Review: Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon

Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Series: The Malediction Trilogy #1
Publication Date: June 30th 2014
ISBN: 9781622665303
Page Count: 407
Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: If her love life is going down in flames, she might as well spark a revolution.

Finding out on your sixteenth birthday you’re a shape-shifting dragon is tough to swallow. Being hauled off to an elite boarding school is enough to choke on.

Since Bryn is the only crossbreed at the Institute for Excellence, all eyes are on her, but it’s a particular black dragon, Zavien, who catches her attention.

Zavien is tired of the Council’s rules. Segregated clans, being told who to love, and close-minded leaders make freedom of choice almost impossible. The new girl with the striped hair is a breath of fresh air, and with Bryn’s help, they may be able to change the rules.

At the Institute, old grudges, new crushes, and death threats are all part of a normal day for Bryn. She’ll need to learn to control her dragon powers if she wants to make it through her first year at school. But even focusing on staying alive is difficult when you’re falling for someone you can't have.

Dragontastic!

This was just pure fun in a bucket, you guys. Absolutely entertaining from front to back. It's a YA Urban Fantasy with romantic elements based around a secret society of dragon shifters who come into their powers during their teens and are then drafted into a sort of "Dragon High" to learn how to control their new gifts.

The main character is Bryn, a soon-to-be sixteen-year-old, who was just fantastic; witty, snarky, and hilarious. Her sudden change from ordinary human to BOOM! YOU'RE A DRAGON! was handled with comedic aplomb. No serious drama llamas in sight here. It was light-hearted, freaky shifting fun!

The romantic interest was sweet as could be, although a little slow on the uptake! I think I'd have preferred if he were closer to Bryn's own age, though. He was nineteen, which seems very different to newly sixteen. And that is very hypocritical of me to say since my husband is 14 years my senior! But it's different with teens. Especially ones as young as 15/16. Anyhoo, that was my only concern. Otherwise he was perfect! :)

All together, a great, fun read! Highly recommended.

4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

FATED Cover Reveal ~ 5 Paranormal NA Novels!

Sometimes love has other plans.

Cover: Najla Qamber Designs

The Fated 5 have come together to bring you a collection of five steamy new adult urban fantasies about sacrifice, second chances, destiny and love against all odds.

Beginning August 21^st, for a limited time, paranormal fans can purchase five full length bestselling novels all in one:

- Amaranth by Rachael Wade

- Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford

- Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown

- Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

- Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand

Add it at Goodreads. Sign-up for a FREE Fated Bonus Bundle.

 

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ARC Review: Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy ★★★★★

Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Walker Papers #9
Publication Date: June 24th 2014
ISBN: 9780373803620
Page Count: 384
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: Joanne Walker has two choices:

Defeat the enemy…or lose her soul trying.

For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world's most abiding evil. She's sacrificed family, friendships, even watched potential futures fade away…and now the Master is bringing the final battle to Joanne's beloved Seattle.

Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's growth come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.

A phenomenal end to a series with unmatched worldbuilding.

You know, this series took a bit of warming up to. At first, the concept of the soul gardens and the amount of page time spent in out-of-body environments with unlimited magical possibilities was a little too much for me to wrap my teeny tiny mind around. It was just so crazy. I'd have to keep skipping back pages to make sure I was fully understanding what was happening as we spiralled around the various planes of existence. This went on for...ooh, probably the first three books. Then I got it. And once I did, I was soooo hooked! I was actually glad for such involved, complicated magic by that point. In fact, the more Murphy explored her world's confines, the more I wanted to know about it. It was addicting!

And then of course there was Morrison. Oh my goodness gracious me! If ever there was a hook that kept me reading a series, the promise of Joanne and Morrison finally getting together was it! And how that woman teased us! Will they? Won't they? They'd get within a hair's breadth, and then she'd whip them apart like an evil relationship puppet master! So tricksy, that one!

Of course, as the series went on, I grew to love ALL the characters; Gary, Coyote, Billie and the many others that came and went though each book. And in this final instalment, we say goodbye to them all in the best possible way.

