Daring You to Read... Jaran by Kate Elliott (author edition!)

It's been a while since we've done a Daring You To Read post and we've decided to bring it back with a bang! We will now host guest authors who will dar you to read THEIR favorite book! How awesome is that? I am super happy to welcome Maria V Snyder, author of the Study, Glass & Healer series. She's one of my favorite author and I hope you will welcome her warmly!

----------------
Published in 2002, this novel is one part science fiction, one part epic fantasy, and one part romance. It’s one of my all time favorite books.

Tess Soerensen is accidently stranded on a planet that is off limits to her race and other alien races since the indigenous people are unaware of their existence. In this book humans are not in charge and have been conquered by the Chapalli. While on the planet, Tess discovers that Chapalli are on the surface illegally. The aliens paid a band of nomads to uncover ancient ruins which may contain vital information. In order to get home, Tess has to reach the city of Jeds where there is a way to get off world, but she also wants to find out what’s so important about the ruins.

Tess meets Ilya, the leader of the nomadic tribe the Chapalli have hired. She joins up with the excursion and discovers the tribe is a rich mixture of characters and traditions. I loved how the relationship developed between Tess and Ilya. He doesn’t know she’s from another planet and she is unfamiliar with his customs.

This book has political intrigue, deceptions, and a few swoon worthy moments. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

 

In the future, Earth is just one of the planets ruled by the vast Chapalii empire. The volatility of these alien overlords is something with which Tess Soerensen is all too familiar. Her brother, Charles, rebelled against them at one time and was rewarded by being elevated into their interstellar system—yet there is reason to believe they murdered his and Tess’s parents.

Struggling to find her place in the world and still mending a broken heart, Tess sneaks aboard a shuttle bound for Rhui, one of her brother’s planets. On the ground, she joins up with the native jaran people, becoming immersed in their nomadic society and customs while also attempting to get to the bottom of a smuggling scheme she encountered on her journey there. As she grows ever closer to the charismatic jaran ruler, Ilya—who is inflamed by an urgent mission of his own—Tess must choose between her feelings for him and her loyalty to her brother.

Jaran is the first volume of the Novels of the Jaran, which continues with An Earthly Crown, His Conquering Sword,and The Law of Becoming.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 

 ———————————

Thanks so much for visiting us, Maria!

For more Maria, check out her Website/Blog/Facebook/Goodreads!

———————————

Here's the scoop on Taste of Darkness, Maria's latest release:

She’s fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he’s gone forever.

But there’s a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

My review

And here's where it all began:

———————————

Daring You To Read is a feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where our favorite authors dare you to read some of THEIR favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series  featured are adored titles and we think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!
You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 00:38

 Daring You to Read, Feature, Guest Post, Maria V Snyder  1 Person left their mark

Daring You to Read. . . on Hiatus

Hello Guys!

Daring You To Read has been running since October 2011 and even though it's been a pleasure to present you our favorite series, we are quite honestly running out of dare ideas. For this reason, Daring You to Read is going into hiatus status for the moment and will most likely make a come back a in while :) This'll give us some time to discover new favorites to share with you!

In the mean time, we are thinking of new possible features to replace this one and we are open to suggestions! I want to keep it book related, but don't want to join any memes, we strive to stay original :) If you have any ideas of what you'd like to see on the blog, please leave a comment, it might inspire us!

Thank you!

- Team Tynga's Reviews

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 05:12

 Daring You to Read, Feature  Leave your mark

Daring You to Read... Shadowland by Meg Cabot

I love doing these DYTR posts, as I seem to be habitually about 6 months behind the rest of the book blogging world anyway. In this case, my recommendation is reaching much further back than a mere 6 months, but don't let that stop you - this series is one of my all-time favorites. What is it, you ask?

The Mediator series by Meg Cabot.  Which begins with Shadowland. It's so hard to think of these as individual books and not as an entire series, as they lend themselves to being devoured one after the other to the point where it's just one long marathon read.

