The second installment in the Camelot Rising novel does a great job at exploring the inner struggles of Guinevere, the seemingly (11/12/2020) 4 Stars.
The second installment in the Camelot Rising novel does a great job at exploring the inner struggles of Guinevere, the seemingly false queen of Camelot. Though the novel packs more action, there are slower parts that introduce some new, interesting characters. The romance is fascinating (is it a triangle or a square? I DON'T KNOW and that makes it all the more exciting). I always end up choosing the wrong love interest so I'm trying to stay neutral but knowing some semblance of Arthurian legend, two choices seem obvious (though one is genderbent) and the addition of Mordred makes things spicy! The novel puts an interesting spin on the story of Morgan le Fay and makes her into a more sympathetic character. The Dark Queen is still an enigma and is actually a point of the story that confuses me. If Morgan and Arthur's mom is Igraine, then how is the Dark Queen Mordred's grandmother? Family trees truly elude me. Other than that point of confusion, I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for it's conclusion! That cliffhanger though!...more
The Guinevere Deception is a beautifully written retelling of Arthurian Legends. Sadly, I’m not very familiar with the original s(10/25/2020) 4 stars.
The Guinevere Deception is a beautifully written retelling of Arthurian Legends. Sadly, I’m not very familiar with the original stories but I think that Kiersten White wrote a very entertaining and accessible version. “Guinevere” is a lovely protagonist with a big heart. I really enjoyed her and how selfless she is. She gives up a lot to fulfill her duty to her king, I only hope that she will be given the same courtesy.
Because of my unfamiliarity with Arthurian legend, I was surprised by the plot twist (and slightly upset!) although... villain romance is always enticing. I can’t really tell if there’s a love triangle or not but it is interesting to see two very opposite characters are vying for Guinevere’s affection.
I also really like how White genderbent Lancelot! I am always here for some badass lady knights!
I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series and to see more exploration into the backgrounds of these characters and to see more development of certain relationships ...more
I needed this book. For a shot of nostalgia? To read the thoughts of someone more emo than me? Because I have Robert Pattinson(10/29/2020) 4.25 stars.
I needed this book. For a shot of nostalgia? To read the thoughts of someone more emo than me? Because I have Robert Pattinson on the brain 24/7? All of the above? Who knows but damn did I enjoy this book. I only dinged it down because man can Edward ramble on about the same insecurities over and over and over.... but once he just surrendered himself to being damned it picked up nicely.
I don’t remember much of Meyer’s writing from the Twilight series but I think this book was pretty well written. Edward’s POV is very distinct and mature in comparison to Bella’s and I found it much more fascinating. His interactions with his family were soooo great to see; exploration of the Cullen family is what I think many of us were waiting for. And somehow this book made me appreciate Bella. It may be narrator bias since Edward is so wildly in love with her that he presents her in a way she may not be, but damn midnight sun Bella is actually a sweet and thoughtful character.
As I said before, I loved seeing more of the Cullen family. Alice was Edward’s partner in crime the whole novel and I LOVE her. Rosalie is still seen as shallow (honestly she probably just /is/ shallow but I feel like she deserves better) and her decision during the tracker sequence kind of shocked me. I expected better of her. I wish there was more interactions with Emmett and Jasper because Emmett is just so much fun and jasper’s capabilities are so interesting. What he did in the final act of the book was so damn cool. (Damn i really wish Meyer hadn’t made him into a confederate soldier otherwise he’d be my fave next to Alice). Carlisle and Esme are just as amazing as I remembered them. But damn does Edward have daddy issues. He needs to learn to be someone for himself rather than be someone that Carlisle would want.
Technically I /knew/ what would happen throughout the novel but my favorite part of the story was the tracker arc. It was so exhilarating to read from Edward’s POV. And I loved seeing how protective (almost) all of the Cullens were of Bella. They really risked everything for her (I can see why it makes Rosalie mad) and I have mad respect for them. Especially Emmett and Jasper!
