I found the third book in the series to be lacking compared to the first two.
As always, I really liked how Candace and Amber weave the characters fromI found the third book in the series to be lacking compared to the first two.
As always, I really liked how Candace and Amber weave the characters from all the Oz books into their story, it adds such a different and refreshing take to any Oz retellings authors undertake.
Jack and Ozma's characters seemed to have no substance except for their lust and desire for each other. That's it. I felt the plot breezed through the conflict but focused heavily on their feelings for each way too much and in I read it til the end out of my love for the series but it didn't grip my interest like the previous novels.
I loved how all the characters came together and bounced off each other, adding to the dynamic relationships. Still a great series all-in-all and I can't wait to see how everything and everyone comes together at the end!...more
I absolutely LOVED this! I could not wait to get home each afternoon to read this! This is such a cleverly written medley of classic gothic literatureI absolutely LOVED this! I could not wait to get home each afternoon to read this! This is such a cleverly written medley of classic gothic literature!
Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Edward Hyde, and Count Dracula and Mina Murray, team up to solve the 'Jack the Ripper' mystery and discover supernatural villains afoot! What more could I ask for! This far supersedes its predecessor. All of the characters are portrayed to perfection whether by their mannerisms, appearance, morals, speech, it's quite uncanny!
The story itself was exciting and mysterious, and a whole lot of fun for someone who really enjoys literature mashups. It's my jam!
I feel like Klaver is literally channelling Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with his writing! The manner of speech and prose are so reminiscent, added with a touch of supernatural and a slight twist on old-fashioned language and storytelling with very subtle modern undertones. I also really enjoyed and found refreshing that the author takes these 'monstrous' beings from Victorian literature and makes them (obviously) morally grey characters that you can root for. I mean, I started to crush on Dracula for goodness' sake! Never thought I'd ever say that! Klaver makes the men behind the monsters more understandable.
A wonderful gothic homage! I don't want this series to end!! Bring on Dorian Grey next!...more
Complex and rich storytelling rolled into an intriguing debut indie read!
From the very start I was immediately hooked! Leeder’s imagination is so ricComplex and rich storytelling rolled into an intriguing debut indie read!
From the very start I was immediately hooked! Leeder’s imagination is so rich, weaving astrology and the zodiacs into a powerhouse story as they undertake the Olympus Trials in order to wield their powers to take back their homeland which is under a curse by evil forces. Mystery, adventure and fantasy collide with astrology.
The world-building is super detailed; an elaborate mystical world wherein competition is rife. While the workings of the zodiacs is incredibly elaborate, the way the author has written it is very compelling storytelling. I was so intrigued about ALL the zodiacs, their personalities, their appearances, their purpose numbers, and totem animals. The end pages gives you an absorbing summary of the Zodiacs and their traits and powers. Using the appendix at the back as a Libran I am elf-like whose home is a woodland forest (swoons!) and my purpose number from using the maths equation provided is 3 which is incredibly accurate to say the least.
There were a few spelling and grammatical errors, as well as repetition. Also the characters who are suppose to be 21, seem much younger in the way they are portrayed. But all in all this does not mar the reading experience.
Leeder has put so much research into this it is evident through every page, woven in with her incredible imagination. It was such a stand-out in originality, immersive and developed. I hope there is more to come! ...more
This was so damn good! A non-stop read of intrigue.
The characters are complicated and emotive. Every single one grows and develops along their journeyThis was so damn good! A non-stop read of intrigue.
The characters are complicated and emotive. Every single one grows and develops along their journeys, in particular Jules. I love every single character except Katherine BUT having said that Blake explores her motives and her emotions, touching here and there on remorse, that it makes you see there could be redemption/hope for her. (view spoiler)[ I just really hope that Mira does not die! (hide spoiler)]
There is so much going on; rebellion, betrayal, romance, murder, each characters' storyline is constantly intriguing. The history of Fennbirn was elaborated, other gifts explored (war + seer), and mysteries unravelled. The island itself has "Lost" vibes in regards to its nature. What we have come to know as the islands' 'lore' gets flipped on its head. It definitely surpassed the previous book.
While some would view this as slow, I think it was set at just the right pace, a tantalising read as we are pulled through the chapters by more clues, revelations, and questions. I felt so many emotions reading this, but the one feeling I was surprised at was fear, the undead queens gave me chills and the mysterious mist was horrifying. It was great.
