Adelina had everything I look for in a good strong female character--power in her own right, but feminine gentleness too. This book gripped me from thAdelina had everything I look for in a good strong female character--power in her own right, but feminine gentleness too. This book gripped me from the first page. I adored the sister relationship between Violetta and Adelina and how that blossomed in the ending.
Really impressed with this series so far and can't wait to continue it in book two!...more
Ok, this book really does live up to its hype. I loved (almost) everything about it...The gritty character development, the hair-raising plot, the vibOk, this book really does live up to its hype. I loved (almost) everything about it...The gritty character development, the hair-raising plot, the vibrant world-building. Nina and Matthias were my favorite. They warmed my heart so much--and their last scene together in the book broke me (in a good way).
There was a little more gore and violence than I would have liked, but it was tastefully done for the most part.
Can't wait to find out what happens in book two!...more
From Mara's deep trauma-inflicted wounds to the inner battles she faced with herself, this story hit hard. My Ignite captured my heart from page one.
From Mara's deep trauma-inflicted wounds to the inner battles she faced with herself, this story hit hard. My heart ached for her pain, for the trauma she'd endured, and the narrative she'd been forced to listen to and internalize for so many years. In her moments of panic and self-destruction, I felt my chest squeeze in response, as though I were her.
Yet, it was also incredibly beautiful to watch her begin to heal from those wounds through Eli's gentleness and Haven's kindness and acceptance. I cried as she found belonging in a family--and a people--who were not her own, and yet welcomed her in as though she was.
Kara writes with such fiery passion and deep feeling infused into each page that I could hardly put it down. This book got me through several days of being sick, in fact.
This is the kind of story that will move you. You won't be able to forget it easily. It might even heal you a little bit. And it will certainly grip you all the way to its cliffhanging conclusion (THAT ENDING).
Favorite quotes:
"No matter what happens, we're all just ash in the end, Mara....Living is the hard part."
"'This world was made for us,' I say. Haven smiles and nods. 'Yes. For all of us.'"
"It's the kind of sacrifice my father would hate....It's sharing the light that already pours out of your wounds."
"The song of rebirth. It is the only thing louder than his fear."
"But I have one thing they don't. I've felt the sun. Sol beating down on my shoulders. Filling me. I know what it is to only have my own voice in my head. My voice--and the voice of hope. They can't stand right now--but I can stand for them."
"I'm not a weapon. I'm a reflection of the sun. Solnora....This is what we were created for. This is why I was born with wings and flame--To thaw this world when the sun could no longer bring light." ...more
Nadine never disappoints! Each new book wows me with how unique and gripping it is, and this book was no different. I've always admired how bold and uNadine never disappoints! Each new book wows me with how unique and gripping it is, and this book was no different. I've always admired how bold and unashamed Nadine is of her faith and how skillfully she weaves that faith into each story.
Cain's perspective was fresh, intriguing, and very relatable. I held my breath as he raced to find a cure before the virus took him and asked questions alongside him as he uncovered the truth behind the world of Tenebra with Stranna's help.
This book is a truly powerful representation of the darkness we fight against in this world--and the light we have as Christians in overcoming it. Evil does not win--Jesus will ultimately win.
Altogether, this is a creative, thought-provoking new tale from Nadine that presents strong Christian themes through the lens of dystopian fiction. You'll come away encouraged in your faith through this unput-downable story!
Favorite quotes:
"A happy ending doesn't free one from the pain of the process it takes to get there."
"The disease is in our minds...but the cure is there too. God has not left us without a way out."...more
AHH this book was so good!! I was hooked from page one. The setup with the letters, the darling sister relationship, the tension with their father--alAHH this book was so good!! I was hooked from page one. The setup with the letters, the darling sister relationship, the tension with their father--all of it drew me in right away, which is rare for a book to do. Then things just kept getting better and better from there. All the twists and turns blew me away--it was a lot to wrap my mind around at first, but when the ending was finally revealed, the pieces started to click in place.
And the whole concept of a game mixed with reality was so cool! I did feel like some of the descriptions of the setting were vague and rushed, but it was still fun seeing inside the world of Caraval and the mysterious Master Legend.
The sister relationship between Scarlett and Tella was my favorite part. I connected so strongly with Scarlett and her concern for her sister. I know what that's like, having three sisters myself! And my heart broke for their shattered family--I really hope Scar and Tella get closure with their mother in book two.
Also, the romance was adorable. I didn't like Julian at first, but he grew on me. His and Scarlett's relationship was so pure and sweet, and I really enjoyed watching it develop into more.
This was the perfect book I needed to get me back into reading! Such a fun, wild ride for lovers of YA fantasy....more
It's an understatement to say that this book was good--it was absolutely magnificent, even in its fairytale-like quality. In fact, becaOH MY GOODNESS!
It's an understatement to say that this book was good--it was absolutely magnificent, even in its fairytale-like quality. In fact, because of it. There was so much depth in this story that appears simple on the surface.
