The gorgeous cover and interesting blurb were what drew me to this book, but unfortunately what was inside didn't work for me.
I could tell by the writThe gorgeous cover and interesting blurb were what drew me to this book, but unfortunately what was inside didn't work for me.
I could tell by the writing style that something would inevitably annoy me when I opened it, but I wanted to give it a chance. After all, I can ignore just about anything if I like and/or can connect to the characters.
WELL, ABOUT THAT...The characters...I don't even know where to start with them.
Let's do Meren first, since she's the main character. Meren is the twin sister to the future queen, raised in secret and trained to sacrifice herself for her sister, whenever a dangerous situation should arise.
Problem is, we don't even get to see Meren in action, because she gets kidnapped before she can fulfil her duty. We can argue that her getting kidnapped was her fulfilling her duty, but as the book goes on it's very clear that her sister is the one who's in more danger.
And Meren didn't even fight, she was too distracted and forgot everything she learned. This happened continuously, and the reason for her distractions IS A MAN!
Reven is that man, and the very first time she encounters him in the dark, she falls for him. DONT TRY TO TELL ME SHE DOESN'T!!! She sees his midnight black hair and turquoise eyes, he speaks three words to her (his voice sounds like velvet and iron by the way, very important) and she's done for.
She thinks he sees her, the real her. The same thing happens in another scene which was even worse, but before I get to that one, I have to mention Cain.
Cain is the other potential love interest, who has no real chance at all, never did. Meren does mention him in the first two chapters, but we don't see him till chapter three, and by then she's already had her first encounter with Reven.
He's the typical best friend who has feelings for her, but aside from that I don't really see why he was even necessary to the story? I wanted to root for him, even if it was futile. He does eventually come back into the story, but I can't see any romance happening.
And everything about his family also felt like background fillers, we never learned anything about them, or for example why Meren and his sister hate each other so much.
I don't hate Pella at all, but I felt like I was supposed to with the way she was described. She's like a clichéd mean girl, but I found her back and forth with Meren cringy (mostly Meren's fault!). Again, it would've helped if we knew the context of their rivalry.
Back to Reven now and this other scene. So in that scene, Meren yet again feels like he sees the real her and wants her. At that point I just felt like closing the book in embarrassment. This NEVER happens to me with fantasy books, if it does it's with contemporary romances because some of the lines there are really not to my taste.
But yeah this is literally their second meeting, they haven't had a proper conversation and she's already one foot into the romance...girl...calm down.
It felt like they were pushed, or forced together too fast and I didn't like it. The romance didn't get any better from then on, just faster. There was no build up, no chemistry, just, whatever that was.
Reven was also one of those characters that's supposed to be evil, a monster, made of darkness etc etc, he pushes Meren away (but at the same time not really) and we didn't get anything like that. He's honestly nice? Although he does get jealous and possessive but that's to be expected.
It's just that I so rarely see characters described as monsters actually be monsters, and I get a bit more disappointed each time.
Meren's relationship with her sister is also one I didn't buy. No relationships were believable in this book. Maybe the book could've been a bit longer in order to explore their relationship (and Meren and Cain's too)?
This next thing is mostly contained to a few beginning chapters, and that's the descriptions of the "wandering desert peoples". Those descriptions made me slightly uncomfortable, and when I went to check if anyone else noticed it, I only saw one other person say it. If I didn't see it, I would've thought it was just me.
Luckily, this didn't continue for the rest of the book, but I'm very curious to see if anyone else will feel that way later on when more people read it.
So the plot, up until Meren gets kidnapped it feels like one book, and after she gets kidnapped it feels like a completely different one. But the plot wasn't nearly as bad as the romance. It wasn't bad at all actually, and it was better in the second half than in the first.
The plot might technically be my favourite thing next to the magic system? I don't know how the magic works, but do I care? No. I think the concept is unique, but could use more development.
