Book Review - A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price + Giveaway

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Valerie Simons will stop at nothing to know the truth behind her brother's murder. Theo was killed by the Boars two years ago.  Valerie joins the dangerous Wars to find her brother's killer. She wants to join the Herons with her boyfriend, Matthew Weston.  However, when Jax, the volatile leader of the Stags promises her revenge, Valerie must choose which path she will follow.

I thought the novel had an interesting premise. I have not read the Iliad or the Outsiders so, any character or plot similarities were lost to me. I felt like the story moved a bit slow for my liking and the ending seemed rushed. I did like the characters came together for a common cause. I would have liked more character developments for Jax and the other gang members. However, I did like Micah and Valerie's friendship and the bond they shared. Overall, the novel was an interesting read especially for fans of the original books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250301998
ISBN-13: 978-1250301994304 Pages , Ages 13-18

Praise for A THOUSAND FIRES

"A Thousand Fires pulls you in close and shows you the essence of what it means to keep fighting. Shannon Price is one to watch." ―Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

"Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance." ―Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE

"Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves." ―Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats

"Fast-paced... Vivid descriptions and intricate details bring San Francisco to life ... A promising debut." ―Kirkus

"A heart-wrenching tale... action-packed and intense... A fantastic read." ―School Library Journal

Shannon Price's A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that's perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest…

Valerie Simons knows the city's gang wars are dangerous—her own brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway her from joining the elite and beautiful Herons to avenge his death—a death she feels responsible for.

But when Valerie is recruited by the mysterious Stags, their charismatic and volatile leader Jax promises to help her get revenge. Torn between old love and new loyalty, Valerie fights to stay alive as she races across the streets of San Francisco to finish the mission that got her into the gangs.

You can purchase A Thousand Fires at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Shannon Price

SHANNON PRICE is a proud Filipina-American and Bay Area native. She once led an a cappella group for three years despite not knowing how to read music, and she carries that same level of confidence in every area of her life. When not writing, she can be found watching baking shows, exploring old bookstores, and going to the beach as often as she can. 

Her debut novel A Thousand Fires is a YA reimagining of the Iliad set in modern day San Francisco. She is represented by Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency and thanks her lucky stars that she is.

        

PART ONE

NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT 

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY bookishaestha REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Booknerdchelcie REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 

PART TWO

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Kait Plus Books FILL IN THE BLANKS 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio

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The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Book Review - A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams

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Her beloved brother, Ox comes to her for a favor; requesting her to find him a cavalier to propose to his intended, Sophie Fortescue. Theresa asks Octavian to be the cavalier for her brother and to investigate Sophie. However,  Octavian is smitten with Sophie even though he uncovers a dark and deadly secret. When, the two forces collide and Octavian is forced to make a choice. Who will he choose? Who will have to make the greatest sacrifice for love?

The opulent tale reminds me of "A Fine Imitation" and "The Great Gatsby" with elements from "June". It was an interesting tale woven with elements of love, betrayal and sacrificing the welfare oneself for another with an ending one never sees coming. A great read for the beach or a rainy day. I am definitely looking forward to reading other novels from the author.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A History of Violence: Living and Dying in Central America by Óscar Martínez

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Central America is one of the deadliest places on Earth. Both El Salvador and Honduras have the highest homicide rate for the past decade with Guatemala following. Everyday more than 1,000 people are displaced from their home as they try to flee for their safety. Oscar Martinez goes to Central America and interviews people to get their first hand account of the brutality and crime in Central America. 

Oscar treks to small towns, jungle villages even Mexican brothels to get talk to the people and report about their living conditions. He also talks with those who work in drug trader, policemen, government officials,  hit men and gang informants.  The novel reads like one big article and at times confusing to keep traffic of all the people and names. Each chapter, Oscar focus on another topic or person but there are sometimes overlapping key elements. A good book to enlighten readers of the trouble brewing among our borders but it wasn't for me.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected eBook PDF file in exchange for my honest opinion**