Monday, October 31, 2016

Caraval: A 2017 Release to Watch!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
 Mark your calendars for January 31st!
There is no doubt about it, Caraval will be the next big thing to hit YA shelves. Stephanie Garber has penned a breath-taking debut full of magic and twists and delicious, dangerous atmosphere.
The Premise:
Two sisters, Scarlett and Tessa, escape their home to participate in the fantastical Caraval. Headed by the mysterious Legend, Caraval is an event the sisters have wanted to see since they were very young. Then, Tella is taken, as a part of Caraval's game. Scarlett, with the help of Julian, an unexpected ally, has to find her sister within five days.  
The Setting:
This book shines with it's imaginative and descriptive look at scenes of Caraval. Things are glamorous, weird, decadent, and creepy. You can buy things with secrets, nightmares, or days of your life. The people around you may be allies or enemies. Nothing is as it seems. 
The Characters: 
I loved the strong sisterly bond between Scarlett and Tella. They both want to protect each other. I also loved how Garber showed the differences in their personalities: She showed both Scarlett's fear and Tella's recklessness. Then, of course, we have Julian. He was such an intriguing character, and the romance was exciting and well-done. 
The Special Effects: 
Now I come to what I call the "special effects" of Caraval. And by that I mean all the clever twists and games Garber has put into her book. You will be addicted to turning Caraval's pages, waiting for what will happen next. I finished it in two days! 
In Conclusion: 
I cannot wait for the sequel! (And I definitely have a long wait!) Caraval has a complete story arc on it's own, but Garber teases us with so many more questions to be answered and characters to meet and a world to explore in her epilogue. 
4.5/5 Stars 
P.S Isn't the cover stunning? 

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The Diabolic Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway



I was over-the-moon excited to be a part of this blog tour! Thanks Irish Banana Tours
Read on for my review of The Diabolic and an amazing giveaway :D


The Diabolic by SJ Kincaid
LINKS: Amazon | B&N

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.
 

One of my favorite things in the world is to close an amazing book and feel so ecstatic, and also sad at the same time, because I have to leave the world. The Diabolic, one of my favorite reads of 2016, was that book that was so wonderful and oh so hard to put down. 

The Diabolic is just as amazing as it's really pretty cover! SJ Kincaid has created a dangerous, vivid world in this newest Sci-Fi standalone. The reader feels the tension and emotions in every chapter. Nemesis, our main character, was one of the reasons this book shone. She is a Diabolic: someone who is not seen as remotely human. Her job is to protect Sidonia. Then, one day, she has to travel to the Galactic Court under the false identity of Sidonia to protect her friend. 

That's when things get crazy. Parties, deaths, wild schemes, horrible emperors, crazy princes. And, along the way, Nemesis discovers some truths about herself. Yes, she is a Diabolic, but that doesn't mean she's less than. It doesn't mean she can't feel. Meanwhile, she was also a genuinely strong main character. I loved how the author didn't shy away from having a main character with muscles and amazing fighting technique. 

I loved the relationships in the book: Especially between Nemesis and Sidonia, Nemesis and Tyrus, and Nemesis and Neveni. Along with great friendships and romance came also a lot of enemies. And, of course, The Diabolic wrapped up with an epic, grand ending. 

In conclusion, the action, politics, fantastic characters, relationships, space, cool twists, and more make The Diabolic a must-read! I know it's a standalone, and I love standalones, but I wouldn't exactly say no to another book or a spin-off or something of the like. That said, I'll definitely be picking up more SJ Kincaid no matter what she writes. 

5/5 Stars


ABOUT S.J. KINCAID:
S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex was released in July of 2013. The final book in the trilogy, Catalyst, came out October 28, 2014. Her standalone novel The Diabolic will be released in fall 2016.


Now, time for a giveaway! You want this book, trust me :D
Enter to win Three Finished Copies of The Diabolic: US only
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:
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