I don't know if I'll be reading the sequel. The ending is a cliffhanger and was supposed to make me want to continue, except I'm not getting that feeling at all. I won't lose any sleep if I don't read the next book.
Lastly, are YA books supposed to have steamy scenes? The Liar's Crown has one, so I'm not sure how YA it really is. Maybe upper/older YA? Or YA bordering NA, something like that.
Anywayyyy, just because this didn't work for me, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a chance. If it sounds good to you go ahead and read it.
2.5
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
The second I saw this on my Twitter feed, I knew that it would be amazing and that I had to read it. I ended up being lucky enough to score an early cThe second I saw this on my Twitter feed, I knew that it would be amazing and that I had to read it. I ended up being lucky enough to score an early copy and dove into it as soon as I was able to.
Death by Society is a phenomenally written book, and I don't say that lightly.
It starts off slowly, setting the scene and introducing the reader to the characters - Carter, Abby, Slater, Mei and Kelsey.
Carter and Abby are both PoV characters, and alternate every chapter. It's interesting that we get to see both the PoVs of the bully and the bullied.
Not everything is black and white, and there's an explanation why Abby acts the way she does, which still doesn't excuse her actions of course, but it's nice to see that she's also a human underneath the mask.
Meanwhile Carter, she deals with A LOT. Not only has she been depressed for almost half of her life, but she also has to deal with bullies on a daily basis and one of them lives on the same street as her.
There were parts of this book that were hard to read for me, due to my own experiences with the subjects mentioned, so I took some mini breathing and crying breaks when I needed to.
I love when books can provoke such strong feelings, and this one more than succeeded. Unlike some other books I read that dealt with mental health issues, this one did it right.
I didn't feel like things were just surface level and then everyone is happy again, the end. Oh no, this one went to the center of the problem and it dug deep to find it, and from there it was a realistic recovery process.
Carter was very easy to relate to, she's a great main character who grows and heals as the book goes on. I'm so proud of her. I hope we'll get another Carter book in the future, where she's off at college, making friends and NOT getting into trouble.
I kid I kid, even if she gets into trouble she'll have a support system to help her out of it, and that's also something this book tackles.
Oh and did I mention this book is SAPPHIC? NOBODY IS STRAIGHT! Well except Mei, but we love her anyway, yes we do. So naturally, the rep is good.
One of the PoV characters has a bigger romantic subplot than the other (the other doesn't really, except in passing mentions and a few possibilities sprinkled through), and I love how that ended.
For a good part of the book I was expecting a different ending, but nope, this is the right one.
So, while I'm at romantic mentions, that one character has a somewhat fade to black somewhat not scene near the start. It's nothing graphic, so if someone younger picked this book up too it would be okay, and I think it's important that it's in there.
This whole book is important really, for young and old people alike, but especially young, in this age of social media where kids get insecure about things that they should never be insecure about, and where they get depression early in life. They need to know they're not alone, and that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. If Carter could do it, so can you.
I wish that younger me had this book, even before she lost her dad, but especially after, it would mean a lot to her.
And now I'm going to enter parrot mode and tell you to BUY THIS BOOK! BUY THIS BOOK! BUY THIS BOOK! If you want to make me happy you'll not only add this to your tbr, but BUY IT!!!
It's also worthy to point out that November is my birth month, and this book will be out in November, so as birthday gift to me go preorder this book, I'm serious. Go do it.
EDIT: THE PUBLICATION DATE WAS MOVED UP TO SEPTEMBER YAYY!!! It may not be my birth month anymore, BUT WHAT I SAID STILL STANDS, GO PREORDER!!!
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Okay so I don't like mental health books and it seems that extends to graphic novels too. What bugged me with this volume in particular was that the EOkay so I don't like mental health books and it seems that extends to graphic novels too. What bugged me with this volume in particular was that the ED stuff was so detailed and yet surface level at the same time. I don't even know how that's possible.
