Secrets and Lies by Christine Amsden

Title: Secrets and Lies
Author: Christine Amsden
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy
Series: Cassie Scot #2

Trade Paperback, 260 pages
Publication: November 15, 2013 by Twilight Times Book

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

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Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents' betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn't letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. Book 2 in the Cassie Scot Mystery series.

Secret and Lies is the second book in Amsden’s spellbinding Cassie Scot series. Secrets and Lies take place exactly where the first book left off, with no amount of time passing. Cassie comes from one of Eagle Rock most powerful and prominent family of sorcerers, but is the only one in a family of seven kids without magic. In the last book, Cassie was disowned by her family and was left to fend for herself without her family’s protection in a town full of magical beings; who all want Cassie for their own nefarious reasons. Cassie has estranged herself from her family since they disowned her, living off her friend’s couch and catching a waitressing gig at a diner in town. However, waitressing turns out to be a bust when Victor Blackwood and her father get her fired on her first day. To make some sort of money, Cassie reluctantly accepts a PI job involving both her family and the Blackwood’s missing cousins.  No matter how much Cassie tries to ignore her family and distance herself from anything paranormal…Cassie still finds herself smack dab in the middle of all the chaos.  

Similar to the first book, this book has a main mystery that Cassie has to solve which involves two powerful families’ children. Since Cassie isn’t around her family much, readers don’t get much page times with Cassie’s eccentric siblings/family except her brother Nicolas and occasionally her father. While that was somewhat disappointing, we did get to see more of Evan and Cassie’s relationship as they try to figure out what is real and not real with Cassie’s debut to Evan hangs over their head (she owes him for saving her life). Cassie and Evan are like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, with families that despises one another. I love the little flashback scene of when Cassie and Evan first met in grade school…they had each other’s back from the start even when their family discouraged them from befriending one another. I really think Evan and Cassie are made for each other, and their chemistry in Secrets and Lies definitely shows it. Although, there were some annoying moments with Cassie where she was sure she was in love with Evan one second, and in the next moment she pushes him away.  I did not like it when Cassie flip-flopped back and forth with her feelings. In the end she did make up her mind and realized what she really wanted but it was a little too late. 

What I enjoy most about this series so far is the perfect balance of magic in a yet realistic contemporary setting and the characters.  All the characters that populate Cassie’s world (including Cassie) are mostly magical; whether they’re a sorcerer, witch, vampire, werewolf, or fey they’re all realistic and very relatable. They go through the same thing any normal person would go through and have the same aspiration as the next person. Take our main heroine Cassie for example, she’s in her early 20’s and is trying to figure out her place in the world. She has family problems, man problems, job problems, and financial problems…which are in my opinion relatable to anyone of any age. Not only is Cassie relatable but she is also very strong and independent. Cassie may be lacking in the magical department but she makes it up in brains and determination. She never once felt sorry for herself or made any excuses for not having magic, she does everything to the best of her abilities and is a fighter till the end.

Bottom line, Secrets and Lies was an excellent sequel that is even better than the first book in my opinion. No sophomore slump here people. Amsden is a very talent writer that knows how to captivate readers from the first page and keeps them sticking around with realistic and relatable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I can’t wait to see where Amsden takes this series, especially with the shocking ending that will surely be a big game changer in the third book, Mind Games.  This is a fantastic series that everyone needs to read! I am not kidding, if you haven’t read this series you’re really missing out. The Cassie Scot series has unquestionably solidified itself among my favorites. If you’re a fan of the Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews, October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire, or Arcadia Bell series by Jenn Bennett…to name a few…then look no further for your next favorite series here! 

Silver Mirrors by A.A. Aguirre

Title: Silver Mirrors
Author: A.A. Aguirre
Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk
Series: Apparatus Infernum #2

Mass Market Paperback, 325 Pages
Publication: April 29, 2014 by Ace 

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

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Criminal Investigation Division inspectors Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko were lucky to make it out of their last mission alive. Since then, strange troubles have plagued the city of steam and shadows, apparently as a result of magic released during the CID inspectors’ desperate interruption of an ancient ritual. The fabric of the world has been unsettled, and the Council has assigned Mikani and Ritsuko to investigate.

They soon discover that matters are worse than they imagined. Machines have developed minds of their own, cragger pirates are raiding the seas with relentless aggression, and mad elementals are running amok. As the chaos builds to a crescendo, Mikani and Ritsuko must fight a war on two fronts—and this time, they may not be able to turn the deadly tide….

Silver Mirrors, the second book in the Apparatus  Infernum series takes place one month after the events of Bronze Gods. CID inspectors Ritsuko and Mikani are still recovering from the aftermath of the first book when they stopped a Ferisher prince from opening the gates for the dead souls of Ferishers beyond the veil. Ritsuko and Mikani barely have time to recover when they are summoned by the Architect to investigate strange occurrences developing all over Dorstaad; Trains and mirrors are screaming and carriages are acting like they’re possessed. It’s once again up to Ritsuko and Mikani to solve the problem plaguing Hy Breasil.