Are you serious with that ending!!?? Kendare Blake can really deliver a cliff hanger, I need the next book asap to find out what happens next!! A revolution has arisen and so too does the turmoil....more
Harry Potter meets Hunger Games but in a diverse world that is full of astrology!
I'll admit, it took me a bit to get into this, with all the informatiHarry Potter meets Hunger Games but in a diverse world that is full of astrology!
I'll admit, it took me a bit to get into this, with all the information on this new world, culture, magic system, and how it all worked with the Zodiacs, BUT once I did was I was completely and utterly hooked! This is so imaginative and lush in descriptions; the world-building, the detailed structure, the beautiful garments, the tantalising food, it's like a sensory delight while reading it.
Learning about different cultures and language made the story even more richer. I was engrossed with Talah and Firas's journey. I want to learn more and more about the Galaxy! I'm a Libra, and I was absolutely delighted with how the Librans were depicted! All of the Zodiacs were fascinating, their personalities, their abilities, their appearances; Michele Khalil has set up one stunning and captivating fantasy series! She has made an alluring world that is abundant in diverse cultures and characters.
There were a few editing errors but nothing to warrant against the books awesomeness!
Thanks to that cliffhanger I need the second book now!...more
Another fantastic addition to the Kingdom and Empires series! Jacyln Moriarty once again delivers a thrilling magical adventure full of wit and heart!Another fantastic addition to the Kingdom and Empires series! Jacyln Moriarty once again delivers a thrilling magical adventure full of wit and heart!
This lovably, unique group of individuals tackle on mysterious tasks, non-stop action, and the tests of friendship, all to save a magical city of tiny Elves! There were familiar faces and new faces that all worked really well together. Moriarty shines a light on people's strengths and weaknesses, and how we can overcome obstacles by working together and acceptance.
Kelly Canby's illustrations continue to capture Jaclyn Moriarty's wit and whimsicalness, making them a perfect author and illustrator partnership.
My favourite part of all was towards the end, when Reuben the Genie explained how life itself was magic in its own "twisty-turny, topsy-turvey" way. I had to take a picture of it as it really captured my heart and was something I feel like I can always look back on and treasure those words to help me whenever I need.
This book and series is like a big comforting hug and bursting with happiness! Something to be enjoyed by readers of ALL ages! I do so hope there will be more, these books are too wonderful to stop!...more
We get to follow Garion and his crew (with some new faces) once again for the quest of good over evil.
Some may say that this story is just the same asWe get to follow Garion and his crew (with some new faces) once again for the quest of good over evil.
Some may say that this story is just the same as the first quest, and while it is in some regards, it's still completely different. Garion is older, he's a father now. His reality and perception differ greatly from when he was a boy. There are new faces that tag along, each vital and as unique to the first companions. Polgara, Belgarath, Silk, Ce'Nedra and Durnik continue to grow themselves along the journey, whether it's with their relationships or skills etc, shaping each other along the journey. The characters have matured and therefore the journey is transformed.
Eddings continues to supply his characteristic witty dialogue, meticulous detail, and thoroughly researched plotlines.
Given the time that is was written the women characters are bada* in different ways that make them so powerful. Polgara is a fierce sorceress and matriarch, Ce’Nedra is a mother on a mission, Velvet is the female version of Silk but better, Cyradis a shy but powerful seer, and Vella uses her seductions to her own advantage. Ain’t nobody standing in their way.
Another fun epic fantasy saga that dives deeper into the world of the Alorns and Angaraks.
This was a wonderful fairy tale rendition of epic proportions.
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost This was a wonderful fairy tale rendition of epic proportions.
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost things that will enable her and her motley crew to save them all from the evil queen and the darkness. (Dun, dun, dun!!) Full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and magic!
Right from the get-go you are drawn in, hooked until the very end. K. E. Barden is a natural storyteller! She has taken classic fairy tales and fables and turned them into something completely innovative and fresh. Everything is well thought out and lavish in details. The characters are complex and compelling, with sharp dialogues excellent character development, they connect the reader to their resonance.
My only bother was that it felt a bit dense in sentencing structure which slowed the pace and my attention, for me at times. That being said though, this really is a phenomenal debut!
This was a highly entertaining read that I was intrigued to see who and what would happen next on the pages. I really enjoyed the twists Barden employs on these beloved and classic characters and I can't wait to see who else will make an appearance. I am also curious to see who Eve is and her connections to the fairytale world.
