King's Cage

Book three- Silvers v. Reds. Maven v. Mare and Cal. The Scarlet Guard v. the King of Norta. The lines get blurred in this third book in the series. Mare is being held captive by Maven. She is manacled in silent stone and brought out to parade around the Silver Royalty. Evangeline and the Samos's want her executed but Maven can't seem to let her go. Meanwhile, back on the ranch, the new bloods and the Reds are trying to find a way to free Mare and bring down Maven. But factions are dividing and loyalties are tested and Mare isn't sure what to feel about any of it. She still sees the Maven she loved inside the lonely, twisted boy king. She is also dealing with the grief of losing Shade, her beloved brother. And what of Cal- does she love the would be soldier king or will he let her down to keep the throne. This book is filled with mental turmoil, devastating battles and surprise twists that will leave you shaking your head. Mare is a tough cookie and she is surrounded by complex characters who help guide her path. This doesn't end with this book, so I suppose a happy ending may still come to pass, but I'm slowly losing hope. If you love a good girl power book, this is a series you should try. Constant surprises, love triangles and hidden agendas will keep you interested for many pages. Happy reading my friends!

Carve the Mark

I have to be honest, Veronica Roth lost my trust with her Divergent series. Hated the ending. Hated it. So it was with trepidation that I started her new series. Cyra Noavek is the sister of the leader of the Shotet. She is the enforcer. She can kill with a touch.  Her 'gift' causes her excruciating pain. Akos Kereseth watched his father be murdered by Cyra's brother. He is kidnapped along with his brother Eijeh, who is rumored to have the gift of an oracle. Ryzek wants that power for himself. He will do anything to take the gift from Eijeh. Akos has sworn to save his brother at any cost, but in the mean time, he can take Cyra's pain away with his touch. An unlikely friendship ( well maybe not unlikely, let's be real) develops between Cyra and Akos. She is not what people think and he is able to see past her reputation. When the Fates take hold, they must decide who is worth saving, who needs to be killed and what the cost will be for both. The reluctant heroes must find allies within their enemies and decide who is telling the truth and who is just plain manipulating them. I say with caution that I really liked this book. Tough girl, interesting boy, terrible situations, what's not to like. But my hopes for a happy ending are slim as the Fates predict otherwise and as I said before, no trust. My students are chomping at the bit to read this one, so they'll be happy I have FINALLY finished. Thank you spring break. I know this series will be a hit, I just hope the heartbreak will be kept to a minimum, or I will have to carve my own mark. Happy reading my friends!