Look I am well aware this is ri-DICK-ulous but I found it UTTERly legen-DAIRY. There is no excuse for my behavior. Saw the cover, thought it would be Look I am well aware this is ri-DICK-ulous but I found it UTTERly legen-DAIRY. There is no excuse for my behavior. Saw the cover, thought it would be a silly story to tell my friends and then I fell hard for a gruff stoic minotaur.
Morning Glory Milking Farm was filled to the brim with monsters I'm sure that are all featured in the books to cum. Violet was very sweet and scrumptious. Rourke was yum 24oz out of 10! He turned out to be bossy but in all the green flags sort of ways. Seriously though a minotaur in a tight business suit that's stretched out in all the right places. Yes, he was absolutely sexy. *huff*
I very much enjoyed Violet's single pov. Multiple ones tend to milk the mystery dry. Though Rourke has his own thick book if you are interested. And boy am I interested. Honestly, I just didn't think a huge minotaur could be so put together and did I mention that he is head of his own company? Steer clear because human men just don't do it for me anymore.
Despite the synopsis and all the manual milking, I could not put this book down till I finished. Warm coffee shop vibes, small town, slow-burn romance, and a whole lot of Mega Milkerz freebies. It was all just so mooving. I might have to just slurp down the rest of this series too.
----Quotes----
Violet, we know about your inappropriate fantasies. The janitorial staff has notified us of a snail trail left behind on your workbench. Please collect your things....more
So it looks like Ali Hazelwood stepped out of her comfort zone and I surprisingly enjoyed it. While there wasn't deep-rooted history and a plush worldSo it looks like Ali Hazelwood stepped out of her comfort zone and I surprisingly enjoyed it. While there wasn't deep-rooted history and a plush world-building the characters more than made up for it. But I will say it was a bit predictable at times.
Misery played the pliant wife while seeking her own means. The culture clash between Weres and Vampires made all the interactions irresistible. Misery isn't used to feelings and family dinners and when a 6/7 year old walks into the room and demands to be loved well she doesn't have a choice in the matter. Oh Misery you are a woman after my own heart.
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised. Usually, the male lead has a bigger hold on my attention because the female is too busy making me angry with being obscenely obtuse. But I felt a sharp pull towards Misery. Not all women are softies towards little humans. And the fact that Misery detests this little girl but secretly will kill for her made me love the Vampire even more.
Again there isn't a lot of depth to the world but that was not the case with the relationships. Misery stayed true to herself and people followed. Yes we indeed have your everyday possessive alpha werewolf but I don't care it doesn't gets old. And it makes the smut even more steamy.
Alright, so I don't feel like the knot is a spoiler because it's in Ali's dedication. Me? I have no problem with it I read monster smut it's a personal favorite only next to alien smut. What I didn't care for was how big a deal it became but I guess only because I'm used to the sort of thing in the literary sense. Then when I thought I was home free the last 20 pages became somewhat corny with the bedroom talk.
----Quotes----
“I thought it was a myth,” Cal whispers. “That our elders used to scare us.” I can relate since I grew up fairly sure that if I misbehaved, a Were would crawl up the toilet to eat my @ss.
“Can I braid your hair?” “Absolutely f*cking no.” A couple of hours later, half a dozen braids pull at my scalp, and Ana is snoring softly with her head in my lap. Her heartbeat is sweet, delicate, a butterfly finding a good landing flower, and f*ck children for being little @ssholes who manipulate people into wanting to protect them....more
I'm going to be real here besides a few little literary quirks I didn't care for, I was all about some AbraxasA reverse harem has this ever been done?
I'm going to be real here besides a few little literary quirks I didn't care for, I was all about some Abraxas. Beastiality be d@mned. Abraxas was intelligent caring and could mess a mf up. I didn't read the summary to begin with so I didn't know who Eve was going to end up with. When it turned out to be the literal man-eating dragon beast I was overjoyed.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere here. The den full of furs, camping in the forest, shadow creatures, the heat vents. I mean this was a world-building gold mine. Abraxas was easily underestimated being a big dragon dude and all. I loved getting to know him. Eve was funny as hell haha and so spunky.
And can I just say the miscommunication. It is by far my favorite thing about alien romance. This did not disappoint. There were crummy translators evolved and when Abraxas just turned them off to be in his true form with Eve my heart melted into the floor.
Yes I am still talking about Abraxas he was just so bestial and down-to-earth. I literally loved everything about him. So this is also the problem I had with the trilogy. No spoiler it says on the cover this is a reverse harem. So I fell in love with Abraxas who took up 90% of this book and had to put up with two other men sniffing around. I just didn't care for it.
Eve kept berating herself because she couldn't keep her hormones in check. And I know it's fictional but I won't apologize for how I feel. She chose Abraxas but then made a lot of bad choices after that. And just because you hate yourself enough for everyone still doesn't make it right. I thought the other aliens were nice and good and they had their reason. I mean it was life and death but she enjoyed it too much for my taste. Throughout the trilogy I began to just look for Abraxas and not care for anyone else. Small spoiler ahead...... she literally ask him not to sleep with another female after all she did. I was flabbergasted. So while I loved book one it was a steady decline after that....more
Do yourself a favor and don't read the summary. I was heavily surprised by all that unfolded. A little mystery makes the story much more enjoyable. IfDo yourself a favor and don't read the summary. I was heavily surprised by all that unfolded. A little mystery makes the story much more enjoyable. If you already did don't fret this book has many more twists and turns.
I have decided I will read anything Ella Fields writes even if it turns out to be a fantasy cookbook. The Wolf and the Wildflower can be read as a standalone but I would not suggest it. There are spoilers here and Savage and the Swan is a tiny bit better in my opinion. I was shocked at how strong the romance started and that I liked it. I am very big on slow burn but this is a special case. Like I said I did not read the summary and was very shocked at what I discovered.
Just in the first few chapters, I felt so much hurt and longing. Like I knew these characters already. They were a part of me and instead of waiting for them to get together, I was waiting for the inevitable end. Reminded me of Helena of Troy in a way and broke my heart.