Overall, this series had warmth, heart, intelligence, wit and an outstanding amount of imagination. I'm so sad it's over, but so pleased with how it ended. I implore you to pick up this series from book one and start a journey that will not disappoint any UF fan.

Book rating: 5 Stars ★★★★★
Overall series rating: 5 Stars ★★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

{Tour Stop} Review, Interview & Giveaway: Bad Blood by Nikki Jefford

Bad Blood by Nikki Jefford 
(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #3)
Publication date: June 4th 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Buy Links (series): AMAZON / B&N



Synopsis: Aurora returns from boot camp to a new assignment, an unwelcome roommate, and the increasingly amorous attentions of a certain vampire hunter.

College is starting, and so is Aurora’s undercover work at a network of swanky parties known as “Tastings” for high rolling vampires who like their blood laced with fine wine. But Aurora’s not the only one on the prowl. An underground investigation is under way to find out who killed one of Anchorage’s most prominent vampires… and Aurora is a prime suspect.

**Don’t miss STAKEOUT, Vol. 2.5, a 54,000 word novella featuring Noel Harper and the entire Aurora Sky gang. Now available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, & iTunes.***

***Deal Alert! Book 1 of the Aurora Sky series is currently FREE for a limited time! To get your copy, simply click on the image below! 

You think YOUR life is crazy? Try Aurora's!  

Poor Aurora. At 18 years old, the biggest challenge she should have right now is juggling boys, college, and which parties to attend. She shouldn't have to worry about killing vampires, about conspiracies and lies, or trying to stay alive long enough to celebrate tomorrow. But she does, because that's her life. As a vampire hunter born with a special blood type that is lethal to the vamps, fun and simple went out the window a while ago, right around the time some jerkface in a pickup truck ran her off the road (in book 1) and she woke up to discover she'd been enlisted in a supernatural fight she wanted no part of.

The last two and a half books (I'm including Noel's novella, Stakeout, which is an absolute must-read) in the series have been filled with all sorts of crazy. Aurora found and lost love, made friends and was betrayed by them, and of course, she had to kill. More than once. To say she has taken a bit of beating is an understatement, which is why, in Bad Blood, we find her at what can only be described as a crucial crossroads. Who can she trust? Which man holds her heart? What is the truth, and what is the lie? She's got a head full of questions and no clear answers, and in the meantime, she's supposed to carry on like everything is fine. Like there's absolutely nothing wrong in Aurora-land. That, as it turns out, is easier said than done. If there's one thing Aurora's learned since her vampire hunting life began, it's that there's always more crazy around the corner.

In Bad Blood, there's a lot less "kicking butt and taking names" than we've seen in previous Aurora Sky books, but that doesn't mean nothing's happening. Far from it. As I was reading, I got a very definite "pieces being placed on the chessboard" feeling. There are a lot of different subplots in play, things that have been building and brewing for the past two books, and everything that happens, from the tastings to Aurora's conversations with each of the other characters. is important. Even if you think it isn't, trust me, it is, and it certainly will be in future books.

I enjoyed seeing a more introspective Aurora this time around. She's still her usual snarky self, but there's an underlying seriousness to her in Bad Blood that we haven't seen in prior books. Things are really hitting home, and I liked that nothing was sugar-coated or glossed over. Author Nikki Jefford did a nice job putting Aurora through her emotional paces, showing us Aurora's insecurities, her doubts, her fears, and yes, the strength we've all come to associate with this character. Did I always agree with Aurora's responses to things? No, but I appreciated the honesty of her reactions. They felt genuine.

The love triangle aspect of the book, I wasn't so crazy about, but then, I'm a diehard Fane fan and if he's not on every page, stealing every scene, I'm usually the first person to complain (rather loudly, too, LOL). I freely admit to grumbling to myself once or twice (okay, a lot) over all the page time Dante got, but I also understood that it was necessary. Dante's an important person in Aurora's life, and while he will never be my romantic choice for Aurora (sorry, all you Dante fans), I can still appreciate what a great character he is. Fane, for his part, had more of a supporting role, but not to worry, fellow Fane-atics, our boy made his moments count, as he always does, and I can guarantee that he is going to play a much bigger role in the next book. (Can't wait!)