As a little bonus it made me think about my own issues with food and eating again, and even though I'm (supposedly) recovered this didn't make it easy. And it's a bit hard to know when the possibly triggering stuff ends, there's only markers when it starts, and this whole book is about Charlie's eating disorder so...
There's also the self harm which fortunately wasn't triggering, but the way it was described was so...not unrealistic, just...I don't even have the right words to describe it without saying surface level again.
I'm also thinking this should've ended at book three with a different sort of ending, because I felt myself wanting to skim near the end of this one (when Charlie was already doing better and the triggering material was over).
At first I thought "oh no volume five will be the last volume", but now I'm thinking it's a good thing because it's feeling a bit dragged out. I'll still read the final volume though, I want to know how it ends. ...more
To Wake a Kingdom was not my first book by this author, Wicked is the Reaper was and that one blew me away so I had to request an arc of this one. I wTo Wake a Kingdom was not my first book by this author, Wicked is the Reaper was and that one blew me away so I had to request an arc of this one. I was hoping to love it just as much, and while I did like it, I didn't love it.
The story starts with an action scene that promises an amazing story, but then it doesn't reach that height again until the second half. That first half is spent relationship building, mostly, and occasional training scenes, with some fillers too.
I wasn't bored, but it felt like it took forever to get through those parts. And even in the second half things could get a bit slow.
So basically my complaint is that I was expecting a slightly different story based on the blurb and first chapter. But it had some really good parts too.
It's a darker fairytale retelling, and is a great mix of those elements and original ideas. I like the world, from what we saw of it. And I still like the writing style.
Character wise, I felt very lukewarm towards Thorne, she acted exactly like a spoiled princess at the start. Eventually she did grow into a warrior, but her behavior and some of the things she said sounded kind of modern to me which made me laugh.
Ronan was okay, I like that he was there to save Thorne when she actually needed saving. Their romance was by no means enemies to lovers though. He basically just appeared on her castle's doorstep one day, she was annoyed about it, but let him and his friends stay and eventually they fell in love.
They did meet briefly once before, but I'm not counting that.
Maida is a character that I felt the strongest about, oddly enough. He's a side character with mysterious motivations of his own, and he outshined almost all the other side characters except Gideon (whose food I'd love to try). I'd like to learn more about him.
I'd still recommend this book, because of how original it was, and I'll be reading the sequel.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
This was adorable!!! Well, as adorable as a book about murder pies could be, which is to say a lot and no, I do not accept any criticism!!!
Daisy, our This was adorable!!! Well, as adorable as a book about murder pies could be, which is to say a lot and no, I do not accept any criticism!!!
Daisy, our heroine, bakes pies to make people happy. The way she does this is with talent and a little bit of generational magic woven in.
Her grandmother was a seamstress, her mother a hairdresser and Daisy's magical talent ended up manifesting as pie baking.
Occasionally, Daisy does special orders for her secret branch called Pies Before Guys, where she, you guessed it, makes murder pies, but only for those men who deserve it.
A problem arises when someone starts snooping around her home (a lovely van called Penny) and blackmailing her into doing things she has no intention of doing. How will dear Daisy handle this? Read to find out.
I love everything about this. It has a cozy mystery vibe, but not too cozy, a few scenes were a bit scary like a thriller and the background romance was cute.
My favourite part was obviously all the pies. I never got tired of Daisy describing them and I love that there are a couple of recipes at the end of the book.
As far as the mystery goes, I have to say that I didn't guess who the blackmailer was, but I did guess a part of it. And I wasn't expecting it to be revealed so early in the story (somewhere around 56%). Maybe it's better we found out early though, I don't mind either way.
And to come back to the romance for a second, there are two possible love interests, but I felt the one Daisy chose at the end was more obvious? Like we were given more clues that she would end up with that person vs the other person.
I'm content with that choice, because we didn't get to see a lot of the other one aside from the events they attended with Daisy, so I didn't make a connection to that character like I did to the other one.
