Sadly, this is no better than the first book. There was no character development, and Lou is somehow more self-centred than in the first book. Then thSadly, this is no better than the first book. There was no character development, and Lou is somehow more self-centred than in the first book. Then there's Reid, he is not as selfish as Lou, but God is he stupid and naive. I know that this is fiction, but some of the incidents are so unreal. Like, come now, no villain is that gullible and mistrustful. People don't make a binding alliance that easily.
Serpent and Dove was a fun read, and that's it. There wasn't anything special or unique about this book, it's the usual YA enemies-to-lovers thing: onSerpent and Dove was a fun read, and that's it. There wasn't anything special or unique about this book, it's the usual YA enemies-to-lovers thing: one moment they hated themselves and couldn't stand each other, and the next moment they were in love. Though the book was written from the dual POV of the lovers, I still have no idea how, when, or why they fell in love with each other.
Then there's the magic, and I have no idea how it works. She's a witch, but she doesn't use spells; she sees and uses some kind of pattern, and the author only gave a mediocre description of how that works. Do not even get me started on the writing; it's supposed to be historical fantasy, but the writing was way too modern. Do not even get me started on the plot because there was none.
I had very low expectations for this book and I was still disappointed. Sadly, I hope things get better in book two. ...more
I finally read The Hunger Games after years of procrastinating. I watched the movie series when adapted but avoided the book cause I was scared it’d bI finally read The Hunger Games after years of procrastinating. I watched the movie series when adapted but avoided the book cause I was scared it’d be bad.
This book wasn't as bad as I expected, but it wasn't a great idea. The best thing about this book is how engaging it is. If it weren't, I would have dropped it halfway.
The writing is not excellent. The whole book being written from the POV of Katniss didn't make it any better. Though Katniss is 16/17, she acts, thinks and behaves like a woman in her mid-thirties. I know her life has been challenging, but come on, she has never left District 12. She has the experience of someone who has lived at least ten years of politicking.
The other characters are kind of bland. I know they are supporting characters, but they might as well be ornaments.
Though I know it's dystopian fiction, it's way too unreal. All in all, it was fun reading this, but I won’t be continuing with this series. I refuse to read about the unnecessary love triangle I know is coming....more
Queen of Air and Darkness is the last book in The Dark Artifices trilogy. However, the author did an excellent job in this book. I was not too fond ofQueen of Air and Darkness is the last book in The Dark Artifices trilogy. However, the author did an excellent job in this book. I was not too fond of the middle part because it dragged on for so long, and I struggled to read that part.
The final battle made it worth it!
The events in this book took place shortly after the previous book with no time jump.
I adore the friendship, romance, family relationships, and the characters' loyalty to each other.
The fight scenes have to be one of the best things in this book, and CC is a great author.
World Building and Writing I mentioned in my review of the previous book that this series has one of the best world-building in YA, and it got better because there was a new location/world in this book, and I adored how the author depicted it.
The writing style is straightforward to get through. This book is written from multiple POVs.
Characters So as not to repeat what I said in my review of Lord of Shadows, I'll only say this.
The character development in this series is one of the best I've read in a while. All the characters became better versions of themselves, except the Cohort.
Plot The plot is in three parts. The first part was fantastic, and I loved every part of it. It was action-packed, had lots of dialogue, and the plot progressed.
The second part was in Thule. Although the world was well depicted, I felt it was too slow. Nothing much happened there.
The third part picked up. The Blackthorns, Emma, and their allies finally made a plan to handle the Cohorts. The final battle was very well depicted. I wouldn't change anything.
Sadly, the conclusion was kind of underwhelming, and it was too open-ended. I hope there's a new series in this timeline cause they are some issues that need to be settled....more
Lord of Shadows is the second book in The Dark Artifices series. I was sceptical that this book would not be as good as the first one, but I’m glad toLord of Shadows is the second book in The Dark Artifices series. I was sceptical that this book would not be as good as the first one, but I’m glad to be wrong because Lord of Shadows is one of the best follow-up books I’ve ever read.
Like its predecessor, this book features many themes that I love, some of which are friendship, family bonds, love, loyalty and many others.
There are also many revelations, action scenes, great characters and a well-depicted world.
World Building and Writing The world-building and writing are one of the best I’ve read in YA in forever, and I’m happy that it got better in this book, the depiction of the world was so well described, especially the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. I love how unique the faeries are in this book and how CC took her time to depict all of them uniquely.
The writing style is easy and fun to read, the book is fast-paced, and there was never a dull moment.
“ When people die, our dreams of what they could be die with them. Even if ours is the hand that ends them.”