Aster was very strong-willed and capable. Scythe also strong in general but they shared something broken. Like they knew of each other's hurts and tried to soothe them without words. They secluded themselves from the rest of the world where it was safe and warm. I could have stayed there forever with them.
But as soon as the world found them out the plot twist began. And oh what a twist they were. I can never get over how this author was able to grip my heart and squeeze. I hate and love the feeling and the fact that not many authors can do that I am in awe of Ella Field's power over me. This book was just as gorgeous as the first. Like I said I will read anything Ella puts out and I hope they all break my heart as thoroughly as these do.
------Quotes------
At the door, Aster stopped me with a tinkling laugh and tucked my tunic back into my pants. I might have left it that way—might often leave many parts of myself disheveled—just to have her fuss over me. If she’d figured that out, then she didn’t seem to mind....more
This is my second book by Brom. I'm glad I gave him another chance. Last Christmas, I read Krampus or well tried to but Abatha immediately caught my aThis is my second book by Brom. I'm glad I gave him another chance. Last Christmas, I read Krampus or well tried to but Abatha immediately caught my attention here. She is a bit of an outcast with a beautiful wildness about her yet is married to a sweet but gullible husband. I really loved the contrast.
Colonial New England times is definitely not a genre I regularly reach for. There is too much hardship for my taste. And no surprise everyone treats Abatha like a pariah and God forbid she makes anything stronger than soap or might then be burned as a witch. Also, women were treated like overly emotional pets who should only speak when told to.
Again religion shows it's true colors. Drown a woman as a witch to see if she floats or sinks. Either way she is dead and no one apologizes for killing the innocent ones. The sheer amount of stuff so-called holy people got away with in history astounds me.
I had my doubts while reading. This is your average woman-gets-beat-down-by-life story. And I was scared that was all it would be but sweet sweet revenge awaits all who enter here. And Samson wow I didn't think I could be attracted to a gut-eating goat man but here we are. Loved the magic and the atmosphere. Forest spirits have always intrigued me. Honestly, I think it's more practical than Christianity. And I loved the illustrations. I didn't know they were also done by the author. I'm afraid I will have to try some more of his works now.
Merged review:
This is my second book by Brom. I'm glad I gave him another chance. Last Christmas, I read Krampus or well tried to but Abatha immediately caught my attention here. She is a bit of an outcast with a beautiful wildness about her yet is married to a sweet but gullible husband. I really loved the contrast.
Colonial New England times is definitely not a genre I regularly reach for. There is too much hardship for my taste. And no surprise everyone treats Abatha like a pariah and God forbid she makes anything stronger than soap or might then be burned as a witch. Also, women were treated like overly emotional pets who should only speak when told to.
Again religion shows it's true colors. Drown a woman as a witch to see if she floats or sinks. Either way she is dead and no one apologizes for killing the innocent ones. The sheer amount of stuff so-called holy people got away with in history astounds me.
I had my doubts while reading. This is your average woman-gets-beat-down-by-life story. And I was scared that was all it would be but sweet sweet revenge awaits all who enter here. And Samson wow I didn't think I could be attracted to a gut-eating goat man but here we are. Loved the magic and the atmosphere. Forest spirits have always intrigued me. Honestly, I think it's more practical than Christianity. And I loved the illustrations. I didn't know they were also done by the author. I'm afraid I will have to try some more of his works now....more
What a fun start to a series but I will warn you the background romance will leave you wanting more. I will say though I haven't had that dangerous-faWhat a fun start to a series but I will warn you the background romance will leave you wanting more. I will say though I haven't had that dangerous-fae-folktale-feeling since A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Bear and the Nightingale. I didn't realize how much I missed it.
This story takes place in a snowy landscape which gives it a warm and cozy atmosphere. The two main characters were such a breath of fresh air. Both are unique, complex, and nothing like I was expecting.
Emily had great intuition and was fascinating to watch. Maybe even neurodivergent in her single-mindedness determination. She is a literal walking encyclopedia.
In original folklore, the fae are tricky and seemingly cold-blooded but the one we do meet is lazy, whiny, vain, and of course handsome. I also love him haha. And there is real folklore here not just some handsome dark stranger with shadow magic.
Plenty of things happen throughout the book but the author keeps you at just the right distance that you want to pull your hair out while trying to read faster. It's annoyingly brilliant. And the story is written like a journal by Emily of course. There are even footnotes. I found it so very real and intriguing.
Reading this was just unexpectedly fun. Frosty, enchanting, and quirky. I found it enduring. I cannot wait for the next installment....more
Did I read this before I watched the movie? Absolutely. The artwork is still stunning though but I prefer the author's original. He left in the beautiDid I read this before I watched the movie? Absolutely. The artwork is still stunning though but I prefer the author's original. He left in the beautiful mistakes and it made it feel more personal. And wherein the original was more a collection of encounters and thoughts this book, if you couldn't guess by the title, had more of a cohesive storyline.
Wow was it still gorgeous. I turned to a page when they found the horse and my jaw dropped. You could feel the atmosphere coming off the pages. The cold of being alone, the warmth of a friend needing you, the quiet of real friendship. This book is paramount to me now....more
Highly enjoyed the narrated version by Julian Rhind-Tutt with sound effects. This was another movie I had grown up with as a kid and did not know was Highly enjoyed the narrated version by Julian Rhind-Tutt with sound effects. This was another movie I had grown up with as a kid and did not know was a book. So sadly I enjoyed the movie more. It seemed to have more adventure and a cohesive plot line. Even so I loved the book as well. Quirky and fun characters all bottled up together in a peach....more
I am late to the game here. Watching booktube, booktok, and whatever else, I have seen The Bear and the Nightingale mentioned many times. With good reI am late to the game here. Watching booktube, booktok, and whatever else, I have seen The Bear and the Nightingale mentioned many times. With good reason apparently. It is very rare to get this level of detail and commitment from an author. The Russian folklore and history was very rich and enticing. The character development and world building, just as full and vibrant. Still I will say it slows down the progress of the story but as for me I didn't mind it too much.
