It's Monday! What Are You Reading #606, January 16th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #605
Teaser Tuesday #613
WWW Wednesday #613
WOW #609
Will the Time Come #606
Third Sentence Thursday #596
Random Reads #582
First Lines Friday #609
Book Blogger Hop #275
The Reward Challenge Update #591
Wheel of TBR #138
How Well I Stuck to It #443
Wrote that Review Update #440

Week 2 Reviews:
Wrath & Mercy

Electric Idol

Turkey Day

Horrorstör

Games With the Orc

A Murderous Persuasion 

Hell Bent

A Little Too Far

A Little Too Much

A Little Too Hot

All Of Our Demise

Fifty First Times

Random:

Magical Readathon: Orilium: Update 7

Elle Kennedy Author Page

Eva Darrows Author Page

Kathryn Moon Author Page

Laura Thalassa Author Page

OK, so I got 27 posts in 7 days, and yeah, I read some really amazing books, and it was a pretty great week! Can't wait for next week! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Magic Tides.

Ilona Andrews invites you back to the #1 New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels series in this exciting new long novella featuring Kate, Curran and Conlan, some familiar faces, some new friends, and all the special brand of chaos they create!

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she's never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides! 

Week 2 Review: Wrath & Mercy

From Goodreads:

Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch, this epic second book in Russian folklore–based YA fantasy duology The Bright & the Pale follows Valeria as she works to truly free her people from the Czar and the Bright God—at whatever the cost.

Surviving the ill-fated expedition to Knnot, Valeria, Alik, and the others have found refuge in Valeria's village. With her family at long last released from the curse that trapped them in ice for a decade, Valeria should find comfort in their reunion. But everything has changed—including herself. For now, Valeria is the Pale God's chosen champion. And she is ready for revenge on the Czar.

With the power gifted to her by the Pale God, she will do whatever it takes to liberate her people. Even if that means stealing the Czar's son away from the safety of the Winter Palace. As Alik watches Valeria struggle to maintain control over the god she holds captive, he begs her to sever the connection. For it is clear the Pale God plans a revenge of his own.

The inevitable is coming—one final battle. And Valeria must be ready to sacrifice everything—even her love for Alik—to win.

My Review:
I had a pretty great time reading this book! It was really great to be back in this world again, and I needed to know what was going to happen next! We knew from the series title that it was going to be a duology, and I couldn't wait to see how things would wrap up! 

I am a little sad, because I read some negative reviews of the first book, basically saying that it was another generic YA fantasy. And while I really enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed this one, it wasn't as much as the first one, I kept noticing flaws. And that was too bad.

Valeria is pretty angry at the world. She wants the war with the Czar after the way that he treated her people. Adding in the Pale God's influence, she was a little bit out of control. Which isn't the best state to be in when you're looking at a war, but she did have good people around her! 

And that ending? I mean the synopsis did talk about how the Pale God had revenge plans of his own, but I was not expecting that! But oh, it was so fantastic to read! I love the place that it left the characters, they're srebuilding to do, but they have the peace to do so, and that's so great! 

This was a really great read, and I can't wait to read more by Jessica Rubinkowski! 

Author: Jessica Rubinkowski
Series: The Bright & the Pale Duology #2
Read: January 7th, 2023
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Loved the first book, and it's a End of Series 2023 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Published: March 22nd 2022

5/5 Hearts

4/5 Books

3/5 Stars

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 6

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Wrath & Mercy which was for the prompt Turn Right, and I'll be reading A Fire Endless next! 

My Reading Journey:

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Left

Started On: January 2nd

Finished On: January 2nd, 2:35 PM

Pages Read: 384

Fox Forever by Mary E. Pearson

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Right

Started On: January 3rd

Finished On: January 3rd, 3:40 PM

Pages Read: 320

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair 

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Left

Started On: January 3rd

Finished On: January 3rd, 10:12 PM

Pages Read: 402

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Left

Started On: January 5th

Finished On: January 5th, 12:44 AM

Pages Read: 308

Lovely Bad Things by Trisha Wolfe 

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Left

Started On: January 6th

Finished On: January 6th, 6:10 PM

Pages Read: 386

Wrath & Mercy by Jessica Rubinkowski

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Right

Started On: January 7th

Finished On: January 7th, 6:49 PM

Pages Read: 416

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross

Prompt Fulfilled: Turn Right

Started On: January 8th

Currently On: Page 0 of 512

Prompts Left: None Left!

