Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo


Release Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.


Do you guys remember my Shadow and Bone review? Same thing. Loved it.

Alina never asked for this. She never asked to be the Sun Summoner. She never asked to be a Saint. She never asked to be hunted across the world by the most powerful Grisha to ever have lived. But she is. Alina must come to terms with the fact that she’ll never be free—that something, someone, will always be there to expect something from her.

The second installment of The Grisha Trilogy is less action-y and more political. Alina and Mal’s flight from the Darkling doesn’t last long, before they are drawn back into the fold (no, not the Fold) of Ravka. While they were fleeing, they learn that the Darkling staged a failed coup and that Ravka is on the brink of civil war.

Temporarily, they find themselves in the grasp of the Darkling as he hunts the northern seas for another legendary amplifier for Alina to wear. And guys, there are pirates! I’m serious. Pirates. I love pirates. Oh, I’m sorry, I think they prefer to be called privateers in this book (read it, you’ll get the joke).

Anyway, the captain of the ship, Sturmhond, is dreamy and just a tad-bit crazy. Not Darkling crazy—I’d like to think I have better taste in crazy than that. But for realz, he is everything a privateer-loving girl could dream of. And his sense of humor is after my heart. I think you guys will love him!

Fast forward: they’ve escaped the Darkling and now they’re forced to forge unlikely alliances as they head back to Os Alta.

This is where the book takes on more political tones. Everyone in Os Alta has a motive, even Alina. She must learn how to play the game of politics, so that she can have a chance to save Ravka. However, the deeper she gets drawn into court life, the more she is drawn to power and the further she gets pulled away from Mal.

Slowly, Mal and Alina realize that they are changing—that they are no longer the orphans from Kermazin. As the gap widens between them, they must fight for their survival and the survival of Ravka.

However, like always the Darkling is looming in the shadows: terrorizing Alina as he is gathering his forces for another attack.

I’m sorry; my summary doesn’t do the book justice. But trust me: this book is great! It’s still filled with Russian Folklore, and I love it. For those of you who have seen it/speak Russian, there is a part that straight-up made me think of Летучий Корабль (Letuchy Korabl: The Flying Ship). Watch the link, please.

That movie just makes me crack up, every time (specifically the merman part at 8:12). It’s so weird!
It doesn’t really pertain to the book, but you guys will get what part I’m talking about after you read it/watch the movie.

And there is so much intrigue and plot twists that I literally had to put the book down and scream into a pillow. That is not a lie. Ask my roommates; they’ll affirm it.

Actually, come to think of it, I put the book down a lot.

The only thing that bothers me about this book is Mal. I don’t know what it is about him, but I just really dislike him. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, and I understand where he’s coming from, but I just want to reach into the book and slap him out of his perpetual bad mood. Though, I guess the same goes for Alina, sometimes.

That’s the problem with books: the characters become your friends, but you can’t slap some sense into them when they desperately need it. It’s infuriating, but in a good way.

I don’t trust myself not to start writing spoilers, so I’m going to cut myself short.

I strongly recommend this book to you guys, after you read Shadow and Bone, of course. It will keep you on the edge of your seat/toes/bed/horse—wherever you’re reading this book. Alina is a wonderful character, and I love reading about her trials and tribulations! So this series is definitely taking a place of honor next to Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, for me!

Also, Ruin and Rising will be coming out in June TODAY! (JUNE 17TH!!!), and I await it with thinly veiled enthusiasm (THE ENTHUSIASM IS HERE)!

С любовью, мои дорогие!
With love, my darlings!

About the Author

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm (Holt Children’s/ Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

Website   •   Blog   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter   •   Facebook

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 372
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Um, yes. Yes, please.

This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved every freaking page of it. (Shout out to Emily for recommending it to me!)