In Silver Mirrors, Ritsuko and Mikani leave the city of Dorstaad for the Winter Isle taking them on an adventure on the high seas and the dark mysterious land beyond the mountains. There was nonstop action once the inspectors board the pirate ship, captained by none other than Mikani’s ex-girlfriend Saskia and her motley crew. The group is attacked on all fronts from beginning to end; from fire elementals, cragger pirates, rock golem, a witch, and even an almighty dragon residing in the mountains. The second book is definitely jammed pack, but it was a nice change of pace from the first book where it was a straightforward murder mystery. I also really enjoyed the expanded world of Hy Breasil and the new characters. In Bronze Gods readers saw more of the mechanical aspect of the world building, the different devices used, and in Silver Mirrors we saw the magical sides, full of different creatures/elementals. Furthermore, readers get more back-story of the time before the Architect enforced a barrier around Hy Breasil; a time when the elementals and Ferisher courts ruled the world. I also loved the new addition of characters, mostly in the form of Saskia’s crew who were a lively unique bunch. 

Beside all the crazy action going on in book two, we get a side plot involving Ritsuko and Mikani’s complicated-changing relationship. Things have differently taken a turn at the end of the first book, Ritsuko and Mikani’s feeling for one another go beyond  mere partners; they both have deep feelings for one another but aren’t sure if the other reciprocate it. While everyone around them sees that they should be together, they are oblivious to one another. It was quite vexing, I mean seriously?! It’s so obvious!! I appreciate the slow burning tension between the two main leads as it was one of the things I loved in the first book, but it was really like the two were completely blind to the other person’s feelings. And I must add it was refreshing to see Saskia support Ritsuko and Mikani’s relationship…most (not saying there’s none but rarely) exes in fiction/or real life wouldn’t be so supportive or genuinely happy. 

I loved everything about Silver Mirrors, and can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for the characters/series.  This is an amazing series, with incredible world building and characters that make this series stand out among others of its kind. If you’re looking for a character driven and unique fantasy steampunk novel, look no further… Apparatus  Infernum is it! I highly recommend this series to everyone, definitely a series you don’t want to miss! 

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

Title: The Goblin Emperor
Author: Katherine Addison
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Standalone

Hardcover, 446 pages

Publication: April 1, 2014 by Tor Books

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

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The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an "accident," he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.

Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.

Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend... and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.

I’m a big fan of steampunk and fantasy, so, The Goblin Emperor which is the blend of both genres was right up my alley. Maia our protagonist and his mother has always lived far from the city as long as he can remember; his dad the emperor didn’t want anything to do with his half-goblin son. Maia is pretty content with the life he has but everything changes with the death of his father. Maia not only has to return home for the funeral but it turns out he is the heir to the throne. Maia’s simple life has just gotten interesting as he ascends the throne as the rightful ruler, and readers follow along Maia has he navigates the court life and its politics. 

Right from the start I knew I was going to like Maia, he is exactly what people look for in a Ruler-Emperor; someone who is kind, fair and upholds truth and equality.  Maia does his best to maintain a strong confident appearance but growing up outside the city has put him at a somewhat disadvantage in the Dos and Don’ts of court life. Maia doesn’t know who he can trust, and the people that he can trust try to distance themselves from him so tongues don’t waggle, as some people feel Maia is giving more importance to people who are nothing but his servants/guards.

Addison has created a fascinating world; I was immediately sucked into everything that was going on around Maia. I love seeing Maia give back to his people, even when there are those who don’t fully support his rule. While I enjoyed the majority of the book, I wish there was more action. The book is close to 500 pages and yet it the book moved at a constant pace; there were not big scenes which made anything you just read less memorable. Also, I’m not sure about other readers who have read this book but I had a difficult time pronouncing the characters’ name. The names were in a way similar to one another but all of it was foreign to me. Every time I try to figure out the correct enunciation, it detracts me away from the story at hand, which happened more often than I’d like.

Overall The Goblin Emperor was still a good read. As I said before, I wish there was more action the story/plot; as I felt myself not fully engaged in the story at times. Regardless I’d recommend this to fantasy fans that enjoy a beautifully written and detailed fantasy-steampunk novel. 

Sell-By Date by Melissa F. Olson

Title: Sell-By Date
Author: Melissa F. Olson
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Old World Short Story (.5 Scarlett Bernard)

E-Book, 23 Pages
Publication: April 22, 2014

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

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Via Amazon: This prequel story takes us back to the first meeting between crime scene cleaner and null Scarlett Bernard and her roommate Molly, a vampire with a complicated past and an even more complicated motive for inviting Scarlett into her home. Here, for the first time, read the story of Molly and Scarlett's first meeting - from Molly's point of view. (This short story takes place prior to the beginning of Dead Spots.)

