From TALONS to DUKES, it's an Entangled Publishing RELEASE WEEK you won't forget!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're throwing a post BOOK BIRTHDAY but still RELEASE WEEK celebration for TWO titles that JUST PUBLISHED with Entangled Publishing...one with their TEEN division, and another with AMARA!  They couldn't be any more different than each other if they tried, but MY reading taste varies and BOTH catered to my palette, so now, I give you a taste of each for your self.  First up, our Entangled TEEN selection featuring a kicka**heroine that doesn't know her own worth, but will fight the gods themselves to save her sister from harm.  Ladies and gents, I give you this EXPLOSIVE book birthday celebrant...

Last of the Talons

by

Sophie Kim

9781649372970

Entangled Teen  

About the book...

After the destruction of her entire Talon gang, eighteen-year-old Shin Lina—the Reaper of Sunpo—is forced to become a living, breathing weapon for the kingdom’s most-feared crime lord. All that keeps her from turning on her ruthless master is the life of her beloved little sister hanging in the balance. But the order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites not only the wrath of a legendary immortal, but the beginning of an unwinnable game…

Suddenly Lina finds herself in the dreamlike realm of the Dokkaebi, her fate in the hands of its cruel and captivating emperor. But she can win her life—if she kills him first.

Now a terrible game of life and death has begun, and even Lina's swift, precise blade is no match for the magnetic Haneul Rui. Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister...all before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass.

Because one way or another, she'll take Rui's heart.

Even if it means giving up her own.

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OMG!

I can honestly say, just WOW.  It was dark and gritty, filled with a world of mythology and folklore you never imagined, and characters you'll love, loathe, despise, and DESPERATELY be unsure of.  The battle  between Rui and Lina is beyond comprehension, and yet you're constantly on edge trying to see just how it all plays out.  There is one moment where it seems like she gets the upper hand, but if you're paying any sort of attention, you simply KNOW the proverbial rug is about to be pulled out from under her.  I couldn't help but fear from her, and still root for her as she valiantly charges into the unknown, even with the odds stacked dangerously against her, constantly reaching for that one chance, that one moment where salvation for her sister might be found.  That's right, I said for her sister.  It's not her own life she fights for, although she'd love the chance to truly be free of all the hate, crimes, and ugliness that has enveloped her world, but she is so burdened down by grief, self-loathing, and misplaced guilt that she's right at the edge of believing her life to be forsaken.  All she wants is a better tomorrow for her sister...even if it means she's not there to see it....and trust me, there are times you are pretty certain the chances of her seeing the next second, let alone next day, are slim to none!  

I repeat...it is DARK, VIOLENT, and GRITTY....but you won't be able to look away.  The messages repeating throughout run even deeper than the atrocities, ranging from the importance of family (chosen and/or blood) and its protection, believing in yourself at all costs, there is good inside most people if given the chance to shine...and pure evil is just that...pure...evil....and it comes in all shapes and sizes....as does retribution, revenge, and payback.  A great read for Young Adult Fantasy fans, and a high recommendation from me to you!

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Next up on the BOOK BIRTHDAY RELEASE WEEK duo celebration....

...we're heading back in time for a Historical Romance that's just too much FUN not to indulge in!

The Duke's Rules of Engagement

by

Jennifer Haymore

9781649372918

Entangled Amara

About the book...

Some matches are made in hell…

Joanna Porter loves being one of London’s hottest up-and-coming matchmakers. But her heavenly vocation is about to turn into a nuptial nightmare—thanks to the Duke of Crestmont. He’s as handsome as he is insufferable and obsessed with all things proper. Matching him would cement Jo’s status as England’s greatest matchmaker. Except, of course, the impossible-to-please duke refuses all of her most eligible ladies…confirming his status as a complete and utter pain in her petticoats.

The Duke of Crestmont can’t believe he needs a matchmaker—let alone this spitfire of a woman whose kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent gray eyes tease him ruthlessly. But the people of his estate are counting on him to find a duchess. A proper lady with a flawless pedigree and immaculate deportment. So why can’t he stop himself from wanting his pert, lively matchmaker…instead of the perfect duchess?

