Posts Tagged: Amanda Hocking

Friday, May 29, 2015

Review: Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking

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I received this book for free from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Ice Kissed by Amanda HockingIce Kissed by Amanda Hocking
Series: Kanin Chronicles #2
Published by St. Martin's Press on May 5, 2015
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Source: St. Martin's Press
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four-stars

In the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…

Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It’s a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…and the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that’s been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it’s also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss, Ridley Dresden, is overseeing her mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level—one neither of them is prepared for.

As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it will change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

I’m sure you guys have seen my rather lukewarm review to the first book of this series. I was disappointed that the trolls here looked and acted like humans, and I hated some of what Bryn did at the end of the book despite her strong and amazing drive and personality. However, even with all these complaints, I still enjoyed the first book and was nervous to start the second one, lest it be lackluster.

Well, my doubts were surely unfounded because I actually… loved this. O_O

This time around, Bryn and Kasper were sent to the Kingdom of Skojare (imagine all blue and ice and sapphires) to assist in the investigation regarding the Queen, Konstantin, and the shadows lurking in the arena of Troll politics. And man, would it be weird if I say that reading this felt like I was watching a suspenseful episode of Criminal Minds? You really feel the tension in the atmosphere as our heroine tries to make a sense of what’s happening, as every where she turns, there are mysteries, secrets, and even more deadends; the suspense and discoveries are so well-placed and so subtle that I didn’t feel like I was simply reading but that I was also trying to solve the puzzle right alongside her.

Pretty much me the whole time:

“I’m pretty sure this person is the culprit.”

“No, wait, this innocent little act is kinda suspicious… yup, I’m calling it. IT’S THIS PERSON!”

“Shiz, I’m not sure now… okay, wait, wait… yeah, I definitely think that one’s the suspect. I mean, seriously, this individual’s behavior is shady!”

“You know what? Fuck it, I don’t know anymore.”

Yeah… my deducing skills right now is pretty much non-existent.

But seriously, the plot in Ice KissedFrostfire. It was simply more action-packed and full of court intrigue and possible conspiracies to keep your mind continuously working while reading, making you wonder what else is in store for us and the characters here. Plus, the ending makes you wanna go

And my gods, I love Bryn here. I kinda take back my complaints in the previous installment because the first thing she did as soon as they got back was tell the important information we saw her previously refraining from telling anybody. And after that, it was pretty much kickass here and kickass there, and kickass everywhereIf in Frostfire she was mildly annoying, here, she was awesome from head to toe. She used her wits, trusted her instincts, swept the guys off their feet with her melee moves, and she is just awesome. She wasn’t recklessly impulsive, creating tension by doing stupid things. No, tension happened and then she acted accordingly. Each. Time. 

Which is so refreshing. I want more kickass heroines like that.

I do wish there were more Ridley awesomeness, though. I really like him as a character and love interest. He was the type that didn’t push or impose himself, was flawed and was emotional to a certain extent, and let things happen naturally. Hopefully in the next book? *puppy eyes*

four-stars

4 Hot Espressos

Review: Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Review: Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Posted by on 05/20/2015 • 5 Comments

This was going so well, and then it went FUBAR in the end.

I don’t know about what you feel right now, folks, but right now I feel like making a hole in the wall with my mighty fist. This isn’t to say that this is a bad book, though, because I liked some parts, BUT GODDAMN THE STUPIDITY IN THE END REALLY JUST GOT TO ME.

You see this fist? This is the fist I’ll be putting between my teeth so I won’t actually destroy our wall. Find my rage petty if you wish, but it’s not a joke when I say I’m pretty pissed right now.

This is my first Amanda Hocking book, but I’m not really a stranger to this author. I’ve seen some of her works every…

Review: Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Posted by on 04/24/2012 • 20 Comments

AscendAmanda HockingSeries: Trylle Trilogy, #3Release date: April 24th, 2012by St. Martin’s Press

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Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end.   Everything…

Review: Torn by Amanda Hocking

Posted by on 02/23/2012 • 32 Comments

TornAmanda HockingSeries: Trylle Trilogy, #2Release date: February 28th, 2012by St. Martin’s Press

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When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself–that she’s a changeling switched at birth–she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story… She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined–and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side.

With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to marry a powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must…

Giveaway: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Posted by on 01/04/2012 • 31 Comments

SwitchedAmanda HockingRelease date: January 3rd, 2012by St. Martin’s Griffin

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When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn’t until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed – a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy’s not sure she wants to be a part of it.

Click here for my review!          

Switched book trailer

Giveaway details St. Martin’s Press has generously offered a SIGNED copy of Switched to one of my readers. Open to US/CAN residents. Ends on January 14th, 2012 Use the form below to enter *Winner will be contacted by email and…

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Posted by on 01/03/2012 • 42 Comments

SwitchedAmanda HockingRelease date: January 3rd, 2012by St. Martin’s Griffin

Goodreads / Purchase

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn’t until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed – a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy’s not sure she wants to be a part of it.

*A copy was provided by St. Martin’s Press for review purposes*

Trolls! I know, right? Flashy colorful hair, so-ugly-they’re-cute dolls we all had at one point? In Amanda’s world, these are all misconceptions. They’re called Trylle, and they’re beautiful, magical and on the brink of extinction.

With an entirely…