Blog | Twitter | Instagram | "It's not what comes easiest that makes us valuable, Katelyn. The wealth of our character is determined by what we pusBlog | Twitter | Instagram | "It's not what comes easiest that makes us valuable, Katelyn. The wealth of our character is determined by what we push ourselves to become."
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Based on the previous three releases in the series, The War of Princes, we know what is set to come about in this fourth book. Action, war, loss, love, adventure, heartbreak and twists at every corner. If there’s one thing that longtime readers will have learned by now, it is that A.R. Ivanovich has many tricks up her sleeve to delight and shock her loyal fanbase.
Lastland is perhaps the best of the series and showcases Ivanovich’s knack for world building. Following her familiar formula of excellence, A.R. is at her finest when weaving together plots, toying with your heart and allowing her characters to grow even further.
After the startling revelation that Prince Varion had died and placed himself elsewhere to recover, Carmine’s betrayal and Rune having been possessed/taken by one of Prince Raserion’s shadow creations, the war is brewing at an all time high. And Lastland is set to shock us once more as Katelyn and Dylan search for Rune and Varion’s memories begin to come back to him fully.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | "It's not what comes easiest that makes us valuable, Katelyn. The wealth of our character is determined by what we push ourselves to become."
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Based on the previous three releases in the series, The War of Princes, we know what is set to come about in this fourth book. Action, war, loss, love, adventure, heartbreak and twists at every corner. If there’s one thing that longtime readers will have learned by now, it is that A.R. Ivanovich has many tricks up her sleeve to delight and shock her loyal fanbase.
Lastland is perhaps the best of the series and showcases Ivanovich’s knack for world building. Following her familiar formula of excellence, A.R. is at her finest when weaving together plots, toying with your heart and allowing her characters to grow even further.
After the startling revelation that Prince Varion had died and placed himself elsewhere to recover, Carmine’s betrayal and Rune having been possessed/taken by one of Prince Raserion’s shadow creations, the war is brewing at an all time high. And Lastland is set to shock us once more as Katelyn and Dylan search for Rune and Varion’s memories begin to come back to him fully.
Can you, man, find the poetry to keep the sun from rising, like a mountain, blocking its inevitable ascent for a few moreBlog | Twitter | Instagram
Can you, man, find the poetry to keep the sun from rising, like a mountain, blocking its inevitable ascent for a few more moments? Can you, who call yourself a writer, find the words that will have an actual influence on the real and natural world? Magic passwords-shazzam, open sesame, scoddy waddy doo dah–warriors lurking in the Trojan horse of words. The implicit answer to Coleridge’s question was: Hell, no. If the answer were yes, he would never have asked the question. The writer will never make something happen in the real world. In fact, the act of writing may be in itself the final admission that one is powerless in reality. Shit, that would surely suck.
Bucky F*cking Dent is more than just an attention grabbing title. It is more than just a small novel about life, and its hits and misses. Most importantly, the novel introduces us to David Duchovny, novelist, instead of David Duchovny, actor. You may know David Duchovny from his many iconic roles throughout his career: Fox Mulder (The X-Files), Hank Moody (Californication) or currently Sam Hodiak (Aquarius); you may only know him in passing from his prolific career.
But what many people don't realize is that Duchovny is a skilled writer--a talent that is often unacknowledged.
With his previous fiction release Holy Cow, and a few scripts under his belt, Duchovny has proven time and time again that he knows how to tell a story. He is one of the most under appreciated novelists of our time and I cannot stress that enough. Bucky F*cking Dent proves this in every right--it's the best fiction release this year, hands down. He really fucking knows what he's doing, guys.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Broadening the genre (if only for a small fraction of what is desired) beloved LGBTQ friendly writers Nina LaCour (Everything Leads to You", "Hold Still") and David Levithan ("Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist", "Boy Meets Boy") have teamed up with each other for what's surely the most dynamic writing duo this year and lead us into a breezy young adult contemporary that is fast on track to becoming a new favorite for fans.
