“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”
What is this book about?
Feyre is the only one keeping her family f“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”
What is this book about?
Feyre is the only one keeping her family from starvation. On a particularly desperate day when Feyre is out hunting deer she comes upon a giant wolf. A wolf that might be a faerie. And as one does when one is faced with a huge-ass wolf — she shoots it.
It turns out the wolf was in fact a faerie and there is a great price to pay: a life for a life. She has the choice between death or living out the rest of her life in the dreaded faerie realm called Prythian.
Re-Read
If you haven't read this book I don't want to give too much away. As is customary with Beauty and the Beast retellings — there is a beast and there is a curse and the beauty falls for the beast.
I think you guys know by now my love for Beauty and the Beast retellings. This was the first one I read and it's still a favourite.
It's amazing how much you can forget about a book. I loved it the first time and I'm so happy that I still loved it now that I know what's to come in the next books. I was worried that events that occurred in ACOMAF and ACOWAR (if you know, you know ...more
Unpopular opinion time!This book will always be my favourite of all her books (sorry Acomaf). And I feel like **spoiler alert** Second ReadJuly 2018
Unpopular opinion time!This book will always be my favourite of all her books (sorry Acomaf). And I feel like this book is seriously under-appreciated.
⚠This is a spoilery review (sorry) ⚠
Wendlyn. A land of myths and monsters—of legends and nightmares made flesh.
Despite leaving Adarlan ready to find answers to destroy the king, the moment Celaena/Aelin arrives in Wendlyn she falls into deep grief. And for most of the first half of the book she is still broken from the death of Nehemia, everything seems pointless and she is filled with despair.
There was nothing left in her, not really. Only ash and an abyss and the unbreakable vow she’d carved into her flesh, to the friend who had seen her for what she truly was.
The greatest theme of this book is Celaena/Aelin's healing journey. And that happens in the time spent at Mistward training with Rowan. But only when both Celaena/Aelin and Rowan realize that they can help one another instead of tearing eachother down is when the healing begins.
Perhaps they would never get out of it, perhaps they would never be whole again, but . . . “Together,” she said, and took his outstretched hand.
And it's so beautiful to witness the companionship blossom between them without any romantic feelings involved.
“I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don’t care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend.”
Understanding what led to her becoming Celaena Sardothian and the pain she buried of what happened ten years ago, on the night she lost everything. She had to transform herself into a completely different person in order to survive.
She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.
With the help of Rowan she finally reaches a point where she is able to embrace her past, and all the pain and regret to become the Queen she needs to be.
“See what you want, Aelin, and seize it. Don’t ask for it; don’t wish for it. Take it.”
My favourite part eveeer is when (view spoiler)[Aelin makes a bargain with Maeve for Rowan's freedom. I've reread that chapter so many times over the past (±) year and I cry even single time. Because Rowan never even thought that he would ever be free. (hide spoiler)]
Rowan looked into her eyes, into the very core of her, and said, “Fireheart.”
I'm just so glad that Aelin found someonee who is her person. Someone who knows everything about her and is not afraid.
Something molten rushed through her, pouring over every crack and fracture still left gaping and open. Not to hurt or mar—but to weld.
And Aelin was also finally able to let go of Chaol. Even though I remember the first time reading this book it did not even hit me that they wouldn't end up together. Lol I was a hardcore Chaol/Celaena shipper.
Chaol had been what she needed after losing Sam, after surviving the mines.
She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius—and she would not be afraid.
Once again Chaol is frustrating to no end. But I get that he feels conflicted. And I loved his determination to insure that Dorian would be safe. And then he got annoying again with his irrational fear of Aelin. Of what she would do when she'd return. So like an idiot he harbours vital information because he's afraid. *rolls eyes*
“You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love.” He pitied Chaol, he realized. His heart hurt for his friend, for all that Chaol had surely been realizing these past few months. “Just as you cannot pick which parts of me you accept.”
“As for Celaena,” he said again, “you do not have the right to wish she were not what she is. The only thing you have a right to do is decide whether you are her enemy or her friend.”
