The Bloody Jack Series by L.A Meyer

 

  

    This series is the one that truly got me into reading. I read the first five books, but when they discontinued having the books in stores, I was unable to continue reading them. A few years ago, my love for strong female heroines was brought back by ACOTAR and TOG series. So, I was able to purchase the remaining books in the series from Thriftbooks for a decent price. Though I am still working my way through the series, because L.A Meyer was very prolific in his writing, there is a conclusion to the Jack Faber story. 

    The books follow a young orphan who runs the streets of England, wreaking havoc and mischief with her motley crew of orphans. As a child, she truly only possessed one marketable trait, reading. After weighing her options of living on the streets and begging, she signs up for a position on a naval ship as a ship’s boy and disguises herself as exactly what the title expresses, a boy. Able to get away with this betrayal for several years, she is eventually found out and left to fend for herself. Having to leave the life, family, and love she has found and created for herself behind. Jacky starts her new life where adventure and grandeur follow her everywhere she goes. 

    Every book and journey in Jacky's life gets even more incredible and fantastic. Finding herself become a pirate, a spy in the French war, and even traveling down the Mississippi River. Of course, no Jacky Faber story is complete without her searching and trying to be reconnected with her love, Jamie Fletcher. Even if her eyes and occasionally hands may wander, he is the one who truly has her heart. Her other true love is performing. Spewing amazing tales, songs, and dances from her travels in taverns and for her crew is what she was made for.

    This series is a true joy in my life and I very much look forward to completing it, and passing it down to future generations. It’s a wonderful period piece full of adventure and compelling narrative which immerses you fully into its world and story. I definitely recommend it to any reader who loved ACOTAR and TOG. 

More About the Author

Where to Buy:

Powell’s 

Thrift books

Barnes and Nobles 

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Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

 

    At first glance, you believe you know exactly what you are getting into. A spooky house, local lore, ghost stories, and six very different individuals brought to the same location. Thomas does an immaculate job throwing in plot twists exactly where they belong, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The characters, each with their unique background and inner demons, are called upon by unseen forces .After a two day stay in a off the beaten path murder house they cannot escape. They are propelled into writing a new manuscript, elevated by the need to stay relevant and own desires, they find they can only keep the demons at bay by writing. When you think things are about to get better the characters deeply dive into madness revealing a whole new level of paranormal goodness. Returning to the house, seen as a last resort and ultimately a necessity, the characters risk everything in order to defeat the evil within the house. 

    This novel is hauntingly delightful, twists at every page, and the last 100 pages are filled with anxiety and excitement. Thomas’ writing keeps you engaged until the last possible second. I could not put this book down, it was so spooky I was unable to read it at night...which led to it taking me three days to complete it. The hours seem to simply fly by while enjoying this wonderfully written horror novel. Three words you need to take away from this...Read The Epilogue. 

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Where to Buy:

Powell’s

Barnes & Noble

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The Memory of Fire by Callie Bates

The Memory of Fire by Callie Bates 

The Memory of Fire is the sequel in The Walking Land trilogy, and an even more of a page turner than the first book. It follows Jahan Korakides, through his perspective, on a journey to his homeland, family, and pseudo-homeland of which he “persuaded” himself into the higher position in court. While his love, Elanna, is in Eren. Jahan tries to secure a truce between the lands with the emperor. With the magic ban still in place in his pseudo-homeland the emperor refuses. When things immediately go from bad to worse, Jahan joins an underground rebellion group of sorcerers set on changing the fate of the land.

The first book was incredible and it was a very exciting read. I could not find it in myself to put this book down! There was even more magic, adventure, and more depth when it comes to dealing with inner demons. It touches heavier on Jahan’s home life and family, but also what he had to do to survive and keep his brothers safe. The two main characters of the series thus far, Elanna and Jahan, are very different in terms of their magic and inner fight. They both want the same outcome, magic free across the realm, but go about it in different ways. The final book in this trilogy, The Soul of Power, is out and I can not wait to read it! It is through the perspective of Sophy Dunbarron, and a conclusion where hopefully peace and magic will prevail. 

I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series!

More About the Author

Review of The Walking Land

Where to Buy: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble 

Powell’s

Thriftbooks

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The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

“The inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.”