Characters I talked about how fantastic and well-written the characters in this series are, and I’m glad to say that they got better it's obvious to see the character development though they were no time jump.
Julian and Emma are my favourite characters; I can’t decide between the two who I like more. They are both good people and would do anything for their loved ones, even if it hurts them.
Livvy, Kit, and Ty are my second favourite characters in this book; I love this fifteen-year-old trio. I love how they work well together and their loyalty to each other.
Christina, Mark and Dru are also good characters, and I love that they also have POVs; I enjoy reading how they think and knowing what goes on in their mind.
Plot The events in this book took place a few weeks after the first book, and I wish it were longer because it felt longer. The Blackthorns and Emma are adjusting to life after Malcolm's betrayal. They thought they were in the clear and things were back to normal, as normal as they could for Shadowhunters, then water demons started showing up, and attacking people.
They investigated and realised it was more than they anticipated....more
Buddy read with my fellow Brandon fans on Discord.
Alcatraz vs the Shattered Lens is the fourth book in the Alcatraz series, and it's as good as book tBuddy read with my fellow Brandon fans on Discord.
Alcatraz vs the Shattered Lens is the fourth book in the Alcatraz series, and it's as good as book three but with more actions and revelations.
The events in this book took place in Mokia , one of the free kingdoms. Mokia people are like Polynesian people, down to their dressing. I love the inclusivity of this book.
The Mokians are very peaceful people; their land is being invaded by the evil librarians who want to add their kingdom to the Hushlanders.
The other free kingdoms are contented to letting the librarians take over Mokia, but the Smedry don’t agree with that. Can only the Smedry save Mokia from the evil librarians?
I love the character development of all the characters in this book, especially Alcatraz. He has grown alot from who he was in book one.
Bastille is also growing, which is awesome. The other characters like Kaz, Grandpa Smedry and the Knights of Crystallia are growing on me. I cannot wait to read book five. ...more
Spinning Silver is one of my best reads of 2022; what makes it better is that I never expected to like it this much.
What makes Spinning Silver unique Spinning Silver is one of my best reads of 2022; what makes it better is that I never expected to like it this much.
What makes Spinning Silver unique is its difference from most YA books I've read. Miryem, one of the protagonists, is Jewish, and Judaism is an integral part of this book which makes it unique!
This book has magic, fae, friendship, and a good relationship between family members and siblings.
It's hard to believe that this is a retelling. The author did a great job of writing this from her viewpoint.
When I started reading this book, I didn't see how the author could tie the fates of these three girls together, but not only did she do it, she did it well.
This book is about Miryem, a moneylender’s daughter, Wanda, a poor man’s daughter, and Irina, a lord's daughter.
The story is written from the perspective of the three girls, and I love how different each POV is. The girls are unique and more kindhearted than they should be, given how life has been for them.
All in all, I had a great time reading this book. If you are skeptical like I was because you disliked Uprooted, then have no fear cause I do too, and I adore this.
This book is so different and way better than that.
Buddy read with my fellow Sando fans from Discord.
The best in the series so far!
There's nothing I love when a series gets better with each book, and tBuddy read with my fellow Sando fans from Discord.
The best in the series so far!
There's nothing I love when a series gets better with each book, and this series is doing just that.
If I'm being honest, I was a bit disappointed with book 1, then I read book two, and it was good; come book 3, it was awesome. I didn't expect the series to get this better or for me to love it.
The setting of this book took place in Nalhalla, the country of the free kingdomers. Nalhalla is a mix of fantasy and historical fiction, the citizens wear tunics and Victorian-style dresses, and the houses and buildings are something out of the past.
They use magical objects but call it science which is funny but cool. I love the depiction of Nalhalla, the cities, the people's way of life, and everything that was very well written.
The events in this book took place shortly after Scrivener's Bones with no time jump.
Alcatraz is astonished to discover that Grandpa Smedry is a legend when the two of them travel to Crystallia, the Smedry family's base of operations in the Free Kingdom. Alcatraz realised that he was, in fact, a celebrity because the Smedrys are nobles and the fact that he grew up in the Hushlands.
The librarians are up to something, and Bastille has been stripped of her armour, but will Alcatraz find out on time, or will he let his new fame get in his way? ...more
I’m so glad that this book is better than book 1. I liked book 1, but it was a bit underwhelming. This is betteBR with my buds from Discord
3.5/5 stars
I’m so glad that this book is better than book 1. I liked book 1, but it was a bit underwhelming. This is better than that, and there was a significant improvement which I appreciate. The plot is way better and a bit more complex. I didn’t see that coming.
“Not everything you believe is true, and not everything you expect to happen will.”
