Equality and Diversity in the world of Fiction

 

Back to the world of the Red Queen series, what a ride I'm on with these books!  Each volume takes me on a wild ride through rebellion and fights for equality and democracy.  The author has done an excellent job of representing those with different skin color and different sexual preferences, but there is so much more than that.  The parallels we can draw from this world to are own is possibly surprising, but it's there.  You can take almost any minority and compare their struggle to that of the Reds.  And when you look at it in that light, perhaps it'd make you think twice about the way you might treat or think about those minorities in your own life.  Maybe that wasn't the author's intention.  Maybe it's just a marvelous work of fiction from a very creative mind.  I doubt it though, and even so, each reader reads a different book, right?  So, that being said, here's my review...

*****

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

I don't think anything could have prepared me for the third book in this series!   One thing I truly loved was the multiple POVs and getting to see how Cameron saw things throughout the story.  In the audiobook version, there is a different voice actor for that narration and I think they did really well in getting people who sounded the way their characters should sound.  I also appreciate each's ability to alter their voice for different characters within that POV.

I liken this book series to a combination of The Selection and The Hunger Games, only with special abilities or "powers" mixed in.  I like the royalty aspect and how there is a huge focus on how equality is not present in this world.  It really helped to bring to light some of the situations that are still quite wrong in our own society.  I also am glad for the diversity within the book.  

While some of this volume was a bit slow, I think the ending more than made up for that.  I couldn't wait to get to book four when I finished reading.

RELEASE DAY!!! Say I'm the One by Siobhan Davis

 

It's probably secret to no one that I love the writing of one Siobhan Davis.  I happily inhale every word she writes and I do it with fervor.  This newest book, however, has taken me to new heights.  I have yet to read a book that has made me feel so deeply.  Vivien's pain was quite literally my own as I traversed this story along side her.  My heart broke and was mended multiple times throughout reading this book, and at the end, I'll admit to being pretty much shattered!  I've chosen a team, I'm making predictions and the first book of this duet JUST came out! There is so much angst you can feel it.  The following is my review, and I beg of you, go and get this book and read it for yourself! 

***

Say I'm the One by Siobhan Davis

Holy crap, I was not ready for the emotional roller coaster of a ride that this book took me on. Anyone who has had a high school sweetheart will go through the emotions that Vivien has when things don't work out the way she thought they would.
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of an angsty contemporary romance, but this one just exceeded my expectations on a massive level. There is so much going on in Vivien and in Reeve's lives and it was so easy to get fully immersed in that world and lose myself in the writing. I was swept away. From the beginning, I was sure of how I would feel about the outcome, I just knew I was going to be rooting for this one character. Only to come to be on the other team! I also love how the author was able to get two different types of celebrity romance in one story.
I got to a certain point in the book, where I quite literally couldn't put it down. I was reading until I fell asleep, only to startle back away and get right back into it! That's the true testament to a great book, though, isn't it? When it almost physically pains you to walk away? And now that it's over, I'm almost grieving!
A Fair Warning!!! This book does, in fact, end in a cliffhanger. Fans of Davis will know that this is par for the course. I'm already anticipating another wild ride when book two comes out. I do, however, recommend this book to fans of the author, fans of rock star romance or movie star romance, and fans of second chance romance. In all honesty, if you like romance at all, you will probably want to devour this book.

Another trip to Milestone

I love a series that is intertwined but can also be read as stand alones.  Like, I'm going to read them all and probably in the order they were published in, but I still like that there's that option for those who might not love series as much as I do.  The Milestone Mischief is just that kind of series.  Each book is it's own HEA story with it's own central couple, but the outer-lying characters all end up in each other's stories as well.  This is especially nice if you pick up a book or maybe get a freebie or something and you don't realize it's a series, you can still go back and read the rest and you won't have been spoiled too much.  In this fifth book, not only did I get the story I had been wanting since book 2, but I also got to see all those happy successful couples from books 1 through 4!  The following is my review.

*****

Snubbing My Billionaire Boss by Piper James

I loved returning to Milestone and seeing what was going on with these lovely characters.  I had been eager to read about Felicia since she moved away because I had a sneaking suspicion as to the reason for her sudden departure.

