Blog Tour: The Con Code by Shana Silver [REVIEW & GIVEAWAY]

Book Title: The Con Code
Author: Shana Silver
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Release: August 25th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Young Adult

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A teen forger and thief forms a criminal crew from her high school friends (and crush) to perform a series of heists leading to the location of her missing mother in this action-packed contemporary YA novel.

By day, seventeen-year-old Fiona Spangler runs small cons for her ritzy prep-school classmates: getting them out of tests and forging fake hall passes. But by night, Fiona joins her dad on riskier heists: stealing back the clue-filled forgeries her mom scattered across the country before she disappeared. Fiona desperately hopes that her mother will be waiting at the end of the scavenger hunt she left behind.

And they are SO close. Just three more heists remain, but then disaster strikes when Fiona’s dad is captured by the FBI. Desperate to finish the job and save what’s left of her family, Fiona assembles of crew of teen criminals: a master of disguise who can transform into anyone, a talented hacker who only communicates in glares, and a rival con artist with a vendetta against—and possible crush on—Fiona.

All they have to do is perform three nearly impossible heists, solve her mother’s incredibly complex clues, and evade the FBI. Easy, right?

Content/trigger warnings at the end of this post may contain spoilers.

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Cover Reveal: The Witch with Nine Lives by B. Austin (& GIVEAWAY)

Book Title: The Witch with Nine Lives (A Dysfunctional Family of Witches)
Author: B. Austin
Publication Date: August 27th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

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Nikki and Medea are half-sisters and the daughters of Dima. Their mother is 130-years-old, but because of a shapeshifting stone, she appears to be 19. She insists her daughters treat her as a sister and not a mother. Dima can live forever, due to the shapeshifting stone.

Medea and Nikki are both 18-years-old, but Medea is no ordinary, young woman. Medea turns into a cat at night, due to her mother’s irreversible curse. Medea is living the first of her nine lives. She, too, will live a long time. Medea has a secret that can destroy the sisterly tie between her and Nikki.

Nikki is beautiful but jealous of her mother and sister because she has no magic and works as a maid, rather than in the family witchcraft business.

Unknown to Nikki and her family, she, too, has a magical gift she cannot yet control, a sorcery that will threaten Medea and pit two powerful sisters against each other.

Blog Tour: Two Like Me and You by Chad Alan Gibbs [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY]

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Book Title: Two Like Me and You
Author: Chad Alan Gibbs
Publication Date: May 20th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Edwin Green’s ex-girlfriend is famous. We’re talking cover-of-every-tabloid-in-the-grocery-store-line famous. She dumped Edwin one year ago on what he refers to as Black Saturday, and in hopes of winning her back, he’s spent the last twelve months trying to become famous himself. It hasn’t gone well.

But when a history class assignment pairs Edwin with Parker Haddaway, the mysterious new girl at school, she introduces him to Garland Lenox, a nursing-home-bound World War II veteran who will change Edwin’s life forever.

The three escape to France, in search of the old man’s long-lost love, and as word of their adventure spreads, they become media darlings. But when things fall apart, they also become the focus of French authorities. In a race against time, who will find love, and who will only find more heartache?

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

MY THOUGHTS

My initial reaction upon finishing this book was relief, partly because the whirlwind of suspense (about the main characters’ adventures) was over and I don’t have to constantly worry about them anymore. But also, I felt relieved mainly because I ended up liking the book despite the few troubles I had with it.

Just to get it out of the way, let me tell you that I did not feel a connection to any of the characters so that’s a major turn off for me. At that point, I was starting to get worried that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this as much as I expected. Also, I felt that the book could have been a little shorter because it felt dragging for some times. But despite those, I carried on reading and I’m glad I did!

This contemporary book is unlike any I’ve read before. Since I mostly read romances in this genre, Two Like Me and You was kind of like a breath of fresh air for me. I love how it does not entirely focus on the romantic aspect despite love having somehow a significant role in the story. Plus, this book is jam-packed with adventure that keeps me biting my nails in anticipation. Most of the happenings here are ludicrous and absolutely unbelievable which gets the excitement constantly flowing! Not to mention, the World War II references were very interesting for me to read about.

Overall, I enjoyed this one despite a couple of points for improvement. I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a crazy and fun contemporary read.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Chad Alan Gibbs lives in Alabama with his wife, two sons, two dogs, and an embarrassingly large collection of Star Wars action figures. Two Like Me and You is his first novel.

Website Goodreads Twitter Facebook

 

 

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GIVEAWAY

Get the chance to win (INTL):

3 signed copies of Two Like Me and You

3 eBook copies of Two Like Me and You

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Rune’s Folly by Garen Glazier [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY]

Book Title: Rune’s Folly
Author: Garen Glazier
Publication Date: February 5th 2019
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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By day, Tansy McCoy is a florist making charmed bouquets for the citizens of Junonia, capital of the Kingdom of Terranmar. By night, she’s an assassin and the keeper of the Dangerous Garden where deadly blooms grow. Together with the town tailor, butcher, baker, and metalsmith (just don’t call her a candlestick maker), she is part of the Guild, a secret group of spell-wielding thieves and mercenaries. Their task: consolidate all that remains of the realm’s fading magic under the ruthless King Zeno’s control.