These books are awesome. All of them. Or at least all of the first 6 that I've read. With the new normal for YA being a much darker and more mind-bending type trend, these books are such a great way to revisit what it is that made you love the YA genre in the first place. A spunky heroine, who has one-liners that will make you laugh, a mysterious love interest, murders to solve, ghosts to send to the great beyond - it's all in there.

Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help.

Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

I'll read pretty much anything that Meg Cabot will throw at me. She never fails to write a winning, addictive female voice. This series is what made me fall in love with her writing in the first place. If you need a book to bring with you on vacation or just feel like a light read that will be endlessly entertaining without boggling your brain, pick up Shadowland! It's the first book in this long series, and it will most definitely get you hooked!

----------------

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:00

 Daring You to Read  2 People left their mark

Daring You To Read… Passion Play by Beth Bernobich

This week I am daring you to read PASSION PLAY by Beth Bernobich because it was my favorite fantasy novel read in 2012. Mind you, I don’t read my pure fantasy novels either but if you’re planning on reading one in the near future, this has to top your list of possible choices.

Beth Bernobich has a way of creating great characters that are wonderful and unique. Each and every character is important to the story, and no matter how insignificant, Beth makes you want to learn more about each and everyone of them. My favorite character would probably have to be the main character Ilse, and while we don’t have many things in common, I completely understand the reasoning behind her every decision. The difficult ordeals she had to live through make her such a strong character, both mentally and physically. Her relationship with Kosenmark is without a doubt a unique one and I’m actually glad it took them that long to realize their feelings for one another.

Another thing that I love about this book is the setting. It’s not overly magical or mystical but it does have its interesting bits. The magical elements are more subdued at first, but as the story progresses, more and more appears in the story. You can’t have a good epic fantasy novel without a fight for the throne and while politics play a major role in this kingdom, the novel can also be seen as a romance book because of the relationship between Ilse and Kosenmark.

Not only is PASSION PLAY a great novel, it’s also a great introduction to an epic series. I’m really excited to read Allegiance, the third book of the series. I received an ARC of it last week and I’m ready to dive into it any time now!

If you like high fantasy, I’m daring you to read it as soon as possible. You won’t regret it!

Ilse Zhalina is the daughter of one of Melnek’s more prominent merchants. She has lived most of her life surrounded by the trappings of wealth and privilege.  Many would consider hers a happy lot. But there are dark secrets, especially in the best of families. Ilse has learned that for a young woman of her beauty and social station, to be passive and silent is the best way to survive.

When Ilse finally meets the older man she is to marry, she realizes he is far crueler and more deadly than her father could ever be. Ilse chooses to run. This choice will change her life forever.

And it will lead her to Raul Kosenmark,  master of one of the land’s most notorious pleasure houses…and who is, as Ilse discovers, a puppetmaster of a different sort altogether.  Ilse discovers a world where every pleasure has a price and there are levels of magic and intrigue she once thought unimaginable. She also finds the other half of her heart.

My thoughts on the book

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought! You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know! Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment!

Read More

Posted by Unknown at 06:00

 Beth Bernobich, Daring You to Read  1 Person left their mark

Daring You To Read… Passion Play by Beth Bernobich

This week I am daring you to read PASSION PLAY by Beth Bernobich because it was my favorite fantasy novel read in 2012. Mind you, I don’t read my pure fantasy novels either but if you’re planning on reading one in the near future, this has to top your list of possible choices.

Beth Bernobich has a way of creating great characters that are wonderful and unique. Each and every character is important to the story, and no matter how insignificant, Beth makes you want to learn more about each and everyone of them. My favorite character would probably have to be the main character Ilse, and while we don’t have many things in common, I completely understand the reasoning behind her every decision. The difficult ordeals she had to live through make her such a strong character, both mentally and physically. Her relationship with Kosenmark is without a doubt a unique one and I’m actually glad it took them that long to realize their feelings for one another.

