Waiting on Wednesday (79) Tyler Johnson Was Here & How We Roll

This lovely picture is borrowed from Thoughts on Tomes, you should check out her page!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title:  Tyler Johnson Was Here
Author: Jay Coles
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Release Date: March 20th, 2018 

When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid.

The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean. 

Honestly, this cover is beautiful, and I can't wait to get my hands on this book. Why do I want to read this story? Because this is a reality for Black children in America, and it needs to be talked about. 

Title:  How We Roll
Author: Natasha Friend
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Release Date: June 5th, 2018 

Quinn is a teen who loves her family, skateboarding, basketball, and her friends, but after she's diagnosed with a condition called alopecia which causes her to lose all of her hair, her friends abandon her. 

Jake was once a star football player, but because of a freak accident—caused by his brother—he loses both of his legs. Quinn and Jake meet and find the confidence to believe in themselves again, and maybe even love.

I am super jazzed about this book for a variety of reasons;the main reason is that cover.Look at it! It is gorgeous! Also the synopsis sounds wonderful! 

Top Ten Tuesday(45): Genres(Books) I Can’t Believe I Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Genres (books) I can't believe I read....
Yes we know it should have been books not genres...

Jessica's Top Five:

1. ALL the WERE-BEAR books from Amazon...I have an obsession with them, and it's unhealthy. I just buy them in bulk, I can't be stopped

2. Vampire Love Stories....I have real issues, and I love super dramatic love stories. Said guy wants said girl but she's HUMAN**Growling**!?!?! Enter vampire who realizes that she's his...;) I mean Twilight...

3. Hood Love Stories.....because representation matters. One time in my life these were the only books I read...

4. Alpha Romance...I can't even begin to explain, my book choices are so out there! Lolz But these alpha romance novels are awesome, I blame Amazon for my obsessions. 

5. The one books where each book is dedicated to a different relative finding love?? I have no idea what their called but I love them. I'm always sad once I realized that I have bought, and read the entire series... They always have a character who loves with conditions. 

As you have noticed the problem is Amazon not me...they suggest these books.

Melissa's Top Five:

1. Girl falls in love with brothers best friend-I love and hate this type of book but I can't stop reading them.

2. Spicy NA books-it's not erotica but it's a bit spicy/risque...Why because I can't stop myself.

3. Fey/faeries-There was a time in life when I was all about fey/faeries book and there's nothing wrong with them but sometime they are pretty ridiculous. 

4. Shifter books- Like Jessica I can't be stopped when it comes to shifter books.

5. Villinous Crush type books-I'm a sucker for a book were the bad person and main character end up feeling one another.

What books/genres you can't believe you read??

Review: Valcoria Series

Title: Valcoria: Children of the Crystal Star (Valcoria Series#1)

Author: Jason King

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: April 17th, 2014 

"Jason King weaves powerful stories that grip the reader to the last word with a perfect blend of amazement, fear, love, and destiny..." James Wymore, author of Theocracide and The Actuator History repeats itself like a song. The verses may vary, but the melody is always the same. The eastern empire of Aukasia has a new leader, a man who means to bring war to all the land. Yet, even in all his bloody ambition, he does not realize that he is but the puppet of a greater evil. Only the Kalyra - The Children of the Crystal Star - can stand against what's coming. Only they can protect the world of Valcoria from the mad hatred of the fallen god, Aedar. A new verse of the song has begun. The last verse... 

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This was the last fantasy novel I read in 2017, and I loved it. Jason King wrote an amazing story, I was rooting for Yuiv, thee entire time! kid couldn't catch a break! Valcoria is definitely a place where monsters, technology, and magic live. I loved Sitrell at the beginning but then he just... but he redeemed himself by helping Yuiv. This book is about making hard choices, and living with the consequences. Yuiv is a thief, it's the life he has to live. Sitrell, is the hero, trying to bring his brother, and father back. Asha is the princess, with a heart of gold, and in-love with a man she can't marry. A fallen leader, who is trying to right his wrongs by helping defeat an old threat. A disgraced scholar who do anything to destroy those he blames for his wife's death.  Being able to see Yuiv, and Sitrell bond was amazing. Yuiv is a young boy trying to survive, and does something cowardly. We see Yuiv trying to fix the problem but he needs help. Sitrell happens to just one of the many people effected by Yuiv's actions. Certain people are born with Jia, the ability to manipulate the energy of the soul, which manifests in healing, strength, and glowing blue eyes. This was one great adventure! I love, love the setting! It was so easy get caught in this book, and fall in love with the characters. Not everyone got a happy ending but life happens. You should totally check out Valcoria: Children of the Crystal Star, if you're looking for a science fiction and fantasy! 5/5

