Silver in the Blood

Goodreads Synopsis:    A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate... or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.

My Thoughts:

-    I had really high hopes for this book, but it turns out that the story was just alright.

-    I'm a big Jessica Day George fan, but this isn't my favorite book of hers. It has so much going for it, but I feel like it just barely missed the mark of being something awesome.

-    The setting was amazing! The book showcases Romania and the time period beautifully. I feel like the book is mostly eye candy.

-    The family secret wasn't super shocking and amazing. I'm sure it was to the characters in the time period, but it wasn't for me as a reader. I felt like there was a lot of build up to the secret, and then it was very anti-climactic and predictable. Also, I wish the secret had been revealed earlier in the story so more of the conflicts could have had more time. 

-    The beginning was slow, but the book picks up about halfway through, and I enjoyed the second half a lot more. I still enjoyed the first half, but it was a lot of setup.

-    Dacia and Lou grew on me, but not a ton. I didn't really love any of the characters. I liked them well enough, but not enough to sympathize very much. 

-    I really liked the homage to Stoker's Dracula. There were mentions of the book in the story. There were also letters and diary entries similar to the ones in Dracula. That was fun.

-    Overall, I enjoyed the book and I think it is worth the read, but it didn't live up to my expectations. 

Princess of the Silver Woods

Goodreads Description:    When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it's not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.

My Thoughts:

-    This last book in the Princess trilogy was awesome! It was a delight the whole way through!

-    I love that the villains from the first book made a reappearance, and their demise was finally settled. I kept wondering what happened to the King Under Stone and his brothers.

-    I also love that other characters made reappearances, especially the old lady that Galen got his cloak from. 

-    I love that all the princesses know how to shoot a gun. They aren't helpless, and they all have great courage. 

-    Petunia really surprised me. At first she was a bit shy and acted like the youngest sibling in a large family, but she grows. Towards the end, she is a very strong and courageous character! Poppy better watch out because I think Petunia might steal some of her thunder!

-    I like that Galen is back, and he had a significant role. He is my favorite of all the princesses' suitors/husbands. 

-    I liked the Robin Hood elements added to the Red Riding Hood story. I wasn't expecting that, and it was fun. 

-    I really liked Oliver. He is my 2nd favorite guy in this series. He was very kind and honest, and I was impressed that he took on so many responsibilities at a young age. 

-    I don't gush about books to much, but this series just brings out the girl in me. 

-    This is such a perfect ending to the trilogy. I wish there was a book for every princess, but I suppose you can get too much of a good thing. 

Previous Princess Books

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

 

Princess of Glass

From Goodreads:    Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances--and potential marriages. It's got the makings of a fairy tale--until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.





My Thoughts:

-    I love these retellings by Jessica Day George. They are so fun and enchanting.

-    I'm so happy that Poppy got to have a book of her own. I loved her in Princess of the Midnight Ball, and I still love her. She is a really great feminine character with a lot of strengths. I also love that she isn't a typical princess. 

-    Although there were several characters in this book, I didn't have trouble remembering who was who like I do with other books with a lot of characters. Everyone had a distinct roll and personality. 

-    I love that the characters were not what they seemed. At first I really didn't like Ellen at all! At the end, I pitied her, and even grew a little fond of her. 

-    I like that Poppy involved the "adults" in what was going on. I wish more teenagers would do that. Lord Richard is so kind, and his wisdom was very helpful to the characters.

-    I didn't like Christian as much as I did Galen. I'm glad the Poppy said she wanted to get to know him better before jumping in to marriage. I'm sure Christian is very nice, but I didn't get to see the real him for a lot of the book.

-    This is one of my favorite Cinderella retellings because of it's unique twist. 

Previous Princess Book

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Goodreads Description:    A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn… 

Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above. 

Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George’s take on the Grimms’ tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

My Thoughts:

-    I know I should have saved this for Utah Author month, but I really wanted to re-read it and couldn't wait. 

-    This is my favorite retelling of the The Twelve Dancing Princesses! I just love the characters and the great story telling.

-    This book has so much charm!

-    I LOVE Galen! He is so kind and protective. He watches over all the princesses, not just Rose. He is such a gentleman!

-    The characters are all terrific! It's one of those stories where you love to hate the bad guys and love to love the good guys!

-    I loved the journey to the midnight ball. The stairs, the gate, the silver forest, etc. It all seems so enchanting and daunting all at the same time! 