Read: 6

Pages Read: 2306

Bout of Books Update 12

So yeah, I've finished my next book for Bout of Books, and it was Wrath & Mercy, and I'll be reading A Fire Endless next!

My Reading Journey:

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Started On: January 2nd

Finished On: January 2nd, 2:35 PM

Pages Read: 384

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson

Started On: January 2th

Finished On: January 2nd, 9:06 PM

Pages Read: 304

Fox Forever by Mary E. Pearson

Started On: January 3rd

Finished On: January 3rd, 3:40 PM

Pages Read: 320

Tangled in Tinsel by Trilina Pucci 

Started On: January 3rd

Finished On: January 3rd, 6:28 PM

Pages Read: 253

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair 

Started On: January 3rd

Finished On: January 3rd, 10:12 PM

Pages Read: 402

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair

Started On: January 4th

Finished On: January 4th, 9:09 PM

Pages Read: 432

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

Started On: January 5th

Finished On: January 5th, 12:44 AM

Pages Read: 308

Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

Started On: January 5th

Finished On: January 5th, 2:10 PM

Pages Read: 295

Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

Started On: January 5th

Finished On: January 5th, 6:35 PM

Pages Read: 304

Lovely Bad Things by Trisha Wolfe 

Started On: January 6th

Finished On: January 6th, 6:10 PM

Pages Read: 386

Shadowhunters and Downworlders Anthology

Started On: January 6th

Finished On: January 6th, 8:46 PM

Pages Read: 256

Wrath & Mercy by Jessica Rubinkowski

Started On: January 7th

Finished On: January 7th, 6:49 PM

Pages Read: 416

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross

Started On: January 8th

Currently On: Page 0 of 512

Goals: 10

Read: 12

Pages Read: 3807

Waiting on Wednesday #563, February 23rd

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

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Expected Publication: March 15th, 2022
From Goodreads:

From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction. 

Eve of Destruction by Sherrilyn McQueen

Expected Publication: March 15th, 2022
From Goodreads:

Eve Erixour is a mercenary with a past no one would envy and more enemies than anyone should have. Death stalks her relentlessly. So when she gains the attention of a League assassin, she considers it par for the course.

But Jinx Shadowbourne isn’t after Eve. Someone has it in for him and his brethren. High-ranking assassins are falling, and Jinx is convinced one of their own is selling them out. He’s on the trail of his key suspect when fate throws him headfirst into Eve’s life.

Now the two of them have to find the League leak and plug it or neither one of them will live to face another enemy, and the ones they love, and the universe at large, will be left alone to face a power-crazed madman.

The Last Laugh by Mindy McGinnis

Expected Publication: March 15th, 2022
From Goodreads:

In the dark and stunning sequel to The Initial Insult, award-winning author Mindy McGinnis concludes this suspenseful YA duology as long-held family secrets finally come to light . . . changing Amontillado forevermore.

Tress Montor murdered Felicity Turnado—but she might not have to live with the guilt for long. With an infected arm held together by duct tape, the panther who clawed her open on the loose, and the whole town on the hunt for the lost homecoming queen, the odds are stacked against Tress. As her mind slides deeper into delirium, Tress is haunted by the growing sound of Felicity’s heartbeat pulsing from the “best friend” charm around her fevered neck.

Ribbit Usher has been a punchline his whole life—from his nickname to his latest turn as the unwitting star of a humiliating viral video. In the past he’s willingly played the fool, but now it’s time to fulfill his destiny. That means saving the girl, so that Felicity can take her place at his side and Ribbit can exact revenge on all who have done him wrong—which includes his cousin, Tress. Ribbit is held by a pact he made with his mother long ago, a pact that must be delivered upon in four days.

With time ticking down and an enemy she considers a friend lurking in the shadows, Tress’s grip on reality is failing. Can she keep both mind and body together long enough to finally find out what happened to her parents?

Suicide Kings by Stephen Blackmoore

Expected Publication: March 15th, 2022
From Goodreads:

The seventh book of this dark urban fantasy series follows necromancer Eric Carter through a world of vengeful gods and goddesses, mysterious murders, and restless ghosts.

Family is murder.

When Eric Carter helps a friend with a deadly ritual that could determine the fate of the most powerful mage family in Los Angeles he steps into the middle of centuries-long feuds with people who make the Borgias look like the Brady Bunch.

Eric's just fine with the murder, soul eaters, and death magic. He's just having trouble adjusting to being brought back from the grave.

