Quickie Review/Resenha Curta: Jogo da Velha / Noughts and Crosses - Malorie Blackman

Nossa... é impossível não se "contrapensar" ao ler este livro. Eu desafio os leitores a não sentir raiva e preconceito dos personagens... o enredo mexe muito com as nossas crenças, sentimentos, em especial este terrível preconceito contra a cor da pele. Pessoas que se consideram 'não-preconceituosas' irão se flagrar tendo pensamentos de ódio e racismo, seja contra sua própria cor ou a cor oposta da sua. é um assunto bem forte, com um 'lenço' de romance adolescente distópico por cima.

Oh, man... it's impossible not to find yourself being a bad person in your own head while reading this book. I challenge readers to not feel anger and prejudice against the characters... this plot sure messes with a lot of our beliefs, feelings, especially this terrible prejudice against skin color.
People who consider themselves 'non-judgmental' will have to put in some effort not to feel hate against their own color or the other. It's a book about a 'Romeo and Juliet' kind of couple, but it actually deals with a much bigger issue, that of color, injustice and racism in society, be it ours or a dystopic one.

Quickie: The Duke and I / O Duque e Eu - Julia Quinn

Man, I keep reading Quinn's books out of order! Anyway, her books are usually a hit-or-miss thing to me, an I'm glad to say this one instantly hit the spot. .P It's the first Bridgerton book, and it was super cute. I felt really connected to our hero, because I sometimes stammer myself, as well, which is a super irritating, embarrassing and powerless thing to suffer through, specially when I'm feeling nervous and/or angry (the worst time for it to happen, really). Daphne was a strong, likable heroine, and even though I understand the author was trying to introduce us to the family for the upcoming books, I wish we got to see them interacting more with some other characters.  And we never found out what was in the letters. But it's no biggie. These books are excellent to clear the pallate, you see. They're very light readings, they make you chuckle a few times... and, well, that's pretty handy, sometimes.

Cara, eu continuo lendo os livros da Quinn fora de ordem! Mas de qualquer forma, as suas histórias geralmente são do tipo 'amo ou odeio', mas este foi amor instantâneo, não se preocupe. :P
É o primeiro livro Bridgerton, e foi super fofo. Eu senti uma ligação grande com o nosso herói, porque eu às vezes gaguejo também, o que é uma coisa super irritante e embaraçosa, especialmente quando estou nervosa e/ou brava.
Daphne é uma heroína forte, simpática e, apesar de eu entender que a autora quisesse nos apresentar ao resto da família para os próximos livros, eu queria vê-los interagindo mais com alguns outros personagens. E nós nunca descobrimos o que estava nas cartas.
Mas tudo bem. Estes livros são excelentes para limpar o palato entre leituras pesadas. Eles são fofos e levinhos, fazem você rir... e às vezes é só disso que precisamos.

The Leader of Lors - Fawn Bonning

The Leader of Lors - Fawn Bonning

Excellent!!! (Really, you guys, learn NOT to judge a book by its cover! :D)

Here is my review of the first book.

*This lovely author was kind enough to send me a review copy of her new gem. I am very grateful!!*

   I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed the first one that it was pretty much implied that this one would be just as good. But it still managed to surprise me (yet again) by HOW great it was!!! Fawn's writing was already so pleasant and fluid in Heart of Hannen, that to see it evolving even more simply seemed impossible. Unnecessary, even. But what a delightful journey 'The Leader of Lors' was. A very bumpy one, full of shocking developments. I felt like I was on a roller coaster! There was never a dull moment. The descriptions were so poetic at times!! I, myself, almost wanted to see Atriia.

  Throughout the book, I was under the impression that I could see through Christa/Christine's eyes, that I could feel what she was feeling. Her anguish, fears, indecisions, powerlessness, her denied desires... if there is a word that describes her in this sequel is: TORN. She constantly feels distressed at finding herself back in this savage world, forced to follow her "brother" Sam/Hannen, when he shows up at her place (just when she finally decided to start a life with a normal guy!!) to kidnap their lita, I mean, their daughter. :P (I'm pretty much fluent in Atriian now. LOL).

