{Promo} BLOOD FOR BLOOD Release Day Blitz & Giveaway

Yay!!! It's Blood for Blood release day and it's finally here and I can't wait for you all to read it and become overwrought with emotion like I was. =) If you thought Wolf by Wolf was amazing, you ain't seen nothing yet. Prepare your heart and gird your loins. This is one book you do not want to miss.

About the book:

Title: Blood for Blood
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf, book #2
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.

There would be blood.
Blood for blood.
Blood to pay.
An entire world of it.

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.

Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?

This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.

About the previous book:

Title: Wolf by Wolf
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf, book #1
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: October 20, 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world. To commemorate their Great Victory over Britain and Russia, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's ball.

Yael, who escaped from a death camp, has one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female victor, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele twin's brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move. But as Yael begins to get closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

Not only is this series super exciting and gasp-worthy, it's also a lot of fun to photograph. :D

About the author:

Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of All That Glows and The Walled City. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog.

Find Ryan:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr

5 winners will receive a finished copy of WOLF BY WOLF, US Only.
Ends on November 15th at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Labels: alternate history, book blitz, favorites, girl power, giveaways, hachette, historical fiction, ryan graudin, wolf by wolf

ALL I KNOW IS PAIN: {Review in a GIFfy} BLOOD FOR BLOOD by Ryan Graudin

So, I've seen a few others doing early reviews for books pre-release by doing a less formal review and sorta just fangirling over the title prior to publication, which may be months away, depending on when they read the book. Jamie from The Perpetual Page-turner has a Save the Date feature, and Heather over at The Flyleaf Review showcases her pre-release thoughts in a Mark Your Calendars post. I have the same problem. I want to tell the world about some of the awesome books I read pre-publication, but I can't wait until just a few weeks before the release date to shout it from the rooftops. And sometimes there just aren't words for a book, ya know?

My dilemma led me to an awesome idea: Reviews in a GIFfy. I already (sometimes) post my reactions to a book via GIFs on Goodreads. (The one I did for World After was very well received.) But I wanted to make it a thing for those titles that I just can't wait until they appear on the ole reading schedule -- or for the ones that it's really hard to adequately express my feelings -- and I wanted to share my reactions via GIF with all of you. Essentially, these are going to be GIF-only reviews to tide you -- and me! -- over until I can expand on my thoughts in a legitimate review closer to the book's release date...if ever!




Title: Blood for Blood
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf, book #2
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.

There would be blood.
Blood for blood.
Blood to pay.
An entire world of it.

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.

Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?

This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.

Bloody verdammt book that made me cry all the tears and feel all the things. This follow-up to Wolf by Wolf was very different in tone and content but it was every bit as good and interesting and heartbreaking. Where Wolf by Wolf was all witty banter and racing and unbelievably sad flashbacks, this sequel was basically all of those sad flashbacks times a million.

Blood for Blood was essentially the antithesis of Wolf by Wolf. Wolf by Wolf was by no means a light-hearted story, but it was full of wit and snark and moments of levity interspersed with moments of immense pain. But Blood for Blood...it was mostly harrowing ordeals and narrow escapes punctuated by instances of frivolity.

I think my GIF-tastic review below will sum it up best, but before I get to that, here are a few more things I appreciated about this sequel:

• Multiple perspectives but with Yael always being the focal point - In the first book, I constantly wondered what the real Adele Wolf was doing while Yael was parading around as her, and you get that in this sequel, though not from the horses's mouth. The multiple points of view really help to form a complete picture.
• I applaud the author's choices, that she did what was right by her characters - Big risks and hard decisions make this a tragic story but also make it all the more genuine. This is war and with war comes loss and devastation.
• Unpredictable and thrilling story - I legit never knew what was coming in this book. I was blind-sided time and again and still kept coming back for more, even though it felt like my heart was being torn from my chest.
• Incredible character growth - Going from kids trying to win a race (well, except for Yael, sort of) to people with loved ones to save and sacrifices to make and fuhrers to kill and making all kinds mistakes along the way, these characters change so much.

Okay, before I get to the GIFfy portion of this review, I just wanted to share a short video that perfectly depicts my reading experience:

So, when the novel opens, Yael is on the run after her disastrous assassination attempt from the previous book.

But that's nothing new, as Yael is pretty much always on the run. Her life is nothing but one big chase with one singular mission...to kill this guy:

Yael finds herself escaping with the two boys she took turns racing beside in the first book, and even this early in the story, I just knew there was no way things were going to end well.

My money was on the fuhrer, but I like to be prepared.

Basically, I felt like Yael was always backed into a corner, ready to claw her way out if need be.

Didn't make it any easier to read, though.

Not only does Yael's past come back to haunt her ten-fold in this sequel, but you also get a peek at past-Luka and past-Felix, and though their stories don't even compare to the torture Yael has suffered, they definitely still had difficult upbringings.

Meanwhile, well-thought plans crumble. Betrayals abound. Truths can no longer remain buried.

And good intentions pave the road to hell.

And through it all...

So much pain. It's been a month since I finished this book and still the pain is so fresh.

This story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you have a heart, it will definitely hit you in the feels. HARD. Don't say I didn't warn you.

About the author:

Hello! I’m Ryan. This is me in a nutshell.

29.
Writer.
Traveler.
Believer.
Sherlock Whovian Browncoat.
Wife to a talented and handsome photographer.
Mother to a fluffy and winsome wolf-dog.
Drinks Chai Lattes.
Loves vintage Christmas lights.

And this is me in the officially-official version:

Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of Wolf By Wolf, Blood For Blood, The Walled City and the All That Glows series. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog.

