Book Review: Song of Blood and Stone

Title: Song of Blood and Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1)
Author: L. Penelope
Genre: NewAdult | Fantasy | Romance | Magic
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: May 1, 2018 
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart. 
Jack's mission behind enemy lines to prove that the Mantle between Elsira and Lagamiri is about to fall nearly cost him his life, but he is saved by the healing Song of a mysterious young woman. Now he must do whatever it takes to save Elsira and it's people from the True Father and he needs Jasminda's Earthsong to do it. They escape their ruthless captors and together they embark on a perilous journey to save Elsira and to uncover the secrets of The Queen Who Sleeps. 
Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation. 
The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war (goodreads).

Song of Blood and Stone was exhilarating and thought-provoking!

Book Review: Sanctuary Bay

Title: Sanctuary Bay
Author: Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz
Genre: Young Adult // Mystery // Thriller
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: January 19, 2016
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher

In this genre-bending YA thriller, will Sarah Merson's shiny new prep school change her life forever or bring it to a dark and sinister end?
When Sarah Merson receives the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the most elite prep school in the country-Sanctuary Bay Academy-it seems almost too good to be true. But, after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home, escaping to its tranquil setting, nestled deep in Swans Island, couldn't sound more appealing. Swiftly thrown into a world of privilege and secrets, Sarah quickly realizes finding herself noticed by class charmer, Nate, as well as her roommate's dangerously attentive boyfriend, Ethan, are the least of her worries. When her roommate suddenly goes missing, she finds herself in a race against time, not only to find her, but to save herself and discover the dark truth behind Sanctuary Bay's glossy reputation. 
In this genre-bending YA thriller, Sanctuary Bay by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz, Sarah's new school may seem like an idyllic temple of learning, but as she unearths years of terrifying history and manipulation, she discovers this "school" is something much more sinister (goodreads).

If I had to sum Sanctuary Bay up in one word, it would be "silly." 

Book Review: Soul Thief

Title: Soul Thief (Demon Trappers #2)
Author: Jana Oliver
Genre: Young Adult | Urban Fantasy | Romance 
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 31, 2011
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

Riley Blackthorne’s adventures continue in the second spellbinding Demon Trappers novel, as she battles demons… and a love that could destroy her.
At the start of the second thrilling installment of the Demon Trappers series, 17-year-old Riley Blackthorne has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her sweet boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. Add to the mix: Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad, and Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether. 
But as the demon count in Atlanta increases, the already crippled Trappers Guild has its hands full, and, when the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever. As Riley’s life becomes a dangerous balancing act, will she be strong enough not to tip? And who will be there to catch her if she falls (goodreads)?

I know it took more years to read this series, but it just gets more exciting with each book!

Book Review: My True Love Gave to Me

 Title: My True Love Gave to Me
Author: EVERYONE
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Holiday // Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Library

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins (goodreads).

My True Love Gave to Me was a great anthology of stories to get you in the holiday spirit. Since it would take me all of December to review each story, I decided to just rate each short story. 

What the Hell Have you Done, Sophie Roth by Gayle Foreman

Star in Bethlehem by Ally Carter

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell

The Girl who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White

It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins

Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han 

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire

Krampuslauf by Holly Black

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena

The Fox and the Lady by Kelly Link

Short N Sweet: My True Love Gave to Me is a feel-good anthology with something for everyone, whether it's fantasy or mismatched lovers. It's great for anyone wanting to snuggle under blankets this December!