So this book was just for me—like I quite possibly think it was made for me. Let me explain: Bardugo’s world “Ravka” is set in an alternate universe that is widely based off of Tsarist Russia, and it’s a fantasy. Have I mentioned I’m part Russian and that I have a Russian minor and that I definitely spent three months in Russia? Well I did. And like most Russophiles, I get giddy every time I get a chance to utilize my Russian skillz. (Yes, skillz with a "z"--because I'm that cool.)

Anyway, this fantasy is amazing. I found the concept fresh, even if I was imagining Avatar: The Last Airbender at some points. (The Grisha are basically benders, and it’s pretty freaking awesome!)

This is pretty much what I picture when Summoners are described:

I can go into how there is a pretty poignant commentary on wealth distribution between classes, but honestly, who wants to hear about that? And also, I feel like an ass when I start to analyze books like that (to be clear: that doesn’t mean I can’t; it’s just not my primary objective). To cut it short: it is easy to draw parallels between the gross gap between peasants and nobility from Tsarist Russia in this book. Though honestly, this entire book is a parallel to Tsarist Russia—there’s even a Rasputin, oh yes there is!

So aside from my squealing about the implementation of Russian culture and words (that part made me pretty happy), the plot is wonderful. Bardugo’s writing is vivid and imaginary and I swear to God, I’ll be super disappointed if it doesn’t eventually become a movie. There are many parts of this book that you can see so vividly, and I think it would translate to the screen in a lovely way.

Like every good YA novel, there is a romance. We all know that I’m not a huge romance person, so when I say I enjoyed it without being overwhelmed by it—that’s practically the highest compliment I can give. But really, it was sweet and endearing and even a little complicated at points, but I was pleased when it ended the way I wanted. At one point, she has two suitors (of course she does) and she picks the more logical (in my opinion, you may differ on that point) option of the two.

And oh my gosh, the villain! I love me a good villain and this guy, this guy definitely delivered. Towards the beginning of the novel, you start to think that, “Oh, maybe he’s not that bad of a guy.” And then there are these hints, or tiny details that make you begin to think, “Ope nope! Run away, Alina! Run far away now; he’s going to do something diabolical!” and she doesn’t…for a while. Yeah, I know, vague description is vague; but trust me, he is a great villain, simply because he can charm the pants off of anyone! And my favorite kind of villain is the one who is dangerously compelling.

Moving on from that mess of an explanation, I just have to say if Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight are your sort of books (like they are mine), then you absolutely must read these! They are a very similar feel, in my opinion.

So go! Read! Enjoy!

Check out the Siege and Storm review--expect Ruined and Rising to soon follow!

Do’svidaniya moi dorogiye!  (God, I love how appropriate this sign off is!)

About the Author

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm (Holt Children’s/ Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

Website   •   Blog   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter   •   Facebook

Review: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood #1) by Victoria Scott

Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Adventure
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: ARC from Netgalley
Goodreads • Amazon


A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?


First off, let me address something: Fire & Flood definitely has a Hunger Games vibe to it. There's a dangerous competition with only one winner that involves a perilous trek across treacherous landscapes. A sister competing to save her sibling (in this case, a brother). But, as far as I'm concerned, that's where the similarities end.

The Brimstone Bleed is no Hunger Games; all of its contestants are willing and they compete not for their lives, but for the lives of their sick loved ones. And it's not necessarily a fight to the death. Is it dangerous? Absolutely! But there's no direct barrier to everyone's survival in the Bleed. It may seem like a small shift, but it definitely gives a different feel. Sure, they all want to win over the other Contenders, but it's not about killing each other—as a result, alliances are more believable and it's easier to become attached to the characters Tella encounters on her journey.

Speaking of Tella... I kind of loved her. Granted, there were times I wanted to smack her—her priorities, on more than one occasion, were rather misaligned. But she felt so genuine. This is a teenage girl trying to come to terms with how she found herself in this situation. She's quirky, silly, often a little obnoxious. She loves her brother, and her entire family, fiercely, even if she's not always good at showing it. Tella is the kind of heroine I love, but people tend to bash. Imperfect and at the will of questionable teenage decision-making, her journey is not without stumbles. More than once, we hear about how much she misses makeup, clothes and looking pretty. She's often scared. She becomes rather attached to a boy and spends a lot of time thinking about him. But, seriously? I dare anyone criticizing this girl to actually claim they'd do better.