This was a wild ride of emo introspection, action and romance (also addressed how creepy Edward’s watching Bella sleeping was looool) and I thoroughly enjoyed it :) I hope there are more from Edward’s POV (new moon would be especially interesting!) but I hope other Cullens get a chance in the spotlight too!...more
The Midnight Bargain is a delightfully frustrating feminist story about a young woman fighting for independence, not just for (10/03/2020) 4.25 stars
The Midnight Bargain is a delightfully frustrating feminist story about a young woman fighting for independence, not just for herself but her gender. The protagonist, Beatrice Clayborn wants to be a Mage, a position meant only for males. Her ambition goes head to head with her love for her family. Abandoning the typical route of marriage and losing her magic to bear children means abandoning her family and tarnishing their name. Already in a precarious financial situation, Beatrice’s family can’t afford her not marrying. Beatrice is determined to learn her craft in secret and has no desire to marry... Until a chance meeting a bookshop. The events that occur in the store lead Beatrice on a journey that involves rollercoaster of emotions and questioning what she always believed.
The romance of the story is so sweet. Although the main love interest had some lingering thought patterns of the patriarchy, he learns over time Beatrice’s philosophies are the right ones. He stumbles because of his desire to protect and help Beatrice but comes to fully respect her decisions (leading to some great angst).
The female friendship in this story is also great. Beatrice meets a like minded young woman who doesn’t want to be shackled down by the restraints of society. Together they try to figure out how they can save not only themselves but other sorceresses.
There were many incredibly frustrating male characters in this novel and they made me SO angry. I wanted to beat the crap out of so many men in this story but the main love interest and his friend were a breath of fresh air, restoring my faith in humanity.
The pacing was somewhat slow at parts but the writing was lovely overall and it felt like a great fantasy historical romance (set in a fictional place though). Polk created a wonderful story about the struggle so many young women experience and it made me so emotional. The determination of the story’s main character was admirable. You can’t help but cheer her on through everything (and getting incredibly furious at anyone that dared deny her her way!). I hope there are more stories in this universe because there is so much potential for more!...more
This is quite an unconventional YA read. It reads very much like a fairytale and at times I even thought it was like the opening (09/15/2020) 3 stars.
This is quite an unconventional YA read. It reads very much like a fairytale and at times I even thought it was like the opening of Shrek. The narrator has a very interesting, snarky style of going about telling the story and it makes it very funny but sometimes I wish the story progressed a little faster.
The reason for my 3 stars is that the story just didn't jive with me. I found myself skimming a lot. I get that it was going for a satirical angle to fantasy but I just found it to be okay and nothing spectacular, but I also think that I am too old to properly connect with this style of book so it's no fault of the author's. I think this would be a great book for a parent to read to their child (especially because of the fairytale nature of the narration.)
I am also on the fence about the twist. It's great set up for another book but it makes the struggle of the entire novel seem moot to me. But maybe I'll change my tune when I see what Morrison has planned next....more
IT HAS /DANIEL/ and that's an automatic 5 stars from me. I love the portraits and scenes included and I only wish there was more! (I would have loved IT HAS /DANIEL/ and that's an automatic 5 stars from me. I love the portraits and scenes included and I only wish there was more! (I would have loved to have seen Fritz!!!!!!!!) It makes me want to reread Air Awakens so badly....more
(09/11/2020) 5 stars. A perfect supplement to the end of the Vortex Chronicles series. It includes something quite intriguing (and sets up Kova's next (09/11/2020) 5 stars. A perfect supplement to the end of the Vortex Chronicles series. It includes something quite intriguing (and sets up Kova's next novel, A Trial of Sorcerers) while also showing our beloved characters (from Air Awakens and Vortex Chronicles) in a heartwarming scene....more
A Deal With the Elf King is an incredible, heartwarming, sweep you off your feet, slow-burn romance that lays on the angst but gi(10/23/2020) 5 stars.
A Deal With the Elf King is an incredible, heartwarming, sweep you off your feet, slow-burn romance that lays on the angst but gives you hope. A definite page turner, I couldn’t help but speed through this standalone book; I couldn’t wait to get to the part where they kissed! Although it’s considered a standalone (for this heroine), Elise Kova has effortlessly created another world full of enticing characters and political intrigue. I will miss Luella and Eldas being at the forefront of future novels within the “A Married to Magic” series, I cannot wait to dive deeper into the realm she has expertly laid out.