From the highly compelling character of Tress, to the luscious prose, to the eccentric narrator, to the vibrant Sanderson-esque worldbuilding that never disappoints, this book has it all--fairytales, pirates, talking rats, dangerous seas, and romance. I loved every part of this whimsical story--even more so when I found out it was partially inspired by one of my very favorite films, The Princess Bride.
Definitely a top favorite read of Brandon Sanderson's (one I'll likely be rereading) and high on my list of best reads of the year!...more
A gripping, magical story with pulse-pounding action and compelling characters! I literally couldn't put this down!A gripping, magical story with pulse-pounding action and compelling characters! I literally couldn't put this down!...more
I’ve never been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland, but Sara Ella managed to redeem it for me in this thoroughly captivating retelling that captures alI’ve never been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland, but Sara Ella managed to redeem it for me in this thoroughly captivating retelling that captures all the whimsy and soul of the classic fairytale while adding a unique dystopian spin on it. Full of topsy-turvy action, sinister secrets, and rich themes, The Wonderland Trials will leave you hungry for more of a world where the lines between fantasy and reality are thinly blurred and you never quite know who—or what—to trust.
Characters: Alice was such a compelling character, I think because of her paradoxical personality. Outwardly, she tried to appear strong, almost stoic in the way she braced herself for the hardships of life. And yet despite how hard she tried to build a wall around her heart, she was also deeply sensitive. She had a well of feeling for others and a sharp eye for the color and detail of life. Her quirks made her all the more endearing—and realistic. I found myself relating to her in so many ways!
The sister dynamic between Charlotte and Alice was so sweet and refreshing to see. I always appreciate good sibling relationships in YA, since they seem to be so rare! I loved watching them grow and bond together as the truth unveiled. I feel like there’s still a lot I don’t know about Charlotte, so I can’t wait to see more of her in book two!
Oh, and I certainly can’t forget about the infamous Chess Shire. Chess was such a dear. I wasn’t sure about him at first, especially since he was based off the Cheshire cat (and he was always my least favorite character), but he redeemed himself a thousand times over. His steadfast loyalty to Alice and charming paradoxical way of talking was so sweet. Also, their romance was too adorable! It flowed perfectly with the rest of the story—not too rushed or too drawn out.
Plot: I love a good plot twist, and boy, did Sara Ella rise to the occasion! Full of mind-bending twists and turns that leave your head spinning, this story will send you hurtling down the rabbit hole into the mystery and intrigue of Wonderland.
I thought it was brilliant how she constructed the book like a series of games and then totally threw me all over the place with twists I never saw coming. She is clearly a master plot twister—perhaps that’s her mastery! ;) Suffice it to say, the plot and worldbuilding left me entirely captivated all the way to the end. The worldbuilding, while not overly descriptive, still sparkled vividly, especially through the characters.
I’m only disappointed that it ended where it did. HOW COULD YOU TORTURE ME WITH A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT, SARA ELLA? I don’t think I can wait long enough for book two to come out!
Themes: There was so much to love about the careful symbolism and themes woven throughout the story. I mean, how can you not love a story that explores the magic of wonder and embracing the impossible?
Sara Ella took all the best parts of the original Alice in Wonderland and made it even better—far beyond my expectations. The way she meshed the worlds of the old and the new—modern and steampunk—was quite simply brilliant. It’s a fascinating exploration of what makes reality real—and how reality and fantasy are never that far away from each other.
It’s an invitation to peek into the looking glass—to behold the power of imagination and wonder. It’s a story about what makes life truly worth living and learning to find wonder all around us. As Chess would say, “How is the world inside your mind any less real than the one outside it?” The true genius of it is that Sara Ella uses a simple children’s story to achieve all this in a deeply beautiful, soulful, and touching portrayal of life.
I have a feeling Sara Ella will develop this theme even more in book two, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Also, a certain allegory about an ivory king has me even more over the moon about this series (if that’s even possible!).
Reminiscent of the fast-paced action of the Hunger Games and heroic themes of Harry Potter, The Wonderland Trials is a fascinating exploration of the power of creativity and the timeless bonds of friendship. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as Alice wades deeper into the web of secrets surrounding Wonderland and rooting for her as she learns to trust her friends amidst the madness and mayhem of the Trials. This isn’t a story you’ll soon forget!
*I received a complimentary e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own....more
I loved this dark, wintry read! It had everything I look for in a good YA fantasy--immersive worldbuilding, intriguing lore, compelling cast of characI loved this dark, wintry read! It had everything I look for in a good YA fantasy--immersive worldbuilding, intriguing lore, compelling cast of characters, adorable romance, and a plot full of crazy twists and turns. I really loved the unreliable narrator aspect with Sylvi and watching her learn and grow throughout the story, with the help of Mars and the others. Each of the characters stole my heart in a different way--I thoroughly loved this story!
Can't wait to continue Sylvi's journey in book two.
Content warning: (view spoiler)[Mentions of prostitution and brief description of a man forcing himself on a girl. Some graphic descriptions of violence (tearing limbs off). (hide spoiler)]...more
Kristianne
>
Books:
amazing-fantasy
(22)