I missed Noel in this book. She's there, but like Fane, she has a smaller role to play. Also like Fane, it's clear she will be a lot more involved in the next book, which I'm very much looking forward to. And of course, a special shout-out must be made to Valerie, the series' resident redheaded vixen. She's still a witch, but she's our witch, and we love her. I also really, really liked Selene. She's new addition to the Aurora world, and I hope to see a lot more of her in the future.

All in all, Bad Blood was another great Aurora Sky read, packed to the brim with lots of goodies for fans to sink their teeth into. From the characters who practically pop off the page, to the snappy dialogue, to the tantalizing promise of even bigger and better things to come, it does everything a good book should. I'm already salivating for the next one. (Hear that, Nikki Jefford? WRITE FASTER, DANG IT!)

4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

To check out the rest of the stops on the Bad Blood tour, click on the image below: 

Bookaholic, nature girl, and animal lover.

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands (WA) where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada in a town without a single traffic light.

She married the love of her life, Sebastien, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They reside with their Westie, Cosmo in Friday Harbor.

Loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt.

Author links:
https://twitter.com/NikkiJefford
http://www.nikkijefford.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5424286.Nikki_Jefford
https://www.facebook.com/authornikkijefford?ref=ts&fref=ts

Q&A with author Nikki Jefford! 

Q: What inspired you to write the Aurora Sky series? Did you have a big "aha!" moment one day, or did the story of Aurora and all her fantabulous costars creep up on you over a period of time, until finally you just HAD to write it?

A: It all started with a declaration I made back when I was writing historical romance. I said, “I would never write paranormal or teen fiction.” The universe loves making me eat my words. (Like the whole ‘would never date a smoker or get married, ever thing’—married a smoker! He quit a few years ago.) After that, the trigger was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There was no other way to get over my Spike and Buffy withdrawals.

Q: What's the funnest part for you about writing Aurora Sky books? How about the hardest part?

A: Fun: Dialogue! Hard: Everything in between. Kidding! 

Describing peoples’ emotions has always been challenging for me. I come from a long line of hard-working Swedish women. We never sat around talking about our feelings. Being married to a Frenchman has been really good for me. They hug, kiss and scream at each other. Visiting the in-laws is always entertaining.

Q: Which Aurora Sky character did you imagine up first?

A: It was either Fane or Agent Melcher.

Q: Which Aurora Sky character is your favorite to write, and why? (And you can't say all of them! LOL)

A: Oh man, it’s a toss-up between Fane and Dante. Fane makes me smile with his dark wit and Dante makes me laugh with his sexual innuendos. 

Q: We know you can't give away any spoilers, but tell us one thing we don't know about one of the characters in the Aurora Sky books. A fun fact that you, as the author, know about them that isn't in the books.

A: Francesco (aka: Fane) is still in touch with his Italian descendants.

Q: If you could be one character in the series, who would it be, and why?

A: I wouldn’t want to be any character in the Aurora Sky series. Their lives are seriously screwed up. I’d much rather be Graylee Perez in the Spellbound Trilogy because I’d have magical powers, travel the world and get to hook up with Adrian Montez! ;-)

Q: What's your favorite thing about writing in the paranormal/urban fantasy genre? Do you think you will ever write, say, a contemporary romance, or have you found your writing home and plan to stay there for many awesome books and years to come?

A: I read and write to escape the real world. Contemporary romance is too everyday life for me. I did start a contemporary romance (The End of Alice) four years ago that I set aside. I might return to it later (it’s a fun, sexy story that takes place on Orcas Island), but fantasy will always come first.

Q: You've written a series about witches and warlocks (which was awesome!!) and now vampires and vampire hunters. Are there any other supernatural races you'd like to write about someday?

