Review: Glamorous Illusions, by Lisa T. Bergren

Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Title: Glamorous Illusions
Series: Grand Tour Series
Genre: [New] Adult Historical
Pages: 416
Released: June 1, 2012
Publisher: David C. Cook
Source: NetGalley
Rating: ★★★★

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

If you guys haven't noticed this yet, I'm sort of in love with Lisa T. Bergren's novels. I devoured the River of Time series, and I'm getting into her adult books now. So when this pretty title appeared on NetGalley, I snatched it up. And to no surprise, I wasn't disappointed.

Although this book is technically an adult novel, I think it falls into that new and nebulous category of "new adult," the stories that follow 20-somethings as they try to make their way in the world that they're now entering as an adult. I'm at this same stage in life, so it was nice to read about someone who's actually my age.  (I mean, really, how many 21-year-olds are there in books these days? Not many.)

Anyway, this book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I thought it would involve Cora hopping all over Europe, but the story focuses on England and France. Actually, it starts in Montana. We get a rather long set up of Cora and her family, giving us a lot of her background. Although I can understand why it was all included, it was a bit slow.

But once Cora sets out on her journey, there's never a dull moment. I loved all the juicy details of England and France, of the glamorous ship they ride across the Atlantic. But really, the best bits were the historical details. Bergren really does her homework, and you can totally tell in her novels! I love this time period - the Turn of the Century - and I kept getting marvelous flashbacks to "Downton Abbey."

The characters were all well-crafted. Cora is a bit angsty, although I understood why. She never came off as annoying or too dramatic. She definitely has a good head on her shoulders, although sometimes I wanted her to accept enjoying herself a little more. Also, I know we always criticize girls in books as being too romantic, but I thought maybe Cora could use a little more of a romantic spirit. Sometimes, she was a little too level-headed for me.

Then there was Will, our presumed love interest (judging by the fact that there are chapters told from his POV). He's a sweet boy, and it was nice to see a nice guy as the one we're supposed to be swooning over. But unfortunately, I found myself swooning over another guy...

Oh, Pierre. I loved him. Seriously. We don't meet him until more than halfway through the book, but I was pretty much fanning myself at his first appearance. He's rich and has a title and is French. He also is SO sweet and seriously into Cora, and when she didn't fall all over herself in love with him, I wanted to reach into the book and just shake her. What is wrong with her?! Why does she not snatch him up when she has the chance?!

We don't know who Cora will be with at the end of the series, but I'm just gonna take a stab in the dark and guess it's not Pierre. Which upsets me. Seriously, I love him. (What is with Bergren and creating these supporting characters that are so wonderful?! Lord Greco, Luca, now Pierre. I can't handle this, Ms. Bergren. They must have happy endings. Period.)

So yeah, I liked this book a lot. It was a nice change from the paranormal and dystopian books that take themselves so seriously. A little historical romance with an uplifting theme does the heart good sometimes. :)



Similar Books: Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame, The Academie by Susanne Dunlap, Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Review: Underworld, by Meg Cabot

Author: Meg Cabot
Title: Underworld
Series: Abandoned #2
Genre: YA fantasy
Pages: 336
Released: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Point
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ★★★★

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

Honestly, I put off reading this book because I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy it. I liked the first one quite a lot, but I worried that this one would fall into the sophomore slump. But I shouldn't have been concerned - this is Meg Cabot, people, and she always delivers!

I actually liked Underworld even more than Abandoned! There's a deepening of the story and the characters, the ideal of what should happen in every sequel. We get to know Pierce and John SO much more, and you're drawn deeper into the story. While the first book had a bit of superficiality in that I never felt all that connected to the characters, I now feel like I know them so much better.

We learn a lot more about John in particular. In the first book, he's more of a figurehead than an actual character, almost an archetype of the lord of the underworld. He's big and brooding, violent but sometimes sweet. We don't know anything about him really, but Underworld gives us a lot more info about him, including his backstory. I found myself really intrigued by his character and his umm..."friends" that we're introduced to in this book. I actually felt bad for him.

I still loved the setting in this book, as well. Isla Huesos is just so creepy and perfectly atmospheric for this story. You can practically feel the humidity dripping off the pages. But then you've got the added setting of the Underworld in this one, which was great, too! I loved the descriptions of John's castle and the shores of the Underworld, where the souls have to get on the boats.

Really, my only criticism was that I'd sorta forgotten what happened in the first book, and the second one doesn't really give us much summary of what happened in Abandoned. You know how most books will give you a little recap commentary? This one doesn't. And I was lost for a while before my memories kicked in. That was kind of annoying.

Also, the book takes place over like a 48-hour period, and books that have such a short time frame get on my nerves. I don't like it when I'm settled so deeply into the time so that it takes me the same amount of time to read it as the time the book covers. That's just not my style.