Bonus points for LGBT rep, both the main character (I'm assuming based on the choice of love interests) and the side characters.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review* ...more
SAPPHIC! VAMPIRES! 1920S SINGAPORE! If that doesn't make you want to read this book then I'm sorry, but you have no taste. No, but you should read thiSAPPHIC! VAMPIRES! 1920S SINGAPORE! If that doesn't make you want to read this book then I'm sorry, but you have no taste. No, but you should read this book if you like any of the mentioned things, plus gothic horror and villains who do NOT get redemption arcs.
This book starts off nice enough, with a girl who got a good job with an eccentric boss/mistress who may or may not turn out to be a vampire. Things are fine and dandy, but there are strange happenings going on in the background.
Gradually, the story gets darker and darker and then steps into straight up unhinged territory. I love it. With that said, do check out the content warnings before starting, since some scenes may be disturbing.
I don't remember the last time I read a book that had a "choose your own" ending, which is one of the many many things that drew me to this book. And you do get to choose.
Usually with love triangles I have a favourite and the main character chooses the wrong person just about every time, so for me to have a choice and to be able to pick who I like better is just so wonderful.
I read both endings and I like one of them more than the other. One is a happier ending, the other one bittersweet. There's also a secret third ending if you sign up for the author's newsletter and I was actually expecting something like that, and I'm intrigued to see it.
Also, can we talk about that cover??? Because wow. It represents the book perfectly.
Please read The Wicked and the Willing friends, you won't regret it.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
This is a hard book to rate. It read very flat, and never turned into a hill (an upwards or even downwards hill), just stayed flat throughout.
That's This is a hard book to rate. It read very flat, and never turned into a hill (an upwards or even downwards hill), just stayed flat throughout.
That's not to say that it wasn't still fun to read, to an extent. I finished it in one sitting just fine, and it didn't feel like I was reading an average length book at all, so it has that going for it.
The world building was okay too, I liked the use of mythology.
The plot needed some more development, it felt very shallow and predictable in parts. It was also unserious, so I think it might be a good fit for middle grade readers, they might appreciate it more.
The characters are where it gets tricky, they make or break the story for me and here I fear it was the latter.
I felt no attachment to anyone except the two dogs. One dog shows up at the start and finish and the other is a constant companion. They're the best characters. Everyone else? Meh. They could've all lived or died and it would've been the same to me.
I didn't realise that this book was "connected" to another book by the author which I haven't read. Maybe if I had I'd like this one more, but since I haven't it is what it is.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
After Tannith sends a letter to her sister and cousins about moving away and taking one of their partners with her, everything erupts into chaos.
The After Tannith sends a letter to her sister and cousins about moving away and taking one of their partners with her, everything erupts into chaos.
The more they try to fix it, the worse it gets. Because, you see, they aren't trained witches, their family was forbidden from using any magic for 150 years due to an incident caused by their great-great-grandfather and now they have to pay the price for his shenanigans.
A Letter to Three Witches surprised me with how fun it was to read. The comps were definitely correct, because I did get both Bewitched and Practical Magic vibes.
I fell in love with the characters, it was hard not to with all that was happening to them. One accident(al bunny) after another and wouldn't you know it, I found myself crying!
If I had to pick a favourite it would be Griz. I have a weakness for talking animals and he was no exception. I hated how Tannith treated him, THE POOR BABY DIDN'T DESERVE THAT.
Most of the magic here was very explosive, but I appreciate the little things too, like the cupcakes, that was a great idea.
There's not a lot of romance in the book, but the parts of it that are present are very sweet.
One thing that I wish we saw was the parents helping out. Gwen and the gang went far and beyond to keep them out of it, but I was hoping they'd figure it out and lend a helping hand.
The ending wraps things up, and leaves room for a sequel at the same time. I NEED A SEQUEL. There's still so much to explore in the world, even if we don't mainly follow Gwen next time.
4.5
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
This book was recommended to me by a twitter friend through that "12 months, 12 books recommended by 12 friendYou know what? I'm dnfing, I don't care.