After reading about these characters for five books now, you come to feel as if you know them and it's such excitement when you see them in the pages of the next story.  Since this book was about Marshall, obviously we see some of Max and Karly, but we also see all the rest of the previous characters at one point or another.  It really makes the reader get a sense of returning home or to a place they hold dear and seeing old friends and family.

I love the heat we get between the characters and the spicy scenes when they allow themselves to give in to their attractions.  And it's so great to watch the back and forth, the obstacles in their way and to see them be able to work things out in the end, because yes, this is a HEA ending!

I'm not sure if Ms. James intends to continue writing in this world she's created, but I'd devour every word if she did! 

Not for Everyone

Reading is so subjective.  What is good to one person might not be good to the next.  Certain genres may even seem perplexing to you if it's not something you are personally into.  The one thing I try to NOT do is judge.  I will not make you read something just because I liked it, and I will not judge you if you read something that I may not like.  For example, I personally can not read a trope where there is a stepsibling romance.  It's a no go for me, but that doesn't mean others might not like it and to them I say, read on.  Or like this book, some people have issues with bully romance, some have issues with reverse harem romance, this book is both and I like them both.  My point is, read what you enjoy and let others do the same and we'll all be a more harmonious community!

***

Bound by Ruby Vincent

I am so sucked into this world that Ruby Vincent has created. I'm dying to get some answers as to why the school works like it does and who is behind it all. In this volume there is some blackmail going on and I just wanted to weep for Val and some of the things she felt forced to do. The story really makes you think about how far you'd be willing to go to protect certain secrets.

I love how some of the relationships progress in this book, too. I can see some of the characters maturing and I see their relationships getting stronger. I especially like seeing how different Ryder is.

I'm finding it hard to review without spoiling things, so suffice it to say that this book was not as fast paced as the first two, but was just as good. If you've begun the series, you're going to want to continue. If you haven't started the series but enjoy a dark bully romance or a good reverse harem romance, you should definitely give it a go.  

Continuing a Series

I read reviews sometimes AFTER I've read the book and am posting my own review.  I'm super hesitant to read a review beforehand, simply because some people just summarize the plot and some people are so negative and I don't want their opinions to color my view of the book.  I realize that sounds weird, since I do review all of the books I read.  What can I say, I'm a complex person.  Anyway, some of these people will comment about not finishing series and I always find myself flabbergasted that people can actually do that.  Like even if it takes me FOREVER, I will eventually go back and finish a series that I've started.  I guess my OCD tendencies and Anxiety just will not let me rest if I don't know how things worked out in the end.  This is another reason, I TRY to make sure the series is all published before getting into it.  So, in case you haven't guessed it, I did see some reviews from people over this book who claimed it was bad and they wouldn't finish the series.  I did not think it was bad, however, one point I kept seeing come up was that the main character, Mare, is annoying and frustrating.  I have to agree on that front.  Especially in this book, she was making poor choices, kind of whiny, and I wanted to slap her silly on occasion.  But some of the best characters are flawed and end up having some sort of redemption.  It's only book two in the series, how do we know she's not going to realize what she's been doing and come back from that?  Plus, she's 17!  Who among us wasn't a little whiny and making poor choices at 17?  I know I was!  Anyway, that being said, here's my review for book two in the Red Queen series!

*Side note: If you are reading this post, could you leave me a comment?*

*****

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I listened to this book on Libby, and I want to say first of all that the narrator for this audiobook is amazing.  There were times where I literally thought it was different people reading the different characters, that's how adept she was at changing her voice.  I think a narrator like that can totally make the audio experience.

The book itself was a wild ride.  I remember getting so frustrated with various characters and their decisions because I am so emotionally invested in this story and in this world.  At one point, and this is bad as I was listening during some down time at work, I was actually crying.

The events of this volume ended in a culmination of explosive scenes and a cliffhanger of sorts that had me reeling.  I was so eager to see what was going on, that I borrowed book three and began listening almost immediately.

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, or are a fan of Dystopian Fiction, I think you will love this book and series.  Grab a copy and Rise, red as the dawn! 

Cultural and POC Reading

I have been trying to add some more culture into my reading, and some authors of color and characters of color.  Looking through my Libby app for my next read after Splintered and I came across Love, Hate & Other Filters and thought I'd give it a shot.  I was blown away, guys!  This book had it all!  Romance and those butterfly type feelings from a good YA novel, but also some cultural education and eye opening situations that really made me think.  The following is my review, but if anyone has any other suggestions for me, please leave me a comment!

