Waiting On Wednesday #53 – Ewig Wir-Deathline by Janet Clark

is a weekly event originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

For whatever reason Jill is not blogging since August 2016 but her meme is still going on. Hope everything is ok and she will be back soon! Until then, I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Stahlblaue Nacht by Tetsuya Honda

One of the many beautiful surprises, that showed up in my mailbox this year. Tetsuya Honda is a bestselling author in Japan and his series about Reiko Himekawa (this is the book Soul Cage) is about the life and work of a female Homicide Detective.

Stahlblaue Nacht*
Author Tetsuya Honda
Reiko Himekawa Series #2
Translation Irmengard Gabler
Original Title Soul Cage
Publisher Fischer TB on November 23, 2017
Genre Thriller
Pages 432
Format Paperback
Source Publisher
Goodreads

A severed hand, but no body. But a big pool of blood. For Reiko Himekawa and her team, the investigation into the case of the architect Takaoka is extremely difficult. Where is the corpse? When Reiko shows the missing person´s picture to an old friend, it gets even more complicated. Because he claims that the man in the photo is not Takaoka at all. But who is it then? And where is Takaoka? (personal translation) 

Thoughts

Originally, I wasn´t sure if I wanted to continue with this series. But when it was in my mailbox and I had it at home, I thought why not give it another try.

Lord Of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

Maybe my expectations were way too high after the thrilling first book of the The Dark Artifices Trilogy. Or I´d expected something different. I don´t know. All I know is, that this second book couldn´t live up to it. 

Lord of Shadows*
Author Cassandra Clare
The Dark Artifices #2

Translation Franca Fritz, Heinrich Koop
Original Title Lord of Shadows-The Dark Artifices
Publisher Goldmann on October 9, 2017

Genre Fantasy

Pages 828

Format Hardcover

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

The young shadow hunter Emma Carstairs has avenged her parents, but she finds no peace. Because the friendship with her parabatai Julian has become love – a relationship that has brutal consequences according to the laws of shadow hunters. In order to protect Julian and herself, Emma, therefore, takes up Julian´s brother Mark. Mark, who lived with the fairies for five years and whose loyalty is not really clear. Especially as unrest prevails in the underworld. The fairies had to bow to harsh conditions after the Dark War and covet. Emma, Julian, and Mark must fight for what they love – before it´s too late and a new war breaks out … (personal translation)

Thoughts

I am glad that the cover of the German edition looks the same as the original edition does. 

Ohne Ausweg by Kathrin Lange

To be honest, after reading the second book of this series, I wasn´t sure if I wanted to continue reading this series. But now that I have, I am very glad I did. Want to know why? Keep reading *smile*

Ohne Ausweg*
Author Kathrin Lange
Faris Iskander Series #3Publisher Blanvalet on December 19, 2016
Genre Thriller
Pages 443
Format Paperback
Source Publisher
Goodreads

The Muslim special investigator Faris Iskander has become an undercover agent: Because an Islamist organization plans poison gas attacks on Berlin, Faris is put in jail. Because terrorist leader al-Sadiq is in custody there – if Faris succeeds in pretending to be an Islamist and gaining Sadiq´s trust, he can provide much-needed information to the LKA. But while Faris is forced behind bars to credibly prove his terrorist intentions, his team is desperately chasing Sadiq´s assassin outside. Then the first poison gas attack happens. And as more and more people die in the capital, Faris discovers that a far-right organization is also planning an assassination. A hopeless fight on two fronts begins … (personal translation)

Thoughts

Kathrin Lange YOU ROCK! This thriller is breathtaking, heartbreaking and haunting from the first to the last page.

Vier Zauberhafte Schwestern Und Die Unsichtbare Gefahr by Sheridan Winn

A wonderful book for children age 9 and up. A few years ago, I stumbled across this beautiful series, with magically created covers at my library. There are silver stars sparkling all over the cover motive and the painting is so sweet and adorable *sigh*

Vier zauberhafte Schwestern und die unsichtbare Gefahr* 

Author Sheridan Winn
The Sprite Sisters Series #10

Translation Katrin Weingran
Original Title The Sprite Sisters The Power Of Four

Illustration Franziska Harvey

Publisher Fischer KJB on November 23, 2017

Genre Children 9+

Pages 333

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

It is spring, and the four sisters Flame, Marina, Flora, and Sky should prepare for their exams. But in Cantrip Towers, weird things happen: An invisible intruder sneaks through the corridors trying to steal the magical powers of the family. How should the sisters fight an enemy they do not see? They make a risky plan and go into great danger. Only with combined magic powers can they survive this adventure. (personal translation)

Thoughts

If you are looking for a series where love, loyalty and the values of a caring family are held high, then this series is what you are looking for. 

