I don't want to get into what happens or where they go or which characters do what, because I truly honestly think it's best to go into this book knowing nothing more than what's in the synopsis.
Reading this book is akin to riding a roller coaster: the twists and turns and loops drops and breath-catching and screaming and terror and adrenaline and tears. I promise that riding roller coasters is fun.
I am constantly amazed with how deeply I connect with and care about Maas's characters. As I truly prefer a good-character driven story, I think that's why Maas is one of my favorite authors. With that being said, ACOWAR is less character-driven than its predecessor. This is why, despite my absolute love of this book, I prefer ACOMAF a teensy tiny itty bitty bit.
I'm also surprised at how much I'm looking forward to future books in this series. When the announcement was first made, I was somewhat skeptical. But seeing the possibilities for future stories that were hinted at in ACOWAR, I cannot wait.
Fletcher is maybe one of the best characters I've read...he's just generally a likeable guy. The kind everybody wants in theirFull review on the blog!
Fletcher is maybe one of the best characters I've read...he's just generally a likeable guy. The kind everybody wants in their corner. He shines in this book. The relationships he has with various characters are a joy to read. And since this is one of those fate-of-the-world finales, there's some heartbreak too. But that in itself is a kind of victory for authors, yea? They've made us care about these fictional characters.
I still can't quite figure out if I'd classify this as YA or middle grade. I mean, I'd lean toward YA...but it just feels more like a middle grade. Because that makes total sense....more
I'll admit, I'm so used to the 'chosen one' idea that I spent a good deal of the book waiting for Kellen's power to suddenly aFull review on the blog!
I'll admit, I'm so used to the 'chosen one' idea that I spent a good deal of the book waiting for Kellen's power to suddenly appear. Magic is the only thing that matters to these people, so those feelings of helplessness and worthlessness Kellen experiences are constant and kind of intense.
A note on the world building: I wish there had been a bit more. We know that this particular society holds magic in the highest esteem and that the surrounding peoples don't so much...but I wanted more. We are introduced to card-carrying wanderers, squirrel cats, centuries-old prejudices, but the entirety of the book takes place in this one city. Actually, now that I think a bit more about it..I feel like this story didn't so much establish the world, but Kellen himself. He goes through so much in this story - it's often downright brutal.
This book made me laugh, gasp in horror, and I probably even teared up a little. Most assuredly looking forward to the next installment!...more
On the rarest of occasions, I’ll come across a book that makes me chuckle to myself with the sheer level of charm. And then imFull review on the blog!
On the rarest of occasions, I’ll come across a book that makes me chuckle to myself with the sheer level of charm. And then immediately look up to make sure no one saw. We wouldn’t want them to think me soft…I have an image to protect, after all.
Duels and Deception is one of those rare books that I would happily define as adorable. Combine a comedy of manners, some YA regency romance, and a dash of mystery – and you’ll have yourself a lovely little book. Right off let it be known that this is a very fast, easy read. If it were a movie, I’d classify it as a period rom-com. You know the type of movie – grab your popcorn and various smuggled candies (because nobody wants to pay $8 for a handful of candy) and just relax and enjoy yourself.
The book follows Lydia (intelligent young lady with a penchant for being in charge) and Robert (lawyer-in-training and all-round delicious cinnamon roll) as they attempt to solve the puzzle of her kidnapping and deal with the social ramifications. Because Society is one cold-hearted bitch (we know this from reading These Ruthless Deeds).
Is this a fast-paced novel? Is the mystery all that mysterious? The answer to both is a resounding no. But that in no way means that it wasn’t enjoyable. I’d have been find had we just followed Robert around; his obvious regard for Lydia was – dare I say it – adorable. The slow-burn romance was just this side of angsty and therefore such fun....more
Let me tell you how much I loved this book: SO MUCH. Like its predecessor, These Ruthless Deeds is more plot-driven than character-driven. Not usually my jam, but these books make it work! The series had been pitched to me as a sort of cross between X-Men and Jane Austen, and it’s wildly accurate. Except I've never seen an X-Men movie or read any of the comic books...so, I'm not an expert. No judging me.
Superpowers, academies for said superpowers, and so much snark. Like, laugh out loud funny. A pair of young gentlemen are referred to as “asinine stallions” at one point. How can that not make you chuckle? But don't let the chuckling blind you to the fact that there's some serious gore and heartbreak in here also! So if in fact the X-Men comparison is on point, I'll need to go ahead and watch X-Men. Somebody help me out here.
The plot was never slow, but gracious that ending! Likely even more pulse-pounding than the last one. I wouldn’t call it a light read, because there are some downright disturbing scenes, but gosh is it fun. Not the disturbing bits…but the rest of it. I promise I’m not a weirdo.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review....more
There are two main reasons for me to love this book: 1. It's by Rick Riordan. It's a given that I'll love it. 2. It takes place Full review on the blog!
There are two main reasons for me to love this book: 1. It's by Rick Riordan. It's a given that I'll love it. 2. It takes place in Indianapolis! That's where I live! (my blog post has a mini-tour of the relevant places in Indy)
Aside from those two things, there's a lot to love about this book! Hilarity, character growth, sass, return of familiar characters, general adventuring...all good stuff.
There were a plethora of snakes, though. I didn't care for those....more
Ever the Hunted was definitely one of my most anticipated releases of the year – I’ll admit it was mostly due to the cover. I Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Ever the Hunted was definitely one of my most anticipated releases of the year – I’ll admit it was mostly due to the cover. I mean...just look. LOOK.
Upon actually reading the synopsis, I thought to myself that it sounded a bit like a combination of Poison Study (criminal being forced into a job to avoid a death sentence), a little bit of A Thousand Pieces of You (at least the initial premise of daughter chasing father’s ex-apprentice for murder of said father), and a touch of The Hunger Games (hello, magical forest-reading abilities). I have to say, I was a little bit right. Just as a quick aside: her tracking "abilities" seemed wildly far-fetched to me. She see's a broken stick and knows he walked by six days ago moving at 4.7 mph while wearing two blue socks and he had bacon for breakfast. But hey, I don't know anything about tracking, so that could be right on par for all I know.
The storyline felt familiar somehow – the two countries at war for reasons nobody really knows, a young woman testing her skills by being thrust into a world she’s not prepared for and then discovering things about herself that she never knew, the people she loves keeping secrets from her “for her own good” (cue eye roll), maybe focusing on the romance a tic more than seems logical. In addition, I found myself correctly “guessing” most of the plot reveals.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy myself! I certainly did. I mean, I read the whole thing in a couple of days. I found myself chuckling at certain parts and swooning a bit at others. And I definitely liked the main characters well enough, I just never really connected with them. Plus, the last couple of pages extra irritated me.
*whispers* but I can’t tell you why because that would be spoilery ...more
I had high hopes going into this book, not gonna lie. Like...HIGH hopes. I expected a lot. Pirates, badass lady pirates, caFull review up on the blog!
I had high hopes going into this book, not gonna lie. Like...HIGH hopes. I expected a lot. Pirates, badass lady pirates, capering and adventuring, swoony pirates.... I mean. The book has a lot going for it right off the bat.
I will admit I struggled a bit right at the outset of this book, just because it took me a while to warm up to Alosa. In addition to her internal monologue about how annoying it was to hold back because of the need for her captors to underestimate her, we didn't have a ton of evidence illustrating her supposed badassery. She's searching this ship for a map, with no luck. And then more no luck.
But about a third of the way through the book, good gracious does it pick up. We start seeing Alosa really strut her stuff. And we learn her 'big secret'. A note on said big secret, I'm super glad that it was revealed earlier on, rather than as a giant twist at the end. You know my love of a good backstory, and we have a good one for Alosa.
The second half is also amazing, because Riden. He was such a great counter to Alosa. He is trying to figure her out and does a damn fine job of it. I quite like him. I also like watching him get under her skin - I think it's the fact that Alosa hadn't counted him as a variable in her plan made the whole thing more fun.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review....more
Upon my second read, I can confirm that the best time to read this book is in deep winter. Wrapped in blankets upon blankets.
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I had high expectationsUpon my second read, I can confirm that the best time to read this book is in deep winter. Wrapped in blankets upon blankets.
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I had high expectations. We all know I'm partial to retellings of any kind. I am thrilled to inform you that every one of my expectations was met and some were even exceeded.
The Bear and the Nightingale is essentially the embodiment of all my childhood dreaming. I adored this book. The story was a beautifully descriptive fairytale while at the same maintaining a healthy dose of authenticity. Although I’ll admit I don’t have a lot of knowledge about Russian life or folklore, the world felt believable…aside from the occasional mythical being. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a benevolent household spirit living in your oven? I would like to have one, I think.
Our main character is Vasya, and rather than just liking her or relating with her or looking up to her, I just straight-up want to be her. The strength of character displayed throughout the story is remarkable, and her flaws were realistic but didn’t diminish the joy I had at reading about her life. The side characters, while not all necessarily enjoyable, each brought something important to the story and didn’t feel flat.
