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Review: A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons (Blog Tour + Giveaway)A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons
Series: Fate #4
Published by Cerulean Books on May 13, 2014
Source: the publisher
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five-stars

It all comes down to this . . .

Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be.

Except the Elders never got the memo.

Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.

This time, neither will Chloe.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+

AMOF BT Banner

Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the A Matter of Forever tour! I’m very excited to be a part of this blog tour! Heather is amazing and I absolutely LOVED this book!!!! I hope you enjoy my review!

This book shattered my feels, brought me to tears and filled me with more joy than any other book ever has or ever will. Heather’s writing is so melodic and she crafted a gorgeous ending to an incredible series, one that will stay with me forever.

I feel like I say this every time, but Chloe has grown SO much from the first book to now. She started out as a young, frightened (though never helpless) girl and matured into a bright, strong, mature young woman. She fought harder than she has ever fought before. She knew when to give up, when to ask for help and when to keep pushing until she achieved her desired goals. She also knew when to let go… But I can’t explain that because of spoilers.

Jonah was… Wow. And Kellan? Omg.. Wow… First of all, I just want to say this: You know a love triangle is amazingly well-done when you root for one person, but know the MC will end up with the other – and you’re perfectly okay with that, because you know, deep down, it’s meant to be. Now, for those of you who know which Team I’m on, this may seem like a spoilers, though I can assure you, it’s not. And for those of you who don’t know which Team I’m on, you’ll need to read the books to truly find out! But it needed to be said because Heather is such a brilliant writer, she managed to pull off one of my all-time favorite love triangles EVER. And she did it in such an amazing way, I’m completely satisfied with the way things ended. I’m still heartbroken over certain things, but I’m completely satisfied.

It’s hard to say which twin matured more in this final book. For Jonah, he got over his trust and anger issues. He was no longer like a ticking time-bomb, ready to explode. When things needed to be asked or said, he asked them and said them. He was open and honest and so, so good to Chloe in this book. Then there was Kellan. Kellan had to grow up a LOT in this series. He had to accept so many things. In the past, he ran away from his problems rather than face them. But in A Matter of Forever, he accepted things and faced them head-on. He didn’t run; rather, he came to a mature decision, weighed the pros and cons and did what he felt was best for everyone involved.

Of course, no review of a Fate book would be complete without mentioning how much I adore Astrid, Callie, Cora, Cameron, Will, Raul and so many others. Unlike some books, where secondary characters are just that – secondary and in the background, Heather has crafted these amazing characters, family and friends, people you wish you could know in real life. I don’t want to say too much and spoil things, but I’m truly happy with where their stories ended – though still heartbroken for some of them.

The deaths in this book – and yes, I’m sad to say that there were several lives lost – dealt a crushing blow. I had to stop reading after two deaths in particular. I raged against them. I kept telling myself they hadn’t actually happen, they had to be a dream. I felt both losses just as greatly as the characters did. I’m still dealing with them, mourning the losses with a broken heart. The outcome of the one, well… Spoiler. So I can’t say, but I can say that at least the one was for the best. That’s not to say I’ll ever heal from that loss (I know, I’m speaking as if this truly happened in real life… but that’s how much these characters have come to man to me), but I know I’ll heal over time.

And yes, that brings me to say that my feels were utterly destroyed with this book. After four books and one novella, these characters have become like family to me. They feel so real and we’ve been through so much together, it’s hard to see them as fictional. Though we still have Kellan’s novella to look forward to, this is pretty much the end of this series and and I just can’t fathom it. I can’t imagine not having another book in this series to look forward to. It baffles me that this is the end and I won’t get to know what happens next for these characters.

But with that said, the ending was absolute perfection. I definitely cried several times throughout the book, but the end brought me tears of joy. I can’t imagine this series ending in any other way and I’m so, so happy with where all the characters stories ended.

This will, forever and always, be considered one of my Top Three favorite series’ of all time. I can see myself re-reading it for years to come. If you haven’t read this series, then you must. With realistic, lovable characters, a plot that is like nothing I have ever read and the most amazing, satisfying ending, I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed.