In my opinion, it was worth the slow steady pace. We get to watch Vasilisa grow from a child to a woman. A relatable and very real woman. She was wild, scared at times, courageous in others, spoiled, sweet. This book also reminded me of Daughter of the Forest but a lot less cruel. Still it is about a child and the feeling of helplessness is always prevalent.
From everything I've heard I was a little disappointed at first. The book was dark and eerie but not as whimsical as I'd hoped. This is where I remind you the wait was worth it. There are things in the shadows we cannot see that are brought to light in the latter half. I found the story to be enchanting and the cold barren landscape to be a must winter read by the fire.
Not trying to turn this into a religious debate but ever since I have started reading more and becoming more educated in different cultures, blind faith has become very worrisome to me. Following beings with no proof and mostly for their own means, well it makes for a hard to beat villainous character.
Even though I enjoyed this so much it still left with a lot to be desired. Information mostly. I put the seires aside for a month but still it kept getting under my skin urging me to continue. So I think I'll delve back into this haunting atmosphere in hopes that it will loosen its claws once I'm done but it's very doubtful....more
Thistlefoot is a modern day whimsical fairytale that still has that old world feel to it. A dark and eerie retelling of Baba Yaga but following her deThistlefoot is a modern day whimsical fairytale that still has that old world feel to it. A dark and eerie retelling of Baba Yaga but following her descendants Isaac and Bellantine. This may sound bizarre but Thistlefoot was my favorite character. Haha yes the chicken foot house. I was honestly a little sad we didn't get to know her more.
Still there was much rich history here, character depth, and world building. The only problem is that there was so much describing of the world we didn't get to live long in it. Like Thistlefoot who was unique and sentient and also had a special relationship with Bellantine. This was not explored enough in my opinion.
It seemed too that Isaac had a wild past that was only investigated on the surface. So while I loved the magical story and the characters I was left wanting much more. Still the topsy turvy craziness of the book was very fun and perfect for October. I found myself looking forward to Thistlefoots short stories in-between chapters and I absolutely love how she broke the forth wall. Normally it is a good thing when stories leave you wanting more but I felt like it took away from my enjoyment in this instance....more
Why does Shelby Mahirin hate her readers? Ugh after book one I needed more of Lou and Reid. Like emotionally, chain and shackled to them, needed it. BWhy does Shelby Mahirin hate her readers? Ugh after book one I needed more of Lou and Reid. Like emotionally, chain and shackled to them, needed it. But once again half of the book is not them together. Even in Blood and Honey their time alone was glossed over. The author gave us a little taste in Serpent and Dove then dangled it in front of her readers to suffer a whole book later.
It was nice to get to know Beau more though. Only now did I realize we should have had this opportunity from the beginning. Obviously I'm not a writer so I have no ground here but if more povs where added the filler book probably wouldn't have been dubbed so. I'm telling you, add in Beau and his goofy a$$hattery, which by the way is the greatest word of all time now, then muah perfect.
The last half felt like home. It reminded me of why I fell in love with Serpent and Dove in the first place. Big props to the author for coming up with that twist of fate. Still I'm always going to be sour at how frustrating it was to get to this point. There was a lot of unnecessary plot that bled into book three.
So I gave this a higher rating than all the others because we finally got some closer and also like I said it reminded of why I fell in love with the characters. But now that I've talked this out I think the extra character depth would have put this series high on the shelf. Still even after all the complaining, Lou and Reid have become one of my favorite couples and I enjoyed the ride.
"Now tell me I'm a excellent singer." "You.... you." "IIIIIIIIII'm waitiiiiing." "You're an excellent singer. You sing like a bird, an angel and if you don't lift me up this second I'M GOING TO SNAP YOUR PRETTY NECK!"...more
All the reviews I read: yes monster sex with no plot just what I wanted. Me: Well I do enjoy smut.... but also character dep3.5 star.
Well here we are.
All the reviews I read: yes monster sex with no plot just what I wanted. Me: Well I do enjoy smut.... but also character depth, world building, and an actual story.
Am I asking too much? I think not. Does this mean I didn't enjoy this easy fun read? Absolutely not. I enjoyed it quite a few times if you catch my drift. We begin with Esther the nymphomaniac which of course was entertaining as hell. Still I wish she would have been more intrigued with each of the males hobbies while getting to know them.
Again not much depth or plot but warm and comforting all the same. Each of the males brought different dynamics to the story. Possessive, gentle, rough, demanding, submissive. Though Amon felt like he was outside of the group. Just didn’t fit well. He was almost like the dad and Auguste the mom. I enjoyed immensely the arguing and comraderie of the males. I even liked learning each ones kink.
But the I-want-to-show-you-off thing got pretty corny. And no surprise it was all perfect and happily ever after. Each male was okay with the arrangement. She liked each one equally which was not genuine. I mean how do you find five perfect males in 2 weeks and they all somehow enjoy each other? Still even though I'm asking too much from the book equivalent to skin flicks the steamy parts where spot on.
And just like the goodread reviewer Francesca during the theater scene I was there with popcorn too like "Whens the next show?" Favorite page smutty pages 7, 162, 203, 245, 276....more
Where to start? Let's first throw out there that I do not care for Bryce. Like at all. Hunt used to be the same way now he is grown on me *w1st reread
Where to start? Let's first throw out there that I do not care for Bryce. Like at all. Hunt used to be the same way now he is grown on me *wink wink*. So it's very difficult to get seated in this world when I have to put up with Bryce's one-sided care circle. Not exactly sure what that means but it felt right.
For example, one minute Bryce has unbreakable morals then the next she is throwing someone else under the bus to find out news of her one friend. And another time this character comes to her asking questions about his lover's brother who went missing........ Bryce won't tell him anything. Now if the tables were reversed what do you think she would have done to him for information? So she is very hypocritical.