Oh, her Becca. The way Fawn writes it, you can almost feel the warmth of a mother that is completely bewitched by her babe. It's lovely. Almost too much, just a tad suffocating, but REALISTIC. A mom who could almost smother you, she loves so much. LOL. And what a momma bear. Yet again, our loper of Zeria vanquishes several monsters (of the animal and human variety) to save herself and, most importantly, her sweet baby. It's all about Becca now.

   Buuuuut... Christine still gets a lot of mommy time (even if she doesn't WANT any), and let me tell you... the sexual tension in this book is electrifying! First, there's Hannen, that made her burn (and me, a bit, I admit), with just one intense look. Too bad for him, he doesn't get any this time. tsk,tsk. Shouldn't have stolen her baby like that, fraigen dropper. Now, our Lor of Zeria, one Jerrod, damn... in Christa's words, "it's like he never sleeps". That was one "evil" dude that was hard to hate. And our heroine agrees profusely. A pretty face, a hot bod and a very talented tongue sure can melt a lass... what a waste.

   You might feel a bit apprehensive after seeing the number of pages, but let me tell you, once you're closer to the end, you'll wish there were even MORE pages.

   I had a lot of fun reading this sequel, and cannot wait to see how this tale ends in the next book! Something tells me crazy Kenneth will come back... Miss Fawn Bonning, please write quickly. :)

Book Review and Recommendation: Still Life With Strings (5 Stars)

Still Life With Strings

L.H. Cosway

     My first book by L.H. Cosway was Painted Faces, which I LOVED, and so I just had to go and read every single other book she has ever written. That's when I found THIS baby here. I mean, just look at that COVER!!! It gives me chills! Butterflies in the stomach!! Makes my heart squeeze painfully with its beauty/peacefulness/promise.

    Now, let me tell you: the actual book has everything this perfect cover conveyed!! A super talented hottie with a dramatically painful past. I mean, the violin!? THAT IS THE MOST ROMANTIC INSTRUMENT EVAH!!

And our heroine!!! Cosway ALWAYS hits the mark with them! They're ordinary women, but with a TWIST! She "stands still for money". Isn't that intriguing? And admirable. I couldn't do it. :) (But then again I don't have a problematic/charming family to support). ;D

   And when they MEET!!! Woooeh. Sparks flew from my book!! Suuuuuuuuper sexy and unexpected! They are so cute and adorable and difficult and painful together! I simply fell in love with them! Also, let's not forget the music! The way it was described, the things the characters felt while playing/listening to it... it almost brought tears to my eyes! It was as if I was there. :D I've always enjoyed classic music, and the violin was always my favorite (am I repeating myself?), but Cosway made me see things under a different light now. Things just got much more... enjoyable and special.

    Not many books will actually manage to touch you, or to change you a little bit, like this one. I couldn't possibly recommend this author MORE!!!

*I wasn't paid to write this and used my own copy for review. XD*

This book is now available in this special ebook bundle, Rockers After Dark.

Review: The Heart of Hannen by Fawn Bonning

I'm reposting this review because the book now has a new cover!!! (Much improved!). The plot is really good, so give this baby a try. :) (Remember what they say... don't judge it by its cover.)

The Heart of Hannen
by Fawn Bonning

Paperback, 484 pages

Published March 22nd 2011 by Old Line Publishing, LLC

Christine, a troubled teen with a dark past, is miserable in her small town. Shadowed in shame, she feels destined to live her lonely life as an outcast. She has no idea that her true destiny lies in a different town, in a different world; a most brutal world called Atriia. There she learns the true meaning of misery, the true meaning of loneliness, the true meaning of shame. But she also learns that her bravery is boundless as she battles against a formidable foe, a dark shadow that tries to smother the land. And in the arms of a most unlikely candidate, she also learns the true meaning of love. He is Hannen Fallier, the one they call the foul fraigen dropper, revered by men for his fearless feats, but looked upon by women with open disdain. With a face horribly mauled, he hides behind a mask of shame, deeming himself unworthy of love. That he would seek acceptance from Christine is irony in its purest form. That he would seek her love . . . the ultimate betrayal.