Bird And Sword by Amy Harmon

I am not sure which cover I like most. The one the German edition is showing or the one, the English edition has. Both are so unique and beautiful in their very own way. One thing I DO know. The Bird and The Sword (its original title) is a novel that will polarize its readers.

Bird And Sword* 

Author Amy Harmon
The Bird And The Sword Chronicles #1

Translation Corinna Wieja
Original Title The Bird And The Sword

Publisher LYX on October 26, 2017

Genre Novel

Pages 396

Format Softcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

At age five, Lark had to watch her mother being executed. With the last breath, she took her daughter´s voice and power of words. Because magic is a mortal sin in Jeru. Thirteen years later, the young King Tiras appears at the court of Lark´s father to remind him of his fidelity to the war. He takes the voiceless young woman hostage with him. At first, Lark fears the king, but she quickly realizes that Tiras is just as free as she is, and that love may be the only weapon that can break their chains.

Thoughts

And with polarizing its readers I mean that some of us will be swooning over the moon over this story while others will probably ask what is so special about this novel? Keep reading and you´ll find out how I think about it.

Waiting On Wednesday #52 – Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

is a weekly event originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

For whatever reason Jill is not blogging since August 2016 but her meme is still going on. Hope everything is ok and she will be back soon! Until then, I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Girl Online Going Solo by Zoe Sugg

A nice book that is written in the typically Zoe Sugg way. For me a wonderful closing of this trilogy.

Girl Online Going Solo*

Author Zoe Sugg
Girl Online Series #3

Publisher Atria Keywords on November 22, 2016

Genre Children 12+

Pages 336

Format Softcover

Source German Publisher*

Goodreads

As Penny starts the school year she´s ready to face the world – alone. Noah has gone off the radar after ending his world tour early, and no one, including Penny, knows where he is. So, when she accepts Megan´s invitation to visit her performing arts school, it seems like an opportunity to make some new friends. Helping everyone else seems to be the right remedy – Elliot needs her friendship more than ever, and she meets Posey, who she can really help with her stage fright. But is charming Scottish boy Callum the right kind of distraction? And can Penny truly move on when Noah´s shadow seems to haunt her around every corner? 

Thoughts

If you are in for an easy to read a novel with some beautiful scenes and nice created figures who aren´t that profound, then this is definitely your book. 

King´ s Cage by Victoria Aveyard

One of the very few books I know where the title is actually saying what the book is all about. But again, I like the cover of the English edition way more than the ones the German editions are showing.

King´s Cage* 

Author Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen #3

Publisher Harper Teen on February 7, 2017

Genre Children 14+

Pages 528

Format Hardcover

Source German Publisher*

Goodreads

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother´s web in an attempt to maintain control over his country – and his prisoner. As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare´s heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back. When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire – leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

Thoughts

I love the blue, silver, white and red of this cover. A bleeding crown, how fitting.

Gotteslüge by Kathrin Lange

This thriller was a bit disappointing. Or maybe my expectations after the fantastic first book of this series were just way too high.

Gotteslüge*

Author Kathrin Lange
Faris Iskander Series #2
Publisher Blanvalet on March 16, 2015
Genre Thriller
Pages 413
Format Paperback
Source Publisher
Goodreads

What at first looks like a hostage-taking turns out to be a case of far-fetched personal dimensions for Faris: A man armed with an explosive belt delivers a message to him. It reads: “Next time you will press the trigger.” Faris can save his own life as the bomb explodes. But he does not know that an old enemy devised a devilish plan for him. And this adversary does not shy away from abduction or cold-blooded murder. After all, he wants to witness how Faris himself becomes an assassin … (personal translation)

Thoughts

I expected the main figure who had - again - to fight his personal demons. And there is a lot of that in this book.

Einsam Bist Du Und Allein by Mary Higgins Clark

This is the German edition of All By Myself, Alone. And despite the fact, that I am obviously not reading this series in its chronological order, I enjoyed this novel with Alvirah and Willy. A nice and easy to read thriller.