Also, let's keep this train going, Bryce is in a relationship with Hunt who has been tortured for years because of his treachery. So when Bryce gets the chance at another uprising she barrels head first without even consulting with him, all while putting Hunt in the same position he was in...... Bryce is quite selfish at times.
Let's move on to Ruhn though. Why isn't he the main character? Omg, he is perfect in every single way and now I know why. Sorry no spoilers you'll have to figure it out for yourself. But also if Ruhn isn't on the next cover I'm going to lodge a formal complaint. And the twist with agent Daybright, love it. One of the best parts of the story. Can't wait to read more about these two.
Wow, this review got away from me. I'm complaining a lot and after my reread I brought the stars down from 4 to 3. Still, I like the world and I enjoyed 99% of the characters. The ending was fabulous but also I'm uncertain about it. I want those people to be left alone and safe instead of drug into another war. Again I'm enjoying the side characters as well. I want them all to have a deep history and I feel like I'm getting that little by little. But I'm here for it.
Maas of course is an amazing writer. It's not her fault I don't relate with Bryce. I'm sure some other people do and that's cool. And lets not forget Maas with her plot twist. Always a pleasure. Another thing I've noticed is how she always seems to hide the plots in the first book. So at first, it seems like a superficial world with nothing going on then the next book there is a deep dark secret that's been festering that the readers just weren't aware of it. Bravo Maas bravo.
I'm also enjoying the diversity of the fae. We have a lot of different elements going on. I'm not going to lie though some seem a little too powerful. To me, it feels as if the balance is off. Also just so I can complain some more. There is a map of the city which is gorgeous by the way. But Maas names other locations I cannot see and it's just a little sad. I thought she would expand on her maps like she does in her other series but I could also be too hasty and Maas will simply add them in later.
I don't trust Bryce, she does what she wants with no thought of anyone else that isn't important enough to her. A lot of the time the girl power thing is over the top. Bryce and Hunt's relationship is eye-rolling at times. And the bad guys take a cue from 007 spilling their guts out. But I love this fae world mixed with technology, the unexpected relationships that pop up, and all the plot twists that are yet to be seen.
P.S. Bryce is the alpha-hole.
----Quotes----
"I'm going to f*ck you senseless". Then Holstrum shouted. "That sounds medically dangerous!"...more
This was really difficult to rate. On one hand I loved the boldness of the story it wasn't afraid of trying new things, the characters were snarky andThis was really difficult to rate. On one hand I loved the boldness of the story it wasn't afraid of trying new things, the characters were snarky and middle aged, it was easy to read, but on the other hand something was missing. A big something. More explanation or just more happenings in this world. I wasn't given enough to want to continue. Like the book was more of a sample than a meal.
But omg finally a middle age fantasy romance. I mean not everyone is a 20 year old virgin. This tale was lighthearted and fun although a bit predictable. The memes and shirt quotes were my favorite. And while I did get lost in the snarky fun, the book had it's problems. Dayne 40 something didn't talk or act like her age. There also wasn't full proof why Grandma had to stay away and not train her to use her powers. And how Dayne apparently didn't need to train because she just had the symbols floating in her head from birth.
Dayne procrastinated continuously even to save her own life. Again she was middle age which is so very rare for some reason but then again she was also super special which isn't that rare in the book community. Her best friend was very wild and fun which added nicely to the story. And when the both became brain dead and drooling when Roane walked into a room, that had me in stitches. My biggest problem was that the book didn't give enough. It left you with a cliffhanger and not enough time to get invested so I didn't feel compelled to continue....more
The unexpected delight of a YA novel. Don't misunderstand, I've read many amazing young adult stories. It's just that wading thru the shallow depths oThe unexpected delight of a YA novel. Don't misunderstand, I've read many amazing young adult stories. It's just that wading thru the shallow depths of love triangles and burdensome heroines makes it seem fruitless at times.
Little Thieves is a retelling of a German fairytale, The Goose Girl, which I have never read myself. Still it had that uneasy whimsical feel that old fairytales do. The Narrator Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorites. She does such a fantastic job of voicing spitfire characters. Vanja was especially feisty and since the narrator also voiced Loui from Serpent and Dove I was reminded me even more of these charaters tenacity at being annoyingly loveable.
The slow burn relationship was a breath of fresh air. It is so rare to see a couple telling truths and laying themselves bare. I admire it very much knowing how difficult it must be. Just goes to show we don't always need angst to make a story delectable. Emeric was a very rare male love interest. He wasn't tall, broody, or overly masculine. Emeric had a brain and it was very becoming. He and Vanja's cat and mouse games just increased my love of the story tenfold.
There were also introductions of gay and non-binary characters. It was nice to see how naturally this was done as apposed to having a forbidden trope attached. Also I loved how the protagonist talked to the reader. Of course it always makes the story more immersive and fun for me. Even as a retelling the plot was unique. And when I got to the chapter where Vanja was not trusted by her comrades, it hit a sore note with me which made her even more relatable. Then later, Ragne the shapeshifter stood up for her friend, it made my heart blossomed with pride. What a beautiful companion to have.
Quotes:
'I want him to chase me. I want to know what it feels like to be caught. I want to burn with him.'...more
**spoiler alert** Well then since you made it this far I'll start by saying this will be less of a review and more or less a recap about everything th**spoiler alert** Well then since you made it this far I'll start by saying this will be less of a review and more or less a recap about everything that I loved so I can look over it from time to time and remember.
"With a gloved hand, she plucked up one of the coppers Arobynn had left on the table. She stuck out her tongue at the brutish, unforgiving profile of the king stamped on one side."
Yes. If I had to pick a character from a book to call my Queen, or just an amazing ruthless female to follow, Aelin would be it. I started this series two weeks ago, so there is no exaggeration when I say that I have consumed this story. To watch Aelin grow and change with her friends by her side was a pleasure. But what most impressed me was how Maas feeds information to her readers. She writes down common details you wouldn't look twice at, then a few chapters later she rips the rug from beneath your feet.
