Morning, readers!
So I haven’t done a Most Anticipated Reads post in quite some time. I haven’t felt up to blogging lately. But I am back with a new post.
September is another wild month with new releases. So your bank account won’t be too happy any time soon! Now, this list isn’t complete, but they are the most anticipated.
Enjoy the post!
Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Page Count: 352
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Purchase
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon CAN | Amazon US | Book Depository
Alosa’s mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he’s under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father’s justice.
When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first…after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.
“I may not have been born in the sea, but I was born to rule it. I am the daughter of the siren queen.”
Alosa is back, and she is ready to defend what is hers. Going into this sequel, I wasn’t sure if it could top my love of the first. Oh, how was I thoroughly mistaken. Daughter of the Siren Queen reminds me why I love sirens and pirates. Tricia captures what intrigues you in Pirate King, then cranks up the thrill factor.
One downfall of the Pirate King is that it doesn’t explore the rich world Tricia has created. And while reading it, I hoped for more world building. But do not fret. Tricia comes through and shows us a devious world ripe for the taking. She makes being bad fun. And some authors don’t always achieve that feeling. But she weaves a wicked tale that will hook you in and make you want to slit some throats. I got lost in this finale, and I want the world to know this series is worth the risk.
As Alosa recovers the final pieces of the map that will lead to the lost treasure, her father’s secret surfaces, and she and her crew must race against the pirate fleet and her father in order to claim the treasure as her own.
Tricia beautifully executes a fast-paced thrill ride that keeps you on the edge. It’s almost as if you can smell the sea breeze, hear the flap of the sails, and feel the sword in your hand. She blends together loyalty, friendship, strength, and feminism to create a truly imaginative novel. And yet she squeezes in just a bit of romance, and I’m left breathless.
Even though this sequel is plot-heavy, I feel that the characters drive the overall novel. From little Roslyn to Niridia, they are the beating heart, and I fell in love with all of them. I left a special piece of myself with the crew of the Ava-Lee. I must say, though, Alosa and Riden are what solidify Siren Queen into such an enjoyable read. Both their chemistry, banter, and growth make my heart swell with pure happiness. And the way they connect with the crew is magical. However, Alosa’s development stands out the most though. She will be one of my cherished characters.
The author introduces us to more siren mythology and Alosa’s history, which is much darker than I anticipated. But what I adore is how she doesn’t make the sirens purely bloodthirsty. They’re more regal, majestic, and otherworldly. And Alosa reflects their qualities and characteristics while she internally battles with both sides of herself. That inner turmoil speaks volumes.
Daughter of the Siren Queen is one of the most enjoyable sequels I’ve read this year. Do not take another moment debating to read this series. You need to read it. Now.
“Your enchantments last long after your song fades.”
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 320
Rating: 4/5
Source: Purchase
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon CAN | Amazon US | Book Depository
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map-the key to a legendary treasure trove-seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
“I live on the cusp of two worlds, trying desperately to fit into one.”
I must admit I did not have high expectations when I bought the series. But let me tell you that I am wrong. I do not know why I could ever doubt an author who uses a Pirates of the Caribbean quote. Empowering, endearing, and lavishly charming, Daughter of the Pirate King makes you love pirates all over again. Move over Captain Jack Sparrow, Alosa has arrived.
This thrilling pirate and siren story will captivate even the most hesitant reader. Tricia brings just enough feminism, which makes this rough and rowdy series more appealing. I’ve stayed away from siren and pirate books for quite some time. I have always felt disappointed when finishing them. But now, I cannot fathom why I would overlook Tricia’s debut novel.
You can’t have pirates without schemes, badassery, and sass. And Alosa doesn’t let you down. I may have come for the pirates, but I stayed for Alosa and this ruthless crew. As her father, the pirate king, gives her the task to find a map that will lead to treasure guarded by sirens, she doesn’t lose sight of who she is. Her scheming reminds me of Kaz, and I can’t help but love her more. She almost rivals Sparrow. But almost though. I loved this character’s strength, courage, and sarcasm.
Riden, the first mate, may make you swoon. While he and his brother are suspicious of Alosa, they don’t realize that she tricked them so she can get onto their ship. And even though he’ll do anything to protect his brother and his crew, he’s drawn to her, and that is where the story gets interesting. I loved seeing how these two interact.
While I did pick up on some hints of Pirates, Tricia makes this story her own, and she skillfully creates a female character who stands out from other main characters I’ve read. Her writing quickly captures your attention, and her story sucks you into this dangerous world. I couldn’t put this book down. And how could I? But DOTPK takes it time to unravel itself, so it might throw you off if you expect a fast-paced book. But I enjoyed suspense and tension though. However, although this book focuses on the characters, I was hoping for more world building.
So if you’re looking for pirates who will gladly slit someone’s throat, well-rounded characters, and clever writing, pick up DOTPK. You’ll be glad you did.