Another thing that I love about this book is the setting. It’s not overly magical or mystical but it does have its interesting bits. The magical elements are more subdued at first, but as the story progresses, more and more appears in the story. You can’t have a good epic fantasy novel without a fight for the throne and while politics play a major role in this kingdom, the novel can also be seen as a romance book because of the relationship between Ilse and Kosenmark.

Not only is PASSION PLAY a great novel, it’s also a great introduction to an epic series. I’m really excited to read Allegiance, the third book of the series. I received an ARC of it last week and I’m ready to dive into it any time now!

If you like high fantasy, I’m daring you to read it as soon as possible. You won’t regret it!

Ilse Zhalina is the daughter of one of Melnek’s more prominent merchants. She has lived most of her life surrounded by the trappings of wealth and privilege.  Many would consider hers a happy lot. But there are dark secrets, especially in the best of families. Ilse has learned that for a young woman of her beauty and social station, to be passive and silent is the best way to survive.

When Ilse finally meets the older man she is to marry, she realizes he is far crueler and more deadly than her father could ever be. Ilse chooses to run. This choice will change her life forever.

And it will lead her to Raul Kosenmark,  master of one of the land’s most notorious pleasure houses…and who is, as Ilse discovers, a puppetmaster of a different sort altogether.  Ilse discovers a world where every pleasure has a price and there are levels of magic and intrigue she once thought unimaginable. She also finds the other half of her heart.

My thoughts on the book

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought! You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know! Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment!

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:00

 Beth Bernobich, Daring You to Read  1 Person left their mark

Daring You to Read… Splintered by A.G. Howard

This week I am daring you to read Splintered by A.G. Howard. Because it’s freaking amazing. It has continued to hold its own very close to the top of my all-time favorite books. Splintered can be considered a hybrid sequel/re-working of Alice in Wonderland. The Wonderland that A.G. Howard creates in Splintered is dark, twisted, and skeletal.

The main character, Alyssa was completely kick-ass, and her journey to understand what has happened to her family all these years is absolutely addicting. All the women in Alyssa’s family seem to fall into the same mental illness – they all begin having delusions about Wonderland. Her own mother mumbles under her breath about rabbit holes and refuses to eat anything if it is not served in a tea cup.

When her mothers doctors recommend a drastic new treatment, Alyssa takes it upon herself to find out what her mother has been hiding all these years. And what truly caused the curse on the women in her family. From here, she must travel down the rabbit hole herself, and find out more about herself than she ever imagined was possible.

I was so excited to hear that there will be a sequel for this book – so now is the perfect time for you to get up and read this one if you haven’t already! I promise, you won’t regret it!

 

Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought! You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know! Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment!

Read More

Posted by Helen at 07:00

 A. G. Howard, Daring You to Read  4 People left their mark

Daring You to Read… Splintered by A.G. Howard

This week I am daring you to read Splintered by A.G. Howard. Because it’s freaking amazing. It has continued to hold its own very close to the top of my all-time favorite books. Splintered can be considered a hybrid sequel/re-working of Alice in Wonderland. The Wonderland that A.G. Howard creates in Splintered is dark, twisted, and skeletal.

The main character, Alyssa was completely kick-ass, and her journey to understand what has happened to her family all these years is absolutely addicting. All the women in Alyssa’s family seem to fall into the same mental illness – they all begin having delusions about Wonderland. Her own mother mumbles under her breath about rabbit holes and refuses to eat anything if it is not served in a tea cup.

When her mothers doctors recommend a drastic new treatment, Alyssa takes it upon herself to find out what her mother has been hiding all these years. And what truly caused the curse on the women in her family. From here, she must travel down the rabbit hole herself, and find out more about herself than she ever imagined was possible.

I was so excited to hear that there will be a sequel for this book – so now is the perfect time for you to get up and read this one if you haven’t already! I promise, you won’t regret it!

