BookAThonFreak

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows book #2) by Leigh Bardugo

2016-12-03T19:13:00.003+00:00

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Published: September 27th 2016 by, Orion Children's Books

Series: Six of Crows book #2

Genre: YA books

Stars: 5/5

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

Loved this book so much! It contained everything that a final book needs; drama, intensity, action, love, tears and justice. So sad that the series has ended with just two books. Click here to read my review of the first book.

Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper, and Wylan will forever be my most beloved fictional crew.

First, let’s talk characters! The friendship forged between our beloved six outcasts remain my favourite thing. Not only do the characters have meaningful relationships with their respective romantic partners – they also share beautiful moments with platonic members of the crew. Crooked Kingdom is filled with character bonding and where friendships is one of the main themes in this duology.

Whilst each character has their quirky habits and personalities, the best scenes are the ones where six of them are together, bantering and scheming.

The amount of character development in this book is phenomenal. You get to understand them individually as well as a group and learning about their history and what they have been through throughout the story, just makes us even more so invested in their mismatch family that they have put together.

Aside from its diverse and charismatic cast of characters, Crooked Kingdom also boasts an arresting story line, filled with cunning tricks and plot twists. Leigh Bardugo does an amazing job in describing each scene (action and non action) that it seems like you are there witnessing/experiencing it all with the characters at first hand.

I would just love to have a look at Kaz’s mind! How he schemes his way around things and situations is just amazing even in scenes where you think there is no way out…..Kaz finds a way! And never seems to disappoint.

The plot of Crooked Kingdom takes numerous twists and turns – with alliances ever shifting and plans forever being foiled.

The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy book#3) by Marie Rutkoski

2016-09-17T22:17:00.001+01:00

Title: The Winner's Kiss

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Published: March 29th 2016 by, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Series: The Winner's Trilogy book #3

Genre: YA

Stars: 3.5/5

Some kisses come at a price.

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

The Winner’s Kiss is a great conclusion to the series. Click here to read my reviews for book 1 and 2.

From the last time we left our protagonists, Kestrel and Arin, in this book we see them grow a lot, especially Kestrel, forcing her to learn and grow both physically and mentally.

The book contains very pressed romantic tension, causing utter desperation from the readers for Kestrel and Arin to just reveal their true feelings for each other. Their relationship struggle was so real. Their differences in life just kept getting in the way and it was sad to see them tread around each because of this.

The plot line was really good. There was a lot of detailed battle scenes, which I did not expect whilst also containing the usual political manoeuvres.

In a roundabout way, everyone did get what their deserved.

Truthwitch (A Witchlands Novel book #1) by Susan Dennard

2016-03-25T23:55:00.000+00:00

Title: Truthwitch

Author: Susan Dennard

Published: January 5th 2016 by, Tor Teen

Series: A Witchlands Novel book #1

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Stars: 3.5/5

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

In short, ‘Truthwitch’ is a book about the friendship between Safiya and Iseult and this was something that was very refreshing. Normally, we have the lone strong female character overcoming whatever obstacles she has to face, but this book offered a different take on the female empowerment. Both characters definitely feed off from one another and actively put each other first before anything else.

It was a fantasy book enriched with elemental magic, politics and of course war. An empire of some sort merged with different lands all trying to live in peace. However, as you get with books like this, a lot of the sectors (or one in this particular case) suffer at the hands of the greedy and rich and then there is some sort of revolt or a desire for a change that takes place.

Nevertheless, I must admit that it took some time for me to actually get into the book and start liking it. The author tends to name drop a lot of things, and miss a few plot holes, especially in the beginning, when as a reader, who has been opened up to delve into this new world where nothing will make sense initially, a little background information would of been nice. It took me until 40% of the book to actually start liking and understanding it which is a very long time.

However, once I did start to like the book, I enjoyed reading more about the four main characters; Safiya, Iseult, Merik and Aeduan.

Safiya is a very firey character who acts before she thinks. She’s the muscle between the two girls, despite the fact that both of them have been trained in the arts of fighting. Safiya is the person that everyone wants, once they find out who she is and its her life on the line that shapes the story.

Iseult, as you can probably imagine, is the antithesis of Safiya. She is much calmer and is the brains of the duo. She sees threads from people, which is basically what people are feeling.

