**spoiler alert** I was intrigued by the description on the back cover when I found it at Barnes & Noble, and I was hooked after the first few pages. **spoiler alert** I was intrigued by the description on the back cover when I found it at Barnes & Noble, and I was hooked after the first few pages. “Queen of Blood” is the first and only of Sarah Beth Durst’s books that I have read, but there are plenty out there for all ages.
Right off the bat I felt a similarity with “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik. While the stories are vastly different, “Queen of Blood” having nothing to do with fairy tales, they have a familial magic. Both protagonists are young women with the affinity for magic, and both are thrown into the depths of learning the difficult art for the greater good. Both authors have weaved a complex world and magic system that is beautiful and cool, and views it in a way that the reader forgets how dangerous it is.
“Queen of Blood” follows Dalelina as she traverses the world of spirits, with the help of disgraced champion Ven, as she trains to hopefully someday become the queen to protect Renthia. The trouble is that Dalelina is far from the best candidate for the job, despite how many believe in her. As the story progresses and Dalelina accepts that she would better serve the next queen than be her, she and the rest of the candidates face the dangerous spirits that do all in their power to rid the world of humans.
The story is detailed and responsibly paced. You feel as if you’ve been on the years-long journey learning with Dalelina and so the final chapters are satisfying. Every sacrifice, every heartache, and every death is worth it. I laughed, cried, and fumed at various parts throughout the book. It is very good.
I recommend this book to those who love stories about faerie; though these are spirits and not faerie, it has a very similar feel. It’s an original fantastical tale that will be enjoyed by fantasy lovers, especially those who enjoyed “Uprooted”....more
I first heard about Shirley Jackson by reading her short story, "The Lottery" for a creative writing class. I was very excited about the cover of thisI first heard about Shirley Jackson by reading her short story, "The Lottery" for a creative writing class. I was very excited about the cover of this novel, realizing only after that this Shirley Jackson was the very same.
I went into this novel knowing only what the cover tells readers, which is very little considering what the story is about. It turned out to be a mystery of sorts, trying to figure out the importance of the sugar bowl and why these two Blackwood girls are stuck in their home, forced out of society.
It's a very interesting and quick read. I listened to the audio book, which is just five and a half hours, so reading it yourself would be a bit faster; though the audio book, read by Bernadette Dunne, is very good and I recommend it.
Overall, I am pleased with my purchase and the story that I got. Plus, I really like this cover!...more
Who doesn't love dragons? The Wings of Fire series is perfect for dragon lovers of all ages! It is intended for children, of course, and the language Who doesn't love dragons? The Wings of Fire series is perfect for dragon lovers of all ages! It is intended for children, of course, and the language is clear in that, but it is enjoyable even for an adult.
The characters are all portrayed through Clay's eyes, a MugWing dragonet (young dragon), and his devotion and loyalty to those he loves is pure and beautiful. This is the start of a journey for five young friends during an extraordinarily dangerous war between all dragons, and each is put to the test to see where their loyalties and future lies.
It's a great tale with drama, betrayal, suspense, and questions surfacing with every page turn. The surprise twists are cool, and the characters are consistent as the plot thickens. It's a great first installment in this series and I cannot wait to read the next!...more
There's a lot of hype about this book, especially with the movie recently (a few months now) out. I have been excited to read it, and I was not disappThere's a lot of hype about this book, especially with the movie recently (a few months now) out. I have been excited to read it, and I was not disappointed by what it delivered.
Right off the bat, it has a "The Fault in Our Stars" feel, which is great for fans of that book, but the better part of that is there isn't that sad cloud looming overhead feeling. Throughout the majority of "Everything, Everything", even during the sadder/angsty parts, its theme is about hope and love, two of the most powerful things in life.
This is the type of YA romance that I like. It focuses on the protagonist's point of view only, her world that has newly begun to revolve around her love interest (which is the only one, because love triangles are stupid), all the while trying to define herself as she is on the brink of adulthood/living her life despite this unfair hand she's been dealt. There is a helpless romantic vibe that feels authentic and real that's beautifully not lessened by them being, for lack of a better word, foolishly lovesick teenagers. As a girl who met her significant other at eighteen while still in high school, it's nice to find stories where young love can be painted as openly and beautifully--and seriously--as adult romances.