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My Review:

I really enjoyed this book! I won it from my first Goodreads giveaway! *-*

I must admit I first judged it by its cover. I thought it might not be so well-written, but I was very mistaken. It was fantastic. I loved the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed seeing how the main character, Christine, grew up! She suddenly finds herself alone in this strange, unknown place called Atriia, where everything is different from Earth. She deals with rude, aggresive, male-chauvinists and strange social costumes, not to mention the weird food and language, but manages to adapt quickly, and very well. I'm not sure I would've been as strong as she was.

Hannen found his way into my heart from the very start. (and when you read it, you'll see exactly what I mean with 'from the very start'). Such a complicated, strong, sweet character. Very well thought of and developed.

I was a bit confused at first with the new 'language' the author introduces to us, but eventually I got the hang of it. (It was only afterwards that I noticed there was a glossary at the end of the book. Silly, slow little me. >.<)

It was a dark, dramatic and sad book, but also very touching. Needless to say, I cried. Hard.

Of course, I wish I could have changed the ending and maybe have seen a bit more of a couple of characters, but it was still great. The book is a bit long, but it's not tiring at all! This one is a keeper. :)

I'm SO glad I had the chance to review it, otherwise I might have never heard of it. Thank you, Fawn Bonning!!!

Now, you! Go ahead and get it, you'll love it too. It's an excellent pick for romance and fantasy lovers.

Review: Lady Beauchamp's Proposal by Amy Rose Bennett

Lady Beauchamp's Proposal

by Amy Rose Bennett 

Synopsis: A runaway countess finds love when she least expects it…but she can’t hide from her past forever.

Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, fears for her life. When she discovers her dissolute and long-estranged husband has syphilis—and he wants to beget an heir no matter the cost—she flees to a remote part of Scotland to begin a new life as the widowed governess, Mrs. Beth Eliott at Eilean Tor Castle. 

When Mrs. Eliott unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, the reclusive and recently widowed Marquess of Rothsburgh is both irritated and intrigued. No longer in need of a governess—his young daughter now resides with his sister’s family in Edinburgh—he proposes the beautiful widow fill a position of a different kind…

Torn between staying true to her marriage vows and her wanton attraction to the devilishly handsome marquess, Elizabeth struggles against the temptation to become his mistress. But living a lie is not easy when you have fallen in love. And secrets always have a way of coming out…

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My Review

*I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

           I first saw this title on a Book Tour, and the minute I read the blurb and excerpt, I just knew I had to read it. I have never seen a historical romance even mention the great pox, or syphilis, before, let alone use it as such a big and important part of the plot. And that is how we first meet our heroine, Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp. Freaking out about her (drunk) husband's (unexpected) visit to her bedchamber, after a loooong dry spell. We quickly learn that the handsome blonde Hugh doesn't care much for his wife, only mistresses and whores, and it was a letter from one of those that let Elizabeth know for sure what the new "marks" on her husband were. Syphilis. Something he clearly wasn't concerned about, seeing as he, all of a sudden, wanted to try and beget an heir in her. So she did what she could. She ran!!! All the way to Scotland. ;)

            There, disguised as Mrs. Beth Eliott, she starts to work for the reclusive Marquess of Rothsburgh, a dark and sensual man. Soon enough (really, instant attraction) the sparks start to fly. I enjoyed their chemistry a lot. The scenes were hot, but not at all vulgar. Rothsburg was such a touching and unique character! Betrayed and brokenhearted by his terrible witch (no offense to actuall witches) of a first wife, he was left to raise a child from another man, being known as a cuckold and a joke amongst the ton. 

