an okay male lead. I don’t know. Now that I finished reading the book…I don’t have anything really good or bad to say about him. Sadly he wasn’t memorable, nor was the overall plot of the story.

Between a Vamp and a Hard Place was a quick and light read, definitely what I needed to read this moment. As I’ve said, I enjoyed it but it didn’t have that ‘oomph ’ to make a lasting impression on me. Between a Vamp and a Hard Place is in the same vein as Molly Harper’s Half Moon Hollow series, so if you enjoy those books, you’ll definitely enjoy this one as well. If you’re looking for some light, brain candy, check this series out!