Now the entire ton is watching as this determined, audacious matchmaker takes on the most powerful man in London in USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Haymore’s lively new Regency romp. And this show might just be the most outrageous one yet…

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Alright, alright, alright.

So I've got A LOT of love for this release too, and if you're a Historical Romance fan, may I suggest you indulge in it post haste!  From our wonderfully uncommon Mrs. Porter to our curiously direct Duke of Cresmont, and everyone in-between, you've got a cast worth remembering from start to finish.  I loved their initial meet cute, even if it wasn't intended to be an actual "cute" in any fashion.  They were both so taken by the other, yet desperately trying to deny it...well, in his case anyway, as she was still trying to sort what her feelings actually were.  Despite their noble intentions, feelings flare, connections are made, liaisons are had...and hearts are dangerously close to being broken.  I mean, what's a girl to do when a duke came to her for her matchmaking services, and the right match, deep down in her heart...is actually HER?

I won't say any more right now, as I have this one on an upcoming tour, but trust me, this is a duo you won't want to miss!

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Massive thanks to Riki and the Entangled Publishing team for the eARC and ARC for review! (THANK YOU!) They are amazing folks repping some fantastic authors, so if you haven't checked them out, I sincerely hope you do. All the titles above are available now, so click on over to the publisher's site (linked above!) or your favorite online store to snag your copies today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Good Gods!: Greek Mythology's Twelve Labors of Hercules - Choose Your Own Path!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when BOOKISH is your middle name because, guess what?  It's MINE too!  ^_^  

Today, we're featuring a title starring a figure from mythology that many know and love....and apparently is having his way with Hollywood right now.  Perhaps the movie poster above rings a bell?  Yes, it is none other than HERCULES and while Dwayne Johnson DOES strike a fetching form, err, I mean pose, as the legendary figure, today's Children's Fiction title does it justice in a NEW way.  How so?  Well, the author has taken the story of old and injected a new twist....one that enables YOU the reader to decide Hercules' fate.  Sound interesting?  Oh, but it IS!  Ladies and gents, please allow me the distinct pleasure of introducing today's featured title....

Can You Survive?

Greek Mythology's Twelve Labors of Hercules

Adapted by

Brandon Terell

9780988366299

Lake 7 Creative

About the book....

The goddess Hera is out to destroy you. Your only hope is to gain immortality, which can be done by completing twelve perilous labors. You are the mighty Hercules. You must use your super-strength to defeat the many-headed Hydra, to escape from an angry giant, and to complete ten other amazing feats. Do you have the power and the cunning to succeed, or will your battles with mythical creatures lead to your doom? Step into this adventure, and choose your path. But choose wisely, or else...

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That's right!

It's a choose-your-own-path book through the mythological story of Hercules' twelve tests to reach immortality.  For those that have read the original stories, you'll have a leg up on the competition for it aims to follow the actual texts...however, for those that HAVE NOT read it before, and are relying on their Disney-esque knowledge of our hero-to-be, umm, yeah, be prepared to die.  I'll be the first to admit it, I died many MORE times than I thought I would...but that's the beauty and FUN of this type of read.  You can always go back and try (and try and try and try) again.  You have the chance to set the story straight and see your character back from the land of bookish magic to the reality that awaits him (aka a bully that thinks his fists match his face).  

Oh, that's right.  I forgot to mention!  It's not a story that simply takes place back then, but a tale of a young lad transported to those times and following in the great Hercules' steps, an aspect I do believe will appeal to all but especially the boys.  I gotta say, that Hera is one bad .....person.  (*thinks stronger word*)  She has it out for him and I don't mean the welcome mat.  She may or may not be using his cousin against him in his pursuit of immortality, that's for me to know and you to find out, and if she sets her mind to something, you best believe it will not be changed by anything but sheer force of will.  Good luck Hercules!  You're gonna need it....