This is a children’s book, so it has themes like friendship and family. I love the depiction of the themes. I love the inclusion of adults in this book, Alcatraz didn’t do anything by himself, and the adults didn’t magically disappear as in most children’s books.
It’s Brandon Sanderson, so the world-building is fantastic, the writing style is whimsical and fun, and I have a love/hate relationship. The book is written solely from the POV of Alcatraz.
I like all the characters in this book. I love all the Smedrys that I have met. They are crazy but loyal to each other. I don’t have a favourite character, but Kaz, Alcatraz, and Bastille are in the running for my favourite character....more
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians is unlike anything I’ve ever read, the writing is so whimsical and fun. This is aBuddy read with my buds from Discord.
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians is unlike anything I’ve ever read, the writing is so whimsical and fun. This is a children’s book like HP and Percy Jackson but an adult cannot only read but also enjoy it. This book have good themes like family and friends, I’m waiting for more exploration on the above topics.
I’ve read more than 10 books by Brandon Sanderson and only this one has a different writing style. The magic system as usual is above average and very well depicted. The writing like I mentioned earlier is whimsical, fun and fast paced and it’s written in first person POV of Alcatraz.
Alcatraz the protagonist is a troubled boy who can’t help but break things, because of that he never lasts long with any foster parents. Everything changed when he received a bag of sand from his supposed parents whom he has never met. The sand got stolen and he was told that the world he lives in isn’t what it is and that Librarians are evil tyrants. Super weird right, trust me it’s fun....more
Redawn is the second novella in the Skyward series and the book 2.2. ReDawn is to be read before Cytonic, book 3, in the SkywarBuddy read with Snezana
Redawn is the second novella in the Skyward series and the book 2.2. ReDawn is to be read before Cytonic, book 3, in the Skyward series. I love this book more than Cytonic because the Skyward flight were here.
The book is written from the perspective of Alanik; the alien Spensa impersonated in Starsight. Most of the book is set on ReDawn, a planet whose inhabitants live in gigantic trees; the world-building is superb, and the geography is genuine.
ReDawn is fast-paced, action-packed and has great dialogue. There wasn't a boring part while reading this book. This book tells us more about the tyranny of the Superiority though they claim to have the best interest of every specie at heart.
The plot is relatively straightforward; a faction of ReDawn's government wants to give in to the Superiority while the other faction wants to fight them.
The faction in ReDawn's government that seeks to please the Superiority has seized control. With Alanik's mentor, Renakin, kidnapped, she has no one but Jorgen, FM, and their friend Rig to turn to for help. An ancient technology may have the ability to save both of their planets from calamity, but will they be able to uncover its mysteries before it's too late?...more
Lady Midnight is one of the best openings in a series that I’ve read in a long time.
The Dark Artifices i“Life is short, and wisdom long to learn.”
Lady Midnight is one of the best openings in a series that I’ve read in a long time.
The Dark Artifices is the fourth series I'm reading in the Shadowhunter world and the best series. This book has everything I look for in books; friendship, family, fantastic fight scenes, well-written characters, and a great plot; what more could I ask for?
“People do complicated things because people are complicated.”
The events in this book took place five years after The Mortal Instruments, so you need to read TMI before reading this, it's not compulsory, but it will help you understand the reference to events that happened in the book and some characters from that series made an appearance here.
The World Building and Writing Though this is an urban fantasy series, the author took her time to depict the world very well; It was easy to picture the environment in my mind because of that.
The book is written in the third person multiple POVs of a couple of characters in this book, the POV switch was well done, and the characters' individuality makes it easy for the reader to know who’s narrating the book.
“Everyone is more than one thing,” said Kieran. “We are more than single actions we undertake, whether they be good or evil.”
Characters The characters in this book are one of the best I've read in YA for a long time. Reading about them was so engaging.
Julian Blackthorn is my favourite character in this book. He is a seventeen years old Shadowhunter and the guardian of his four younger siblings; he took on that responsibility at a very young age, so it has shaped how he views life. He is an adult in a teen’s body.
Emma Carstairs is also seventeen and the parabati of Julian; she lost her parents to the events five years ago. She is intelligent, loyal, and will do anything for the ones she loves.
Cristina Rosales is an eighteen years old shadow hunter from Mexico. Cristina is a great person; she is very understanding and empathic, not to mention strong. You can always trust her to be there for you.
Then there's Mark, Dru, Tavvy, Livvy, and Ty, the rest of the Blackthorn clan.
Plot The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles are the main characters of this book. It's been five years since the events of TMI when Emma lost her parents. She is hell-bent on discovering who killed her parents, so when dead bodies turn up with symbols on the bodies like her parents, she decides to investigate it with her parabati, Julian.
