Review: The Curse Keepers

The Curse Keepers by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of 47North via NetGalley

Denial. I’m sure everybody has gone through some sort of denial over one thing or another. I know I certainly have and results, as always, are disastrous. I really should have learnt my lesson by now to face it first up or suffer the consequences but I never do… So when it comes to reading a book where a character is in some sort of denial, I’d know where she’s at but at the same time got totally frustrated that she just won’t accept / face the situation as it is.

Ellie Lancaster, understandingly, did not believe in her father’s stories about the legend of the Roanoke’s Lost Colony. However when supernatural things were starting to happen around her and to her, it took her quite a long time to face up on what’s real. And when she did, she’d insist on doing things her way even though she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing. There was a lot of up and down and I supposed she was confused which therefore means I got confused then frustrated.

The backdrop of this book certainly sounds promising. Whilst I only vaguely know about this mystery, I thought it somewhat unique. I haven’t come across many Native American’s legend in this type of genre (paranormal) so it was a pleasure to read something different even though I got totally confused about who’s good or evil or if there was actually good and evil involved! This seems to be something to be explored later on.

This was a pretty average read for me, whilst I didn’t particularly like Ellie, I did like the tension between her and Collin. I like their humorous clashes and the sparks between them; this is exactly what kept me reading. I wanted to see where they got to and how. Just like everyone else though, I got so taken in by the ending. I knew something was up but still, it was a heartbreaking head-banging hair-tearing type of moment. I’d really like to know where Denise Grover Swank will be taking Ellie.

Thanks to 47Noth for copy of eARC via NetGalley

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Review: Gameboard of the Gods

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of Dutton Adult via Edelweiss

There is everything to love in this book!

The world: spick & span shiny High-Tech Dystopian country (the Republic of United North America) yet there are primitive settlements surrounding it, not to mention the Romanesque religions (the worship of many gods) incongruously rooted as part of life.

The kick-ass heroine: Absolutely gorgeous chick, intelligent and super strong, she can literally kick ass! I defy you to not love this goddess! um, no, that’s not at all a spoiler

The player hero: With a handsome face and tons of charm, women fell at his feet left, right, and centre. And yet… no one knew of his inner struggles, his dreams, his fears – his charm covers it all up.

The chemistry: The tension was just delicious! The attraction was pretty obvious and I am ever grateful for the alternate perspectives between Mae and Justin. They both have their own secrets that they bury deep inside until one encounter whilst each at their weakest, open a window into their souls exposing parts of the secret selves to each other. They are both experts at hiding their true feelings but how long can you deny yourself of the truth?

I’m sure I have missed a lot in my first reading of the book and I predict that this is one of those books I must own so I can re-read again and again because I’ll find something new at each readings.

A note to Richelle Mead fans, I’ve not read many of her works. I’ve only read the first book of VA (am not a fan of Rose, sorry!) but am enjoying Bloodlines (I love Sydney & Adrian) but Age of the X is more my style! As I understand it, it is quite different from her other works but I love it & I can’t wait for the next instalment!!

Thank you Dutton Adult via Edelweiss for the privilege to read & review eARC

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