Fragments of Life

Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

2018-05-14T19:11:00.003+08:00

Book Description:

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Reviewer's Copy: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

My Thoughts:

I fell in love with the brutality of the prologue. It told of the time before Jude and her sisters were whisked off to Faerieland. It was enough of a peek into the characters lives and personality during distressing and life-threatening times. As the story unraveled, the surface level that was shown in the prologue morphed into a deep sea of secrets. The characters had so much layers to them. It was a joy to peel them off one by one and witness what’s underneath.

Jude was mortal, born to die like all humans, in Faerieland. She was numb of panic and danger, to the point that she became bold. Her skill with a blade was something that I truly admired. But there was more to Jude than just being the mortal daughter of the redcap general’s deceased wife. Her mortality and the fact that she was prone to the various perils of Faerieland gave her reason to fight even harder and to beat the Gentry around her. Her dedication and grit was admirable. On top of that, she was a fast learner and clever. Although she was human, she had a drop of Madoc’s thirst for violence.

Taryn was Jude’s more feminine twin. She was the innocent girl that painters have long dreamt to paint. She was the one who insisted Jude to follow the rules - the one who held Jude back. However, I didn’t find her likable from the start. There was something about the lack of action, the lack of urgency and the lack of dedication in her character that bothered me. Taryn always wanted to be on the safe side.

Madoc’s character was so incredibly well-developed and well-written. The redcap general, who had the blood of Jude’s parents in his hands, has captivated me. He was bloodthirsty, as a redcap naturally was, however he also had a great sense of responsibility and honor. He took Jude and her sisters back to his estate in Faerieland and raised them. He personally tutored them on bladesmanship, fought for their right to be educated as the Gentry children were and provided for them. I saw his softer, more vulnerable side, when Jude came home almost naked after a bullying incident. He was so powerless because his adopted daughter was powerless. She was human and vulnerable to such pranks from her Gentry classmates. He was the strongest general of the High King, have defeated thousands of foes and captured kingdoms for the crown, and yet he couldn’t save his daughter from this pain and humiliation. It made my heart melt. His talent was true cunning, always plotting and always one step ahead.

Cardan was complex. He was not an easy character to like. There was too much cruelty around his persona. Although his character had portions to it: considerate, evil, annoying, vulnerable. It was hard to know who he really was and what he really wanted even with his exposed layers. I wish we could have known more about him in the first book. I’m looking forward to knowing more about Cardan and perhaps, finally understanding him, in the sequel.

Politics in fantasy was always a welcome detail for me. The story was dripping with it. There were so much attacks and counterattacks, hidden meaning and codes, secrets brushed under rugs and shadows lurking. I sat at the edge of my seat sometimes, holding my breath as I waited for good luck or bad luck to befall the characters. Everyone was plotting in the hopes of getting the upper hand. It was like watching a violent game of chess, pawns coming forward only to be terminated. Just like in chess, even the king and queen were not safe. Each chapter enticed and teased the readers before reaching a crescendo and exploding into action. However, I felt like there was more to be explored in the characters and lives of the princes, to better understand the unfolding of the story.

Overall, I loved the family dynamics that the story tackled. It was thick with tension, complexity, misunderstandings, pain and history. It was such a problematic setup and yet, I still got the sense of family in the story. It wasn’t the best scenario but they were trying. The writing itself was fluid and enjoyable. It was easy to fall prey to its hypnotic quality.

The Cruel Prince was a heart-stopping fantasy filled with action, cunning and adrenaline. It was beautiful and dark, filled with feels and quotes. I highly recommend this to avid readers of fantasy and readers looking for fey stories, particularly the darker ones.

Rating:

4.5 Cupids = Obsessive book love.
I strongly recommend this!

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

2018-03-05T18:40:00.004+08:00

Book Description:

Hardcover, 1st, 624 pages
Published May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world torn apart.

Reviewer's Copy: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

My Thoughts:

Warning: Might contain spoilers for people who have not read A Court of Thorns and Roses.