Seriously, guys. Their writing together? It's heavenly. Can you guys, like, I don't know, team up again about thirty-five more times? No?
Okay. Back on track!
If you've ever loved either author's work (solo or otherwise) You Know Me Well should be at the top of your list to purchase this summer. I don't even have to tell you this. Perhaps the best young adult book of 2016, You Know Me Well is the perfect novel to lay in the sun with and remains impossible to put down. New fans will be made with this gem of a novel and I'm confident in saying so.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | *(3.5) “It was just that there was something newly powerful about this assembled family in the car. They were all growingBlog | Twitter | Instagram | *(3.5) “It was just that there was something newly powerful about this assembled family in the car. They were all growing up and into each other like trees striving together for the sun.”
There's this weird and twisty sensation at the pit of my stomach when I consider how underwhelming this book was and the fact that I am giving it lower than a four star rating. I should have known that such a fantastic series would end on a fizzle rather than a bang. When I started The Raven Cycle, I never expected to like it--yet I loved it. In one swift movement, Maggie Stiefvater took up a new place in my heart with her whimsical word, each fantastic character and the elegant/unique tone her prose takes as stories unfold. The Raven King has many of her signature qualities but seems to trip over itself all too often and leave you feeling as though something is missing.
Now, this isn't to say that the novel itself wasn't good. In my opinion it was solid enough but not quite enough to balance the weight of the first three books. I felt disappointed and as if an old friend had invited me over only to rush me out the door after a half hour tea. The Raven King had its moments of greatness and surely was fast and entertaining. As per usual, Stiefvater has a smart and magical way with words. So what made the balance break? I... can't actually put my finger on it.
When you love someone, they become a part of who you are. They're in everything you do. They're in the air you breathe anBlog | Twitter | Instagram
When you love someone, they become a part of who you are. They're in everything you do. They're in the air you breathe and the water you drink and the blood in your veins. Their touch stays on your skin and their voice stays in your ears and their thoughts stay in your mind. You know their dreams because their nightmares pierce your heart and their good dreams are your dreams too. And you don't think they're perfect, but you know their flaws, the deep-down truth of them, and the shadows of all their secrets, and they don't frighten you away; in fact you love them more for it, because you don't want perfect. You want them. You want—"
He broke off then, as if realizing everyone was looking at him again.
There are many reoccurring themes and characters mentioned from past releases by Cassandra Clare in Lady Midnight, but perhaps the most significant part to this installment–the first of a planned trilogy called The Dark Artifices–is the nod to a small truth each and everyone of us faces. It’s that sometimes answers come about in ways you least expected and that often, these truths can leave our lives in shambles and make us wonder how it came to be.
Not to mention a world of betrayal.
So–answers. Answers and more questions. That’s the first thing we come to see and have resolved piece by piece throughout this monster of a novel. Lady Midnight is large and fast paced and steamy; Clare brings us back into the Shadowhunter world effortlessly and in some ways just keeps getting better.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Although Cat Winters has a steady flow of historical fiction under her belt, her newest release coming out this year, The Steep and Thorny Way is my first experience with her writing. And what a wonderful first dive it was! As a so-called retelling of the much beloved classic Hamlet, the story has a lot to live up and it did beautifully.
Electric, thoroughly mysterious and thrilling, The Steep and Thorny Way lives up to all you’d expect it to. Winters pens a tale that grips you from the first pages and refuses to let go. It’s a story about danger in historic time, prejudice that roots itself in a community and turns it sour. It’s a story of the friendship and the love and loyalty between family and friends.
In a time, the 1920s, where racial tensions are high and one mixed race girl is coming of age, one could expect a hitch or two in the way a story unfolds. There are many authors out there who could attempt such a tale but fail miserably in terms of accuracy. The Steep and Thorny Way is not one of those stories. Once it captures your attention, it keeps you in place and grips onto your soul with an inevitable twist.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | "We are always moving forward--I can see it now. We are hurtling through our lives. We are never standing still."