MY THOUGHTS 

Sell-by Date is a short story that takes place (in the same world) before Dead Spot. In Dead Spot readers meet the heroine Scarlett’s roommate Molly…but we never knew how they came to be roomies. Sell-by Date answers that precise question, how did Scarlett and Molly meet?

Sell-by Date is narrated by the oh-so-funny Molly as she navigates the human world and the new L.A. scene. You see, Molly was turn when she was 17-years-old and even though she is about 90 …she can’t order a beer or stay out late after curfew without having the cops card her. I really enjoyed reading this short story and seeing a different side to Molly. In Dead Spot, Molly came off as a fun and outgoing roommate that kind of roomed with Scarlett so that she may ‘age’ (because any supernatural being that comes within a 15 mile radius of Scarlett becomes normal/human again). While that is definitely one of the reasons why, it turns out there’s another entirely different reason why Molly so desperately wanted Scarlett as a roommate.

I loved Molly ever since I met her in Dead Spots, and after reading Sell-by Date I would really like to read more of the old world from Molly’s POV. I think the author is planning to write a spin-off from her Scarlett Bernard series, so finger crosses that Molly gets a full book! I highly recommend this short story to already fans of Scarlett or if you’re interested in checking out the series (Dead Spot, book 1) this is a great introduction to the world, characters, and the author’s writing. I highly recommend it! Sell-by Date was a fun and cute short story! 

New Sight by Jo Schneider

Title: New Sight
Author: Jo Schneider
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Series: N/A

Paperback, 310 pages

Publication: April 22, 2014 by Jolly Fish Press 

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

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After succumbing to the sudden and terrifying urge to rip people’s eyes out of their sockets, 16-year-old Lysandra Blake finds herself tied down in a psych ward, convinced she’s crazy. The doctors have no answers, and Lys is ready to give up when the mysterious Jeremiah Mason appears, telling Lys that she’s not insane—she’s addicted to a rare and deadly drug that she has no recollection of using. Mr. Mason offers to take her to his facility where he can treat her. Desperate yet suspicious, Lys agrees to go with Mr. Mason to his facility where she meets with a fellow addict, the tall and handsome Kamau. Together they discover that Mr. Mason may not have told them the truth about their condition—they’re thrown headfirst into a world of daunting powers that are not only unbelievable, they are dangerous.

MY THOUGHTS

New Sight is narrated by 16-year-old Lysandra ‘Lys’ Blake. At the start of the book, readers find Lys in a mental institution; everyone thinks she’s crazy because she attacked her mom and then inflicted a self wound. Dr. Mason says Lys is affected by a drug that makes her want to gouge people’s eyes out, and that he’s the only person that can help her. With Lys and her parents’ permission Dr. Mason takes Lys to a private hospital, where she can be with others who are also affected with the same drug. It turns out Dr. Mason is a liar and Lys and the other patients aren’t affected by a drug; they have magical powers!

New Sight was a fresh and unique concept that I’ve never read before. The beginning of the book read like a sci-fi, but a few chapters in the real reasons for Lys and the others’ abilities came to light…they have powers that ties back into our 5 senses: sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell. Long ago the majority of the people had magic but for the select few who didn’t weren’t happy so they developed technology to even the playing field. The technology eventually grew so powerful that the people’ magic became suppressed then dormant. Readers explored the different abilities/powers and watch as the characters themselves learn how to control it. Each power corresponds to the five senses and within each power there are different stages of mastery: toddler (beginner), adolescent (intermediate), and adult (full mastery). I think the author did a good job at creating an original magic system that was well explained but I still think the world building can use a little work. Everything was easy to understand and straightforward but I felt there was still something lacking…what exactly? I’m still not sure; I felt like something was missing.

While the overall idea of the novel was great, I thought the characters were two dimensional. I didn’t really connect with Lys or any of the other people she met when she escaped the hospital. There was so much happening and action in the book that I never felt like I got to know the characters. I don’t even recall any background information either, maybe just Kamau’s history but none of the others...and one of the more interesting characters died! That was a bummer. I think if the author spent as much time as she did explaining the magic system on characters development, the book would have been better balanced out. There is also a little romance going on in the background between Lys and one of the patients she meets but it is barely developing. I thought the light blossoming romance was sweet and I really enjoyed the pairs’ dialogue. 

Overall New Sight was an enjoyable and well written debut novel by Schneider. The book started out a bit slow but after a couple of chapters things got exciting and lasted that way till the very end. I highly recommend this book to young adult, dystopian, and paranormal fans alike. I think New Sight will appeal to many people because it definitely has a lot to offer.