Book Review: A Curse of Gold

Listen, this week has been nuts and this weekend is going to be just as crazy. I was starting to get worried I wouldn't finish this book but then I started and HOLY MOLY, I finished it in a day. One day, you guys. 

A Curse of Gold - Annie Sullivan

Curses and queens. Pirates and kings. Gods and magic. The final saga of a cursed queen, a vengeful Greek god, and a dazzling kingdom in the balance.

After barely surviving thieving, bloodthirsty pirates and a harrowing quest at sea to retrieve her stolen treasure, Kora finds readjusting to palace life just as deadly. Kora’s people openly turn against her, threatening to overthrow her as heir to the throne—a cursed queen who has angered Dionysus. When Dionysus puts out a challenge to kill the girl with the golden touch and burn down her kingdom, it’s not just her future on the throne in danger. Kora’s life and entire kingdom are now on contract.

As bold and brave as ever, Kora sets out to find Dionysus, the very person who is trying to kill her, on the mysterious disappearing island of Jipper. Kora has no other choice. If she wants to save her kingdom and have any chance at reversing her father’s curse, she will have to enter into a deadly game with Dionysus, the greatest trickster the world, or the underworld, has ever seen. 

If you have been around for awhile, you might remember that I reviewed A Touch of Gold way back in 2018. I loved it and I had been hoping for a part two, so when I saw a part two come out, I JUMPED at it. I didn't know how much I needed this book until I read it. It was worth the wait! 

*Disclaimer, you HAVE to read the first book before you read this. I know, sadsies, but I promise you it is worth it.*

To be honest, I didn't really have any idea what the storyline was going to be in this one but we find out right away the plan is to find Dionysus and lift the curse on her and her father (Midas), who is basically wilting away. We have Royce by her side, but the journey isn't just about this, she has to prove herself as a real leader that can rule Lagonia. 

Just like the first book, this one is FULL of crazy plot twists! The author gives us wonderful characters (I love Lenny), we get a series of odd riddles on the way to the Oracle, we have Triton in this one (!!!), Poseidon, and of course, we have Dionysus. So much more. Kora is the strong female character we need right now. I love that Royce is by her side and never doubting her, completely supporting and encouraging her. I did have to remind myself that this is a young adult book so it is aimed for that audience, but man- this would make a great adult book with some tweaks. 

I love how nothing was as it seemed, just when you thought you had something nailed down, you are so completely wrong. I wouldn't even say I'm someone who likes fantasy, but I just loved this. I really hope this turns into a trilogy, and I want more of Hettie and Rhat. I really need more or them, just saying. 

Overall? I'm giving this one 5 stars, just like A Touch of Gold, because I want more. Any book I want more of has to be 5, right? I'm such a fan of BlinkYA Publishing, so I'm so thankful they sent me a copy for review, and for TLC Book Tours for having me on this tour! If you are looking for a great couple of books to have your teen read, they will like these, it'll keep them turning those pages! 

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Book Review: Every Stolen Breath

Let's start by telling you I saw early reviews for this book and immediately I knew this was one that I wanted to read. Secondly, I saw it was coming from Blink YA Books and knew I was going to love it because every book I've read from them has been amazing. Third, this came as a surprise in the mail and I have no idea who sent it to me because the packaging was destroyed and there was no note, so whoever sent it, THANK YOU.

Every Stolen Breath - Kimberly Gabriel

The Swarm is unrecognizable, untraceable, and unpredictable—random attacks on the streets of Chicago by a mob of crazed teens that leaves death in its wake. It’s been two years since the last attack, but Lia Finch has found clues that reveal the Swarm is ready to claim a new victim.

Lia is the only one still pursuing her father’s killers, two years after attorney Steven Finch’s murder by the Swarm. Devastated and desperate for answers, Lia will do anything to uncover the reasons behind his death and to stop someone else from being struck down. But due to debilitating asthma and PTSD that leaves her with a tenuous hold on reality, Lia is the last person to mount a crusade on her own.

After a close encounter with the Swarm puts Lia on their radar, she teams up with a teen hacker, a reporter, and a mysterious stranger who knows firsthand how the mob works. Together, they work to uncover the master puppeteer behind the group. Though if Lia and her network don’t stop the person pulling the strings—and fast—Lia may end up the next target.

Inspired by the real-life “flash mob” violence that has plagued Chicago since 2011, Every Stolen Breath by debut author Kimberly Gabriel is a fast-paced and immersive thriller that shows just how hard one girl will fight back, knowing any breath might be her last. 

This book was an absolute ride. I told the author on Instagram that Matt had to physically take the book away from me so I would go to sleep because it was almost midnight and I could not stop reading. The book begins immediately with Lia at Navy Pier, where she believes the next Swarm attack was going to happen. Her father was the last victim and she's determined to avenge his death and figure out who is organizing the Swarm but also who are the people in the Swarm. Things go south quickly and from there this is a non stop roller coaster. You have no idea who is behind it, everyone is a suspect and you can trust nobody.

I absolutely loved this book, I loved that the setting is Chicago because it isn't known as the safest city to be, but also I loved how this author really grabbed the mob mentality and put it in a way teenagers are going to understand it. I liked that not every person in the Swarm wants to be there but are there because they have to be and I kind of thought that was a brilliant way for kids to maybe use the story to draw comparisons of current times and what we're seeing across the nation. Just so many discussions could be started from this but a story engaging enough to keep teens, and adults, interested.

Couple of things: Lia is the worst. She is literally the dumbest person who puts herself in danger and really doesn't understand her choices impact others. BUT, while she drove me nuts, it was kind of brilliant because the audience for this is primarily teens and what are teens? Stupid! Teens are actually pretty stupid and they aren't able to draw the conclusions that their split second action really impacts others and sometimes in profound ways. I really love how this author did this all the while not putting the main character down and also getting her to see that justice for her isn't justice for all, that there are things bigger than you and your problems out there.

Most importantly? I loved Ryan. I had a hard time remembering that he's just a teenager because wooo.... Ryan. Swoon. Ryan is the bad boy hero and I liked him a lot!

The book is (currently) a stand alone and while we do get a conclusion, there are just enough loose ends to make you feel a second book could/should come, but if it doesn't it makes the point of 'justice for you isn't justice for all" come home even more. Absolutely 5 stars on this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

   

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