Einsam bist du und allein* 

Author Mary Higgins Clark
Alvirah And Willy Series #11

Translation Karl-Heinz Ebnet
Original Title All By Myself, Alone 

Publisher Heyne on September 25, 2017

Genre Thriller

Pages 347

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

After a private drama gemstone expert, Celia urgently needs a break. Relieved, she accepts the invitation to lecture on a cruise ship. There she befriends Lady Em, a rich old lady with an invaluable emerald necklace. Three days later, in the middle of the high sea, Lady Em is found murdered – and the chain has disappeared. Celia is determined to clarify the facts. Even if the list of suspects is getting longer. And even if she can no longer be sure of her own life aboard. (personal translation)

Thoughts

Until a few weeks ago, I wasn´t even aware that this series exists. Well, that sounds now a bit awkward. As a huge MHC fan, I probably should have known it. 

Carlotta-Internat Auf Klassenfahrt by Dagmar Hoßfeld

A nice to read book about Carlotta and what she experienced with her classmates on her trip to Mallorca. An English title could sound like this: Boarding school on a school trip. But don´t count on it *smile*

Carlotta-Internat Auf Klassenfahrt*

Author Dagmar Hoßfeld
Carlotta Series #7

Publisher Carlsen on July 28, 2017

Genre Children 10+

Pages 249

Format Hardcover
Source Publisher

Goodreads

In the eleventh grade, traditionally Castle Prinzensee does a course trip. Carlotta flies to Mallorca with her Spanish course. She is looking forward to the free time with her friends and to many new photographs of the Mediterranean. Summer, sun, palm trees, friends – and lots of time to waste! Isn´t that totally awesome? Jonas is less enthusiastic …(personal translation)

Thoughts

I am not sure how many books this series will have, but from my point of view, there shouldn´t be much more. Why I say that? Keep reading, and you´ll know *smile*

Twisted Palace by Erin Watt

The right image is everything in the world the Royals live in. Even when that means that you have to pay people money to solve the bad things you´ve done.

Twisted Palace* 

Author Erin Watt
The Royals Series #3

Publisher Everafter Romance on October 17, 2016

Genre Novel

Pages 370

Format Softcover
Source Library

Goodreads

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She´s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome. Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he´ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation. No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all. They might be right.

Thoughts 

But when it comes to a murder, no money in the world can save your butt. 

AMANI - Verräterin Des Throns by Alwyn Hamilton

The cover of Traitor to the Throne (its original title – you can see the cover at the end of this review) isn´t as warm and beautiful as the one the first book has. At least when it comes to the German edition. But with all the dark blue, black and sparkling gold, it kind of looks nice.

AMANI – Verräterin des Throns* 

Author Alwyn Hamilton
Rebel of the Sands Series #2

Translation Ursula Höfker
Original Title Traitor to the Throne 

Publisher cbt on September 11, 2017

Genre Children 14+

Pages 535 

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Amani, rebel, and daughter of a Djinni, has been fighting alongside the rebel prince for months when she is being betrayed to her worst enemy – the Sultan of Miraji. Although Amani is deprived of her magical powers, she risks her life smuggling crucial information to the insurgents outside the palace – because the rebellion must win at all cost. But the more time Amani spends as the prisoner of the Sultan, the greater her doubts become. Is she really on the right side? Or is she just a traitor? (personal translation)

Thoughts

Yes, after reading Rebel of the Sands, I had to read this second one as well. 

Broken Prince by Erin Watt

After the end of book one, I had to know how the story would continue. Thankfully I had this second book already at home and could start this right away. And wow, the story became better and better …

Broken Prince*
Author Erin Watt
The Royals Series #2

Publisher Everafter Romance on July 25, 2016

Genre Novel

Pages 370

Format Softcover

Goodreads

Reed Royal has it all – looks, status, money. The girls at his elite prep school line up to date him, the guys want to be him, but Reed never gave a damn about anyone but his family until Ella Harper walked into his life. What started off as burning resentment and the need to make his father´s new ward suffer turned into something else entirely – keep Ella close. Keep Ella safe. But when one foolish mistake drives her out of Reed´s arms and brings chaos to the Royal household, Reed´s entire world begins to fall apart around him. Ella doesn´t want him anymore. She says they´ll only destroy each other. She might be right.

Thoughts 

This time, the book starts from Reeds point of view and with a scene that left me shocked at the end of the first part of this series.

Waiting On Wednesday #51 – Queen & Blood by Amy Harmon

is a weekly event originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

For whatever reason Jill is not blogging since August 2016 but her meme is still going on. Hope everything is ok and she will be back soon! Until then, I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Ivory And Bone by Julie Eshbaugh

A novel that shows the story from a male perspective. Very interesting and different, though I wasn´t convinced in the end.