If he's not careful, somebody's going to put him right back.

Wrath & Mercy by Jessica Rubinkowski

Expected Publication: March 15th, 2022
From Goodreads:

Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch, this epic second book in Russian folklore–based YA fantasy duology The Bright & the Pale follows Valeria as she works to truly free her people from the Czar and the Bright God—at whatever the cost.

Surviving the ill-fated expedition to Knnot, Valeria, Alik, and the others have found refuge in Valeria’s village. With her family at long last released from the curse that trapped them in ice for a decade, Valeria should find comfort in their reunion. But everything has changed—including herself. For now, Valeria is the Pale God’s chosen champion. And she is ready for revenge on the Czar.

With the power gifted to her by the Pale God, she will do whatever it takes to liberate her people. Even if that means stealing the Czar’s son away from the safety of the Winter Palace. As Alik watches Valeria struggle to maintain control over the god she holds captive, he begs her to sever the connection. For it is clear the Pale God plans a revenge of his own.

The inevitable is coming—one final battle. And Valeria must be ready to sacrifice everything—even her love for Alik—to win.

Yeah, some really great authors, series, and I can't wait to read these! I'm so excited for these books to be out, I've been waiting or The War of Two Queens since book 3 came out! And On Destiny, I need to know how everything is going to end! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

We Have the Cover of The Bright & the Pale Duology #2!!!!

Last one! We now have the cover of Wrath & Mercy by Jessica Rubinkowski, and it looks just as great as the cover of the first book! 

Waiting on Wednesday #509, February 10th

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

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

Lightning Game by Christine Feehan

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

Danger and passion fuse in this electrifying GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

GhostWalker Rubin Campo's rough upbringing made him into the man he is today: strong, steadfast and wary of outsiders. When he and his brother return to their family's homestead in the Appalachian Mountains, he can immediately sense that a stranger has taken up residence in their cabin--a woman who just happens to be a GhostWalker too.

Jonquille looks deceptively delicate but is clearly a fighter. She also doesn't seem to care that Rubin could kill her where she stands. She sought him out, wanting to connect on their shared interest in electrical charges. As one of the first failed GhostWalker experiments, Jonquille can produce lightning with her body--but she can't control it.

Their connection is magnetic, their abilities in sync. Rubin knows she's his match, the answer to a lifetime of pain and intense loneliness. But Jonquille came to him with hidden intentions, ones that threaten to destroy their bond before it can truly begin....

An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

A princess is missing, and a peace treaty is on the verge of collapse in this new Veronica Speedwell adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

January 1889. As the newest member of the Curiosity Club—an elite society of brilliant, intrepid women—Veronica Speedwell is excited to put her many skills to good use. As she assembles a memorial exhibition for pioneering mountain climber Alice Baker-Greene, Veronica discovers evidence that the recent death was not a tragic climbing accident but murder. Veronica and her natural historian beau, Stoker, tell the patron of the exhibit, Princess Gisela of Alpenwald, of their findings. With Europe on the verge of war, Gisela's chancellor, Count von Rechstein, does not want to make waves—and before Veronica and Stoker can figure out their next move, the princess disappears.

Having noted Veronica's resemblance to the princess, von Rechstein begs her to pose as Gisela for the sake of the peace treaty that brought the princess to England. Veronica reluctantly agrees to the scheme. She and Stoker must work together to keep the treaty intact while navigating unwelcome advances, assassination attempts, and Veronica's own family—the royalty who has never claimed her.

Dead Space by Kali Wallace

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

An investigator must solve a brutal murder on a claustrophobic asteroid mine in this tense science fiction thriller from the author of Salvation Day.

Hester Marley used to have a plan for her life. But when a catastrophic attack left her injured, indebted, and stranded far from home, she was forced to take a dead-end security job with a powerful mining company in the asteroid belt. Now she spends her days investigating petty crimes to help her employer maximize its profits. She's surprised to hear from an old friend and fellow victim of the terrorist attack that ruined her life--and that surprise quickly turns to suspicion when he claims to have discovered something shocking about their shared history and the tragedy that neither of them can leave behind.

Before Hester can learn more, her friend is violently murdered at a remote asteroid mine. Hester joins the investigation to find the truth, both about her friend's death and the information he believed he had uncovered. But catching a killer is only the beginning of Hester's worries, and she soon realizes that everything she learns about her friend, his fellow miners, and the outpost they call home brings her closer to revealing secrets that very powerful and very dangerous people would rather keep hidden in the depths of space.

Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

Bestselling author Sara Holland continues her blockbuster contemporary fantasy series about the Inn at Havenfall with this unforgettable sequel.

Maddie thought her problems were over. She saved the Inn at Havenfall—a sanctuary between magical worlds—from the evil Silver Prince. Her uncle the Innkeeper is recovering from a mysterious spell that left him not quite human. And there are still a few weeks of summer left to spend with her more-than-friend Brekken.

But there’s more work to be done to protect the Inn—Maddie must put an end to the black-market trading of magical objects and open the Inn’s doors to the once feared land of shapeshifters.

As she tries to accomplish both seemingly impossible tasks, Maddie uncovers secrets that could change everything. What if saving everyone means destroying the only home she’s known?

This next breathtaking fantasy from the bestselling author of Everless is perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Holly Black.

Infinity Reaper by Adam Silvera

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

Emil and Brighton Rey defied the odds. They beat the Blood Casters and escaped with their lives–or so they thought. When Brighton drank the Reaper’s Blood, he believed it would make him invincible, but instead the potion is killing him.

In Emil’s race to find an antidote that will not only save his brother but also rid him of his own unwanted phoenix powers, he will have to dig deep into the very past lives he’s trying to outrun. Though he needs the help of the Spell Walkers now more than ever, their ranks are fracturing, with Maribelle’s thirst for revenge sending her down a dangerous path.

Meanwhile, Ness is being abused by Senator Iron for political gain, his rare shifting ability making him a dangerous weapon. As much as Ness longs to send Emil a signal, he knows the best way to keep Emil safe from his corrupt father is to keep him at a distance.

The battle for peace is playing out like an intricate game of chess, and as the pieces on the board move into place, Emil starts to realize that he may have been competing against the wrong enemy all along. 

The Queen's Secret by Melissa de la Cruz

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

From #1 bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz comes the heart-pounding follow-up to The Queen's Assassin .

Lilac's birthright makes her the Queen of Renovia, and a forced marriage made her the Queen of Stavin. But being a ruler does not mean making the rules. For Lilac, taking the throne means giving up the opportunity to be with love of her life, the kingdom's assassin, Caledon Holt.

Worse, Cal is forced to leave the castle when a horrific set of magical attacks threatens Lilac's sovereignty. Now Cal and Lilac will have to battle dark forces separately, even though being together is the only thing that's ever saved them.

In the riveting conclusion to Melissa De La Cruz's fantasy duet, love and magic are at war, and victory rests on a knife's edge.

The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Valeria is one of the only survivors of the freeze, a dark magical hold Knnot Mountain unleashed over her village. Everyone, including her family, is trapped in an unbreakable sheet of ice. Ever since, she’s been on the run from the Czar, who is determined to imprison any who managed to escape. Valeria finds refuge with the Thieves Guild, doing odd jobs with her best friend Alik, the only piece of home she has left.

That is, until he is brutally murdered.

A year later, she discovers Alik is alive and being held against his will. To buy his freedom, she must lead a group of cutthroats and thieves on a perilous expedition to the very mountain that claimed her family. Only something sinister slumbers in the heart of Knnot.

And it has waited years for release. 

The Castle School (for Troubled Girls) by Alyssa Sheinmel

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

When Moira Dreyfuss's parents announce that they're sending her to an all-girls boarding school deep in the Maine woods, Moira isn't fooled. She knows her parents are punishing her; she's been too much trouble since her best friend, Nathan, died―and for a while before that. At the Castle School, isolated from the rest of the world, Moira will be expected to pour her heart out to the odd headmaster, Dr. Prince. But she isn't interested in getting over Nathan's death or befriending her fellow students.

On her first night there, Moira hears distant music. On her second, she discovers the lock on her window is broken. On her third, she and her roommate venture outside...and learn that they're not so isolated after all. There's another, very different, Castle School nearby―this one filled with boys whose parents sent them away, too.

Moira is convinced that the Castle Schools and the doctors who run them are hiding something. But exploring the schools will force Moira to confront her overwhelming grief―and the real reasons her parents sent her away.

Dark Stars by Danielle Rollins

Expected Publication: March 2nd, 2021
From Goodreads:

Dorothy finds herself completely alone.

Roman is dead. The Chronology Protection Agency wants nothing to do with her. The Black Cirkus no longer trusts her. And Ash… Ash is gone.