It’s not a spoiler, as Kova has said it herself, this novel has a happy ending! Despite that, there is /a lot/ of angst and moments of “will they, won’t they?” and the pay off is soooo worth it! Kova knows how to make badass female characters that are independent but don’t shy away from romance! I’m incredibly tired of the “I don’t need no man!” attitude that is becoming especially prevalent in YA fantasy novels; being in a relationship doesn’t make you weak. In fact, as shown in Luella’s story, mutual respect and cooperation leads to a better outcome for EVERYONE! This story is about both Luella and Eldas discovering who they are outside of what’s expected of them, and they find belonging in each other but also work hard to help those around them. The relationship started in a less than ideal way but readers can see how they subtly both play into each other’s needs. Their expression of love to one another need not be said outright because it is in their actions that their affection shines the brightest (but hearing it is also fantastic and the dramatic way that they confess... I expect nothing less from an Elise Kova romance).
One of Kova’s many strengths is her ability to make an interesting cast of characters. Of course we love our main characters but the supporting characters are also incredibly fascinating. There is even one very special goooood boy, Hook. I don’t know what we did to deserve such a good doggo but I felt truly blessed (I’m sorry I doubted you Hook!).
The romance tropes Kova used were top tier. She wrote this book to indulge herself and her readers and it is a definite success. From there’s only one bed to the magical sexy ~forearms~, the tropes delivered. And the romance was steamy.
I’m only mad that there wasn’t more! When I reached the end of the novel I was desperate for more :( I’m not saying it’s short; the novel ends naturally. It doesn’t meander and the pacing is great. I just loved these characters so much I want more right here and right now. Is that selfish?
A Shot at Amore is sweet, second chance at romance novel set in Italy. There we follow the protagonist, Sofia, as takes care (09/08/2020) 3.75 stars.
A Shot at Amore is sweet, second chance at romance novel set in Italy. There we follow the protagonist, Sofia, as takes care of her aunt Nella when suddenly, her childhood sweetheart Antonio returns to her life. The last time they saw each other, they did not leave off on good terms but there are still underlying feelings that are threatening to creep up to the surface.
Sofia and Antonio's friends to lovers romance is sweet but I feel like something was missing. They initially headbutts but it felt like it was not drawn out enough. Their initial breakup when they were young wasn't that much of a bombshell either. It was just a matter of lack of communication and awkwardness which made the rekindling of their relationship too easy.
Certain personal events in Sofia's life led her to being mistrusting of men. I honestly don't like the "I don't need no man!" trope as it feels really cliche. I understand why Sofia feels the way she does, but I wish her struggle was presented differently and maybe followed Sofia's mental health struggle. I feel like there was a real chance for Nora James to present a protagonist who struggles with PTSD trying to cope and rebuild her love life, but I can understand that she may not have been going for that.
Antonio was a sweet character but he wasn't very... Complex? I don't want to say he was one-dimensional but ultimately his personality felt a little too simple. But sometimes people are that way, so this point is for my personal preference!
I know this is a romance novel and romance usually has a happily ever after, it seemed that this one was too rushed and was too easy. The entire novel Antonio lives in fear that he would attract the attention of the mafia and endanger Sofia. At the end of the novel, certain events transpire and it leads him to believe that he won't be their target anymore and that the mafia would forget him.... Which seems unlikely to me (but maybe I just don't know much about the mafia! If you have a grudge, wouldn't you see it through to the end?)
I really love the setting (I am a sucker for anything set in Italy!). I wish I could live in a small Italian town and live a (somewhat) simple life.
Overall, A Shot at Amore was an enjoyable read, but I wish there was more depth to the characters and story that made things more exciting and more rewarding for readers....more
There are no words that can describe how mindblowing this series is. The fact that Kova has created a story that can be read befo(09/11/2020) 5 Stars.
There are no words that can describe how mindblowing this series is. The fact that Kova has created a story that can be read before or after her main series, Air Awakens, cements how great of a world-builder she is. It is mind-bending, it is painful to read at times, it instills hope, fear, pain and so many other emotions, it is heartbreaking but it is oh so real. Elise Kova wove an incredible tale that was about love, pain, and the sheer willpower of a 17 year old girl just trying to find her place in the world. The strength of Vi, the protagonist of the series, is inspiring. Driven by her love of her family and friends, she goes to the ends of the world to do whatever is necessary to save them. She stumbles, she succeeds, she experiences loss and pain and happiness and fulfillment. Vi is a wonderful protagonist and I hope that there will be more complex characters like her in future YA stories. Although she is the "chosen one", there is nothing overpowered about her. She still experiences conflict and failures, she loses herself at times but always finds a way back. I adore her and am so proud of her for soldiering on this incredibly difficult journey.
The romance... man the romance was phenomenal. THE YEARNING!!!!!!!! Was so palpable it made me swoon and it hurt me in so many ways but it was so BEAUTIFUL. Taavin and Vi were literally made for each other and their love withstood the test of time. They argued, they disagreed (on a lot of things) but they ALWAYS ended up standing together. Their belief in one another drove them to everything that transpired and man was it a crazy ride.
The friendships Vi made along the way were beautiful. The friendships that she had to leave behind were painful. The cast of the series were all so wonderful and unique and it was great to see some familiar faces. I am still in awe over how Kova was able to manage this epic feat and can't wait to see what she has in store....more
Ignite the Sun was an entertaining tale about a girl seeking belonging. Siria Nightingale, the novel's protagonist, is a girl vy(8/24/2020) 3.5 stars.
Ignite the Sun was an entertaining tale about a girl seeking belonging. Siria Nightingale, the novel's protagonist, is a girl vying for a spot next to Queen Izyabel's court. The daughter of the noble Nightingales, Siria has a lot to prove. She's always been a little different, drawn to and curious about the mysterious tales about the sun. The sunlight of the previous kingdom of Luminor has been driven out of the kingdom of Terra-Volat by Queen Izyabel. She has also eliminated all but one sun-child, a seemingly (according to Izyabel) fire nymph that would have brought destruction to the lands.
Although I found the novel overall to be entertaining, I have several qualms.
I enjoyed Siria's character development throughout the novel. Although I found her to be a little over the top with her desire to serve Izyabel, the reasoning behind it is gradually explained. The other characters, however, mostly fall flat, except for Yarrow, an old gardener friend of Siria's. I don't think the side characters contribute enough for me to feel connected to them. I mostly found myself thinking that I don't want bad things to happen to them because I didn't want Siria to suffer rather than for them to not suffer.
The romance is one of my favorite tropes, the childhood friends to lovers. However, I think the build up didn't work for me. I think it didn't push up hill hard enough; I felt the yearning but not enough of it. That's my personal opinion though.
I felt as though not much really happened in the novel. It was mostly going from point A to B then fighting the big bad. This did allow for an exploration of the different races of the world. However, there isn't much we learn outside of Terra-Vollat. All I know is that Terra-Vollat is seeped in darkness but a place in the north is free from Izyabel's magic. I would like to know more about the rest of the world as well (are there sun children born in different continents as well? Why didn't anyone outside of Terra-Vollat do something about their plunge into darkness?)
The writing style felt very simplistic and elementary to me. That's not a criticism (this novel has a 16 year old protagonist and I get that's the intended audience!) rather an observation.
The magic system and different races are one of my favorite parts of the novel. Howard includes some races that are usually not seen in novels (no faes thank god). However, I have to say that the characters in the novel that possess magic, have powers that are incredibly overpowered. There are several instances that characters are able to escape a difficult situation because someone uses a super enchantment and a certain character develops their powers very fast with very little training.
Overall, I enjoyed Ignite the Sun, but I think there are things that can be improved upon for future stories. Just as a note: I also really liked the narrator of the audiobook!...more
Firefrost is a great action-packed adventure with a great enemies to lovers romance. The book has two protagonists and has a dual(8/24/2020) 4.5 stars
Firefrost is a great action-packed adventure with a great enemies to lovers romance. The book has two protagonists and has a dual POV structure. We have Sol, a mountain huntress from Hillerod and Kelan, a flameskin warrior. The continent of Nordby is plagued by war and terror, stemming from King Anton Bruun's execution of his flameskin wife and daughter. Others across the continent, especially the Tokkens, have taken up arms against the flameskins, vowing utter annihilation of their race in order to prevent the burning of their lands. The novel shows how internalized prejudices and war can destroy nations and peoples, leaving countless innocent victims both within and outside of the armies.