But overall, this is a really interesting book! The writing is still great, and the characters were interesting. I'm really looking forward to the final book now!


Similar Books: Everneath by Brodi Ashton, The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

In Which I Talk about the New Fascination in YA with Japan and Give Lots of Recommendations

Okay, maybe I'm just noticing this because I love anything based on (or in) Asian culture, but has anybody else noticed that there are a LOT of upcoming books set in Japan?! Seriously, I was looking through my to-read shelf on Goodreads and kept noticing all these books I had shelved there that are either realistic or fantasy books set in Japan or based on Japanese mythology.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am THRILLED to see this new turn! I really love books with foreign settings, and I especially love those set in Asia. While I'm not as interested in Japan (give me China, South Korea, or a Southeast Asian country any day), I'm adding these books to my wishlist like crazy.

Many of the books aren't coming out until 2013, but I thought y'all might like to be informed. :)

So here are some books that might interest you, that have either already been released or are going to be released soon (i.e. in the next 2 years).

*Note: Many of these don't have covers or official blurbs yet, so bear with me.

Author: Daisy Whitney
Title: When You Were Here
Genre: YA contemporary
Released: 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown

When You Were Here, "Lost in Translation" meets Where She Went, is about an American teenager who travels from California to Tokyo to uncover the secrets surrounding the death of his mother, all while trying to both hold onto and let go of the girl he’s been in love with his whole life.

I can't even begin to explain the awesomeness of this blurb. Must. Read.

Author: Cole Gibsen
Title: Katana
Genre: YA fantasy
Released: March 8, 2012
Publisher: Flux

Rileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline had given her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of 15th-century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings.

While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana—a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her.

This is one I've heard mixed reviews about, but I can't help thinking that anything resembling "Kill Bill" must be awesome.

Author: Jay Kristoff
Title: Stormdancer
Genre: YA steampunk
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Publisher: Tor

A DYING LAND
The Shima Imperium is verging on the brink of environmental collapse; decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshippers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, land choked with toxic pollution, wildlife ravaged by mass extinctions.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of the imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger—a legendary beast, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows thunder tigers have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a hidden gift that would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

I think most everyone has heard of this book already, but it should be mentioned again. Especially with that kickbutt cover.

Author: Zoe Marriott
Title: Shadows on the Moon
Genre: YA fantasy
Released: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick

A powerful tale of magic, love, and revenge set in fairy-tale Japan.

Trained in the magical art of shadow-weaving, sixteen-year-old Suzume is able to re-create herself in any form - a fabulous gift for a girl desperate to escape her past. But who is she really? Is she a girl of noble birth living under the tyranny of her mother's new husband, Lord Terayama? Or a lowly drudge scraping a living in the ashes of Terayama's kitchens? Or is she Yue, the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands? Whatever her true identity, Suzume is destined to use her skills to steal the heart of a prince in a revenge plot to destroy Terayama. And nothing will stop her, not even the one true aspect of her life- her love for a fellow shadow-weaver.

Zoe Marriott has a lot of awesome books out there, and this is just another that I desperately want to read. Plus, NC over at Truly Bookish highly recommended it, so now I HAVE to read it.

Author: Esther Friesner
Title: Spirit's Princess
Genre: YA fantasy
Released: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Random House

Himiko the beloved daughter of a chieftain in third century Japan has always been special. The day she was born there was a devastating earthquake, and the tribe's shamaness had an amazing vision revealing the young girl's future—one day this privileged child will be the spiritual and tribal leader over all of the tribes. Book One revolves around the events of Himiko's early teen years—her shaman lessons, friendships, contact with other tribes, and journey to save her family after a series of tragic events. Once again, Esther Friesner masterfully weaves together history, myth, and mysticism in a tale of a princess whose path is far from traditional.

More kickbutt Japanese girls with swords!

Author: Zoe Marriott
Title: The Night Itself
Genre: YA urban fantasy
Released: 2013
Publisher: Walker

A breathtaking new urban fantasy trilogy from the critically acclaimed, award winning author of The Swan Kingdom and Shadows on the Moon.

When fifteen year old Mio Yamato furtively sneaks the katana - an ancestral Japanese sword - out of its hiding place in her parent's attic to help liven up her Christmas party costume, she has no idea of the darkness she is about to unleash on modern day London, or the family secrets that she is going to uncover.

The paralysing paranoia that descends on her before she gets to her friend's party is her first clue. The vivid and terrifying visions that nearly get her killed are a pretty good warning too.

The giant nine-tailed cat demon that comes after the sword and tries to rip her throat out? Overkill.