As aBlog | Twitter | Instagram | "We are always moving forward--I can see it now. We are hurtling through our lives. We are never standing still."
As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Newcomer Riley Redgate knocks things out of the park with her debut novel, Seven Ways We Lie. It’s the sort of story you pick up and somehow, within pages, know that it’s bound to be something special. Seven Ways We Lie tackles touchy topics of sins and coming of age and each of our narrators speaks to us on a personal level.
It was a privilege to read it.
Why? Because of the characters. Because of the beautiful prose and the excellent development. In so many ways, we all have a part of each of them and it’s something we can’t miss. It’s an instant classic amongst the crowded young adult contemporary genre and a delectable one at that, which isn’t a term I like to use often.
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ThisBlog | Twitter | Instagram
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
There is a substantial amount of hype over The Way I Used to Be and the comparisons the reading community is making between it and Speak. But I feel as though that isn’t fair to compare either story to one another because while it tackles similar plots, they are both two entirely different stories with two entirely different girls and many different coping mechanisms between the two.
The Way I Used to Be is incredibly nerve wracking and painful and beautiful all at once. It is, by far, one of the most moving novels headed our way as 2016 approaches and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves in time. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical, finished copy–it is still lingering in the back of my mind, nearly twenty-four hours after reading it.
That being said, I need only remind you guys that this book is quite triggering due to its subject matter and you should not put yourself in the position of reading it if you have doubts on whether or not it will trigger something in you.
Let’s talk about our leading lady–our narrator–shall we?
Eden is sincerely one of the most available characters I’ve ever read in many ways. I mean on that personal level; she is so real--the way Amber Smith paints this girl's story is all too real and a voice that was desperately needed in young adult fiction.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
“You’ve never seen Watson and Holmes like this before.”–never has there ever been a tagline that rings so true. In a world where Sherlock Holmes is commonly found in various forms of literature, film and television (currently, two adaptations of the works are airing on television), one would think that it’s all been done before and that though the stories and mysteries are iconic, it is time to put this great detective to rest.
(I disagree, of course. Who doesn’t love a good mystery?)
A Study in Charlotte, penned by Brittany Cavallaro, is a new and fresh take on everyone’s favorite detective and targeted towards a younger crowd, as it follows two of the great-great-great-grandchildren of Holmes and Watson. In this delightful mystery, we witness Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson, find one another at their exclusive Connecticut prep school.
For Jamie and Charlotte, their world is very much like our own, just with a few changes. I enjoyed the concept of Holmes and Watson having been actual people (as opposed to fictional characters) and that for years, Jamie and Charlotte were seemingly fated to meet-as everyone insists on introducing members of both families due to their iconic connections to one another in the past.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. TBlog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Because of my love for the introduction of this trilogy, Lost in Love was at the tip top of my to-read list this spring. It did not disappoint–in fact, it is the perfect novel for any romantic to have on hand this summer. Susane Colasanti shows her writing chops again with a heartfelt summer adventure filled with romance and friendship and the age old questioning of those entering adulthood.
Back it again are our girls–Sadie, Darcy and Rosanna. Each girl faces a world of changes with the backdrop of New York City just in the distance. When we left them in City Love, the trio were navigating their new lives and new loves, all the while befriending one another and exploring their contrasting personalities.
Drama was at an abundance when it came down to a few flaws in their new lives. Sadie’s found her soulmate, Austin, only to discover he isn’t at all who she that he was–that he was keeping a huge secret from her. He’s married. When we meet up with Sadie again, our eternal optimist is struggling with their break up and needs time to get back into the right state of mind to deal with this news.
Gideon dipped his head down to kiss me, his mouth moving gently, his tongue licking leisurely, reaffirming the bond betweBlog | Twitter | Instagram
Gideon dipped his head down to kiss me, his mouth moving gently, his tongue licking leisurely, reaffirming the bond between us that grew stronger every day. The ghosts of our pasts seemed like faint shadows now, beginning to dissolve even before we’d renewed our vows.
One day, they would vanish forever. Until then, we had each other. And that was all we needed.
