Review: Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Publisher

Format: E-book 

Blurb via Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril. 

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

Buy Links: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | IndieBound | The Book Depository

Author Bio via Goodreads:

Jennifer McGowan writes Young Adult romance full of swash and buckle. Her first novel, MAID OF SECRETS, debuts in Spring, 2013 from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Age: Royal Secret

Came From: A small town in northern Ohio

Became a Maid of Honor: After bringing her tale of spygirls to the noble city, and winning the favor of the great house of Simon (& Schuster).

Special Skill: Matrix-like reflexes, superior strength, fabulous wit… okay, ah – we’ll get back to you on that.

http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/ | @Jenn_McGowan

 

My Review:  

This book, you guys. THIS BOOK. It was historical fiction at it's best. I know that sometimes people are weary of historical fiction. They might find it boring or drowned in too many historical details, but that is not the case with Maid of Secrets. As it's name indicates, this book is about a girl who is one of the several young women who are at the service of Queen Elizabeth in her court. And this court, as it's protagonist, Meg, are shrouded in secrets. And it was really fun to read about. The pacing in this novel is really great. So easy to get into that you almost forget that it's historical fiction, you almost feel like this book is like reading an episode of Gossip Girl on paper that just happens to take place during a historical period in time. That's how much drama it had, and the fun kind because there is just so much mystery around the crown of the famed Queen Elizabeth who never took a husband and had quite the prosperous reign in England.

Let's talk about our female lead in this book. Meg. I have to say, that she has one of the most unique voices in Young Adult literature that I have ever encountered. She is a female character that stands out, tremendously. She is incredibly sharp and has street smarts by the bucket-loads because not only was she a sort of street actress, but a thief as well. In the court of Queen Elizabeth, she becomes a spy of sorts and her powers of observation are insane. The amount of detail that this girl can pick up on are amazing. And Meg is incredibly willful and set on living her life in freedom. She is no damsel in distress and despite being a thief, you can tell that she doesn't like living a life of deceit that just increments as she is employed in the royal court. What is so interesting about her journey, is that we get a character study on how emotionally taxing it is on a person to be constantly submerged in manipulation and games. It can almost drive any person to the edge, and poor Meg has to navigate her way through that in this novel and it was quite interesting to read about.

The secondary characters in this novel are also very well-developed. Which to me always just enriches a novel. To not only be invested in a interesting protagonist, but in the cast of characters around them as well, and their individual stories. The girls that accompany Meg in the court, are all so unique, I would say. We have Beatrice, the gorgeous and manipulative, mean type of girl. We have Anna, the bit innocent but brilliant type of scholar. Just to name a few. There is Cecil, the man that trains these girls to work for Queen Elizabeth as spies of sorts, who is just so manipulative and demanding. Queen Elizabeth herself, is also quite the character. She does not disappoint. She is wise beyond her years, with an incredible strength and regality and there are just so many plots to dethrone her or sabotage her in the novel, as was the case in reality, and it's all so interesting to read about.

And now onto the romance in this book. What I loved about romance in this book is that it does not overwhelm the story. It's not the focal point. It's there, but there is just so much intrigue, games, and suspense going on, that the romance is kind of a balancer in the story, it brings in just the right amount of emotional drama that you need. Between the girls in the court having crushes, or trying to gain suitors, or avoid arranged marriages, you have quite a wide range of romance going on the story. What's interesting about Meg, our female lead's love life, is that a Spanish courtier named Rafe grabs her attention. Thing is, Meg is terrified of marriage. She is just so used to being independent, that love and marriage are not a priority, but she can't help but be attracted to the sly, charming, and gorgeous Rafe. I thought it was quite refreshing that she wasn't the type of girl to be swooning over a guy, and having that on her mind all the time, if it happened, it caught her by surprise, and it was fun to follow her journey.

Overall, I think that Maid of Secrets, does live up to it's name. This book is full of secrets and mystery and it really does keep the reader emotionally invested in the characters because you just are kind of on the edge of your seat, wondering how on earth these characters are gonna survive such an incredibly complex setting, as is the court of Queen Elizabeth. I loved this book. I need a sequel. I could so see this series as a fun period drama on TV for young people out there who might not be the biggest history fans, but who love drama, because these books are full of it, and the good kind and it really does catch your attention.