Seconds away from becoming kitty-food, Mio accidentally releases Shinobu, a warrior boy who has been trapped within the sword for centuries. He saves her life and sends the demon running. But it's already too late. Mio has ruptured the veil between the mortal realm and the Underworld, and now the gods and monsters of ancient Japan stalk the streets of London, searching for her and the sword.

With the help of her best friend Jack, a fox spirit named Hikaru - and the devoted protection of the betwitchingly familiar Shinobu - Mio attempts to discover the true nature of the sword and its connection to the Yamato family. Because if she doesn't learn how to control the katana's incredible powers, she's in danger of being overwhelmed by them. And if she can't keep the sword safe from the terrible creatures who want it for their own, she'll lose not only her own life... but the love of a lifetime.

There's something about this book that really reminds me of Rick Riordan and his Kane Chronicles series. And that's just made of awesome!

Author: Adrienne Kress
Title: The Friday Society
Genre: YA steampunk
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
Publisher: Dial

Be your own hero . . .

An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns—and the heroines who use them all.

Set in Edwardian London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician’s assistant. The three young women’s lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It’s up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder—and the crimes they believe may be connected to it—without calling too much attention to themselves.

Told with Adrienne Kress’s sharp wit and a great deal of irreverence, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike—well, relatively ladylike—heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

This one isn't only about Japanese stuff, but one of the main characters is a "Japanese fight assistant." I'm pretty sure that counts in the category of kickbutt Japanese awesome!

Author: Benjamin Martin
Title: Samurai Awakening
Genre: YA urban fantasy
Released: Oct. 12, 2012
Publisher: Periplus

David Matthews is having a rough time. Being a teenager is bad enough, but when he picks up and moves to Japan for a year, with barely any knowledge of the language or social behaviors of Japanese teenagers, things go from bad to worse.

Until one day, David attends a temple ceremony and finds himself possessed by a Japanese god.

Suddenly, he can understand and speak Japanese. He has unbelievable new powers, including the ability to shift into a tiger, and a powerful sword he can materialize at will from its sheath—his body. But nothing comes for free, and these changes bring David face-to-face with the most terrifying creatures of Japanese legend—vengeful okami, demonic oni and terrifying ghostly yurei.

Trained by his host family, famous sword-makers and the keepers of an ancient secret entrusted to their family by the first Emperor of Japan, David must fight desperately to save his host sister from a hoard of Japanese monsters. Evil has returned to Japan, and David must overcome his own insecurities if he is to save her and become a True Samurai—the protector of Japan.

Another Rick Riordan-esque sounding book. (I'm seriously loving this new trend! Everyone should model themselves after Rick Riordan - woohoo!) Also, did anyone else notice that the MC's name is "David Matthews"? Hehe. Tribute, perhaps?

Author: Amanda Sun
Title: Ink
Genre: YA fantasy
Released: Feb. 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.

Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of girl lying on a bench.

A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.

And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

Okay, this is definitely one of those that I'm excited about. Harlequin Teen releases a lot of awesome books, and this one just...wow. #NEEDNOW!

Author: Diana Renn
Title: Tokyo Heist
Genre: YA action/mystery
Released: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Viking

Sixteen-year-old Violet loves reading manga and wearing scarves made from kimono fabric, so she’s thrilled that her father’s new painting commission means a summer trip to Japan. But what starts as an exotic vacation quickly turns into a dangerous treasure hunt.

Her father’s newest clients, the Yamada family, are the victims of a high-profile art robbery: van Gogh sketches have been stolen from their home, and, until they can produce the corresponding painting, everyone's lives are in danger -- including Violet's and her father's.

Violet’s search for the missing van Gogh takes her from the Seattle Art Museum, to the yakuza-infested streets of Tokyo, to a secluded inn in Kyoto. As the mystery thickens, Violet’s not sure whom she can trust. But she knows one thing: she has to solve the mystery -- before it’s too late.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2012 last year, and I still can't wait to read it! Reminds me of "Oceans 11."


And one for all of us who have a soft spot for Korea...

Author: Ellen Oh
Title: Prophesy
Genre: YA high fantasy
Released: 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms . . . is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope. . . .

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

These all look awesome, right?! I'm beyond excited for all these releases! I think the one I'm most looking forward to is The Night Itself, by Zoe Marriott, followed closely by Ink, by Amanda Sun.

Looks like 2012/2013 are the years of Japan!

Did I miss any Japan-based books that you know of? Which of these are you looking forward to reading the most?

LOTS of Cover Reveals, Including Melissa Marr's and Lia Habel's New Books!

There's been some pretty awesome cover reveals recently! I just thought I'd share, in case you missed some! :)

*Note: Also, some of these are really small pictures...so sorry for the bad quality.