On the subject of boys... Oh my Guy. Mysterious? Check. Brooding? Check. Possibly dangerous? Check. Easy on eyes... Uh, yep. He's exactly the person I'd want on my side, and Tella certainly feels the same way. She's instantly fascinated. And who wouldn't be? Not only does he fit many of the characteristics we love about our book boys, but he seems to know a lot more about the Bleed than those around him. Guy may be the only way for Tella to make sure she not only survives but figure out just what she's found herself a part of. There's a lot more to be learned in this series, that's for sure.

But this brings me to what is, almost definitely, my favorite part of this concept: the Pandoras. Genetically modified animals that help their contenders through the Bleed. They. Are. Awesome. Especially Madox. I adore Madox. I want one, plain and simple.

The secondary characters Tella met along the way were also great: well-developed, diverse, and inspiring of sympathy. This is a tough situation for more than just Tella, and seeing the way the Bleed affects the different personalities really serves to round out the story.

At the core of all of this is the wonderful style of Victoria Scott herself. Her humor and flare is excellent and flawlessly transitions between the nail-biting scenes. More than once, I texted Izzy to share a particularly hilarious scene (Does that count as taunting? Quite possibly... Whoops...). It was certainly distinctive and this is what really set the book apart from similar stories. There are jokes and awkward blunders you certainly won't find in the Hunger Games, and I loved it!

My last comment on the comparison is that, to me, this is not a novel that can be classified as dystopian. This could be our world now; the premise of the story pretty much hinges on this occurring in our universe, just under the nose of everyday folk.Which makes it all the more disconcerting as you're reading, if you ask me.

Fire & Flood was a perfect mix of on-point humor, vibrant characters, and enthralling adventure! I'd definitely recommend this book to YA adventure fans. People who love dangerous quest stories. Even those just looking for a humor/adventure combo. This was a great read!

About the Author

Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe. She's the author of the Fire & Flood series published by Scholastic, and the Dante Walker trilogy published by Entangled Teen. Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets including the UK, Turkey, China, Poland, Germany, Australia, Israel, Taiwan, Brazil, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.

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Review: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2) by Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Dystopian, Adventure
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

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…


He made the sign of the cross.

He made the sign of the cross when he saw what she was. Evie tries not to let it hurt her, his sign of revulsion, but it's difficult. She's in love with him, and she knows it. A part of her hoped that he would accept her—regardless of her true nature—but that seems impossible now.

The cat is out of the bag now, so to speak. Jack knows everything: he knows that Evie has supernatural powers. He knows that she and their companions are part of a much larger game. He knows that she's a killer. He knows that this is no longer "his party."

And he knows he still wants Evie.

As the odd man out in their hodgepodge group, Jackson Deveaux immediately returns to his brooding nature. And Evie is going out of her mind thinking that he hates her.

The gang continues their journey to find her grandmother—Evie's last hope at learning how to play the game to end it. As they travel, their purpose is revealed; alliances are formed; secrets are uncovered.

And Death is on their heels.

More specifically, Evie's heels. For some inexplicable reason, Death is obsessed with her. And she gets the feeling that it is not because of the game. Something has happened between them in the past. She can't remember what, and he can't help but to.

But now she's in his grasp. And she can't deny her attraction to him.... There is something so eternal—inevitable—about them.

I want to start by saying: I got a lot of grief for the cover of this novel. I pretty much spent all my classes reading (don't worry, my classes were boring), and all my friends laughed at the vampire-esque cover photo. It was pretty funny in retrospect, but at the time I was slightly mortified and took extra care to conceal the cover. Yes, I know I could have taken it off, but I didn't want to rip the cover either.

But it was a great conversation starter!