For years, fans have watched Eva Trammel and Gideon Cross fall in lust, in love and fall out with one another. We’ve cried with them, loved with them and watched in anticipation of their next chapter–now, it’s time to say goodbye. One with You promises to be a lot of things: steamy and romantic, new and charming, dramatic.
In so many ways Sylvia Day crafts the perfect final chapter for our lovers and wraps up some story-lines from the past, as well as one final blockbuster mystery. They’re all changing and growing completely as the story wraps itself up nicely.
If you were to crack open the first novel and skim through it, even for a moment, before picking up this last one you’ll see quickly how much growth has happened. Whether you’re talking about Gideon, or Eva, or Cary–so much has changed and developed, it’s hard to believe the story takes place for only a small frame of time.
"I believe our choices make our experiences and our worlds."
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the fact that I did not explode when I finally got my hands on this book? I am shocked! I was beginning to think I'd never get the chance to sit back and read it. Then, I procrastinated a bit because I didn't want to say goodbye to the series. It was just too good!
Nearly two years after its original publication, I finally read the highly anticipated conclusion to Josephine Angelini's vastly underrated Worldwalker series. And honestly? I'm a mess. I'm a pile of emotions.Witch's Pyre exceeded all of my expectations and I adored it. Like the previous two books in the trilogy, Witch's Pyre was intense and full of magical intrigue and highly addictive.
Like the pyre itself, Witch's Pyre was a fiery sort of read that will absolutely leave readers breathless long after they flip to its final pages. As far as finales go, this was one of my favourites because it was packed with action and romance and friendship, as worlds collided and fates were sealed. I loved the worldbuilding once more and found myself in awe over how enthralling the plots and settings were. Angelini is BRILLIANT at tying things together and I loved nearly every inch of this book.
After the ending of the second installment, I was concerned for everyone in Witch's Pyre. So much has happened since the humble beginnings of the first book, Trial By Fire, and I was a pool of fear at what the endgame could possibly be. In a way, everything from this series has been building up for the moment it all concludes and in so many ways, Witch's Pyre serves as a beginning, too.
(Please! Make! A! Spin-off! Josephine!)
Throughout Witch's Pyre, there were many twists and turns and revelations. All of these moments are explosive and full of suspense. A lot of which foreshadow how the series was always destined to end--Angelini makes sure to leave the series on a high note.
We said goodbye to Lily's Tristan, and now we see the aftermath of his loss throughout the group. It is bittersweet. Tristan isn't the only character we are forced to say goodbye to. I won't spoil who is killed off in Witch's Pyre, but I will say one was shocking and the other was not. Still, there was a lot to be said about various forms of redemption and just how new characters tie into it.
Aside from the many returning characters--Una, Breakfast, Tristan, Rowan, Juliet, Lily, Lilian, Carrick, etc--we meet a new cast of characters that weave effortlessly into the premise of Witch's Pyre.
It's a little late in the game to add more characters and layers to the world in which the novel is set, but Angelini was more than up to the task. And it truly does set the stage for a blistering finale that feels ultimately satisfying.
From new characters, new settings, and new risks, Witch's Pyre proves to be a thrilling ride. I am going to miss these characters so much!...more
Bittersweet, sophisticated and totally romantic. Those are the three choice words I have for the final installment of the beBlog | Twitter | Instagram
Bittersweet, sophisticated and totally romantic. Those are the three choice words I have for the final installment of the beloved The Selection series by Kiera Cass. After five books and one collection of short stories, the series wraps up its final chapter with The Crown; leaving readers breathless and more than a little sad to say goodbye.
As always, with Kiera Cass, loose ends are tied up and there are many moments to swoon over. If you were one of the many who didn’t find themselves that fond of The Heir, this one is the superior of the two–it’s all about growth, decisions, love and the choices we make that can be longstanding.