           So, that's the thing. The book started with a bang, the secondary characters were all charming, the dialogues were smart and daring, but at some point I stopped caring about Beth a little. I'm not sure why, she just seemed to have lost her... energy, or courage. I couldn't understand or agree with some of her actions.

            I LOVED the dogs from the castle!!! They were Rothsburgh's only companions. Delightful creatures, very well-portrayed. I was sincerely curious to see how the author would manage their happy ending, seeing as she was still MARRIED to her awful husband... but then we find out some very important things... and it all starts to fall into place.

            Lady Beauchamp's Proposal was a lovely read, full of surprises and interesting themes we don't see much in ordinary romances. That alone is a good enough excuse for you to check it out. :) The romance was really there. I could almost feel their love for each other. Sure, we knew they would fall madly in love with each other, but it wasn't instant. The lust was instant, but the love grew. (Yes, this sounds a but yucky, but I can't help feeling sentimental once in a while). 

             Grab a copy and lose yourself in this amazing tale. 

            .

Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1)
by Beth Revis

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Publication Date: Jan 11th 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, 398 pages 

Series: yes

Source: my own copy

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My Review

I feel to need to start this review by stating that I am NOT a very big fan of Sci-Fi, and so it took me a while to pick this particular book up. And I only did so because of the slight dystopian flavor to it. 

Sure, most of the Sci-Fi aspects of it (the descriptions of the ship and its engines, the technicalities and the physics of the thing) were, well... skimmed over quite quickly, I'll admit it. LOL. I also skimmed over the parts in which Amy was asleep and kept dreaming of the past. All those things were not of my interest at all. I only cared for what happened IN the ship. And THAT was pure awesomeness.

The mysteries, the weirdness, the beliefs of the people aborad the ship Godspeed were fascinating to me. I I read the whole thing in one afternoon. And the hardcover edition is anything but light. XD

The romance was there, sure, but it wasn't the center of attention. And that was just fine. The most important thing in Across the Universe is not Amy and Elder getting together, but what they DISCOVER and decide to CHANGE together. That is what it's all about. 

I could not believe some of the things Eldest dared to do, and hid from everyone. Most of them, sure, I saw coming from a mile away (the 'Season' and 'Phydus'), but others (the false stars, the uranium)... wow. I could not have predicted those. And I so love being surprised. *-*

All in all, I am so glad to have given this baby a shot. Oh, and make sure to check my review of Glow, to be posted next week. I started it the minute I closed Across the Universe, and though they may be somewhat similar, they are, in fact, VERY DIFFERENT. And Glow was just as awesome, I assure you! But in a creepier way. ;P

Quickie Review: Anonymously Yours by Shirley McCann

Anonymously Yours by Shirley McCann

I'm not usually a big fan of mystery, but "Anonymously Yours" got my eye.

Denise was such a corageous heroine! I could really relate to her, understand her thoughts and actions (it was written in first person), even if I'd never have the guts to do some of the stuff she did.

So... you find a wallet and you return it, right? Easy peasy... not so much. At least not when a freaking body is involved (then missing), and suddenly there is someone following her, the police don't believe her... what the heck is going on? Read the book and find out!

Book Review: Swans Are Fat Too by Michelle Granas

Swans Are Fat Too
by Michelle Granas

Natalia Lanska, formidable Polish pianist, is dead. No one is really sorrowing, except maybe her granddaughter Hania, whose own career as a concert artist never took off due to a terrible weight problem. Feeling unwanted, Hania arrives in Warsaw for the funeral hoping for a warm welcome from her relatives. Instead, they saddle her with their appalling children, decamp, and refuse to return. Hania’s situation is at first improved and then complicated when a neighbor ─ the very correct, very austere descendant of an old Polish family ─ asks her to proofread an amateur history project. Hania sets to work with a will, and Pan Doctor Prince Konstanty Radzimoyski is surprised when his ideas get more editing than he bargained for. Typing pages of the past, rediscovering her native city, and playing the piano all contribute to taking Hania’s mind off her problems, but can’t change her awareness that the children need help and that her growing attachment to her employer will only give her pain. The summer Hania spends between love, hostility, and the weight of history tests her resourcefulness, but her fresh ideas and readiness to carry on brighten the lives of her new acquaintances. Still, no one, least of all Hania herself, expects that her beautiful qualities will make Konstanty forget her figure and other excess baggage.