Merik is the Prince of the land that has been suffering, Nubrevna. He is a humble man who is trying to find ever possible solution to help alleviate the claimant that his people are in. He engages in a deal with Safiya’s uncle, which places him in the very heart of the story of romance between the two. He has a few issues with his manipulative, strong sister as well as controlling his own wind witch powers which sometimes has a mind of its own.

Now, it’s Aeduan that I found the most interesting character. His a blood witch, which basically means he can control people’s blood and something that makes him very dangerous and scary. Ever since he first laid his eyes on the girls (from problem that the girls encountered at the beginning of the story which I still don’t know what was about.....one of those plot holes) he has been trying to find them and possible kill them. His motive changes on various occasions and his morals are quite questionable on several other occasions but what I found intriguing is his slow relationship build up with Iseult. There’s definitely some connection between the two and whilst Safiya and Merik’s relationship is quick and uncontrollable, Iseult’s and Aeudan’s relationship is a slow sizzle. Something to watch out for I’m sure.

All in all, it was a good book. Not one of the best and not original, but it was good. There’s something there which I am sure the author can build up on. We just have to see where it goes.

Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms book #4) by Morgan Rhodes

2015-12-31T16:10:00.004+00:00

Title: Frozen Tides

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Published: December 15th 2015 by, Razorbill

Series: Falling Kingdoms book #4

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Stars: 4/5

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

This is the fourth book in the Falling Kingdoms series and it still produces the same goods as the previous books. Click here to read my review on book 1, book 2 and book 3.

The plot line is still the same but perhaps slightly a tad bit more confusing. It seems as the series go on and as the readers, we find out more, the plot line thickens and more ingredients are added to the bubbling potion that will erupt by the end of the whole series.

Our four main characters: Cleo, Magnus, Lucia and Jonas are still in the midst of all the elemental, Kindred and Watchers business and none have found a solid answer as to how to end this all.

The four main characters are all set in their own journey but they do see each other along the way.

We see a whole new side to Lucia in this book. She simply does not care about anyone at the beginning of the book and wants everyone to feel the same level of grieve and hurt that she experienced. Her vision in this book did annoy me and what did not help was that she became all pally with the fire Kindred, who was let out from his globe in book 3 by Lucia. Both are vengeance seeking creatures and because of this they tend to create some damage wherever they go. However, near the end of the book, once Lucia finds out a little secret about herself, her vision become a little bit clearer and she realises the damages she has caused.

Jonas. Ah, Jonas. Constantly failing in whatever he was doing that even his hard core fans were getting tired of him. Nonetheless, throughout this book he does seem to be making moderate steps at achieving a better world, or at least getting some worthwhile people on his side.

Cleo and Magnus. I put them together and for all of you who have read this book will understand. They are so similar yet so different from each other. One is literally like light, whilst the other is dark. They need and want each other and as the readers you desperately want the two characters to make up their mind quicker and just get together! No doubt that it is Magnus who is more afraid of revealing his true feelings even though his teasing and arguments with Cleo was comical at times.

As always with the Falling Kingdoms books, there are sudden deaths. I always have to remind myself never to get attached to these characters because they could disappear in a blink of an eye.

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles book #4) by Marissa Meyer

2015-11-22T18:14:00.003+00:00

Title: Winter

Author: Marissa Meyer

Published: November 10th 2015 by, Feiwel and Friends

Series: The Lunar Chronicles

Genre: Fiction, YA

Stars: 5/5

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Cinder (Cinderella): A cyborg mechanic, with a robotic hand and foot who falls in love with a prince called Kai.

Scarlet (Red Riding Hood): A spaceship pilot with a red hoodie who falls for a wild street fighter named Wolf.

Cress (Rapunzel): A brilliant hacker who meets the captain of her dreams named Captain Thorne (ha, I see what Marissa did there, clever woman).

Winter (Snow White): A beloved, scarred princess who is in love with her guard called Jacin, all the while dealing with her evil stepmother.

It is this group of eight mismatch fairy tale characters that ally together and form a team to save the kingdom from the evil Queen Levana who has shattered their dreams of a happily ever after before.

I have been waiting for this book for a very, very long time and let me tell you, it did not fail to provide the goods. The Lunar Chronicles series is one of my best book series ever and I just love how everything came together. Oh, there were numerous times where it seemed like the lovable characters were defeated but at the end, they truly did achieve their futuristic happily ever after. Click here to read book 1, 2 and 3.

Although, Winter is 824 pages long, you will finish this in no time. You will relish in all the romances, the plot twists and action. It was such a worthwhile wait! I just adore a series where there is mission and each book adds an additional character to the cause.

