Morning, readers!
Another month and another round of new books to be excited about! February has some great titles coming out, and I’m not sure which to read first.
As always, this list isn’t complete. It highlights the hotly anticipated books of each month. And I’m not responsible for any overspending. 😉
Hey book fam,
Phew! Another month has passed, and I can let out a well-deserved sigh of relief. February was rather slow and hard for me personally. We finally got the results of my Mom’s cancer. And she’s in the early stages, which I can’t believe.
I wanted to take some time away from my blog. But you all were the reason why I stayed. You kept me smiling and laughing. You kept the shadows away. And I cannot thank you enough for all of your support.
Even though blogging is stressful, it has given me purpose and drive to strive forward, even when I feel I can’t get off the ground. So although February was arduous, I found an escape through this community and some great books. Now, let’s get to the wrap-up, yes?
Is it another Tuesday? Time is speeding up too quickly! With all of your help, I’ve expanded my comfort zone, explored new authors and storylines, and discover such amazing worlds. So I’m excited about this latest post.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Now for this week’s topic, we highlight new authors we’ve read last year. I already love so many authors as it is, but I’m glad I was able to squeeze these authors’ work on my shelves!
I hope you all enjoy!
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.”
Siobhan's Novelties 