Top 5 Wednesday| Fictional Fitbit

Top 5 Wednesdays is a book meme that was started by Laini from GingerreadsLaini and is now hosted by Sam over at Thoughts on Tomes.

If you ever want to join the fun, join the Goodreads group- here.

I believe this week is to do with routines that you wish you could achieve, either in agility, strength, gymnastics.. maybe even cooking!

A tricky one- and one that I've been thinking about since we were given these topics. I have chosen routines that would help me wield a weapon. Violent, I know. Yet, not all weapons are swords and guns.

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen

I have always been fascinated with archery. And I love the opening scenes where Katniss is hunting in the woods- the calming woods, in that focused manner.

2. Game of Thrones by George R.R.Martin

Jaime Lannister

Here me out. Jaime Lannister was known as not only as the Kingslayer, but one of the greater swordsmen of Westeros. What he is, is his hand. 

*spoiler for book3 and onwards*

The his hand went choppy chop, and he had to relearn that skill with his left. 

3. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff 

Kady Grant

Kady is a hacker. Well, at least good with computer code and using it to her advantage. I've always wanted to learn a bit of computer coding, but to get into others files would be handy. If a little bit illegal.

4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien

I specifying book one for this one. Celaena goes from a body that was strong and able to weak from slavery at the salt mines and then back again when she retrains throughout the book. I would love to be able to get myself from bad shape into bad-ass shape.

5. Nevernight  by Jay Kristoff

Mia Covere

I just want to go to a school for assassins. Train in the four arts. And seek my revenge!

Waiting on Wednesday| A Conjuring of Light

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

Now this is going to be a saddening post. Because, this will be, not only, the last WoW of 2016. But, the last one on ACityofBooks. Reasons should be clarified in other posts. At some point.

However, this week's WoW post is:

A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3)
V.E. Schwab


Titan Books
28th Feb, 2017

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis for A Darker Shade of Magic:

Kell is one of the last travelers--magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes connected by one magical city. 

There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad King--George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered--and where Kell was raised alongside Rhy Maresh, the roguish heir to a flourishing empire. White London--a place where people fight to control magic and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. 

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

[Bit detailed in my opinion- thanks Goodreads]

Thoughts:

V.E.Schwab is an author that I was aware about for a few years whilst as a viewer of BookTube. However, I never thought about picking up any of her novels as a matter of suiting my interests, until this year. 

I read.

And I fell in love.

Her characters are just so vivid and her world's completely captivated my eye as a reader. How she explores our depths of morals. Just- ergh!? 

And I don't think the final book of her Shades of Magic Trilogy will be no different. I have so much faith and admiration in her as she continues to write.  

This is why I think I should highlight V's most recent upcoming book as my final salute to this book blog meme. This year I have made some great friends. Met some wonderful humans. And read some FANTASTIC books. 

V has become an automatic auto-buy author this year. 

And I hope she remains like that for the many writing years to come!

Waiting on Wednesday| Windwitch

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)
Susan Dennard

UK Tor (Pan Macmillan imprint)

January 12th, 2016

Add on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sometimes our enemies become our only allies

The Windwitch Prince Merik is presumed dead, following a lethal explosion. He's left scarred but alive and determined to expose his sister's treachery. Yet on reaching the royal capital, he's shocked to find it crowded with refugees fleeing conflict. Merik haunts the streets, fighting for the weak. This leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

Hunted by the Cleaved, Iseult is struggling to stay free while she searches for her friend Safi. When the Bloodwitch Aeduan corners Iseult first, she offers him a deal: she'll return what was stolen from him, if he locates the Truthwitch. Yet unknown to Iseult, there's a bounty on her head - and Aeduan intends to claim it.

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. They find themselves amongst pirates, where a misstep could mean death. And the bandits' next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

Thoughts:

If you didn't already know I was a part of the Truthwitch Street team last year in the lead up to the release. And have somehow said to yes to staying for Windwitch. 

WHY?

Well even though I'm busy with a lot of things, Truthwitch still remain up there with the best books I have read this year. (You'll have to wait to read the Top 10.) And so I WANTED to stay. It's the most fun I've ever had!

Saying that, I am just super pumped to jump straight into the next one! More so than I was with Truthwitch. 

Seriously, if you haven't checked Truthwitch out yet. Please do. 

PREORDER YOUR COPY:

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Waiting on Wednesday| Carve the Mark

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1)
Veronica Roth

HarperCollins
17th Jan, 2016

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

Thoughts:

Slowly I am falling into the pit of putting Veronica Roth on Auto-buy-ship. I really didn't like the ending of Allegiant and am hesitant to trust Roth with my heart again. BUT, I would really like to remove the two images of Divergent = V.Roth.