My heart seriously goes out to Dorian. Dumb-ass Chaol isn't there for him and Dorian once again finds himself with no one. But then he meets Sorscha. Sorscha is so meh, I don't really have any feelings regarding her. Though I am happy that she was there for Dorian when he had no one and I hurt on Dorian's behalf when she was killed.
And even though Dorian and Chaol haven't spent time together in this book, the bond between them is undeniable. They would give up the world for eachother. And Dorian literally does in the end. Excuse me while I go sob in a corner.
Aedion Ashryver is a fucking boss. His love for Aelin is so palpable. What really struck me was his worry that Aelin would be disgusted by him and the things he's done. Ugh I just can't wait for them to reunite.
He did not mind dying. Though he still wished he’d gotten a chance to see her—just once.
Manon is one of the most intriguing characters I've ever read about. The first time I read this book I got really impatient during her chapters, because I guess I didn't see how she fits in the picture. Reading it this time around I paid attention to everything.
And something that really stood out for me was how often her grandmother tells her that they are born without hearts and do not feel like humans. Compassion, love and such are just not apart of their makeup. She even reminds herself of this.
It becomes clear that Manon does have these feelings, but maybe she doesn't recognize them for what they are. The bond between her and Abraxos is just an example. She has a connection with him. And it's obvious she cares for him and the Thirteen.
The witch and the wyvern looked at each other for a moment that lasted for a heartbeat, that lasted for eternity. “You’re mine,” Manon said to him.
“You are one of the Thirteen,” she said to him. “From now until the Darkness cleaves us apart. You are mine, and I am yours. Let’s show them why.”
What the Crochan witch said about the Ironteeth being made into monsters made sense. They've been conditioned since birth to be cruel. And Manon might just be realising it.
I hate her granny so much, she makes me mad. I can't wait for the next book where Manon doesn't have to deal with her.
I'm so pumped up to reread Queen of Shadows!!
“And then I am going to rattle the stars.”
To whatever end. _____
First ReadFebruary 2017
Was a bit slow in the beginning, but when things started heating up, it really started heating up.
This book was EVERYTHING.
Chaol totally grew some sense in this book. Yeah man, you kind of have a tyrant as a king, how did you not see it before?
Dorian as always is perfection. I felt like my heart was ripped out when things went down with his dad. But I know this isn't the end for him. It can't be, I refuse to believe it.
Two new characters I love without a doubt are Rowan and Aedion. Rowan is just agdgdgdh. And Aedion gosh, I can't wait for the Aedion-Aelin reunion. I have a feeling I'm gonna cry.
This book was definitely my favourite, and I'm so overwhelmed by how much I loved that this isn't even a real review. Maybe I'll write some other time. I'm so excited to start QoS. __________ My reviews for:
**spoiler alert** Second ReadJuly 2018 A lot of times sequels do not live up to their predecessors, but I think CoM was just as great as ToG. We final**spoiler alert** Second ReadJuly 2018 A lot of times sequels do not live up to their predecessors, but I think CoM was just as great as ToG. We finally get to see more of Celaena's assassin side. This book also lays out the ground work for all the books to come.
CAUTION SPOILERS AHEAD ...............
“I know you can look after yourself. But I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn’t, but I do. So I will always tell you to be careful, because I will always care what happens.”
Celaena and Chaol grow closer and their feelings were totally obvious. Everyone could see it, especially Dorian. I really forgot how jealous he was in this book. But rereading those parts made me think. Maybe he wasn't jealous because he loved Celaena. I don't think he was ever really in love with her. I think he was just envious of the obvious love between Chaol and Celaena.
He was also lonely in here in a way that he wasn't in ToG. I feel like wrapping him in a blanket and hugging him forever. You can really feel his loneliness especially when he discovers his magic. There's no one he feels he can tell. And that breaks my heart.
“You have power in you, Prince. More power than you realize.” She touched his chest, tracing a symbol there, too, and some of the court ladies gasped. But Nehemia’s eyes were locked on his. “It sleeps,” she whispered, tapping his heart. “In here. When the time comes, when it awakens, do not be afraid.” She removed her hand and gave him a sad smile. “When it is time, I will help you.”