Buddy read with my #Cassandraclare buddies from Discord....more
Evershore is the third novella in the Skyward series. Though you can skip it, it's essential to read it because the events in tBuddy read with Snezana
Evershore is the third novella in the Skyward series. Though you can skip it, it's essential to read it because the events in this novella added a lot to the series.
I mentioned in my review of Starsight and Cytonic that the books were written in just Spensa’s POV, which made it hard for the reader to know what is happening in Detritus. This novella covered that.
The events in this novella happened after ReDawn. This book is written from the POV of Jorgen Wright. He's one of my favourite characters in the series, and I'm glad to read his book finally.
Jorgen is a Cytonic, but his powers are very different from that of Spensa and Alanik. I love how the book showed his character development and his getting used to his powers.
The only drawback is that some part of this book was rushed, especially the last battle. It was a bit confusing, I blinked, and it was over. I just wished it was longer....more
Sunreach is a novella set in the Skyward world. As much as I like it, I have a few complaints. I wrote in my review of Starsight that the book focused Sunreach is a novella set in the Skyward world. As much as I like it, I have a few complaints. I wrote in my review of Starsight that the book focused only on Spin and abandoned everyone on Detrius, this book focuses on the events that happened when Spin was away in the Superiority. I wish both books were one book with the characters switching POV, that would have been way better, this book was dry and boring in some places.
However, I love that this book filled that hole and told the readers all that happened when Spin was away.
“A wasteland could feel more comfortable than a paradise, if that was what you were used to.”
The book is written in Freyja Marten I.e FM’s first person POV. The book is fast paced and easy to get through.
Jorgen is my favorite in this book though he has no POV, I love how nerdy he is. Though he is rich and has it all, he is still kind.
I don’t remember much about FM before reading this book, now that I know her better, I like her.
Rig, Arturo, Ned, Cobb and many others are also in this.
The plot focuses on the slugs I.e the hyperdrives, the DDF now know that they are the hyperdrives but have no idea how they work....more
Ghostwater is the fifth book in the Cradle series. What I love most about this series is the pace and character development, eaBuddy read with Snezana
Ghostwater is the fifth book in the Cradle series. What I love most about this series is the pace and character development, each book focuses on a different idea and this one is about Ghostwater. The fight scenes, magic system, dialogues, great depiction of friendship and amazing characters are some of my favorite things about this book.
Ghostwater is a pocket world created by Northstrider,(a monarch). The world was abandoned 50 years prior to this book, after the brief wake of the Phoenix, Ghostwater’s anchor is no longer solid and the world is said to collapse in a couple of months. The Skysworn were sent to investigate and what they saw is more than they expected.
“The difference between perceived strength and actual strength is smaller than you would believe”
This book also show more insight on the magic caste, the ones initially mentioned in the previous books are Copper, Iron, low gold, high gold, true gold, under lord, over lord and arch lord in ascending order. There was a few mention of Monarch and Sage, I know they are higher than the aforementioned ones but I don’t know which is higher, and now we have Heralds, another powerful magic caste, I don’t know where they fit yet, I hope I get a better explanation in the next book.
Moving on, I love this book as much as I do the other previous ones, the world building is beyond average, it’s awesome. Will Wight literally have a different world building for each book because each book is set in a different location. The book is written in third person multiple POV.
My favorite character remains Lindon, he remains true to his beliefs, he is humble, kind and courageous. He is brave but not arrogant.
Yerin is so cynical and realistic, I like that about her, it makes her friendship with Lindon all the better, they compliment each other.
Mercy Acura is the daughter of the Acura monarch, details on why she left her family is still vague but I like her already. She is such a good person.
There are lots of new characters in this, my favorite is Dross, a sentient construct, his opinion of everything is hilarious. Then there’s Kiel, he’s still sort of a mystery, can’t wait to read more about him in the next book....more
Another great addition to the series. Skysworn is the fourth book in the cradle series. This series is fast becoming one of my Buddy read with Snezana
Another great addition to the series. Skysworn is the fourth book in the cradle series. This series is fast becoming one of my favorite series of all time. It’s fast paced, has great world building, awesome unique characters and finally the magic system. What I admire most about this series is the relationship between the characters, it’s so real, they are like a family.
There are lots of revelations in this, I finally know what Eithan’s endgame is and more about the Abidan and how they manipulate humans, they are just like gods. The author also explored the empire more, there’s more information about the noble houses.