-    I thought it was clever for the author to name all the princesses after flowers. Since there are twelve, it was hard to remember which flower went to which sister. At least I remembered the important ones.

-    I like how knitting was so important to the story, and the one who knitted was a man, in fact, a soldier! 

-    This was such a fun, light, and overall great read! For those of you who love fairy tales, this is a MUST read!

Dragon Flight

Goodreads Synopsis:    With the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion. Never one to sit around, Creel throws herself headlong into an adventure that will reunite her with her dragon friend Shardas, pit her against a vicious new enemy and perhaps rekindle a friendship with Prince Luka that seems to have gone cold. Funny, heart-felt, and action packed, this is a sequel that will satisfy on every level.








My Thoughts:

-    SHARDAS IS ALIVE!!!!

-    I am such a sucker for fun dragon books, and this one does not disappoint! I love this book just as much as its predecessor. 

-    Marta and Creel make such a great team! Together they are unstoppable, and I love how their personalities compliment one another.

-    Luka and Creel make me gush! I admit it! Their banter and flirting really bring out the girl in me.

-    Shardas is my hero! Feniul has my heart though. 

-    I love the ending in this! I love the idea that the dragons don't have to hide anymore, and they can be independent and free!

-    The story was awesome! I loved that this book had more action! It was sad, but awesome! I also love the humor and fun as well!

-    What did Velika whisper to Krashath? That is going to drive me nuts!

-    I want a dragon friend!


Series Info:

Dragon Flght is the 2nd book in the Dragon Slippers trilogy. To see my thoughts on the first book, click on the cover below.

Dragon Slippers

From Goodreads:    Many stories tell of damsels in distress, who are rescued from the clutches of fire-breathing dragons by knights in shining armor, and swept off to live happily ever after. 

Unfortunately, this is not one of those stories.  

True, when Creel's aunt suggests sacrificing her to the local dragon, it is with the hope that the knight will marry Creel and that everyone (aunt and family included) will benefit handsomely. Yet it's Creel who talks her way out of the dragon's clutches. And it's Creel who walks for days on end to seek her fortune in the king's city with only a bit of embroidery thread and a strange pair of slippers in her possession.

But even Creel could not have guessed the outcome of this tale. For in a country on the verge of war, Creel unknowingly possesses not just any pair of shoes, but a tool that could be used to save her kingdom…or destroy it.

My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE this book!  It is so wonderful, and it always have a special place in my heart because this series were my first signed books.  After meeting Jessica Day George, I craved more, and it led to a whole lot of author events and signings.  Dragon Slippers and Authorpalooza started it all!

-    The beginning reminds me of Dealing with Dragons (another series that I love and cherish from my childhood).  

-    I am a dragon fan.  I admit it.  If the story has dragons, I'll probably love it.

-    I love Feniul.  He is probably my favorite dragon, but I love Shardas as well.  I love that Fenieul collects dogs.  I might do the same if I were a dragon.  I also love all of Feniul's oddities, and I love his big heart.

-    The characters are awesome!  I love Creel so much!  She is unsure of herself, yet spunky and determined.  She has ambition, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind.  Prince Luka is so charming and funny!  I also loved Marta and Alle and Tobin!  The Duke and Duchess were also great side characters that added a lot.

-    Amalia...grrr...there are no words for the hate.  

-    The whole story and the concept are so great!  I just love it!

-    The ending makes me almost cry.  Pathetic, I know, but it does.  I want to cry for Shardas's hoard as well.

-    This is such a fun book to read!  I just crave more after reading it, so I'm glad it is a trilogy.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

From Goodreads:    Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when anisbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.






My Thoughts:

-    I've always loved this old Folk Story.  I want my own snow bear!  I also loved The Storyteller's adaption of Hans the Hedgehog.  

-    I love the characters in this book.  The Pika is such a believable young girl.  I admire her strengths, and I can relate to her weaknesses.  Hans Peter was one of my favorite characters.  I think every girl needs a big brother!

-    The mom is a piece of work!  How could she call her children a waste!?!?  How could she be so disappointed in an infant to not give her a name?  So sad!  As a mom, I think that lady is crazy!

-    I love that the Lass received strength, courage, and comfort when she was reminded of her true name.  I think names are so important, and there is meanings to them!  

-    This is probably my favorite Jessica Day George book!    I think this one is more dear to her heart than the others.  I think it is her best work!

-    The whole journey from beginning to end was a complete delight!