This book contains a history of Poland in a nutshell and is about seeing beyond the conventions.

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  I first saw this book listed on Goodreads First Reads and the title instantly caught my eye. I saw it had no reviews, but the blurb was just as attractive as the title, so I went over to Amazon and surprise, surprise! It only cost U$ 1.00! What. A. Gem. It left me with a couple of tears in my eyes after the last chapter, which I was reluctant to finish, simply because I felt that I had not had enough of Hania. What a lovely book! A real find from a new author. So very well written and engaging! The characters were incredibly well portrayed, very realistic in their flaws and strong emotions. 
Even the pieces of history were interesting. There aren't many big/fat/obese/overweight characters in books out there, especially NOT as the heroine, so it was very intriguing/bittersweet to read about a realistic woman and the way society treated her. I have to admit that I knew nothing about Poland before I read "Swans Are Fat Too", but what I do know is that those things Hania has to go through are not particular to that country. I felt like could really relate to her, to see the world as she saw it (I could never be as patient as she was, however. Those kids were terrible! LOL). 

As I had the pleasure of mentioning to Michelle Granas in a message here, I would love to read more about Hania and Konstanty! Maybe a short story with what happens after? LOL. ;P The girl realy needs to start playing the piano professionally again! I am also quite curious whether her relationship with her father will improve and know more about the future of the children, as well as of the baby.

I'm certain that in no time more readers will come to her with these same wishes! Without a doubt, the best contemporary I've read in a long time! Here's hoping I win the giveaway, because I'd love to revisit it again. ;D

Mini-Review: Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie

Crossed (Matched #2)
by Ally Condie

Published March 12th 2013 by Speak

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Publication Date: Nov 1st 2011

Publisher: Dutton Children's

Format: Hardcover, 368 pages 

Series: yup

Source: my own TBR

_____________________________

It's funny that even though I don't LOVE the writing in this series that much, I still can't NOT read it. That is one cool plot. And there is finally some action here. And some development of the characters.

Let's get this show on the road:

Don't you love these covers? It's so cool that they sort of tell a story on their own, daring you to pick the book up and go find out more about it. Aaaanyway. It took me a while to read Crossed, but it was so very worth my time! It had ALL the things I always expect to see in my dystopian books! People running from crazy government employees, having to find food, water and shelter, suffering, dying (I'm a bit twisted in the head, in case you didn't already notice), only to prepare themselves to take revenge and save society from an insane, controlling world! Or maybe blowing everything to pieces and go away in order to start over somewhere else. Heh. *-* Su-weet!! Right? And that is me being slightly sadistic, though honest in my book-needs.

My point is that Crossed was quite capable of delivering most of my wants (and I so need a copy of Reached!). Cassia was stronger and more determined than ever. Ky let us take a longer look into his heart, and became more lovable and complex and vulnerable because of it. It was an amazing thing to see (read?). And Ally kept things very fresh for us, changing POVs, making the characters GROW as we watched them. Lovely!

A lot happens in a very short period of time in this book, and so much changes! It felt more like a longer novella than an actual book in the series, but it was still enjoyable to see more into the trading world of Archivists, the Rebels and Xavier's secrets. 

Now, where's my copy of Reached?

Review: A Love Beyond Time by Judie Aitken

A Love Beyond Time
by Judie Aitken

When anthropologist Ryan Burke joins a dig at the site of Little Big Horn, she realizes that not everyone is excited about the opportunity. Renowned Indian affairs lawyer Dillon Wolf wants to shut the project down. But when Ryan is given an old tribal tipi, she journeys to the past -- where the tension between her and a Lakota warrior named Wolf erupts...into passion.

