Before Terror Turns to Murder | Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey #BookReview

Title: Closer to the Chest

By: Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 381

Release Date: October 4th, 2016

Publisher: DAW

Summary from Goodreads: Herald Mags, the King of Valdemar’s Herald Spy, has been developing a clandestine network of young informants who operate not only on the streets of the capital city of Haven, but also in the Great Halls and kitchens of the wealthy and highborn. In his own established alternate personas, Mags observes the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep Haven and the Kingdom safe.

His wife Amily is growing into her position as the King’s Own Herald, though she is irritated to encounter many who still consider her father, Herald Nikolas, to be the real King’s Own. Nonetheless, she finds it increasingly useful to be underestimated, for there are dark things stirring in the shadows of Haven and up on the Hill. Someone has discovered many secrets of the women of the Court and the Collegia— and is using those secrets to terrorize and bully them. Someone is targeting the religious houses of women, too, leaving behind destruction and obscene letters.
But who? Someone at the Court? A disgruntled Palace servant? One of the members of the Collegia? Someone in the patriarchal sect of the god Sethor? Could the villain be a woman? And what is this person hoping to achieve? It isn’t blackmail, for the letters demand nothing; the aim seems to be the victims’ panic and despair. But why?
Mags and Amily take steps to minimize the damage while using both magic and wits to find the evildoer. But just as they appear to be on the verge of success, the letter writer tires of terror and is now out for blood.
Mags and Amily will have to track down someone who leaves few clues behind. They must thwart whatever plans have been set in motion, and quickly—before terror turns to murder. 

Add on Goodreads

Review: This book started off a little slow for my taste. I'm used to a lot of world building and intricate story lines, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into this one. It was that the writing was bad, because it was really great. I felt like the story was just a little lack luster for me. Fans of Mercedes Lacky will probably enjoy this book. 

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

When the music stops, the dance begins | The Midnight Dance by Nikki Katz #BookReview

Title: The Midnight Dance

By: Nikki Katz

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 320

Release Date: October 17th, 2017

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Summary from Goodreads: When the music stops, the dance begins.

Seventeen-year-old Penny is a lead dancer at the Grande Teatro, a finishing school where she and eleven other young women are training to become the finest ballerinas in Italy. Tucked deep into the woods, the school is overseen by the mysterious and handsome young Master who keeps the girls ensconced in the estate – and in the only life Penny has never known.

But when flashes of memories, memories of a life very different from the one she thinks she’s been leading, start to appear, Penny begins to question the Grand Teatro and the motivations of the Master. With a kind and attractive kitchen boy, Cricket, at her side, Penny vows to escape the confines of her school and the strict rules that dictate every step she takes. But at every turn, the Master finds a way to stop her, and Penny must find a way to escape the school and uncover the secrets of her past before it’s too late.

Add on Goodreads

Review: You all know that I have a special place in my heart for anything dance related. I was really hoping this book would take me back to my ballet years... in a strange way. Although the story was enticing, it lacked the dance element that I was hoping for. The story moved fast, a little too fast at times. There wasn't much world building to challenge the mind, but when I really got into the story, it was enthralling. The characters were ok and the writing was well done. I was just hoping for more.  

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

A Game of Deception | Forgotten by Kristin Smith #BookReview

Title: Forgotten

By: Kristin Smith

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 321

Release Date: January 23rd, 2017

Publisher: Clean Teen

Summary from Goodreads: The epic tale of Sienna Preston continues in this second installment of the exhilarating Deception Game series.

Seventeen-year-old Sienna is no stranger to heartache and loss. But this time, it's different; someone―or something―has tampered with a loved one's memories, and she's determined to get answers.

The trail leads her to the glittering skyscrapers and modern luxuries of Rubex, the Capital of Pacifica, where she infiltrates the government's Agency for Intelligence and Genetics. But answers are not always easy to come by, especially when her own memories may have been altered. Luckily, Zane Ryder is there to help her put the pieces back together, his devotion and concern muddying the waters between friendship and something more.

When Sienna gets too close to uncovering dark Agency secrets, she's framed for the murder of a prominent government official, sending her on the run. Sienna's heart may be torn about who she loves, but none of that really matters anymore―because the only thing that awaits her now is a death sentence.

Add on Goodreads

Review: I was excited to dive back into the world of Sienna and the game of lies she's been thrown into. In this second installment from Kristin Smith, we learn that no one is safe from the reach of the Capitol. People are having their memories altered. I was kept guessing through the whole book and nearly bit all my finger nails off wondering who was going to regain their memories. 

I loved this book and am excited to read what happens next.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.