"Elizabeth, are you reading a vampire romance?"
"No! It's about Tarot Cards and an apocalypse. And there are zombies. And now they have to form an alliance and ohmygawd they're having sex right now! What is going on?!"
"Wait really—can I see?!"

These are mostly guys I'm talking to. So enjoy that image of me getting a few guys to hold a book with that cover. I was so proud and should have gotten a photo.

Downside, though? I was definitely blushing in the middle of class—so people knew. And a few probably thought I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

But how did I feel about this novel?

In a word: confused. I mean, I liked it. I definitely was engrossed by it. But I cannot sort out my particular feelings about it.

I still love the characters! Matthew and Finn are my homeboyz—a true bromance! And I especially love the teenage girls and their dynamics. They are so ridiculously catty and it brings me great joy to watch them all but scratch each other's eyes out.

And, to an extent, it is a fairly accurate representation of teenage girls' behavior when it comes to boys.

Aaaand now it's time for my rant! Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen—I have a lot to say!

So remember when I said that I thought I could tolerate Evie as a person? Yeah, I withdraw that statement. She skipped past stupid and landed right on dumbass for this round.

I have a strong suspicion that Evie is the kind of girl who can't help but be in a relationship—which is impressive and unfortunate, given her apocalyptic setting. There is slim pickings in the After Flash world, but boy, does she know how to pick 'em!

Spoiler alert: she is definitely experiencing major Stockholm Syndrome, and I want nothing more than to slap her and isolate her from all men. She just cannot seem to make a rational decision. And she is attracted to terrible qualities in men: like possessiveness. I am not talking about jealousy, that is fine—you do you Jackson and Death—but I am talking about how both of her suitors seem to view her as an object to be coveted rather than a person to be loved. And I strongly disagree with that notion and don't think that this view of "what love should be" should be perpetuated for young(er) readers. Both men are vindictive and manipulative and I don't think they should be presented as desirable.

Also, I am sorely tempted to tag this as "Raunchy Reads with Izzy." This book—I don't know how—took a sharp left turn and somehow ended up with semi-explicit sex. Which, I do not mean to demonize sex—it is a perfectly natural and enjoyable part of human life—but I am disconcerted by it being depicted this way in a YA novel.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know how I feel about it. I think it wouldn't have bothered me, had it not been tied to an unhealthy representation of a relationship.

Also, the age difference between Death and Evie weirds me out. I don't mean the fact that he's about a millennia older than her, I mean that he is 23 and she is 17. Give her three years, Death, and I might feel better about you.

Okay, rant done.

I did enjoy this book. But you all know how particular I am about romance and the representation of what is a healthy relationship. The plot itself is interesting, though, and I definitely recommend you guys read this series!

Until next time, my loves!

About the Author

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists in the U.S. and abroad.

Before becoming a writer, Cole was a world-ranked athlete, coach, and graduate student. She has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. Two of her favorite places to visit include the rain forests of Central America and the Far North Queensland area of Australia (where, by the way, she would not recommend swimming outside of the stinger nets–at night).

Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.” She spends any free time traveling and enjoys all things related to boats and water.

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas


Release Date: August 7, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 404
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased and Well-Loved by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass – and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.


It just felt so wrong to not have a review for this masterpiece!

Celaena Sardothien was sent to the Salt Mines of Endovier to die. As if anything could kill her so easily. A year later, the Crown Prince and the Captain of the Guard raise her out of her slavery with a proposition: compete to become the King’s Champion and win your freedom or be sent back to the brutal mines.

She is an assassin. She has been betrayed. She has been beaten and brutalized. But she will never break.

Celeana must compete against twenty-three other prospective champions in order to win the title of King’s Champion. Along the way, champions begin to be horrifically murdered. There is a darkness that lurks in the Glass Castle of Adarlan, and she must seek it out before she becomes its prey.

She must fight to become the slave of the man she hates most. She must serve him for four years until she can be the one thing that she has never been before: free. Nothing will get in her way. After all, she’s Adarlan’s Assassin, and people still whisper when they mention her name.