Dorothy has seen the evidence with her own eyes—she knows that she was the one who killed Ash. But she still has no idea how, when, or—most important—why. But the discovery of several missing pages from the Professor’s journal drives a narrow sliver of hope into her heart.

Without a ship, it should be impossible for Dorothy to travel through time. But for Ash, Dorothy will do anything to not only create the present that will protect Ash—but also to save what’s left of their ruined world.

The satisfying conclusion to Danielle Rollins’s Dark Stars series brings new meaning to the idea that “love is timeless.”

Yeah, there's some really amazing books coming out on the 2nd! I've one or two, which were really fantastic, and I can't wait for them all to be out!

What about you guys? Happy reading! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #505, February 8th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #504
Teaser Tuesday #512
WWW Wednesday #512
WOW #508
Will the Time Come #505
Third Sentence Thursday #495
Random Reads #481
First Lines Friday #508
Book Blogger Hop #174
The Reward Challenge Update #490
Wheel of TBR #37
How Well I Stuck to It #342
Wrote that Review Update #339                      

Week 5 Reviews:
The Power of Hades

My Lady Jane

Everything, Everything

Dawnshard

Rhythm of War

Red Wolf

Eleven Minutes

Fracture

Even the Darkest Stars

All the Wandering Light

The Bright & the Pale

Call of Vultures

Polarthon Readathon: 

Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Update 4

Update 5

Update 6

Update 7

Update 8

Update 9

Update 10

Update 11 and Wrap Up

Random:

We Have the Cover of Immortal Enemies #1!!!!

We Have the Cover of Psy-Changeling Trinity #5!!!!

We Have the Cover of Empire of the Vampire #1!!!!

OK, so I got 36 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty great reading week, plus my first week working the hours with my new promotion. And I think it went pretty well, so I'm less nervous, and so happy that I now have steady hours. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Faithless in Death, For the Holidays, and Highland Treasure.

In the new Eve Dallas police thriller from #1 New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb, what looked like a lover's quarrel turned fatal has larger--and more terrifying--motives behind it...

The scene in the West Village studio appears to be classic crime-of-passion: two wine glasses by the bed, music playing, and a young sculptor named Ariel Byrd with the back of her head bashed in. But when Dallas tracks down the wealthy Upper East Side woman who called 911, the details don't add up. Gwen Huffman is wealthy, elegant, comforted by her handsome fiancé as she sheds tears over the trauma of finding the body--but why did it take an hour to report it? And why is she lying about little things?

As Eve and her team look into Gwen, her past, and the people around her, they find that the lies are about more than murder. As with sculpture, they need to chip away at the layers of deception to find the shape within--and soon they're getting the FBI involved in a case that involves a sinister, fanatical group and a stunning criminal conspiracy. 

Mia:

Hey you! Adam and I are organizing a holiday retreat this winter for all our friends. We are sooooo excited to invite you, too. We've rented a place in the mountains. There will be skiing, other snow sports and all kinds of fun. The whole gang will be there--Jordan & April, William & Jenna, Lucas & Katya, Heath and of course, Adam and me.

Please come along with us! It’ll be epic.

A Buchanan brother finds a love to treasure in this scintillating historical romance from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands...

After escaping from the English soldiers who attacked her home and imprisoned her in a dungeon, Lady Elysande de Valance is grateful for the rugged Scots who are escorting her to safety in the Highlands. Even with danger dogging their every step, she hadn't expected to welcome the strong comforting embrace of their leader, Rory Buchanan. They say he's a healer, but she finds the heat of his touch does so much more...

Let his brothers get married—Rory is too busy tending to the sick to be bothered with wooing a bride. But when he is tasked with accompanying a family friend’s "treasure" to the Highlands, he is surprised to learn the treasure is a beautiful woman on the run—and even more surprised to discover bruises hidden by her veil. Rory makes it his mission to tend to her injuries and protect her, but the thought of losing her makes him realize that perhaps it is his heart that is most in need of healing… 

Week 5 Review: The Bright & The Pale

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Valeria is one of the only survivors of the freeze, a dark magical hold Knnot Mountain unleashed over her village. Everyone, including her family, is trapped in an unbreakable sheet of ice. Ever since, she's been on the run from the Czar, who is determined to imprison any who managed to escape. Valeria finds refuge with the Thieves Guild, doing odd jobs with her best friend Alik, the only piece of home she has left.

That is, until he is brutally murdered.