Find Ryan:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr

Previous posts in this feature:

Of Metal and Wishes
The Kiss of Deception
Between the Spark and the Burn
Blue Lily, Lily Blue
This Shattered World
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Heart of Betrayal
Of Dreams and Rust
Nightfall
Winter

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Labels: alternate history, favorites, girl power, hachette, historical fiction, review in a giffy, reviews, ryan graudin, wolf by wolf

{WOW} A CROWN OF WISHES by Roshani Chokshi

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...








's Pick:



Title: A Crown of Wishes
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Series: The Star-Touched Queen, book #2
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: March 28, 2017

The new novel follows Gauri, the younger sister of the titular Star-Touched Queen, on her harrowing quest for freedom.

When Gauri, the princess of Bharata, is captured by her kingdom’s rivals, she can only find help in Vikram, the cunning prince of an enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with royal life, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. They set aside their differences and team up to compete in the Tournament of Wishes, wherein the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor. Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.

OMGOMGOMG! That cover is a thing of beauty. Like, I LOVED the cover for The Star-Touched Queen, but this thing is maybe even more gorgeous! And I love that it's a companion, not a true sequel, so we get to follow Gauri on her adventures this time around. And I really, really hope that's Kamala on the front. I miss that bite-y demon horse! =D =D =D

Check out the excerpt revealed yesterday on EW!!!

What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, girl power, grabby hands, must-read, roshani chokshi, st. martin's press, the star-touched queen

{WOW} Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...








's Pick:

Title: Ever the Hunted
Author: Erin Summerill
Series: Clash of Kingdoms, book #1
Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: December 27, 2016

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.

Though this novel has a simple yet stunning cover, that premise is anything but simple. And it's totally up my alley, since I love the friends-turned-bitter-enemies storyline...and vice versa. The promise of magic seals the deal, though. I MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: clash of kingdoms, erin summerill, fantasy, girl power, houghton mifflin harcourt, magic, waiting on wednesday (wow)

{Review} Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass, book #4
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Source: purchased audiobook and hardcover :)
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

I can't really do a typical review for this book. Nothing I say will be adequate enough to convey just how amazing this book was. I mean, obviously, by this point, you should already know that Sarah J. Maas is brilliant and you should read all of her books. Duh. So, I don't have to regale you with why you should read Queen of Shadows. Instead, let me extol on this book's merits, hopefully without spoiling anything too much for you, though I think it's probably still a good idea to suggest that you not read this until AFTER you've finished the book. =)

Queen of Shadows made me root for characters who I had previously loathed in the books that came before it. I love that I just didn't understand their importance until this book, that I dismissed them so early on, only to see them in a whole new light in this book. And then there were some that had me flip-flopping, even when I ultimately knew just how evil they were. Sometimes a girl just needs that affirmation.

Maas is BOSS at creating bad-ass female characters. And not just the main characters like Aelin and Manon but all of her female characters are fierce. Whether they've been wielding a sword as a rebel for years or slowly coming into their own, these ladies don't take shit from anyone. They are ruthless and cunning and I bow down to their awesomeness.

This author is not afraid to take a once-beloved character and show a completely different side of them. Readers may not like it, but people change, and I love that Maas had the balls to show the readers that other side, even if it did make the character almost unidentifiable in the end. I love Chaol, I do, but Sam never would have given up on Celaena just because he'd found out who and what she was. THAT is real love.

Maas ain't afraid to wreck yo ship. We've seen this before, and I'm sure we'll see it again, whether in this series or in ACOTAR. After HOF, I really, truly thought that things would remain platonic between certain characters. I mean, I was hoping for more but I wasn't going to allow that to get the better of me. Because when it comes down to it, I'll always be #TeamAelin because it's her prerogative to choose who she wants to be with. It doesn't make her promiscuous; it makes her a woman who knows what she wants...and doesn't want. And I'm usually pretty happy with who she picks for herself at any given moment. But most especially now. I swooned pretty hard even though there wasn't a lot of actual physical connection in this book. Page 527 got me hard, though. I'm probably fooling myself, but I think this might be the real deal this time.

Honestly, at this point, though, I'm almost, almost more interested in the friendships and kinship that develops. I've always adored the friendship between Chaol and Dorian, and now the Aedion and Rowan bromance has me all aflutter. But the pairing I'm really hoping for in my heart of hearts is Manon and Aelin. Their encounter in this book was phenomenal and everything I'd hoped it would be: fierce, bloody and death-defying. They are like two sides of the same coin.

I could've used more Abraxos, though. Especially considering my own theories about the wyverns. I'm just so curious about them: the how, the why, the who. I wish I had my own wyvern. :( But at least Fleetfoot made an appearance. And I hear that she'll make it through the whole series, so at least there's that.

After the sometimes tedious Heir of Fire -- which is much less boring on audio, I know from experience -- Queen of Shadows was everything I'd hoped it would be. These characters are everything. They lived up to my expectations and then some. They fought the bitter fight and never gave up, even when it looked like the end. They've all loved and lost and made sacrifice on top of sacrifice and yet they still keep going. #squadgoals

There are few series that can get me as fired up as this one. I am so unbelievably glad I still have two more books with all of these characters. When I first read Throne of Glass, I never thought I'd be so ardently devoted to these books, and now look at me. Fangirl to the end. I've even got both of my sisters hooked on the series now! =D

GIF it to me straight:

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!!

About the author:

Sarah J. Maas lives in Southern California, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much coffee, and watches absolutely rubbish TV shows. When she's not busy writing YA fantasy novels, she can be found exploring the California coastline.

Find Sarah:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

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Labels: audiobooks, bloomsbury, faeries, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, girl power, magic, must-read, reviews, sarah j. maas, throne of glass