Genre: Adult, Time-Travel Romance

Publication Date: Jan 1st 2000

Publisher: Jove

Format: Mass Market paperpack, 378 pages 

Series: no

Source: Better World Books


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My Review

I am a sucker for romantic time-travel books. Really, that's almost an understatement. I mean, who wouldn't prefer a manly warrior or a cultured 'Don Juan' to these brainless twits in their 'YOLO' shirts, and pants hanging half-off their hips, and wearing so much 'bling' it's almost blinding? That's why I prefer to escape reality with my books.

The first part of A Love Beyond Time is a bit slow, I won't lie. I almost put it down a couple of times. But, luckly, I did not. This one had to have been one of the most amazing books I've read in quite a while. It had everything! EVERYTHING a good time-travel romance should have. I was immersed in the Native American culture, I lived their lives, I saw their language, could almost hear their voices, feel their pain and happiness. And I fell in love with Wolf right along with Ryan (love the boy name for the heroine, BTW). It was an amazing experience. Now I want a hot Native American for myself and that is KILLING me. :P LOL.

The Indians were so... blunt and unselfconscious and to the point about things, but, at the same time, so unafraid to show their feelings, and unembarrassed about their emotions, and also so kind and accepting! That's what I love about different times/cultures. The screaming differences! If it were the other way, an Indian in the middle of white people, I suspect he wouldn't have been received with half as much respect. Just sayin'.

So, that's all you need to know: this was a fantastic creation, filled with excellent characters and well-researched dates, places and local customs. There's even mystery and crime-solving! Simply put, it's a DELIGHT to read. A forbidden pleasure you'll want to savor slowly, but quickly, and without pause. (it'll make sense if you read it, I assure you). I read it in one sitting and wanted to bite the head off of anyone who dared try to interrupt me. Truly.

Don't judge it by the cover and don't let it pass even if you don't like romance, but like actual history in historicals, or vice versa. It has plenty of both and something for everyone. Too bad the author hasn't written anything else. I felt the same about Jack Knife and The Sterkarm Handshake. ANYWAY, get your used copy TODAY (it's out of print and unavailable in ebook format, unfortunately), but it's really worth it. ;)

Review: The River Knows by Amanda Quick

The River Knows
by Amanda Quick

The first kiss occurred in a dimly lit hallway on the upper floor of Elwin Hastings's grand house. Louisa never saw it coming....

Of course, Anthony Stalbridge couldn't possibly have had romantic intentions. The kiss was an act of desperation meant to distract the armed guard from catching the pair in a place they did not belong. After all, Louisa Bryce, in her dull maroon gown and gold-rimmed spectacles, was no man's idea of an alluring female. The only thing the two interlopers have in common is a passionate interest in the private affairs of Mr. Hastings-a prominent member of Society whom they both suspect of hiding terrible secrets. Now, brought together by their ruse, Anthony and Louisa are united in their efforts to find the truth.

Each has a reason for the quest. Anthony's fiancèe was said to have thrown herself into the Thames-but Anthony has his own suspicions. Louisa-whose own identity is shrouded in layers of mystery-is convinced that Hastings has a connection to a notorious brothel. When Anthony successfully cracks Hastings's hidden safe-and discovers incriminating evidence-it appears that both their instincts were correct.

Genre: Adult, Historical

Publication Date: April 24th 2007

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Format: hardcover, 368 pages 

Series: no

Source: Used book store

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My Review

Amanda Quick is the kind of hit-or-miss author for me. Either I love her stories from the very first page, or I just instantly know I won't be interested enough to finish it.

Thankfully, this one was a delight from beginning to end. Very much like Mischief was. When Quick gets it right, boy, she gets it VERY right. Her heroines are all so very independent, self-suficient and practical about things, they are very fresh sights for sore eyes in the middle of the sea of too-young and too-silly heroines we usually find in historical romances. No, her heroines are in their middle-twenties, they are generally alone in the world and just have to be clever enough to survive in a world where women are nothing without a man to stand beside them. Or in front of them. 