***** 

Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

As I go through my TBR this year, I'm trying to expand my horizons, especially when it comes to authors of color and stories about different cultures.  One thing I find to be true, is that no matter all of our cultural differences, matters of the heart and humanity remain the same.

This book, written by an Indian author, and focusing on an Indian family, was an excellent look into the workings of an Indian family.  Not only did the author show what it is like to be Indian and Muslim in America, but she also spoke of how things were in India as well and how they differ.  One thing I don't think enough people are aware of, is the amount of racism that Indians and Muslims face on a regular basis.  Maya and her parents are threatened and tormented by people based on their religion, the color of their skin and their last name.  It was very eye-opening for me.

This book was also a coming of age story about choosing to walk your own path in a family where that might mean hurting people that you care for.  Maya's parents are set in their ways and don't think that Maya should be making the choices she is making.  I loved Maya's aunt though and I think it was amazing that she had someone like that in her corner.  One thing I truly loved about the book and Maya's character, is that since she is so passionate about making movies, her inner monologue is often spoken in movie cliches.  I found that to be so genuine, because we do tend to do that.  I know my thoughts are often expressed (even if within my own head) in bookish ways because I am such a passionate reader.  I thought it made so much sense that Maya's thoughts would come across that way.

I definitely recommend this book.  It's thoughtful and makes you consider life from different points of view.  

What it wouldn't be, it would!

Once again, I've finished an Audio Book.  I'm truly loving the ability to get some reading in while I do other things that us adults must do from time to time.  You know, things like Laundry, Dishes, Raising the kids... little things!  lol  But Seriously, if you have a good narrator, an audio book can just be the best thing for our busy lives.  This time I read a fairy tale retelling of sorts.  My review is following...

***

Splintered by A.G. Howard

I checked this book out with Libby and listened to the audio book.  One thing, right off the bat, this could be a stand alone.  You're not going to be left at the end hating life because you don't have book two.  That being said, I still want to read book two very badly.

Imagine a world in which, Lewis Carrol heard all about Wonderland from the real Alice.  Now, imagine that each of her descendants are cursed.  That's kind of what this book is, and yet not really!  In the true style of Wonderland, what you thought it was, it wasn't.  In any case, following Alyssa through her travels with a unwell mother, a neighbor she'd like to be something more, and a childhood friend she thought was a dream, you will be nothing less than enthralled with every turn of the page.  There are adventures and deception and even romance... including a bit of a triangle.  I just could not stop listening!

At the end of the book, there is a sense of resolution and completion, which is why I said at the beginning that the anxiety that normally attacks at the end of a book one, is not quite as strong with this one.  But knowing there are more is a gift.  I can't wait to get back into the world of Splintered! 

The Good and the Bad

 I have finished a couple of books lately that have shown me both the good and the bad of NA Romance.  I'll start with the good.  I've been reading and enjoying a series by Ruby Vincent.  It's a Bully Reverse Harem Romance, so I'm not sure if it's entirely NA, but it is in High School but with adult themes, so I think it fits.  I would definitely not shelve it as YA that's for sure.  In any case, the series is gripping.  I've just finished book 2, Broken, and I can't wait to read book 3.  It's one of those that keeps you on the edge of your seat and reading way past your bedtime.  My review is following...  

***  

Broken by Ruby Vincent 

I'm not sure what I've stumbled into with this series, all I can say is, I'm SO freaking hooked.  I've been drawn in so completely and I will not rest until I see it to the very end.  

The bullies thought they won, but Val is too strong and has come too far to let them chase her away.  The biggest shock for me, was the ending, but also finding out who is behind the Spades!  Like, what?  I love that Val has come clean about her past to some people and she has friends (for lack of a better word) in whom she can confide and hopefully trust.  I will also admit to getting a somewhat sick sense of satisfaction in the antics of her revenge against those who wronged her in book one.

Knowing what we know now only makes me more eager for book three and finding out how the story will move forward now that there are secrets that these 5 characters share.  I think victims of bullies or abuse, if not triggered, could find this book and series kind of cathartic in the reading of it.  And, of course, the fans of bully romance and dark romance will find this series riveting.   