I really loved the magic system of Firefrost. Flameskins are beings with magical fire powers; these powers manifest themselves because of pyra, a seemingly demonic that is able to possess flameskins after excessive use of their powers. Pyra have a penchant for destruction and chaos and feed on anger and other negative emotions. These aspects of pyra ultimately scare non-Flameskins and they harbor extreme prejudice against flameskins. The only way to keep them at bay is by not using powers and/or using an emberstone to extinguish the pyra's presence. Mages can also use emberstones in order to use fire magic; however excessive use of emberstones leads to mages becoming emotionally extinguished (emotionally blunted). There is also mentions of powers granted by the goddess Maja to the "saints" of Nordby.
The character development for Sol was great. Her feelings towards Flameskins changes drastically throughout the novel and we see her overcome what horrible ideologies she was taught. The great thing about the novel is that there is no purely good or purely evil character. Each has their faults and many are just victims of their environment. But we get to see both Sol and Kelan grow past their faults. They are both desperate to live a life of somewhat normalcy but are both used as tools. But in each other, they find the belonging they always wanted. The romance was heartbreaking and sweet. Both Kelan and Sol struggle with their emotions and it was nice to see how the romance developed in tandem with their development.
I only docked a point because there was a lot of redundancy in the beginning of the novel and it took me a little bit of chugging along to get through around the first 20%. After that it was super action packed and didn't let up for a second (much to the chagrin of Sol and Kelan).
For future novels, I hope to see some kind of resolution to the war in the future because it ends somewhat abruptly. I also want to see more worldbuilding and learn more about the other three kingdoms of Nordby outside of Tokkedal and Cassia as well as different races like the dryads. There is a lot of potential for this universe that Longley has created and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!...more
I love love love Sarah Anderson's comics. I read a bit of this on Tapas and I was so thrilled to see it on Netgalley! Of course it (8/14/2020) 5 stars
I love love love Sarah Anderson's comics. I read a bit of this on Tapas and I was so thrilled to see it on Netgalley! Of course it didn't disappoint. Who doesn't love a cutesy love story between two sworn paranormal races? Although there's no overarching narrative or storyline, this compilation of little episodes between Elise the vampire and Jimmy the werewolf is so sweet. Filled with puns and a lovely set of awkward characters, Fangs is a wonderful story....more
I am an avid fan of Persona 5 and this manga was very faithful to the game! My only complaint is that the action is very difficult (8/14/2020) 4 stars
I am an avid fan of Persona 5 and this manga was very faithful to the game! My only complaint is that the action is very difficult to translate into a manga so it was hard to follow. Also when the characters would say oh my "gawd" (I get why but it's still odd to see how often it came up). I love the art style though and I love that Akira actually has dialogue. I really like how certain characters look (Goro and Morgana to name a few). A very faithful manga adaptation of a fantastic game. :)...more
If Triton walked up to me in all his half-naked, abs galore, cocky glory, I would fall in love with him and turn into a Temptress. (8/13/2020) 4 stars
If Triton walked up to me in all his half-naked, abs galore, cocky glory, I would fall in love with him and turn into a Temptress. RIP to Kora but I'm different.
In all seriousness I really enjoyed this novel (and I really hope that there'll be a sequel because there is a lot of potential for one! That ending!!!!!!!). It was stewed more in the mythology and that made it feel a little bit different than its predecessor which isn't a bad thing! It introduced us to several gods, of which Triton became a regular face amongst the gang. He's got a tough, mean exterior at first but Sullivan really develops him into an admirable guy as the story progresses. And I love Royce but I am not gonna lie, I would probably fall under Triton's spell (not even needing other external forces to work their magic on me).
