Warcross (Warcross 1) By Marie Lu

I Recived an advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for a Honest Review. This book comes out on Sept. 12th 2017.

Blurb:

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

My thoughts:

Marie Lu has another hit on her hands. If you are a gamer who likes to read this is the book for you. Even though this book has a lot of gamer lingo in it, Marie Lu Breaks it down so that everyone can read it. Even if you are not into video game I think you you will enjoy it because of the action that takes place in the book. there is never a dull moment and you will not be able to put it dawn.Now i will say there were parts in the story that were a bit predictable but for the most part i was shocked. the character in this book are strong and independent but venerable at the same time. if you are a fan of  Marie Lu's book i recommend that you pick this one up.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Goodreads Blurb: Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My thoughts: I was a little nervous to start reading this trilogy because no one I knew ever read these books. The story is monsters versus Angels, not monsters like demon monsters but monsters as in chimera. Chimeras are beings that are hybrids of different animals, like the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Unfortunately Karou is in the middle of it all, and it’s up to her to figure out why and how end the fight. Karou can definitely handle anything that is thrown her way until Angel-man Akiva gets in her way and makes her starting question the ones she calls family.

The Shoe Queen by Anna Davis

Goodreads Blurb,

“In The Shoe Queen, author Anna Davis immerses readers in the glitter and excitement of 1920's Paris -- where one woman's obsession with shoes leads her into a steamy affair that will make her question what matters most in life”

I found this book at a local thrift store, and I was immediately drawn in by the location of this book as well as the time period. I absolutely love the structure of the book as well as the characters. Even though I found myself wishing there was some bigger plot or that I could find some kind of strand that I would connect with any of the characters, I loved the book and story. I did often find myself wishing for the other shoe to drop or something big to happen towards the end of the book, I was shocked when *spoilers* the realization was made that Paolo fathered two of Olga’s children. In the end I was happy that Genevieve was able to find her self and experience real love, even if there was a lust quality to it, and that she was able to reconcile her friendship with Lulu.

Speaking of Lulu! I love her carefree spirit who gave the book a peek party aspect of the 1920’s party and glam scene.

The Grift of the Magi (heist society 3.5) by Ally Carter

Blurb:

Katarina Bishop is a thief. To many it wouldn’t matter that she now uses her considerable skills to re-steal valuable works of art and return them to their rightful homes.

She’s still a thief.

So that’s why Kat’s surprised when an Interpol agent comes to her one snowy evening, asking for Kat’s help.

The Magi Miracle Network was set to auction off a very rare, very valuable Faberge egg two days before Christmas, but the egg’s been stolen and now the charity’s reputation—and their future—is on the line.
Kat’s family and Interpol might be opposite sides of most jobs, but someone just stole Christmas.

Now it’s up to Kat and her crew to steal it back.

The Grift of the Magi is a Heist Society novella and is approximately half the length of the other novels in the series. It stands alone, but if you want read more about Kat and her crew check out Heist Society, Uncommon Criminals, and Perfect Scoundrels. 

My thoughts:

I read this series a while ago but i really enjoyed it.I was very excited that she was going to add another book. this book takes place at christmas time. someone has stole a Faberge egg and they have to get it back. this series has been out for a while so i liked that she came out with a novella for this series. we have a lot of old characters coming back that we get to see. i like how they are normally the thieves but this time they are doing it for a good cause. this book is fun and entertaining. if you are a fan of Ally Carter books check this one out.

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Goodreads Blurb: Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

My thoughts: Two things drew me into this story; the main characters is named Emmy, just like myself, and a group of friends gets one of their members back. I read this book a little while back but my favorite part about the story is the end when everything comes to light and Emmy and Oliver get their answers.

My interview with a Falling Down band member... Can you guess who?

So today I got to interview one of my favorite character from the RockStar series by Anne Mercier. I was super excited when I got the opportunity to interview this rockstar. This rockstar should not need an introduction but I will give you some hints. He is quiet, smart, and super sexy. Can you guess who it is  Kennedy Cadwell!!! Let's jump into this interview

Leah: Did you always like music or would you like to do something different?  
Kennedy: I've always loved music. I remember air guitaring a lot until I got my first real one from my neighbor. He taught me how to play.L: What is it like working with Blush?K: Amazing. It's like they've always been with us, you know? They just fit.

