There are so many books out there eagerly waiting to be read. Unfortunately, many are sitting on shelves and collecting dust. It's impossible to get to them all, but there are definitely some books out there that deserve more exposure. In the past few years, I've been branching out and reading books from lesser known publishers and works that have been self published. Granted, some of these books aren't that great, but undoubtedly there are some hidden gems that I wish more people knew about.
Thus, I've decided to share some books that I personally enjoyed and that I hope someone else out there will love too. So, without further adieu, welcome to Knightingale Reviews' new segment: Books That Need More Love.
Best,
C
Official Summary:
The slow collapse of the British Empire in the nineteenth century meant opportunity for anyone with ammunition and wit. Now the Wildensterns are by far the most powerful family--and the most ruthless. Trained from childhood in the arts of assassination and conspiracy and endowed with the supernatural ability to live for more than a century, the clan has grown rich, vicious, and seemingly invincible.
After nearly two years away, eighteen-year-old Nate has returned. But his homecoming is shattered when his eldest brother, Marcus, is mysteriously killed. Following the Rules of Ascension, which allow one male family member to murder another, Nate is being blamed. Nate knows he isn't the murderer, but who is? With the help of his sister-in-law, Daisy, and his cousin Gerald, Nate intends to find out. Their investigation brings them into the underbelly of the Wildenstern empire, where living machines, conspiring relatives, and undercover mercenaries do their dirty work. But when a disaster uncovers the ancient remains of Wildenstern ancestors, the lives of the family members and their struggle for power will take a bizarre and gruesome turn.
What's to love about it?
I was fortunate enough a while ago to get my hands on all three books belonging to the Wildenstern Saga. The series was surprisingly amazing! I don't read much steampunk, but I think this series is a great gateway into the genre. The story was fresh, interesting, and filled with all sorts of mechanical creatures (they actually have motorcycles that are ALIVE), conniving family members, and twists and turns. I simply ate up all three books, especially because I loved Nate as a main character (and the girl power sprinkled throughout)! I definitely recommend this series and if you're a little hesitant, feel free to check out my thoughts on each book in the reviews I've listed below:
Official Summary:
Legends and stories call her the Blood Fox, a cunning warrior with plenty of wit and awkward charm, stuck with a curse that keeps her alive and young even as it devours her sanity. When a hidden lord sends his sharp-tongued sorcerer with answers and an offer, she’s tempted to bite… even though the source is far from trustworthy, and the cost could be her life. Luckily, she's splendidly unhinged and has nothing left to lose.
*****
Full Description:
Curses are not subtle.
They are things of pain, and for a very long time Santo has been caught in one. She haunts the roads of the country of Kurdak as a mercenary, fighting back sleep every night so that she won’t have to face the horror that comes for her when she rests. Weary, with sanity almost gone and no end in sight, Santo doesn't know who did this to her or why she is still alive.
Someone does, though.
As the mythical Week of Colors arrives, she receives a visit from a long-time acquaintance. Traken is a sharp-tongued sorcerer with a sadistic streak, and he comes bearing an “invitation” from his master, a secretive lord who has been watching her for far too long. Santo isn't thrilled, until another message arrives in the form of an ominous prediction: following the sorcerer will mean the answers she wants, but she’ll likely die in the process.
That’s fine with Santo, though, because she isn't searching for a way out… she’s searching for revenge.
What's to love about it?
I bought this book way back in high school. It was a tad bit expensive, but, in my opinion, it was worth every penny. I literally couldn't put this book down. I carried it with me to all my classes adn snuck in as much reading as I could! Not only did it have a mysterious, engrossing, strong, and flawed female protagonist, I adored the plot!!! It was something that I hadn't seen before. Ashling definitely has talent.
This book also has over a 4 star rating on GoodReads (with over 100 people having rated the book), but I still wish more people knew about this fantastic read. Additionally, there has been a second book in the works for quite some time. I've been waiting five years for it! Alas, they say good things come to those who wait, and I know when it finally comes out, the wait will definitely have been worth it.
Good news: As of July 2017, the draft is 65% complete!!!
(if you want to stay updated, Sera Ashling has a blog: https://seraashling.blogspot.com/)
Good news: As of July 2017, the draft is 65% complete!!!
(if you want to stay updated, Sera Ashling has a blog: https://seraashling.blogspot.com/)
Official Summary:
In this action-packed and timely "Tarzan for the digital age," Cade, a teen raised in the wilderness, is brought into modern civilization.
The forest is full of secrets, and no one understands that better than Cade. Foraging, hunting, surviving -- that's all he knows. Alone for years, Cade believes he's the sole survivor. At least, until he catches a glimpse of a beautiful stranger...
Dara expected to find natural wonders when she set off for a spring break camping trip. Instead, she discovers a primitive boy -- he's stealthy and handsome and he might be following her. Intrigued, Dara seeks him out and sets a catastrophe in motion.
Thrust into society, Cade struggles with the realization that the life he knew was a lie. But he's not the only one. Trying to explain life in a normal town leaves Dara questioning it.
As the media swarm and the police close in, Dara and Cade risk everything to get closer. But will the truth about Cade's past tear them apart?
What's to love about it?
It's no secret that I've avidly expressed my dislike for contemporary novels -- they just aren't that great for me. In fact, I pretty much only read fantasy / paranormal. I prefer to find escape through worlds that don't remind me of every day life. Now, I've eaten my aforementioned expressed dislike of contemporary before in the case of Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers series. Although these books may be categorized more as YA thriller, it was a step for me to read something other than fantasy.
Anyway, I love all things Tarzan, so I figured, why not give Wild a try? I have to say that I actually wasn't disappointed. It's become one of my favorite contemporary novels. I wouldn't even be apposed to reading it a second time -- and that's something for me (I can rarely ever read a book more than once). I think I became enthralled in the scenario of throwing a character who had grown up in the wilderness into the middle of civilization. There's so much for Cade to deal with and it's interesting to see how he reacts -- I couldn't get enough.
Official Summary:
Kale Firehart is a young dragon, and the sole survivor of his race. As a tyrannical general and his massive bloodthirsty army close in on Kale—the most unexpected circumstance transpires. With time against him, Kale's trusted friend, a veteran arcane sorcerer, transforms him into the one thing he despises most—a human.
Kale must unwillingly live among human-kind as he embarks upon an extraordinary journey. With a band of unlikely friends by his side, can Kale overcome the obstacles before him and return to the life he once knew?
The age of dragons is all but over...
What's to love about it?
I know that the cover for this one isn't that great.... but bare with me. The Chronicles of Kale is categorized in some libraries as an adult novel, but I would definitely mark it as MG/YA. I would also probably say that most YA readers would prefer it rather than adults, but I think older readers should still give it a shot. Anywho, I loved this story because Kale was such an fascinating character. He started out as an extremely arrogant beast who thought he was far above mankind because of what he was. Due to Kale becoming a human being, he experienced the world through a whole new perspective and his reactions and solutions to certain issues always brought a smile to my face. Besides, I always have a hard time finding a great dragon book!
