Christian Fiction, Five Stars, Giveaway, High Violence, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Moderate Religion

Before the Fortress Falls Blog Tour

When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.
Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.

This book was so phenomenally written. The timing of the book was a little bit kismet. There were so many portions of the book that resonated with things going on in the world. A.L. Sowards wrote in such a way that you gained perspective and emotion from all sides of the conflict then, granting the readers of today a greater compassion.

I was worried at first about the multiple points of view. However, I never felt lost or like things were head hopping. Everything flowed in a natural way giving layers and depth to the story. Each point of view brought us into the conflict on a personal and emotional level that grips your heart and stays there with days after you finish reading.

Though there was romance in this book, I wouldn’t necessarily label it a romance. Just life. A beautiful portrayal of life continuing to turn in the middle of commotion and the choices and consequences that would entail.

I was fascinated with every turn of the page. Her knowledge of the historical event and her descriptions of the moments was incredibly real. The author also had a way of easing the almost constant tension and heartache with moments that made you cheer, swoon and smile.

This book is emotionally gripping, beautifully descriptive and wonderfully told. It has quickly jumped to one of my all time favorite historical fictions.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, High Violence (This is a book about war, though I never felt like the author was gory, and I was never uncomfortable with her descriptions, she was accurate and detailed in her depiction of the events), Moderate Religion (This is also a religious war. The author was extremely respectful of both sides, but didn’t hesitate to bring in the beliefs and convictions of both sides.)

Blog Tour Schedule:
Monday, April 4
Holly’s Book Corner , Books and Everyday Life

Tuesday, April 5
Getting Your Read On , Literary Time Out,  Min Reads and Reviews

Wednesday, April 6
My Book a Day , Book Looks by Lisa , Our Book Confessions (you are here)

Thursday, April 7
Why Not? Because I Said So! , Bookworm Lisa

Friday, April 8
Books Are Sanity , Life Is What It’s Called , LDS and Lovin’ It

Saturday, April 9
Reading with Emily

4 1/2 stars, Contemporary Romance, Dystopian, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Young Adult

Summer Reading

Sometimes summer is so packed that my reading tends to drift to the light and quick. This romcom is exactly what I needed and exceeded my expectations.

I Hated You First by Rachel John

Not technically an enemies to lovers story. More like, pretend enemies because of forbidden love to lovers story. You might think with that kind of premise, as well as the bosses daughter and best friend’s sister going on, it’s a cliché waiting to happen. This story however, was delightful at every turn. Though you know they end up together, you are not quite sure how it’s all going to pan out.

Rachel had really great descriptions and a tension that ebbed and flowed at all the right parts.

I was especially impressed with the way she wrote the dynamic of their relationship. Her characters had such a perfect understanding of each other that they could both poke each other and meet each other’s needs in just the right ways. This really was the recipe of a perfect romcom, their interactions brought out the best laughs and the sweetest swoons. –N.C.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

The Business Proposal by Nathaniel K. Gee

This story fits the mold of a quick romantic comedy. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments and the premise was entertaining.

It was however, a little hard to connect with the book. The writing lacked an experienced tone and the head hopping was confusing.

I did really enjoy that it was written by a man, it was a unique perspective that not many romcoms have. His male protagonist was well done and the character’s awkward bumbling made him endearing. His female character’s seemed a little stereotypical. However, I sat back and wondered, if that’s how men sound when written from a girl’s perspective. There were a few moments that made me hope that’s not how women appear to men, but as a female, I could be seeing the scenes from my personal skewed perspective. -M.V.

The book was a quick light read, and with a little more experience the author definitely has potential.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my favorite genre, I love dystopian reads. The world Sarah creates is really well built. I was pulled in from the beginning and can not wait to read the rest of the series.

I really like her characters and found myself anxiously wondering what would happen next. I love it when I can’t predict the plot of a story.

Just as a heads up, there is only one kissing scene, but quite a bit of innuendos. –A.B.