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Title: Valcoria Awakenings Anthology(Valcoria Series#2)

Author: Jason King

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: December 19th, 2017

The battle for Amigus is over, and orphan-turned-hero, Yuiv, is settling into his life as junior lord of the house of Trauel. The loving family and peaceful life he’s so long yearned for seems to be within his grasp; that is until Yuiv starts having vivid nightmares. His glowing Kalyra eyes mark these dreams as supernatural, proof that he has the gift of Farsight—a power held only by the Al’Kalyra or Arch Sage.

As frightening as the idea of being Valcoria’s prophesied savior is, the terror of what Yuiv witnesses in his sleep is much worse. Pain, grief, blood and death descend upon him as he sees through the eyes of men, women, and even children who have been touched by the light of YaJiann.

The Children of the Crystal star are awakening, rising above turmoil and strife to embrace their destinies as defenders of Valcoria. But all light casts a shadow, and with the heroes come the horrors born of blood and shadow. A dark threat looms; monsters that are far closer than anyone realizes—anyone except for Yuiv. And the revelation is nearly too hard for him to bear as it can mean only one thing.
The battle with the darkness is not over. It has only just begun.

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WOW! I wasn't expecting the second book in the Valcoria Series to be so action packed, and thrilling! Jason has a way of making the readers feel like we're the characters in the book. He makes real human connections to the characters. Each chapter is a different story written by a different author, I was confused at first but then I got it! I haven't read a book like this in a long time, it was refreshing. We meet so many new characters, who have "glowing blue eyes", and can do a magic. Magic meaning Jia, the ability to manipulate the energy of the soul. I thought this book was going to be centered around Yuiv, like the first book. It wasn't, and I'm thankful for that, I'm a huge fan of Yuiv, I want him to prevail. We learn that a war is coming, and Valcoria needs special warriors, lead by a leader who see, the future. Unfortunately the person who is said leader, is scared as hell, and just wants a normal life..But how normal can life be if you feel the darkness on the horizon or see it every time you try, and sleep. We meet the warriors for the new war, this is a different battle that not even Sitrell can lead. I loved the different author's bringing Jason's story to life, it was great to see how they all incorporated having Jia into the lives of their characters. If you're looking for a breathtaking science fiction, and fantasy book, just out the Valcoria series!! 5/5

* I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Press.
 All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

Review: Piecing Me Together

Title: Piecing me Together

Author: Renée Watson
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: February 14, 2017

A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods.

But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.

Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face.

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I got a chance to volunteer at a book festival,  where I purchased this book. While searching for books to buy, I saw this cover, and fell in love. I had no idea what the book was about, but while going to an event I was able to hear a panel with Renée Watson. I also got a chance to talk to her, found she was an AmeriCorps once in Boston. I love AmeriCorps, we bonded.  Bought the book, almost cried while talking to her about the book because I get emotional sometimes. But that's enough about me and my issues...

Enter the world of Jade, who is an artist, daughter, niece, and best friend, who is trying to find her place in the world. Jade attends a predominately white school, being one of few black girls on the school roster. Jade doesn't have any friends that attend this school, which makes it a little easier for Jade to concentrate on her school work. This also makes her a little lonely, not having someone to share inside jokes, walk the hallways with, and have lunch together. Jade makes a friend another girl who rides the bus to school, they soon bond, and become fast friends. One of Jade's passions is learning Spanish, and hopefully being able to take the class trip abroad where she would be able to practice her Spanish. Jade has to deal with microaggressions, an overprotective mother, and of course racism. You honestly can not talk about racism enough, when it happens to Jade, calls it as is.  Jade also navigates issues within the Black community, we don't talk about this enough. We see this by Jade struggling to make a connection with her mentor Maxine, who comes from a wealthy Black family. We can't tell others that their feelings are invalid or they don't matter but also you can't force someone to get your view point. The title is more than just a title, Jade has to put herself back together after losing herself, and she also starts speaking up for herself. Jade finds out that she is perfectly happy being Jade. This book was an amazing read, and I would think everyone should read it. 5/5

Things That Are Black and Beautiful: 

A Starless Night Sky 

Storm Clouds 

Onyx 

Clarinets 

Ink 

Panthers 

Black Swans 

Afro Puffs 

Michelle Obama 

Me

"I don't know what's worse. Being mistreat because of the color of your skin, your size, or having to prove that it really happened."