It is apparent to me that Arden spent a great deal of time building the world and establishing the characters…and since I’m a fan of character-driven stories, that was just fine with me. The trade-off was a slightly meandering plot – it seemed to creep by in some places and jump forward in others. Imagine a three-year old wandering through a toy store or a bookworm moving through aisles of a bookstore, getting distracted here and there but having a delightful time.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Breath of Fire started right where A Promise of Fire left off, with some fairly significant…revelaOh my gosh you guys. You guys. Read these books.
Breath of Fire started right where A Promise of Fire left off, with some fairly significant…revelations about Cat’s past coming to light. To be honest with this one, I had already guessed it about halfway through A Promise of Fire. But, it was sure interesting to see how those Cat has come to love react to the news. Hint: Griffin does not take it well at first.
But seeing Cat attempt to come to terms with her past and her role in the future of the realm is a joy to watch. It’s the whole fiercly-independany-person-now-has-loved-ones-and-is-therefore-more-vulnerable-but-also-more-grown-up thing. Yes, that’s a thing. You know what I’m talking about.
I had feared that with all the shenanigans and adventuring and romantic tension that A Promise of Fire held, we would see a departure in Breath of Fire to more subdued settings – some political maneuvering, some family squabbling, and general posturing.
HURRAH FOR BEING WRONG.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
When I heard that one of my favorite authors was writing a sort of retelling of Mulan, you can imagineFull review on the blog!
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
When I heard that one of my favorite authors was writing a sort of retelling of Mulan, you can imagine my incandescent joy. But after reading the book, I'm not so sure how apt the comparison is. I mean...the main character Mariko does disguise herself as a boy...and she kind of flubs the arranged marriage business...and there's a lot of discussion about honor...and she's got the whole brains over brawn thing.....aaaand there's the whole romance with a commanding officer situation.
I suppose I get the comparison now.
But while those elements are there, the story is wholly its own. Flame in the Mist gives us a fascinating glimpse of feudal Japan (I'll admit to having zero prior knowledge, so I sure hope the book was adequately researched - it sure felt like it?), full of samurais and emperors and geisha. The book opens with Mariko's being attacked on her way to her betrothed (imperial prince of some sort) and then deciding to disguise herself to infiltrate the group of bandits responsible. General shenanigans follow. ...more
Truthfully, I was nervous to start this new series. I adored Kova’s Air Awakens series and there’s always fear that a new seriActual Rating: 3.5 stars
Truthfully, I was nervous to start this new series. I adored Kova’s Air Awakens series and there’s always fear that a new series won’t live up to the old. Well, I am pleased to report that The Alchemists of Loom is an excellent step into a brand new world!
World-building is always something Kova has been great at, and she doesn’t disappoint here! The world she’s built, with the three different races and prejudices and secret societies, is a fascinating one! I thought the combination of fantasy and steampunk was fascinating! Thank goodness for that appendix – I for sure referenced it on the regular.
A couple of things that threw me off: One, we know almost nothing of Ari’s past. I mean, we get the broad strokes. We know something horrible happened to her and the woman she loved. But WHAT. We all know that our pasts influence our decisions, and I want to know what it was that made Ari immerse herself so fully in logic. Two, the romance element threw me off a bit. Not Ari’s bisexuality, but I felt almost like the author was baiting us. Half the time I thought she was in love with Florence, and the other half I thought she had a thing for Cvareh. I just had not one idea what was going on.
The thing I’m hoping for the most in the second book is more answers! I want to know more about what life was like before the Dragon King, I want to better understand the Guilds, and I want more of Ari’s past!...more
As is standard with reviewing books in the middle of a series, I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers from previous books, but no pFull review on the blog!
As is standard with reviewing books in the middle of a series, I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers from previous books, but no promises.
The Song Rising picks up right where The Mime Order left off with that horrifyingly unexpected and gut-wrenching twist. We then follow Paige as she attempts to wrangle the syndicate into some sort of order, dealing with threats both internal and external. The unceasing thought I had with this book: Can they please just catch a break?! Shannon makes her characters work for every victory, no matter how small. But while it’s painful for us readers to see our beloved characters struggle so, it does make those victories all the sweeter. No pleasure without pain and all that. I’ve always hated that phrase…mostly because of its accuracy.
I think the thing that blows me away with each installment of this series is how Shannon expands the world. I feel like with a lot of series, as the world develops with each book the characters move farther and farther away from where they started. Picture the ever-expanding rings of a target. The Bone Season series though? Envision a two-year-old wandering through a toy store. But like…in the best way. The path seems a bit meandering, but there’s always a purpose. Us outsiders might not know what it is, but there's surely some reasoning. In The Bone Season, we start in London and then move to Sheol. Then in The Mime Order we move back to London, but with a new perspective. The Mime Order has more of what I would consider ‘traditional’ expansion – we finally get to see the expanded reach of Scion. And what a far reach it is.
Paige really shines in this book. Well, not literally, as she’s mostly covered in filth and grime and sewage and blood. But metaphorically. Does she make mistakes? Oh, you betcha. She has to learn to navigate her new role, has to make sure her actions not only help the voyants under her leadership but show her new allies that she’s worth their time and effort. Trying to juggle all of that and also her own desires? Yea, she stumbles along the way. But throughout all of it, she retains her magnificently brilliant spirit (and since spirits are a huge thing to the clairvoyant world, you know I do not say that lightly). Especially there at the end....more
I went into Wintersong with a grand total of zero expectations. Correct decision. This one was very much a character-driven story (we know how much I I went into Wintersong with a grand total of zero expectations. Correct decision. This one was very much a character-driven story (we know how much I love those). It felt like there was very little effort made in the way of world-building…but it wasn’t really necessary? Because that totally makes sense, Hailee.
What I mean is that the focus is not on the world itself, but how Liesl functions as a part of that world. We are with her as she tries to find her place in each of the roles she has designated for herself. I will also say that while the setting didn’t necessarily capture my attention, holy plot twists Batman! I feel that I had not one idea what was going on half the time, but it worked. We are trying to muddle our way through the story, just as Liesl is. It’s just one of those books that you have to experience in the moment, rather than try to guess how it’s going to end or what’s going to happen next.
You know what I didn’t care for? That ending. Just…no. It’s not even that there’s a cliffhanger. The story just…ends. It stops. *cue whiny voice* but I still just had so many questions! I was straight-up angry…for a grand total of five minutes, until I learned that there will be a companion novel. Phew....more
I had heard before reading that this was very similar to The Night Circus. I don’t know that Loved it just as much the second go.
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Absolute perfection.
I had heard before reading that this was very similar to The Night Circus. I don’t know that I would call it the same as The Night Circus, but the feeling was similar – the elegant writing and magnificent imagery, the whimsical setting, the surprising plot. Because I so dearly love The Night Circus, I had absurdly high hopes for Caraval.
I believe my favorite part of this book was that I had no idea what was going on. I don’t think we are meant to. I generally attempt to figure out the “plot twist” when reading...most of us do, right? I most certainly attempted it again with Caraval...good gracious, what a ridiculous notion. I guessed and then guessed again and then again. I am quite pleased to report that I got it wrong every time....more
I think this is one of those "it's not you, it's me" situations.
I had a little bit of trouble with this book at the outset. On the one hand, the writing is lovely! Some of the writing was just on this side of absurdity. On the other, I had trouble connecting with the story. It felt a bit...disjointed.
What do I mean by that? Well, I'm not quite sure I know how to explain. Generally, a book progresses in a somewhat linear fashion, right? A series of events that are set into motion by a central conflict and then move in a somewhat logical direction. You with me? Okay. I could not find the logic in A Crown of Wishes. There's a contest of some kind? And they have to participate together? And nobody knows who is actually competing? And there are birds but they're actually stories, but actually it's the source of magic of the Otherworld? I still can't quite wrap my brain around it.
But truthfully, I don't think we're necessarily supposed to find logic. And therein lies the issue. I need some kind of logic. We can blame my math brain. So while I can appreciate the beauty of the writing, I still struggled a bit with it. I had very similar issues with The Star-Touched Queen, albeit less pronounced in this book. So if you loved that one, I very much believe you'll love this one as well....more
It's always difficult to review the last book in a series - my instinct is always to review the series as a whole. Either wFull Review up on the blog!
It's always difficult to review the last book in a series - my instinct is always to review the series as a whole. Either way, perfection. A Conjuring of Light has all the witty banter and fast pacing and grit that we've come to associate with the Shades of Magic series...but then also more.
How V.E. Schwab manages to juggle the plot and pacing and character development and flashbacks and not only multiple POVs but multiple worlds…it’s beyond me. And these characters, guys. I have loved Lila and Kell from the very beginning, but somehow my shriveled robot heart has somehow expanded to include Rhy and Alucard and Holland. Shchwab has this ability to create this beautiful kind of ache.