"Tell me what I must do to atone; tell me to crawl over hot coals, to sleep on a bed of nails, to carve up my flesh. Say the word, and it is done. But let me care for you as I once did, before.... before that madness poisoned my heart. Punish me torture me, wreck me, but let me help you. Do this small thing for me -‐ and let me lay the world at your feet."
While consuming the words, it is sad to think that I will never feel this way again, not entirely. When you first breath in the pages, the fear, joy, and love are so tangible and new. That is why there is always a little tinge of pain as I read because I know deep down it's the end.
"When you shatter the chains of the world and forge the next , remember that art is as vital as food to a kingdom. Without it the kingdom is nothing and will be forgotten by time."
Still surprise after sweet surprise. Of course I started off hating Lysandra....THATS WHAT MAAS WANTED. Then as if I have been blind this whole time a flicker of hope and redemption. Lysandra and Aelin's unexpected friendship reminded me so much of my bestie it warmed my heart as I cackled aloud. The feline beast friendship I shall call it haha. And all the shadow cat pouncing when Aedion wasn't looking. I want to remember it forever.
"Even though he's a handsome bastard, it'd be like kissing you." Aelin grimaced. "I could have lived without knowing that."
Chaol turned into a self righteous prick sometimes but I guess it was just to mask his guilt. But come on, Chaol was running his mouth to Aelin and him and Rowan didn't get in a brawl. What a let down. But I definitely couldn't get over Aelin always sneaking up on the bastard thinking he was being stealthy. Bahahaha. You should have known better bro.
I relish knowing that two creatures such as Aelin and Rowan could be so made for each other, so caught up in one another, the world could burn down around them and all they would see would be the embers in one another's eyes. Aedion and Aelin's bond was so precious to me. A blood bond formed from family in which you know without a shadow of a doubt they would give their life for you. And when Rowan called Aedion brother uuggghhh I just want to rutting walk into this book and demand to be apart of the court.
"Why are you crying." Rowan asked. "I'm crying," she sniffled, "because you smell so rutting bad my eyes are watering."
"He would have known her even if he were blind." -Aedion
The Witches still kept winning me over to their side. Countless more twist and turns had me rooting for even more characters. I feel like my heart can only get so full yet it keeps stretching. Learning about Asterin's witchling broke my ever loving heart. The Author I swear holds so much back just to bash it over my head later. And I never would have dreamed of sharing this story with any other characters besides the originals and now I can't have it any other way.
"Her enemy--her new enemy, who would have killed her and Rowan if given the chance. A monster incarnate. But perhaps the monsters needed to look out for each other every now and then."
I became so lost in this world. Soaring with Abraxos, running on feline feet with Lysandra, I stopped breathing as did the crowd during Aelin's speach, screeched war cries through the clouds with Rowan, and felt at home with the Queen in the north. And hell yes I would flip back through and do it again....more
**spoiler alert** The numb feeling is threatening to take over the words I try to write. This series was everything to me the past few weeks and now i**spoiler alert** The numb feeling is threatening to take over the words I try to write. This series was everything to me the past few weeks and now it is done. So what am I to do now?
What drove me as I read was the thought of everyone we have come across. Aelin throughout her life gave herself over to people. Young and old, friends and strangers. In the end her light was depleted but not lost. It shown thru her friends, thru her people. They all came together and burned brighter than the stars. It took my breath away, the love that was shown. Not just for Aelin but Manon too.
The thirteen. I had not known how much I loved them until they gave themselves to the light. Tears streamed down my face as realization struck of what they were doing, what they were given up. And when the people of the world laid down those flowers and trinkets, I had only wished I could do the same.
The litte folk where one of my favorite of the races with their strange magic and small hands. I was glad to see them again. "This way. Come. Come. This way." Their elusive being enticed me and I wanted to know more about them. But also the not knowing was special too.
Oh Fenrys, is there a blink for "I love you"? He broke my heart into. I wished I could say his brother didn't mean it, it was not Fenrys fault. He gave up his life for his brother and his true queen. "I am here, I am with you." There was not a more beautiful sentiment throughout the whole of the world. And the fact that ever since he meet Aelin, he was always longing for her. Not romantically but for the love of her station and how she treated those around her. Even I found myself wanting to follow and protect her.
The war plans Maas came up with made my jaw drop sometimes. The strategies and just over all "what just happened" shock value was always around the corner. Aelin of course leaving something up her sleeve till the very end. War can make your soul seem old I have come to realized. Just in a few short weeks I felt as everyone else while reading. Weary and hopeless. I watched so many die, so many trying to keep their head up with no end of enemies in sight. One thing that did bug me though was the war happened in too short a time span. Not in page form, no Maas didn't leave me wanting. It's just that the whole series happened within a year or two. That wasn't realistic to me and my only complaint.
Did I love this book? So much I became lost inside the pages and ink only to blink back into my own world, missing a piece of myself. Really what can I say but that I have found space inside my soul for this world and the ones I have come to love in it. I am a complete mess and you know what they say "When life gets messy put a tacky rug over it."
When I started my approach to the end of the story I silently go up and walk away from the people around me. I didn't not want to share my loss and happiness with those who would not understand it. So I found a quiet corner and began to unhook the claws from my heart and slowly close the book.
"TO THE QUEEN." I can still hear them roar.
-------Scenes I had to write down------
Glennis grinned, that face lighting. "I struck first." She drew another arrow. "I wish you were my great-grandmother," Dorian muttered, and readied his next blow.
Asterin and Vesta teased him about it mercilessly as they'd traveled down through the spine of the Fangs, dramatically bemoaning the absence of his "pretty bluebell eyes", and had sighed to the heavens when the sapphire hue had returned.
Two Silent Assassins noticed on the second night that the dead soldier still lay on Lysandra's back. They said nothing as they gathered warm water to melt the blood and gore thay had bound him to her. Then to washed her. In her roan mare form, she had no words to offer them, had no way to ask if they knew what she was. They treated her with kindness nonetheless.
"The threads of fate weave together in strange ways" Falken said, then smiled at Aelin. "I never got your name."
Aelin sketched a mocking bow to the Lord of Arielle. "On that lovely parting note, we're going to finish up our dinners. Enjoy your evening, we'll see you on the battlements tomorrow, and please do rot in hell."
"I have need of you fierce-heart." She met Farasha's dark, raging eyes. "I have need of you." Her voice broke. "Please." And God's above, that horse stilled. Blinked.
She adopted a harsh whisper as they passed a group of human soldiers. "You flew back to the battlefield and pecked out the eyes of our enemies?" Her gasp echoed off the rock. "And ate those eyes." One of the soldiers tripped and the others whipping their heads to them. Rowan pinched her shoulder. "That you for that."
Chapter 99: She passed through a world of snowcapped mountains under shining stars. Passed over one of those mountains, where a winged male stood beside a heavily pregnant female, gazing at those very stars. Fae. They were Fae, but this was not her world. She flung out a hand, as if she might signal them, as if they might somehow help her when she was nothing but an invisible speck of power-- The winged male, beautiful beyond reason, snapped his head toward her as she arched across the starry sky. He lifted a hand, as if in greeting. A blast of dark power, like a gentle summer night, slammed into her. Not an attack--but to slow her down. A wall, a shield, that she tore and plunged through. But it slowed her. That winged male's power slowed her, just enough. Aelin vanished from his world without a whisper.
-------Charater notes--------
Assassins: *Celaena- long golden hair, blue eyes, from Orynth, *Arobynn Hamel- with 7 trusted assassins, king of assassins, autumn hair with silver, silver eyes, 25, handsome, *Gregori- one of the 7, caught, scar on cheek from Celaena, *Sam Cortland- one of the 7, 17, brown eyes, *Ben- one of the 7, 2nd in command, ever smiling, killed, 30, *Mute Master- 50, man, tan, sea green eyes, leader of the silent assassins, cropped close dark hair, *Ansel- shoulder length red hair, red brown eyes, ornate wolf armor, freckles, *Mikail- smiles to much like Rolfe, handsome, curly haired, dark eyes, *Ilias- mute masters son, Sea green eyes, bright teeth, young, in silence, *Tern- Arobynn's second, likes poisons, slim *Harding- *Mullin-
Pirates: *Captain Rolfe- Lord of the pirates, tall, dark shoulder length hair, 30, lean, nice clothes, map inked on his hand, tanned, broad shoulders, sea green eyes, his priates tattooed with a multicolor hand, upper left lip small scar, *Jacqueline- sent captain a love letter *barmaid, slim, brown hair, young, twin grey sea dragon tattoos on her forearms, tan, Grey eyes,
Others: *Nolan- white pig inn owner, mostly bald *Lord Berick- rules over Xandria, wants silent assassins dead, *Benzo Doneval- from Melisande, wants to start a slave trade after the road is built, tall, middle age, pale blonde, tan skin, *Leighfer Baringale- Doneval's xwife, friends with the former queen of Melisande, they yielded to the king other country's got beheaded, tall, elegant, 30, dark hair, *4 masked men nobility- one dark haired youth, handsome, sapphire eyes tried to dance with Celanea *Sorscha- Healer, Chestnut hair, young, tan skin, Hazel eyes, long limb dancer like, *Lady Marion- Aelin's mothers handmaid and friend, *Lord Cal- Maions husband, *Elide- Marion daughter, black hair, onyx eyes, has witch blood, Lady Perranth, cinnamon and elderberry scent, *Finnula- Elides nurse *Nesryn Faliq- Female 22, guard, slender, young, shoulder length dark hair, tan, scar hands, dark eyes lined with kohl, *Lord of Meah- Roland Havilliard's father
Royals: *King of Adarlan- Killed most of his people and people with magic *Queen Georgina- wrinkled, beautiful, auburn hair silver streaks, *Dorian Havilliard- water colored eyes, raven black hair, 20 *Hollin- Dorian's 10 year old brother, spoiled, rotund, sharp eyes, ebony curls, *Chaol Westfall- tall, Captain of the gaurd, sword with an eagle mid flight, close cropped chestnut hair, *Terrin- Chaol's brother, *Philippa Spindlehead- Celaena's personal servant, *Lady Kaltain Rompier- after Dorain, raven black hair, *Theory Brullo- weapons master, older, master for 30 years, *Ress- 19, gaurd, *Princess Nehemiah Ytger- of Eyllwe, stunning, long, lean, creamy brown skin, thin circlet, helped rebels, *Gaven- First King of Adarlan, sapphire eyes, shoulder length dark brown hair, angular face, tall *Elena- first queen, half fae, Princess of Terrasen, Brannon's daughter, *Lord Roland Havilliard- Young, pale, Dorian's cousin, blonde, oily smile *King Orlon- of Terrasen, Arderlan targeted him first, *Brannon- sandels, red gold hair, brandy colored eyes, Elena's father,
Champions: *Cain- Sponsored by the duke, huge, tanned, obsidian eyes, solider of kings army, from white fang mountain, *Xavier Forul- tall, slender, thinning blonde, master theif of Melisande, *Nox Owen- Moderately handsome, Grey eyes, tall, lean, balanced weight on left, young, thief from Perranth, dark hair, minister Joval's champion, messenger for Darrow in the war, *Bill Chastian- eye eater, plain, mousy brown hair, tan skin, average height, scarred mouth, murder *Ned Clement- murder, Scythed temple priestess, nickname Scythe, *Grave- slight, short, wicked face, brown teeth,
To be assassinated: *Nirall- 35, *Archer Finn- sought after courtesan, Celanea knew him since she was little, golden brown hair, gorgeous, golden skin, green eyes, masculine, *Sir Carlin- kind,
Wendlyn: *Galan Ashryver- dark hair, olive skin, her blue eyes, Prince, *Maeve- Mabs sister, fae, dark hair, black depthless eyes, *Emrys- brown woolen clothes, old, white hair tied back, half fae, *Malakai- Emrys mate *Luca- young male, tawny curls, *Bas-leader of the fortress scouts *Ellys- Rowans uncle, *Essar- broad shoulder, dark hair, commander, fine armor, was involved with Lorcan, *Dresenda- Essar's sister, delicate beauty,