This book has been likened to Star Wars. And for that alone, that raises some expectations because STAR WARS?!

I want to see how she pushed herself as a writing who has become rather successful as a woman writer.

So, for that Carve the Mark has earned its place on this week's Waiting on Wednesday post.

Waiting on Wednesday| Caraval

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Caraval (Untitled #1)
Stephanie Garber

Hodder & Stoughton

31st Jan, 2017

Find on Goodreads


Synopsis:

Two sisters bound by love and a father they fear escape their tiny, secluded island for the wondrous performance of Caraval, where the audience plays along in a mysterious and magical game of determining what's real and what's fantasy. And where only one sister might be brave enough to win the ultimate prize of 'an impossible wish'...

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for lonely Scarlett, it represents freedom, an escape from her abusive father and from her own dark past.

Still, Scarlett is too scared of her father to leave Trisda. Until she is kidnapped by her wild younger sister Donatella and a dangerous yet oh-so-seductive sailor named Julian and taken to the mystical Isla de los Suenos, the site of this year's Caraval. When they arrive, her sister immediately disappears. Since protecting Tella is all she knows, Scarlett is forced to join forces with Julian and find her before the evil Master of Caraval does...

Thoughts:

I've had an ARC of this book for literally an age. 

BUT I HAVE YET TO PICK IT UP. 

It's one of those books that are slowly hype is beginning to build and it's making me nervous. Just like I was nervous with reading Truthwitch earlier this year. (Which I loved?! REVIEW.)

I planned to read this next month, so hopefully I will. If not, just batter me over on Twitter and peer pressure should help me out.

Waiting the Wednesday| Tales of Shadowhunter Academy

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #1-10)
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis: 

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. The events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. At least Simon’s trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters.

Thoughts:

We all know that I am a sucker for anything that has been written and co-written by Cassandra Clare, much to all your dismay. And this is no different. This is a collection based in the aftermath of the events of the final The Mortal Instrument book-- City of Heavenly Fire-- and follows Simon Lewis' essentially becoming a Shadowhunter. 

I know spoiler but I'm sorry, not sorry. It's been almost three years-- and if you've read Lady Midnight than it would matter. 

I will FOREVER be counting down the releases of Cassie's books, they are just as much of my identity as the genetics of my DNA.

PREORDER YOUR COPY:

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Waiting on Wednesday| Gemina

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Gemina (The Illuminae Files 0_2)
Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hanna Donnelly is the station captain’s pampered daughter and Nik Malikov is the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. Together they struggle with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, blissfully unaware that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall with news of the Kerenza invasion.


My thoughts: 

So... I did request a copy of Gemina from the UK publicists Rock the Boat but, got turned down due to obvious limited supply. 

If did end up receiving a copy I would love to review this for everyone before the 18th Oct, 2016 (**Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge**). Illuminae if you haven't read it (where have you been?) is a YA Sci-fi told with a twist. Expect fast paced action told in the most bizarre way, yet, in the best way possible. 

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Waiting on Wednesday| The Midnight Star

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

The Midnight Star (The Young Elites #3)
Marie Lu

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She's turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but the darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy everything.

When a new danger appears, Adelina must join the Daggers on a perilous quest in order to save herself and preserve her empire. But this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger . . .

My thoughts:

Look at the pretty!! Look! Look!

Talk about not judging a book by it's cover and this is the soul reason why 'The Midnight Star' has made it to this week's Waiting on Wednesday post. I haven't read this trilogy yet, nor finished the Legend Trilogy. 

We'll see-- although, it would be nice if Penguin was like-- here have these because we see that you are interested. 

I hate no having an infinite bank account.

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Waiting on Wednesday| Heartless

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Heartless
Marissa Meyer

Synopsis:

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Thoughts:

I remember awhile back that I wrote that I wanted to complete the Lunar Chronicles before the end of the summer seeing as I am now away at University. As you can guess I did no such thing.

But I am really excited about this retelling, based on the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. My main hope is that it takes on a rather dark part of the Red Queen's origin story. We will see.

Out: 8th Nov, 2016

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REVIEW| Replica

Replica (Replica #1) 
Lauren Oliver

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. 'A sickly child', her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father's connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she's always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father's name seems inextricably linked to it.

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute's walls, Lyra - or number 24 as she is known as at Haven - and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing , they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven's purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever...