There are many things to applaud Marissa on and one of those things is that the book did not get confusing at all. There are nine main characters in this book (including Levana) and each of them, at some point in the book, have their own chapter, but Marissa made sure the book still kept to its clear plot line and that each character still had their own distinctive personalities. It did not blur together which I really, really liked.

Did you know that the story Cinderella was actually originated in China, The European version of Red Riding Hood was first published by a French writer and Rapunzel is a type of lettuce and so is Cress. It just shows that Marissa’s researches on the fairy tales were very good and it helped her write the prefect story line for all four books.

The story opens with Princess Winter (Snow White), stepdaughter of Luna’s Queen Levana and the last edition to the gang. Known for her unfailing compassion and unparalleled beauty, Winter continues to lose her grip on reality as Lunar sickness pervades. Meanwhile, Cinder and the gang are ready for a revolution. Each of the characters have gone through some sort of struggle all by the hands of Levana and they are ready to get vengeance.

The classic poison apple makes an appearance as well as the seven dwarfs (albeit not in a version you would think off). The ‘mirror, mirror on the wall’ does not however, make an appearance but with mirror being forbidden on Luna, it’s something we can write off.

Fans of the series will love every tension-filled second, as each character races toward their own happily ever after. Although each character goes their own way at the end, I really, really hope they stay in contact and meet more often than the supposed annual ball. I will truly miss this series and all the characters *sigh*.

Six of Crows (Six of Crows book #1) by Leigh Bardugo

2015-10-11T18:00:00.002+01:00

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Published: September 29th 2015 by Henry Holt and Company

Series: Six of Crows book #1

Genre: YA books

Stars: 5/5

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

This book was absolutely amazing!!! It deserves all its stars.

I was very surprised at how good this book one, especially after my dislike at Leigh’s previous books on the Grisha novels (which you can read the review for book 1 here and book 2 here). However, boy is the Six of Crows something different altogether.

As the blurb shows, it is about a criminal heist (reminds me soooo much of Ocean’s 11...or 12....or even 13.....well minus the whole magic/dark background but you know whatever).

Each character has some sort of secret/hurt/dark past that they want to escape. Leigh has given each character great depth and personalisation by their past, despite them being criminals. It just makes you root for them.

Kaz’s past, the leader of the group, has made him become who he is. He’s 17 years old and literally runs a gang. He is feared, ruthless but yet so lovable. He is the anti-hero of the story and I can’t stop loving him! Especially when he tries so hard to show his feelings to a particular girl. But yet he’s so stubborn on improving on his ways. He is quite literally, a broken man, but one who is very clever and conniving. He reminds me so much of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. His cartoon caricature actually looks like him too.

The plot line was thrilling from beginning to end. There definitely were times where I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, especially the ending. And I still don’t! It left the readers wanting to know what happens next (I know it certainly left me like that!). The poor misshapen group is plunged into another heist and they didn’t even get what they wanted from the first heist! All I know if that you do not want to make yourself an enemy of Kaz. There is a lot of unopened secrets and questions, which I hope will be revealed in the second book.

It's In His Kiss (The Bridgertons Series book #7) by Julia Quinn

2015-06-14T21:39:00.001+01:00

Title: It's In His Kiss

Author: Julia Quinn

Published: June 28th 2005 by, Avon

Series: The Bridgertons book #7

Genre: Romance

Stars: 4/5

IF IT'S IN HIS HEART ... IT'S IN HIS KISS

MEET OUR HERO...

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE ...

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go...

MEET POOR MR. MOZART...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other ... and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

I absolutely l loved this book! It’s been a while since I’ve read books that was set in the 19^th Century and Julia Quinn’s books are also so good. Check out my review for book 3 here of her Bridgertons series.

Firstly, one of the reasons why I love reading these kinds of books is due to the forbidden romance. During the 19^th Century, one couldn’t publicly show one’s affection to another....well not how people do in the 21^st Century. I the reason why I love her books, is because they always involve some sort of love-hate relationship! Eeeike. The best kind!!

So, the main heroine, Hyacinth is those typically sassy, smart and yet funny characters. She is so sure of herself and doesn’t need a man in order to go about her way. I really like her and she is her own person.

Gareth is a typical bad boy on the outside. He’s been with women and has a reputation. Yet, he can be sensitive and understanding on the inside. You just have to get to know him.