 

Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought! You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know! Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment!

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 03:00

 A. G. Howard, Daring You to Read  4 People left their mark

Daring You to Read… Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

This week I am daring you to read an amazing fantasy novel, Falling kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (a.k.a Michelle Rowen). As you might know, I’m a huge fan of High Fantasy, especially young adult ones, and I was extremely pleased with this novel. I’m dare compare it to the likes of Kristen Cashore and Maria V Snyder, so if you are fan of these two, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a copy!

Why I loved it so much? First, the lore was extremely original and fascinating. Morgan did an amazing job of creating a believable and rich backstory. Further more, the world-building was simply effortless and the descriptions were rich and fluid, never slowing down the story arc. And finally, the fantastic characters. Morgan chose a wide range of teenagers from different social classes and territories and the alternative point of view allowed us to really live the experience from each of their perspective.

The plotline isn’t exactly action packed, but the tension, treasons and promises of revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times my heart was pounding, at other moments I was shedding tears, really miss Rhodes kept me emotionally involved the entire novel and it’s something I really appreciate.

The conclusion was simply a killer and I am extremely glad I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Rebel Spring, which I plan to read very soon. It’s a December release, so you still have plenty of time to get your hands on Falling Kingdoms before then.

If you love high fantasy, I urge you to pick up this amazing novel!

 

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...
The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

Read my review

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Sequel:

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 06:25

 Daring You to Read, Fantasy, Morgan Rhodes, Penguin, young adult  2 People left their mark

Daring You to Read… Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

This week I am daring you to read an amazing fantasy novel, Falling kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (a.k.a Michelle Rowen). As you might know, I’m a huge fan of High Fantasy, especially young adult ones, and I was extremely pleased with this novel. I’m dare compare it to the likes of Kristen Cashore and Maria V Snyder, so if you are fan of these two, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a copy!

Why I loved it so much? First, the lore was extremely original and fascinating. Morgan did an amazing job of creating a believable and rich backstory. Further more, the world-building was simply effortless and the descriptions were rich and fluid, never slowing down the story arc. And finally, the fantastic characters. Morgan chose a wide range of teenagers from different social classes and territories and the alternative point of view allowed us to really live the experience from each of their perspective.

The plotline isn’t exactly action packed, but the tension, treasons and promises of revenge will keep you on the edge of your seat. At times my heart was pounding, at other moments I was shedding tears, really miss Rhodes kept me emotionally involved the entire novel and it’s something I really appreciate.

The conclusion was simply a killer and I am extremely glad I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Rebel Spring, which I plan to read very soon. It’s a December release, so you still have plenty of time to get your hands on Falling Kingdoms before then.

If you love high fantasy, I urge you to pick up this amazing novel!

 

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...
The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

Read my review

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Sequel:

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:25

 Daring You to Read, Fantasy, Morgan Rhodes, Penguin, young adult  2 People left their mark

Daring You To Read...A Soldier's Duty by Jean Johnson

I had a really hard time coming up with my dare for this month. I hemmed and hawed and then I had an epiphany: we haven't dared you to read any sci fi lately and I read the most wonderful sci if novel recently. Science fiction is a genre I'm enjoying more and more, with or without a romantic element. The book I'm daring you to read this week is pretty much straight-up sci fi awesomeness: A SOLDIER'S DUTY by Jean Johnson. Johnson also writes paranormal romance but A SOLDIER'S DUTY is my first book by her so I went in with no preconceived ideas of what the story would be like. And I was completely sucked in and blown away!

A SOLDIER'S DUTY is the beginning of Ia's journey. Simply put, Ia is a precog who learns at a young age that billions will die if she doesn't navigate the perfect course through her future. It's a heavy burden for someone little more than a child but Ia takes it on and away the story goes. My description, however, is a poor summary because Johnson has crafted a marvelous and gripping tale of bravery, battles, and loneliness with A SOLDIER'S DUTY. Plus, this book is a lot more accessible than some of the other science fiction I've tried do I would definitely recommend it if you're looking to experiment with the genre or if you're just looking for a great read.