“Oh, the ridiculous things one has to do when one is a pirate.”
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling
Page Count: 342
Rating: 5/5
Source: Purchase
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon CAN | Amazon US | Book Depository
Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.
The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?
“He belongs to the ocean. He is made from it, as much as I am.”
Alexandra Christo’s To Kill a Kingdom makes my little black heart sing. When I picked this book, I wasn’t sure I was waiting for it. And I cannot imagine my life without it. Alexandra gives you a reason to love villains.
Only a few books have achieved this feat, but To Kill a Kingdom slays every expectation. And it instantly finds its rightful place on my favourites list. This loose reimagining is wicked, brutal, and tempting. If you’re looking for villainous main characters, this book is your next read.
I bought this book a whim. It snuck into my life when I needed just a taste of badassery. And let me tell you: I love it. Alexandra captures the true essence of sirens. You don’t get the PG version we 90s kids were force fed. You see their merciless side, and you’ll be wanting more once you’re done. These sirens will watch as you drown, then tear out your heart. So do not expect any singalongs. Even when life called me back, I didn’t want to put down the book.
The characters beautifully complement the storytelling. Lira, the Prince’s Bane, is a ruthless and royal siren who will get what she wants: the heart of Prince Elian. But the Prince-turned-pirate desires nothing more than to rid his world of sirens. Yet when he finds her adrift in the ocean and doesn’t know who she is, they must work together to find a way to kill the Sea Queen. I adore hate-to-love relationships. I don’t care what anyone says. This trope has value, and it creates a dynamic story. Now, I don’t always enjoy the secondary characters. But with Elian’s crew, I can’t help but do so.
Both Elian and Lira are savage in their own way. But you see glimpses of who they truly are. I enjoyed seeing a prince who doesn’t want a crown. Instead, he craves the sea, and no matter the cost, he’ll protect it and his crew. Lira’s past will give you a better understanding as to the reason why she’s cruel. Yet even with a vicious mother, she holds onto her humanity, and Elian knows how to tease it out of her.
I don’t also buy standalone books. I enjoy visiting a series and reliving my favourite scenes. So I’m a little disappointed we don’t get a sequel. However, if you’re looking for stunning world building and stellar characters with a wicked side, look no further. But if you’ve come for the Disney version of My Little Mermaid, turn back now. The savagery is what intrigued me, but I love the masterful storytelling.
Apparently, I’m on a siren and pirate theme lately. I adore them both and can’t get enough of them. So let’s get to the post, shall we?
For my latest Top Ten Tuesday, created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, I’m picking my favourite (and somewhat new) female characters who are wicked, cutthroat, or just plain villainous.
Some of these books aren’t published yet, but I couldn’t help but highlight them here. So here we go!
A siren princess who rips out the hearts of princes? HELLO THERE. I’ve been waiting for you to arrive, Lira. And I’m not disappointed. To Kill a Kingdom surprised me, and it is one of my favourite books of 2018. And have I mentioned Alexandra is a debut author? Well, she is, but you cannot tell though.
I’m still reading this book, but I quickly jumped into it once I finished Daugther of the Pirate King. I love this series. Alosa is the captain of an almost all-female ship, Ava-Lee. She’s not afraid to kill or betray someone to get what she wants. I love her, and I’m giddy when I get to the scenes of her and Riden, a cinnamon bun pirate (somehow believable, trust me). Squee. 😊
Okay, is that a pomegranate?! Please tell me there isn’t a pomegranate on this cover. 😐
Bless Lada for her evilness. I adore her even if I want to smash her half the time. I know how history goes in her (well, in “his”) life, so I’m kind of freaking out over the last book. But I want to see it through. She gives you real goals in life. Never let a man tell you what to do, make yourself into a weapon, fight for what you want even if you have to slit some throats…Uh, forget that last part. I swear I’m nice (I’m really not 😂).
I want to rip the skin off this woman’s body since she is by far the worst character I’ve read in such a long time. But Sabaa writes her so perfectly that I love to hate Keris. I would say that the world she lives in has made her into the woman she is, but we all know she’s a bitch with a capital C.
I admit: I harshly rated this book, and when I look back at my review, I wonder why I was so negative. But like I’ve said before, I loved the characters in Renegades. It reminds me of the new generation of X-Men. Nova, my smol ball of ruthless fluff, spoke to me. And I’m truly looking forward to see how she’ll deal with her conflicting emotions and loyalties.
I don’t usually add more than five picks to this post, but I think the book below deserves a mention:
So this book isn’t out until July. But I know I’ll more than likely love it. We get Ursula’s POV and backstory. Yasssss. Praise the sea gods. Yes, Leigh Bardugo gave us a taste of this character, but I need a full book. The synopsis doesn’t give you a lot of details as to how the author weaves in this storyline, but I’m intrigued to see how Evie evolves.
Siobhan's Novelties 