Thursday, February 25, 2016

Into the Dim Blog Tour: Review & Q&A


Into the Dim
by: Janet B. Taylor
Release Date: March 1st/16.
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC provided by Raincoast
Synopsis (and cover image) courtesy of Goodreads:
When fragile, sixteen-year-old Hope Walton loses her mom to an earthquake overseas, her secluded world crumbles. Agreeing to spend the summer in Scotland, Hope discovers that her mother was more than a brilliant academic, but also a member of a secret society of time travelers. Trapped in the twelfth century in the age of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hope has seventy-two hours to rescue her mother and get back to their own time. Along the way, her path collides with that of a mysterious boy who could be vital to her mission . . . or the key to Hope’s undoing.      Addictive, romantic, and rich with historical detail, Into the Dim is an Outlander for teens. 

My Thoughts:
Outlander for teens? - Yes please!

Into the Dim is told from Hope's first-person-perspective, and she does a great job as a reliable narrator. I thought she was a tougher character than her narration lets on. Readers will find her relatable and will root for her successes.

The romance isn't too heated in this book, but I do believe Taylor has set up a potential love triangle for future books. Hope has two potential suitors: Collum and Bran, and the two could not be anymore different.

Collum is by-the-book kind of guy, reliable- he'll always have your back. Whereas Bran is more dark, and mysterious, there's definite chemistry between him and Hope, but can she trust him? I look forward to where Taylor plans to take these three next.

While I had a bit of a hard time getting into the book at the beginning, 40-50% of the way in the action picks right up, making the reader unable to put down this book. Just like in Outlander, I couldn't guess where Taylor was going to take Hope and the gang next! The plot was amazing, the setting, beautiful (although a bit barbaric). I also loved that the romance really picked up as well.

The ending will leave readers satisfied, but hungry for the next instalment!

I would easily recommend this series to those who love an equal blend of romance, action and adventure in their YA! Please bring on book #2!

Happy Reading!!!

Image courtesy of Goodreads
Q&A Time With Taylor
If you had to describe Into the Dim with three words, what words would you choose? Why?

Family/Friendship—In the novel, everything Hope does, ever obstacle she overcomes is
because of how much she loves her mother, and the new family she joins once she travels
to Scotland.

Sacrifice—Many of the characters in the book—at one time or another—willingly
sacrifice something for those they love. Hope in particular, does this in a very, very
big way in the story. (But I can’t tell you what! You’ll have to read it for
yourself.)

True Love—Hope has been isolated from other kids her entire life. So she’s very
innocent and very new at the whole caring about a boy in ‘that’ way. But as the story
progresses and you learn more about Hope’s history, you learn that cornerstone of the
entire series is a very strong and true love.

Huge thanks to Raincoast for allowing me to participate in this blog tour!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

ARC Review: Assassin's Heart by Sarah Ahiers

Assassin's Heart
by: Sarah Ahiers
Release Date: Feb. 2/16.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: ARC received from Publisher
Synopsis (and cover image) courtesy of Goodreads:
In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.

My Thoughts:

Godfather meets Romeo and Juliet indeed! Why aren't more people talking about this book?!

I have to admit that I'm not one for mobster movies but I just loved the setting and plot of Assassin's Heart! Lea is a strong capable heroine and it was pleasure reading from her point of view.

While I'm not one for blood shed,  I found myself rooting for Lea in her plot for vengeance for her family. I even shed a few tears at the very beginning, in mourning for characters I would never get to know.

This book is full of action, fight scenes and ghost chases, the reader will never be bored while reading this book. Of course, this book is also filled with my favourite, ROMANCE! Lea has two potential suitors in this book, but one may have betrayed her in the worst possible way. I'm excited to see where Ahiers will take this not-so-love-triangle in her next instalment.

If you enjoy kick-butt heroines, than you should definitely read Assassin's Heart, I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!!!