He has a secret and Hyacinth comes into his life (aside from being good friends with his grandmother) by agreeing to translate a diary, left by his grandmother from his maternal side, from Italian to English. There the secrets are unfolded and a romance blossoms.

It is a typical ‘chick flick’ book set in the 19^th Century and a lovely read. I especially love their big family. Always there for one another.

End of Days (Penryn and the End of Days book #3) by Susan Ee

2015-06-14T21:21:00.000+01:00

Titles: End of Days

Author: Susan Ee

Published: May 12th 2015 by, Skyscape

Series: Penryn and the End of Days book #3

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Dystopian

Stars: 4/5

After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.

When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

The review is going to be short and sweet.

Simply put, I like it more then I liked the second book. Click here to read my review of book 1 and here to read my review of book 2.

My opinions of the characters are the same. Pretty surprised at myself for still liking Penryn. Normally the heroine annoys me after book 2. However, she still has the same fire and stamina as she did in the beginning. She is still a rocking chick.

Raff. AWWWW Raff. Yep, I’ve found my soul mate. Nuff said!

All in all, the book did seem slightly rushed, especially the ending and I have my theories on why that was. But it was good. Not amazing like the first book but not bad like the second book. There were the major action scenes and of course the romance scenes. I loved the part with the fallen watchers and I was kind of disappointed with what happens to Raff at the ending.

I also liked how Penryn’s mother and sister grew and became who they were. They didn’t reply on Penryn at the end by decided to make their own way in life.

The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy book #2) by Marie Rutkoski

2015-06-14T20:57:00.002+01:00

Titles: The Winner's Crime

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Published: March 5th 2013 by, Farrar Straus Giroux

Series: The Winner's Trilogy book #2

Genre: YA

Stars: 4/5

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

The author had written yet another brilliant book and more so on the topic of impossible choices and broken hearts. And the lies! So many lies!!! Click here for my review on book 1

My opinion on Kestrel is the same as book 1. She is brilliant, smart, cunning and strong. The sacrificed she has made and has to make is enough for any person who root for her. The innocence of her from the first book is gone and she has now understood what world she’s living. If you want to make a change, things have to be kept secret.

I still love Arin and I love it that he’s the emotional one (not in the soppy, sad, crying kind of way) in the relationship. Poor guy is always receiving mixed messages. But he wants Kestrel so badly, it hurts! He’s been fed one lie after the other and whilst he is trying to keep the freedom of his country and make new alliances, he is still trying to understand Kestrel and her reasons. He can’t seem to keep away, even when he thinks she hates him.

The romance is definitely still there but the story does begin to focus more on the political dialogue and the treason. Compared to the first book, where the world was just centred on the two of them, book 2 opens up to involve wider factors that have played a part or will play a part on the entire world.

I also like Prince Verex and it’s nice to see a slow friendship develop between the two. They both love someone else who they just cannot have and they both share those feelings of loss.

The story is full of twists and takes one’s breath away, especially the ending where the lies have created a tragic event. It’s both heart breaking and not just between Kestrel and Arin but between someone who is even closer to her.

Written in Red (The Others book #1) by Anne Bishop

2015-02-14T18:42:00.000+00:00

Title: Written in Red

Author: Anne Bishop

Published: March 5th 2013 by, NAL Hardcover

Series: The Others

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy

Stars: 4/5

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

I've read a lot of Urban Fantasy books with similar topics, that I was pretty happy to find something new within that genre. Whilst it does have the similar sub-categories seen in many books (vampires, werewolves, witches etc), these supernatural beings (or the Others, as they are called in this book) are on top of the pyramid. There’s not secrecy as to what they are and humans are afraid of them. They even have their own little communities within a city and humans are not really welcomed.

The Others and the humans have a very unstable and rocky relationship with one another. They don’t see humans as desirable as other books have portrayed, but they’re more likely to devour them there and then. However, when Meg enters the scene everything is turned upside down. She’s given a job within their community, just like a few humans are, but despite looking a human, she doesn't smell like a human and treats everyone the same; with kindness, that did not expect. It throws everyone off their guard.

I liked Meg. I think, albeit the horror she’s been through, she is utterly brave to work and live with the Others. She sometimes has a childlike mind and I guess is one of the many qualities that make the Others gradually like her and ultimately take her in as one of them. I especially liked her ability and the reactions of everyone when they find out what she really is!