****1/2 Low Language, Moderate Romance, High Violence

Dystopian, Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Fantasy, Four Stars, High Romance, High Violence, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars, Young Adult

What Happens After

The Wish Granter by C. J. Redwine

Have you ever had preconceived notions effect your enjoyment of something? Rumpelstiltskin is not my favorite fairy tale, so I went into the second book in the Ravenspire series a little leery.

I was pleasantly surprised that this one not necessarily a re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin, but more of a what could have happened after the fairytale was over. I loved that twist.

This one was a lot more violent that the first one. I also felt like it moved a little slower than the first one. However, I’m still really impressed with her writing and there quite a few moments that spoke to me.

Just a heads up while there are few to no words that we consider swear words, there are words that have been created for her world (made up words if you will) that are referred to as swear words that are used in the book. –AB

*** Low Language, Moderate Romance, High Violence, No Religion

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Post-apocalyptic books are my favorite. This book was so good and sucked me right in.

I was really impressed with the author’s writing style. While the nature of a post-apocalyptic book often engenders violence, she wrote such scenes with such empathy and…the only word I can think of is, class. Those scenes never felt harsh, but a natural part of the plot.

I have to admit that the romance was along those same lines. Both are rated high below, because that really is where they fit, but I never felt like I was reading something raunchy. Any discussions about it were about the beauty of a union rather than the physical aspects. I thought it was done really well.

****1/2 Low Language, High Romance, High Violence, No Religion

The sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

So technically this isn’t the first time I’ve read this book, but I’ve never reviewed it.

My local book club is reading it this month and it makes me so happy! I seriously love Flavia. She is so well written with her quirky habits and unique interests.

The story has heart and suspense and humor. It pulled me from page one and the mystery kept me guessing the first time I read it and made me smile just as much the second. I would recommend this book to any person, any age, in a heartbeat.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Low Religion

Missing Lily by Annette K Larsen

I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to spend the weekend re-reading the Dalthia books. I was shocked when I realized I’ve only reviewed two Dalthia books on our site!

Missing Lily is probably my favorite of the series.

Annette writes such beautifully deep characters. Her characters and the emotion infused in them makes her book stay with you. I don’t often re-read books, but these I’ve re-ead multiple times.

The plot is engaging, the letters are touching, and the few twists make the story utterly delightful. I love that the story isn’t over when they are able to be together. I love that they have to fight for each other and work at their relationship even after happily ever after. And if you sign up for Annette’s newsletter you get a few scenes written from Rhys’ point of view that are absolutely adorable.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Low Religion

Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Religion, Moderate Romance

Good in Every Season

The past few days have been busy… so busy I thought my head was going to explode. It didn’t, just in case you’re wondering.

This morning the kids had just left for school, my husband had actually left to go into the office (he usually works from home) and I didn’t have to go to work that day. I sat at our kitchen table listening to the quiet and almost missed quarantine.

Obviously I don’t miss quarantine, and obviously if I could go back in time and get rid of this pandemic I absolutely would. But life has started to pick back up little by little, in our neck of the woods at least, and I’m not so sure how I feel about it. I liked the days of just us, with no outside expectations.

But then I remembered that I was sitting at my kitchen table and it was actually quiet in my house for the first time in weeks, I guess there’s good to be found in all seasons of life.

All the quiet allowed me to finally finish a book that has been on my tbr for some times. Do you want to know an author I’m consistently impressed with? Martha Keyes.

Of Lands High and Low by Martha Keyes

This book was phenomenal. Her research and her attention to detail was as impressive as her character development.

For instance, there was a time or two when I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Isla for the many times she kept her mouth shut. Times, I thought she should have spoken up. Then I watched as Martha wrote her growth, how she became comfortable with who she was and what she was willing to stand up for. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

The setting, time and place, I was mostly unfamiliar with and now I want to know everything. That it how well she pulled me in.