I stumbled upon this book in a thrift store, placed it on my bookshelf, and completely forgot about it.
When I was at Emily’s going through books she was planning on giving away, she had a copy. I grabbed it and
thought it would make a good Christmas gift for my belly dancing, fire breathing, Aunt. I figured maybe I should
read it before I gave it to her.

The novel is written in several parts, chapters, and sometimes in stanzas like poetry.
It follows three characters through their lives and their quest for controlling time- more, less, or to stop it all together.
Only Father Time can bring their three lives together and show the true meaning of time, a life lived, and how precious
every day is.

It is a beautiful book, like everything Mitch Albom writes, and it holds such a deep meaning.
In my opinion, it can be compared to the Alchemist or other books with that same deep emotional feeling.

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

“Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine,
he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself;
he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never
opened.”

I found this book during one of my many late night Barnes and Noble night trips. I’m absolutely obsessed with
everything having to do with Paris and Parisian life.When Monsieur Perdu opens the letter, he immediately embarks
on a journey in which will change not only his, but everyone he meets on his journey. Through several countries,
villages, and characters picked up along the way-you learn the different type of love. The meaning of life being
fulfilled and the questions you’ve always wondered finally being answered.

It’s a lovely book which  made me emotional over lost love. It truly goes through the entire process of falling in love,
the grieving process, and finding new love. The only thing I disagree with during this book is that this love was on
the basis of adultery. I wish there was a prequel or sequel. At the end you just want to have a little more time with
the characters, but are 100% satisfied with the ending.

Deadly Little Secret (a Touch Novel) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Deadly Little Secret (a Touch Novel) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Goodreads Blurb: Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

From the best-selling author of Blue is for Nightmares comes a story of paranormal romance that's sure to be a thrilling and chilling teen favorite.

My thoughts: It has been awhile since I have re-read this series. I first discovered this series while browsing my library shelves for something new to read. This was my first introduction to her writing and I immediately fell in love.  I read this book before I discovered Twilight and now that I’m re-reading it I get major Edward/Bella vibes. 

One of my favorite things about this series is that it’s only 5 books and they are all short, quick reads. You can read a book a day, finish the entire series in a week. I also love the mystery, the story keeps you guessing until the end. Though that fact that it’s a fast read is a “pro” for me it is also a “con”. I wish the book was a little bit longer but then I worry it will be extended with nonsense that doesn’t add much to the story.

Something I would change about the story is the friendship between Camelia, Kimmie and Wes. To me their friendship is super relatable and each character has their own unique personality that readers will either relate themselves or have a friend in their social circle that is similar to the character.

Links to Purchase:

Amazon

Barnes&Noble (nook format)

Thriftbooks

Half Price Books

Beau Rivage Series: Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

Goodreads Blurb for Tear You Apart:

If you want to live happily ever after, first you have to stay alive. Viv knows there's no escaping her fairy-tale curse. One day her beautiful stepmother will feed her a poison apple or convince her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Henley, to hunt her down and cut out her heart before she breaks his. In the city of Beau Rivage, some princesses are destined to be prey.

But then Viv receives an invitation to the exclusive club where the Twelve Dancing Princesses twirl away their nights. There she meets Jasper, an underworld prince who seems to have everything—but what he really wants is her. He vows to save her from her dark fate if she'll join him and be his queen.

All Viv has to do is tear herself away from the huntsman boy who still holds her heart. Then she might live to see if happily ever after is a promise the prince can keep. But is life as an underworld queen worth sacrificing the true love that might kill her?

My thoughts: What I like about this book is that it is not a continuation of Kill Me Softly. The story takes place in the same town but with different characters who know of each other but don’t play a major role in each other’s story. This story will keep you guessing until the end on who is who and what will happen next. I believe there is to be a third book but there was an unfortunate issue with the original publishers and Sarah Cross’s new publisher have yet to give her the green light for book 3.

