Waiting On Wednesday ...... Traitor Angels

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Six years have passed since England’s King Charles II returned from exile to reclaim the throne, ushering in a new era of stability for his subjects. 

Except for Elizabeth Milton. The daughter of notorious poet John Milton, Elizabeth has never known her place in this shifting world—except by her father’s side. By day she helps transcribe his latest masterpiece, the epic poem Paradise Lost, and by night she learns languages and sword fighting. Although she does not dare object, she suspects that he’s training her for a mission whose purpose she cannot fathom. 

Until one night the reason becomes clear: the king’s man arrive at her family’s country home to arrest her father. Determined to save him, Elizabeth follows his one cryptic clue and journeys to Oxford, accompanied by her father’s mysterious young houseguest, Antonio Vivani, a darkly handsome Italian scientist who surprises her at every turn. Funny, brilliant, and passionate, Antonio seems just as determined to protect her father as she is—but can she trust him with her heart? 

When the two discover that Milton has planted an explosive secret in the half-finished Paradise Lost—a secret the king and his aristocratic supporters are desperate to conceal—Elizabeth is faced with a devastating choice: cling to the shelter of her old life or risk cracking the code, unleashing a secret that could save her father…and tear apart the very fabric of society.

This entire synopsis has me so excited. Anne has a real talent with historical settings and I have a feeling this is going to be an impressive and addicting read. The romance, mystery, and setting are sure to leave a lasting impression if Anne's previous books are anything to go by.

There is a bit of a wait for this one, as it doesn't release until May, but I am confident it'll be worth the wait.

Expected release date - May 3, 2016

2016 Most Anticipated - Traitor Angels

The next book on my list should come as no surprise. I loved this author's previous novels, and she nails her historical settings flawlessly! I cannot wait to see what she does with this setting, and the mystery that is set to unravel with it's pages.

This Goodreads synopsis is definitely intriguing. It's pretty much impossible not to immediately want to get your hands on this once you're read it.

Six years have passed since England’s King Charles II returned from exile to reclaim the throne, ushering in a new era of stability for his subjects.

Except for Elizabeth Milton. The daughter of notorious poet John Milton, Elizabeth has never known her place in this shifting world—except by her father’s side. By day she helps transcribe his latest masterpiece, the epic poem Paradise Lost, and by night she learns languages and sword fighting. Although she does not dare object, she suspects that he’s training her for a mission whose purpose she cannot fathom.

Until one night the reason becomes clear: the king’s man arrive at her family’s country home to arrest her father. Determined to save him, Elizabeth follows his one cryptic clue and journeys to Oxford, accompanied by her father’s mysterious young houseguest, Antonio Vivani, a darkly handsome Italian scientist who surprises her at every turn. Funny, brilliant, and passionate, Antonio seems just as determined to protect her father as she is—but can she trust him with her heart?

When the two discover that Milton has planted an explosive secret in the half-finished Paradise Lost—a secret the king and his aristocratic supporters are desperate to conceal—Elizabeth is faced with a devastating choice: cling to the shelter of her old life or risk cracking the code, unleashing a secret that could save her father…and tear apart the very fabric of society. 

How can you resist a delicious sounding mystery, a romance and explosive consequences? It's basically impossible. Add to this the meticulous research Anne does, and I am sure the novel is going to every bit as good as that synopsis makes it sound.

Anne graciously took the time to share a little more about her book, told us what drink will pair perfectly with it, and talked about writing novels with historical settings.

1 Twitter pitch Traitor Angels (140 characters or less).

YA romantic historical adventure with multiple puzzles and a scavenger hunt across Restoration Era England

2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?

Oooh, I love this! Something dark, mysterious, and sweet, like hot chocolate (which people in Restoration Era England really did drink, but only with water, not milk). Yum!

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

Antonio Viviani, Elizabeth’s sexy and mysterious companion, has as secret about his childhood that he’s keeping from her. And before I give away too much, I’d better stop!

4 It sounds like this book required a lot of research (just like your previous two). What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this novel?

John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost is about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but there’s one character in Milton’s masterpiece who shouldn't be there at all: Galileo. Milton never mentions him by name, but he alludes to him three times, calling him a “Tuscan artist.” I stumbled across this detail while studying Milton in a college class, and I couldn't stop wondering if Milton had included Galileo as some sort of secret message to his readers. My daydreams eventually grew into Traitor Angels.

5 What, for you, is the hardest part of writing a historical novel? 

Figuring out when to stop researching and start writing! Seriously, I'm a huge history nerd and I could research forever.