I love also that Maddy's story played with identity and the ugliness of reality and family relationships. First of all, we may not be whole people, raised by well people, and the boy you fall in love with may come from a broken family that is violent and unfair; but love is a powerful thing that can heal wounds. "Spoiler alert: Love is worth everything. Everything."...more
**spoiler alert** I went into this thinking it was going to be a highly involved romance novel, but personally, I wouldn't classify it as a romance; i**spoiler alert** I went into this thinking it was going to be a highly involved romance novel, but personally, I wouldn't classify it as a romance; it's an adventure novel with a bit of romance in it. At the end. And not in very much detail.
Judging the book as it is, the characters are interesting and fun, consistent throughout the plot, sometimes to the point of being annoying (as in like, Dang it, Wedge, why are you doing/saying/motivated like that?!). The plot has a good rhythm: not too fast, not to slow. You feel like you're aboard the ship, living through Wedge's experiences; the battles are well written, exciting, and very intense!
I gave it 3 stars because I liked it but I had a few issues with it.
One: the description of the book gave the impression that it was a romance, which don't get me wrong, there is romance and sexual tension and all that present, but it wasn't the point of the book, so because it's not the point of the book I wouldn't consider it a romance novel.
Two: Though the motivations of the characters were consistent throughout the book, I feel like it all came together too neatly/conveniently at the end. The truth is unraveled and all the bad guys die, so all can go live better/normal lives again. I usually like when that happens, and it is a standalone book so it's not like a cliffhanger would have worked, but it felt too sudden and clean cut for this up-until-this-point messy story.
Three: There were times where I had to put it down because I felt like Wedge was complaining a lot; this wasn't a big deal if I remembered he had every right to be scared and angry and want his freedom back, but even after he learned the truth about the evil men they were involved with, he still tried stupid things that nearly got him and others killed. You're a cook, Wedge, not a hero!
Overall, I liked it. It is an interesting story, full of cooking and piracy, with a sprinkle of romance. If you're a fan of historical fiction, pirates, and a tasteful (pun intended) romance, this is the book for you!...more
Dark, creep, and inventive, "The Call" is the perfect combination of sadism and charisma that is enjoyable for teens and adults. Peadar O'Guilin pusheDark, creep, and inventive, "The Call" is the perfect combination of sadism and charisma that is enjoyable for teens and adults. Peadar O'Guilin pushes the boundaries of the disturbing without going too far, taking it "there" with the grossness and reeling it back with teenage humor and sass. Be warned, though, it's pretty graphic. This book is not for the squeamish.
The characters are plucky, sarcastic, in-your-face, and some downright nasty - typical teenagers in a atypical reality. The Gray Land is a horrific place, yet painted so realistically it seems it could belong in one of our nightmares.
It's a creative story about injustice, revenge, survival, hope, friendship, and victory - with a whole lot killing and savagery in the middle. I've never read anything like it, and I recommend it to teens (14+) and adults alike....more
**spoiler alert** It was advertised on Facebook as the next "Twilight". Naturally, I was skeptical, not sure if that was a good or bad thing, but as a**spoiler alert** It was advertised on Facebook as the next "Twilight". Naturally, I was skeptical, not sure if that was a good or bad thing, but as a "Twilight" fan, I bought it and gave it a chance.
Obviously I could compare it to Twilight, so there might be a bit of that; bear with me. There are many similarities, but a lot of those similarities are more commonplace with modern vampires. Bella Forrest has stuck to the traditional route with vampire tropes but giving it a modern twist. There are certainly Twilight-feels to this one, BUT it's not the same.
I can't help but love the heroine, Sofia, who is headstrong, passionate, flawed, and actually afraid of vampires! No, there is no immediate attraction to her captors, who are painted in their true light - as villains of the dark, who prey on humans, with very little (if any) remorse. She is a heroine worth routing for, and in the end she makes up her own mind to hate or love the vampires.
That brings us to the hero: Derek. He's got the same "I don't want to be a monster" internal issue going on, but the big difference is that Derek - and his family, and every other vampire we meet - is actually dangerous, murderous, and certainly no human. This makes Derek's will to try not to be the monster he most certainly is more significant, because he, unlike Edward Cullen, isn't completely against giving into his true nature. This complicates his relationship with himself, with Sofia, with his family who have embarrassed the lifestyle.
"A Shade of Vampire" has an authentic feel to it; this is how I'd imagine vampires would act in the 21st century, with modern technology and humans at their disposal. It's fascinating, sure, but it's also terrifying and creepy - and not everyone goes goo-goo for them because THEY'RE UNDEAD MONSTERS. It's a nice take on modern vamps, with realistic reactions and classic tropes; there is still that "boyfriend vampire" element to it, but it feels less...well, less like teenage-angst than the majority of YA vampire fiction out there.
If you're into YA vampire tales, a fan of "Twilight", or just want an original-yet-tradition vampire story, this is the perfect book (or series, rather) for you!...more
I love this book! I loved it the first time I read it and I loved it even more the second time.
All the characters are interesting and entertaining; thI love this book! I loved it the first time I read it and I loved it even more the second time.
All the characters are interesting and entertaining; the plot is fast and attention-grabbing, and Richard Adams did such a fantastic job at creating culture among rabbits (in an anthropomorphic way, of course). I thoroughly enjoyed viewing things from rabbits' points of view for a bit. I really like them, even if they have a poor opinion of cats.
If you're a rabbit lover, or if you like animal tales from their points of view, this is the perfect book for you. It'll be a good read-aloud book for children, too! And, for good measure, the audio book read by Ralph Cosham is worth a listen. Very well preformed!...more
I got this book on Audible during a 2-for-1 sale; I was sold right away by the concept and the sample. I wasn't sure what to expect but it kept my intI got this book on Audible during a 2-for-1 sale; I was sold right away by the concept and the sample. I wasn't sure what to expect but it kept my interest all the way through. We follow Lily, her twin sister, her mother, and the monster that stole her away for eight years as Lily figures out what to do next now that she's escaped. But time has changed everything and everyone she's known, and she has a daughter to think about. Things are awkward and tense when she reunited with her old boyfriend, her first love, and man oh man is there DRAMA!
I really liked this novel, all the tension and twists, all the moving moments and confusing emotions each character is dealing with. There is nothing simple or easy about their stories, and the ending is so worth it.
However, and I understand the character motivations behind it, but it did take a weird turn about halfway through that I wasn't a fan of. Again, I should have expected it, considering the situations all were put in, but I still didn't like it and kept rolling my eyes waiting for them to get passed this weird stage. Luckily it didn't last forever and those things I didn't like were resolved.
I love this one because it shows the messiness of life, that broken people can still find happiness and love, forgiveness and hope. They can still dream, and they learn how to fight for what is right, not just what is easy. I thoroughly enjoyed it; the audio book is great, too. I usually don't care as much for audio books that switch readers for the points of views but this one I felt was necessary and it did a great job painting this screwed up situation and set of characters. If you're a fan of thrillers, stories about growth and healing after tragedy, this is a great book for you.
I couldn't wait for this one to come out! I didn't get to read it right away but the wait was worth it!
Once again, Soman Chainani has delivered an excI couldn't wait for this one to come out! I didn't get to read it right away but the wait was worth it!
Once again, Soman Chainani has delivered an exciting story with originality and twists and turns that had me guessing up until the very end. When I started this installment, within the first few chapters (as I did in the first three books) I predicted what might happen, and would have been a little disappointed had the stories follow the "obvious" path. But Soman weaves magic, and every time I thought someone would make one decision or the plot would direct a certain way, my mind was blown with a new unclear twist that had me flipping pages to find out how the character would solve this one.
I am so excited he decided to do another trilogy! Soman Chainani doesn't disappoint and I am so ready for the next book!
Note: Polly Lee reads the audio books which can be found on Hoopla and Audible. She does a fantastic job bringing the story to life. I highly recommend it to those into audio books....more
I love Bones and so have been curious about the Temperance Brennan series for a while now. The mystery/thriller genre isn't my go-to genre of choice, I love Bones and so have been curious about the Temperance Brennan series for a while now. The mystery/thriller genre isn't my go-to genre of choice, (I've read only a handful in my life so far), so I've been putting it off. I found it at the library and decided, Why not? I cannot believe I waited so long to read it.