Waiting on Wednesday(78)The Handsome Girl & Her Beautiful Boy & A Blade So Black

This lovely picture is borrowed from Thoughts on Tomes, you should check out her page!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title:  The Handsome Girl & Her Beautiful Boy
Author: B.T. Gottfred
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: May 5, 2018

Everyone assumes that Zee is a lesbian. Her classmates, her gym buddies, even her so-called best friend. Even Zee is starting to wonder. Could they be onto something?

Everyone assumes that Art is gay. They take one look at his nice clothes and his pretty face and think: well, obviously.

But there’s more to Zee and Art than anyone realizes. What develops is a powerful connection between two people who are beautiful in all the ways they've been told are strange. As they explore their own complex relationships to gender, sexuality, and identity, they fall for the complexities they find in each other. With his trademark frankness, B. T. Gottfred delves inside both characters' heads in this story about love and living authentically.

I love the whole idea of this book. Bahh May is so far away I can't wait to read this!!

Title: A Blade So Black
Author: L.L. Mckinney
Publisher: Macmillan
Release Date: September 25, 2018

The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew.

Life in real-world Atlanta isn't always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head . . . literally.

I am so thrilled to read this book, I can't wait! This books sounds so bad*** 

Let us know what books you're waiting for!

Review: The White Pavilion (Cosmic Winds Book #1)

Title: The White Pavilion (Cosmic Winds Book #1) 

Author: Ruth Fox

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press  

Release Date: December 12th, 2017

Tierra mejor: a world created by a Spanish clockmaker to house refugees from a dying Earth – or so the legend goes. Five hundred years have passed, and this world is slowly failing. Imre, young and extraordinarily beautiful, is a Dancer in the White Pavilion, a palace of exotic entertainments. But when she's chosen to dance the most important dance of all, she stumbles.

In a world governed by the precision of clockwork, her accident is viewed as a bad omen. Imre has now attracted the attention of the Prince Regent, a young man fighting to escape his destiny, as well as his Chief Advisor, a talented mechanic and astronomer who knows the truth about their failing world... and the mysterious Brotherhood. Uprooted from everything she knows, Imre is drawn into a world of politics and intrigue, unwittingly finding herself torn between love and duty - and at the centre of a deadly plot against the citizens of their world. 

Imre must prove herself to be more than just a dancer. For the legend of the Clockmaker is true, and the next stage in her plan is for the Children of Earth to return home.

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I loved the setting in this book, it was very dystopian, and end of the world. They were separated by castes, which sucks. Here we have Imre, who is a Daughter of the Pavilion, and every year they honor the pattern by placing a feather in that hand of la Orcula. This year Imre is chosen to be the dancer who gets to place the feather in the hand of la Orcula. But while performing this dance Imre stumbles, and upsets the fragile balance of order.But then the King requests, that Imre live in the palace, inside his brothel. Imre must now navigate an unknown world, where she is solely blamed for bringing doom on everyone. Imre gets tangled in political, and rebel matters not knowing who can be trusted. I really loved the imagery, and the dystopian aspect of White Pavilion. Ruth was able to show us every caste, and how they lived. The rebels were very misunderstood, they just wanted everyone to be on the same level, no hierarchy. There is a huge plot twist in this book, I was not expecting at all. You should read White Pavilion, if you're looking for romance well not exactly romance, but death, destruction, and obliviously end of the world book. Check out this awesome book! 4/5

* I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

Top Ten Tuesday(44):Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About: 

Melissa's Picks

1. Born to Rock by Gordon Korman, I literally remember nothing from this book other than the fact that I enjoyed.
2. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart, I member some of what happened and like all of E Lockharts books I loved this one but the details are fuzzy.
3. Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn, Apparently I wrote a review for this book and thought it was wonderful but i remember next to nothing about this book...so there's that.
4. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff, I remember the general idea of this novel.There were changelings and mysterious creatures... but I'm missing a few details. I definitely have been thinking of rereading this novel.
5. Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos, I remember nothing at all about this book. Seriously nothing...Walt Whitman was mentioned...