Review:

At first glance, Replica comes off as a book that is perhaps about two girls from two different sides of the metaphorical school "court". Although, their lives differ they are too "replica's" of the situations they face throughout their lives. Even if, this wasn't your initial thoughts, I know that these were certainly mine. Since then, I've read the synopsis and by default the entire thing.

Actually the cover artist has done a great job of getting the feel for the content of the book across to a potential reader. On one side is Lyra, in a bold, solid pretty pink and purple butterfly; the better at suggesting a character that is confident in their identity. Something we acknowledge early on in Lyra's chapters; she knows who she is, what she is-- a replica, a clone. On the other side is Gemma, in a mellow underconfident orange with a teal butterfly. Gemma has always known she was different which Oliver really gets across in her unsureness of who she thinks she is. 


I've never really got on with Oliver's work just because her content has never been anything that takes my interest. And then she wrote Replica. Lauren Oliver has something I would call:  an "old-fashioned" story teller narrative. It's paired down enough not to be overcomplicated and divide our attension from the point she is trying to get across but, still holds enough detail to paint a picture and for us as readers to gain enough data about who our protagonists and side-characters are.  This simplistic writing style worked really well, with the story that Oliver was telling. It made it all the more raw and heartbreaking and left my heart shattered. 

Releases: 8th Oct, 2016

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Waiting on Wednesday| Empire of Storms

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Sarah J. Maas

Out: 6th September, 2016

Synopsis:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Thoughts:

Okay, so who is excited at the fact that Empire of Storms is so close to it's release date? Granted, I don't remember much about what happened in QoS but, I'm sure I'll just read a spoiler review and be fine.

I will probably be either trying to squeeze this into the small amount of time I would have before I make the journey to Bangor, Wales or it will be read on the actual journey. We will see by the time I write about the books I am taking with me.

Waiting on Wednesday| A Torch Against the Night

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #1)

Sabaa Tahir

Out: 8th September, 2016

Synopsis:

Elias and Laia are running for their lives.
After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf - the Empire's most secure and dangerous prison - to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene - Elias's former friend and the Empire's newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own - one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape... and kill them both.

Thoughts:

 I have just finished An Ember in the Ashes (review too come) and although I enjoyed it, I didn't love it like everyone did. That being said I am excited to welcome the sequel this coming September on my ever growing shelf.

HarperVoyagerUK honoured me with an arc of this highly anticipated sequel so a review will be coming up soon. Once I've read it.

Waiting on Wednesday| Riverkeep

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Riverkeep
Martin Stewert

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Danék is a wild, treacherous river, and the Fobisher family has tended it for generations—clearing it of ice and weed, making sure boats can get through, and fishing corpses from its bleak depths. Wulliam’s father, the current Riverkeep, is proud of this work. Wull dreads it. And in one week, when he comes of age, he will have to take over.Then the unthinkable happens. While recovering a drowned man, Wull’s father is pulled under—and when he emerges, he is no longer himself. A dark spirit possesses him, devouring him from the inside. In an instant, Wull is Riverkeep. And he must care for his father, too.When he hears that a cure for his father lurks in the belly of a great sea-dwelling beast known as the mormorach, he embarks on an epic journey down the river that his family has so long protected—but never explored. Along the way, he faces death in any number of ways, meets people and creatures touched by magic and madness and alchemy, and finds courage he never knew he possessed. 

This is just pure book-cover-porn. The gold and blues are just stunning, I can't wait to see this up on the shelf of a bookstore.

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Waiting on Wednesday| Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire (Untitled #1)
Rosamund Hodge

Find on Goodreads

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan. 

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . 

I love a retelling as much as the next person.  Stunning cover. Enticing synopsis. Fantastic reviews. Sign me up.

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Waiting on Wednesday| And I Darken

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This weeks WoW post is:

And I Darken
Kiersten White

Find on Goodreads

NO ONE EXPECTS A PRINCESS TO BE BRUTAL. 
And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.
Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, who’s expected to rule a nation, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.
But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

Basically this book is a historical retelling of Vlad the impaler and I am totally a sucker for anything thing to do with the ruler who influenced one of the biggest Vampire novels in Literature history- Dracula.

Yes I made that "Sucker" pun on purpose... I'm sorry that I'm not sorry.

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Waiting on Wednesday| The King Slayer

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This weeks WoW post is:

The King Slayer (The Witch Hunter #2)
Virginia Boecker

Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches, wizards, pirates, and healers she now calls her friends.

Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.

I own the first book in the series but, have yet to read it. This is gonna be a read that I collect the books before I binge. I just hate waiting for sequels.