In terms of the romance department, there wasn't much. We all know the Meg will end up with Simon as the series progresses. However, we can see Simon become more fonder of Meg within this book. Albeit I am still hoping that something might, just might, happen between Meg and the vampire!

Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms book #3) by Morgan Rhodes

2014-12-26T17:41:00.002+00:00

Title: Gathering Darkness

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Published: December 9th 2014 by, Razorbill

Series: Falling Kingdoms book #3

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Stars: 4.5/5

In GATHERING DARKNESS, book three of the New York Times bestselling Falling Kingdoms series, the stakes have never been higher as three teams push forward on a race to find the Kindred, the four elemental crystals possessing ancient all-powerful magic, first:

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred - the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic...

• THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

• THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia's overpowering magic - all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

• THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia's powers to unveil the Kindred.

The only certainty in the dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica... but fate can be fickle when magic is involved.

These books just keep getting better. Read my reviews of book 1 here and book 2 here.

So in terms of the characters, they pretty much stay the same. The four main protagonists; Lucia, Cleo, Magnus and Jonas are very much alive and taking hold of the book. Additional characters are included such as Amara, Ashur’s sister, and who very much is a snake. And of course Felix.

I can’t put my finger on him, what him and his power’s exact purpose is. Towards the end you realise he was just a lonely boy looking to make some real friends. However, at the sudden turn of events, the readers are left wondering where his true loyalty lies. He’s just an interesting fella.

There’s one major relationship within this book and that’s between Magnus and Cleo. I know I’ve said in my reviews of the two previous books that I really want Cleo and Jonas to become an item and how I hate Magnus due to his disgusting feelings towards his sister (adopted or not adopted) however, that mayyyy have changed a bit in this book (eeike). Okay, I really like love-hate relationshops and Magnus and Cleo’s relationship is the exact definition of that. They hate each other so much and they have reasons to, especially Cleo. But there’s these moments in the book where they see the other side to the person and can’t help admiring them......butttt Magnus (majority of that time) just goes and ruins it all by saying something or doing something on purpose. That boy is just so afraid to let anyone in. And also there is no attraction on Cleo’s behalf towards Jonas. It’s towards the end when I was really clutching the pages and desperately hoping for something to happen between Magnus and Cleo. Safe to say we are not disappointed!

Majority of the plot line in this book is to find the four crystals that have been scattered all over the place. There’s some secrets spilled in this book, some people that you just cannot trust and one major villain appearing at the end of the book. Anddd we just all know Lucia has gone and turned that forever curling leave right over to the dark side *cue dramatic music*.

Like I said, these books just keep on getting better and I have no idea how this is all going to play out at the end.

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone book #2) by Laini Taylor

2014-12-25T12:36:00.000+00:00

Title: Days of Blood and Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor

Published: November 6th 2012 by, Little Brown Books for Young Adults

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone book #2

Genre: YA, Alternative Universe

Stars: 4/5

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. Forhope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

This book was a lot better than the first book (click to read my review of that here).

In terms of characters we got to understand a lot more of Karou and her past and how betrayed and hurt she has become after knowing what Akiva did to her. She had grown a lot more both as her previous self and as Karou.

Akiva just annoyed the hell out of me in this book. He just seemed like a lot puppy desperate for Karou’s affection. I liked him a lot more in the first book.

One character comes back alive, one main character dies and another was on the brink of death. All three scenarios did tug my heart strings......especially the death. I mean come onnnnnnn. I was banking on that character not dying. It was a very emotional scene.

There’s also a potential romance between Zuri and Liraz. I knew something was going to happen between them as soon as she laid her eyes on him. I like her a lot!

The plot line was a lot better in this book purely because as readers, we had a direction as to where the story was going. There’s going to be a massive war between the two species but this time humans will be involved.

In was left speechless at the ending. Safe to say that was a massive turn around and a really good idea on Karou and Zuri’s behalf.

The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave book #2) by Rick Yancey

2014-12-25T12:04:00.001+00:00

Title: The Infinite Sea

Author: Rick Yancey

Published: September 16th 2014 by, Putnam Juvenile

Series: The 5th Wave book #2

Genre: Dystopian, YA

Stars: 3.5/5

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.

Well this was a disappointment.

Not sure where to start from so I’ll just go into my usual description about the characters. It’s the same characters as the first book including a new alien called Grace. However, unlike the first book, (click here to read the review of that) you don’t really get the chance to develop feelings for them. There’s no character development and it just seems like a bunch of teenagers in an abandoned household for the majority of the book, looking for a way out. There’s no sympathy for them.