6 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

My answer varies from week to week (see, I told you I'm a huge history nerd!) Right now I’d have to say ancient Egypt so I could meet Cleopatra. She’s evolved into such an icon, and I’d love to get to know the woman behind the legend.

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

How can I pick only one?! There are so many great books coming out in 2016. I’m really looking forward to Blackhearts by my agency sister Nicole Castroman. It’s an origin story about the teenage boy who would grow up to be the pirate Blackbeard.

8 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Traitor Angels.

“In this earthy life,” my father often said to me, “we move with real or willful blindness. But only one way leads to true darkness.”

Hot Chocolate is the obvious drink of choice while reading this now, and the amount of research done for this novel only inspires more confidence in how epic it's going to be. Oh, and  how amazing would seeing Cleopatra be?! (Oh, and Anne... please write a Cleopatra book! I need it.)

Traitor Angels releases May 3, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Anne on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Historical set novels can transport you. Where in history would you like to travel? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman (goodreads)

This cover is stunning. I love everything about it. Anne's previous books were amazing and I cannot wait to devour this one. I think it's going to be incredible.

Cover for The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye (goodreads)

This cover is striking. It immediately catches your eye. The city in the shape of a crown, on the water and a girl running towards it like she's skimming the top of the water. This one has been on my radar since I first heard about it and the cover has only increased my anticipation.

Tile reveal for the A Court Of Thorns and Roses sequel

Bloomsbury released the title to the sequel for Sarah J Maas' A Court Of Thorns And Roses. I LOVED her twist on the Beauty and the Beast tale, and cannot wait to see where the sequel takes the story. The title has left me VERY excited for a cover reveal, and more details about the story itself.

A Court Of Mist And Fury will hit shelves May 2016! I'll be counting down the days!

TV/MOVIE

Goosebumps

I took my niece to see the Goosebumps movie as she is a huge fan of the books. I loved the books and TV series when I was a kid and am delighted that she's so into them (and reading in general). The movie is pure nostalgia for older fans of the series, and the new fans will love it too. It's funny, offers up some 'safe scares' and puts a great twist on the stories fans love. Go see it if you're a Goosebumps fan, and go see it even if you aren't because it's a really fun family movie (for kids who are okay with a few light scares)

What are you obsessed with this week?

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman
Release Date - April 21, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR PRISONER OF NIGHT AND FOG**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The girl known as Gretchen Whitestone has a secret: She used to be part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle. More than a year after she made an enemy of her old family friend and fled Munich, she lives with a kindly English family, posing as an ordinary German immigrant, and is preparing to graduate from high school. Her love, Daniel Cohen, is a reporter in town. For the first time in her life, Gretchen is content.

But then, Daniel gets a telegram that sends him back to Germany, and Gretchen’s world turns upside-down. And when she receives word that Daniel is wanted for murder, she has to face the danger she thought she’d escaped-and return to her homeland.

Gretchen must do everything she can to avoid capture and recognition, even though saving Daniel will mean consorting with her former friends, the Nazi elite. And as they work to clear Daniel’s name, Gretchen and Daniel discover a deadly conspiracy stretching from the slums of Berlin to the Reichstag itself. Can they dig up the explosive truth and get out in time-or will Hitler discover them first?

After the powerful Prisoner of Night and Fog I was anxious to see what would come next for Gretchen and Daniel. Anne Blankman shows off her versatile skills with a sequel that takes a slightly different direction, and yet continues the story in a believable way. A breathless, dizzying murder mystery is the heart of this novel, and it's one that will have you burning through the pages unable to read fast enough.

Where Prisoner of Night and Fog was more of a psychological thriller, this second novel feels more like a classic 'who done it' style of storytelling. In this case it's more of a 'why done it', but the formula feels similar. The added element of increasing support for Hitler and his ideas, however, increases the risk and danger. It feels more palpable because it feels tangible and grounded. Anne captures the historical elements so flawlessly that it's all to easy to image.

Anne stepping from a thriller, to more of a murder mystery with such ease shows how versatile she is as a writer. The writing seems completely at ease in either, and I predict that she may end up being an author that dabbles in various genres. The attention to detail, particularly for a novel with a historical setting, is vital. It immerses you into the story, and there is a sense of foreboding that overcomes you. We have hindsight, and with it comes the knowledge of what happens next. History is working against what we as the reader are hoping for. We know what occurs after Hitler gains power, and that reality feels like a rock in your stomach as you tear through the pages hoping fruitlessly that history changes.

