Book Review: FEUDLINGS by Wendy Knight

Hey, I might actually be able to post this. Been having difficulty with blogger lately, but it seems like it may be fixed.

So I've not been reading as much since I've done tons of writing and editing over the last month. Finished book # 3 the middle of April. So fun to be able to create something from just an idea.

And its also amazing to read someone else's ideas. In the form of a book. And speaking of reading other books, let me tell you about one that kept me up way into the night it was so good.

FEUDLINGS by Wendy Knight.



First off, can I just say I love this cover! And those boots! If I could stand to wear heels, I'd totally have a pair like that.
Here's what the book has to say for itself:

Nothing makes a new school suck worse than discovering the guy you’re in love with is your prophesied nemesis.

Ari is the most powerful flame-throwing sorceress ever, and her people’s last hope in an ancient war. But she’s also a seventeen-year-old girl, and in her free, not-hunting-nemesis times, she jumps from school to school, trying to figure out regular people her own age and pretending she’ll get the chance to graduate.

Shane lives a double life. He goes to school and masters the art of popularity, hiding the fact that he has a fate with a slim chance of his survival. He’s destined to end a 300 year-old war by killing or being killed. He knows he’s hunted by a powerful enemy who’s not afraid to die. Only problem? He has no idea who that enemy is. 

When Ari shows up at Shane’s school, angry and sullen and determined to keep him at arm’s reach, neither of them realize they are supposed to be killing each other, not fall-ing in love. Until Ari does realize it, and she almost dies – by Shane’s hand.

Here's what I have to say about it:

This was such a fun book. Very much a Romeo and Juliet without the tragedy. Two kids from feuding family's fall in love and try to stop the whole war. Romance without being inappropriate. Battle scenes without being horrible and bloody and gory. A teenage assassin who has to fight her family's ancient battles, and does her best to be merciful, giving them the chance to run yet protects her family and her mother especially. Ari has a brother who is supposed to be her protector, (fighting assistant, right hand man, guardian, and so forth) but since he has a conscience and didn't want to continue fighting in the war, he is now an outcast and can't ever return home, but that doesn't stop him from still being her guard and doing what he can. The magic in the story was believable (as far as magic goes) there were rules to it, they had to do it right, no one could do all the things and there were limitations.
The humanity and relationship development was right on. Ari wasn't used to having friends and had always shut herself off from people, but as her classmates begin to break down her walls and she lets her guard down she starts to realize she can be human and actually enjoy life, even to the point of falling for a guy. Shane at first seemed like the egotistical popular guy that had to have a girlfriend all the time, but we soon get to see how Shane is so much different than the image he projects as a way to keep himself hidden in the open. The supporting characters were awesome and I even loved to hate the room mate.
Wendy did a wonderful job on this story and it has a sequel coming before long.

Here is Wendy's BLOG

It's a great price as well.
Here's the link to buy it on AMAZON

Here's the link for Barnes and Noble

And if you have a preference for Smashwords, it's right HERE

Wanna free e-book?

Hi there. I've decided to offer you a chance to get a free book all on your own, just for making the effort to check out my blog.

I've got a writing friend that is offering her book for free as an e-book until July 31st. I've read it and loved it.

Here is the summary of the book I copied off her website.

It has been 3,000 years since a white image has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcani eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother's wishes, she leaves for the mage trials, only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father's secret - a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father's greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the Sapphire Flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C'Tan has been serching for it for decades, and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak.

The girls' paths are set on a collision course...and C'Tan will do whatever it takes to keep them from fulfilling their destiny.

here is the link to the free book

This is the link to her blogspot, you can also find a link to download her book from there.

This is the link to her author website.

The sequel in this series is almost complete. She's just putting some finishing touches on it and plans to reveal it in August. I can't wait to read it, and know you'll love it too.

And while you are on my blog here, move over just a little to the left and follow me. Thanks.

Laura

E books. What are your thoughts?

I don't have a nook, kindle, or other, but I do have an ipod touch that I was able to download the nook and kindle apps for free. Since doing that, I've tried out a couple of ebooks just to see if I like reading them on the ipod vs the actual book in my hands.

Verdict? So far, I'd have to say I still prefer the book, because my kids aren't asking for a turn on the book, but they do ask for a turn on the ipod. Plus, a book, I can borrow from the library, (but honestly, I don't make it to the library very often, and I've heard you can borrow ebooks from libraries now).

However, you can find lots of ebooks for relatively cheep. 99 cents for a few hours of vacation from your mundane life can't be beat. You don't have the physical book to find a place for on your shelves.

Of course there are more reasons than the ones I've given, but I think a book, in any form is a good thing. Reading is awesome.

I'm sure I'll be reading more books in both formats, but if the book is so outstanding I want it for a second read, then I'd probably do it in actual book form.

Speaking of ebooks. I'll be doing a contest for a free ebook, so check back for details and let your friends know so they can follow me too.

Laura