Review: The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel by Khaled Hosseini, Fabio Celoni & Mirka Andolfo

The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel by Khaled Hosseini

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Bought
Publication Date: January 1st 2011
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Point of View: Masculine
Recommended Age: 14+
Genres &  Themes: Adult, Historical, Graphic Novel, Friendship, Betrayal

BLURB:

The perennial bestseller-now available as a sensational new graphic novel.

Since its publication in 2003, nearly 7 million readers have discovered “The Kite Runner.” Through Khaled Hosseini’s brilliant writing, a previously unknown part of the world was brought to vivid life for readers. Now, in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel adaptation, Hosseini brings his compelling story to a new generation of readers.

Review: Half a King (Shattered Sea, #1) by Joe Abercrombie

Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Borrowed
Publication Date: July 15th 2014
Publisher: Del Rey
Point of View: 3rd Person & Male
Genres & Themes: YA, Epic Fantasy, Adventure, Kingship, Betrayal, Friendship.

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“I swore an oath to be avenged on the killers of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath”

Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea itself. And he must do it all with only one good hand.

The deceived will become the deceiver

Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.

The betrayed will become the betrayer

Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.

Will the usurped become the usurper?

But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi’s path may end as it began – in twists, and traps and tragedy…

Review: The Winner’s Crime (The Winner’s Trilogy, #2) by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: NetGalley
Publication Date: March 3rd 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ)
Genres & Themes: YA, High Fantasy, Romance, War-setting, Conspiracy, Secrets, Betrayal, Family.

BLURB:

Book two of the dazzling Winner’s Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Review: Jackdaw by K.J. Charles

Jackdaw by K.J. Charles

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Received: NetGalley
Publication Date: February 17th 2015
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genres & Themes: NA, Fantasy, M/M romance, Magic, Warlocks, Betrayal.

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If you stop running, you fall.

Jonah Pastern is a magician, a liar, a windwalker, a professional thief…and for six months, he was the love of police constable Ben Spenser’s life. Until his betrayal left Ben jailed, ruined, alone, and looking for revenge.

Ben is determined to make Jonah pay. But he can’t seem to forget what they once shared, and Jonah refuses to let him. Soon Ben is entangled in Jonah’s chaotic existence all over again, and they’re running together—from the police, the justiciary, and some dangerous people with a lethal grudge against them.

Threatened on all sides by betrayals, secrets, and the laws of the land, can they find a way to live and love before the past catches up with them?

This story is set in the world of the Charm of Magpies series.

Warning: Contains a policeman who should know better, a thief who may never learn, Victorian morals, heated encounters, and a very annoyed Stephen Day.

Review: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recieved: bought
Publication Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
POV: 1st person & female
Pacing: inbetween fast and slow
Genres & Themes: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Adventure, Friendship.

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Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Review: Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: borrowed
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: hardcover
Pages: 384
Pacing: Uneven–fast & slow
POV: 3rd person
Publication Date: September 2nd 2014
Genres & Themes: YA, Fantasy, Witches, Magic, Romance, Friendship, Betrayal, Sisterhood

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This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily’s other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can’t hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.