But I also think that he's grown as a character, he doesn't come off as much of a spoilt prince as in ToG.
“I bet you wipe your ass with gold.” “I don’t think that would be very comfortable.”
And I think both Celaena and Nehemia have impacted him and opened his eyes to the struggles of those living in terror of the empire; and what kind of king his father really is.
What sort of throne would he inherit one day?
Chaol is also facing some of his own problems. But he values his honour and loyalty above all else (eye. roll.). There were so many times I just wanted to yell at him fuck the king and be with Celaena already idiot! but as much as Chaol's blind loyalty irks me, I still love him. And I totally get what Celaena sees in him (although I am very much a Dorian girl myself).
Dorian and the king were where his loyalty lay. Without his loyalty, he was no one. Without it, he’d given up his family, his title, for nothing.
This book was filled with betrayal and secrets for Celaena. I feel truly sorry for her. Just when she's almost healed after Sam's death this shot happens to her. God if I were her I'd never trust a single soul again.
Nehemia was who she depended on to always tell her the truth, her one friend she could tell anything to. Someone who'd tell you like it is.
[...]just like that, as if she were no more than a wisp of candlelight, she was gone.
But she lost Nehemia the same way she lost Sam. I think the worst part is finding out all the secrets Nehemia kept from her after everything.
He had lost her. And she would never, in a thousand lifetimes, let him in again.
I get why she can't forgive Chaol but I also know that he's not really to blame. He is too much of an Adarlanian and he doesn't fully accept how evil the people are that he serves. At least not yet.
It kinda sucks how well Nehemia's plan worked though, it's sad to know that only her death would push Celaena.
“When will you say enough, Celaena? What will make you stop running and face what is before you? If Endovier and the plight of my people cannot move you, what will?”
But it's also hilarious to think that the King (who BTW still has no name) is sending Celaena to the one place she can learn to destroy him. Lmao.
“If they let you out,” Kaltain said, both of them staring into the blackness of their prisons, “make sure that they’re punished someday. Every last one of them.”
Heir of Fire is next and I've never been so excited to reread something.
Celaena Sardothien turned her back on Adarlan and sailed toward Wendlyn. ...............
First ReadSeptember 2016
Do not let that light go out
This series just keeps on getting better and better. It is perfection.
Dorian and Chaol for the first time see Celaena's ‘assassin side’, which they both realise ain't too pretty.
Gosh the chemistry between Chaol and Celaena was almost too much too handle sometimes. Even from ToG I was Team Chaol (sorry Dorian). Although I did feel really sorry for Dorian because he's actually really great. Celaena and Chaol belong together, I'll have Dorian ; )
“you remind me of how the world ought to be. What the world can be.”
Nehemiah's death was so so sad. I still can't believe she's dead. But I'm even sadder that Chaol and Celaena are no longer together.
But I have faith. My ship will sail.
I really can't wait to see what happens next in Wendlyn! __________ My reviews for:
A heart wrenching story about loss. Love. Pain. The road to overcoming it and new beginnings.
The amount of tears I spilt for this book was enough to A heart wrenching story about loss. Love. Pain. The road to overcoming it and new beginnings.
The amount of tears I spilt for this book was enough to fill buckets. On the one hand I was rooting for Carrie and Josh, but on the other hand I knew that they were both still grieving. And it was definitely not the right time to start a relationship. I loved the very real portrayal of human nature and the amount of stupid decisions these two made was astounding. But that's what made it real. This book was really short but resonated with me for days after. ...more
Of the three books I've read by Ms. Demeter, this one is my least favourite. Although my disappointment is immense, overall she is still a brilliant wOf the three books I've read by Ms. Demeter, this one is my least favourite. Although my disappointment is immense, overall she is still a brilliant writer. I'm not going to let this stop me from reading her other work/future works.
It started out slow, so it took me a while to get into it. I felt like there were a lot of similarities between Finding Gabriel and this book. The relationship between Alek and Sophia sometimes made me cringe. Especially since he is 17 years her senior , and he practically raised her since she was 10 years old. Cringe. Cringe. Cringe. Not my kind of thing. The one thing that also ticked me off was the whole thing with Alek's friend Christophe. Everytime I had to read about him I felt like shouting — "GO AWAY! NOBODY CARES."