So, in closing, this is an adventure filled Children's Fiction title that's perfectly suited to anyone who loves a great story...and to take a little control.  See how YOU fair against both the bully and the beasties as you battle your way through task after crazy task to be able to finally call Olympus your home.  Can you make it the first time through?  Do you really want to?  ^_^  So while you're out and about this weekend catching the latest big screen version of our leather skirt glad hero, take a reading break and discover this classic tale of courage, and bravery from a whole new angle.

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About the author....

When Brandon Terrell was a boy, he was tall and skinny and looked nothing like Hercules. But he was a big fan of comic books (he still is!) and superheroes. Hercules was always at the top of that list. Right next to Spider-Man, of course. Nowadays, Brandon doesn’t face serpents with a hundred heads or have the proportionate strength of a spider. He does, however, enjoy writing stories about amazing heroes and incredible adventures. He is the author of numerous books, including chapter books, picture books, and graphic novels. Brandon lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his wife Jennifer and their two children.

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Special thanks to Ryan Jacobson at Lake 7 Creative LLC for the review copy as well as the heads up on this release.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the entire series, be sure to stop by the official website.  This title is available now via Lake 7 Creative, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Furious by Jill Wolfson

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please the reader in each and every one of you, at some point or another at least....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring between the pages of a new addition the Young Adult genre that falls right in with one of the current trends...Greek myths.  So what's special about this one?  Well, despite having their origins in Greek, the beings featured have actually played a part in most cultures just under different names...but ALWAYS with deadly consequences.  Gather all your past hurts and lists of vengeance because the Furies are coming.  Today's book of choice is...

Furious

by

Jill Wolfson

About the book...

We were only three angry high school girls, to begin with. Alix, the hot-tempered surfer chick; Stephanie, the tree-hugging activist; and me, Meg, the quiet foster kid, the one who never quite fit in. We hardly knew each other, but each of us nurtured a burning anger: at the jerks in our class, at our disappointing parents, at the whole flawed, unjust world.
We were only three angry girls, simmering uselessly in our ocean-side California town, until one day a mysterious, beautiful classmate named Ambrosia taught us what else we could be: Powerful. Deadly. Furious.
Yes, that’s us. The three Greek Furies, come to life, ready to take our revenge on everyone who deserves it. And who doesn’t deserve it, really? We’re done with chances. We are angry. The Furies have come to town.

If you've never quite fit in.  If you've turned the other cheek more times than you can count and still came back asking for more.  If you're tired of always feeling like an outsider looking in at the sparkly world of the privileged yet undeserved...I've got a trio of gals you're gonna want to meet.

They are the modern day reincarnations of the Furies of old and they mean business....but first, they have to be called.  Called how and by whom?  Both very good questions...but perhaps the bigger picture idea we might want to tackle is WHY.  I mean it's seriously doubtful they were simply called to avenge all the wrongs committed against themselves and others like them, right?  Right.  That part of the equation though remains partly in shadow til the ball is rolling so fast down the hill, there's nary anyone brave enough to stop it.  Well, almost no one.  Moving on...

The idea of the story and the characters overall, I was good with...the execution of it all, not quite as much.  First things first, the story.  Imagine being in high school once again.  Now imagine (or remember depending on where you stood on the social food chain) all the ill comments thrown your way, disgusted stares, taunting glances and words that injured more than you would let on....now imagine being able to turn the tables on said taunters and make them realize the folly of their ways.  Oh, did I mention that there was the chance that more than a simple lesson would be learned and that you could actually drive them further than repentance?  But you know, what's a little misstep here and there after all the terror they inflicted, right?  Hmm.  I think some people would have serious issues with that level of power and it's certainly something the girls have to contend with here as well, a point I'm glad the author didn't merely gloss over and something that went into the moral side of the story as well.  Which wins out in the end?  You'll have to read it to find out but suffice it to say that things don't remain pretty and goddess-like for very long, after all a taste of vengeance is satisfying....but it can easily become an unquenchable thirst.  Back to those characters...