A year later, she discovers Alik is alive and being held against his will. To buy his freedom, she must lead a group of cutthroats and thieves on a perilous expedition to the very mountain that claimed her family. Only something sinister slumbers in the heart of Knnot.

And it has waited years for release. 

My Review:
This was such a wonderful read! I loved this world and the history-though I hope we get to learn more about it in the sequel, given how things ended in this book-and I just had a great time reading this book! 

I do have a bit of a complaint. Right at the beginning, something goes down, and then Valeria learns something else, and goes running off, doesn't actually investigate or deal with what went down, just assumes and carries on, and doesn't mention it. It could've been a quick thought, oh, hey, this was awful, but this other thing is more important, but nope, nothing until at least a week has passed. And it's like, I thought you cared about this first thing, but you did nothing about it, not even mentioning it. So that was something I didn't care for.

This world was so interesting to read about! I loved the set up of the gods and their avatars, and how well that tied into the plot of the book. I enjoyed getting to know Valeria and the struggles in life that she's gone through, though at times her character did irk me a little. It all worked cohesively together, and I really enjoyed that! 

Yeah, that ending was just amazing! I mean, it was pretty hopeless, and not likely to turn out well. And sure, choices are made and things happen that may have consequences, but those are in the future, for now, it was a great ending to the first half of this series, and I can't wait to see how it continues in the sequel! 

I had a really good time reading this book, and I can't wait to see how this duology is going to end! 

Author: Jessica Rubinkowski
Series: The Bright & The Pale Duology #1
Read: February 5th, 2021
Source: Edelweiss 
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a DAC Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2021 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Expected Publication: March 2nd 2021

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

4.5/5 Stars

Polarthon Readathon Update 5

So I read my next book for Polarthon Readathon, and it was The Bright & the Pale which was for the prompt Polar Fantasy, and I'll be reading Call of Vultures next! I think I can finish this book today...

My Reading Journey:

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent

Prompt Fulfilled: Dive In
Started On: February 1st

Finished On: February 1st, 9:36 PM
Pages Read: 368

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Prompt Fulfilled: Cold Waters
Started On: February 2nd

Finished On: February 2nd, 9:32 PM

Pages Read: 262

Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett

Prompt Fulfilled: Artic Setting
Started On: February 3rd

Finished On: February 3rd, 10:13 PM

Pages Read: 427

All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett

Prompt Fulfilled: Dark Cover
Started On: February 4th

Finished On: February 4th, 8:39 PM

Pages Read: 432

The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski

Prompt Fulfilled: Polar Fantasy
Started On: February 5th

Finished On: February 5th, 9:58 PM

Pages Read: 368

Call of Vultures by Kate Kessler

Prompt Fulfilled: Dive In
Started On: February 5th

Currently On: Page 0 of 353

Prompts Left: Cold Waters, Artic Setting, Dark Cover, Polar Fantasy

Read: 5
Pages Read: 1857

First Lines Friday #508, February 5th

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. We encourage all of our fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

-Grab your current read(s)
-Share the first line(s)
-Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists!

"The knock at my door can mean only one of two things. I've finally been discovered and should prepare for my immediate shipment to a kortuga, a prison in the middle of a freezing wasteland. Or I've got another mission. Neither sounds appealing." -The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski

Someone sounds like things are going to go bad quickly! Must read more! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Polarthon Readathon Update 4

So I read my next book for Polarthon Readathon, and it was All the Wandering Light which was for the prompt Dark Cover, and I'll be reading The Bright & the Pale next!

My Reading Journey:

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent

Prompt Fulfilled: Dive In
Started On: February 1st

Finished On: February 1st, 9:36 PM
Pages Read: 368

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Prompt Fulfilled: Cold Waters
Started On: February 2nd

Finished On: February 2nd, 9:32 PM

Pages Read: 262

Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett

Prompt Fulfilled: Artic Setting
Started On: February 3rd

Finished On: February 3rd, 10:13 PM

Pages Read: 427

All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett

Prompt Fulfilled: Dark Cover
Started On: February 4th

Finished On: February 4th, 8:39 PM

Pages Read: 432

The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski

Prompt Fulfilled: Polar Fantasy
Started On: February 5th

Currently On: Page 0 of 368

Prompts Left: None Left!

Read: 4
Pages Read: 1489

We Have the Cover of The Bright & the Pale!!!!

Another book that I don't know much about, we have the cover of The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski!