These are entertaining quick reads. A lot going on, I was consistently entertained. 4 stars comes from December acting like a child again and locking These are entertaining quick reads. A lot going on, I was consistently entertained. 4 stars comes from December acting like a child again and locking herself in her room and then doing the repeat of coming out again from her cave of isolation to make up with shaela and then worrying that her boyfriend will be angry at her. It was literally like the the same scene from book 1- where she goes to the cafeteria after. I had to double take to make sure I wasn't reading book one. That's how similar the scene was. It irked me so. much.
Other than that, We are introduced to a new professor, Crispin, who helps December learn more about her powers...but there is something he's hiding...
Welp, I didn't want it to end. I'm pleasantly surprised that I ended up becoming a Hudson fan. I never believed I'd be anything but a Jaxon fan, butWelp, I didn't want it to end. I'm pleasantly surprised that I ended up becoming a Hudson fan. I never believed I'd be anything but a Jaxon fan, but I'm all in on the Team Hudson ship. I consider not reading Covet when I'd heard it became a love triangle from other reviews, but I'm so glad I did.
Book 3 is a series of quests, if you will. So if you like quest books with multiple tasks, you'll thoroughly Enjoy Covet.
I like that Wolff doesn't make Jaxon out to be an asshole or bad guy, (the way SJM does with ACOTAR with those of you familiar). Instead, she makes it about what Grace needs, and doesn't make the relationship that Grace and Jaxon had any less important to her than her relationship with Hudson. Jaxon was her first love and she gives him all the respect in the world, as does Hudson.
As for the whole Mate bond thing, boy did Grace piss me off with her "oh it's the mating bond" crap. She was onboard with loving Jaxon despite the mating bond, but blames it for the way she feels about Hudson. She's like really bad at confronting her feelings. And she only starts really admitting (in her head at least) that there may be something between them around halfway through the book..which is about 400 pages in. I do think Grace's wishy washy attitude could have saved this book a good 150-200 pages if I"m being honest, but I do admit to enjoying the other plots despite that, so it gets 4.5 stars.
Macy, man did she get shitted on in book 2. Poor Macy. She's healing and still being literally the best friend and cousin Grace could ever ask for. Doesn't hurt that she's a badass witch too.
Let's talk about how much I love getting to know places outside Katmere Academy. The giant's village? Highly entertaining and yet, so heartbreaking.
Flint has it hard in this book too near the end. I'd also like to put in my 2 cents about the theory floating around that he and Jaxon are mates. My response is "hell yea." I see why people think that. I didn't right up till the very end of the book, and then boom, Wolff pretty much set it up. In fact, I will be veeeeery surprised if it doesn't end up happening.
Penelophe is extremely annoying and ridiculous in book 2. I shudder to think if someone acted like this in a real relationship. Hades isn't competely Penelophe is extremely annoying and ridiculous in book 2. I shudder to think if someone acted like this in a real relationship. Hades isn't competely innocent either though, I admit.
Nevertheless, I was hot garbage for this second book. If nothing else can be said, A Touch of Ruin is completely and utterly addicting. I did get a bit bored with sex scenes literally H&P had a conversation, but I just skimmed over it.
Can't wait for book 3 coming out next week!!!...more
2.5 stars I have no idea why I read this. There was literally no sign of the 1920s till essentially the last chapter. The main character is such an ann2.5 stars I have no idea why I read this. There was literally no sign of the 1920s till essentially the last chapter. The main character is such an annoying pushover who pines...so...no, no, not intensely. That's too strong of a word for Mae. It's flat out pathetic the way Mar pines for Miles despite knowing he is clearly manipulating her. And even then, she still absolutely just throws herself at him in any way possible, eeking out whatever affection he will give, even if it's out of guilt. Jesus girl, find some some self respect. And she's like this right through tk the end, knowing how he feels about her, how he leaves her. Just yikes Whatever the reasons behind his actions (being purposefully vague here). She just doesn't care.
Coco, it seems like Mae and Coco's friendship...I just don't know what to say but they need to sort out their priorities.
Then there's precious beloved Ivo. Who has done so much wrong and suffers for it everyday, but continues to do it until it eats away at his will to live. he is literally the best chsract and I would have much preferred his story then Mae's. He gets a redemption arc, but I never fully comprehend the feeling behind it because he gets so little page time.
I hate ambiguous endings. I hate tragedies. This is not a happy ending, but one of complete ruin and then starting again. The ending leaves us wondering if a certain someone is alive or dead and I truly hate that. If I wanted ambiguity I wouldn't be reading a damn book for a story.
Overall, I disliked Mae as a person, but she was slightly more tolerable after her "I do what I want Mae hits the scene. Truly, the only character I loved was Ivo and I would definitely not read a sequel unless it was all about Ivo getting a second chance to be happy....more
What a reveal that end was!! Everything hit the fan so fast! I mean you know part of it was coming based on clues sprinkled throughout- No spoilers -
What a reveal that end was!! Everything hit the fan so fast! I mean you know part of it was coming based on clues sprinkled throughout the book, but dang, the carry though was flawless.
It has been SO long since I've read a book that kept me up all night. Yep. I'm writing this at 4:36 am because feelings. I love paranormal academy books, I just wasn't expecting the amount of swoon in this book. And oh boy does that cover make sense, but not in a way you'll guess. Muahaha.
You get to meet so many great characters. The girl power is strong in this book as everlasting friendships are created. But like obviously, what academy book would be complete without the drams? There's a female rival biotch. Don't you guys worry.
All I can say is, this book. PULLED me in head first. I first listened to the audiobook and then read the book right after. The audiobook narrator is great with emotions , but does make our main girl Summer sound much younger than she is. But that may just be my opinion. *Shrugs*
Regardless of which mode of storytelling you prefer, I highly recommend this for lovers of academy stories and broody mc broody pants romantic partners....more
I'm always hesitant going into spin off series. How could I possibly love any characters more than the originals? It can't be!! Well, Watermi4.5 stars
I'm always hesitant going into spin off series. How could I possibly love any characters more than the originals? It can't be!! Well, Watermight was great. You get two main characters, one old and one new: Princess Selivia and a Pendarkian street rat named Tamri.
Sel, for her part is as plucky and happy-go-lucky as she ever was. Tamri, though has lived a life only of survival. Her goals are few and simple: stay alive and keep her gramma Teall in as much comfort as possible. If that means stealing watermight from the Vertigonian dragons, then morals be damned.
Unfortunately things don't go as planned and before King Krillin can hand out a brutal punishment set in stone, Selivia steps in and asks if she can have Tamri for the Fire Queen, Dara's school. Krillin has no choice to agree but sets a fate on Tamri that could end up being worse than any fate he could possibly bestow upon her.
While Tamri goes one way, Selivia must go another: she must travel to Sool to meet her fiance, Prince Latch. However, all is not well in Sool, and a mysterious and buried ancient power may threaten more than the strained alliance between the three lands of Pendark, Sool, and Vertigon. Much more.
Watermight is fun in that we get a new story but all our favorite characters are back. Selivia is back and more mature than her 14 year self. Dara and Siv are back as King and Queen of Vertigon. They are beloved and rule with benevolence. Something Tamri is not accustomed to. It's interesting to see Dara from the outside. A stoic, loyal, and somewhat overbearing queen. She's passionate obviously, but she can be very intimidating due to her no-nonsense personality.
As for Tamri, I did not care for her. Her story and plot line were interesting, but Tamri herself? I wanted to smack her a couple times.
I do think The Fire Queen's Apprentice series can stand on it's own from it's predecessor, the Steel Fire quintet, but I will say this: you will. SIGNIFICANTLY appreciate Queen Dara and her school, ad well as who Selivia has become by reading Steel Fire first. The magic system and world are much more fleshed out and it would be a shame to miss some of that going in. Not necessary to enjoy Watermight Thief, but definitely adds a great deal to the world.
Yes, there is romance, albeit it isn't heavy. Selivia and Latch are paired well together, though, we didn't get to see that relationship blossom. It just did-over the 4-5 year time jump between series in which it is explicitly understood they were in contact. Still, it's hard to feel anything when you don't get to see it happen.
Tamrism's romance is little but the beginnings are there. But again, I didn't really see why it was a thing. It felt thrown in there because she simply HAD TO have a love interest. Mostly, Tamri's story is one of survival in the Watermight Thief. I'm hoping this romance is fleshed out and had a chance to breath before just coming into being. Half a star off on an otherwise excellent and riveting new beginning for new and old characters alike....more
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It gets 2 stars because I finished it. I cannot believe To see this review and more, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
It gets 2 stars because I finished it. I cannot believe Ann Aguirre wrote this junk. It's a recipe for disaster A heaping cup of insta-love A heavy dose of Shallow people A sprinkle of predictable duh villains A good two shoes who wants revenge and then... Doesn't. STOP CRYING OVER PEOPLE WHO ABUSED YOU AND ARE NOW ONLY NICE TO YOU BECAUSE YOUR PRETTY
The MC, Edie, is constantly crying over everything and the love interest Kian, is martyr who jumps at every chance to doom himself to save her. Ugh. I rolled my eyes so much I'm surprised my eyeballs didn't just permanently make a home up there....more
I have trouble rating this one. The narrator for this audiobook is just simply horrendous. As in, the worst I've ever heard. The. Worst. That's righI have trouble rating this one. The narrator for this audiobook is just simply horrendous. As in, the worst I've ever heard. The. Worst. That's right, folks. The trophy has been passed on. [image] It's a pompous & nasally voice that could have been forged passed if it wasn't an almost 500 page book in and of itself. But alas, that was not the narrator's only fault. She emphasized words. ALL the words.
When the characters were outraged she actually yelled. Excuse me, I was listening to an audiobook to relax. If I wanted to go deaf, I'd buy front stage tickets to a Metallica concert, thanks though. Instead of narrating the book as is, I strongly felt she decided to interpret how she thought the characters should have emphasized, not how Johansen herself had written the voices. Oh, and she prolongs vowels. Waaaaasss Theeeeh Keeelseaa in a really high pitched snobby voice. I'm sorry I just couldn't handle it.
Her interpretation of Kelsea did not endear me to our main character at all. She sounded like a spoiled whiney 50 yr old grandmeré. Not grandma. That's not posh enough. I said GRANDMERÉ.
As for the overall plot, I'll never know. I can only hope one day I'll be able to get over the self-absorbed narrator that is Katherine Kellgren enough to actually read the book not in her ridiculous voices....more
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
3.75 stars! I admittedly hate the cover of this book. it is atroTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
3.75 stars! I admittedly hate the cover of this book. it is atrocious, awkward, and yes I'm a book cover snob. Especially after how pretty the Tides' covers are. Anyway, it left me hesitant to read it, despite knowing I love Lidell's writing.
So, now that the cover rant is out of the way...
Tracing Shadows was quick and fun. Kali isn't like your normal blushy/blubbering woman masquerading as a man. Though she tries obsessively hard to be seen as a man.
[image]
Okay, okay to be fair, she actually pulls it off (better than most gender benders) and is a no-nonsense sort-of gal. Hired to find information on the murkey going-ons at court, she meets a slew of characters who baffle her entirely in terms of motives and personality.
Wil, the Crown Prince, is immature and lofty, but there is a hidden strength that stems from his loyalty to those he loves.
Trace - The King's guard who is MUCH more than meets the eye. He's a little rough around the edges and a main character, but honestly didn't grow on me till about 60% of the way through where we start to understand hide background and secrets.
Violet - Wil's sister is just a big pain and I, unfortunately, found myself internally groaning everytime her chapters came up. Hers is the only other POV we get aside from Kali's own. Violet's story line is essentially that of a devout follower of The Sparrow (for all you GoT fans out there.) At first I felt pity for her, then annoyed, then the desire to strangle her...and well, that feeling just never went away.
Leaf- Kali's sister. We don't know a lot about her, but I want to. She has a lot of potential I'd like to see explored in book 2.
Tracing Shadows takes you for a plot twist of sorts near the end. I generally pride myself on guessing the twists, but lordy, I did not guess this one. Oh, but Lidell knows what her readers like, that's for sure. And whoo boy she delivers!
Now that the storyline is all set up, I cannot wait for book 2 in this Duology! I have NO doubts whatsoever that it will be even better than book 1!...more
The journey itself was lovely, but I was sorely disappointed by Ari's lack of growth as a character. Until the very end, never admitting what she feltThe journey itself was lovely, but I was sorely disappointed by Ari's lack of growth as a character. Until the very end, never admitting what she felt, after being asked multiple times. Disappearing from someone who meant so much to her. Wanting from life but not actively choosing a place to belong. Someone who was key to the revolution on both Loom and Nova, having what in my view was no real aim or purpose. Just, GAH. Florence turned out nicely though.
The entire book, each chapter that was hers I waited for Arianna to grow, to see reason, to become flexible and learn that love on every level is compromise, but she never did....more
2/12/20 apparently 4th time is the charm. I finally tried this as an audiobook and enjoyed it significantly more that way. It was pretty hard to read 2/12/20 apparently 4th time is the charm. I finally tried this as an audiobook and enjoyed it significantly more that way. It was pretty hard to read through the insta-lust and I generally drop any book that does this anymore. I hate it. So much. It was like immediately the moment Rielle and Jon and set eyes on each other, they were ready to rip each other's clothes off...and the angsty lust thoughts were torture to read through, but just barely bearable in audio format. After all the romance crap, I started to really enjoy the story. I loved all the other characters, Olivia, Antoinne, Lee, Brenner, etc. And once the action picked up and plans were made, I couldn't stop listening!
Alas, I think the only way I'll ever get through book 2 as well is in audiobook format, so I'll enjoy the story that way, likely. Don't get me wrong. I did like the book. Enough that I want to know what happens in book 2.
An absolutely solid conclusion to a series that had kept me up with each successive book.
The magic system grows more convoluted as Amani gains answerAn absolutely solid conclusion to a series that had kept me up with each successive book.
The magic system grows more convoluted as Amani gains answers as to how to take down the sultan and rescue her beloved friends from an impossible place. While I loved every page of it, I do admit that with magic Djinni comes a responsibility not to cop out on and using magic as the easy solution to wish the problems away. Unfortunately, that IS the case here. What saved the story , thankfully, was the journey to attain said magic Djinni and the consequences of using him.
Jin is a bloody saint for putting up with Amani, I swear. In every situation, she puts the lives of those she loves over the good of her people or the needs of the rebellion. There comes a point where he does (essentially) say: "Listen Ho, there are my siblings' lives you're playing with!" And you're sitting there like YES! YES! YOU TELL HER JIN! STAY YOUR GROUND.
Anddddd then he backs down and follows her lead because...well, I don't know why.
She also happens to try and sacrifice herself like every couple chapters, not telling Jin, leaving him behind, etc. Poor Sod, I would have gone crazy. At one point he FINALLY makes the decision to let her go, and she's all like NO I WANNA LIVE. FOR YOU.
...But you know it's lies because it's Amani and she will totes find a way to undermine what they have and sacrafice herself. IT'S LIKE SHE CAN'T HELP IT.
I loved the way this story was told. From Amani's perspective and then, in parts, from an omnicient type of fellow who tells us a little bit about the background of our fallen characters, as well as some foreshadowing to come of major events.
There is also the theme that their story will go down in history and we get all the small tidbits that made these characters human. The small touches, what they loved about each other, how they felt remembering their fallen comrades, etc. It compares these moments to the ones that will be told in legend where they are not Amani, Jin, and Ahmed...but rather a blue eyes bandit, a foreign prince, and a rebel prince. It takes us out of the story for a second and makes us appreciate the details and remember there is an entire side of legends we -as outsiders- know nothing about. Anyway, it was awesome and I loved it - is what I'm trying to say.
We've got some major and painful deaths in this book and no one comes out unscathed, but overall, all's well that ends well. The ending is predictable but I didn't enjoy it any less.
We get a pretty decent epilogue that wraps up most of the "what happens next?" questions. But...I still had quite a few questions: SPOILERY QUESTIONS UP NEXT!!! * * * 1. Do Shazi and Ahmed ever end up marrying anyone? Or are they alone for the rest of their lives? 2. Why does Ahmed end up adopting Shira's son? 3. Do Jin and Amani ever have kids of their own? Or does the entire rebellion just decide to co-parent Fadi?? If so, jeez. Poor kid. 4. What happens to the world eater or whatever? Amani hears that creepy laugh inside the cave where she goes to rescue Shazi...and that's all we got after all the legend and lore about said terrible world eater?? 5. Why didn't world eater lady escape immediately when Ashra's soul barrier came down?? 6. Do the other Djinni ever out away the sin eater again? How is he not wreaking havoc on the world? 7. Literally what do most of them do for the rest of their lives after Ahmed's decade rule ends?
I dread, DREAD writing this review. anytime who knows me knows I LOVE Davis' Saven series. I went into this one desperately wanting to love it, yet heI dread, DREAD writing this review. anytime who knows me knows I LOVE Davis' Saven series. I went into this one desperately wanting to love it, yet hesitant to delve into the sudden fad that is Reverse Harem. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. Maybe it's an age thing, but the MC just seemed immature and the high school drama was nothing new. Except take boy drama and then multiply that by 4.
I just don't think the " Why Choose" tagline of reverse harem series works for me. I'm a sucker for all encompassing romances, and even the occasional triangle, so it's not a fault on Dsvis for my dislike of the genre. Rather, the fact that I deliver into thos book despite swearing I wouldn't try it speaks volumes to how much I love the author's writing. The Sci-Fi aspects of The Lost Savior were done well and I have no qualms there, nor with the characterization of the 4 boys who are all Interesting and charming in their own ways.
I think readers will definitely find their favorite of their boys by end of book 1. I believe this book sits at a late middle school high school level of maturity/reading level. Those who are well past their high school years may feel the pain of our MC's immaturity and drama llama's accutely. That, however Does not mean it isn't for you. Each to their own, however if you're like me and distinctly dislike reverse harem, steer clear, this book most likely isn't for you? But what do I really know? I'm just one person with one opinion! Try it out and form your own!...more
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Wolves and Roses is the telling of a sleeping beauty who in, in To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Wolves and Roses is the telling of a sleeping beauty who in, in fact, no sleep beauty. If you're looking for a twist on fairy tales with some dashing dudes and a romance-driven book yet has all the ferocity girl power has to offer, look no farther.
In the world of Magicorum, special individuals follow a fairytale template. For Briar Rose, she is a Sleeping Beauty Template. This means her life is settled. There should be thorns, and 3 fairies, a prince charming (named Philpot-why?) and happily ever afters galore. However, Briar Rose is anything but docile.
Okay, so Wolves and Roses is probably my least favorite series by Christina Bauer. BUT here's why. This tale is sold as a fairlytale driven book-and it is, but the reading level and story plot are definitely written for a younger audience- say late middle school early high school. We have insta-love and characters that turn immediately dopey in the face of their one true love. Also strong from a teenage boy who should not be in denial. You're going to get a lot of mixed feelings with age here. We've got these wily teens who definitely act like adults but have the maturity of...well, high schoolers.
The girl power aspect of the book was nice, albeit corny and a little over the top at times. The world building is too simple to be considered a book for those who are looking for a fantasy re-telling. The world isn't explained well and quite frankly surprised. Bauer is a master at complex characters and interesting worlds, this one was just so frustratingly lackluster. Will I read the second book? I mean, yea, probably. It wasn't a bad story just really not geared towards adults. Going on with the mind that this is written at the level of early high school, I think I'll go into the second book better prepared....more
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
I LOVED the first half, but the second half was rather meh. FirsTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
I LOVED the first half, but the second half was rather meh. First of all, I hate love triangles. They cause unnecessary drama and I'd prefer to spend time getting to know the characters rather than watch them make idiots or themselves in what is a fabulous display of angst and pining. Ugh.
Once Liam left, I felt like the story picked up. The romance between Alix and Erik as well as the military and political action. The moment Liam comes back, the story ceases to be about the bloody war they are fighting and focuses on the romance. Needless to say I felt like I saw one Love story flourish and grow, while the other was just there and we are told it is there. No....more
Being a fan of Bartol's premonitions series, I was so excited to be approved on netgally for this one! (The hype I've been seeing on good reads didn'tBeing a fan of Bartol's premonitions series, I was so excited to be approved on netgally for this one! (The hype I've been seeing on good reads didn't hurt either.)
Unfortunately, the story fell rather flat for me. Fans of the Hunger games and Divergent will notice similar world building, but nothing beyond that. Let me clarify. There is no world building aside from what was already built in hunger games/divergent. We know this is a world where firstborne children are aristocracy and secondbornes are the working class, forced from there family and made to be subsurvient. Thirdbornes are just plain old forbidden. But why, you ask? No clue. There is no history or background for WHY the world is built the way it is. Why are secondbornes second class citizens? Why are thirdbornes forbidden? Why are there fates (factions) and what do they represent?
The characters. Booooooring. We have Roselle, our main character whom I really liked at first. She was all action and kick-ass soldier and clearly loved her family even if the sentiment wasn't returned. Then poof, she's this Mary-Sue that needs saving by nice muscled Hawthorne (the love interest.) Hawthorne has no personality, unless having nice arms counts. He's nice. That's it.
This book was nothing new and I, unfortunately, will not be continuing it. It has potential. It had good writing. Alas, it fell flat as a pancake when it came to follow-through....more
To see this review and more, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
3.5 stars I admit I went a little concerned after readingTo see this review and more, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
3.5 stars I admit I went a little concerned after reading multiple reviews of how bland and boring the characters were in Everless from trusted reviewers on here. But luckily I'm shallow and the cover-porn of this book convinced me to read it anyway. It's also got an interesting premise.
The story follows Jules, a destitute peasant in a world where time is money, literally. Your life's blood-which holds your time, is converted to money. the more blood you lose, the shorter your life is. Her father is nearing death, he has bled out most of him time. As things are looking dire, Jules earns a place at Everless in the Gerling estate, the lands her father and she once worked on before they were run out by Liam Gerling after witnessing something terrible. Jules must now face her past, in more ways than one, in order to earn blood-iron enough to save her father and herself. Or so that's what she thought, fate has other plans.
I. LOVE. THIS. PREMISE.
Everless is an utterly unique plot that I applaud for it's intricate world building. The details are pervasive and fit in well. Nothing feels "thrown at you" or like an information overload at any point. The pacing, if not a bit slow, was clearly done with a lot of thought, handing out potent information only when the reader needed to know.
I thought I had the ending figured out. I really did. I was like, wow- that wasn't THAT much of a twist. Like this all makes sen- HOLY HELL. I did not see that one coming!
It's always pleasant when a book surprise you like that. Amongst the many YA tropes thrown at you nowadays, it's rare for a plot twist to well, actually be a plot twist. Oh, make no mistake, Everless is full of YA tropes: 1. poor but nice goody-two-shoes girl 2. Happy Prince and Broody Prince 3. Dead parents 4. Gloating villain 5. MC runs into danger without thinking
I still enjoyed it though. My big caveat here is that, a lot of reviewers correct in that Jules and the rest of the characters are just B-O-R-I-N-G. Literally NO ONE has a personality. If you ask me right now, to say 1 thing that described Jules' personality, I can't think of one. Maybe, "nice" if I had to say something. We're given nothing of Jules. She works to live and is curious about what her father is hiding. Aside from that, she's just really bland. OH and don't even get me started on her worthless and totally ridiculous love for Roan Gerling.
[Romance tldr: We played together as children and like 11 years later I still love him even though he's getting married. I also think he might love me back. ]
How dumb can you be? You've grown up, he's grown up. You are not the same kids you were when you were 6, playing tag and hide and seek you fool. What do you mean you still love him? I wanted to slap her, so hard, and tell her to get her shit together. Because, seriously.
Then there is Liam Gerling, the sole breath of fresh air. The shadowed brother. The angry and cruel brother who is not who he seems and is hiding big secrets. Actually, just trust nothing. No one is who you think they are. NO ONE. [image]
Anyway, everyone loves a misunderstood broody pants. Can't wait to see if something pans out there.
I am so excited for book 2. Mostly because of Liam. Jules...eh, I don't really care about her. In fact, I care for the Queen's heir more than Jules- Ina. I hope she becomes a main character in book 2. I'd love a POV from her!...more
7/2/18: fuck it, I ended up skimming. because what was that nonsense? Utterly and Immeasurably dissapointed in a series that started out with such str7/2/18: fuck it, I ended up skimming. because what was that nonsense? Utterly and Immeasurably dissapointed in a series that started out with such strong potential.
Dear Victoria, Mare and Cal are not Katniss and Peeta. Do not try to mimic their love-tragic ending because it's really not working for you. In order to have that ending succeed. Mare and Cal needed a strong relationship over the last 3 books; not fragile love and sorrowful betrayals. It was a disservice to their character development and to the fans who deserve a definitive ending, whatever that may have been. ---
All I can tiredly think is please don't let this be another dystopian failure ending.
1. Please don't be a dead Divergent Ending. 2. Please don't be a depressing and hopeless Hunger Games ending 3.Please don't be an Amanda Hocking novel where the MC falls for the bad guy in a twist of sudden understanding that he's actually a poor misunderstood sod. 4. Please don't be The Vampire Diaries where the MC decides to be with neither brother because yada yada reasons. 5. Please don't do that we can't be together because we're so similar and clash nonsense. 6. Please, none of that, I'll never see you again because you took my precious befudgery that Katniss pulled on Gale either.
Is it too much to ask for a happy ending? Well, we'll find out....more
re-read 4/4/18: 4.5 stars. Everything I wrote in my first review (below) of this book is still true in terms of negatives, but for some reason it justre-read 4/4/18: 4.5 stars. Everything I wrote in my first review (below) of this book is still true in terms of negatives, but for some reason it just didn't bother me nearly as much as it did last time.
---- 3.5 stars
A feel good HEA is what I got, so if you want the tldr, that's it.
Prepare yourselves, I get a bit rambly...
So, this series was pretty addicting so I get stabbt feelings in my chest because I can't give it 5 stars. Just know that were my rating to be based purely on addictions, like of the crack mannerism but with books, it would be hands down a five star.
Downfalls:
1. Author suddenly changed her style of writing and it left me confused for chunks of the book. a chapter would end and then the next chapter drops you off in the middle of a shithole and you have no idea whatsoever how the characters got into whatever mess. This had me flipping back pages so hard wondering if this was a complete copy or if I skipped a page...or maybe AN ENTIRE CHAPTER OR SOMETHING!?
But no, seems like RCW attempted to be edgy in her writing and failed at it...epicly. Honestly, the story would have been more coherent if she'd just written the story in the actual sequence of the events that happened. Or maybe she just didn't want to right the lead up to the shit storm, so she just skipped over it and dropped us off into "what the fuck" land. Either way, it was done poorly and as readers we missed out on scenes that could have really added to the story.
2. Five books later and Eve and Ash still haven't got their shit together regarding their relationship. Bonded? Does that even mean anything to Eve? She still does whatever she wants without regard to Asher's feelings and constantly questions if they'll actually last. Well Blood of Eden, do I have news for you: you Bonded with the dude. of your own free will!! Little too late to be questioning your bond, don't ya think?
3. All the dramatized plot points ( ie, Eve the chosen one, can't be mated to a protector, Luke I am your father Bullshit) kind of just went away with a simple "oh, I lied." from the archangels. THIS. This pissed me off to no end. Four fucking books ever and that's the resolution we get!? I NEED ANGST AND DRAMA.
Eh, at least I got violent bloodshed, as anticlimactic as it was.
Done 'er rights:
Like I mentioned before, the story is pretty addictive. We get more tortured gorgeous Gage, ultra Uncle Urie, crazy Callan, and sassy Nassa (sorry, couldn't think of an 'S' describing word there).
I also really appreciated how this started off as YA and matured into NA as Eve matured. If more YA books followed this natural progression, I'd be pretty happy to say the least. Like of course Eve is gonna change and mature with all the shit she went through. So glad RCW didn't downplay that. This book is filled with curse words, sex,. a d violence galor.
Resoration also sets up well for her spin- off series. That being said, I probably won't read it.
But why not Hetal!? you love paranormal books with an Academy setting.
Well, my friends, I honest to heaven and Earth hate spin-offs about different characters. (Except if it was about Gage and Nassa, I'd probably read the fuck out of that series.) From one chapter I read, I already disliked it. HOWEVER if you want to be taken back to this world, check out the next installation in this crazy world: The Protectorate Academy series.
final note, why does literally no one in this fucking book ever call Eve by her name?
Callen: Cutie/Eves Abby: Eves Kenna: Blood of Eden Asher: Siren Gage: Love Everyone fucking else: Daughter of Heaven
Like why does she even have a name!?
If you like my review, considering taking a peek and my blog here...more
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