In terms of the plot line it was quite dry to be honest. Again, a huge part of the book was with the characters being in an abandoned household with snipers or aliens on their trail. One thing that this book cleared up thankfully was whose chapter was whose. It wasn’t as confusing as the first book and you knew whose perspective it was from.

However, there wasn’t really anything substantial or interesting that was happening in this book. We didn’t get far in knowing how the characters could potential defeat the aliens. I guess Rick is leaving all that for the last book.

Zero Hour (Department 19 book #4) by Will Hill

2014-12-23T19:22:00.000+00:00

Title:Zero Hour

Author: Will Hill

Published: May 29th 2014 by, HarperCollins

Series: Department 19 book #4

Genre: Adventure, YA

Stars: 3/5

Department 19 still stands against the darkness. But for how much longer? Book 4 in the epic series from bestselling author, Will HIll.

When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency.

Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against…

Check out my reviews for books 1, 2 and 3.

A very short review:

All in all, as this book is following the events from the previous three books and drawing it to a close, my opinions about the characters are pretty much the same.

With regards to the plot line, I found it meh.....it wasn’t that great but it wasn’t bad. I just think it was time to close the chapter on this story, with Jamie and his friends and towards the end it seemed like it was dragging out.

There were a lot of deaths, but I didn’t find any of them sad or heart breaking.

There were a lot of action, as usual, in this book but in my opinion, it took time to get there. Once it did, it was in full swing; the fight between the humans and Dracula’s army of vampires. On the flip side though, once the action was in full swing, it was never ending. I guess that makes sense since from book 2, everyone’s been waiting for the Zero Hour.

With regards to Jamie and his friends, they all had a happily ever after, although I didn’t like how the author shun Kate out from all the action.

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy book #1) by Marie Rutkoski

2014-11-08T22:01:00.002+00:00

Title: The Winner's Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Published: March 4th 2014 by, Farrar Straus Giroux

Series: The Winner's Trilogy book #1

Genre: YA

Stars: 4/5

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

This book was kind of like a re-telling of Romeo and Juliet but with a lot of in between events that occurred within the book. The main girl Kestrel is the daughter of a powerful General of the Valorian Empire, who has conquered the lands of the Herrani. Whilst she has been brought up to train in basic military arts and self defence, her true passion lies in music.

Whilst in a market place, she bids for a slave called Arin. However, Arin is a Herrani loyalist and plans to free his own people by infiltrating Kestrel’s home and obtaining knowledge that others would not know of.

Nevertheless, surprise, surprise, they fall in love. They’re both enemies and they both have individual goals and ambitions. The fate of Kestrel’s kingdom lies on her shoulders and the fate of Arin’s people and their freedom lie on his.

Both characters were exceptionally written and created. Kestrel has a brilliant mind and Arin is a strong hero who stands for what he believes to be right, despite the obstacles that came his way.

Moreover, the writing itself is brilliant. Marie does the book justice for its storytelling. Her prose is beautifully written, capturing the war and battles, the secret love between the lovers and the family and friendships in between.

However, a criticism that I would say about the book is the character development for Kestrel half way through the book when she has found out Arin’s true identity and is held hostage. Her sudden turn of behaviour and what seems like a careless thought to her people was very quick. Her thought process only seemed to be thinking about Arin and how he betrayed her whilst it seemed like she did not even bat an eyelid to what was happening to her own people.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone book #1) by Laini Taylor

2014-08-25T21:09:00.000+01:00

Tile: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Published: September 27th 2011 by, Little Brown Books

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1

Genre: YA books

Stars: 4/5

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hairactually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

***THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN NO SPOILERS***

This book sounds like it’s like any other YA but there is a lot more tension and mystery that ultimately relies on how Karou reacts to the bits and pieces of information she discovers.

The culture within the book can be very confusing and irregular for some readers and you can tell the author did a lot of research to be able to execute the intricate details that this fantastical world, that Karou has grown up in, has.

Indeed it is a very fantastical world where, in the otherworldly, which can only be accessed from ours by a system of doorways; is populated by demons and angels who are enemies from an age old past.

But mostly, this story is a love story, between two enemies, one who is a demon and the other who is an angel. It reminded me so much of Romeo and Juliet, the forbidden love and the (somewhat) unhappy ending and betrayal.