Beau Rivage Series: Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

Beau Rivage Series by Sarah Cross

Goodreads Blurb for Kill Me Softly:

Mirabelle's past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents' tragic deaths to her guardians' half-truths about why she can't return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who's a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren't pretty things, and they don't always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she'll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

My thoughts: All the fairies tales are living under one roof, well in one town at least. In this town everyone is tied to one fairy tale whether like or not isn’t the issue. The challenge is which fairy tale do you belong and can you live up to your role. If you are into retellings definitely pick up this book.

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

Goodreads Blurb: It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift--back into Black London.

Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games--an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries--a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.

My Thoughts: This book for me felt slow and dragged out. I’m not sure how I feel about the character Lila anymore. I was 50/50 with her in book 1 but now in book 2 I feel like  she’s too…..insert word. She is a strong character, she defies the odds which is great but she’s constantly stubborn hat I wish sometimes she would bend a little because it would make things go smoother. To me it felt like she was being stubborn just to be stubborn. The book also felt a little dragged out, I feel it could’ve been shorter. The most interesting parts I found where the elemental games. I loved being able to get more into the magic of the Londons and seeing that it’s more than just Kell. Overall the book is a good stepping stone into book 3.

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg

Goodreads Blurb: 1910. Joanna Blalock unknowingly is the product of a sole assignation between the late Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler. After the nurse and her ten-year-old son see a man fall to his death in an apparent suicide, elderly Dr. John Watson and his charming handsome son Dr. John Watson Jr. invite her to join their detective team. From hidden treasure to the Second Afghan War of 1878-1880, the group devise an ingenious plan to catch a murderer in the act while dodging Scotland Yard the British aristocracy.

My thoughts: I literally saw this book on a table display on my way to check out. The book takes place after Sherlock has passed away. Dr. Watson still lives in 221B Baker St and every once in a while people come with their problems. One in particular catches Watson’s interest so he and his son, who is also Dr. Watson, set out to investigate. One of their witnesses just happens to be the daughter of Sherlock Holmes which Sr. Dr. Watson has been keeping a secret since her birth. The three of them work together to solve the murder cases. With each passing day, they see more and more of Sherlock Holmes in Johanna. Just like every Holmes and Watson case there are many twist and turns their lives get threaten. Naturally the three of them solve the case and all of the secrets come out. If you like mystery novels and/or part of the Sherlock fandom I would recommend this book.

Spindle by Shonna Slayton

Spindle by Shonna Slayton

Goodreads Blurb: In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger…

Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?

When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness…and Briar’s not immune.

If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.

My thoughts: Just by the name alone I knew it would be Sleeping Beauty related, she’s my favorite princess so I read just about everything about her. For me this book dragged out and even when there was drama happening it wasn’t anything major so it kind of fell flat. Overall it was a unique retelling with some changes to the main story, nothing too outrageous, but probably not a book I will pick up again.

The Cigarette Girl by Carol Wolper

Goodreads Blurb:

“Put a smart girl in Hollywood, land her a job writing screenplays for blow-em-up action stars, give her a ruinous penchant for bad boys, and reward her with a fearless determination to find "Mr. Maybe", and you have this absolutely engaging, hilariously dead-on comic novel about a maverick's pursuit of love and happiness in the wild west.”

My Thoughts:

I got this book from a thrift store for $2 and that’s pretty much what I would want to buy it for in stores. I truly did not enjoy this book. I was hoping I would since the beginning of the book I really was hooked. It was funny, witty, and it had what I was looking for in the story. It what was described on the back cover, until about halfway through. It did not have the story I wanted or was hoping for. Even if it was how the main character wanted it to end, I can't help but feel disappointed in the entire storyline. It just ended and was abrupt at that.

There was no character development and it just went nowhere in those regards, her situation is the same, and even if there was witty dialogue- it means nothing if the book doesn’t move along. I wish I could say I enjoyed it more, but it just left me disappointed in the characters and story. I did enjoy how the book was broken up into the thoughts and dialogue structure of a screen write. Kept it to the theme and inside the brain of a screenplay writer.

The Merciless by Danielle Vega

The Merciless by Danielle Vega

Goodreads Blurb:

Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .

In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?

My thoughts: This book to me is a mix of Mean Girls with some elements of the movie the Craft. I read this book quickly, you can read in one sitting. The story and writing isn’t the greatest but it you are looking to read something quick to pass the time I would recommend this book. The Merciless if book 1 in this trilogy, I haven’t had the opportunity to read the other two but I am interested to see who the story has evolved since book 1 so I might continue with the series.

Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs (Tea Shop Mystery #1)

Goodreads Blurb: 

“Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston’s beloved Indigo Tea Shop, lives in a town steeped in history- and mystery. While catering an event, she is busy serving teas and scones, while an esteemed guest is found dead-his hand clutching an empty teacup. All eyes are on Theo...who is now trying to save her reputation and track down the real killer.”

My Thoughts:

I started reading this series on a recommendation from my mom, we own the entire series, and I figured why not start it now. It’ll be fall soon and what’s nicer than a hot cup of tea on a chilly night. This book was everything I wanted and more. A feel good quick read with mystery, excellent characters, witty banter, and character development. There is plenty of excitement but also a dip into antique and historical Charleston as well. It truly is a wonderful book and I will be definitely reading the rest of the series.

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

Goodreads Blurb: Asylum is a thrilling and creepy photo-novel perfect for fans of the New York Times bestseller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

For sixteen-year-old Dan Crawford, New Hampshire College Prep is more than a summer program—it's a lifeline. An outcast at his high school, Dan is excited to finally make some friends in his last summer before college. But when he arrives at the program, Dan learns that his dorm for the summer used to be a sanatorium, more commonly known as an asylum. And not just any asylum—a last resort for the criminally insane.

As Dan and his new friends, Abby and Jordan, explore the hidden recesses of their creepy summer home, they soon discover it's no coincidence that the three of them ended up here. Because the asylum holds the key to a terrifying past. And there are some secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Featuring found photos of unsettling history and real abandoned asylums and filled with chilling mystery and page-turning suspense, Madeleine Roux's teen debut, Asylum, is a horror story that treads the line between genius and insanity.

My thoughts: It’s creepy, it’s in an old Asylum, and if you like Riggs’s Peculiar Children READ THIS BOOK. I love the mystery behind it all, why are the three characters there, how are they all connected. I found it to be a quick read and it’s not something you need to focus hard to follow. I would recommend this book if you are going on a short trip or trying to get out of a reading slump. This book one in the trilogy with some novellas in the middle. You don’t have to read the novellas, they just give you some extra background which you could find interesting.

The Witch of Bourbon Street by Suzanne Palmieri

“When Frances Green Sorrow is born carrying the “signs” of the so-called chosen one, it is believed she will bring her family back from the brink of obscurity. But Frances is no savior”

My Thoughts:

I got this book on the $5 clearance rack from Barnes and Noble. It’s a book based in New Orleans and the Bayou in Louisiana. It circles around a family named the Sorrows and their magic past and fixing the present. It has a lot to do with magic and the belief in white/black magic. The book is not overbearing or overpowering with the magic component which is nice, but focuses on a variety of mysterious topics such as outer body experiences and seeing spirits. The story goes between the past and present in the form of letters and the “Book of Sorrows” to find out how to break the “Sorrow Curse”.

It truly was an interesting book, story, and it has happy ending for the entire family.

I definitely will be passing this book onto my bestie and fellow blogger, Emily.

Until Friday Night (The Field Party #1) by Abbi Glines

Until Friday Night (The Field Party #1) by Abbi Glines

Blurb: To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton High to the state championships. But while West may be Big Man on Campus on the outside, on the inside he’s battling the grief that comes with watching his father slowly die of cancer.

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton’s life fell apart when her father murdered her mother. And after she told the police what happened, she stopped speaking and hasn’t spoken since. Even the move to Lawton, Alabama, couldn’t draw Maggie back out. So she stayed quiet, keeping her sorrow and her fractured heart hidden away.

As West’s pain becomes too much to handle, he knows he needs to talk to someone about his father—so in the dark shadows of a post-game party, he opens up to the one girl who he knows won’t tell anyone else.