Okay, is anyone else SERIOUSLY excited about the new Melissa Marr book?! I loved her Wicked Lovely series, and this one sounds just as awesome. Also, I love her covers, and this is no exception!

Unfortunately, this cover was super small, so trying to blow it up just made it grainy and blurry. BUT I think it's still awesome. Also, I'm practically salivating over the blurb. A modern Wuthering Heights?! *dies* This is going to be EPIC!

I've never been a huge fan of Lisa T. Bergren's covers, even though I'm obsessed with the books. I'm just glad that Luca finally made it on a cover. *grins*

I know this doesn't count as a real cover, but I'm just SO excited about the placeholder. You know you're obsessed when you get heart palpitations over a placeholder...

I think I like this cover better than the first book in the series, Dearly, Departed. I'm not sure the two match very well, though...

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! This cover is *sputters* GORGEOUS! I can't even...form a coherent sentence. *stares at the pretty*

This is my favorite cover of this series, I think. It's really pretty, and I love the yellow! Plus, these covers all go together amazingly! Cover designers should look to these and take notes about how well they go together.

Yay for steampunk! While I like this one, though, it's not the best steampunk cover I've seen in a while. I think my favorite is still Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger.

Okay, is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen?! I love the concept for this book, and the cover just reflects it perfectly! Plus, the colors are just awesome.

This book originally had a different cover, but I've got to say this one is SO much better! This plays into all the cover cliches, but I think it does it perfectly - there's a REASON it's a white girl in a pretty dress...because that actually reflects the story. Plus, I love the backpack!



What do you guys think of these covers?! Did I miss any new ones?

Excerpt and Giveaway of Dark Frost, by Jennifer Estep!

Hey, everyone! I'm really excited to be a part of the blog tour for Jennifer Estep's new novel, Dark Frost! I have an excerpt from the book and a giveaway!

But first, for anyone who's unfamiliar with the book, here are the details:

Author: Jennifer Estep
Title: Dark Frost
Series: Mythos Academy #3
Pages: 336
Released: May 29, 2012
Publisher: Kensington

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

Sounds great, right?! Now for the excerpt:

For the second time, I froze. My mind just went blank, and all I could do was watch the Reapers head toward us, blood dripping off the ends of their curved swords. Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed like I could hear every single scarlet drop as it hit the marble floor. Plop-plop-plop. I clamped my hand over my mouth to keep from screaming at the awful noise echoing in my head.

“Back, back, back!” Daphne hissed, once again using her Valkyrie strength to pull first Carson, then me, and finally Logan away from the doorway. “We have to get out of here!”

We turned around to run—and realized there was nowhere to go. There were no exits from this room to any other part of the museum.

“Trapped,” Carson said in a bitter voice. “We’re trapped.”

Thump-thump-thump. Outside, the heavy footsteps continued, getting louder and louder as the Reapers marched toward us. Desperate, I looked around, hoping there was a door, a window, or even a skylight that I’d missed before—or that maybe one would just magically appear and let us escape. That didn’t happen, but my eyes landed on the wax figures of the Viking and the Spartan and the items they were holding—the Viking’s axe and the Spartan’s shield.

Weapons. My gaze flicked around the room. Swords, spears, daggers, staffs. We stood in a room full of weapons. The deadly points and sharp edges glittered underneath the lights, and one by one, the bits and pieces of metal winked at me, as if they knew exactly what I was thinking—and what we had to do if we wanted to make it through this.

“If we can’t run, there’s only one thing we can do—stand and fight,” I said in a grim voice. “That’s what we’ve been training for, right?”

Daphne and Carson stared at me, their mouths hanging open, but Logan had a different reaction. He actually smiled, and a fierce light began to burn in his eyes. Spartans were a little freaky in that they actually loved to fight, especially since they were the best warriors at Mythos—or anywhere else.

Not for the first time, I wished that I had Logan’s confidence when it came to battling Reapers. With a shaking hand, I drew Vic from the scabbard strapped to my waist and held him up high. Vic’s purplish eye met mine.

“Are you ready for this, Gwen?” the sword asked in a low voice.

“I guess I have to be, don’t I?” I whispered back.

Are you excited yet? Because you totally should be! Jennifer's series is incredible!

For the giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter below! (Sorry, US addresses only.) Also, make sure that you check out these awesome blogs for the rest of the tour:

May 28: SupaGirl Books
May 30: Urban Fantasy Reader
May 31: YA Reads
June 1: Once Upon A Twilight
June 4: Jelly Loves Books
June 5: Hooked to Books
June 6: Dark Faerie Tales
June 6: Nicole's Book Haven
June 7: Confessions of A Bookaholic