Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts
Of Blood and Bone: Chronicles of The One (Book 2)
Author: Nora Roberts
Published: December 4 , 2018
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: March 17-25, 2019
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.
Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.
In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.
Jessica’s Review:
Year One was the first in this series and now we have book two in the trilogy with Of Blood and Bone. The story continues and the books focus is on Fallon, who is nearly thirteen, and she knows what her future will be in being The One. And let me tell you, even in a post-apocalyptic world, teenagers will still be teenagers! At times it was humorous to read. We do see Fallon grow as she undergoes her training with Mallick. It was good to see some of the other characters returning from the previous book to see what is going on in their lives. My favorite character is Arylis, so I liked being ‘updated’ on her life.
Now, I am not a fantasy reader and the fantasy element really kicks in for this book. It’s the story of the people and living in an apocalyptic world that intrigues me. I couldn’t care less about the faeries, magic, etc, so Of Blood and Bone isn’t really for me. Because Fallon is the focus, Of Blood and Bone has a YA feel to it, but remember she IS a teenager! I am still surprised that this series is written by Nora Roberts, who writes romance. I have never read any of her other books, but wow, she can write!
Year One dealt with the ‘end of the world’ and I am thinking the final book in this series will heavily focus on the future battles and will have a significant fantasy element, so I might skip out on it. There is nothing wrong with the novel, I am just not the demographic reader for this series. If you enjoy fantasy books, then The Chronicles of The One series will be for you!
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My review for Year One is here. Year One made my Top 10 of 2018! That list is here.
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Purchase Links:
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The Fall of Crazy House
Author: James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Published: April 8, 2019
368 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
Escape is just the beginning.
Twin sisters Becca and Cassie barely got out of the Crazy House alive. Now they’re trained, skilled fighters who fear nothing–not even the all-powerful United regime.
Together, the sisters hold the key to defeating the despotic government and freeing the people of the former United States. But to win this war, will the girls have to become the very thing they hate?
In this gripping sequel to James Patterson’s YA blockbuster Crazy House, the world is about to get even crazier.
Kim’s Review:
Thank goodness!!! This book came at the perfect time, cuz I didn’t think I was going to make it! I have been waiting for this book FOREVER!! If y’all remember, I wanted to throw Crazy House across the room when I finished it. It wouldn’t have been nearly as bad if the sequel had been announced . . . But it wasn’t, hence the tantrum! A huge, unending expanse of nothingness!
But, thankfully, the sequel was written and it’s here! I read it quickly and easily and I wasn’t disappointed. Becca and Cassie were exactly as they should have been. They hadn’t changed a bit. I love their spunk and watching them grow and strengthen was great! Nate and Tim were pillars of strength that I would have missed if they hadn’t been there. There was historical research that I was naturally drawn to. Once again, I can’t say much cuz I don’t wanna give anything away!!! My one real criticism is that the ending was a little anticlimactic.There were loose ends that weren’t tied up and although it’s not a cliffhanger, I think this book would benefit from another book in the series. Overall, I really liked this book, it was definitely worth the wait. I think this series would be great for getting teens to read for fun. Save it for older teens.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
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Blog Tour: After Jessica by Morgen Bailey
Today I get to help end the blog tour for After Jessica by Morgen Bailey! I share my review of this novella.
Book Description:
Jessica is an ordinary girl who comes across extraordinary circumstances and pays for them with her life. As well as identifying her body, her brother Simon then has to wind up her affairs but gets more than he bargains for. Who is Alexis, and why are Veronica and Daniel searching for her? Why is there a roll of cash in Jessica’s house, and what’s the connection between his sister and Alexis?
Author: Morgen Bailey
Published: September 20, 2016
172 Pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: April 4-10, 2019
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Jessica’s Review:
After Jessica is a short novella written by Morgen Bailey that pulls you in from the beginning and we have multiple mysteries throughout. The chapters are extremely short and the story is fast paced. You will want to keep reading to see what will happen!
The chapters are from multiple points of view (a favorite of mine!) and they start out disconnected, but as the novella progresses, they all wind up interconnected. Readers of thrillers/mysteries will most likely figure out the connections early on, I did. But it did not end my enjoyment of the novella. I wanted to see how these characters figured out the outcome. I liked and was invested in these characters, even the ‘unlikable’ Daniel, but you can understand his reasoning!
Reader beware: After Jessica ends on a cliffhanger! Ms. Bailey, I am ready for the continuation of this novella. I really hope you are planning to continue the story and I want to know what will happen next: Because ‘After Jessica’ is just the beginning!
After Jessica is recommended.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the Author:
Morgen Bailey (Morgen with an E) is an author (of novels, short stories, writing and editing guides), freelance editor (for publishers and indie authors), writing tutor (in person and online), Writers’ Forum magazine ‘Competitive Edge’ columnist, blogger, speaker, and co-founder of Northants Authors. The former Chair of three writing groups, she has judged the H.E. Bates Short Story Competition, RONE, as well as the BBC Radio 2, BeaconLit, and Althorp Literary Festival children’s short story competitions. She also runs her own monthly 100-word competition. 2018 events include talks and workshops at Troubador’s Self Publishing Conference speakers, workshops and panels at Delapre Book Festival, interviewing and workshops at BeaconLit, and NAWG Fest with her ‘Editing your Fiction’ weekend residential course. Morgen can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and many others. Her blog is http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com, and email address morgen@morgenbailey.com.
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