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HeatherBW2About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Heather’s Website | Heather’s Twitter

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Thanks to Inkslinger PR and Heather Lyons, we have an amazing giveaway set up for you guys! Please enter by using the Rafflecopter below:

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five-stars

Review: A Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: A Matter of Truth by Heather LyonsA Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons
Series: Fate #3
Published by Cerulean Books on November 5, 2013
Pages: 316
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.

I have loved this entire series, including Jonah’s novella, Beyond Fate – though I’m totally Team Kellan *Swoons* But A Matter of Truth is my favorite installment in the series, hands down. I could simply say, “I loved everything about it,” and end the review right there, because it’s true. But I’ll try to go into more detail, without stepping into spoiler territory.

First of all, I loved seeing Chloe away from Annar. I know, I know – How is that possible? Jonah and Kellan are in Annar! But it allowed us to see a different side of Chloe, to see her alone and on her own without anyone or anything influencing her or her actions and decisions. We get to see how Chloe deals with every day life, using little to no magic.

The cast of characters that Chloe is surrounded with in Alaska – Will, Cameron, Paul, Frieda, etc – is amazing. I especially liked Will and Cameron. Though Will is no Jonah (Or, Kellan, really), he’s an amazing person and he’s always there for Chloe, no matter what. And Cameron is the dad Chloe deserves to have. I was a little bit suspicious of Cameron, though. I can’t totally put my finger on why, but I just had this weird feeling. Turns out, I was partially right in my suspicions!

A few times, I was so desperate to know what was happening in Annar, I almost wished for some kind of dual POV. But not knowing, just as Chloe didn’t know, added to the anxiety of her eventual return, when she would have to face the consequences of her actions.

The coupling in these books always amuses me! I love Cora and Raul, but wish we could have seen more of them. Will and Callie were hysterical together, and I’m excited to see how that unfolds. As for Cameron and Astrid, they were adorable!

I really hated Chloe’s mom in A Matter of Fate (Fate #1). Like, I despised her. As of now, I’ve downgraded that to just “dislike,” though it borderlines on “like.” I DID enjoy Jonah attacking her parenting style, though we didn’t actually get to see what he said. It was still funny to imagine!

Jonah was… Despite being Team Kellan, I really felt bad for Jonah in AMOT. So, so many feels! We saw some sides to him in AMOT that I don’t think we’ve seen before. I liked that his and Chloe’s fighting was realistic. Despite Fate shoving them together, they had to really work together to mend their broken relationship. They didn’t immediately fall back into their old habits, and that was great. But I felt so, so bad for Kellan. He always seems get the short end of the stick! Especially with Sophie.. Man, she was insane and scary and I kept waiting for her to try something. I’m still convinced she will in the next book! All I know is, Chloe and Kellan need to watch their backs!

The revelations and twists in this book were amazing. And the ending was shocking! I couldn’t believe when I finished reading and it just ENDED like that! I need more! I want more!! I have to see what happens next! Ack!!

As usual, Heather Lyons did an amazing, fabulous job and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! If you haven’t read these books… Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? GO!!! Check them out on Amazon! You won’t regret it, I promise you!!

five-stars

Review: Beyond Fate by Heather Lyons

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Beyond Fate by Heather LyonsBeyond Fate by Heather Lyons
Series: Fate #1.5
Published by Cerulean Books on October 10, 2013
Source: the publisher
five-stars

There are always two sides to every story . . .

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella.

I don’t even know where to begin with this review… I feel like I’m betraying Kellan!! But there were so many Jonah feels in this book!!!!!!

Beyond Fate takes place a little bit before, then during, A Matter of Fate. It was so interesting to hear the story in his point of view. I especially loved seeing the whole Twin Connection mind thing between him and Kellan from his point of view! In A Matter of Fate, Chloe just sees them staring at each other. But from Jonah’s POV, we actually get to hear what they say to each other.

We get a better sense of who Jonah is, why he did what he did, and how he felt about the whole situation in A Matter of Fate. It’s eye-opening and mind-blowing, seeing things from his perspective. We also get to know certain people better, such as Astrid, Callie and Jonah and Kellan’s father. Clearly, I dislike their father. I think I stated that in my reviews of A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart – he’s so mean to Kellan and Jonah!

