Tag: ARCS

Title: White Stag
Author: Kara Barbieri
Rating: ★★★

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a buddy read with Breanna from Paws and Paperbacks.

The first book in a brutally stunning series where a young girl finds herself becoming more monster than human and must uncover dangerous truths about who she is and the place that has become her home.

As the last child in a family of daughters, seventeen-year-old Janneke was raised to be the male heir. While her sisters were becoming wives and mothers, she was taught to hunt, track, and fight. On the day her village was burned to the ground, Janneke—as the only survivor—was taken captive by the malicious Lydian and eventually sent to work for his nephew Soren.

Janneke’s survival in the court of merciless monsters has come at the cost of her connection to the human world. And when the Goblin King’s death ignites an ancient hunt for the next king, Soren senses an opportunity for her to finally fully accept the ways of the brutal Permafrost. But every action he takes to bring her deeper into his world only shows him that a little humanity isn’t bad—especially when it comes to those you care about.

Through every battle they survive, Janneke’s loyalty to Soren deepens. After dangerous truths are revealed, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her last connections to a world she no longer belongs to. She must make the right choice to save the only thing keeping both worlds from crumbling.

Janneke/Janneka entered into the Permafrost after her entire village was destroyed. For the last 100 years, she has been living with goblins. With only the hope of once again returning to the human world, she bears the suffering she has been given. One day, the white stag leaves the current Goblin King, meaning he no longer bears the most power. In a race to power (and to kill the white stag), no one is safe. 

We are all monsters in some ways.

On initial thought, this reminded me of the Wintersong series. A girl is taken “prisoner” into the goblin world, only to fall in love with the person she serves. However, the goblin in this story, Soren, I actually adore. He cares more about Janneke than having power over her, even if it means losing a large majority of his power, and possibly death. 

What I enjoyed most about this novel was the growth the reader experiences from Janneke. We see her become a strong, confident woman who faces her fears instead of running from them like she did in the past. She embraces the idea that every person (or goblin) has their own fate. Not only that, but not everything is as it appears. The novel ends with Janneke becoming an inspiration for those around her.

This started out fast, slowed some, and then sped up again. I wish there were more details in the last battle, because we only received the viewpoint of Janneke, so we didn’t know everything that happened in the battle (and I love battles!). Overall, this was fulfilling, didn’t contain too much romance (yay!), and gave the supporting characters some love. This would be a perfect read for those who enjoyed the Wintersong series and The Cruel Prince.

Expected publication date is January 8, 2019.

Title: The Girl King
Author: Mimi Yu
Rating: ★★★★

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a Buddy Read with Breanna at Paws and Paperbacks.

Two sisters become unwitting rivals in a war to claim the title of Emperor in this sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice and betrayal for readers of Sabaa Tahir and Alwyn Hamilton.

All hail the Girl King.

Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty’s first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow. Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead—a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.

Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally—and an army—if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…

Alone in the volatile court, Min’s hidden power awakens—a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set’s reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself. But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters’ greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.

This is the first time I will ever admit to a novel having too much going on for me to handle! Lu, the Emperor’s daughter destined to take the throne. Min, forever in her shadow and always trying to be the perfect lady. Two sisters who are very different. Everything gets turned upside down when the Emperor chooses their cousin, Set, as next to the throne.

Myths are what common men call history distorted by time.

In a story of deceit, death, betrayal. and magic, is anyone safe? While on the run from Set, she runs into Nokhai, who happens to shapeshift into a wolf…and the only one left who can. While things quickly turn steamy between the two, history shows their “people” to be great enemies.

Beauty was a weapon – one that required honing and care, like a sword. But also like a sword it could cut both ways.

Min was always the obedient one. Set to marry the new Emperor, she is suddenly surprised when she learns about a power she now yields. Both girls embark on a journey of their own, except what they want might lead to the destruction of the other.

What is popular is not always what is right.

The action is non-stop and intense. I was engulfed in the novel the entire time I was reading it and actually wanted to read more than the allotted Buddy Read chapters per day. I’m excited for the sequel!

The expected publication date is January 8, 2019.

Title: The 30-Day Prayer Challenge for Women
Author: Nicole O’Dell
Rating: ★★★★★

Simple, Guided Encouragement Will Help Women Deepen Their Prayer Lives

Many Christians desire a deeper, consistent, more powerful prayer life but often struggle to know where to begin. The 30-Day Prayer Challenge is the perfect place to start.

This book, written for women of all ages, provides a month’s worth of specific, daily prayer challenges that will draw you closer to your Father God through meaningful conversation.

Each day includes a devotion, scripture, questions for consideration, and prayer starters for morning, noon, and night that touch on 30 unique topics important to her heart:
Friendship
Patience
Confidence/Self-Esteem
Contentment
And more!

The 30-Day Prayer Challenge for Women will jump-start your prayer life, and is great for personal use or as a group!

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read, especially for right before Advent. It seemed like every day, the text pertained to exactly what I was feeling or struggling with. I really liked how every day had three prayers, and not only that, but examples. 

The situations were realistic and relatable. The writing was engaging and easy to read. This is perfect for women who want a little bit of prayer during the day, but in an easy format. I loved this!