Want more? I bet you do! Here's the cover copy for A SOLDIER'S DUTY:

Ia is a precog, tormented by visions of the future where her home galaxy has been devastated. To prevent this vision from coming true, Ia enlists in the Terran United Planets military with a plan to become a soldier who will inspire generations for the next three hundred years-a soldier history will call Bloody Mary.

My thoughts

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

What do you think? Have you read this series? Are you willing to accept my dare?

Read More

Posted by jenn at 06:36

 Daring You to Read, Jean Johnson, Penguin, Science-Fiction  1 Person left their mark

Daring You To Read...A Soldier's Duty by Jean Johnson

I had a really hard time coming up with my dare for this month. I hemmed and hawed and then I had an epiphany: we haven't dared you to read any sci fi lately and I read the most wonderful sci if novel recently. Science fiction is a genre I'm enjoying more and more, with or without a romantic element. The book I'm daring you to read this week is pretty much straight-up sci fi awesomeness: A SOLDIER'S DUTY by Jean Johnson. Johnson also writes paranormal romance but A SOLDIER'S DUTY is my first book by her so I went in with no preconceived ideas of what the story would be like. And I was completely sucked in and blown away!

A SOLDIER'S DUTY is the beginning of Ia's journey. Simply put, Ia is a precog who learns at a young age that billions will die if she doesn't navigate the perfect course through her future. It's a heavy burden for someone little more than a child but Ia takes it on and away the story goes. My description, however, is a poor summary because Johnson has crafted a marvelous and gripping tale of bravery, battles, and loneliness with A SOLDIER'S DUTY. Plus, this book is a lot more accessible than some of the other science fiction I've tried do I would definitely recommend it if you're looking to experiment with the genre or if you're just looking for a great read.

Want more? I bet you do! Here's the cover copy for A SOLDIER'S DUTY:

Ia is a precog, tormented by visions of the future where her home galaxy has been devastated. To prevent this vision from coming true, Ia enlists in the Terran United Planets military with a plan to become a soldier who will inspire generations for the next three hundred years-a soldier history will call Bloody Mary.

My thoughts

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

What do you think? Have you read this series? Are you willing to accept my dare?

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 02:36

 Daring You to Read, Jean Johnson, Penguin, Science-Fiction  1 Person left their mark

Daring You To Read...Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

When I realized that nobody has done SHATTER ME as a DYTR post yet, I immediately jumped at the chance because that is simply a sin! This book is all kinds of amazing that I could not put down and Mafi is currently a favorite author of mine because of it.

I'll admit that this would not be a book that I would have picked up if I was not a blogger. I saw many early reviews go up raving about it, so when I was in my local book store I decided to pick up a copy despite the cover. Yes, that's right, I'm one of those people. I'm thankful I picked up the novel because the story inside is hard to explain in coherent sentences, but the cover did not do this novel justice. So I have to admit that I like the recent cover changes in this series, but I love my hardcover so much I refuse to part with it. Moral of this paragraph? Don't judge a book by its cover because you never know what's awaiting you inside.

I was hesitant to delve into this one because of the synopses that explains that Juliette has not touched anyone for 264 days--hinting that she has unique abilities through touch. The concept of touching people and something happening is often used in young adult literature. Off the top of my head, aside from this book, I can think of TOUCH by Jus Accardo, TOUCHED by Corrine Jackson, CURSED by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and TOUCH OF DEATH by Kelly Hashway.  But those titles are there to emphasize how many novels there are that deal with touch and, I have to say, that this one deals with it the best. This novel is indescribable and amazing--beautifully written and deliciously complex. There's no other way to say it. Mafi took a common theme and made it all her own. She mastered a plot line that other writers have been working to master for a while.