Callie is such a complex character, especially in Beyond Fate. We see more of her relationship with Jonah, and I can see where she is coming from better with her feelings and actions, but she got on my nerves a few times. In A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart, she’s a bit stronger, more outspoken. She was the opposite in Beyond Fate, but Jonah was breaking her heart, so I guess that makes sense! I still love Callie as a character and love her interaction with Chloe even more.

I’m totally and completely Team Kellan, but I definitely felt for Jonah in this, and seeing things from his eyes, I was better able to understand where he was coming from, and my heart broke for him several times. I just wanted to slap the people who were making him hurt, and hug him like crazy!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and seeing the events in A Matter of Fate from Jonah’s POV. I loved seeing the events that led up to A Matter of Fate, as well. I feel like I understand Jonah better, and I feel for him more. I’m still totally Team Kellan, and I can’t wait to read his novella, but I get Jonah more now than I did before. And as always, with all of Heather’s books, I highly, highly recommend this! But DEFINITELY read A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart first! It WILL spoil things, otherwise.

five-stars

Review: A Matter of Heart by Heather Lyons

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: A Matter of Heart by Heather LyonsA Matter of Heart by Heather Lyons
Series: Fate #2
Published by Cerulean Books on June 23, 2013
Pages: 424
Format: eBook
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals’ city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what’s she’s capable of as a Creator. And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.

A Matter of Heart by Heather Lyons was so, so amazing. Heather did a fabulous job with this sequel. Sometimes, the second book in a series isn’t as good as the first book; it just can’t live up to the hype of the first book. But that is ABSOLUTELY NOT the case with A Matter of Heart – it stands on its own and is an overall amazing read!

As with A Matter of Fate, this book sucks you in from the very first page and takes you on a wild ride. There’s an action scene almost immediately, followed by a scene that holds some incredible insight and has some great moments between Chloe and Kellan (Kellan! Swoons!)

I absolutely love Chloe. Honestly, I’m pretty sure she’s one of my favorite MC’s ever. Her destiny as a Creator carries so much weight and responsibility. Yes, she complains sometimes and she does go through some mini-meltdowns in this book, but she still holds her head high and tries to think of others before herself. We also get to see Drunk Chloe again, and let me tell you, she’s hilarious. It’s so wrong, but I love Drunk Chloe!

If you read my review for A Matter of Fate, then you know I’m 100% Team Kellan. So it’s no surprise when I say: Jonah makes me soooo mad! He’s so quick to assume the worst, and I hate his temper. He needs to trust Chloe already! I mean, I get why he doesn’t and I guess at certain times (I admit reluctantly) he would be an idiot to trust her, what with her and Kellan’s history, but still. It’s irrational, but it irritates me! I think part of the problem was that I was just sick of the fighting, in general. I know no relationship is perfect, but how can they be soulmates with THIS much fighting? Didn’t they learn their lesson in A Matter of Fate? Clearly not. But it’s okay, because I want Chloe and Kellan to end up together, so she and Jonah can fight all they want! *Grins.*

There’s a LOT of tension between Chloe and Kellan in A Matter of Heart, especially in the beginning. There’s a funny scene where they trade insults, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. And I even agreed with Kellan a few times!

I seriously love Callie. I know I said this in my review of A Matter of Fate, but it still holds true. I love her friendship with Chloe. She’s honest and blunt, and she tells it like it is, even when Chloe doesn’t want to hear it. Honestly, as far as friends go, I prefer Callie over Cora. There’s something about Cora that.. I can’t explain it. She’s a great character, but I just love Callie. Maybe it’s the WAY their friendship developed, but I feel like Chloe and Callie were MEANT to be friends. They just fit so well together.

The ending absolutely blew my mind. I didn’t see it coming, and I was shocked, to say the least. It was so sad, for everyone involved, and I’m really anxious to see how things are resolved in the third and final book, A Matter of Truth (out in November). Honestly, waiting for November is going to be so tough! I need to know what happens next! I need to see who she ends up with!