Just like the previous books, this also took place in a new location, the heart of the empire itself, the Skysworn headquarters. The Skysworn is kind of like police but more, they are the elite fighters and it’s very hard to become a member, they also work for the emperor to uphold law and justice.
The plot picked up from where Blackflame ended with Lindon in a Skysworn prison. With the duel fast approaching Lindon is not confident in his success, with good reason. Apart from the duel, the empire has another enemy in the form of a god waking, that is never a good thing.
All our characters are still here with Lindon having 75% of the POV. Yerin’s POV was awesome, it gave insight on her red belt and what actually happened to her family. Eithan’s own gave more information about his endgame. Lindon is still focused on advancing and with good reason, given the vision that Suriel gave him, I love that even with that hanging over his head, he is still loyal to his friends. Then there’s Mercy Akura, a new character that I’m loving....more
Blackflame is the third book in the cradle series, just like the previous books this book is fast paced and action packed. It tBuddy read with Snezana
Blackflame is the third book in the cradle series, just like the previous books this book is fast paced and action packed. It took place in another location from the previous books. The setting of this book is different from that of the first two, this took place in the Blackflame empire.
“That was the real lesson: if you were powerful enough, you could accomplish anything.”
The world and new location was well depicted, the houses in this new location are built in the skeleton of a dragon, how cool is that. The writing is awesome as always, just like the previous books this book is written in third person multiple POV with Lindon having 80% of the POV.
“Show me a fair fight,’ her master used to say, ‘and I’ll show you an opponent who has lost his mind.”
The plot though straightforward has a lot of information. We finally know more about The Blackflame empire and the path of the Blackflame that use literal fire. We also got to know more about the politics and there is a caste system. Eithan is more unique and powerful than you’ll think. I still don’t know his end game.
I love Lindon’s character development so much, though he is more powerful than before he is still and kind.
Yerin’s character development is slow but I still love what I got, though tough on the outside she is actually a good person.
I’m still unsure whether Eithan is a good person, he sounds like a good person but I know he has ulterior motives.
Jai Long is now one of my favorites, I get why he is the way he is now, he loyalty and love for his sister is so admirable. I just hope he succeeds....more
Soulsmith is the second book in the cradle series. I love the way the plot is progressing, it’s fast paced, action packed and Buddy read with Snezana.
Soulsmith is the second book in the cradle series. I love the way the plot is progressing, it’s fast paced, action packed and awesome characters, what more is there to ask for. The world is great, it was well depicted. To top it all up the book is short. The magic system has more than three caste/ levels, so it begins with copper, iron, jade, gold(there are 3 gold levels) low gold, high gold and true gold.
“In his experience, practically anything became an adventure if framed properly.”
Events in this book took place immediately after book one, with Yerin and Lindon leaving Sacred Valley, they don’t have a destination in mind so this is a mini journey book. It’s not your usual journey book because 90% of the events in this book happened in a specific location, a cross between a village and a camp.
Just like the previous book, this book is written in third person multiple POV with Lindon having like 80% of the POV. Two new characters Eithan and Jai Long.
I’m torn between Eithan and Lindon, I can’t decide who I like more, I love Lindon dedication and all but Eithan brings a new perspective to the series, not to mention he is also funny.
“Lindon hungered for self-improvement rather than revenge, and he wasn't cringing or sniveling.”
Yerin has more POV than book one but I want more. Jai Long is also a good character, I don’t know whether he is good or bad, I just know that he is driven.
The plot didn’t progress much at the same it did. Lindon progress a bit in his Path. On the other hand we got to know much more about the world, different Path and Clans. Can’t wait to read more and see where it goes.
The quote below says it all about the world “You’re strong, you get respect. You’re weak, and you better know someone strong.”...more
This book is the weakest book in the series in my opinion. It’s a good book but the other books were better, the book is set in a new location which IThis book is the weakest book in the series in my opinion. It’s a good book but the other books were better, the book is set in a new location which I don’t mind much but it’s very different from the previous books in the sense that the action/fight scenes were at a minimal same for the political aspects that we got in Starsight. This book like the title says is about Cytonic and how it all started, it’s was informative but not that fun to read.
“Sometimes it’s too easy to forget the things you should remember—and far too easy to remember the things you really should forget.”
It goes without saying that the world building is awesome, I like the way the Nowhere was depicted, it’s a place between planets. The writing is good but it’s a single first person POV so a lot of internal monologue which I didn’t appreciate.
There were lots of new characters in this and different alien species, I like how the author took time to describe them and there were even arts in the book that depicts the aliens and spaceship. I still like Spensa, she is a strong young woman and I love M-Bot here so much. Then there’s Chet who’s a new character, I like him, he’s not what I expected at all....more