A quintessential middle grade tale that boasts of simple pleasures, the beauty of nature, and the love of family and family-gained in friendships. WhaA quintessential middle grade tale that boasts of simple pleasures, the beauty of nature, and the love of family and family-gained in friendships. What I love the most about theses classics is that they really capture childhood joy and the spirit of wanderlust in the simple things mixed with imagination and nature.
This was a very heart-warming, but bittersweet read for me. The relationship between Heidi and her Grandfather was so touching and sweet that there were so many moments where I sobbed while reading, as I was extremely close to my own, and after losing him recently, the loss is still hard and painful to process, but reminded me of the special bond we had and all the good memories too.
Heidi herself is so wholesome and sweet, a strong protagonist that sits with Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Anne Cuthbert. Spyri has captured the Swedish Alps in such wonderful details, I felt I was almost there, going full on sound of music mode on the mountains! There were also some sweet sketches included within the pages.
As with those books of the time, I did find the religion to be spread a bit too much, but understandably as with the language too, was not a major hindrance.
Another perfect addition to my library and a pure delight to read.
What a wonderful collection of classic fairy-tales from the brilliant mind of Hans Christian Andersen. He will forever be up there along with the BrotWhat a wonderful collection of classic fairy-tales from the brilliant mind of Hans Christian Andersen. He will forever be up there along with the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault as the founding writers of fairy-tales.
It was really fascinating to lean the true origin stories of some beloved characters; The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling, as well as discovering unknown and underrated stories.
Like with all fairy tale collections, each story has a strong moral and lesson to be learned, no matter what stage of life. Even though they are short stories they are full of heart and leave a powerful impact on the heart.
Whilst not as grim as Grimm Brothers, Andersen’s stories take on a more melancholic vibe with strands of beauty and hope like weaving a tapestry of tales. There is a realness to these stories. I feel like we get a true glimpse how Andersen saw the world, and how magic could be crafted from nature and people.
Just when you think this series can't get better than it already is, it just does! Enter Tamerlane House and a whole host of previous Caretakers that Just when you think this series can't get better than it already is, it just does! Enter Tamerlane House and a whole host of previous Caretakers that include Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Jules Verne and so many more wonderful figures from literature and history! Brilliant!
I get strong Dr Who meets League of Extraordinary Gentlemen vibes (swoon).
James A. Owen is a master of creativity! Within these pages you find intrigue, humour, camaraderie, and imagination. Fables and myths are interwoven as reality, seamlessly blending fact and fiction together and making it something new and exciting. It is perfectly compacted with references to other well known stories in literature. as well as in popular culture. The way the author has portrayed the writers and scientists etc. is so incredibly relatable and genuine.
We get to learn more about the history of the caretakers, the concept of time travel, and the foundation of the Imaginarium Geographica. And I have a new founding love for badgers! This series is really an ode to booklovers, writers, historians and scientists. This series introduced me to so many classic writers that I began to read their works and fall even more in love with them.
If you need me, I will now be taking up residence inside Tamerlane House...
Anne of Avonlea is a charming sequel to its predecessor.
It has a wonderful themes to its core; friendships, adulthood, first love and rekindled love, Anne of Avonlea is a charming sequel to its predecessor.
It has a wonderful themes to its core; friendships, adulthood, first love and rekindled love, wisdom, and the power of imagination. Anne continually remains the steadfast, kind, and dreamy heroine we love and know, with a touch of more wisdom added to her teenage years.
I adored being introduced to Miss Lavender, another 'kindred spirit' in Anne's world. She was utterly delightful and such a whimsical soul, that I only hope to be like her when I reach middle-age. She is the definition of a young soul.
Davy is a little psychopath! Seriously that child, I couldn't stand him! And yet he got away with everything!? He is horrible to his sister Dora, who is placid and sweet, but she gets shunned because of it from Marilla and Anne? I was secretly hoping for her just to put him in his place. Literally insufferable and so unfair how Dora is treated.
For such a simple plot it is full of joy and funny adventures/escapades, making the simple things in life magical.
Obviously nothing can compare to the greatness of the first novel, but it was still a very enjoyable and lovable read with familiar and new characters set in the picturesque society of the island.
L. Frank Baum’s stories are just so wholesome and remain so all the way through the series. You really have to give Baum credit for creativity and imaL. Frank Baum’s stories are just so wholesome and remain so all the way through the series. You really have to give Baum credit for creativity and imagination, I mean how he conjured such creatures and lands it’s astounding how limitless it is. The magic, the world, and the characters have expanded
What was really interesting (and slightly morbid) was the backstory of the famous Tin Man, who he was before and how he came to be a man made of tin. It was a perfect story that encapsulated his past, present and future, all within the one volume. Rinkitink's story is probably my second least favourite out of the Oz books, just because I am not a fan of the main character, he just irked me for some reason. The Lost princess is your typically Oz adventure with the lovable rag-tag team of characters (except Button-Bright, I seriously cannot stand this character, he is just the most useless and annoying person).