All in all, loved this book. I did get irritated with the characters – a lot – but in a good way, if that makes sense – I was so invested in this story line and these characters, I couldn’t help but yell at them when I thought they were being stupid, or cry with them when they were hurt and upset. It’s a great thing to read a book and be that invested in it – It means it’s well written and amazing. I hope that makes sense! And I highly, highly recommend this book, as well! You’ll swoon over Jonah and Kellan, trust me!

five-stars

Review: A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: A Matter of Fate by Heather LyonsA Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons
Series: Fate #1
Published by Cerulean Books on August 30, 2012
Pages: 550
Format: eBook
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons was amazing – plain and simple. It was unique and original, the world-building was incredible and I loved Chloe’s voice and the tone of the story. I don’t think I can put it into words in a way that will make sense, but I just loved it.

The main character, Chloe, is a Magical. Magicals are the “cause of an event. The effect is what society and the people within choose to do with it once it’s begun.” Everything about being a Magical is set in stone, and Chloe just wants to be able to make her own choices.

Chloe’s relatable and likable. As a Creator – someone who can build up and destroy civilizations at will (or, as per the Council), she has many responsibilities. Creators are especially important to the Council because they are rare. As such, Chloe’s life is even more set in stone than most Magicals. She doesn’t like having her entire life mapped out for her, but she still manages to hold her head high.

Near the middle/end, Chloe really starts to get obnoxious and hypocritical. But oddly enough, this felt like it matched her personality. I don’t even know if that makes sense. She was whiny, hypocritical and ridiculous, but she had her reasons for it, so it didn’t annoy me as much as it normally would. I understood where she was coming from, and I understood why she had to whine and pout for awhile.

Early on in the book, we are introduced to Jonah and Kellan Whitecomb. In the beginning, Jonah comes off as a loner, keeping to himself and ignoring Chloe almost completely. It takes way too long for Chloe and Jonah to talk, honestly, and Jonah’s constant avoidance of Chloe gets frustrating. As the story progresses, we learn why he avoided her, but it’s still really upsetting. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Jonah well enough, but he wasn’t my favorite match for Chloe.

Kellan, though, is swoon-worthy almost from the minute he and Chloe start talking, and I instantly loved him and wanted Chloe to be with him. Some of my favorite Kellan moments? When he calls himself an attention whore, I laughed out loud! Also, when he used the term “Ankle Biters” he reminded me of Uncle Jessie from Full House. This definitely earned him some brownie points!

I loved Karl, so much. He was protective and fatherly, like a big brother for Chloe. He tried so hard to act tough, yet deep down, he was just such a softie. His guidance was exactly what Chloe needed. He was trustworthy, both to Chloe as a character and to myself as a reader. His protectiveness brought happy tears to my eyes.

Another character I loved is Astrid. As much as Karl is like a fatherly figure to Chloe, Astrid is like a motherly type to her. She’s kind, understanding and, above all else, honest. She doesn’t belittle Chloe, the way her parents do. She confirms so many things for Chloe, putting Chloe at ease – to a certain extent. It’s more than Chloe’s parent’s have ever done and, for that, I love Astrid.

Cora was a frustrating character. She was the stereotypical best friend, both there for Chloe and also completely oblivious. It was obvious from the beginning she was flirting with Raul; Chloe was so surprised when she finally found out, but I thought what was going on was crystal clear. Cora meddled too much, especially in things that were not her business and things that concerned Chloe, Kellan and Jonah. This, too, was frustrating. Yet, at one point, something happens and Cora lectures Chloe about it (well, it’s more like an all-out, explosive yelling match) – and even though her methods were wrong, I absolutely agreed with Cora!

Finally, I LOVED Callie. I know, I know – Jonah fans will hate me. Maybe? But Callie was great. She was funny and sarcastic, she spoke her mind, and I never saw her as a threat to anything or anyone. Honestly, since I want Chloe to end up with Kellan, I didn’t see Callie as a threat to anything at all.

The ending was explosive and amazing, and it set things up nicely for the second book. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m still rooting for Kellan, though!

Also, I just want it on record: I totally called the whole “voice in her head” thing! I can’t go into details, because it’s too spoilery. But it’s epic and I totally called it, right from the beginning!

four-half-stars