And if that simple fact alongside the admission that this book literally left me speechless is not enough to get you to read this book than I'll tell you what is: Adam and Warner. I know, I know, your love triangle flashers are going up and your mind is screaming, "Back up! Back up! Do not cross this line! Abort mission!" Well, I'm normally that way too, but this is a love triangle done right. While it exists the boys are two separate entities who paths do not cross in the way that make them throw insults at each other over Juliette. They throw insults at each other because they're on two opposite sides of the war and somehow Juliette is stuck in-between them. Mafi also mastered the love triangle because she found a respectful way to go about it. While one love interests is the overall focus of book one, the novella, DESTROY ME, and book two, UNRAVEL ME, tend to focus on the other love interest that we thought was easily the wrong decision. And Mafi made us realize, wow, he's deliciously complex and even more amazing than we ever would have imagined! To put it simply, she convinced me to switch teams which is not an easy thing to do because I'm rather stubborn. To who? Well, you have to read to find out! But truly, I would read these novels just for Warner and Adam because they're  both beyond different yet somehow equal parts perfection. It helps that Mafi is really amazing with steamy writing too.

This romance takes place in a unique dystopian world. In the beginning of the novel, Juliette is almost insane and Mafi took advantage of this by developing a unique writing style via Juliette's private thoughts and journals that sucked me in from page one. Her creativity and imagination as well as her amazing literary skills are present in all aspects of this novel and I couldn't even begin to stress how much I think everyone should give this book a chance. It is so, so worth it.

If this post interested you at all in SHATTER ME you should run and go pick up a hardcover today! It is selling on Amazon (the link is below) for $7.20, meaning that a hardcover is currently cheaper than the paperback edition and the Kindle edition. Though the hardcover does not match the rest of the series cover-wise.

 

More information on SHATTER ME...

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

 

 My Thoughts on Shatter Me

 Tynga's Thoughts on Shatter Me

 

Read an Excerpt 

 

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 

And here is the rest of the series thus far. The covers changed right after I reviewed book one. Bummer, right?

 

 

Thoughts on Destroy Me

Thoughts on Unravel Me 

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

 

Do you think you can handle this week's dare?

 

  

Read More

Posted by Lili at 05:30

 Daring You to Read, Harper Collins, Tahereh Mafi, young adult  6 People left their mark

Daring You To Read...Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

When I realized that nobody has done SHATTER ME as a DYTR post yet, I immediately jumped at the chance because that is simply a sin! This book is all kinds of amazing that I could not put down and Mafi is currently a favorite author of mine because of it.

I'll admit that this would not be a book that I would have picked up if I was not a blogger. I saw many early reviews go up raving about it, so when I was in my local book store I decided to pick up a copy despite the cover. Yes, that's right, I'm one of those people. I'm thankful I picked up the novel because the story inside is hard to explain in coherent sentences, but the cover did not do this novel justice. So I have to admit that I like the recent cover changes in this series, but I love my hardcover so much I refuse to part with it. Moral of this paragraph? Don't judge a book by its cover because you never know what's awaiting you inside.

I was hesitant to delve into this one because of the synopses that explains that Juliette has not touched anyone for 264 days--hinting that she has unique abilities through touch. The concept of touching people and something happening is often used in young adult literature. Off the top of my head, aside from this book, I can think of TOUCH by Jus Accardo, TOUCHED by Corrine Jackson, CURSED by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and TOUCH OF DEATH by Kelly Hashway.  But those titles are there to emphasize how many novels there are that deal with touch and, I have to say, that this one deals with it the best. This novel is indescribable and amazing--beautifully written and deliciously complex. There's no other way to say it. Mafi took a common theme and made it all her own. She mastered a plot line that other writers have been working to master for a while.