My main ship for this book was Elizabeth and Richard. I don't even care about Alek and Sophia, Richabeth are my otp.
So in conclusion, this book was messed up in many ways. Not recommend worthy. ...more
Definitely my fave book by this author. I really conected with the characters. Beautifully written. The way Rachel captured everything was just extraoDefinitely my fave book by this author. I really conected with the characters. Beautifully written. The way Rachel captured everything was just extraordinary. I felt like I was transported to Paris 1815.
Sometimes, in some books, there are way too many characters and it's hard to keep track of everything. I appreciated that there was only a short list of characters and that the main focus was on Gabriel and Ariah and her daughter Emmaline.
This is a story about a soldier who has lost all hope and decides to end his life. But it doesn't go as planned. He is found, on the verge of death, by a woman who then takes him into her home. This is a story about survivors.
.....but I sincerely believe that victory, as well as defeat, are nothing greater than a state of mind.
Warning! There were a few (detailed) scenes with extreme violence and rape. Oh and sex. Yeah, lots of that too.
Reading about the things that Gabriel and Ariah went through made me cry like a baby. It was heart wrenching and some of it I couldn't even bare to read about.
Gabriel was a guy in a lot of pain. And I felt that pain. But being with Ariah and her family he learnt how to live with that pain. My favourite parts were when he spent time with little Emmaline. There's nothing cuter than a man playing with a child.
A solider with nothing to lose has everything to sacrifice.
I especially loved Ariah. I think she was such an awesome female protagonist. Even though she had a very traumatic past she didn't let that define her. The tension between Gabriel and Ariah was HOT DAMN.
The only reason I gave I didn't give this five stars is because of how I felt like I knew her husband was going to come back. I thought that was a bit dumb. (view spoiler)[Everything was going well until her dead husband turns out not to be dead the day after she has sex with another guy. (hide spoiler)]
....sometimes we must give people the chance to surprise us.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a love for historical fiction and romance. It's a must read. ...more
This was such an awesome read! I loved every single page. Chapter 1: Minerva McGonagall So amazing to learn about her childhood, her time before her caThis was such an awesome read! I loved every single page. Chapter 1: Minerva McGonagall So amazing to learn about her childhood, her time before her career at Hogwarts and her first love.
Albus Dumbledore discovered Minerva in tears in her classroom, late that evening, and she confessed the whole story to him. Albus Dumbledore offered both comfort and wisdom, and told Minerva some of his own family history, previously unknown to her. The confidences exchanged that night between two intensely private and reserved characters were to form the basis of a lasting mutual esteem and friendship.
Chapter 2: Remus Lupin I cried so much reading this chapter. Remus has always been one of my favourite characters. This chapter really opened my eyes as to the things he went through and how hard and lonely it must of been for him growing up.
Some things that really stood out for me:
He did not approve of their relentless bullying of Severus Snape, but he loved James and Sirius so much, and was so grateful for their acceptance, that he did not always stand up to them as much as he knew he should.
The death of James Potter, along with his wife Lily, at the hands of Lord Voldemort, was one of the most traumatic events of Remus’s already troubled life..... Even worse, within twenty-four hours he had also lost his two other best friends.
*sobbing*
Chapter 3: Sybill Trelawney
Half-believing in her own fibs about her talent (for she is at least ninety per cent fraud), Sybill cultivated a dramatic manner and enjoys impressing her more gullible students with predictions of doom and disaster.
I love this woman 😂
Chapter 4: Silvanus Kettleburn I seriously wish JKR could've written more of Professor Kettleburn. He sounds like he made Hogwarts even more interesting.
Kettleburn was a loveable if eccentric man and his continuing employment at the school was evidence of the great affection in which staff and students held him. He finished his career with only one arm and half a leg. Albus Dumbledore presented him with a full set of enchanted wooden limbs on his retirement, a gift that had to be replaced regularly since, because Kettleburn’s habit of visiting dragon sanctuaries in his spare time meant that his prosthetics were frequently set on fire.
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