Jessica's Picks

1. Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman, I am pretty sure I remember the plot but then it's all gray after that. There was death involved, I remember that much...
2. Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray,  I am currently reading this book but it's taking me longer than I would like to admit. I have to start over every-time I stop. Lair of dreams is a faster read than The Diviners but I can't remember...
3. One was Lost by Natalie D. Richards, Details are gray but I remember that someone dies. Possible love story? Lots of running?
4. Rose Blood by A.G. Howard, This was my first "Phantom of the Opera" retelling but I did not finish the book. I heard that it was a great read but I just remember not liking the story or main character. Lots of singing...or she would have headaches?
5. The Wicked Awakening of Ann Merchant by Joanna Wiebe, ......This was the sequel, and I was lost the entire book. I did not know it was a sequel, just grabbed the book from the library...

These are the books that did not leave a lasting impression on us, or we simply can't remember. What books have you read but can't remember much about them?

Review/Rant: Hawkeye Comics

 
I don't normally review comic books like at all,however  not to long ago I finished reading Matt Fraction and David Aja’s extremely excellent Hawkeye series.Followed by Jeff Lemire and  Ramon Perez's splended Hawkeye series. And I just had to write a post ranting about both...

 I have never been that into comics or graphic novels.It wasn't until early last year that I really started reading comics.The comics that really got me into them are The Black Widow seris by,The Ms. Mavel series by,Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and of course the Hawk series.
While all those are really great comics it's the Hawkeye comics that have a special place in my heart.

They made me laugh and have also made me cry, and I was sad that Matt Fraction and David Aja’s awesome Hawkeye series came to an end. And that the Clint Barton as he existed in that particular series was no more.All six volumes of comics were great and pulled in the reader by the heartstrings.I enjoyed reading about and everyday flawed super hero who was very baseline human. No superpowers in sight.No suit of amour. Clint was a regular guy just trying to get by and do the right thing.
The art work was magic! From all of Aja's work to the beautiful back story art done by Perez. I loved it all.The stories in all six volumes were ell done as well.I really like the Kate bishop was portrayed as her own version of Hawkeye not a sidekick or anything else like that.(Fun Fact Kate Bishop has her own series now by Kelly Thompson  & It is wonderful)

When I look up what people say about all 6 volumes People constantly compare Matt Fraction and David Aja’s run to Jeff Lemire and  Ramon Perez's run.Which is understandable but I think both runs have pro&cons that make them stand out. To quote one of the most over used phrases ever that I used as a camp counselor I think when talking about both runs people should, "Share not Compare."

So there you go there's my rant/kinda review on the Hawkeye comics.I recommend that everyone check them out!!! 5/5

Waiting on Wednesday (86) Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now & Bruja Born

This lovely picture is borrowed from Thoughts on Tomes, you should check out her page!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now
Author: Dana L. Davis
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: May 1st, 2018

For sixteen-year-old Tiffany Sly, life hasn’t been safe or normal for a while. Losing her mom to cancer has her a little bit traumatized and now she has to leave her hometown of Chicago to live with the biological dad she’s never known.

Anthony Stone is a rich man with four other daughters—and rules for every second of the day. Tiffany tries to make the best of things, but she doesn’t fit into her new luxurious, but super-strict, home—or get along with her standoffish sister London. The only thing that makes her new life even remotely bearable is the strange boy across the street. Marcus McKinney has had his own experiences with death, and the unexpected friendship that blossoms between them is the only thing that makes her feel grounded.

But Tiffany has a secret. Another man claims he’s Tiffany’s real dad—and she only has seven days before he shows up to demand a paternity test and the truth comes out. With her life about to fall apart all over again, Tiffany finds herself discovering unexpected truths about her father, her mother and herself, and realizing that maybe family is in the bonds you make—and that life means sometimes taking risks.