 My rating: 4.5/5 

 

Giveaway Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL POLL + GIVEAWAY: For Everly by Raine Thomas

COVER REVEAL POLL + GIVEAWAY! 

 For Everly

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

 by Raine Thomas 

Raine

 Thomas is so excited to share the new cover of her upcoming New Adult novel, For Everly. There’s only one problem: she can’t decide which it will be! After commissioning two talented cover designers, Tonya Dsigns and Allie B Designs, to send her concepts, Raine fell in love with their different styles. Now, she wants readers to decide which she’ll use as the final cover. In a fun spin on Ye Olde Cover Reveal, Raine has set up a poll so readers can vote on the cover. The winning design will be announced on Monday, May 6th. All voters can enter to win a signed paperback of For Everly after its release on May 27th using the Rafflecopter form below. First, check out the book blurb and the beautiful covers (shown in no particular order). Then cast your vote and enter the giveaway. May the best cover win!  

Blurb 

  Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

 Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

 In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind. 

 When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

  Coming May 27, 2013 by Iambe Books, LLC 

  Add it to your to-read list on Goodreads! 

The Covers 
(Scroll to the bottom of this post for the poll)

Ways readers can connect with the author of For Everly - Raine Thomas:

 Twitter (http://twitter/Raine_Thomas) 

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rainethomas) 

Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5053436.Raine_Thomas) 

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/) 

Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raine-thomas/53/111/bb3) 

Website (http://rainethomas.com) 

Blog (http://RaineThomas.com/blog/)  

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

CAST YOUR VOTE

Review: Call of the Vampire by Gayla Twist

Call of the Vampire (The Vanderlind Castle Series: Book 1) by Gayla Twist

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date:  March 29th 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal/Romance

Source: Bought

Format: E-book

Goodreads Summary:

 Aurora Keys has dreamed of the Vanderlind Castle ever since she was a little girl. But the fiercely private Vanderlinds keep the massive structure strictly off limits to visitors. Until one night, the wealthy family throws a party —- not just a small soiree, but a huge black-tie affair. No one from the town of Tiburon, Ohio, is invited —- not even the mayor. But Aurora’s best friend, Blossom, has a foolproof plan for the two of them to sneak in.

At first, everything goes smoothly: the girls enter the castle undetected, and there is free champagne. But then the handsome Jessie Vanderlind sweeps Aurora into his arms, crushing her to his chest and whispering, “I knew you’d come back to me.”

Aurora understands it is a case of mistaken identity, but she feels connected to him somehow. And the boy is so beautiful, she believes she would be happy if he never let her go.

Once Jessie realizes he is mistaken, his smile quickly changes to a scowl. “You must leave,” he tells her in a low, urgent voice. “Immediately. Come! I’ll find a way to get you out.”

Unbeknownst to Aurora and Blossom, they have snuck into the home of one of the most prestigious vampire families in the world, and it is doubtful the two young women will ever be allowed to leave. Aurora’s resemblance to Jessie Vanderlind’s lost love just may be the only thing keeping them alive.

My Review:

I would say that Call of the Vampire is one of those books that are hidden gems. Why do I say this? Well, because it's one of those books that you find by accident, or has been recommended to you by a friend, that you have never heard of before, but turns out to be a great read. This book may be a paranormal romance about vampires but it didn't feel heavy, not on the paranormal side or on the romance side; it was a very light and fun read, with just the right amount of romance and suspense. Nothing overdone and that's what I liked about it. The writing in it was very easy to get into. Very fluid.

What really caught my attention in this book was the plot-line of having a vampire running into a human who looked like his past love at a ball. It's like a Disney movie, but with vamps and just a tad more darker. And I can't help it. I just love storylines like that. Remind me of the show 'The Vampire Diaries' where the main character Stefan, a vampire, is attracted to Elena - a human girl who looks just like his huge epic love back in the 1800s. We have a similar vibe in this book in the sense that we quite don't know why both people resemble each other so much or why one of them reminds the vampire of the other person he knew originally. And basically, the story revolves around the unraveling of that mystery.