Hilter was such a domineering, driving force in Prisoner of Night and Fog. He was central to the plot. In this novel, however, we see him from a distance instead of up close and personal. We see him the way everyone following the story at the time would have. The paranoia, mixed with an all consuming fear, felt authentic. It gave a taste of how his name must have struck fear into those in hiding. The glimpse we're provided of wanting to be overlooked, of wanting to remain safe, and being terrified that Hilter or his men would find you is terrifying.

The romance between Gretchen and Daniel is so achingly realistic. The problems they face in this novel, outside of the obvious ones, are ones that couples face all the time. The idea of what makes each of you happy, and that it might not be the same thing, and what that means for the relationship is adeptly woven through the entire story. Loving someone enough to want their happiness, even if that is not with you, is a huge sacrifice, and struggle. The pain of this is crushing, and how leaving them hurts, but hurting them by not letting them go hurts more. They way they work through their issues, and actually communicate is healthy. They may in fact be one of my favourite relationships I've recently read because of how functional they are together.

Those who love historical novels will fall in love with this duology and Anne Blankman's writing. Those who like their history with action, excitement, romance and intrigue will devour this high speed plot. I can only hope that we have many more future books from this author to enjoy, as she's certainly one to watch.

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Release Date - April 22, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler.

And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

From debut author Anne Blankman comes this harrowing and evocative story about an ordinary girl faced with the extraordinary decision to give up everything she's ever believed . . . and to trust her own heart instead.

After reading the synopsis I knew I had to read Prisoner of Night and Fog. It has all the element that immediately would pique my interest - a historical setting, a mystery, and a forbidden romance. Combine this with the inclusion of Adolf Hitler being a close family friend, and I was sold. I was thrilled to discover that Anne Blankman captured all of this, and so much more in her debut novel.

The sense of foreboding, and dread is inescapable from the moment you start reading.We are shown the crippling fear that many people must have felt during this time all too clearly. You know where history dictates this ends, and as a result character safety is never guaranteed. As Gretchen becomes more determined to find out the truth, and grows closer to Daniel, that feeling only intensifies. Being on edge for an entire novel isn't something I've experienced before. It was excruciating but I found myself pulled under this book's spell as a result.

This forbidden romance was painted it quite a different way than I expected. The stark reality of what being together could cost them is realistically dealt with. The risk is taken, but not lightly. The kindness that Daniel shows Gretchen, and her willingness to accept that kindness draws them together in a way that felt authentic, and romantic. This couple immediately invoke sympathy. You wish for them to make it. You want it be easier for them. It was perfectly balanced between the romance of falling in love, and the incredible danger doing so presented.

Physical reactions to books happen to me routinely. Normally I am a crying mess if the book is sad. This book however, had me shaking in anger while sobbing. A brutal, rage inducing scene that left little doubt as to the terror that was to come. The notion that some of Hilter's followers were violent, cold hearted men should surprise nobody, but this scene will stay with me for a long for both the rage, and chill it left in it's wake.

Hilter himself is an imposing, dominating presence throughout the entire book. Even if he is not directly present his influence is felt in every scene. He is shown to be both charismatic, and unstable. Caring and ruthless. We get a sense of the man who was able to persuade and command and see just how volatile he was. It read like the research had been done, and care was taken to capture the essence of what he might have been like. His character is certainly commanding, and larger than the pages of this story.

These little moments where attention to detail is evident are peppered throughout the novel's pages. The author surrounds her characters with factual details, and people. Having this firmly grounds the story to a particular timeline, and helped me immerse myself into the story.

The mystery itself is pretty straight forward, and the outcome is easy to determine. However, what makes this particular mystery work is the surrounding tension. We know what comes next. We know how this ends. Gretchen, and Daniel's safety is not guaranteed, and so by investigating the murder, they are taking steps that will put them in danger. This is what the focus is, rather than figuring out the mystery, and Anne Blankman pulled it off impressively.

Prisoner of Night and Fog combines a thrilling murder mystery with historical events. It captures the starkness of a forbidden love, and the crushing realization that sometimes people are not as you see them to be. Fans of historical novels will devour this and immediately look for the sequel.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

Cover of The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Cute right? Totally cute. Mix this cover with a fun synopsis and you have the makings of a perfect summer beach read. I hope it's as adorable as I think it's going to be!

Cover of Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Read the synopsis...I'll give you a second. HITLER IS HER UNCLE! I am sold. Sign me up. May I have this book now please?! Yup, it's going to be an intense historical. Super excited.

OTHER

Ontario Blogger Meet Up

Less than a month until the Ottawa blogettes all travel to Toronto for an amazing weekend of bookish fun with the other Ontario bloggers. Super excited to see so many of the Toronto bloggers again!

So what are you obsessed with this week?