And if that simple fact alongside the admission that this book literally left me speechless is not enough to get you to read this book than I'll tell you what is: Adam and Warner. I know, I know, your love triangle flashers are going up and your mind is screaming, "Back up! Back up! Do not cross this line! Abort mission!" Well, I'm normally that way too, but this is a love triangle done right. While it exists the boys are two separate entities who paths do not cross in the way that make them throw insults at each other over Juliette. They throw insults at each other because they're on two opposite sides of the war and somehow Juliette is stuck in-between them. Mafi also mastered the love triangle because she found a respectful way to go about it. While one love interests is the overall focus of book one, the novella, DESTROY ME, and book two, UNRAVEL ME, tend to focus on the other love interest that we thought was easily the wrong decision. And Mafi made us realize, wow, he's deliciously complex and even more amazing than we ever would have imagined! To put it simply, she convinced me to switch teams which is not an easy thing to do because I'm rather stubborn. To who? Well, you have to read to find out! But truly, I would read these novels just for Warner and Adam because they're  both beyond different yet somehow equal parts perfection. It helps that Mafi is really amazing with steamy writing too.

This romance takes place in a unique dystopian world. In the beginning of the novel, Juliette is almost insane and Mafi took advantage of this by developing a unique writing style via Juliette's private thoughts and journals that sucked me in from page one. Her creativity and imagination as well as her amazing literary skills are present in all aspects of this novel and I couldn't even begin to stress how much I think everyone should give this book a chance. It is so, so worth it.

If this post interested you at all in SHATTER ME you should run and go pick up a hardcover today! It is selling on Amazon (the link is below) for $7.20, meaning that a hardcover is currently cheaper than the paperback edition and the Kindle edition. Though the hardcover does not match the rest of the series cover-wise.

 

More information on SHATTER ME...

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

 

 My Thoughts on Shatter Me

 Tynga's Thoughts on Shatter Me

 

Read an Excerpt 

 

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 

And here is the rest of the series thus far. The covers changed right after I reviewed book one. Bummer, right?

 

 

Thoughts on Destroy Me

Thoughts on Unravel Me 

 

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

 

Do you think you can handle this week's dare?

 

  

Read More

Posted by Tynga at 01:30

 Daring You to Read, Harper Collins, Tahereh Mafi, young adult  6 People left their mark

Daring You To Read… The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

This week, I’m daring you to read a book I’ve recently discovered myself. THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET by Kady Cross is without a doubt an interesting book that can’t be overlooked. As the first book of the Steampunk Chronicles, it starts off with quite a bang. Even thought this is the first full book of the series, a prequel called THE STRANGE CASE OF FINLEY JANE is also available and should probably be read first.

I’m not sure what I liked the most about the series but one thing’s for sure, both the characters and the steampunk setting are impressive. Finley Jane is such a great protagonist. Despite her mysterious abilities, she’s not overly confident. On the contrary, she’s simply trying to fit into a society that expects young women to be pretty, dull and submissive. However, when she gets the strange urges to use her abilities (superstrength and speed among them), she does the complete opposite of what society might expect—like punch a sleazy lord in the face. Since puberty, she’s been dealing with her ever increasing abilities and until the beginning of THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET, she thought she was the only one with strange abilities. So when she meets a gang a misfits that have their own special talents, the real adventures begins.

London 1897 is the setting of the book but it’s unlike the London we know today or back then. Automatons are everywhere, clockwork gadgets are being created daily and most importantly, the steampunk fashion is not to be missed.

If you’re a fan of the genre, this book will surely please. The only thing is, I feel guilty for recommending this series even if I haven’t read past book 1. However, since I enjoyed both the prequel and the first book so much, I’m sure the rest of the series is as entertaining as these two.

Here’s a bit more about THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one...except the "thing" inside her.When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no "normal" Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch....

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of "them." The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help--and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

The series in order, so far:

    

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

What do you think? Have you read this series?

Read More

Posted by Unknown at 06:00

 Daring You to Read, Harlequin, Kady Cross, steampunk  1 Person left their mark