The main characters in this novel were incredible. The story is told from Aurora's point of view. She is feisty, loyal, and intelligent. Her reactions to finding out about a hidden supernatural world were pretty realistic. It's not like this girl was totally comfortable and amazed at liking a vampire. She constantly scolded herself mentally and reacted like most people would by thinking: Am I crazy for liking a vampire? Yes, I might be. Her thoughts on things were really honest with just the right touch of sarcasm. Jessie Vanderlind on the other hand, our resident vampire, who is of course, gorgeous - Yup. No Dracula looking vamps please - had an incredible sophistication to him, due to the fact that he's lived for, like, a hundred years. And though he was really strong and fierce in his actions, this vampire had a sensibility to him, an innocence, a loneliness, and a longing that were quite touching. In that sense, his soul was very youthful. I kinda had the feeling that despite having lived for decades that he was still trying to understand life and love, just like any young person who feels lost.

The secondary characters in this novel were also amazing. We had Blossom who is Aurora's best friend and who on the outside might be seen as the typical cheer leader, even mean girl type of person, but who in reality, was a pretty good friend, pretty smart, and feisty herself. Aurora's mother was an amazing character. A therapist who helps young troubled girls. She was so present in the life of Aurora - a rarity in Young Adult novels who sometimes tend to forget that characters indeed do have families. There was also Aurora's great grandmother who was crucial to understanding the mystery between Aurora looking just like Jessie Vanderlinds first love. I also loved Viggo, a large man with a Russian accent who works in the Vanderlind castle who kinda reminded me of Lurch from the Addams Family movies.

My favorite part of this novel had to be all the confrontations that Aurora had with villains or creepers. Because Aurora has a mother who is a therapist who helps counsel troubled young women, her mother's advice on how to deceive or tackle an encounter with a creeper are always on the forefront of her mind. And when indeed Aurora had to fight or verbally scold one of the villains in the story, she was so smart about it and very fierce. She wasn't the damsel in distress type. She would either confront the person who was harrasing her or find a clever way to avoid them or deceive them and she also was protective of her friend Blossom and her safety. She would deconstruct every move her opponent made and really I just thought all her tips were amazing to read because there are, well, always creepy peeps out there. Us gals always have to be on the lookout. And, well, anyone for that matter. So the safety tips in this book were a surprise but a very welcome one. I just really thought it was a clever addition to this story.

Last but not least, we do have an incredibly evil villain named Viktor who could pass off as Voldemort's younger brother. This guy was just awful and pure malice. So predatorial in his actions. 

This book definitely ends on a note of mystery. Things are not completely resolved and there is still a lot of things gone unclear in Jessie and Aurora's relationship, so, I kinda need that sequel - pronto.

My rating: 4/5

Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date:  February 12th 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal/Romance

Source: Bought

Format: Hardcover

Goodreads Summary:

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

My Review: 

This series. This series. THIS SERIES. I am just so in love with the bloodlines books. The Indigo Spell would be the third installment in the bloodlines series. A spin-off series of the very popular Vampire Academy books -that, by the way- got a film deal, so if you haven't read the Vampire Academy books, know that a movie of book 1 is currently being made and you will soon be able to see it on screen. But enough of my Vampire Academy gushing. Lets focus on The Indigo Spell, shall we. This book was full of romance, action, humour, and most of all, excellent character development and world building.

What makes The Indigo Spell shine? I would say that the character development of the main characters: Adrian and Sydney. These are characters that we met originally in the Vampire Academy series. Adrian is a royal vampire, while Sydney is an Alchemist - a human in charge of hiding the existence of vampires to the world. Both groups are very different from each other, but despite differences, Adrian and Sydney have developed romantic feels for each other. Being that their races do not get a along AT ALL. We have a forbidden romance on our hands, y'all. And what does this equate to? Literary gold and lots of drama. Oh, and that's not the only thing, not only are Adrian and Sydney from different races but they couldn't be any more different - personality wise - even if they tried, which makes their relationship even MORE intricate than it already is. And I just love it all.