This book was recommended to me by a twitter friend through that "12 months, 12 books recommended by 12 friends" thing and I'm sorry, but I gotta dnf.
It's not just because of the rape scene OF A CHILD at the start, but mainly because of that. It happens literally as soon as you open the book, and it doesn't give you any time to recover from it.
Aside from that, I kept trying to like it or to care about what's happening with the characters, but I just couldn't. So I'm saving my sanity....more
I've always loved Helen of Troy, or rather the idea that someone could be so beautiful that just their face could spark a war, so of course I had to rI've always loved Helen of Troy, or rather the idea that someone could be so beautiful that just their face could spark a war, so of course I had to read this.
I previously read Neon Gods and skipped (albeit not on purpose) Electric Idol, and I think that helped me understand the world building much better. I'll go back and read book two though, since Helen appears there too.
So back in Neon Gods the titles gave me a lot of confusion, and I FINALLY understand what's going on with them. They can either be inherited or anyone can apply to get it, but they'd have to pass a series of trials (likely depending on the title) as demonstrated in this book.
Those trials were so fun, they reminded me of The Hunger Games and they made the book for me. I loved the plot in that regard, and wish even more time was devoted to it.
As for the romance, well...honestly there was none. The three of them saw each other, found each other hot and jumped into the steamy parts without much thought. There was some weak protest how they shouldn't do it because Achilles and Patroclus were already together and adding Helen to the mix wouldn't be smart - but that was quickly thrown to the wind.
And then eventually they start falling for each other which I didn't really buy. They were attracted to each other for sure, but in love? Nah.
I think this book delivers more of the retelling aspect than Neon Gods, and the characters felt like their mythological counterparts at least a little bit. And I loved seeing Atalanta and Hector appear, they deserved to have an even bigger part.
To be honest, I shipped Helen with Atalanta a lot more than I did with Achilles and Patroclus. Missed opportunity there, WE COULD'VE HAD BOTH!!! But it is what it is.
I hope book four has even more plot than this one.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Melissa Blair, you can't name a character Riven and expect me not to love them (and yes, I was totally imagining the Winx Club character the whole timMelissa Blair, you can't name a character Riven and expect me not to love them (and yes, I was totally imagining the Winx Club character the whole time). It was over for me when he was properly introduced, he's now one of my fav (view spoiler)[love interests (hide spoiler)] in books.
I heard so much praise for this series when it first came out, heard about the big author reveal as well, and thought it was a clever way to bring attention to the book. I decided to pick it up now, because the final book is coming out next month, on Orthodox Christmas, would you believe it, so it's yet another book I can count as a Christmas present, hah.
Anyway, I was not expecting to enjoy it this much, but I love the world, the characters, the plot and the diversity. Obviously, I'm also a fan of the romance, and the fact that the heroine is tall. If I'm being completely honest, that was the thing that won me over at the start.
The audiobook was also really easy to follow, at first I wasn't so sure it would be, but then I got into it and had no problems. I'm glad I decided to experience the series this way.
I'm a sucker for all things fae and elf, so it's no wonder A Broken Blade worked for me as well as it did. I found the lore surrounding them to be creative enough to stand out in a sea of fae books.
Circling back to the romance, it's enemies to lovers and it's done well. Though I do agree with some reviewers who said they kinda started liking each other a bit fast, but that didn't bug me in this particular story.
What I also like is that Keera isn't ready for certain things because her emotions are still raw, but he (you know who, I don't wanna spoil) doesn't push her, and they take it slow, so slow that we probably won't see it till book two which is a-okay with me. But I could see some people being slightly disappointed with the lack of steam, based on books this one was comped to.
The plot was so engaging that I found it hard to stop listening, so while I did switch books for a bit, I couldn't stay away from this one too long. It was just so fun!!
I predicted a portion of the ending, but I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, I'm all in y'all.