The three girls chosen to represent all the anger and retribution the world has to offer are certainly fitting, especially when the areas they represent or control are revealed.  The lives they lived up til now were anything but ideal making them even more prone to explode when all their defenses are down and the need to blend in is removed.  Alix was a strong person even before things changed, only now she could do something more about the prejudice and injustice in the world.  Stephanie was the activist even in a household where environmental destruction was a part of the progress they enacted, only now she didn't have to simply chain herself to a tree to make a statement.  Meg, the quietest of the group and yet as I'm certain you've heard before, still waters run deep.  She internalized A LOT but once her need to survive was turned into a right, there was no stopping her.  Like I said, a great trio for the rolls that needed filling....at least at first.  *ahem*  Moving on to the not so positive side....

There were things in the story, things that would happen further down the line that were beyond obvious and not simply because I'm outside the "teen" range either.  It was frustrating because the characters were made oblivious to it even though it was staring them in the face.  I understand being blinded by fury but even taking that into account, things were rough.  Also, there was quite a bit of drinking, drug use, and a pretty humiliating first experience between the sheets and while I'm no prude, it didn't seem like the story should delve quite THAT far into those aspects, making them the reasons that events twisted one way or another.  It didn't feel like it needed to depend on that being the catalyst to make things progress, or maybe it was just that I had higher hopes for it than that.  Anywho...

In the end, it's a story about striking that balance in life between the have's and have not's, the happy and the sad, the moments of glory and moments of utter despair. It's a reminder that no one in life is perfect, and that's okay in a big way.  Something that A LOT of folks could use a reminder of.  Though not one of my favorite picks this year, I'm not sorry I read it and I did enjoy it for the most part.  It's just not something I'd be seeking the muses assistance out in order to repeat the experience once again.  It is what it is.  Take from it what you will.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia Winnicki at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their ever growing catalog of bookish wonders, be sure to stop by the publisher's site, check out their blog, pin them on Pinterest, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This book celebrated its book birthday this past April with a blog tour spectacular via Henry Holt and Company, seek thee out a copy on a bookstore shelf near you.


Until next time...happy reading!

Guardian of Atlantis by Annie Rachel Cole

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be even when it's cold and dreary outside, because the books are always fresh and piping hot.  ^_^

So, if you're a frequent visitor here to the site, (*HUGS*) you may have noticed my silence over the weekend.  It wasn't planned, it just happened.  One of those OMG-why-did-I-schedule-SO-many-things-in-one-week bits and frankly, I was tired.  So, since this is suppose to be fun, suppose to be enjoyable and I'm really not wanting to end up taking a hiatus like so many other of my bloggy friends have had to do from overkill...I took the weekend off.  Case closed.  End of story...well, THAT story at least...because today, I'm back and ready to share all about a recent read with all of you.  Ready?  Here we go!

Today, we taking a look a the first book of a series by author Annie Rachel Cole.  It's genre label is Young Adult and it fits both into the Fiction and Fantasy/Paranormal categories with a large amount of excitement, danger and what not throughout.  If you like your YA served up this way with a healthy dose of the gods (you know, Zeus, Hades, etc?), you are in for a treat!  Today's book of choice is...

The Children of Atlantis, Book 1:

Guardian of Atlantis

by

Annie Rachel Cole

About the book...

Will Raven find the inner strength she needs to survive?
Will she be able to protect Atlantis?
Sixteen-year-old Raven Weir has a somewhat normal life until she receives a mysterious necklace…a necklace others are willing to kill her to get because it contains the key codes to Atlantis. Now she finds she’s the only one standing between Atlantis and those who want to use the power hidden there to take over the world.
And Zeus is at the head of that line.
On top of worrying about social acceptance at school, Raven has to get control of her growing powers before she harms someone. And it doesn’t help that the alpha Hellhound at school is attracted to her while members of his pack are trying to kill her. And then there’s the whole biological parent issue. Finding out you’re adopted is huge, but discovering you’re actually the daughter of Medusa and Poseidon will definitely cause problems.