I don’t know if you guys realize this, but I am completely smitten with this series and author. Smitten is probably putting it mildly; it’s more like unhealthily obsessed.

This is probably my fifth time to read this novel, and I became just as engrossed in it as I was the first time I ever read it. It never gets old and it’s always entertaining.

You guys should know that my standards for YA novels, and sometimes novels in general, are based off of this series. When I say I love a strong female protagonist, I mean Celaena Sardothien. When I say I love adventure, I mean Celaena’s adventures. When I say I don’t particularly like romance, but can appreciate it when it’s done properly, I mean this is how you do it and win my heart forever. I don’t think I can adequately express my love and admiration for this book and its author. In some ways they have both shaped who I am today. Is that cheesy? Just a tad. I might be getting swept away by my fangirling, but it feels true nonetheless.

For all of you who love YA for the endearing romance, this book has plenty for you. And the series will have even more! Yes, I’m actually excited about that, because I happen to be in love with all of the characters. When I do get into romance, I’m like every one else: I protect my preferred pairing with a savage aggression. However, in this novel/series, I simply cannot do that. You see, I love Celaena (and the boys too, but you’ll see what I mean). And no matter how many relationships she has, I will love that man just as much as she does. And when her heart breaks, mine will break with hers. Celaena doesn’t go into relationships half-hearted, so it’s impossible for me to prefer one guy to another—simply because, she loves everyone she’s ever loved.

Wow. That was convoluted. I need to break away from that now.

Let’s talk about Celaena and the awesomeness that is she. Celaena has been trained to be an assassin since she was eight. And she is the best. By far. Hands down. The best. She is beautiful, she is intelligent, she is witty and she is loyal, despite her being an assassin. Oh, and she can kill a man with a hairpin. Basically, if I had to choose a literary character to be, I would choose Celaena. Even knowing the pain and sorrow she has suffered already and having a tentative idea of what new torments will come to her, I would still choose her. Sure, she’s arrogant—but she has every right to be.

I fell in love with her over five years ago. You guys will fall in love with her from the first chapter.

Are you guys sold yet?

There is magic. It’s a tentative thing in the first book, but it will grow as the series continues.

There is fate. You know that Celaena had a life long ago that she is desperate to hide from, but the past will come back to her in due time.

There are beautiful men. Dorian, the Crown Prince, is your classic heartthrob. He will charm you out of your shoes, before you even know it. And Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, is the man every girl (hyperbolic speech) should want to marry. He is brooding, but he is hilarious. And there will be more.

Speaking of men; Sam Cortland, from the Throne of Glass prequel novellas, should be given a nod. Oh Sam, I loved you so dearly. Thank you for being Celaena’s first and great love. You changed her for the better. You made her the woman she is today.

I can’t convince you guys more than this. Please go read this series. It is definitely worth it. It’s well written and captivating.

But before you read Throne of Glass, I strongly urge you to read the prequel novellas. You can buy them separately for Kindle, or you can buy the newly released, bound composition, The Assassin’s Blade. Either way you should read them. Here’s the list in chronological order:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
The Assassin and the Desert
The Assassin and the Underworld
The Assassin and the Empire

And if you decide that you can’t get enough of Throne of Glass, don’t worry—Crown of Midnight is already out! And I speculate that we won’t have to wait too long (under a year, I mean) for the third installment, Heir of Fire.

So get to it, chickadees!

About the Author

I’m a 25 year-old YA fantasy author living in the desert in Southern California. My debut novel, Throne of Glass, was published by Bloomsbury Children’s in August, 2012. Book Two – Crown of Midnight – was released in August 2013.

I was born/raised in Manhattan, but traded freezing winters and sweltering summers for No Winter Ever Weather when I followed my then-boyfriend (now husband!) out to California in 2008. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College with a degree in Creative Writing, and a minor in Religious Studies. I’m represented by Tamar Rydzinski of the Laura Dail Literary Agency.

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