A: Thank you. I started outlining a shifter novel to write after the Aurora Sky series concludes. Typically I’ve stuck to one paranormal type per series, but this one will include all types of creatures with the focus on wolf shifters and wizards. Wizards are hot, damn it! 

Q: Describe Bad Blood in three words.

A: Seductive, eruptive reunion.

Q: What's up next for the Aurora Sky gang? 

A: They’re in the middle of Mission Impossible to meet the demands of a dangerous she-vamp and save a member of their team. Naturally, nothing is going according to plan. 

Tour-wide Giveaway: 

Femme Fatale handmade sterling silver pendant

"Bite Me" drawstring bag with swag 

(Giveaway is open internationally) 

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Review: Branded by Laura Wright ★★★★

Branded by Laura Wright
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Cavanaugh Brothers #1
Publication Date: June 3rd 2014
ISBN: 9780451464873
Page Count: 384
Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers...

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

Yee Haw?

This was a definite change of pace for me. I don't recall ever reading this kind of genre before, but... I liked it!

Our hero, Deacon, is a great introduction to cowboys for newbies such as myself, because he's part city boy, part country boy, and conflicted as hell about it. The news of his father's death brings him back to his childhood home, a working ranch that he positively HATES, to face his past so he can, hopefully, put it behind him forever. By destroying it. But will tearing down a few old buildings really help? And why does he hate it so much? The reasons take a while to come out, and until then Deacon's behaviour seems excessive and hard to swallow. Eventually, though, I grew to love him (and his brothers!) and, let me tell you this little nugget: he makes a very enthusiastic bed partner! That's all I'm saying...

Mackenzie Byrd was the childhood friend of Deacon's sister who had an annoying crush on him as teenagers. Now she's all grown up and determined to save the thing he hates most - The Triple C Ranch. I found Mackenzie to be smart, capable, and with the same mix of personalities problem as Deacon, except she's part tomboy, part girlie-girl. Which was an endearing mix. And although they wanted very different things, I was happy to see they went about their little war without resorting to any nasty underhanded tactics. Much.

All in all, this was a superb read. Prepare yourself for some seriously sensual scenes, some ridiculously hot brothers, and some sweet family moments in Branded. The warm fuzzies were a-happening all over the show with this one, and I can't wait to dive back into this world with the next instalment. I wonder which brother it will be!

4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

Roundup Review: The Kraken King Part VIII by Meljean Brook ★★★★

The Kraken King Part VIII by Meljean Brook
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Series: Iron Seas #4.8
Publication Date: June 3rd 2014
Overall series Rating: ★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: Experience the incredible adventure and heart-stopping romance of the Iron Seas in this thrilling steampunk tale from New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook.

The Kraken King, Part VIII
The Kraken King and the Greatest Adventure

Arriving in Krakentown with their enemies in hot pursuit, Zenobia doesn’t know how they can even hope to win. Being terrified brings forth an undeniable truth: she loves Ariq and will do whatever it takes to stand by him.

But as their adversaries appear on the horizon, they realize that not all is lost. Drawing on the power of the terrible war machine, Ariq, Zenobia, and the entire town must put their lives on the line to protect what they love…

Round 'em up!

This was a great read, although I've discovered something important while reading it: I'm not a fan of a serialised story! The stopping and starting didn't work for me - just when we'd get to a good bit I'd run out of instalments! - but taking this as a full length novel, as it could easily be read as, it was excellent!

The Kraken King, Ariq, was truly delicious and Zenobia was a heroine of pure class. I loved them both. The storyline and Brook's worldbuilding were, as usual, second to none.