Often, people feel that the person they fall in love with needs to be very similar to them. Who wants drama in their life, right? It's totally understandable. It's not always easy to get along with people who are different to you. However, life is not as neat as that. What makes the world complex is that is filled with lots of different people. In relationships, I think that two different people can help balance each other out. They can show each other different ways of viewing or doing things that otherwise they may not have thought of on their own because their mode of thinking doesn't let them go there. This is what I think we have in Sydney and Adrian. They are two very different people who on paper do not seem to belong together, but who in fact, are perfect for each other because of their differences. They balance each other out. They help each other grow.

Sydney is a the type of character who is governed by reason. She doesn't stray from rules. She is responsible and very dedicated to her work and what she needs to do. Always trying to keep things in check. Her whole life you can say is about control, which I think has a lot do with strict Alchemist upbringing. Adrian on the other hand is a more loose character. He is fun, more artsy than logical, full of charisma, and very okay with straying from the ordinary. But as different as these characters are, they do have one thing in common. People always expect the same from them, they are judged on their personalities a bit too much. Sydney is the responsible one, while Adrian is looked at as the irresponsible one. Thing is, these characters are much more than they seem and in The Indigo Spell  we get to see more layers to them. Adrian can be very responsible and fierce, while Sydney is not a robot, she feels and can let loose more. 

These characters learn that about themselves through their relationship with each other. Well, their interactions, because in the book Sydney is struggling with admitting her feelings for Adrian, while Adrian is set on knowing that he loves Sydney, and on fighting for. It was a fun journey to read about because it was full of angst with Sydney questioning whether she can love Adrian. There is also a lot of humour in the unraveling of their relationship because of Adrian trying to teach Sydney to break out of her shell. And ultimately, there is a lot of adventure in this relationship because of both characters trying to fight off witches and hiding their relationship from their respective groups, the vamps and alchemists.

Besides this, I don't think I can go more in depth about what happened between both characters because that would reveal some major plot points and spoil the books for some who may read this review but haven't read the first two books yet. Know this though, besides a really intricate relationship, we also have the secondary characters battling their feelings and trying to love who they want and be who they want to be. There is also amazing world building in this book. Not only does Richelle Mead expand on the vampire world in the book, but she gets more into detail about the alchemist world and witches. Yes, there is magic in this book! And lots of it. Just when you think you know everything about the Vampire Academy world, Mead throws more info about how intricate both worlds are and it is astounding. I just always get lost in these books when I read them. They feel so real because of how detailed the author is about everything.

I would definitely say that this book has a lot of humour. Lots of it, thanks to the always amazing Adrian Ivashkov. Prince of everything, in my eyes. Not only did this character get romantic with his words, but his actions, but he always had something witty to say and it just makes his character shine. So much charisma with this character. Sydney also is very funny in the book because she doesn't always pick of up little social or romantic things/interactions because she is just so logical. So there is always a certain innocence to her even though she is so intelligent. It's quite an interesting mix and she is very sarcastic. She has seen and done it all so it's hard to one up her. I cannot wait for the fourth installment in this series in order to see see how Adrian and Sydney's relationship continues to grow.

My rating: 4/5

Dreamcasting (8): From books to film

I am a very visual person and when I read a book I like to envision in my head what each book character would look like in actuality and who could play their roles if they ever adapted that particular book into a film.

What is a dreamcast? Well, it's the cast of actors that you think would be perfect to interpret a character on screen. Today I will dreamcast a popular book character and explain why I think the actor I chose for this dreamcast would be perfect for the role of said character.

Dreamcast for Gideon Lightwood

Benjamin Eidem as Gideon Lightwood from Clockwork Prince

 

 

So, Benjamin Eidem as Gideon Lightwood might not come as a surprise to many in the Infernal devices fandom (at least TID fans on tumblr). There is pretty much a general consensus on Benjamin being the perfect choice for Gideon. Mostly, I think its because Benjamin has the physical attributes (height, body, sandy blonde hair) that match up perfectly to the descriptions of Gideon Lightwood in Clockwork Prince (by Cassandra Clare). 

