by Jasmyn | Jul 12, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult

Trajectory is the prequel novel to Carissa Andrew’s Pendomus Chronicles, and it gives us a little peek into some character origins – or at least I think it does. I feel like you’d need to read the part of the series first to truly understand the importance of what happens in Trajectory. But if you haven’t read them yet, then prepare to be intrigued by two completely different worlds and the people within them.
I really liked the way the Helix was described. The glimpse of a potential utopian society, but we all know where that leads. The Lateral was also interesting, but not so much because of the society, but the characters. I felt like I got to know them better than the Helix characters.
Definitely worth the read if you have read or plan on reading the Pendomus Chronicles.
P.S. Trajectory is currently free on ebook retailers (see below for links)!
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Title: Trajectory (Pendomus Chronicles #0)
Author: Carissa Andrews
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
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THE PREQUEL to the #1 International Amazon Bestseller, Pendomus…
In order to be nudged toward their ultimate destinies—Runa Cophem and Traeton Revasco had to break ranks from what they already knew. Set a year before the #1 Amazon Bestseller, Pendomus, this prequel grounds you in the world of Pendomus, while setting you up for the wild ride ahead.
Read it for FREE whereever ebooks are sold.
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by Jasmyn | May 17, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult

Two sisters fighting for the throne and kingdom go from family to enemies. Lu, the fighter and fiercely independent one, and be readying herself to become the first female leader of the kingdom. But her hopes are shattered when her father makes the unexpected decision to give the throne to her younger sister’s, Min, fiance. A fiance that has ulterior motives and plans to rule with an iron fist.
Lu is a very strong, but unfortunately stubborn, character. She has a picture in her mind of how things should be and struggles to accept it when that picture is shattered by events unfolding around her. Forced to make allies in unusual places, we are introduced to Nokhai, a man from a culture and magical background thought to have vanished. But they will both find out that he is far more than what he seems, and his race is far from disappeared.
While Lu is a strong and likable character, I felt drawn to the story of Min. The younger daughter that grew up in the shadow of her sister. When she discovers she could be so much more, the power calls to her and she finds herself in the hands of a skilled manipulator that would do anything to keep her under his heel and under his control. He sees her ancient magic as a tool to recreate the world under his rule and wipe everyone who opposes him off the face of existence. She struggles to find out who she is and what her place in the world will be.
This is the first book in the Girl King series, and while it sets the stage for an epic fantasy battle, it is an amazing story on its own as well. There is much more to come in the world, and I feel several surprise revelations on the horizon as the sisters battle each other for the title of King.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**
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Title: The Girl King (The Girl King #1)
Author: Mimi Yu
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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Two sisters become unwitting rivals in a war to claim the title of Emperor in this sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice and betrayal for readers of Sabaa Tahir and Alwyn Hamilton.
All hail the Girl King.
Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty’s first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow. Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead—a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.
Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally—and an army—if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…
Alone in the volatile court, Min’s hidden power awakens—a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set’s reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself. But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters’ greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.
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by Jasmyn | May 7, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance, Young Adult

Zoey was a great teenage character. The new kid in school and feeling a bit like an outcast is something I could completely relate to. Being uprooted and moving is rough for anyone, but moving AND finding out that you’re not exactly human? That would be super stressful.
To add to Zoey’s difficulties, the older generations of her Ice Dragon family are a bit snobbish and don’t think humans are good enough for their grand-daughter (even if she is only half-dragon).
I really admired the fight that Zoey found within her self and the courage it took to stand up to her family and their traditions. I don’t think her battle is over yet, but she may have won some allies to her side of the field by the end.
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Title: Somewhere Within (Havenwood Falls High #4)
Author: Amy Hale
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
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With her raven-black hair, porcelain-white skin, and shy demeanor, Zoey Mills has been the target of bullies since childhood, no matter how many times her family moved. She expects nothing to change when they relocate to Havenwood Falls, her parents’ hometown. What she doesn’t expect is to discover that she inherited her eccentricities—as the next generation of a long line of frost dragons.
As she learns to accept she’s on the cusp of becoming a shifter, she finds out her new best friend isn’t human, either. But the boy Zoey’s fallen for is, earning the disapproval of her grandfather and patriarch and fueling the fire of a decades-long feud among her extended family. Elitism and prejudice take on whole new meanings.
While she wants to trust her instincts and follow her heart, Zoey discovers that hiding who she really is and playing by the rules would make life a lot simpler. But simple doesn’t mean easy. She must find her strength somewhere within and embrace her destiny—or risk losing everyone she cares about. And all of this on the eve of her Sweet Sixteen.
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