Oh yes, there will be drama, teenage angst and secrets uncovered but really, who can blame Raven when what you're learning about yourself and your family is such a shock!

Descended from gods, no problem...but this duo when revealed makes quite the pair....and explains a few of Raven's unusual talents.  She's your normal average teenager, or so she thinks, just with blue hair and in possession of a new locket that seems to emanate with power.  Okay, so the locket is not THAT surprising, it is her birthday and all...presents are a must!  But who did it come from?  Certainly not her "mom" and what, why am I putting "mom" in quotation marks like that?  Hehe...wouldn't you like to know...

Suffice it to say that nothing is what it seems and when I say nothing, I pretty much mean NOTHING.  Raven's new school is not your average school or rather isn't attended by your average students nor staffed by your average teachers and more.  *gulp*  Nope, these folks have real bite (and I do mean BITE! *chomp chomp*) and a certain disdain for our new student beyond the fact that's it's mid school year when she transfers in.  Yes, something is definitely up and everyone seems to know something about it...except our leading lady!  *blink*  You read that right.  Raven Weir, star of our show (for the most part) doesn't have a clue but she's about to get one in a hurry because if she doesn't she might be receiving her final message louder and clearer than ever intended...i.e. she'll wind up dead.

There's nymphs and Hellhounds, gods and goddesses, oh yeah...and humans.  Almost forgot about us what with all the other worldly running around.  It's chock full of things you know and things you don't (which allows for further exploration outside of the book...kudos to the author for that!) but together they create a world of reading fun.  It teaches us that life is a journey, yes, and there will be those along the way that can be trusted (like Ethan...*mini-swoon*) and those that should have you running the other direction (nope...not telling you who, you'll have to figure those out as they come) but each situation presented is another choice and what we decide helps to make us who we are in the end.

Author Annie Rachel Cole

So, it's a story about finding our true selves, from our birthright to who we want to be, discovering what fate holds in store for us...and writing a new ending if it doesn't fit our design. Sounds great, right?  It was...but there was a wee little "off-ness" worth a mention.  My only true gripe would be some of the transitions.  One moment we're on one topic and then POOF we switch gears with no rhyme or reason.  Also there's a time or two when the "win" whether it be in thought or fight comes too quickly, as the character or characters simply "fold".  Both along the same lines of issue with enough instances to irk this reader but not enough to impede my enjoyment of the read overall.  Certainly a book I'd recommend and an author I'll be watching for future works...

In the end, a great new addition to the Young Adult genre that is sure to fall right in line with other greats leading the way with mythology laced stories, given the right audience.  From page one, we're plunged right into the story without any further explanation than Raven herself is given...confusing, somewhat but it also ties you to her fate all the more and THAT worked in her favor!  Creating a connection with a character can be a challenge but you'll care about our snarky, kick butt, take no prisoners (even if she is quaking inside) heroine in the making and root for her without abandon.  You'll want her to find some measure of acceptance and true happiness as well as learn to live with the truth of who/what she is...and how it could affect us all (well, literary us...not literal us).

Did I mention this is the FIRST book in a series?  *looks back*  Why yes, yes I did...and that being noted, BOOK TWO published this past December!  The title is Wrath of Hades and if I'm being honest, I can't way I would have connected it to the first book by cover OR title despite the obvious name drop.  You all know from my past ramblings, I'm a BIG fan of series that tie their covers together in some fashion; this one...it's fine and dandy and gives us a glimpse of what Raven looks like according to the author but for me, just doesn't hold the appeal of book one.  Cie la vie...good thing we don't judge a book by its cover alone, right?  Right!  Curious to see where she takes Raven and "friends" next time around, book 2 is definitely being added to by wish list.

SIGNED review copy received courtesy of author Annie Rachel Cole.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this series as well as her other works, be sure to stop by her blog, check out her official site, visit her GoodReads page, pin her on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.  This book is available now in both print and digital forms so seek it out at your favorite retailer of choice.  Need a head start? Just click on the links embedded here.

Until next time...happy reading!