Impetuous loner Tansy chafes under her Guild demands. She longs to quit her town and trade and head for the hills. Unfortunately, King Zeno has other plans. He wants to marry off his daughter to Terranmar’s famously reclusive wizard, Rune Hallows, and he’s willing to have the Guild kidnap him to make it happen. Fail to deliver the wizard and the consequences will be swift and deadly.

Reluctant but determined, Tansy sets out on the long journey to faraway Wentletrap and Rune’s desolate tower by the sea. To get there she must cross a swamp full of sinister surprises, battle a werewolf, and outrace a bloodthirsty band of revenants, while she wrestles with her own magical powers that seem to be expanding in unpredictable ways.

But reaching Rune’s tower is only the beginning. When Tansy learns the real reason behind the king’s contest, she’ll need to decide whether to give in to the growing forces of magic ready to reclaim Terranmar or embrace her newfound powers to save the kingdom.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

MY THOUGHTS

Oh, wow! This book took me by surprise because I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did. Frankly, I didn’t know I was in the mood for an adventure/fantasy until I picked this one up.

I was reading this nonstop, flipping page by page, that it all suddenly ended right under my nose. And I wasn’t ready for it to end. The history and background of the world is just so interesting that it really pulls the readers in the story. I got so lost in Tansy and Rune’s adventures that it felt like I was there with them.

Aside from the lush world-building though, the characters were one more aspect in the book that I absolutely adored. Tansy, for one, is a great main character. She’s strong-willed, sarcastic (which I always appreciate) and maintains a bravado despite her constant self-doubt and fears. Rune is another character worth mentioning. He’s a powerful wizard who has an air of mystery to him and also has a sense of humor. But as much as I loved the two of them, I would love to get to know more about their ragtag group as well. Although I am a bit skeptical about the strength of their alliance, I think they do make a great team.

The concept of powers in this book was unique. The magic of the people aren’t like the typical ones I usually read about so Rune’s Folly was like a breath of fresh air. The ending wasn’t groundbreaking per se, but it did answer the few questions I had. Although I wish this first book was a little longer, I’m definitely looking forward to what the series has in store for me.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have always called Seattle home and find the perpetual gloom to be a wonderful writing ally. I like coffee shops, bookstores, dancing in my living room and singing in my car. The opening scene of Up makes me cry. Three Amigos makes me laugh. Fashion magazines, croissants, and long, long baths are my guilty pleasures. They might occur separately or together. I prefer boxing classes to yoga, and I get some of my best ideas when I’m running. I loved school and spent more time than one really should getting a business degree in marketing and a master’s in art history. In an ideal world I’d go to bed at 2am and wake up at 10am. I’ve never been an early bird, and I feel strongly that alarm clocks kill dreams.

Learn more at garenglazier.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY

2x signed copies of Rune’s Folly (US/CAN)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Beware the Night by Jessika Fleck [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!]

Book Title: Beware the Night
Author: Jessika Fleck
Series: None (Standalone/No mention of sequel)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: March 12th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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On the island of Bellona, they worship the sun. Seventeen-year-old Veda understands that keeping the sun content ensures plentiful crops, peace and harmony, and a thriving economy. But as a member of the Basso class, she never reaps those benefits.

Life as a Basso is one fraught with back-breaking work and imposing rules. Her close friendship with Nico is Veda’s one saving grace in a cruel world where the division between her people and the ruling Dogio is as wide and winding as the canals that snake through their island.

But when Veda’s grandfather is chosen as the next sacrificial offering to keep the sun’s favor, Veda is forced to see the injustice of her world. Turning away from the sun means she must join the night—and an underground revolution she’s been taught to fear all her life.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

MY THOUGHTS

YOU NEED THIS ON YOUR TBR, I SWEAR TO GOD. Normally, I wouldn’t start my review with such aggression but, goddamn, this book is fantastic. AND LOOK AT THAT COVER! It’s so stunning!

Let me start with Veda, our main character, since I loved her so much. She’s a badass and she’s clearly my type of a main character: strong and hard-willed. Unlike others, she does not want to just be a symbol for the people in a raging war; she wants to actually fight with her people. Although she’s scared and admittedly not very equipped for the role, she does not cower. Also, from the first mention of whatever Veda is, it all seemed so flaky for me as well so I know where she is coming from with her doubts.

Nico, Veda’s best friend, was a well-written character as well. His personality resonates true depth and his genuine love for his friend seeps through this book’s pages. I feel every ounce of happiness, hurt, sadness, or whatever emotions he may feel and I’ve come to love him until the end of the book.

Although I’m really not one for love triangles, this one is an exception. It has been executed really well as I can understand and sympathize with each one of them. Despite the tropes, I really enjoyed this book’s plot and the concept about the Sun and Moon being worshiped by the people is something I haven’t read before. I vaguely remember that with every turn of the page, this book kept me wanting more and more!

If you haven’t yet, go get this book for yourself. I was delighted that I thoroughly enjoyed this one. And with the cliffhanger at the end, I refuse to believe that Beware the Night is a standalone. *huffs indignantly* I’m really looking forward to seeing how the story develops.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.com

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

Win a print copy of Beware the Night (US/CAN)

a Rafflecopter giveaway