*** 

The Bad of the situation was a book called Slammed.  It's by Claire Adams and after reading it, I've seen multiple reviews that share my opinions on the matter.  This "book" was more of a novella or a serial, which upon looking at Amazon, I think it's been released as a box set after my purchasing it (which I'll admit was years ago,) and that might make it easier to read.  But the book literally stopped in the middle of a story and situation.  It was almost to the point that I wondered if I had managed to get a damaged copy or something.  It was 50 pages of rekindled HS romance that turned out wrong.  I was trying to find book 2 on my Nook (where I was reading this one) and couldn't find it.  Possibly because of the release as a box set, the individuals were removed?  Anyway, the following is my review... 

***  

Slammed by Claire Adams

I really wanted to like this book. I had it downloaded on my Nook and thought I'd give it a try, but it ended abruptly with no conclusion. I'm left scratching my head, because I think it had promise and could have really gone somewhere, but it was literally 50 pages and then ended in the middle of the story. It says book one, so maybe there is more, but I felt as if this wasn't even a full first book.

  

New Author and Amazon Silliness!

So, as many of you know, I've had my share of issues with Amazon.  Having just recently regained my ability to review, imagine my dismay and utter panic at seeing an e-mail today advising me that my review was not able to be published due to failure to adhere to the community guidelines.  My stomach dropped and I was about to lose it.  But, upon reading further, I realized my mistake.  I had a "profane" word in my review, which is not ok I guess.  The word used?  Shit.  I said shit in my review and it was flagged.  Anyone else made this mistake?  I just reposted my review changing the word to shoot, so we'll see how it goes.  

One of the reasons I was going to be so upset if they didn't post this review, is due to the author.  This is a new author and someone I "met" on TikTok.  Upon seeing her video about her newly published book being pirated, I decided to buy the book to give her some support.  Obviously, some of that support comes in the form of reviews, so I definitely wanted mine published.  Not to mention, the book was AMAZING!!!  This author, Ally Wagner, is sure to become one of my new favorite authors, I'm already salivating for book two in her series.  Now that I've talked her, and her book, Skin, up so much, here's my review (I left it 'profane' for you all!)  

****  

Skin by Ally Wagner 

Y'all! OMG this book! In my usual manner, I did not read any reviews or even the blurb before I bought this book, nor when I added it to my April TBR. When I picked it up to read is the first time I read anything specific about it, by reading the back cover. Let's suffice it to say that I was not hooked from the first page... I was hooked from the back of the book! Upon opening and beginning to read, the hook only dug in deeper.

Kee is such an interesting and well developed character. I found myself relating to her more and more as I went through the pages and she went through her character growth. I love how many fascinating aspects of her personality and history the author put into the character. The rest of the characters were just as well developed, if not with as much history. I also loved Conrad and Lucas. I was not as much of a fan of Cain. I'll let you other readers form your own opinions, but for me, I just didn't think he was deserving of the "hype."

There is a definite cliffhanger at the end of this book. In fact, after reading the last line, I literally said "Oh, shit!" because I just KNOW that it's going to hit the fan in the next book. Yes, I've gone and read a book without a published sequel...why do I keep doing this to myself! But oh so worth it. This was one of those books I really struggled to put down and get back to my job! If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a bit of spice, you're going to LOVE this book. I look forward to what Ms. Wagner has in store for us going forward! Keep your eyes on her, she may just become your new favorite author!

Back in Milestone!

 

I love series that can also be read as a stand alone, and that is what Piper James has created in the world of Milestone.  I happily admit that I also have to read every single one and I must read them in order, just like I would a series, but I do love the sense of completion one feels at the end of each book.  I've enjoyed my time in Milestone with these lovable characters and since I happen to follow the author on TikTok, I also know that she's a lovely person with a kind and generous soul.  It's always gratifying to know you're reading the work of someone who is down to earth and not that different from yourself.  That being said, the following is my review of book 4 in the Milestone Mischief series.

****

Wanting My Brother's Best Friend by Piper James

Back in the world of Milestone and I couldn't be happier.  I'm loving this town and these characters more with each volume.  

I've been having a little feeling about Lola since she was first introduced, but especially in Nate and Ivy's book I thought I could see where her story might take us.  Lucky for me, brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes, so I'm all for it.  Dane works in Nates shop and when Lola comes home from college to work there too, the sparks fly.  Afraid of reactions the two keep things a secret and you can imagine how well that works out for them.  

I love that the characters of this series just become so real to the reader.  It's like we've all made friends with the people of Milestone and we want to see their relationships, jobs and other situations work out for them, the same we would a friend or loved one.  I also love that with each new story about a new couple we read, we get updates on the previous couples and how their lives are going.  It's nice to be reading about Dane and Lola, but also see that Rafe and Jessa are still doing well, and how Nate and Ivy are progressing.  Even Karly and Max get cameos in this story.

At the end, we do get a happily ever after, as well as a little teaser as to what might come next when we get Felicity's story!  

Listening IS Reading

If you can't tell from the title of this post, I've just finished an audiobook.  There's a lot of disagreements and stigma attached to listening to books rather than sitting with a kindle or a paperback.  To this I say, why?  What does it matter how we consume our books so long as we consume them?  I read books in multiple formats and ways.  I love a good paper or hard back book, I also love my Kindle and my Nook.  I love being able to pull up an app and read on my phone, and I love audio books so that I can be cleaning my house or driving while I listen.  All of them are reading to me and I count them all in my book counts.  And if you still don't think an audio book is reading, what do you think of a visually impaired person listening?  Does that not count for them?  What of a child who can't read on their own yet, is their parent reading to them not a book read for that child?  And furthermore, even if you disagree, must you judge another person on their choices and their decisions regarding their reading?  What business is it of yours and how does it personally affect you?  You don't think listening counts as reading?  Fine, don't count it for your own goals, but don't begrudge someone else counting it!  And with that, I will step off of my soap box and give you my review...

***

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I listened to this book on audible.  I loved the narrator and how she gave different vocal tones and accents for the different voices and characters throughout the story.

As for the story, I was blown away.  This was a unique and ever twisting story with intrigue, a bit of possible romance, and at this point more questions than answers.  Avery inherits a large amount from someone she has never met and the family is of course upset and skeptical.  This ends up in a lot of searching, both on the parts of Avery and the family members.  As Avery continues to ask questions and follow leads, she ends up discovering more than she bargained for and inevitably having more questions to be answered.

I love how the relationships between Avery and the Hawthorne brothers develops over the course of the story.  I also love the mystery and intrigue of why this is all happening.  The best part, for me, was the ending.  Even though I'm frustrated that I have to wait, I am a sucker for a good cliffhanger.  And this one is a situation I never even considered!  

A Banner Day!

 

I've been struggling to catch up with my reading goals.  I set lofty goals because of how well I did last year and this year has had a slow start that's gotten me 15 books behind (according to GoodReads.)  But today, today was a Banner Day!  I finished two books today, one paperback and one in audio.  The first book was a short book by Haidji called Ines' Words.  This is an author I found on TikTok, and not because someone recommended her, but simply because I found her!  Which is totally awesome by the way.  The book was a sort of retelling, or perhaps continuation on a European tale that I'd never heard of.  The following is my review...   

Ines' Words by Haidji

With beautiful writing, and excellent poetry and prose, Haidji tells the tale of love and possibility that crosses the ages.  I had never actually heard the tale of the "Death Queen" before and so I loved that there was an introduction telling the history and legend of this tale.

One of the powerful quotes that stuck with me was: 

Believe in deeds and not just words.

In acts we see who persons are

In words we see only

who they would like to be.

I love the hope that this story instills in the reader.  In love everlasting and finding your true soul mate, but also in knowing that nothing can truly part two souls in love.  

The next book I finished was an audiobook.  I had just listened to Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and found out that there was actually a couple of prequel novellas.  Luckily, I was able to find an omnibus of sorts with the two novellas on my Libby app.  (Have you heard of Libby?  You can check out ebooks or audiobooks for free using your library information!)  So, another short one, but it was very good and has me even more excited for book two in the series (which I also put on hold on Libby!)  The following is my review for that...  

Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard  

This book is a bundle of the two prequel novellas in the Red Queen series.  I had just finished Red Queen when I came to know about the prequels and wanted to read them as soon as possible.  