Overall series rating - 4 Stars ★★★★

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

Quickie Review: King’s Throne by Bianca D’Arc ★★★1/2

King’s Throne by Bianca D’Arc
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: String of Fate #2
Publication Date: May 5th 2014
ISBN: 9781496148483
Page Count: 236
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: A woman living in secret, hiding her true nature... Gina is a medical doctor in New York City. What nobody knows is that she's also tiger-shifter royalty, living in exile. Keeping her secret has kept her safe, but all that is about to change. An injured soldier who heals in a way that makes him more than he ever was before... Mitch is injured and out of the action. He wakes up in a strange place, with a beautiful woman. Normally, not a problem, but this woman is special. She's a white tiger and daughter of the lost tiger king. She's too good for the likes of him, but there's an undeniable spark of attraction drawing them closer and closer. A love that will make the very earth tremble beneath their feet... When evil challenges, Mitch will fight to keep Gina safe. A harrowing journey to the side of a living volcano brings secret knowledge and a power none of them ever expected. Will it be enough to prevail? Only victory will keep his lady safe. And only victory will allow Gina to claim the man she truly loves.

Quickie Review

This was a really sweet read. I hadn't read book one, but since that couple aren't really in this book, it was fine.

We join the story in full swing with, I presume, events from the last book in effect because our heroine is hightailing it across country, transporting our hero who's just been poisoned to get help at her family's secret retreat. Her father is the exiled king of the white tiger shifters, and Gina and Mitch's emerging relationship may be the beginning of a foretold prophesy for the Shifter Royal house.

I enjoyed King's Throne. It was a great new spin on the Shifter race, with an engaging plot. It was sexy, but otherwise had quite a sweet, clean cut feel to its styling and its characterisation.

A sweet sexy read with likebale characters 3.5 Stars ★★★1/2

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

Review: Siren's Song by Heather McCollum ★★★★★

Siren's Song by Heather McCollum
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Series: ?
Publication Date: March 25th 2014
ISBN: 9781939392824
Page Count: 376
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey



Synopsis: Jule Welsh can sing. She enthralls people with her bel canto voice. But it takes more than practice to reach her level of exquisite song; it takes siren's blood running through her veins. Jule is starting her senior year at Cougar Creek High when her relatively normal world begins to resemble a roller coaster flying through a carnival scare house. Her mother is diagnosed as insane and committed, a psycho-stalker is snapping pictures of her to put into his homemade Jule-shrine, her voice is suddenly putting people into comatose trances, oh and the gorgeous new guy in town, Luke Whitmore, is interested in her . . . but also wants to kill her.

I really didn't know what to expect with this one. To me, Heather McCollum = Hunky Highlanders, albeit with a dash of paranormal, but this? Contemporary. YA. Fantasy. It was so different, but so very, very good! I absolutely loved it!

Jule Welsh has always had a beautiful bel canto voice that entranced listeners, as did her mother. But then her mother went crazy and stopped singing, and started spouting nonsense about Jule not being safe with the people she's known all her life. And the new guy in school started acting like he wants to rip her throat out every time she makes a sound. Sounds like just another day in the life of your average teenager!

This story might seem like it's your typical YA set-up, what with the brooding new guy and all, but it was soooo good and played out so differently to what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised by each new twist and turn, and really enjoyed the romance side of it too. It was excellent!

I highly encourage any fans of YA Paranormal/Fantasy looking for something new and fun to try this one. You won't be sorry!

5 Stars ★★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

{Tour Stop} Review & Giveaway: Rebel Nation by Shaunta Grimes ★★★★★

Rebel Nation by Shaunta Grimes (Viral Nation #2)
Publisher: Berkeley Trade
Pub. Date: July 1, 2026
Pages: 320
Book Links: AMAZON / B&N / GOODREADS

Synopsis: Sixteen years ago, a plague wiped out nearly all of humanity. The Company’s vaccine stopped the virus’s spread, but society was irrevocably changed. Those remaining live behind impenetrable city walls, taking daily doses of virus suppressant and relying on The Company for continued protection. They don’t realize that everything they’ve been told is a lie…

Clover Donovan didn’t set out to start a revolution—quiet, autistic, and brilliant, she’s always followed the rules. But that was before they forced her into service for the Time Mariners. Before they condemned her brother to death, compelling him to flee the city to survive. Before she discovered terrifying secrets about The Company.