Refresher, time! When we left Eadlyn Schreave she was in the process of not only coming of age in the public eye but making history by being a female heir to the throne who is having her own selection. Eadlyn is a mix of both good and bad qualities between her parents, our beloved America and Maxon. For many readers, this becomes a problem–because she is a child, she is a bit spoiled and she can be aggressive in many ways.
(I have to be honest, I don’t think she’s as bad as everyone else seems to and firmly believe that if she were a male, she wouldn’t receive half as much hate from the fandom.)
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | “There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.”
As someone who has been a massive fan oBlog | Twitter | Instagram | “There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.”
As someone who has been a massive fan of Kiera Cass since the second I finished her The Selection series, it will come as no surprise to hear me say that I had looked forward to reading the revised edition of her first novel The Siren. It was only doubly appealing to think of all the mythology, the romance and the soothing and delectable tone her writing takes on.
Say what you will about the simplicity of it all, there’s just something so damn fun and appealing about the way her stories unfold. Kiera Cass is a romantic at heart and manages to put a hint of suspense in everything. If anything, this is something we should keep in mind–her prose is deeply satisfying in all its flaws and The Siren, though at times dull and rushed, is still a page turner and a simple read.
In fact, while it wasn’t my favorite read this year nor my favorite release by her, it is a grand addition to your summer reading list. There’s no guilt in reading it and it won’t take readers long to complete it.
The Siren is a tale of forbidden love, with mythology here and there to keep things going. I have to admit, I expected more of it and wished for more development. Sometimes, I felt the characters were likable but merely there and the dreamy tone didn’t offer much to help me. I also wasn’t that pleased by the relationship we witnessed–it was sweet, but a little too rushed and I just couldn’t get into it.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | "I do online school now. Going to my other school got to be too hard. I can't control things out in the real world. CaBlog | Twitter | Instagram | "I do online school now. Going to my other school got to be too hard. I can't control things out in the real world. Cars turn corners too fast. Doors slam. People appear out of nowhere. It's unpredictable."
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Marisa Reichardt’s debut YA novel, Underwater, is breathtaking and heartfelt. More importantly, it is one of the most needed and beautiful releases slated for 2016. Underwater is the sort of book one must read to fully understand (or disagree) with any hype. On the subject of hype, I’m going to be sorely disappointed if there isn’t a ton surrounding this novel.
It’s that good.
In many ways, Underwater echoes the story that Jennifer Brown told in her novel “Hate List”; one survivor left behind with guilt after a school shooting, only ultimately the two stories are simply just similar in its structure. If you loved Hate List, you will likely love Underwater.
Both stories are incredibly emotional and raw experiences when reading. I feel haunted by Underwater even now after only so many pages. And honestly, Underwater feels far more important of a story to tell. It's not something that is all that common in YA books, too have this much heart and honesty. Reichardt tackles so much in so few pages that something about it rings so true and touches your heart in ways other novels fail.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | “You cannot fathom the distance I would travel for you.”
Was that a quote from the book or from myself to Alexandra BrBlog | Twitter | Instagram | “You cannot fathom the distance I would travel for you.”
Was that a quote from the book or from myself to Alexandra Bracken’s books? Answer: both. I literally had to drive to a bookstore that was an hour and a half away to get this little baby. And that was without the traffic. But it was so, so, so worth it.
As a massive fan of Alexandra Bracken and her absolutely glorious and captivating series The Darkest Minds, I’ve been looking forward to her next release since it was announced. And by that, I mean I’ve been impatiently fiddling with my fingers and doing some sort of awkward “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so scared!” dance.
Passenger promised to be many things: romantic, mysterious, thrilling. Really, who can resist a good old fashioned time travel romp? I know I can’t. It’s the biggest plus in the history of pluses that Alexandra Bracken is the author who is bringing us the latest.
Our story begins in present day New York City and introduces us to our latest heroine: Etta Spencer. Etta is really smart and badass and a great narrator to peak into. I couldn’t help but to love her instantaneously and wept with her as her life becomes something unexpected. You see, our dear Etta (her full name is Henrietta, if you were wondering) has the normal life of a violin prodigy.