OK LAST THING, a criminally small number of you have read this series, so you may now use this review as encouragement to begin it. That is all....more
It's been a while since a book left me breathless. I was only unsure about it in the first chapter, how it would handle the mythology and all that, buIt's been a while since a book left me breathless. I was only unsure about it in the first chapter, how it would handle the mythology and all that, but it just kept getting better and better and it became one of my new favourite books.
The book is told through three PoVs, Gen, Castor and her brother Pollux.
Gen is the best, I love her so so much and I want to hug her and all her animal friends too. She's a character I can relate to fully and I can't wait to see her shine even brighter in the next book.
Castor, on the other hand, I hated. I think she might appeal to me more in the sequel, but in this one she was just horrible. Anyone who hurts animals (whether directly or indirectly) to meet their goals is not a good person, sorry.
I was worried she'd be the love interest, BUT LUCKILY, THANK THE HYDRA, she isn't. Well, at least not for Gen, but she does have her own possible love interest on the side. We didn't get to see much of her, but I think they'd be a good match.
And Pollux, it's hard to find a better character than him. Not just in the book, but in general. He's the sweetest bean, the best noodle, the cutest cinnamon roll. AND HE PLAYS THE VIOLIN! And, he's written compositions about Gen. If you're looking for the "boy obsessed" or "boy falls first" trope HERE IT IS. AND IT'S ADORABLE!!!
Game of Strength and Storm is also an action filled book. Something is always happening, but it doesn't feel crushed together or like too many things are going on. Each task is given enough time and described in detail (even the manure, blehhh) so you feel like you're really there with the characters.
The magic system is unique, and I'm excited to learn about all the branches. But what I'm most excited about is the circus. I'm dying to see it, I NEED IT RIGHT NOW. Because from the memory snippets we've seen it's amazing.
P. S. Expect a lot of pain from this book. You have been warned.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
I was both expecting this to be better than the first book, and also not. Luckily, it was a little better.
In this book Chloe's writing did improve, anI was both expecting this to be better than the first book, and also not. Luckily, it was a little better.
In this book Chloe's writing did improve, and since all of the character and world introductions were done in the first book, she had time to develop them in this one.
With that said, I am still not a fan of Roma and Juliette as a couple. They spent most of the time regressing back to enemies and then suddenly they jumped from zero to one hundred in no time at all.
But as individual characters they did grow. Not to a level that would endear me to them, but to an acceptable one.
Marshall and Benedikt were cool too, their relationship was a lot more believable than Juliette and Roma's.
Meanwhile Alisa (aka my favourite character in the series) got a bigger role, especially at the end. She's only 13 at the start of Our Violent Ends but she shows more bravery than everyone else put together.
The pacing was good in places and slow in others. The first half had a lot of repetition from the previous book so that part felt slower while the second half had new elements added so it moved faster. But it was a quick read for me either way.
As for the ending...I liked it. I was hoping it would go one way, and I can't say if it did or didn't because it's sort of an open ending. But I'm choosing to believe that it ended the way I imagined.
Throughout the book we also got a spinoff teaser. Will I read that too? Probably, especially if Alisa makes a few cameos.
3.5 stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
This book was so emotional the second time around. We still don't have more books announced :( WE NEED MORE BOOKS!!!
Original review:
Yes, hello, operaThis book was so emotional the second time around. We still don't have more books announced :( WE NEED MORE BOOKS!!!
Original review:
Yes, hello, operator? I need an ambulance. What for? My heart full of feels.
THESE BOOKS ARE CRIMINALLY GOOD. IT'S NOT FAIR. It's like each one gets better and better. Following the pattern, now we have awesome x3.
Alexis is amazing. Her growth throughout the series is noticeable, especially in this book. She would go to hell and back for her friends and it makes me cry.
She kind of does go to hell in a way. It's very brave. It's okay to be a hero Alexis, you earned it.
Ace is a perfect muffin. He goes through a lot, barely anything pleasant, but comes out on top.