West expected that talking about his dad would bring some relief, or at least a flood of emotions he couldn’t control. But he never expected the quiet new girl to reply, to reveal a pain even deeper than his own—or for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn’t ever let her go…

My thoughts: This book was recommended to me by one of my besties/co-blogger who has read multiple books by Abbi Glines. For what I understand Abbi Glines has a way of making sequel to story that don’t have in the same timeline but don’t focus on the same main characters so if you don’t like book 1, you can read book 2 and it’s a completely different story. I was completely drawn to this book when I found out one of the main characters doesn’t speak anymore and now she has to move to a new town, new school and try to fit in. Switching schools in the middle of high school is hard and scary enough now add not speaking…makes life 100x harder. I loved how West and Maggie came together and how their story evolved a lot that part of me wished the sequel continued on with them.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Goodreads Blur:

For eighteen years the Hartes and the Golds have lived next door to each other, sharing everything from Chinese food to chicken pox to carpool duty-- they've grown so close it seems they have always been a part of each other's lives. Parents and children alike have been best friends, so it's no surprise that in high school Chris and Emily's friendship blossoms into something more. They've been soul mates since they were born.

So when midnight calls from the hospital come in, no one is ready for the appalling truth: Emily is dead at seventeen from a gunshot wound to the head. There's a single unspent bullet in the gun that Chris took from his father's cabinet-- a bullet that Chris tells police he intended for himself. But a local detective has doubts about the suicide pact that Chris has described.

My thoughts: If you are in need for a good cry read this book. I heard about Jodi Picoult’s writing through other readers and her style didn’t seem like anything I would be into any my friend kept pushing this book on me so I read it to get her off my back. The entire book is suspenseful, it goes back and forth between the court trial and the events leading up to Emily’s death. The end still has me shook. I cried like I’ve never cried before after reading this book. I would love to read this story again but at the same time I don’t but it is just too emotional but perfect and I think I will forever be torn.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Goodreads Blurb:

You can’t stop the future.
You can’t rewind the past.
The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah’s voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah’s pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.

My thoughts: I read this book way back when I heard it might be coming to Netflix and Selena Gomez was part of the project. I didn’t read the book because of Selena Gomez but for the story that takes place in the aftermath of a suicide and for the unique way Asher has Hannah explain her actions. I could be wrong but I feel like not many of the people to commit suicide get the opportunity to speak to the person or people who hurt them. Yes people write letters explaining why they choose suicide but who can say their message got directly sent to those who hurt them. Thirteen Reasons Why is a powerful and moving story and I’m glad was able to read it.

Netflix series thoughts coming soon!

Tiny Pretty Things Duology by Sona Charaipotra

Tiny Pretty Things Duology by Sona Charaipotra

Goodreads Blurb on Tiny Pretty Things: Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

My thoughts: I have never been a dancer but from what I heard and from what I have seen portrayed in shows and movies is the Dance World is super competitive and some people with stop at nothing to get to the top. This book has some Pretty Little Liar aspects too it, a lot of tricks and such are played on the girls with no clue as to who did what. This book ends with a cliffhanger that will make you want to pick up the second book, Shiny Broken Pieces as soon as possible.

Goodreads Blurb on Shiny Broken Pieces: June, Bette, and Gigi have given their all to dance at Manhattan’s most elite ballet school. Now they are competing one final time for a spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. With the stakes higher than ever, these girls have everything to lose…and no one is playing nice.

Ever since June landed the starring role in last year’s performance, she can finally see herself as a prima ballerina. Being the best means making sacrifices, though, and getting what she wants might cost June everything—including the only boy she’s ever loved.

Legacy dancer Bette is determined to clear her name after she was suspended and accused of hurting her rival, Gigi. But even if she returns, will she ever regain the spotlight she craves? Or has she tarnished the treasured family name forever?

Gigi endured a year of torment from Bette and other dancers who envied her success. It nearly ended her ballet career—and her life—and Gigi is not going to let them go unpunished. But as revenge consumes her, Gigi may be the one who pays the price.

After years of grueling auditions, torn ribbons, and broken hearts, it all comes down to this last dance. Who will make the cut? And who will lose her dream forever?

My thoughts: I needed answer after Tiny Broken Pieces ended with a huge question mark. What was going to happen to each of the girls, some of last year’s girls come back and new girls come in and the book start right out of the gate with tension, drama, and plotting. If you are a fan of Pretty Little Liars I think you would find this series to be interesting.