The characters were all really great in this one. You see what the aftermath of the first novel does to a few of them and although your heart hurts for them, it is great to see how they overcome their inner turmoil.
Kora is fantastic in this novel. She really has come into her own and she is sososo brave and selfless. I want to emphasize that I love how Kora is a gentle soul, untrained her whole life for these situations but she never gives up. And although she has her power, she is not overpowered (because I am so sick of seeing OP MCs and their OP mates). She is strong in other ways and I love her heart and love for others.
Royce felt a little absent in this novel although he's there. I guess his presence fell a little flat for me but he was there for Kora when it mattered. Their love for one another is very cute and I know that they'll have love everlasting. Hettie and Rhat are also a fantastic couple. I only hope that Triton can find his true love (I hope a lot of things for him buttttttttttt I am not saying anything - fingers crossed for the implication of that scene in the epilogue).
I love Sullivan's writing style. It's so easy to read but still very beautiful and descriptive.
Overall this was a very fun read that tugged at my heart strings. I hope to see more MCs like Kora in YA stories (and I hope we'll get to see more of Kora too!)...more
I really enjoyed this retelling of the myth of King Midas. Pirates, betrayal, and romance with some nice action scenes and a very gentle MC mix togethI really enjoyed this retelling of the myth of King Midas. Pirates, betrayal, and romance with some nice action scenes and a very gentle MC mix together to make a sweet story. I picked it up because I received access to an eARC of a Curse of Gold without knowing there was a novel before it. It’s a very quick and enjoyable read. The writing style is pretty and descriptive. The characters are all very interesting and although people don’t like the MC Kora because she seems meek, but I actually enjoyed reading a character that’s very gentle by nature and not incredibly OP. Everyone shuns her because of her curse so she has little to no access to society despite being a princess. This means she’s a little underdeveloped socially and isn’t skilled at anything. But it’s to no fault of her own and I liked seeing her grow and come into herself as the novel progressed.
I won’t say anything about the two love interests but I think I can believe what happened. It may seem underdeveloped but considering the circumstances with the journal, Kora understood the second love interest despite not knowing it was about him. And I think that their similarities make it easier for them to connect despite the initial wariness between them. Also Kora is not used to someone genuinely being interested in her and who can blame her for having a crush on the two men who seem to actually care for her? I think the romance is sweet and I hope it’s expanded upon in the sequel.
I am not too familiar with the myth of Midas so I don’t know if it’s common knowledge what betrayals occur in this story, but I found it predictable. Probably half way through I guessed correctly what would happen. It doesn’t take away from the story though! Sometimes things just are predictable because the author leaves enough clues for readers to figure it out.
I hope that the world is expanded upon too because there is very little said about the places outside of Lagonia. Considering Kora wants to travel, it should be a bigger part of her story in the future.
I really enjoyed the side characters especially Hettie and Rhat and Phipps. I hope we get to see more with all of the crew in the sequel as well.
Overall, this was a very quick, entertaining read with just the right dose of everything. 4 stars....more
A meta book from the Grishaverse. It’s cool to finally be able to read the Saints book that is mentioned so often in the Grish(11/16/2020) 4.5 stars.
A meta book from the Grishaverse. It’s cool to finally be able to read the Saints book that is mentioned so often in the Grisha trilogy. The last few stories were interesting additions and I’m wondering if they’re considered canon within the universe. I’d say most of the book was formulaic (people suffering -> saint saves the day because they’re pious -> people get scared -> saint dies) but it was still an interesting read and the illustrations are beautiful!...more
PAIN!!!! This novel was so action-packed, infuriating and heart-breaking. It wraps up very nicely but also lays down the foundati(11/29/2020) 5 stars.
PAIN!!!! This novel was so action-packed, infuriating and heart-breaking. It wraps up very nicely but also lays down the foundation for a certain character to have more adventures. Once again, I choose the wrong ship and my heart is shattered. But my Ben Solo-loving heart is absolutely full of admiration for what Chakraborty decided to do with one of its characters. Redemption through penance >>>>> redemption through death. Finally, as a Muslim girl, it was so cool to see my faith represented in such an amazing series with incredible characters. Thank you for this gift, Mrs. Chakraborty....more
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