It’s a little more heavy on a religious side than some of her others, but that has everything to do with the setting. The time and place of the story required it, and it was done in an impressively nonbiased way.

The story was full of heartbreak and hope and written with such beautiful compassion, I would highly recommend it. –NC

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Religion

The Accidental Text by Becky Monson

I was really excited about this book, we love Becky Monson’s books and I needed something a little light and fun. Then I actually read the synopsis, and I got a little nervous. The plot sounded very similar to another book that we had read, and loved, that had a similar plot. However that book, was anything but light and fun.

I was really glad I read it in spite of all that. There was still some classic Becky Monson wit, but coupled with a whole lot of heart and emotion. I loved the emotion she wrote with.

I loved that I was surprised with who she ended up with. I found the overall story really well done. –MV

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire) by C.J. Redwine

I didn’t realize at first that this was a retelling of Snow White, duh look at the cover, but I didn’t… and I’m loving that aspect.

The book is pretty violent, but that’s not something that deters me from reading a book when done well, and I thought the book was fantastic.

One of my favorite things, was the author’s attention to details. I love it when an author can remember little details to bring them up later in the book and be consistent with it.

The characters were developed really well. Even some of the more back end characters were given full dimensional personalities.

The fantasy was believable and the world she built was refreshing and fun to be a part of. I enjoyed it so much, I’ve already got book two! –AB

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance, High Violence, Low Religion

Dystopian, Fantasy, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

World Building

You know an author has done a good job of building their world when you just don’t want to leave it. I have to confess, the first time I heard the premise of The Hunger Games, It didn’t leave a positive impression. The more praise it received and the more people talked it up…the less I wanted to read it.

My sister finally talked me into it, she’s good at that, and I was immediately sucked in.

Suzanne Collins built the world of Panem from the ground up, with so many details I felt like I was present in each new scene. She not only got you invested in the world, it was also the characters. She got you to care and love and cry about fictitious characters for years after reading the books.

I was so invested in that world that I bought The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes the moment it came out.

I was again impressed with Suzanne’s writing. If someone told me I would come to care what happened to President Snow I would have laughed in your face. That’s how good she is. I became so wrapped up in the story she told and the characters she portrayed that I would forget that I already knew how the story ended. Not only that, but I was rooting for a man I had come to absolutely loathe.

Hunger Games fans will love seeing how The Games came to be what they were. Once again she builds a completely unique world, different from what you know from The Hunger Games. Then she slowly leads you along a fascinating trail of how the world you’re in came to be the world you’ve known.

I must admit, I felt the book lagged a little about two-thirds of the way through. I found myself wondering a few times, how much longer is this?!

I’m still not sure how I felt about the ending, but then again I knew going in that this wasn’t a happily ever after kind of book. I am incredibly impressed that Suzanne had be believing it was for a good portion of the book. I would definitely recommend for fans of The Hunger Games or those who love a good Origin story. –NC

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance (nothing other than kissing, happens on page, but there is mention of girls selling themselves for food), High Violence, Low Religion

Another world that seemed to pull a lot of people in was Twilight. I never got into that world, however, two out of the three of us did.

Aimee

I was at the perfect age to be a twi-hard and was firmly team Edward. Therefore, I was really excited to learn Stephenie Meyer‘s was writing Midnight Sun. Getting a look at Edward’s point of view, and missing out on a lot of Bella’s internal monologue was a definite plus.

I really enjoyed reading this book. You can see how Stephanie’s writing has improved since her first novel. Edward’s perspective was both a little darker and I felt, a little deeper. I also felt like James went from being a stereotypical bad guy in Twilight, to something a little more sinister which gave the story a little bit more depth as well.

If you’re a fan of Twilight, this is a fun read.

****Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Fantasy, High Romance, High Violence, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Language, Moderate Romance, Moderate Violence, Young Adult

Fantasyland

This weeks Reading Round Up is full of wonderful fantasies and is brought to you by… The Middle Sister (Mel)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie StiefvaterScorpio-paperback-website

This is one of my top five favorite books of all time, and has a permanent place on my re-read shelf.  The plot is incredibly compelling with excellent writing and consistent timing.

The plot deals with a lot of heavier topics really well.

You will fall in love with the passionate characters becoming completely invested. I feel that many of the side characters really need their own story told.

This story has a perfect ending with all the feels.

***** Moderate Romance, Moderate Language, High Violence

The Queen’s Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz51RSaSb7qSL

This is a little bit of a sleeping beauty adaptation and I loved how she handled it. The characters were well written and intriguing.

The plot had a good surprise ending. Enough that I want to go back and re-read it with the knowledge I now have.

**** High Romance, Moderate Language, Moderate Violence

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson51geWHDf9JL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_

I loved every minute of this book, especially the witty banter. There are some darker magical moments, but overall this is a fun book.

The author does an excellent job with secondary characters, you’ll love them just as much if not more than the main characters.

****1/2 Low Romance, Moderate Language, Moderate Violence

The Prince’s Decoy by Cassie M. Shiels51yc6wppHVL (1)

The plot of this story is fun and unique, a cinderella meets the bachelor.

The writing is a little juvenile but the pacing was really good.

I had a hard time with it being first person from two points of view. The labeled chapters helped prevent head hopping, but I still felt like it would’ve been better third person with the multiple pov.

If you know a 13/14 year old looking for a light quick read with a sweet romance this would be a good one.

*** Low Romance, Low Language, Low Violence  (there is suspense and fighting in the book but it’s neither detailed nor graphic)

Fantasy, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Violence, Regency Romance, Steampunk, Three Stars, Victorian, Young Adult

Just one More Page

Guys, I have to confess… I have favorites.

I’m a recent fan of steampunk, ever since I got pulled into Nancy Campbell Allen’s Steampunk Fairytales. And by fan I mean, when our annual Murder Mystery Dinner was coming up a year ago I purposely went looking for a Steampunk one. I love the costumes and the tech, it’s so fun…and my favorite.

But I also have another favorite. If you’ve read our review of Scarlet by Jen Geigle Johnson (favorite) you’ll know how much I love the Pimpernel world. The Scarlet Pimpernel just happens to be one of my favorite musicals. So when I heard there was a book that put the two together, I bought it. Straight up knew nothing about the author, I never do that. It did help that it came highly recommend by Rebecca Connolly, another favorite of mine.

Weekly Reading Round Up

The Eidolon by Tiffany Dominguez 519bHj9e88L

The book was fantastic! I was completely sucked in from page one and couldn’t put it down. It was beautifully written with fascinating characters. The story took turns I didn’t expect; and some I did, but loved. It pulled at my heartstrings, and it made me gasp a time or two.

There was a moment that got a little violent. The moment was important to the plot and handled well, but was graphic enough to make me squeamish.  (Admittedly that’s not awfully hard, but just a heads up.)

The story is written in multiple points of view and the chapter transitions were sometimes unclear. It occasionally took me a few sentences to figure whose point of view I was reading from. However, the spell the story cast was such that the transition confusion never noticeably pulled me out.

I’m going to be impatiently waiting for the next installment. I loved Alec’s character. I knew from the beginning there was more to him than meets the eye, can’t wait for his story!

**** Low Romance, High Violence, Low Language, Low Religion

The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden 519PjP1L+7L._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_

Speaking of not being able to put the book down…Sarah Eden is hands down one of my favorite authors. She has an amazing talent to balance tension and humor. Every time I thought my racing heart just could’t take the suspense anymore I’d turn the page and smile at Mr. Higglebottom’s school for the Undead, or a witty remark from a character. Her pacing flows the story from one page to the next so you just can’t stop reading!

Her writing consistently impresses me. A master of character development. I’m repeatedly invested in her characters; Hollis and Ana were no exception.

