Ohana Talks: Top 5 Most Anticipated Reads of 2017

   Hi guys!

   For today, I'm going to tell you about my most anticipated reads for 2017, or well at least my top 5 so far. Of course I'm still not sure what they're going to announce later in the year for the fall, and obviously I haven't included the final Throne of Glass book (I didn't really want to bother since a title and a cover haven't been revealed yet), but I've put together my current list for you anyway. Without further ado, my top 5 anticipated reads (so far), for 2017!

North of Happy

Adi Alsaid

HarlequinTeen

Expected: April 25th, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Carlos Portillo has always led a privileged and sheltered life. A dual citizen of Mexico and the US, he lives in Mexico City with his wealthy family where he attends an elite international school. His friends and peers-fellow rich kids-have plans to attend college somewhere in the US or Europe and someday take over their parents' businesses. Always a rule follower and a parent pleaser, Carlos is more than happy to tread the well-worn path in front of him. He has always loved food and cooking, but his parents see it as just a hobby.

   When his older brother, Felix--who has dropped out of college to live a life of travel--is tragically killed, Carlos begins hearing his brother's voice, giving him advice and pushing him to rebel against his father's plan for him. Worrying about his mental health, but knowing the voice is right, Carlos runs away to the US and manages to secure a job with his favorite celebrity chef. As he works to improve his skills in the kitchen and pursue his dream, he begins to fall for his boss's daughter--a fact that could end his career before it begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos must decide what's most important to him and where his true path really lies. 

Traitor to the Throne

Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands, #2

Faber & Faber

Expected: February 2nd, 2017 (For the UK Edition)

Description from GoodReads:

   This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

   Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

   Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

The Dark Calling

Kresley Cole

The Arcana Chronicles, #5

Expected: 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   N/A

The Crown's Game

Evelyn Skye

The Crown's Game, #2

Balzer + Bray

Expected: May 16th, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

   Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

   For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

   With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3

Expected: May 2nd, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

   As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

   And those are them! So what do you guys think? Have you guys heard of them before? Are you excited for them too? Anyways, what are you looking forward to releasing in 2017? Let me know so I can add them to my TBR pile!

Book Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Release Date: August 15th, 2016
Read: August 19th-20th, 2016
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Series: The Arcana Rising, #4
Format: Kindle Edition, 280 pages
Source: Publisher in Exchange for honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   When the battle is done . . . 
   The Emperor unleashes hell and annihilates an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe strikes back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

   And all hope is lost . . . 
   With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

   Vengeance becomes everything.

   To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Review:

   What was one more icon?
   After a somewhat long wait, the cliffhanger in Dead of Winter, and after reading Day Zero, I was officially ready to read Arcana Rising. Although, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting.
   Starting with the fact that the book was only 280 pages unlike the rest of the series that were at least 320 pages, the book definitely felt shorter too. The book also somewhat felt like it didn't have a purpose or an object to overcome. I understand that Evie's main objective was to bring back Jack, but that little adventure only went on for maybe an 1/6 of the book then it stopped, and then we were at nothing, no one tried to do anything else. Honestly besides things between Death and Evie, it felt like nothing was happening Arcana wise. There was all this talk about killing the Emperor, but when was that actually going to happen? It honestly felt like half the book was missing.
   Like in Day Zero, I really enjoyed the Sun or El Sol. He was somewhat bubbly, and you just couldn't not be attracted to his character after you heard what he does on a daily basis for his 'family'. I honestly can't stop thinking of one of the final scenes of the book with him and the waving bagmen. Then there's Fortune, I'm really not enjoying her character. I think the 'powers' that she's using to fight the Arcana is sort of cheating, so I really hope something small and lame takes her out so that I can get a good laugh.
   I was really disappointed with Evie's grandmother, we had such build up with her from the other books. She was supposed to be the all knowing, and Evie's saviour in a way, but in the end all we got was a quick bit of insanity and no real questions answered. I really wish she was a whole different person entirely, someone that could actually further the plot.
   Unfortunately for me, I also think my ship is sinking. Even if the ship was actually confirmed in the book, I feel like a majority of it was just filler, and that the ship can't really go further. There isn't anything for it to go onto at this point, and no that cliffhanger doesn't mean anything towards the ship in my opinion. And focusing on that cliffhanger for a moment, are you kidding me? I felt ridiculous just reading it, I understand that that sort of thing happens, but really? Did the book really have to take that direction in order for the plot to keep moving? I don't know what to expect for The Dark Calling anymore.
   Arcana Rising had its ups and downs, I definitely enjoyed reading it, but I think that this one would have to be my least favourite in the series at this point. Although I feel that way, I still am eagerly looking forward to The Dark Calling, I'm excited to see what Cole has planned!