A fun, adventurous, and colourful volume to add to the famous Oz series.
Absolutely enchanting! Part prequel, part interlude, and part sequel wrapped up into a lush novella that focuses on Cardan's POV.
First things first, tAbsolutely enchanting! Part prequel, part interlude, and part sequel wrapped up into a lush novella that focuses on Cardan's POV.
First things first, the illustrations are exquisite! They perfectly capture the haunting and whimsical world that the author has created. Cardan is drawn (chef's kiss) spot on! Looking every bit the regal and tormented soul that is the High King. I loved how Cardan's motives and behaviour were expanded upon, offering insight in to his background, his thoughts, his reasonings, his heart.
Holly Black has created her own sweeping fairy tale set in her beloved world. It reads like a lyrical Grimm tale, encapsulating traditional fairy tales ethereal style. It's not in-depth or intricate as it's predecessors, as I read it in 1 whole day, this is a great accompaniment to the story, particularly linking Cardan's past and present with the other three books. Holly has enticed us with forbidden faerie fruit and I hope we get more!
This was a truly stunning addition into the Folk of the Air series.
Wow...just wow! I need to get my thoughts in order after concluding this phenomenal series!
Firstly I love how this came full circle from the very firsWow...just wow! I need to get my thoughts in order after concluding this phenomenal series!
Firstly I love how this came full circle from the very first book; The King, Nox, our terrific trio, etc, really felt like everything was brought together for the finale and what a finale that was!
The rescue mission for Aelin, I did not breath, I was on tenterhooks. Sarah J. Maas has a way of capturing the brutality and the misery of war and torture, right down to the gritty details in all its horror. She encapsulates the effects of PTSD within the main characters. The battle was long but it needed to be and was so expertly written, it was like watching a LOTR battle scene, filled with compelling description, different perspectives, and a cataclysm of emotions.
The battle scenes are so detailed, you get a really clear image. It is epic and heart pounding! I was gripping the pages as I read, becoming absorbed. I was expecting deaths and yet it still hurt and surprised me when it did happen (view spoiler)[ The sacrifice of the Thirteen was like someone just ripped my heart out! I was in shock for the whole evening! And my poor sweet Gavriel!!! Mourning all of the fallen (hide spoiler)]
Manon coming into her queendom...mic drop witches! Yrene is my girl (view spoiler)[ I was extremely surprised that the victory chant was in her name, I'm so proud (hide spoiler)] The only thing I did get sick of was how many times Aelin and Rowan kept referring each other as their mate, we get it, you're mates!! I loved all of the strong and flawed protagonists. You really felt all sorts of emotion with the characters; grief, hope, anger, joy. It's a relief at the end that the characters have finally found some peace at last.
I'm so glad my friend introduced me to this series as it has made such a very special place in my heart. A riveting and excellent conclusion for the series. For Erilea!
Right from the beginning of the first chapter, I was instantly hooked back into this world! Court intrigues, sinister plots, family deities, enemies-tRight from the beginning of the first chapter, I was instantly hooked back into this world! Court intrigues, sinister plots, family deities, enemies-to-lovers romance, and colourfully flawed characters make their return in the second novel of the Mirror Visitor series.
The relationship between Ophelia and Thorn, is so different to anything I've read, and yet it is so hard to describe even as a trope. They perfectly make sense together, the further you go into the book (which I was and wasn't expecting). But (view spoiler)[ THAT SUDDEN KISS!! (squeals) that was so sudden and so perfectly right! I loved it! (hide spoiler)]
Character wise; Ophelia finally found her voice! Yes girl!! I knew she had it in her! And Thorn always intrigues me. I adore all the characters, but in particular Berenilde's character growth was amazing, bowing down. Out of them all The Knight is one of the creepiest/scariest characters, sends me chills every time he appear on the page, so well done Dabos!
In this instalment we also get to the background stories of the family spirits. I hope in the next books we get to find out even more about them and especially about all the different arks.
There were deep mysteries throughout and I was shocked, shocked I say, when all is revealed throughout the end, but also keeps some secrets to be carried over to the next novel to find out!
Jacq.and.the.readstalk
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