L: Since you have become a celebrity, who is the best and worst person that you have met? 

K: The best person I've met is Cage. He may venture into the darkness but he's always there for everyone, no matter what.  The worst person I've ever met was this chick I hooked up with after a show a couple years ago. I didn't know she was fucked up on drugs until I already banged her. Then she thought because we fucked, it meant I wanted her with me. When the bus took off, she chased us. She showed up at the next two shows and then I got a restraining order. I'm glad that only happened once.

L: (I am laughing.) Well if that was me I would not want that to happen to me. How do you feel about having connections to the mob?

K: I hope I never fuck up. Kennedy chuckles. I guess I'm cool with it. It doesn't really touch us since there's so much security around now. I just want Lucy and Sera to be safe. That's what worries me most.

L: Aww. That is so sweet. Out of all the guys in the band, who are you the closest with and why?K: I have to say Ethan. He comes to me with his private shit and I share mine with him in return. I think it's because we're both pretty quiet and don't want the attention.

L: I can’t picture Ethan as quite but ok next question. You are a very quiet person, what are you thinking about? 

K: I think about a lot of shit. I think about how fucked up the world is right now, I think about how fucking awesome our family is, and everything in between. There's no telling what's gonna pop into my mind next.

L: You had an eventful past, how has that shaped you today? 

K: This is a hard question. I guess it keeps me clear from hard drugs and people who do them. It makes it easier to see someone who's strung out and know what they're capable of. Because of things that have happened, I like to be in control of myself and my situation.  You'll see what I mean when Anne tells my story.

L: If you could give some advice to a person that was going through what you went through in the past, what would it be?

K:  Kennedy leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Tell someone what's happening. The ones threatening you if you tell, can't hurt you. Make it so they can never hurt you again. Tell. Someone. Now.

L: Since you are quiet, how do you handle living in Casa Falling Down?

K: I love the chaos, I just don't actively participate all the time—though with Xander around, he tends to pull everyone in.

L: I can see that. How do you handle the pressure of being a musician? 

K: When we first started out, it was overwhelming for all of us. Then all the touring started and we started to forget who we were for a while. But because there are five of us, someone always pushed us back on the right track. Now we're pretty used to things and how everything works, so I just take it as it comes. One step at a time. We can't get the music out any faster than what we do, and if we don't want to, we don't have to. We know, now, it's up to us. 

L: Do you ever want kids?  Not really. If it were to happen, I'd be cool with it but I won't actively try to have kids. I think there are enough kids around her to keep the need for kids satisfied, don't you?  Kennedy chuckles.

L: Is there a significant other in your life? 

K: Nope. I'm single.

L: Last question I promise. Do you have any tats?  If so what was your first one? 

K: Yep. I've got a lot of tats. My first one was the band logo. All of us got it together before we went out on our first tour.

L: Thank you for sitting down with me for this interview. I look forward to your new album.

K: Thank you for having me.

Well, you heard it here ladies, Kennedy is single but who knows for how long. I think we learned some new info about this sexy guitarist. Let me know in the comments who you would like an interview from next. I also did an interview with Jake Ingrassia. That link will be below. Check it out. I have another interview coming soon. Keep on reading.

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V. E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V. E. Schwab

Goodreads Blurb: Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black.

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

My thoughts: I keep seeing this trilogy in book tubers videos and on their bookshelves in the background that I thought I would give book one a try. So far this book is one of my favorites for the year. The story keeps you on your toes, the universe in the book keeps you begging for more and I can’t wait to read the next two. The universe to me has some similarities with the Firebird Trilogy. Each have one special person who travel between dimensions and each need a special object to use as a “key” to travel and the biggest similarities are the dimensions they travel two. The dimensions are all the same but slightly different to give each “world” its own environment and character. If you liked the Firebird Trilogy I would recommend this series to read in the future.