Clover and the Freaks, her ragtag resistance group, are doing their best to spread the rebellion and stay under The Company’s radar. But when their hideout is discovered, they are forced, once again, to run. Only this time, The Company has special plans for Clover, plans that could risk her life and stop the uprising in its tracks…

Absolutely, positively AH-MAZ-ING

Last year, when I had the opportunity to read the first book in Shaunta Grimes' Viral Nation series, I knew I had found something special. It wasn't "just another" YA dystopian novel. It was truly and totally different, in the way we always hope books will be and so many, disappointingly, aren't. (You can read my review of book 1 HERE). So of course, when book 2 came along, I was all over it. Armed with high expectations, I dove in, fully prepared to have my socks rocked off.

Congratulations, Shaunta Grimes. You did it. I was even more impressed by book two than I was by book one.

In Viral Nation, the primary focus was on discovering the secrets the dreaded Waverly-Stead Company didn't want anyone to find out - proof that they'd been lying to everyone for years, following their own agenda and forging a new world where everyone is dependent on them and the supposed life-saving drugs they provide. In Rebel Nation, that focus changes a bit. It's no longer about finding out what the secrets are. It's about surviving them.

Clover is, hands down, one of the most unique and remarkable heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Her brilliance, her tenacious spirit, her determination to not be defined by her autism...no amount of praise I heap on her will come even close to doing her awesomeness justice. I will tell you this, though. I am consistently blown away by all the times Clover "rises above", as they say. All the times she has raised a defiant finger to adversity and somehow, some way, beaten the odds. Which is why, when the book ended on a sort-of cliffhanger for her, I didn't feel any fear or nervousness on her behalf. Because I know this girl. I know she will do exactly what she promised and find a way to prevail. She always does.

I ranted and raved a lot about Jude in my review of book 1, and I was sooo happy that he didn't lose any of his amazing-ness in book 2. I just adore him. Totally, completely, break-out-the-fangirl-t-shirt love his character. He is exactly the guy Clover needs by her side and I was beyond thrilled that their relationship had a chance to grow and deepen without any of that pesky angst getting in the way. They're just so beautiful together.

As for West....oh, West. I just want to hug him, because damn, if anyone could use a good hug in this book, it's him. He's under such enormous pressure in this book, but like his amazing sister, Clover, West may be down but he is never out. Over and over again, he is able to dig deep and find the strength to keep fighting another day. Even when it all seems impossible. Even when he's so tired and pulled in so many different directions, it feels like he will surely break.

Character love aside, for me one of the best things about this book was the tone. There's this intense, almost desperate feel to every situation and chapter. The struggles the characters are forced to endure, the sheer stress and strain they are all under, is contagious, and as a reader, I was completely infected by it. I was on edge almost the entire time, constantly waiting for the next bomb or axe to fall - and when it did fall, I was caught up in a whirlwind of frantic emotions, right along with the characters, as they tried to figure out how to deal with this new challenge that had come their way. It was crazy, and I loved every second of it.

Now about the ending. OMG, the ending! I've been sucker punched in the feels by books before, and I've even been knocked out a few times, but the ending of Rebel Nation hit me so hard, so fast, I didn't even know what was happening until I heard myself make this weird, half-strangled noise and felt the burn of tears in my eyes. And it wasn't even a sad type of ending! But after everything that had happened, the relief I felt knowing there was even a tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel was so overwhelming, it sent my emotions into immediate overload. I wanted to hug everyone. I wanted to scream. I wanted to hunt Shaunta Grimes down and demand she give me the next book, right effing now.

If you haven't read this series yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Like, immediately. Because everything that I've said here? All the praise I've heaped on the book? It doesn't even come close to matching the awesomeness of the books themselves. You simply must read them.

5 Stars ★★★★★
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by:

To check out the rest of the Rebel Nation blog tour, click on the banner below! 

Shaunta Grimes has worked as a substitute teacher, a newspaper reporter, a drug court counselor, and a vintage clothing seller. No matter which direction she strays, however, she always comes back to storytelling. She lives in Reno with her family, where she writes, teaches, and perpetually studies at the University of Nevada. Viral Nation is her debut traditionally-published novel.

How to Connect with Shaunta:

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