This book offers a fascinating glimpse into history, particularly the role of James Douglas and his involvement with the Highland Guard. The writing aThis book offers a fascinating glimpse into history, particularly the role of James Douglas and his involvement with the Highland Guard. The writing and storytelling were immersive and engaging, making it an enjoyable read. However, the story felt a bit short, as if a portion was missing, leaving me wishing for more depth in certain areas. While the romance was heartfelt, I struggled to connect with the hero, even as he attempted to redeem himself to the heroine, Jo. That said, both James and Jo undergo significant growth and maturity, which made their journey back to each other even more meaningful.
I borrowed this book from the library, and while it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was still an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the author’s lI borrowed this book from the library, and while it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was still an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the author’s life. She’s hilarious and had me laughing out loud multiple times, which made the reading experience enjoyable. I was dying for more details on everything. The book jumps through different phases of her life, but each is covered so vaguely that I was left with so many unanswered questions. While it entertained me enough to finish, I couldn’t help but wish for a deeper dive into her experiences.
The wallflower theme/trope is one of my favorites. A lovely quick read set in Regency England with a guaranteed HEA. I wish this story was longer; I wThe wallflower theme/trope is one of my favorites. A lovely quick read set in Regency England with a guaranteed HEA. I wish this story was longer; I would have enjoyed reading more about Luke and Louise’s married life post-HEA....more
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first books in the series. It didn’t feel very character driven like it was in the other bRead: July 5-8, 2018
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first books in the series. It didn’t feel very character driven like it was in the other books. While I did enjoy the multiple POVs from other characters to get the chance to see the world through their eyes, I just could not get over the blatant “hidden” political agenda. (I must admit the acknowledgements where the author talks about her love for all her democratic heroes and politicians is disgusting. I feel like she’s a very close minded individual; this is only more apparent as the books progressed. The story became less about the characters and more about the shifting alliances and political messages she was trying to send.)
I will give the author kudos for telling the story and actually taking the initiative to get published. I applaud her for that. And while I was interested in the story she had to tell, and she did tell it in a literate manner, I don’t fully agree with everything she said. I feel that of all the characters in the story, she would be like Anabel or the Laketown Queens. They are very close minded themselves; when I say closed minded, you could be on the side of forward progress and innovation but you are unwilling to listen to anyone who would have an opposing point of view.
I was disappointed by the ending. I suppose an open ending is fitting for this genre, but I still didn’t like it. I wished there were some closure or resolution. I don’t like things left open or hanging.
I was disappointed by anti-climatic the whole book turned out to me. I was thinking there would be more of a fight between the main characters; Maven turned out to be captured in a pretty unfitting way. It doesn’t match up with the rest of the storyline; it’s too ‘easy.’ I also wished there was more emotional scenes with him and Cal and Mare. I wish they would have tried harder to save him; I felt that they gave him up rather quickly.
As it was with the ending of the Harry Potter books, I feel like the author tied up everything in a nice little bow, without even making sure that everything was true to the storyline and characters which it involves. In order to finish out the series, concessions were made, and I as a reader, feel pretty underwhelmed by how everything was “tied up” to just get the final installment to print.
I like the world created. Feel as if there is unlocked potential which wasn't worked with.
Rated: 2.0/5.0—Overall, I agree about there being no substance for the last few books - while I know this is a story about war and societal reformation, honestly, I care more about the societal reformation in the Planet of the Apes story. Even though it’s set as a fantasy in the future, I can just smell the hidden digs to America and its current political system. I can feel the hate. Maybe I’m reading into it, but I can’t ignore it. Perhaps it is because in the end, it become more about the reformation than it did about the characters. I wanted to care about the characters, but in the end, I care more about Caesar and the apes than I do for the Reds vs Silvers.
Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.
But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.
War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?
In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive....more
I am thrilled that I finished this book! I do enjoy reading this series, but I had a difficult time focusing on reading which is why it took me so loI am thrilled that I finished this book! I do enjoy reading this series, but I had a difficult time focusing on reading which is why it took me so long to finish. With every story I finish, I am left with more questions than answers it seems. What happened to Jamie and Brienne? What is going to happen to Cersei at her “trial”? What is going to happen to Dany and will she be reunited with all her dragons again? Will Dany and Tyrion and Jorah meet up soon since they’re both going to be in the same city/location? Who exactly is this Ser Robert? The epilogue gave some hints that it’s someone dead and possibly familiar but who? It sounds like Jon died! Oh no, what is going to happen? Will he be brought back like he was in the show? What happened to Sansa? She wasn’t in this story at all. So many things to have happened and so many questions still remain. I eagerly await the next book and I sincerely hope it will be soon. I like to give authors the respect and benefit of the doubt they deserve so I hope that Martin isn’t holding the story back deliberately. If he is, shame on him. If he is not and is struggling creatively, then I wish him good creative vibes and hope he gets back into it because his fans are clamoring for more.
Rated: 4.5/5.0—Overall, a wonderful installment; I can’t wait for the next one. I feel like everything is at a stand-still and we are in the calm before the storm. There is going to be some more battles coming, I can feel it. I want Dany to start the process of moving into Westeros and claim her birthright. I’m as impatient as Mormont and Selmy. ...more
A quick read borrowed from the library for my October-Reads-Challenge. It was a historical novel set in the late 1800s and it was about mysteries andA quick read borrowed from the library for my October-Reads-Challenge. It was a historical novel set in the late 1800s and it was about mysteries and insane asylums. It featured a lot about the differences between the sane and the insane and just the power of the mind and psychology of the human brain. Overall, it was an entraining read.
Rated: 3.0/5.0—Overall, it was entertaining. Good characters with personality and motives. I enjoyed having a little mini-break from my Song of Ice and Fire novels. ...more