 Why am I excited?, because Tiffany looks like me, and it's hard to find books where I can relate on a personal level but more importantly so can others. #ownvoices and #diversebooks Can't wait to read, and find out more about Tiffany!

 Title: Bruja Born (Brooklyn Brujas#2) 
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: June 5th 2018

Three sisters. One spell. Countless dead.

Lula Mortiz feels like an outsider. Her sister's newfound Encantrix powers have wounded her in ways that Lula's bruja healing powers can't fix, and she longs for the comfort her family once brought her. Thank the Deos for Maks, her sweet, steady boyfriend who sees the beauty within her and brings light to her life.

Then a bus crash turns Lula's world upside down. Her classmates are all dead, including Maks. But Lula was born to heal, to fix. She can bring Maks back, even if it means seeking help from her sisters and defying Death herself. But magic that defies the laws of the deos is dangerous. Unpredictable. And when the dust settles, Maks isn't the only one who's been brought back... 

Brujas,Brooklyn and people back from the dead!! Oh my!! I was a huge fan of Labyrinth Lost(My Review) and now I cant wait to read this companion novel!! June 5th needs to get here asap!!

These are the books we're excited for, drop a comment below and let us know what you're waiting for!! 

Top Ten Tuesday(43)Bookish Resolutions/Goals

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This weeks top ten is Bookish Resolutions/Goals


Melissa's Top Ten Bookish Goals:

1. Make a dent in my TBR pile I have so maany books just gathering dust.I feel like this is the year I attack my TBR
2. Read more classics. When I say this I do mean all the classics. 
3. Read Non-fiction- I have so many memoirs I want to read I feel like this is the year to start on them.
4. #RivetedReadingChallenge 25 goals i'm setting for myself this year.
5. Reread my faves I want to fall in love with my favorites all over again

Jessica's  Top Ten Bookish Goals:

1. Reading books because I love reading! Not just because the blog needs content. Sometimes my reading felt forced, therefore my reviews were not as comprehensive as they should have been,.

2. Read different genres, try a something new! I don't usually read ya books where the romance is main theme/plot but I'm going to try!

3. Read 20 books or more this year! Not sure how many I read last year but I will keep track this year.

4. Start writing more, I am a procrastinator to the fullest! I have to set aside time to write, write what? I have no idea but I will let writing be my outlet.

5. Read the books on my bookshelf, I haven't read...I tend to buy books, but not set aside time to read them. I like collecting books, and apparently letting them...I will do better

What are your Bookish Goals/Resolutions for 2018??

Review: Queen Of Tearling

Title: The Queen of The Tearling
Author: Erika Johansen

Publisher:  Harper Paperbacks

Magic, adventure, mystery, and romance combine in this epic debut in which a young princess must reclaim her dead mother’s throne, learn to be a ruler—and defeat the Red Queen, a powerful and malevolent sorceress determined to destroy her.

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend . . . if she can survive.

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So I picked up The Queen of Tearling on a whim thanks to a gorgeous  fantasy kingdom display at my local library.I'm really glad I saw it because I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Queen of Tearling.

 Kelsea was hidden away as a child and is now on her way to regain the throne. What I really liked about Kelsae's characters was her understanding of herself.She recognized her flaws (not the perceived flaws in her appearance that everyone harped on...this annoyed the hell out of me fyi) but her character flaws.. She was shockingly very self aware and sought to find her own path not defined by her mothers legacy or her guards ideas. Kelsea was a pretty fleshed out main character, as were a lot of the secondary characters.I like when the charecters I'm reading about almost seem real,Erika Johansen did an excellent job at this. So while most of the prominent side characters consisted of Kelsea's Royal Guard, I really remembered only one of them - the Mace and Pen - the rest I constantly forgot about. Then there was The Fetch who was supposed to be 'dark and intriguing' which I always love in my characters, but here, it just didn't work for me for some reason, I have no clue why.I can't wait to see his character evolve in the sequels.

The cover is quite pretty and I really dig the golden color scheme it has going on.All in all like I said I enjoyed reading The Queen of Tearling, even if sometimes the pacing was as slow a molasses. I would highly recommend this book to all the fantasy lovers that I now. 3/5
SN:This book helps me check off my first goal on the #RivetedReadingChallenge and that goal is number 3. Start a new series!