Ivory And Bone* by Julie Eshbaugh

Ivory And Bone Series #1

Published by Harper Teen on June 7, 2016

ISBN 978-0-0623-9925-0

Pages 384

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Hunting, gathering, and keeping his family safe – that´s the life seventeen-year-old Kol knows. Then bold, enigmatic Mya arrives from the south with her family, and Kol is captivated. He wants her to trust him, but hopes of impressing her are ruined when he makes a careless – and nearly grave – mistake. What Kol doesn´t know is that underneath Mya´s cool disdain is a history wrought with loss that comes to light when another clan arrives. With them is Lo, an enemy from Mya´s past who Mya swears has ulterior motives. As Kol grows closer to Lo, tensions between Mya and Lo escalate until violence erupts. Faced with shattering losses, Kol is forced to question every person he´s trusted. One thing is for sure: this was a war that Mya or Lo – Kol doesn’t know which – had been planning all along.

Thoughts

Somehow the thought, that people living in the Stone Age were actually talking and thinking like we are doing it today, was giving me the creeps. 

Cell 7 by Kerry Drewery

I don´t know what I´ve expected from this book. The cover looks great, shows the main figure and the back promises a haunting story that gives us a glimpse into the future.

Cell 7* by Kerry Drewery
Cell 7 Trilogy #1
Published by Hot Key Books on September 22, 2016
ISBN 978-1-4714-0559-4
Pages 384
Format Paperback
Source Publisher
Goodreads

A world where justice and the fate of those accused of murder is decided by the public, but has moved on from the Roman Gladiator “thumbs up or thumbs down” public vote, to a public vote by telephone. If you are voted innocent you are set free; if you are voted guilt you are committed to death by electric chair. Those awaiting their sentence reside in ever decreasing cells, getting smaller each day, until Day 7 and Cell 7, where they hear their fate.
Sixteen-year-old Martha has confessed to killing a famous celebrity. But has she done it? And if not, why has she claimed the murder? Perhaps she wants to show up the flawed and brutal system by sacrificing herself in the hope of a better world … Or perhaps she is protecting somebody else …

Thoughts

Guess my expectations were a little too high. This book, as wonderful as the cover looks like, couldn´t live up to them.

Follow Friday #30 – Highlight October 2017

Launched by Sonja of A Bookshelf Full Of Sunshine, continued by FiktiveWelten with a new logo. 

The blog action is for lively communication between bloggers, a good network and should be fun. Duration of the question: Friday to Thursday. Rules. No registration required.

This week the FF is all about our book highlight for October. I have two highlights I want to share with you. 

If you want to know which one I chose, keep reading *smile*

Paper Princess by Erin Watt

I had this series since many weeks on my reading list, but never took the time to actually get them. Not to mention reading. Until recently. And despite the fact, that I don´t understand what the hysteria about this first part is all about, I read the first three books in one single swoop.

Paper Princess* 

Author Erin Watt
The Royals Series #1

Publisher Everafter Romance on April 4, 2016

Genre Novel

Pages 364

Format Softcover

Goodreads

Ella Harper is a survivor – a pragmatic optimist. She´s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she´ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother´s death, Ella is truly alone. Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from. Reed doesn´t watch her. He says she doesn´t belong with the Royals. He might be right.

Thoughts 

Don´t let yourself get fooled by the looks of the covers. There isn´t one cheesy line in here. Okay, you might want to argue about the main characters and how they are created, but that´s about it.

Die Legende Von Shikanoko by Lian Hearn

This book got me the second I saw the cover. As you can see, the German edition is very Asian looking and the red, gold, black and white in combination with the cover motive kind of fascinated me.

Herrscher Der Acht Inseln*
Author Lian Hearn
Die Legende Von Shikanoko #1

Translation Sibylle Schmidt
Original Title The Tale Of Shikanoko – Emperor Of The Eight Islands

Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on August 24, 2017

Genre Young Adult

Pages 578

Format Hardcover

Source German Publisher

Goodreads

“Now is your name Shikanoko – child of the deer.” He put the mask on his face and felt the strength of the deer and the ancient wisdom of the woods penetrate him, and knew that he would never assume a different name.(personal translation) 

Thoughts

It has been a while, some years to be honest, that I´ve read the authors Tale of Otori saga.