A Court of Mist and Fury broke my heart to pieces in ways that I never imagined, and put it back together again. After reading the ending of A Court of Thorns and Roses, I couldn't wait to get my next dose of Rhysand.

Feyre was back in Tamlin's arms after the disastrous and painful time under the mountain. Despite the relief of having Tamlin back, there was something troubling Feyre. In the process of saving the cursed immortal boy that she loved, she broke herself beyond repair. In the sequel, we witness a different kind of Feyre - floating and broken. It was life-changing to see her slowly healing from the tragedy and trauma she experienced. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This was true in Feyre's case. She came back stronger as High Fae.

I fell in love with the Persophone-esque twist to the story, when Rhysand would whisk Feyre away to the Night Court. I found the Night Court filled with life, brilliance and entertainment, so different from what everyone in the novel imagined it to be: a dark, dire place with torture. Rhysand's court thrived in magic, art and wonders. The sounds and smells, tastes and sights of every corner of Velaris gave me life. The artists' quarters was vibrant. It was the perfect hangout that I would very much like to visit.

Rhysand was the dream boy of every fangirl alive. In A Court of Thorns and Roses, I found more reasons to fall in love with his character. He was such a giving, considerate and sweet character. He gave space when there was only confinement, chance when there was a dead end, and strength when Feyre only had weakness. Rhysand and Feyre's banter was entertaining. There was much to analyze in their conversations. The tension between them was so electrifying that you could feel it on the pages.

Rhysand's inner circle is my new favorite team. Azriel and Cassian thoroughly brought on the entertainment and humor. Eventhough Azriel didn't really have that much lines in the book. His actions and gestures spoke volumes for him. I loved his shadowy personality. Cassian and Mor made me laugh several times throughout the story. Amren intrigued me with her old world history and otherworldly vibes. Rhysand and Feyre, together with the inner circle, made the Night Court a worthwhile place to stay in.

The writing was beautiful, woven from one line to another in strategic plotting. I loved reviewing the breadcrumbs that Maas left in A Court of Thorns and Roses, and connecting it to A Court of Mist and Fury. Maas was a master plotter. I loved every bit of the foreshadowing that was involved in the series. I kept reading back and forth. There was a different kind of magic in unraveling the connections between the installments.

A Court of Mist and Fury was the perfect, wild blend of romance, action, adrenaline and humor. It was action-packed, emotionally-charged and humor-injected. I highly recommend this series to all fantasy fans!

Rating:

5 Cupids = Eternal book love.
I will never, ever, ever forget this book. I highly recommend this!

Celebrating Debutantes 2017: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

2017-08-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! I'm featuring another playlist on Fragments of Life for #CelebratingDebutantes2017. Chelsea will share about her playlist for The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett, which was released January of this year! Stick around for a special giveaway at the end!

Hawthorn wasn't trying to insert herself into a missing person's investigation. Or maybe she was. But that's only because Lizzie Lovett's disappearance is the one fascinating mystery their sleepy town has ever had. Bad things don't happen to popular girls like Lizzie Lovett, and Hawthorn is convinced she'll turn up at any moment-which means the time for speculation is now.

So Hawthorn comes up with her own theory for Lizzie's disappearance. A theory way too absurd to take seriously...at first. The more Hawthorn talks, the more she believes. And what better way to collect evidence than to immerse herself in Lizzie's life? Like getting a job at the diner where Lizzie worked and hanging out with Lizzie's boyfriend. After all, it's not as if he killed her-or did he?

Told with a unique voice that is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, Hawthorn's quest for proof may uncover the greatest truth is within herself.

1. Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie by Belle & Sebastian

The main character of the HUNDRED LIES OF LIZZIE LOVETT is Hawthorn Creely, a book nerd who sees herself as an awkward social outcast. This being the case, Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie could be her theme song.

2. Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

The book begins with popular, beautiful Lizzie Lovett disappearing—during a full moon. Soon enough, Hawthorn finds herself oddly obsessed with the missing persons case. Not only does Bad Moon Rising make me think of the night Lizzie disappears, it’s also an omen for the trouble Hawthorn is about to find herself in.

3. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads

After Lizzie goes missing, rumors begin to circulate that she was murdered by her boyfriend, Enzo. When Hawthorn meets and befriends Enzo, people are aghast—after all, he’s most likely a serial killer.

4. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division

Hawthorn never believes Enzo is a killer, though. She’s convinced he’s nothing but a sad guy who misses his girlfriend—the kind of person who makes art while listening to angsty music (like Love Will Tear Us Apart, which is playing at his apartment one evening) not the kind of person who murders women in the woods.

5. You're Nobody til Somebody Loves You by Dean Martin

Hawthorn remarks at one point that old music sounds haunted to her. This song would fit the bill. Added bonus: the fictional town where THE HUNDRED LIES OF LIZZIE LOVETT takes place is based on the real life hometown of Dean Martin, Steubenville, Ohio.

6. I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After

Though Hawthorn is obsessed with Lizzie Lovett’s disappearance, there are other things concerning her. Such as the hippie caravan that’s taken up residence in her backyard. The leader of the caravan, Sundog, spent his youth listening to quintessential hippie songs like I'd Love to Change the World. (Maybe not much has changed—Hawthorn would love to change the world too.)

7. People are Strange by The Doors

From hippies to potential killers, Hawthorn meets a lot of strange people on her journey to solve Lizzie’s disappearance. Though, in all honesty, Hawthorn might just be the strangest of them all.

8. Personality Crisis by New York Dolls

Throughout THE HUNDRED LIES OF LIZZIE LOVETT, Hawthorn grapples with who she is and what her path in life should be. Eventually, she begins to think she’s not the only one who’s had these thoughts. Lizzie, the beautiful girl who looks so perfect from the outside, might be battling demons of her own. Hawthorn wonders if perhaps no one is as perfect as they seem, if maybe we all struggle in one way or another.

9. That’s How People Grow Up by Morrissey

Growing up sometimes means facing harsh truths about yourself and the world around you. As she gets deeper and deeper into the mystery surrounding Lizzie’s disappearance, Hawthorn discovers more about herself and the people around her—and not all of it is easy to accept.

10. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by The Animals

As the song goes, Hawthorn’s intentions are good. But even the best intentions can get misconstrued, or end up hurting people. Though her interest in Lizzie’s disappearance begins innocently enough, as Hawthorn gets deeper and deeper involved, her actions have unintended consequences. Though Hawthorn has always felt like an outsider, she’s about to be more misunderstood than ever before.

Thank you, Chelsea!

About the Author:

Chelsea Sedoti fell in love with writing at a young age after discovering that making up stories was more fun than doing her school work (her teachers didn’t always appreciate this.) In an effort to avoid getting a “real” job, Chelsea explored careers as a balloon twister, filmmaker, and paranormal investigator. Eventually she realized that her true passion is writing about flawed teenagers who are also afraid of growing up. When she’s not at the computer, Chelsea spends her time exploring abandoned buildings, eating junk food at roadside diners, and trying to befriend every animal in the world. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada where she avoids casinos, but loves roaming the Mojave Desert.

Find Chelsea: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Description:

398 pages
Published January 3rd 2017 by Sourcebooks

A teenage misfit named Hawthorn Creely inserts herself in the investigation of missing person Lizzie Lovett, who disappeared mysteriously while camping with her boyfriend. Hawthorn doesn't mean to interfere, but she has a pretty crazy theory about what happened to Lizzie. In order to prove it, she decides to immerse herself in Lizzie's life. That includes taking her job... and her boyfriend. It's a huge risk — but it's just what Hawthorn needs to find her own place in the world.

Giveaway

Thanks to Chelsea for sponsoring this giveaway!
What's up for grabs: Signed copy of The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett
Scope: US + CA

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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