When women found themselves alone and without means during that time, they were expected to do anything, ANYTHING, mind you, be it becoming a governess, a companion or even a prostitute, anything BUT go into trade. And that was what our heroine did. At least in the beginning of the book. Before she killed a man who was trying to rape and kill her. After that she was forced to fake suicide, and sometime later managed to reapper in Society as a widow called Louisa. She also managed to attract the eye of gentleman Anthony Stalbridge. But that was not all she managed to attract... now there's a killer on the loose and what started with the investigation of a couple of crimes soon becomes three, then four... and, if she is not careful enough, her murder might be next on the list.

Quick's heroes are always very likeable as well. They are the first ones to notice how much they care about the heroines, and then have to convince them to be with them. It's most unusual and diverting. Yes, Quick is very good with influencing her readers to use new/more 'archaic' vocab. :P

I loved Anthony and Louisa and their misadventures. I could almost feel their chemistry, they were so good together. Too bad Miss Quick isn't much of a fan for steamy scenes, because they sure would have been great at one of those. LOL!!! Anthony's family were delightful as well. Very unconventional, like most of her characters. 

That is the perfect word to describe Quick's books: 'unconventional'. That and 'unexpected'.

If you like books like that with strong, proud heroines and amazing, heart-warming heroes, then Quick is the author for you.

Review: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

The Gathering Storm (Katerina #1)
by Robin Bridges

Published January 10th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publication Date: Jan 10th, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Format: Hardcover, 368 pages 

Series: yes

Source: My own copy

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My Review

Let me start this review by stating that I fail to understand why so many people gave The Gathering Storm such low ratings. I really was able to simply lose myself in this book. I read it in one day, secretly turning pages during college classes and everything. Russia has always been very interesting to me, and this was the first book with a Russian main character I've seen. I liked that the author gave a brief explanation about Russian names and prefixes before the beginning of the book.

It was nice knowing more about the historical setting, about the situation of Russian in the 1880's, especially concerning the women's views and their expected roles. I love to see women trying to be more than what they're expected to be. :)

Katerina, our MC, was a very strong character. She managed to stand her ground and follow her dreams and express her opinions even when most people (her mother included) were trying to crush them, to change her, to fit her into the pretty little mold all the other silly little girls were expected to be molded into. She wanted to be a doctor, one of the very first female doctors, one of the very first females to go to college! And, boy, was I impressed with her courage! 

But now that I've stopped to think about it, I suppose most probably didn't enjoy the story as much because of the fantastical flavor of it. Kat is a necromancer. The main love interest is part-faerie. The villains are witches. There are zombies roaming around. Those things didn't bother me at all. As a matter of fact, they fit very well into the story. However, I can see how some of these characteristics could bother some readers.

The Russian society cracked me up some times. It looked like almost everybody was either a prince/princess or a duchess/duke. Or, at least, somehow related to one of those. There was an overload of 'Your Highnessess' and 'Your Majesties' and the alike. That struck me as particularly funny at certain moments, especially during battles in which people were fighting for their lives, trying not to get blood on their pretty frocks while still managing to NOT drop the royal treatment. LOL. 

Or, I suppose, most didn't like the fact that romance was not the main focus for the plot. There were romantic tidbits, but there was SO much more going on that those were delegated to a second plane. But, come on, it was a slow-developing romance (they were mad at each other/did not trust each other for the greater part of the book) and forbidden, on top of that! (a mere duchess who could care less about marriage and wants nothing more than becoming a doctor and a PRINCE who wanted to kill her and now wants to give her the world?).

Also, there were some things that managed to creep me out, like those weirdoes/mean witches and their rituals... that was fun. ;P

I cannot wait to read the next stallment. I'm sure it'll be great. *-* And there'll be more romance, too, I'm certain.