I am looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how Karou, who now knows her true self, comes to terms with her betrayal and the events that will unfold.

Champion (Legend book #3) by Marie Lu

2014-07-28T21:59:00.001+01:00

Title: Champion

Author: Marie Lu

Published: November 3rd 2013, by Putnam Juvenile

Series: Legend book #3

Genre: dystopian, YA

Stars: 3/5

He is a Legend.

She is a Prodigy.

Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

I am not going to lie. This book was such a disappointment compared to the first two books, which you can read the first one here and the second one here.

Okay, despite the fact that there was a substantial plot line, after reading and finishing the trilogy, it just really felt like the storyline should have ended with the 2^nd book, but of course with a few tweaks at the end. It just felt like the author was struggling to think of a good plot line to tie the story of June and Day together and just wrote anything in order to make it a trilogy.

I really hate the fact that the author eradicated the strong ambience that June used to ooze out of her and made her just a regular, practically boring person. She hardly used her logic and rationality, which is what used to define her in the previous books.

Day was also very weak, but that was understandable. But I just think that there wasn’t, again, anything substantial with Day. There was hardly any character development, despite the fact that it was the final book in the series.

Overall, this was not a good book, the plot line was weak and I was disappointed with this final book.

The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Mindsbook #1) by Alexandra Bracken

2014-07-14T21:07:00.000+01:00

Title: The Darkest Minds

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Published: December 18 2012, by Disney Hyperion

Series: The Darkest Minds book #1

Genre: Dystopian, YA

Stars: 4/5

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she's on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

This review is going to be pretty short and simple.

Yes, it’s another YA, dystopian book and this time, children are either dropping dead from a young age from an illness or have supernatural powers that automatically make them freaks in society, feared by the adults and shipped to ‘rehabilitation camps’ to turn back to normal. However, little do they know, these children are slowly being killed off (depending on your colour. Orange and Red’s are the most dangerous and therefore are made to disappear of the face of the earth) or being used as part of an army for various societies/clubs.

Seriously, there are about four or five societies that all have different political goals. We have the Government, we have the Children’s League (whose aim is to eradicate the Government and use the children as a weapon in order to do so), we have the Psi camp run by children and we have various tribal groups, which are also run by children.

The main character here is Ruby. I was ambivalent about Ruby. There were some instances where I liked her and I thought her personality really shined through but there were other times where I thought she was just a really boring character. There wasn’t anything really unique about her or her story.

I really liked Liam, Zu and Chubs. I thought they had a really good friendship between the three and it was nice how they just left Ruby fit in. I thought Liam was an interesting character and I liked how he interacted with Ruby, Zu and Chubs.

All in this entire book is okay. I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best I’ve written, nor is it the worst. I just think the story line was not really original and there really wasn’t any main plot line to this book, aside from the group running around from one place to another. However, I did like the section about the Psi camp with Clancy as their leader. But he is a bit of a creep in order to satisfy my appetite for a love triangle between him, Ruby and Liam.

Battle lines (Department 19 book #3) by Will Hill

2014-07-07T21:00:00.000+01:00

Title: Battle Lines

Author: Will Hill

Published: August 9th 2013, by Razorbill

Series: Department 19 book #3

Genre: YA, Adventure

Stars: 4/5

It's always darkest before dawn.
Secret government unit Department 19 is recovering from evil vampire Valeri Rusmanov's deadly attack on their base. The Department’s newest member, teenage operator Jamie Carpenter, is tasked with training up a new squad, as his friends and colleagues desperately search for ways to try to stop what is coming.

The timing couldn’t be worse for a coordinated, global attack on a number of maximum security prisons and hospitals—with the already-dangerous inmates now on the loose and turned into vampires. One of the escapees has a deep connection to one of the darkest moments in the history of Department 19 and embarks on a quest that threatens to expose the existence of vampires to the public. And with each day that passes, the regenerated Dracula gets stronger, bringing Zero Hour closer.

In this third installment of the epic Department 19 series, Will Hill delivers higher—and sharper—stakes than ever before.

***THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Click to see my review of book 1 here and book 2 here.

I’m going to keep this review short and simply. It was an action packed, kick arse book!

I absolutely loved EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE.OF.IT!

Now my opinions of each main character, such as Jamie, Larissa, Kate and Matt were pretty much the same. They all rocked in their own individual way and I really liked how each of them progressed individually with their own individual task at hand. