this book sounded like something that would be right up my street, and although I did enjoy the story, it took a long time for the story to get going,this book sounded like something that would be right up my street, and although I did enjoy the story, it took a long time for the story to get going, and then it ended with a cliffhanger ...more
I've had this book for a while, but decided to leave reading till I had all the series I've had this book for a while, but decided to leave reading till I had all the series ...more
Once again this is one of My favorite classics. To me the storyline has such real world relevance in some of the issues that are happening now. Each tOnce again this is one of My favorite classics. To me the storyline has such real world relevance in some of the issues that are happening now. Each time I have read this book, I've found something New that makes me think of the world today. But the thing I most love about the storyline, is the overall arc of Paul's duty and sense of loyalty that he attaches to the Fremen people. Out of the trilogy, this book is My favorite because it has an overall sense of hope. I'm totally on Paul and Chani's side and I n my romantic heart, they would have had a HEA. But Dune is not a romance book. But at least Chani's strong and not some weak female lead in the story....more
I have been toying with where I would place this book rating, it's been a steady 3.5 Stars but the imaginative plot and world building have pushed it I have been toying with where I would place this book rating, it's been a steady 3.5 Stars but the imaginative plot and world building have pushed it up to as 4. This is an amalgamation of book 1 and 2. I really enjoyed the part's where the girls had outings with Nan, some part's seemed slow and over described...then others I wished had had more depth of description. One of the favorite parts was where Leanna has to face her worst fears. I really liked the way the author approached Leanna revisiting her mum in the past and her gaining understanding and acceptance of her feelings for her mother. This book has a lot of worlds visited and I think honestly re reading this book would probably make those worlds seem clearer than first time around as there's a lot to take in. I often felt like the character... A bit lost and scrambling to understand what was happening. Overall I really enjoyed this book and it would suit YA readers who like Lynette Noni fantasy books....more
I have spent every moment possible Reading this Book, starting on the beach and then every spare time I got... from the first chapter @therealsjmaas hI have spent every moment possible Reading this Book, starting on the beach and then every spare time I got... from the first chapter @therealsjmaas had me captivated, my heart has ...more
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - to the final chapter, I really did't want it to end. The story brings one of my favourite series to From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - to the final chapter, I really did't want it to end. The story brings one of my favourite series to a thrilling conclusion. I laughed, Cried, my heart was seriously on a rollercoaster of emotions and I shook my fist at the author a number of times. But in the end I have to say - Bravo! An Exceptional Five Star read. The conclusion to the series meant that every page turned hurt me in the sense that I didn't want this world to end. This series has been one of my favorites and to know that it was ending was something I couldn't deal with to be honest. But in the end I did turn that last page, and was as happy as I could be, considering the books title. War has casualties...and my heart was torn asunder. Did I wish for an alternative ending where all the good guys get their hea...of course. But I applaud Ms Raithby for being true to her characters and the story....more
Great book, l bought it just by the cover and blurb. I finished it in a weekend. The Arthurian legend has always interested me. And this twist on the Great book, l bought it just by the cover and blurb. I finished it in a weekend. The Arthurian legend has always interested me. And this twist on the Sword is a really interesting one. The Red Paladins are a bunch of misogynistic cretins, men wgo brutalised any person who didn't comply with the beliefs they spouted, the weeping monk was a very cursed character, and in the end I felt sorry for him. Nimue didn't want to be different but fate had other ideas, but in the end she did what she had to for her people. I've just watched the series on Netflix and they really brought the book alive for me. 5 stars to both book and series.... Hopefully theres a book 2!...more
I have read one or two fairytale retold stories recently so when I was given the chance to read the new book by the author, I decided to try a Snow whI have read one or two fairytale retold stories recently so when I was given the chance to read the new book by the author, I decided to try a Snow white retelling. I was hoping for a strong heroine and an adventure, and it delivered that to me. Theres no 7 dwarfs in a cottage or cleaning in this story but there are a band of forest folk, the huntsman Chase and a guard Maximus and the likes who join Neve on her quest to help save her kingdom. I did find myself getting disinterested in parts due I think to knowing how most of the storyline was going. But overall ms Last has created a retelling that has brought the story into the current era where women are not dependent on a man to save them, although of course Chase has to give her a kiss to save her. Thats basically something that is a given. My favourite character was the dragon, Memryn....more
I bought this book based on the blurb... What a disappointment. The cover was a draw but unfortunately the storytelling and content failed to draw me iI bought this book based on the blurb... What a disappointment. The cover was a draw but unfortunately the storytelling and content failed to draw me in....more
*** this review is MY honest opinion and I have NOT received any compensation nor been requested to review the book ***
I met the author at the Leeds B*** this review is MY honest opinion and I have NOT received any compensation nor been requested to review the book ***
I met the author at the Leeds Books signing earlier this month and I was lucky to get my hands on a paperback copy Martin had for Bloggers and Reviewers attending.
I had spotted this YA series from the posts in the group on Facebook, since I primarily read Paranormal, both YA and Adult, so it had sparked my interest.
The book’s main character is 16 yr old Adam Hunter, who sets off to find out what happened to his brother Matt, supposedly a boring accountant… As Adam soon realises, Matt is no pencil pusher, and in deciphering his journal, we are then introduced to our second 16 yr old character Marcus Aurelius.
I have always enjoyed Ancient history, Greek, Roman when we studied it at school, and Gladiator is still one of my favourite films, and as I read I couldn’t help make similarities between the young Marcus Aurelius (not to be confused with the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus who ruled in 121-180AD) and Maximus Decimus Meridius. I did keep thinking the name was familiar, with both my school history and Gladiator the film, so I checked it out after finishing the book, (hence me being able to tell you the fact above) I do like books that make you want to find out more about that era, it expands your mind and opens up possibilities for reading something that you didn’t consider before – I haven’t read a historical book since school, but this one has wetted my appetite for more, and hopefully book 2 will quench this thirst.
Although Marcus was the same age as our present day Character Adam Hunter, the lives of a 16 year old in 76AD and present day England are very different, Marcus is much more mature, and is married, whereas Adam is a bright student who spends much of his time getting into trouble, but still getting the grades required to stay at College (UK kids can go to College after secondary school at the age of 16/17, which is younger than American teenagers)
There are easy headings that denote the switch from Past/Marcus and Present/Adam POV..
In the book the author draws on the histories of Rome and the Legio IX Hispana, which is steeped in mystery as to its disappearance from Roman historical records and mixes it with a rip roaring adventure that reminds me of an English version of a young Indiana Jones.
It is well written, flows well and engages the reader, it’s a definite page turner that you won’t put down.
A story (and hopefully the series, as I want to read more) that will appeal to young and old readers that enjoy adventure and mystery and dose of fantasy thrown in for good measure.
Our villain Makov has me intrigued (Fantasy element as you will find out as you read the book), and I am sure will be back in the future books to give Adam, his Brother Matt and the rest of the team of Relic Hunters at the British Museum more thrilling adventures to save ancient relics and the fate of the world from the lost mystical artefacts falling into the wrong hands such as Makov’s.
I did enjoy the mystery of the ‘Eagle’ I read this book in a few days, and devoured the pages at every chance given.
This is the first book of the Authors that I have read, but it won’t be the last and my 12 yr old grandson is eager to read the book too, I may update my review later with his views.
why did I not read this a year ago! So I bought this book in New Zealand last year and it got put on my to read shelf... then I had to move to the U.Kwhy did I not read this a year ago! So I bought this book in New Zealand last year and it got put on my to read shelf... then I had to move to the U.K.so it's been in a box, on a ship, and on a shelf again 🤔 so after beta reading a book for a new author I decided to get a paperback off my shelf and read one instead of them just looking pretty. and the cover is beautiful, it's what drew me to pick it up (and sneak buy it as I'd been banned from buying any more till I'd read the pile of my tbr bookshelf (70 plus at a guess 😵 #bookaholic) anyway. OMG I'm so glad I sneaked it onto my shelf haha...It's fantastic!) shhh don't tell hubby but I've bought book 2 soon as I finished this book 😂 I couldn't wait till I finished those still waiting. I need another fix of Magonia. Ms.Headley has gotten me hooked on her fantastic world of blue sky people, shifter birds, and it was such a breath of fresh air, excuse the pun. from the dying girl who refused to be an invalid to her being transformed into the savior that her people were hoping for, Aza Ray is such a diverse character, Jason her nerdy friend was perfect friend/love interest, smart, resourceful and he never gave up. I read this book at every chance I could. and can't wait for book two to arrive. 'm on second thought, I'm glad I only have to wait for the post to arrive, I'd have been so bummed to have to wait for Aerie to be published 😉❤📕 I recommend you buy this book if you love fresh new fantasy world's....more
I read this book a month ago, and I have a review somewhere so when I find it I will update this with the original review I bought this book straight aI read this book a month ago, and I have a review somewhere so when I find it I will update this with the original review I bought this book straight after reading Magonia, and I did enjoy reading it (The Cover is gorgeous) but in some ways, I was slightly disappointed. I wish there had been more to the book, more world building, more spent exploring the wonderful imagination Ms Headley has, this world fascinated me, and maybe because it was so pulled in by the wonderful imagination of the first book, that my expectations were too high. but overall I did enjoy it.
UPDATE... OK I found where I wrote my review!!! ...its a long one LOL:
So I finally found where I wrote my Review… on paper in a notepad! How Retro of me. So these were my thoughts whilst reading the first half of the book: The book starts off with Aza and Jason being on constant alert for something to happen after the ending of Magonia, what exactly will happen is unclear, there are various scenarios to choose from. A year to the day of Aza’s Death (return to Magonia) in Book 1, it happens and the reader is transported into a whirlwind of situations that separate Jason and Aza, secrets are revealed, hearts are crushed and the reader is left wondering how the characters are going to move forward now…. After half Way… I thought I would be writing a 5 star review when I first dived into Aerie, but although I literally hopped online and bought this book after finishing Magonia, which I loved. The review I am writing is difficult – I loved it BUT… I feel slightly let down, its hard to pinpoint why, I gess it was mainly because there was a lack of depth to any of the sequence of events that happened… Sorry I don’t do spoilers, so I can’t go into specific details, but Jason… he went from being the nerd with the answers, to a stalkerish control freak who betrays the love of his life in the pretence of keeping her safe, and I just thought that this was out of character from book 1. Don’t get me wrong, I could understand how he was coursed into do doing it, but I would have thought he would have had a backup plan where he then could counteract the coercion, because he had an answer for everything in book 1. Maybe if there had been more context put into the story to why this happened - but it was added as a footnote explanation. I guess this is the main thing I found frustrating with the book, Ms Headley had the ideas and bones of a fantastic fantasy tale, I guess it reminds me of The Golden Compass (I must get that trilogy and read it – the film was so intriguing, I bet the books awesome – I mean books are always better than the films – 99% of the time – I found the Narnia films better than the books!!!!!!!!!! Oops I am getting off topic) Anyway back to the worldbuilding of this book… It never delved deep enough for me… new creatures are introduced, but no background given, and I wanted more about the characters already introduced in book one, but everything is just skimmed over, and I was left imagining what a fantastic imagination the author has, but that for some reason she has not made these characters whole to the reader… maybe for word count or who knows, but I am disappointed (even a month from finishing) Zal (Aza’s mother) well she was as evil as usual, bent on destroying earth (or the inhabitants of the land) but not much is given about her incarceration or the enhancements that she has now (sorry for being vague – non spoiler remember) Dai (the other part of the love triangle – ugh I hate YA love triangles!) I disliked him from the start in book 1, and still do, he is a cardboard cut-out character, nothing about him in either books made me like him one bit. The Flock, well I think I would have liked more details on this particular part of the story… I would have liked more time learning about ‘The Flock’ than all the angst that’s clutters the story, The part that we are given is interesting, but again its skimmed over with introduction, explanation instead of allowing the reader to get settled into learning about this with Aza… it still remains to me a fill in and an ends to a means to resolve and tie off ends at the conclusion of the book. And in conclusion… the book ended too soon, I had too many questions unanswered and the last two chapters, the first was 6 pages of Jason’s POV and the Last Aza’s POV was just 4.5 pages was jus WAY TOO SHORT, and NO EPILOGUE…there should have been a dam epilogue at least since this is a Dualogy and not a trilogy! There were hints of plans for a future in the last chapter (I guess this may be the novella that is mentioned in Q&A sections) who knows but if this is it… then to be honest it ended up leaving me with a bag full of ‘What was…’ ‘What happened to the …’ etc. About the only thing I didn’t need explaining was the ‘Agency on Earth’s Arrogance, as this was so true to form of Human governments. And this is why finally I gave the book a Solid 3.5 stars because the book makes you think about what we are doing to our world… The series gives a good message for Teens: 1) we are destroying the planet that we need to survive on, with plastics, factory farming, polluting our waters and the air we breathe. 2) We are intolerant of the species that we share this planet with (I could have said Races of humans, but we take animals for granted too, and this is an eco-system! We are not the be-all and end-all of this planet, we need the rest of the eco system to survive, and I don’t mean just for food!) In conclusion I want to end with that I LOVE THE AUTHORS IMAGINATION, I am just feeling bereft that I couldn’t explore it more, but in the end I know that the people who work for the Publishers also have a say in the book, so I take this into account and I don’t want to be too critical just because I as a reader wanted much, much more. I would recommend this book if you love fantasy that’s full of amazing creatures and gives the reader a message that we need to become more tolerant and ecologically caring as a species.
And if you got to this bit…Thanks for reading all of my review, I know it’s Long! ( the original written review was 1035 words long)...more
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblin*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***
I wasn't going to start the book straight away, but I needed to escape into fantasy land after reviewing a non-fiction book, and I didn't put it down. I've only read one or two mermaids, book's and the cover drew me to sign up to review it, and I was hooked with the first chapter.
Verona's status in life is not really explained in detail but she has had a rough life and has the scars to prove it, the life in a Mer Clan is Caste based and she is a 'bottom feeder. Abused and cast out to fend for herself for a year, she has lived in a small island bay, watching the humans as she tries to survive.
One night she saves the life of Logan, who has just returned to the island with his grandma (Mama Wend), she inadvertently beaches herself and ends up with legs... when she is taken in by Mama Wend and Logan, who think she is is a runaway, she explores life as a human, but Verona has till the next full moon to decide if she stays in the world of humans or return home to a life of scorn.
When danger comes to the sleepy town, Supernaturals who want to capture Verona for her life blood, putting Logan and the other townsfolk in danger, Verona has to rely on her faith in her strength to resist their spells.
The book has lots of avenues to explore, the Caste system in the Mer people using twists in the truth to use the weaker merfolk to do their bidding hopefully will be explored more in book 2. Verona's experience with living with the humans shows her that everything she was told by the Mer's is biased to their advantage, but with the threat of being an attractive ingredient to the witches who exist, Verona, is also worried for Her new friends safety.
Verona and Logan have a connection, will she stay with him or go back to being derided by her people?
There is a prequel that I am going to check out, to see if it gives more information on Verona's life before her 'Reckoning' began.
It's an enjoyable story which will lead into the next book and hopefully more about the Mer and the Humans who have become family to Verona. ...more
Love this series, I hope Anna becomes a key character in future books
This is my favorite series of Ms. Raithby's the characters, they feel like old frLove this series, I hope Anna becomes a key character in future books
This is my favorite series of Ms. Raithby's the characters, they feel like old friends now. I think this is my favorite one ... Or.. ok they're all my favorites. Because although each book focuses on a particular couple, the interaction of the sub characters makes it more about the family (pack). This book above all is about faith, about love conquering all... Congratulations to Rachel, as each book is released, I see her becoming more confident in her writing style. Bring on book 4... I want to know who it will feature, but above all, I want to be back in the packs catching up with good friends....more
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblin*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***
There are 3 worlds Joyal which is where the descendants of Earth live, Kireg where the white haired skinned inhabitants can mind read/ manipulate and Mian - A Warrior breed that have pointy ears, and have glowing eyes.
Joyal don't touch/embrace or have sex anymore ( Yeah shudder lol) Braita Valorn and her friend Jax are sold off as slaves by the corrupt President of Joyal, with no choice and no chance at saying goodbye to friends they are sent to Mian, in space suits with a limited supply of oxygen! what a start to a new life.
It's a good job that Braita and Jax were being trained as soldiers, it comes in very handy when they arrive on the planet.
I liked this story at the start, Braita survives and is sent to live with 2 men (the Plumas - men - live in pairs and have harems.) She is their Soulmate, and can't be too far away from them physically, but treat her more like a pet, and when she finally figures out why she runs away... and eventually into the hands of Jax's owners, Pluma leaders of the East.
OK I know I was reading an ARC so the typos I will ignore, but the flow of the story gets confusing in places especially in regards of the soulmates, and the way no human have skin to skin contact anymore, which it seems neither Braita or Jax have a problem with when they land, after 18 yrs of no contact!.
I am not going to reveal too much, I don't do spoilers.
There isn't much sex in this book (surprising for Scarlett), so be advise if you were thinking you were going to get some group sex or something.
Like I said, I enjoyed the premise, and the world that Scarlett has created, but I feel that after reading other books of the authors, it could have been much better, so it gets a 3 star from me.
This book was just what I needed, with a great storyline, compelling and complex characters. The words flow from the pEngrossed from the first chapter
This book was just what I needed, with a great storyline, compelling and complex characters. The words flow from the pages, creating a world where the fates are living in our world, going to school while, tending their duty to Zeus. I've always had a penchant for the God's of Olympus, and I'll be getting the next book in this series asap.
I loved that the emotional growth Sophie, or Atropos as she was known by the ancient Greeks, as she spent time with Alex.
Alex, his life has been a rough one, but Sophie brings him something to distract him from the problems he can't run away from.
Their relationship builds slowly, and I loved how he never lost his humour or charm, but will fate give them a happy future?
‘Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind, And makes it fearful and degenerate; Think therefore on revenge and cease to weep.’” - Shakespeare. I think this sums up how I feel, at the end of book 1, and l can't wait to read book 2. Highly recommended...more
I have read this via the audible book, and I think I probably would have enjoyed it better as a book, I intend to buy it ( a signed version as I LOVE I have read this via the audible book, and I think I probably would have enjoyed it better as a book, I intend to buy it ( a signed version as I LOVE Maggies books) and re-read it myself.
The book is full of the harsh realities of being raised in a poor household and when Puck Connolly realised that the only way she can keep her home is to risk her life in the Scorpio Races.
Both Puck and Sean are two characters that have endured enough in their lives, Sean is such a noble but quietly reserved soul, his devotion to the strange water horses and the other horses in the stable yard were easily understood, being a horse lover/ owner I really did understand the devastation and the joy of loving horses.
Now what I found hard, it seemed to go on forever, I listened to this book while I was driving and just before I went to bed, I do this with my audio books, but this book was hard, I would start to fall asleep at times and when driving I would loose interest.
Now don't get me wrong, the writing is beautiful, the descriptive vision of the scene are beautiful but story builds slowly, it captured some interest in my mind and thus I continued to listen, but I had a hard time keeping myself into it, hence the length it took to finish.
If you enjoy a fantasy that is also quite equally a book that shows the reality of growing up in poverty then give this book a go. But the reality of having a race where bloodthirsty creatures of myth are used as a form of entertainment seemed a bit odd to me... if these horses are so wild, dangerous... how would they continue to allow their capture and training?