 

 

Benjamin Eidem is a very popular male model who is Swedish. Not only does he have an amazing look, but he has a really fierce and serious presence not only on the runway, but on screen and on print (pictures). There also is a versatility to him in the sense that he has a very vulnerable look to him sometimes, that is all in his eyes. And when he smiles, to quote a very good friend of mine "it's like the angels sing" - he has quite an adorable smile, with dimples and all, that you would never suspect from his really strong runway presence. 

 

 

Why do I mention all of this? Well, Gideon Lightwood, encompasses all the qualities that Benjamin has in his presence, as a character. Gideon is not only quite the Victorian gentleman, but he is a character who has depth to him, honesty, strength, and charm (he loves to talk spanish when he is happy). He is just this amazing character that came onto the Infernal Devices scene in book 2 of that series (Clockwork Prince) - who made a tremendous impression on all TID fans because he fell in love with Sophie (a maid with a scar) despite that being taboo in the Victorian world and shadowhunter world that he lives in, in the book. 

 

 

 

 

 Have you ever dreamcasted your favorite book characters? If you have, let me know about it. Also, if any of you have a different dreamcasting idea for the character I mentioned in this post, I would love to hear about it, as well. Thanks for reading :) 

 

 
 

 

Waiting on Wednesday (46): Isla and the Happily Ever After

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. Visit Breaking The Spine to see more entries!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins 

Release Date: September 17th 2013 by Dutton

Format: Hardcover

 Goodreads Summary:

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

 Reasons I want to read & own this book:

1. The author. Stephanie Perkins. Thanks to her, I learned to appreciate young adult contemporary/realistic fiction. I completely fell in love with Anna and the French Kiss & Lola and the Boy Next Door. Her novels always have the perfect mix of realness and romance AND despite having a lot of depth, they tend to feel light. They are like magic on paper.

2. The settings. Paris and NYC. 'Nuff said. Stephanie Perkins has the amazing talent of making the cities in her novels a total character of their own. She did it in Anna and Lola. I know she will in Isla.

3. The secondary characters. Cricket Bell and Étienne St. Clair are in this novel. Two of my all time favorite male characters in books EVER. Made famous of course in Anna and the French Kiss & Lola and the Boy Next Door. I can't wait to read more of Cricket and his adorably sweet ways and about the hilarious, sophisticated and witty Étienne St. Clair and... his British accent. Le sigh ;)

What do you guys think? :)

Showcase Sunday (21) - Stacking the Shelves (13)

Showcase Sunday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Vicky at the Books, Biscuits and Tea blog. It is a meme inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and The Story Siren. The goal of this meme is for us bookish peeps to showcase & highlight the books that we have either bought, borrowed, won, downloaded, or received for review the past week :)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Review to highlight the books us bloggers have gotten during the week, as well.

 

I like both memes, so I've decided to take part in both =)

BOUGHT

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Hardcover)

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest (e-book)

Remembrance +Vengeance+Timeless by Michelle Madow (e-bundle)

GIFTED

Dark Genesis by Dave Ferraro (e-book)

Sidenote: I cannot wait to read all of these. I am a massive fan of the Infernal Devices series and I want to see how everything concludes itself in Clockwork Princess. A Shade of Vampire is a book that comes highly recommended to me from a friend of mine, so had to get it.

I actually own the paperback of Remembrance by Michelle Madow but have not had the chance to read it yet. When I saw that they were selling the ebundle of the whole series for that book on amazon, I decided to get it so when I read book 1, I can just keep on reading and finish the whole series.

I'd like to thank Dave Ferraro for gifting Dark Genesis to me. He was generous enough to give away all of his titles for free to all the book bloggers who took part of the blog tour for his book because he had this whole amazing giveaway. I love the cover and can't wait to read it eventually.

What book loveliness did you receive this week? :)