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"Your future refuses to behave."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Apocalypse, Tarot Cards, Battle to the death

Book Review: Day Zero by Kresley Cole

Release Date: August 1st, 2016
Read: August, 17th-19th, 2016
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Series: The Arcana Chronicles, #3.5
Format: Kindle Edition, 174 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Description from GoodReads:

   Ashes to ashes . . .

   Evie Greene’s story of the Flash is just one of many. All over the world, those connected in some way to the lethal Arcana game—like Death, Jack, and Fortune—must first survive a horrifying night of blood and screams. 

   We all fall down.

   Some will have to grapple with new powers; all will be damned to a hellish new existence of plague, brutality, desolation, and cannibalism. Find out who they lost, why they endure, and what they sacrificed in order to live past Day Zero. . . . 

Review:

  And so it begins...

   For the longest time I had thought that Day Zero was the next novel in the Arcana Chronicles, the one that followed Dead of Winter. But after looking into the reasoning of a longer gap than usual between book releases, I discovered that the publishing house for the series swapped. In the end they announced Day Zero as a novella and a full length novel would follow a month later. I couldn't have been happier, or so I thought. The new publishing reached out to me and offered to send me e-ARCs of both Day Zero and Arcana Rising, and being such huge fan of the series, how could I refuse?
   Day Zero was a simple and sweet book, put together for us to have a list of all the arcana, their traits, and backstory. Then to sweeten the deal even more, Cole included small stories of how each of the Arcana experienced the flash. Well, almost all of them, she left out a few arcana that had been murdered off in the previous books, or that were just no relevance to the story anymore.
   With having so many Arcana, I was intrigued by all of their stories. Obviously you had a favourite or two when reading them, personally I really enjoyed the Sun, the Priestess and of course Death. The Sun having a little bit different romantic relationship than what people usually see, really intrigued me. Then of course already knowing the Priestess and Death, it was nice to see a little more of their backgrounds, and get to know them a bit more.
   Even if I did have my favourites, I overall enjoyed most of the stories, getting creeped out with some of them, or somewhat giggling at others.
   Day Zero was a nice little refresher in preparation for Arcana Rising, although it is technically a bunch of novellas about what happened during Poison Princess, I highly recommend reading it in publication order, reading it after Dead of Winter. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the series!
   

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"I was in an insane asylum. And maybe I belonged here...

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Apocalypse, Tarot Cards, Battle to the Death

Waiting on Wednesday: (58)

Arcana Rising

Kresley Cole

The Arcana Chronicles, #4

Valkyrie Press

Expected: August 15th, 2016

Description from GoodReads:

   When the battle is done . . . 

   The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

   And all hope is lost . . . 

   With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

   Vengeance becomes everything.

   To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Why I Want It:

   I've been a huge fan of The Arcana Chronicles, ever since I read Poison Princess roughly three years ago. From becoming obsessed with the tarot cards, to the characters. I couldn't get enough, I even dragged my sister into becoming obsessed with the series. 

   Dead of Winter left us with a pretty huge cliffhanger, which broke me quite a bit. I'm super happy that the wait is almost over and that I can finally get my hands on the next book in the series, Arcana Rising!

   That's my Waiting on Wednesday this week! Will you be picking up Arcana Rising? What are you waiting on this week?

Recommendation Fridays: The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole

   This series is an obsession of mine, the idea of the Arcana Cards fighting to survive against the world, and against each other is my favourite. I have yet to experience another book based on Tarot cards, and so The Arcana Chronicles have filed that hole in my heart.

   The powers, the apocalypse, the characters. It's all fabulous, Kresley Cole is an already experienced author who knows everything she needs in order to write a novel that'll break you. Honestly, who could ask for more?

The series would probably be best for people who like the following books:

 Fantasy, Romance, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, Urban Fantasy, Fight for Survival

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Release Date: July 9th, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Series: The Arcana Chronicles, #1

Format: Paperback, 369 pages

Description from GoodReads:

   She could save the world--or destroy it.

   Sixteen year old Evangeline"Evie" Greene leads a charmed life--until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future--and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

   But she can't do either alone.

   With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally trust Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

   Who can Evie trust?

   As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side...

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 1st, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Series: The Arcana Chronicles, #2

Format: Paperback, 336 pages

Description from GoodReads:

   Shocking secrets 

   Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

   Unexpected allies 

   With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

   Gut-wrenching treachery 

   When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember--but Death can't forget... 