I think if this had been normal horses, and 2 poverty stricken youngsters training their horses to win and thus get out of poverty, it would have made more sense to me. I did not need the supernatural nature of the horses, people are easily killed on normal horses ( I have seen this personally) so I should know.
Now that answer surprises me in hindsight, me the PNR addict, but its true, the parts of this book I prefered were the honest normal struggles of Puck and Sean to get out of their situations.
But Maggie still is a favourite author for me to read - I intend reading Blue Lily Lily Blue next. ...more
So... the end has come, and as I finally got nearer and nearer to the end I slowed down, not wanting the story to end.
Did I love it - YES...BUT I did So... the end has come, and as I finally got nearer and nearer to the end I slowed down, not wanting the story to end.
Did I love it - YES...BUT I did have a couple of whys...
Adam and Ronan (why - and if the answer was yes then why skim over it)
Noah... I wanted more, I had to track back after finishing but no, we really only got a 'poof' and that was that never to hear of him again :(
The good endings to characters...
Piper (got what she deserved! YAY)
Gansey and Blue, I was happy for them, Blue was my most favourite character, after Noah (poor doomed Noah).
Would I read more about these characters, yes I would.
Now to Maggies writing, Maggie writes with a poetic prose that is rare these days, I got lost in her words, she makes me want to paint my imaginations picture of Cabeswater, maybe I will one day!
At the end, there were different paragraphs that talked about the story and pertained to what the story was about. My take on which I thought it was about was...
Depending on where you began the story, it was about this place: the long stretch of mountain that straddled a particularly potent segment of the ley line.
Throughout this series, it's made me want to learn more about ley lines.
This book was about friendships and convictions, giving everything for your friends, and in this conclusion, you could see the deepening friendship building.
"Blue headed towards the kitchen and Ronan jogged on ahead of her, jostling her intentionally with his hip. 'You asshole,' she said, and he laughed merrily."
Was I sad at the ending of Ganseys quest, Yes...and NO. I think if it had been any different, it would have been a book twice as long.
I plan on saving up my money and treating myself to a signed set for my bookshelf. This is a series I will read again. ...more
This was a personal read, I have loved this series and so far this was my favourite, maybe because Blue comes into her own, she is one cool chick, andThis was a personal read, I have loved this series and so far this was my favourite, maybe because Blue comes into her own, she is one cool chick, and I think she is the glue that binds the group of 'Finders' I think that Maggie has a unique voice and it lends well to this series, and that the author has based the story around the Welsh King Glendower or Owain Glyndŵr as spelt in the old way. I felt that it gave the story more mystery, it got me interested anyway and I went off on a tangent to google what actually happened to him, and considering King Richard III was found under a council parking site in Leicester, you never know what the modern world is hiding.
I do love the mystery of the Ley-Lines So this series has kept me gripped, it took me a while to finish it with my other scheduled reads.
But even now I can remember it all, and can't wait to read The Raven King hopefully before Christmas :D
I like Ms Stiefvater's style of writing, her characters are complex but easy to love, even Ronan! I could go on but I don't want to spoil the book or the series so I will end it here. BUT owow the epilogue made me glad that I can read the next book as soon as it arrives in the post!
This book felt rushed, the world building wasn't explained, I'm assuming that the author expects the reader to have read the other series which this iThis book felt rushed, the world building wasn't explained, I'm assuming that the author expects the reader to have read the other series which this is a spinoff.
I both Eden and Asher are in insta love immediately, which is Typical YA, but it was way too fast and hurried.
Just as I thought we'd be getting to the good part, her training,
(And I had hopes what Seems a good story line, it gets confusing because we jump from her fooling around with Asher on her bed, to her going off to reap souls (which o was ok with... But there's a huge leapfrog (I guess to keep page numbers down) But with another objective she's worked out (no where in-between the page's of this book! )We're just told in an offhand paragraph, and then it skips and we find out Asher's been to earth on a secret mission... And this is after Abraham has said he can read their thoughts ...more