There was a moment near the end of the book where I thought I knew what was coming next, and I desperately didn’t want it to. I didn’t want Ana to become the stereotypical damsel in distress. I should’ve known better. The anticipated plot point never came to be and I smiled even bigger at the strength of her characters and her ability to weave a tale.

Even her stories in a story were well crafted and had me quickly turning the page. This is quickly becoming one of my new favorite series’.

***** Low Romance, Low to Moderate Violence (the violence in this book is not often shown and mostly implied) , Low Language, Low Religion

It started in Budapest by Julie Daines41SCtKfB6WL

This story was beautifully written. It has it all, adventure, romance, family tension…vampires-ish :).

I must admit the premise of this story seemed completely unbelievable to me at first. However the more I got wrapped up in the beauty of Molly and Matthew’s relationship, and Percy’s character, the more believable it all became. The connection and love of the siblings and her willingness to go through any kind of adventure for him was so well written.

This being the case I almost felt like the romance between Molly and Percy was not quite as well developed. It was sweet and I loved their interactions, but it almost took a back seat to Molly’s drive and connection with her brother. Due to the nature of the story this dynamic worked well, and ultimately made Molly’s self discoveries that much more poignant.

This is the first in a multi-author series set on the Orient Express being put out by Covenant Communications, seriously so excited for the others! (Heather B. Moore, Jennifer Moore, and Jen Geigle Johnson will write the other stories….you’re excited now too huh?!)

**** Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Language, Low Religion

After those tension heavy books I really needed something light and fun…

Don’t Kiss the Heartbreaker by Holly Stevenson51SXS1CxxJL

This was a really cute ya story. It had good character development and sweet moments both between the main characters and between their families. It was predictable in all the best ways with the sweetest ending.

**** Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Language, Low Religion

Don’t Kiss in Detention by Erica Penrod51vCL2lrrGL._SY346_

Though this story was sweet and the transformation the author takes Jovi on is done really well. I had a harder time with her and Nile’s connection. It seemed purely chemistry driven and lacking substance. It was a quick sweet read

*** Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Language, Low Religion

My Wild Heart by Martha Keyes41zroNv3QAL

I’m quickly becoming a fan of Martha Keyes’ Regency Romance Shakespearean adaptations. This story was based on Much Ado About Nothing. The play is best known for it’s delightful tension and playful banter, and Martha recreates both those aspects to a tea. The story though diverging a bit from it’s original in plot is just as fun and witty as it’s original. The romance of Edith and Elias builds believably with just the right amount of tension and swoon. I’m looking forward to many more of these delightful books.

**** Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Language, Low Religion

Five Stars, High Violence, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Language, Moderate Romance, Regency Romance, Three Stars, Time Travel

Give me a Break

With all the changes and life adjustments happening… this week I needed something familiar. I needed something that would make me smile and make my heart happy. Nichole Van‘s House of Oak Series might just get the label of ‘my favorite series ever’. It’s high praise, but well deserved. And I read them all this week, and loved them all over again. We’ve already given you our effusive praise for this series here.

Weekly Reading Round Up

house-of-oak-series-by-nichole-van-L-m199uJ

However I realized in re-reading that post that I hadn’t mentioned my most favorite book in that series, which is Clandestine (book 3).

I love Marc and Kit’s story. It makes me laugh out loud. Modern pop culture references in a regency era setting make for some fantastic moments. I remember the first time I read it, I just about dropped my phone with the twist she throws in. Intelligent, witty, emotional writing was exactly what I needed this week. I could read this series again and again and be delighted every time.

***** Low Language, Low Violence, Low Romance, Low Religion

Aeva the Wild by Claire Marion 41hog8XXkSL

I (Aimee) had never read anything set in the viking era and it intrigued me. I should have processed however, the reality of how vulgar the vikings were into my decision to pick this book up. It is very violent, including sexual violence. And though there wasn’t a ton of language for most of the book, it oddly picked up in the last twenty percent of the book. So while the author was fantastic and the plot was very well done, the ratings are a lot higher than I’m comfortable with.