Witches: *Manon Blackbeak- silver hair, iron teeth and nails, high witch of Blackbeak clans grandchild, alabaster skin, burnt gold eyes, heir to her grandmother, *Asterin- Manons second and cousin, golden hair, the firey one, *Sorrel- Manons third, the steady one, *Ghislaine- one of the 13, dark skin, black curly hair, sea green eyes, *Thea and Kaya- part of the thirteen, lover, *Faline and Fallon- part of the 13, Twins, green eyes, *Edda- shadow sisters, the eldest, the 13 *Briar-shadow sisters, the 13, black hair, *Vista- red hair, the 13, *Iskra- yellowlegs heir, *Petrah- bluebloods heir, pale freckles skin, golden hair, blue eyes, leather band on head, *Cresseida- blueblood matron, *Rhiannon- Manon's half sister she killed without knowing, *Glennis- crochan coven leader, middle age, white hair, clear blue eyes, Manons great grandmother, *Bronwen- brown haired crochan, biting tone, Manons cousin, *Tristan- Manons father, murdered by high witch Blackbeak, *Karsyn- dark haired, crochan, green eyes, only one who didn't snear at Manon, *Una- pretty brown haired crochan, Manons cousin,
Aelin's army: *Aelin Galathynius- lost heir of Terrasen, Mabs Grandchild, *Aedion Ashryver- Aelin's cousin, Havilliard's general, shoulder length golden hair, blue eyes, legion called the Bane, Rhoe Galathynius acted as his father training him, *Rowan Whitehorn- prince, fae, tall, broad shoulders, words tattoo left side of harsh face, tanned skin, silver hair, pine green eyes, smells like pine and wind, *Weylan Darrow- one of the wealthiest land owners, has a lot of away with other lords, Aelin's uncle Orlon's lover, thin wiry, spine straight, not forgiving, Grey eyes, *Lord Gunner- Grey, old, * Lord Sloane- Reed thin, hooked nose, hard face, *Ren- always wears a dark hood, shoulder length dark hair, twin swords, scar thu brown and cheek, lord of Allsbrook, *Murtaugh- Acient voice, short cropped white hair, crystal clear Grey eyes, *Lysandra- courtesan, untitled green eyes, sharp cheek bones, has a child acolyte Evangeline, Celanea grew up together hates her, snake tattoo on wrist, *Evangeline- with Lysandra, 11, red gold hair, yellow eyes, scars on both cheeks and wrist to get out of being a courtesan, *Galan Ashryver- Prince of Wendlyn, Turquoise eyes core of gold, olive skin, slightly curled dark hair, *Sol- blonde brothers, lord of Suria, 20s, clever, blue eyes, aristocratic, *Ravi- blonde brothers, 20s, brash, blue eyes, *Killian- *Elgan- Bane captain, train Aedion on the battle field, *Enda- Prince Endymion, Rowan's cousin and grew up together about the same age, sliver hair, green eyes speckled brown, tall but not broad shoulder, not built for fighting, married Lord Kerrigan's son, *Princess Sellene- Rowan's youngest cousin, cunning eyes, braided silver hair,
Erawan's army: *Erawan- dark lord, gold eyes, dark beauty, golden hair, ivory skin, *Duke Perrington-orange thinning hair, rust mustache, obsidian eyes, yellow teeth, jagged scar on cheek, *Vernon Lochan- Elides uncle, tall, lanky, *Bloodhound- (supple yet lithe, draping auburn hair over her nakedness, cream skin, blood red lips, blue eyes, something slithering under her skin) an illusion human like, white skin, large calf eyes, black stump teeth, nostrils enormous, wings,
Maeve's Army: *Cairn- Sadist murders innocent, replaced Rowan, handsome, brown hair, blue eyes, *Gavriel- Golden hair and eye, fae, tall, broad shoulders, mountain cat, Aedions father, steady quite, broad tattooed hands, band of tattoos around neck, *Vaughan- Osprey, dark eyed, *Lorcan Salvaterre- fae, 500 years old, black shoulder length hair, onyx eyes, axe, *Fenrys- twin, white wolf with golden eyes, night dark eyes, bronze skin, golden curled hair at his nape, pain in the ass so his brother is the anchor being used against him, *Connall- twin, black wolf with golden eyes, dark hair, bronze skin,
Southern continent: *Urus (khagan meaning king maybe)- King, long white hair, weathered brown skin, cunning smile, 6 children, 60, scars peppered throughout, slender bright onyx eyes, no crown, ringed fingers, *Hasar-Hair flowing like night, young woman, eyes like dark fire, 3rd born, not a beauty, commanded armadas, *Sartaq- 2nd born, boots to their knees, commander of ruk riders, broad shoulders, darker than his siblings possibly because all the time in the skies, depthless ebony eyes, chest length black hair unbound except for a braid that curved over his ear, *Arghun- eldest son, slender, tall, politician, prince of spies they call him, *Duva- youngest, comely, fine boned, thick silver ring with a huge sapphire, pregnant, married to a dark haired sad eyed prince, *Kashin- fourth born, tallest, intense, controlled land army, broad face, dark hair braided back, handsome, protective of his father, *Tumelun- the youngest, sister, dead, 17, *Orda- Urus brother he had to fight for the throne, killed him after he betrayed Urus, *Yrene Towers- server turned healer, golden tan skin, brown hair to her slim waist, gold brown eyes, early 20s, faint scar on her throat, *Hafiza- healer on high, brown eyes, can't read her face, close as Yrene's mother was, brown skin, old, white hair, smile warm like the sun, *Eretia- Yrene's tutor, *Rena- Hasar's lover, lovely and sweet, steady waters to Hasar's fire, *Kadja- Chaol's female servant in the south continent castle, *Nousha- head librarian, 15 languages, *Shen- guard who help Chaol on horse, *Brahim- Nesryn uncle, peppered hair, slim, *Zahida- Nesryn aunt, full figure, *Borte- Sartaq's harth sister, *Fallon Ennar- short brown hair, late forties, merchant, wrinkles around his eyes, tan, dark blue eyes,...more
**spoiler alert** Just rip my freaking heart out already Sarah. I cannot stand another second of my chest cleched yet bleeding all over these pages.
Th**spoiler alert** Just rip my freaking heart out already Sarah. I cannot stand another second of my chest cleched yet bleeding all over these pages.
The last story ended with so much love and just all out normalcy it made my soul sing. Aelin was headed home with her new family. Playing jokes on one another, sitting by the fire, testing their new bonds and powers, all in a lazy unhurried manner. But then, I start the first page of Empire of Storms and everything literally goes to shit and keeps on going to shit until I now have a permanent headache from the glowering. God's help me I still love this story. But Sarah is a bitch-queen at writing..... that is a compliment and also a jab. *sticks tongue out*
So even though I love this story with a crazy amount of passion that makes my blood boil, it still felt strenuous. Why can't they have a little bit of peace before the whole damn world sets out to destroy them? The hope I felt at the beginning of the plot was dash against the rocks again and again, the sea raging.
At least I got to see Lysandra unshackled. It was joyous and so worth the hellish ride. Constantly taking different shapes and melding into nature. It seemed so natural for her. And Lysandra's scars marking each form, rooting her, in a way, to the human world. With what she has been through no one would have blamed her if she had stayed a beast and never returned.
Lorcan and Elide was a twist on Beauty and the Beast that had my toes curling. Which, if anyone reads these reviews, knows that it is my favorite kind of trope. They quickly became the best part of the quest. Lorcan to his credit was selfless even after all that he had done. Obviously an utter ass but he would honor his word till the very end and I cherished him all the more for it. Elide was the life to his death call. Lorcan needed love, however harsh. While the world was being ripped apart he was only thinking of saving his Elide.
The battles were glorious. I tried to slow down my reading, eyes swinging wide, as I was on the edge of my seat. And when the Whitethorn chant bellowed in my ear, I wanted to take it up with them. This story sang to the warrior inside me. Some of the greatest stories are those with leaders who would give their very lives to protect their people. Who swells the pride in your breast. Who if you sacrificed for them, it would not go in vein. I feel as though I have a bond with the countless diverse characters of Sarah's world that goes behind blood or friendship.
"I promise on my blood, on my family's name, that I will not turn my back on Terrasen as you have turned your back on me."
Aelin did indeed rattle the stars. She tried to hold the the lives of her people upon her own shoulders. Not because Aelin did not trust them, no, because she would let no one else suffer for the time and the friends she had lost. She has grown into her crown. I got to watch her do that and would have been right there beside her if given half a chance....more
Though I didn't need it because I have been binge reading this series the author did great with the recaps throughout in case you missed something. SoThough I didn't need it because I have been binge reading this series the author did great with the recaps throughout in case you missed something. So much happened in this book. For one the pov's went broader this time. And while I was glad to see a wide angle scope of the story, I sometimes hurried past to get where I wanted to be. That was until I started feeling for Manon and Abraxos. I'll admit I was annoyed I had to share the pages with new comers but they swiftly became beloved.
Cringing at how pathetic I sound I actually wept over the transition from a cold, traitorous castle to the warm and humble mountains. There was so much emotion and redemption in this story I couldn't keep the tears from falling and the child like whimpers from my lips. Even 4 books in I'm still learning a great deal about the world which just adds layers upon layers of my love for the series.
Unfortunately I wish the relationship moved a little faster but it's only because I'm impatience. They are actually moving at a normal speed "STILL I don't care" (juvenile tantrum). The shape shifting, fangs, and tattoos heck yeah my favorite. Honestly though Celaena has been thru so much and for her to get a glimpse of freedom, of unblemished love around her, that right there was worth the read for me.
The love for Manon was unexpected especially when she melted the ice in my heart as Abraxos did hers. The Wyverns intelligence and devotion to their riders will be interesting in the coming books. It's seems to me they will be a turning tide in the war.
Celaena and Rowan seemed like kindred spirits not given each other an inch. Blood and insults flying everywhere. But in the end they needed one anothers support. It felt like matching puzzle pieces. Angry, welped, snarling pieces but still the fit was undeniable. The realism of Sarah's stories always gets to me. Things are told information given that might not be pretty and Lady like but it makes Celaene authentic. You will never read of another such as her.
So totally forgot after I went on and on about how there is no, what I like to call, "sexy times" like in Acotar. Then my sister reminded me Maas wrote this as a teen. So yeah that happened........more
Having read the first book Throne of Glass a while back, it didn't really sit well with me. I have read multiple reviews where the story is said to geHaving read the first book Throne of Glass a while back, it didn't really sit well with me. I have read multiple reviews where the story is said to get better along the way. So I have set out to see if this is so. Though I have to say I am very pleased with this book and wish I would have started here. You get a feel for Celaena. She is a fun feisty character who deep down is actually a good person....let's not get into all the people she has killed.
This story really highlighted her good nature hiding under all the arrogance and hostility. Which don't get me wrong is super fun. But even though I am trying to love these books I do get tired of the repetition "Greatest assassin". Though she is wonderfully badass, she does have her flaws. That's not a bad thing it makes her real. She trust the wrong people, let's fury blind her to the truth. Human beings make mistakes and I need that in a character.
The Assassin and the Desert was by far my favorite novella just complete bliss with the horses and the wind in my hair. Oh yeah I felt like I was there riding along side them. I dunno it was almost as if you were seeing another side to Celaena. Maybe one you would never see again. I reveled in it.
What an opening. A premise to what Celaena was and would turn out to be. What I read was like a completed book instead of novellas and I enjoyed the hell out of it. It's strange when you read a story and know with out a doubt it will be one of your favorite series. There is so much life in this place, the characters made real, the world slowing building up locking you in and you tettering on the edge of letting it....more
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