NOW CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT BLUEBERRY SCENE??? DO YOU SEE WHY I SHIP IT SO HARD??? MY POOR, POOR HEART. I just. I. Send help.
What I can't believe is that I shipped Rachel with Zane...poor judgement on my part. That little weasel can spend eternity in a very specific pig pen.
And Rachel *cries*. THEY REALLY DO GROW UP FAST, I'M NOT READYYYYYY. I'm happy for her though.
I wish there was more of Drax. He just showed us that he can be badass too and then we don't see him for a while. I want to see him eat some people.
Veerka's scene near the end got me, I started hating her. I apologise Veerka.
Yet again, I'm sad this was short. The plot was action-packed and fast paced so my time passed by even quicker.
The war was done well, enough, but not too much of it to overpower everything else that's going on. MORE OF THIS! But with a dragon.
I wasn't expecting the ending. It makes sense now. I like it. But you know, the scene at the very end? An expanded version please, and thank you.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, THIS ISN'T THE END!!! I hope. I think. Fingers crossed for more books....more
My first reread of this series, of hopefully many more to come. There's really something special about these books. I love seeing how I thought duringMy first reread of this series, of hopefully many more to come. There's really something special about these books. I love seeing how I thought during my first read and how wrong I was about certain things.
Original review:
You know how sequels sometimes tend to suffer from "second book syndrome", where they're bad and/or feel like a filler? Well this book just blew that stereotype into oblivion. It's even better than book one. And book one was awesome. So what does that make this? Awesome x2? Yes.
The story continues where we left off, more or less, and immediately the action starts. Poor Veerka and Alexis can't catch a break. A couple of chapters later, the main "quest" is revealed. For a second there I thought it would be one of those "go there, fetch that" things and I'm glad I was wrong.
The scale of their mission gradually increases and so does their little disfunctional found family.
TO MY GREAT JOY, THE INCUBUS IS BACK. And now I'm having problems picking a favourite. But maybe Alexis won't have to pick??? THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN THUNK. HINT HINT.
He's not just back, he has a role to play, one I wasn't expecting at all. I love all of his scenes. I think him waiting to show up wasn't the best choice on his part, but oh well, he's here now, that's all that matters.
Rachel got so good at magic, I'm SHOOK. She really has mad skills. I'm proud of my little witchling. They grow up so fast *wipes tear*. And Zane? I ship it.
This isn't a long book, but a lot happens. And yet it doesn't feel crammed in. Of course I wish it was longer though.
AND WHEN I TELL YOU I CRIED. OH I CRIED.
ANYWAY, I'm really excited to see how it's all going to end in book three. We had a good build up here so the conclusion is going to be epic, I can feel it....more
This was technically a reread since I read this when it was originally published as an arc reviewer and then again this month as a normal reader. It'sThis was technically a reread since I read this when it was originally published as an arc reviewer and then again this month as a normal reader. It's slightly different, but not by much. A little less steam, which doesn't mean it wasn't fun.
I paid special attention to my baby Rachel and knowing what I do, I'm still so proud of all that she'll achieve in the future.
Here's my original review:
In the mighty words of Paris Hilton, "that's hot." Literally me during this book. I WAS NOT EXPECTING EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED HERE.
Sometimes when books warn you they're 18+ they don't even feel like it. But this one definitely does.
I read the prequel first and I got a little sad that it didn't immediately continue where that ended. That's okay though, parts of that get explained too.
The plot starts off pretty straight forward but evolves into something unique.
My favourite part is that Alexis swings both ways and that more attention is given to her female enounters (refer to the Paris quote at the top). There's a huge difference how she is with them vs the males.
That's not to say I don't want that odd Incubus to return. HE BETTER. IT'S NOT DONE.
Rachel is another unexpected but delightful addition to the story. I love her. She's similar to Alexis in some ways and I could see them forging a sisterly bond.
I really breezed through this story. I WANT MORE....more