***Moderate Language, High Violence, Moderate Romance (The consensual romance was moderate. The sexual violence is categorized under the High Violence)

His Lady in Hiding by Jen Geigle Johnson41+midp8xiL._SY346_

You can find our blog tour review on this great book here.

3 1/2 Stars, Fantasy, Five Stars, Four Stars, High Violence, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance, Sports Romance, Young Adult

Empathy

Weekly Reading Round Up

Romancing the Rake (Brotherhood of the Black Tartan book 2) by Nichole Van512MgKu-MUL

Confession, I (Nikki) get book hangover from Nichole Van’s books. Every. Single. Time. After finishing one of her books I can’t start another for a couple days, (which is kind of a big deal in my life). Even if I try to start another one I can’t get into it until I flush the fabulousness of Nichole Van’s writing out of my system. Not that whatever I pick isn’t also fabulous, but… book hangover. Her characters are not only layered, but uniquely engaging with specific quirks that you love. Rafe and Sophie were fascinating studies in human nature. Nichole Van is an expert at hooks. She keeps you reading well past your “one more chapter” and gives you so many leads (in a good way) that you’re never really sure of the outcome until you’re reading it. My most favorite thing about this book was how it showcased the author’s ability to get you to feel empathy, not just compassion or sympathy, but true empathy for the characters. I feel like’s it’s an understatement to say it gave me all the feels.

***** Low Language, Low Violence (though physical violence is low, just a heads up the book deals kind of heavily with emotional abuse, but it’s handled very well) Low Romance, Low Religion

Lost Shadow (Neverwood Chronicles Book 3) by Chanda Hahn 51ijCvA+nrL

I (Aimee) loved the pace of this book. It was exciting and the author kept the suspense up.  There were a few times when I was so mad at the character for being stupid, I had to put the book down and walk away. Sometimes I can’t decide if that’s a good thing because I’m super invested in the characters or a bad thing because it pulled me out of the story. I wasn’t sure if she wasn’t going to be able to close up all the loops because there was so much happening that something I had a hard time following it all, but she wrapped it all up at the end and even had a “whoa, I did not see that coming” kind of ending.

*** (and a 1/2) Low Language, High Violence, Low Romance, Low Religion

I (Melanie) had a thing for quarterbacks and Maggie Dallen this week apparently. I read:

The Quarterback and the Ballerina (The Ballerina Academy book 1) by Maggie Dallen 51MDGPg1UGLand Anne-Marie Meyer

and

Dating the Quarterback (The Bet Duet Book 2) by Maggie Dallen517nAIhDdGL

Both books were quick fun reads with characters that had depth and well written growth. Both were super cute.

****Low Language, Low Violence, Low Romance, Low Religion

Fantasy, High Violence, Low Language, Low Religion, Moderate Romance, Two Stars

A Whole New World

I confess I love getting into new worlds, being sucked into a fantasy so removed that I can just escape. However, if the world created by the author doesn’t have some common threads with reality it can be too hard to see yourself there and connect with the characters.

The world Somaiya Daud creates in Mirage is fascinating, but the words were so far removed from reality that I had a hard time remembering who was who and where was what.

51C9ZqJxzmL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_

“In a world dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated home.

But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.

As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty―and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection…because one wrong move could lead to her death.”

The timeline was a little confusing as well. I know there is such thing as too much detail of the past, but this almost had too little. I often was unsure if things they were mentioning were recent events or happened decades ago.

I’m not always turned off by violence, but this was a bit much, right from the get go. Though the overall story was interesting and in the genre of books that I like, the details were distracting enough to pull me out of the story again and again.

I’m a bit of a sucker for a well written make out session and the author did a wonderful job with the romance. The author described their emotions and interactions to create several swoon worthy scenes, but I never found myself completely immersed in the world she created. –A.B.