From the very beginning, I was enthralled. Kathy Reichs' writing style alone is beautifully crafted; details form this fictional version of our world, and the characters are interesting and memorable. I was invested the whole time, curious about what would happen next, anticipating the next turn, shocked by certain twists and outcomes.
It's a great book, even if you don't particularly like mystery/thrillers; you should give this one a try. It's written beautifully, fast paced and nicely detailed; the characters are cool and relatable; the issues are serious and gripping. I really enjoyed it....more
**spoiler alert** Note: Not sure if any that I wrote might be considered spoilers so I just tagged it as just in case.
My husband read this soon after **spoiler alert** Note: Not sure if any that I wrote might be considered spoilers so I just tagged it as just in case.
My husband read this soon after it came out and loved it. One of his favorite books, he claimed, and wanted me to read it ever since. I see why now, and I'm glad he suggested it.
We start with Lotto, seeing his life and marriage through his eyes, the ups and downs of his success. Things are murky at times, but the water always clears and Lotto somehow manages to surface, stronger and better than ever. He seems always to get whatever he wanted, even when things were crumbling (sometimes unknown to him) all around. We delve deep into Lotto's mind, this rose-colored view of his wife, Mathilde, their marriage, his relationship with friends and the oh-so-many people he touched through his art. We get to taste the fullness that is Lancelot Satterwhite, as if he is a real person, which is the point of his character after all.
Mathilde's side of things, though, was more interesting to me. Perhaps because Lotto lived with rose-tinted glasses always, she finally opens our eyes to the truths Lotto couldn't see, couldn't bare, and so never knew. Lotto, in a way, lived in a bright world; there was darkness lurking at the edges of his life, unfairness and pain, but things seemed always to go okay in the end. Mathilde, though, knew darkness too early, learned survival and loneliness that kept her from engaging in the fullness that Lotto so regularly enjoyed. Mathilde's darkness, with the combination of Lotto's light, made her a very gray character. Not bad, even if she did evil things in her past, but not pure, as Lotto so clearly though of her as. She was my favorite character, the most interesting in this marriage.
I enjoyed their story, the depth of their love, the twists and turns that very nearly ripped them apart only to make them stronger in the end. It is a love story, yes, but it is also a tragedy. If you're into love stories that feel real and raw, this is a great book to read. Warning, though: It is very explicit, honest in its sexiness, scandal, and darkness, and therefore strictly for adult readers....more
I'm not usually prone to pick up a Christian romance; they tend to be too clean for my taste which sometimes falls flat. However, once I found this onI'm not usually prone to pick up a Christian romance; they tend to be too clean for my taste which sometimes falls flat. However, once I found this once, I was so curious about the story that I had to pick it up. It did not disappoint, and furthermore, the God references aren't overbearing or preachy and are sprinkled throughout so it felt like natural inclinations for the characters.
The plot is fast paced, interesting, and there are questions at every turn. I certainly felt that I was swept back into the Regency period; Sarah E. Ladd did a wonderful job painting history in this fictional timeline.
My only complaint, I supposed, is the villain. He/she (I don't want to spoil anything) seems evil only because Amelia, the main character, is comparing him/her to righteous behavior. Yes, the villain goes over the top in trying to get what he/she wants, but that's why it feels strange. It's as if the author has painted the main characters in a certain righteous light and so everyone else who doesn't fit into that category are painted as evil.
Overall, it's an enjoyable story, with interesting and likable characters, historical references that bring this fictional timeline to life... I read the entire thing in four sittings. It's a quick read, and certainly worth your time. I'll warn that it's a little cheesy, as most romances of any genre are, but I was giggling like a fool through most of it; the characters are too darn cute that you can't help but root for them....more
I listened to the audio book read by Ari Fliakos, which is preformed very well! The pacing is quick, the narrative is more fun this way, and it helps I listened to the audio book read by Ari Fliakos, which is preformed very well! The pacing is quick, the narrative is more fun this way, and it helps move along the parts about coding and computer stuff that doesn't quite do it for me when reading it myself. (I started this novel reading it myself and it dragged for me because I kept getting caught up on the coding and computer stuff that I didn't really understand or find interesting. But once I had someone else reading it to me, it was better.)
The characters are really interesting. They're the driving force of the story; yes, there's are secrets the Mr. Penumbra is hiding that unravel and reveal really cool conspiracies and secret organizations but the only reason to care about that stuff is because the characters, specifically wizened Mr. Penumbra, make you want to investigate and find out what's really going on for his sake!
I didn't know what to expect when I went into it; this book was given to me as a present by my husband as a "just because" gift, so it wasn't something I picked out for myself, nor would I probably have had I found it on my own. But I enjoyed it a lot. I give it 3 stars because I liked it. It's a good story, with interesting plot points, cool characters, adventure, and a bunch of nerdy references that kept me chuckling.
I read on Robin Sloan's website that this story started out as a short story, and there is that prolonged short story feel to it, but it works. I think any shorter would have left us wanting, but any longer would have felt stretched and forced. It think what he did with it was the perfect way to execute Clay's adventure that started out in Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore.
If you're interested in a story about books and the relationship they have with old and modern technology, and/or Google (Google, the company, is basically a minor character), this is the perfect read for you!...more
I couldn't put this book down. It's the definition of a "page-turner". The characters are funny, charming, the plot flows, the writing it well done anI couldn't put this book down. It's the definition of a "page-turner". The characters are funny, charming, the plot flows, the writing it well done and the story is fast-paced. I read the entire thing in two sittings.
There is so much drama, so many questions, so many silly misunderstandings that are so complex and raw and real, things that make no sense until the end which makes you question the entire story all over again! These characters are relatable because they are flawed, terribly and utterly flawed, but at the same time have something about them that makes them appear invincible, even when they are broken and life sucks. But despite the hardships, there's always the silver lining, which hold these characters, and their story, together.
If you're not a fan of cursing or violence, (or love triangle drama), this probably isn't the book for you. This is slightly out of my go-to genre, but I was very pleased with this read and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!...more
I knew very little about this story going into it. I actually was interested in "Fire Bringer" first, but read this one instead. I wasn't prepared forI knew very little about this story going into it. I actually was interested in "Fire Bringer" first, but read this one instead. I wasn't prepared for the immense world Clement-Davies created; I wasn't prepared for a mature tale about love and betrayal, of good and evil.
"The Sight" is a union of The Guardians of Ga'Hoole and "Watership Down", with the whimsy of this animal world and how it relates to the humans, with their own rules and laws and culture. It is easy to get submerged into their way of life, to imagine yourself as a wolf (or Varg) and going alone with this interesting story about family, friendship, and love.
The first half felt a lot like set up to me, which I wasn't too crazy about, and it seemed to prolong; but it wasn't until the second half that I appreciated having journeyed through the beginning, able to understand the characters' development and paths. It is a moving tale, full of sorrow and fear, but there is also hope and growth, and so it is a worthy read.
If you're a fan of animal tales, this is a good one for you. I also love how much of the wolves' cultures and stories and religion focus around human ideas and theologies. There are references throughout that reflect our own cultures and histories, which is very cool and fun to witness and interpret through the wolves' eyes. It's very cool and I'm curious what the sequel has to offer....more
Robert Jordan has a knack for description and storytelling. From the start, you feel as if you are with Rand and the others, walking through their strRobert Jordan has a knack for description and storytelling. From the start, you feel as if you are with Rand and the others, walking through their strange and dangerous journey that takes them from childhood into adulthood. Along the way, Jordan's world is weaved, layer by layer, question upon question, answer after answer, until you've reached the end and have learned much more than you thought possible, and yet still have many, many questions.
I found myself attached to certain characters at different times throughout the book; at first Rand was my favorite, then Perrin, but then Nyneave. As time went on and more things were revealed, about the world, the plot, the characters, I became as invested as the characters I read about, a part of their world, so to speak, and I care about what happened to them and what will happen. I am very intrigued after this first installment of the series and look forward to reading the rest!...more
Everyone expects the story to end with a neat little bow after the adventures are over, the prince has kissed his princess, the witch is defeated, andEveryone expects the story to end with a neat little bow after the adventures are over, the prince has kissed his princess, the witch is defeated, and the balance of Evil and Good is still in order; but for Agatha and Sophie, balance have never really been their style, and now without trying and striving for their own happy endings.
In book one we are whisked away into this blissful, beautiful, balanced world where Good and Evil learn how to coexist with the purpose of trying to defeat one another. We learn right away that looks can be deceiving, that what looks Good might not be on the inside, and whats look Evil might be made of nicer things. For the beautiful, Good-striving Sophie, it is a shock when she is cast into the School for Evil, and dark and moody Agatha opted for the princess role in the School for Good. We are taken on an adventure that tests their friendship, their limits, their magical skills, their love for each other and those that will (or so they think) make them happy.
In book two we are whisked back into this world because friendship isn't enough for some happy endings. But things are no longer balanced, and the two girls are challenged again in friendship, love, boundaries, sacrifice, until one choice separates the two forever (or so they think).
And then we come to book three, The Last Ever After, the one where everything comes together and ties a neat little bow around the ending, right? Wrong! Things are not simple anymore. Agatha and Sophie are different, growing people on opposite sides. Tedros is caught in the middle, torn between his princess and his friend, and every time Good seems to get a step closer to fixing the balance between their rivals, Evil makes a leap ahead of them.
This is the perfect summary for all the disaster and growth that already happened in the first two novels. We get history, closure, understanding, emotions that make all the gains and losses worth it. It is a very well written world and story and I will certainly reread it again and again. I definitely recommend it to those who like fairy tales; I would hesitate to recommend it to those who aren't a fan of young adult romance and love triangles. (It's a lot more complex and complicated than that, but that theme plays a lot in all three books, so if you hate that part of a story, this isn't the trilogy for you.)...more
If I thought the first book was cool with its originality and new take on fairy tale "retellings" (it's not really a retelling, but it's all about faiIf I thought the first book was cool with its originality and new take on fairy tale "retellings" (it's not really a retelling, but it's all about fairy tales and all the famous ones are mentioned throughout), the second has pushed those boundaries and expectations even further!
Wishes can be dangerous; but princesses and witches can be friends now, can't they? Sophie and Agatha's friendship is put to the test yet again, with intrigue and mystery and stakes all the higher! And more, their friends' lives and fairy tales themselves are in jeopardy as well.
I really enjoyed the drama in this book. Where the first book really hooked on identity and overcoming personal boundaries and stereotypes, A World Without Princes goes into gender roles and expectations, the lengths and limitations of friendship, loyalty, and love, and how gender and sex matter (or don't), and what it takes to get a happy ending.
I loved The School for Good and Evil and couldn't wait to start A World Without Princes, and for good reason! Both are fantastic. Both are engaging and unique and bring forth a whole new variation to the fairy tale genre. I very much recommend the series to any and everyone who loves fairy tales, fantastical schools, magic, and trials that allow people to learn about identity, loyalty, friendship, and most importantly, love....more
I cannot express how awesome this book is! With so many fairy tale retellings out there, to get something that feels 100% original is super cool. TherI cannot express how awesome this book is! With so many fairy tale retellings out there, to get something that feels 100% original is super cool. There are the fairy tale tropes, of course, but they're all done in such a way that makes it feel like it's never been done before, as if The School for Good and Evil is the first ever retelling of fairy tales. Another cool thing is that it isn't a retelling of a specific tale; there's not "backbone" that supports it; it is completely and totally its own story.
The characters, too, feel authentic, like real people that got transported into a fairy tale, slowly digesting and accepting their new world. Both Sophie and Agatha have huge flaws that shine through even when they are on point, and they play to their strengths so that it's hard to dislike them because at least they are playing their roles honestly. I wasn't a huge fan of Tedros, the prince character, but mostly because of course he comes between the girls--but don't think this is a fairy tale themed love triangle; it's not. It's all about friendship and love, Good and Evil, hate and revenge.
Soman Chainani has a gift for weaving a magical, mystical fairy tale world that feels plausible and real; it's beautiful and unique, with overarching tropes and themes that help the plot spiral in and out of control. Nearly every prediction I had was wrong; or if I was right in expecting what would happen next, something twisted it just slightly enough that I was thrown for a loop as if I hadn't ever guessed correctly.
If you're a lover of fairy tales and originality, cool and complicated characters, and even the whole concept of fate, this is the perfect book for you. And greater news: there's two more books after it, which I, for one, am super excited to read!...more