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole 

Release Date: January 6th, 2015

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Series: The Arcana Chronicles, #3

Format: Hardcover, 336 pages

Description from GoodReads:

   Heartbreaking decisions 

   Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

   Uncertain victory 

   Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

   Two heroes returned 

   There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...? 

Check Out Ohana Reads' Review of Dead of Winter

   What do you think? Sounds fabulous right? Will you be picking up The Arcana Chronicles? 

Book Review: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Release Date: January 6th, 2015
Read: December 11th-15th, 2015
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Series: The Arcana Chronicles, #3
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
Source: Bought

Description from GoodReads:

   
   Heartbreaking decisions 

   Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

   Uncertain victory 

   Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

   Two heroes returned 

   There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...?

Review:

   We will love you ever so much.

   The Arcana Chronicles has been one of my favourite series since I picked the Poison Princess from the library. The plot, the characters, I was fascinated with it all. Unfortunately the books are some what short and the waiting time is a little over a year for each of the new books, so with Dead of Winter I was going to wait till the fourth books released so that the heart break wouldn't be terrible. But of course my little sister became obsessed with the series too, and when she caught up, she started to continuously tease me about spoiling it if I didn't read it soon. So here I am.
   Dead of Winter did not disappoint, it was as exciting, exhilarating and aggravating as the first two books in the series. Kresley Cole took another step in the right direction when it came to everything, my favourite being the Arcana.
   My favourite part of the series is the Arcana, the game, the powers. It captivates me, I've never experienced a story or plot with them before, so I always need more when the books end. The way Cole develops her characters with these powers are my favourite, especially when Matthew literally tells us them in riddles but we don't figure them out until later. Death's touch, Evie's vines, Gabriel's wings, I need more!
   Continuing on with the Arcana, the Lovers had one of the most important roles in Dead of Winter and heck they had me creeped the heck out. At first when the characters mentioned their powers I was madly concerned but we had Death, so it was no big deal right? Wrong, it wasn't their powers that freaked me out. It was them in general, their obsession with love. They made me feel terrified of being in my own skin. Closer to the end of the book when we got to see the real Lovers, I actually thought I was going to vomit. So congrats to Cole for creating villains that will forever haunt my nightmares.
   Finally the triangle, I understand why people are so done with love triangles but usually with me, I don't mind them. As long as the girl/guy picks the right choice and isn't annoying/frustrating about it. With the Arcana Chronicles I was always on the same team, I have been since the beginning and will be till the end. Both guys had their faults, but Jack messed up in a way that Evie has difficulty with and Aric had already started to make amens for the mistakes he made. I would have thought the choice was clear, unfortunately in the end I think she made the wrong choice, and with the ending we got she'll just have to deal with her poor choices and face the consequences.
   Dead of Winter left me with a cliffhanger that my heart won't soon forget, but with the cliffhanger, it will bring us a great 4th book in the series as well as the Empress at her strongest. May 2016 better hurry the heck up because I was right about my initial foretelling of heartbreak, and now the only cure will be the next book.

Spoiler: Just in case anyone was curious, I am Team Aric forever and always. I just didn't want to say it above in case a reader has yet to read the book.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"Lies are curses you place on yourself. " 

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Tarot Cards, Magic

Ohana Talks: Top 5 Favourite Love Triangles

   Love them or hate them, everyone has read a book with a love triangle in it. Whether it was the famous trio in Twilight or if it was some other. 

   Over the past years I've grown to love a select few of triangles, and I can say for a few of them I wouldn't be where I am today without them! So today I'm going to be telling you them! Here are my top 5 favourite love triangles!

Warning: Post will contain spoilers varying on the book series.

Four, Sarah & Six

   When I first read I Am Number Four, I loved Four and Sarah together. He risked everything to be with her, but when Four and Sam go back to Paradise and "Sarah" turns them in to the Mogadorians I kind of lost it. I know we realize later that it wasn't actually Sarah, but it kind of stuck with me. Plus with Six being so bad ass, how could one not ship them.

Evie, Death & Jack

   I was always iffy with Jack, so when Death came along I automatically fell in love. I've still only read the first two books, but with still 2 more books to go, I can't wait to see where Kresley Cole takes us!

America, Aspen & Maxon

   What can I say, I'm still Team Aspen even after The Heir.

Kelsey, Kishan & Ren

   I have so many tears for this series, I think this was the only series that I was constantly back and fourth between the guys. I still don't even think I have a team, I miss Kishan but with the ending we got, I can't say I don't love Ren. *SIGH* 

Tessa, Jem & Will

   I SHIP IT ALL, ALL OF THEM. I NEED MORE OF THEM I TELL YOU, MORE.

   aha, well those are my Top 5 Love Triangles! Who are your favourites? Let me know, I'm always looking for more ships.