About the book itself! I will be as non-spoilery as I can be about the first two books of the series, but no promise. A Conjuring of Light picks up right off after A Gathering of Shadows (if you read my review, you’ll know I was super obsessed with AGoS). The first fifty or so pages were so intense. I found myself worrying about how Schwab was going to fill the other 600 or so pages. Rest assured, dudes, there’s plenty going on.
The entire time, I was terrified for the ending. So many points for my restraint in not reading the final page. This one was especially difficult, because I wasn’t actually sure how I wanted this series to end. I mean, there were several things I didn’t want to happen…but I didn’t have my ideal “happily ever after” all planned out. This is weird for me. But I will say that I could not have imagined a more perfect ending for this series. Just. Oh my gosh. I can’t wait to go back and reread all the books knowing how it all ends.
I will leave you with the quote that filled my heart with hope, but know that it could be seen as a bit spoilery. Read at your own risk. (view spoiler)[
Delilah Bard had never read many books. The few she did had pirates and thieves, and always ended with freedom and the promise of more stories. Characters always sailed away. They lived on. Lila always imagined people that way, a series of intersections and adventures.(hide spoiler)]...more
If you recall, I adored Passenger. So much. I loved the glimpses of the different places and times. I loved Etta’s trying to figure out where she fit If you recall, I adored Passenger. So much. I loved the glimpses of the different places and times. I loved Etta’s trying to figure out where she fit in the world. I loved Nicholas. Because of my love for Passenger and the knowledge that it would be a duology, I had a lot of expectations for Wayfarer. A LOT.
PS. Don’t read any farther if you haven’t yet read Passenger. Don’t do it.
Right off the bat, I was curious about how Bracken would expand the world when we already had the time travel component from Passenger. Oh my gracious. I thought the alternate timeline thing was BRILLIANT. We’ve already seen the past, so why not change the past. I will say, this was not a book where I could turn my brain off. You know I love those, but this was not one of them. It was mentally exhausting at times trying to keep up with the rules of time travel and the astrolabe and the fluidity of the timeline – I loved it.
As the synopsis promises, we are introduced to a plethora of new characters in Wayfarer! We learn more about Sophia, and Julian, and Li Min, and Etta’s dad. GASPSHOCKAWE. We also see more of Rose’s motivations, which added an entirely unexpected layer to the whole conflict. The real reason to read this book, though? Nicholas. If you thought you loved him in Passenger, then sweet holy lord. Just try to keep your heart together while reading Wayfarer. I dare you. He is every bit the man we remember, but then so much more.
I will say this: I think the first time reading Wayfarer was…less.. than what I wanted it to be. Because up until the last twenty percent of the book, I was waiting for a thing to happen. I was reading for the express purpose of getting to the thing. And it frustrated me because it wasn’t happening and wasn’t happening and…oh, so close, but not happening. I couldn’t fully appreciate the new settings or the characters because I was focusing on the thing. (view spoiler)[The thing is, of course, the reunion between Etta and Nicholas. At the end of Passenger they are separated, and it wasn't until 82% of the way through Wayfarer that they are reunited. In the whole of the book, they spent maybe 15 pages together? Huge disappointment for me. (hide spoiler)] I do believe that upon reading Wayfarer again and knowing about the thing, I would love it even more because I’ll be able to be in the moment. ...more
It is not any easier to read for a second time. Just as magical, too.
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Like Laini Taylor’s other work (I’m thinking of her Daughter of Smoke & Bone seIt is not any easier to read for a second time. Just as magical, too.
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Like Laini Taylor’s other work (I’m thinking of her Daughter of Smoke & Bone series), the writing is beautiful. Dense, but beautiful. It required actual effort for me to read through this guy – I’m normally more of a sentence reader, but this story demands your full attention. It absolutely did not bother me (in fact, quite the contrary), but it’s something to be prepared for. It feels odd to warn you that reading will require attention…like it’s standard operating procedure for you to read in the background? Actually, that sounds amazing. If you figure out background reading, I require that you share your secrets.
As you are well aware, character-driven stories are always my favorite. The beauty of this novel was in the complexity of its characters. The villain wasn’t so much a bad guy, but circumstance. Horrific circumstance. Wrong done on both sides of the conflict. As dazzling as the novel can be at times, it can also be gut-wrenching in its cruelty to its characters. Good or bad, pretty or ugly, whatever the case… this story is always compelling.
Was it perfect? Nope, not quite. There’s a tic of insta-love. But like, it was done in such a lovely way that I didn’t mind it. Also, SADNESS. And that freaking ending…sweet lort....more