The first of the two was the story of Coriane who, if you have read Red Queen, you'll remember is Cal's mother who has passed away.  Learning of her romance with Tiberias and her growing madness was an emotional ride for sure.  There is a certain character in Red Queen who I abhorred, and in this prequel I learned that I didn't know the half of it.  I definitely think this is a bit of background that we really needed to truly understand the rest of the story.

In the second of the prequels, we get to know Farley a bit better.  Farley is one of those characters who I'm just not sure if we should trust her or not.  While I agree with her cause, there were moments in Red Queen that I questioned the ways she went about doing things.  One thing I was really fascinated about, was the relationship between her and Mare's brother.  

I also loved getting the sneak peek into book two of the series.  I can't wait to get my hands on that!

How Fear Affects Us

 

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

I couldn't wait long to read book two in the series that began with A Curse So Dark and Lonely.  There is less of a Beauty and the Beast feel in the sequel, but it was still a world that I could easily get lost in.  A lot of people had issues with this book.  For one thing, they didn't like that without Harper being front and center, there was less focus on disability.  And I have to agree with that part, however for the story to work organically, it had to be this way.  The other part they don't seem to like is how quickly Rhen seemed to change.  Here's what I have to say about that.  Fear affects us all differently.  Rhen is SO fearful of magic and losing what he's just recently regained, that he ends up taking things too far.  I have hope that he can be redeemed.  The following is my review...

The series I fell in love with from the first book continues with this volume which focuses on Grey and a new character, Lia Mara.  I liked Grey from the first book, but I was surprised to find how much I liked Lia Mara as well.  I was also surprised to find how much I would lose faith in Rhen.

One thing I do wish, is that we'd gotten to see more of Harper in this book, but I see why we did not.  I'm hoping we get to see more of her again in book three.  Lia Mara was a great female lead in her place though.  I love that, like Harper, she was raised believing she was less than and through the course of the events in the book, she learns that she is more than capable.  Other than Lia Mara, I really loved the addition of Tycho.  

There is also magic again in this book, but a very different kind of magic than was in the first book.  I love that the author is exploring the differences of how we use our abilities... proving that it truly is our choices rather than our abilities that show us who we truly are.  I also think, that while not everyone probably caught this, but there is a lesson here in what fear can do to a person.  I think the changes we see in Rhen are due to Fear more than anything else.

There is an incredible cliffhanger at the end of this book, and I'm kicking myself that I did not buy myself book three when I saw it in the bookstore the other day.  I'll be rectifying that mistake as soon as possible!

What color do you bleed?

I just finished listening to a book on Audible.  It was Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and yes, I know I'm a bit late to the game.  This book is loved by many, and if the reviews are to be believed, hated by many as well.  One thing I kept seeing was that this book was close to, if not stepping over, the line of plagiarism.  I tend to disagree, however.  Yes, there are similarities to The Hunger Games, or Divergent or whatever, but it's Dystopian.  They all have some very similar elements to their story lines.  That's kind of what makes them all the same genre.  But, to me, the story is different than any of the other dystopian fiction I've read.  For one, the people in this world literally bleed different colors.  The rich and powerful bleed silver, while the poor bleed red.  Another difference, there are people with special powers in this story.  You won't see that in The Hunger Games.  Is there a rebellion to overthrow an unjust government?  Yes...again that's what makes it dystopian.  But, I guess my point is, read it for yourself and don't let these nay-sayers color your opinion of a book you might just enjoy.  Below is my review... 

I listened to this book on Audible and I was very impressed with the narrator.  She did an excellent job of doing different voices for different characters, and she was melodic to listen to.

As for the story, I was hooked right away.  I didn't read anything about this book prior to reading it, I just knew that it was very popular.  I wasn't aware, for example, that this was sort of paranormal in the abilities of the Silvers and the different colors of blood.  It's also a bit dystopian and I really enjoyed that element of the story.  I was fascinated by the fact that people would literally bleed different colors.

There is a villain in this story, obviously, and in fact I think there are more than one, but it was not really who I thought it was during most of the book.  I was fooled right along side the main character.  At the end, I'm still not sure what to think of one character, but I know this...I need more!  I will be getting my hands on book 2 as soon as possible (though my library has an 8 week waiting list, so my advice is to prepare early!)

This was my first book by this author, but I'm a fan now!  She took  me on a ride of ups and downs and betrayals and crushes, and adventure and despair that I will remember for quite some time.