Blog Tour: Storm of Ash by Michelle Kenney

There are no words to explain how excited I was to be a part of the blog tour for Storm of Ash, I've loved each book of this series and I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed by the finale, which turned out to be true. 

If you're interested my reviews for the first and second books are here: Book Of Fire [1],  City of Dust [2])

Here's the description for this one:

"As Talia treks back through the treacherous North Mountains, she knows only three things:

Pantheon has stolen nearly everyone she loves;

Her blood is the only control over the Voynich’s oldest secret;

And Cassius won’t stop hunting Arafel until every last outsider is destroyed.

Will Talia finally face her legacy and defeat Cassius before it is too late?"

Let's just start with one thing - this beautiful cover. I mean, what an absolutely amazing cover, and it just totally fits with the plot of this book so well, when you read it you'll soon find out just why it is as it is. 

Now that the oohing over the cover is over with, can I just say wow. Guys, this was everything I wanted from the last book in the series.... it's just the epic conclusion you need/want from any trilogy. Even if there were some heart breaking scenes throughout - it did definitely take me on yet another emotional rollercoaster like the last book (thanks for the feels Michelle). I couldn't keep up with all the emotions I was cycling through whilst reading this, but it was all worth it for how the series ended.

I have always said that Talia is such a good character, and in this book it was no different, she really had to navigate some difficult things throughout and she managed it brilliantly. I think that's why I like her so much, throughout the books you always see the shine of her outsider heritage, even in difficult times. I think 'feral cat' was definitely a great way to describe her.

Also, not spoiling anything but I'll just say I still love August, even with how much I like outsiders, I will forever be #teamaugust. Now I just need to find my own August in the real world *sigh*.....

One last thing: I seriously can't get over my love for Unus the Cyclops in this series.... He's such a beautiful, friendly character and rereading just made me remember all of that. The friendship between Talia and Unus is definitely one of my new favourite friendships from a series.

I really really hope to see more of this world that Michelle has built, but either way I know I'll be reading any future books that come from her.

Overall l give this book: 5 cats!

Have you read the series? If not I highly recommend them! And don't forget to take a look at some of the other stops on the blog tour for this!

Review: City of Dust by Michelle Kenney

So, I got this from the Author (and on Netgalley) for an early review but it took me so long to put into words, and I've been in a bit of a blogging slump that I've only just got round to reviewing it.

If you were wondering about this series I reviewed the first in it - Book of Fire previously and that can be found HERE.

Well, here's the book:

The fight is never over.

Life in Arafel is no longer safe. Not since August’s disappearance, and whispers of a ghost controlling Pantheon.

Meanwhile, Talia stands torn between secretive twin, Eli, and best friend, Max.

Betrayal forces Talia to leave the sanctuary of her forest home as she pursues the stolen Book of Arafel. A book which could destroy the freedom of all those she loves if it falls into the wrong hands. And when she enters the ancient ruined city of Isca, she fights to protect the vulnerable from the iron grip of the Pantheon, while learning to fight for the man she loves.

But with the shadow of the Black Aquila looming ever closer, will she put the freedom of others above her own, or will she follow her heart?

Okay, I will just say this, this book will leave you hanging in a way which makes you wish you could grab the next book and read it all to find out what happens. It will also tug on your heart strings, I admit I definitely went on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this - ups and downs and twists and turns came together to make an absolutely amazing book that I couldn't put down.

I think the thing I loved the most about this was you got to meet a boat load of new characters - and I love to meet new people in a series, it makes it so much more interesting. That, and the new creatures from mythology coming to life really absorbs you, and it's one of the reasons I could easily re-read these books - the characters and creatures just jump off the page.

Also, guys, FLUORESCENT CAT came back!! Well, kinda, this one was only partly fluorescent, and now I can't decide whether I would want a totally glow in the dark cat, or one that only has a fluorescent nose and ears.... which would you choose?

You also, of course, got to see more of Talia and Max, and a little of August too - and guys, I am still obsessed with this love triangle, but I think I will always be #TeamInsider/#TeamAugust. I just can't wait to see how it goes in the next book.

Overall, an amazing extension to the series, and I actually want to cry that I'll have to wait until next year to see what happens to the whole lot of characters.

I give this book: 5 cats!

Do you love this series as much as I do? Are you itching for the next like me? Comment below!

ARC Review: Book of Fire by Michelle Kenney

So, I got this book from Netgalley, as an e-copy in exchange for a review.

I was extremely excited to read it. I had a bit of a slump while reading, so it took me longer than usual, but my slump was definitely not because of this book.

I loved this book. One word I can think of to describe it, is: Amazing.

Here it is:

Life outside the domes is not possible. At least that’s what Insiders are told.

Twins Eli and Talia shouldn’t exist. They’re Outsiders.

Their home is a secret. Their lives are a secret. Arafel is a secret.

An unexpected forest raid forces Talia into a desperate mission to rescue her family while protecting the sacred Book of Arafel from those who would use it as a weapon. As Talia and her life long friend Max enter the dome, she makes some unexpected discoveries, and allies, in the form of rugged Insider August, that will change the course of her life forever.

She’ll stop at nothing to save her family but will she sacrifice her heart in the process?

The Fire Sermon meets Gladiator in this brilliant YA debut.

Guys, I just do not know how to express my love for this book. It was so good! If I hadn't have had my slump I would have read this so quickly I'm sure, and I will probably re-read it a few times too!

This book is all about Talia, a girl who lives in a forest village, after a nuclear war. The world is split into 'Insiders' who survived inside a Dome after the devastation from the war, and 'Outsiders' who, according to those inside the Dome, should not exist.

While in this book, you see so many wild and weird creatures, all thanks to the genetic engineering of the Insiders. Creatures from history and mythology, such as Griffins or Cyclops, and just random creatures, like fluorescent cats. (This particular cat was only mentioned in the book once, but you know what I'm like with cats, so it stuck with me!).

The imagery in this book is just stunning, and it had me able to imagine all of the little details of the creatures, and places, and so I definitely congratulate Michelle on how well this little book world is written.

And guys, I doubt I've said this before, but I do love a love triangle! I don't know why, but they really draw me in to a book, and I love to take sides (apparently I usually choose the least popular side).

And what did this book give me? A love triangle! Talia had to choose between an Insider, August, and an Outsider she grew up with, Max.

I'm so routing for her and August (feel free to disagree with me in the comments if you've read the book!).

So, yes, a love triangle, genetic engineering, a Fluorescent cat, and a strong female main character, it all makes an amazing book that I highly recommend!

My rating: 5 cats!

This book is out this week (25th August) and it has recently been confirmed that it will be part of a trilogy! Yay!

Have any of you read this? Or are planning to read this? Comment below!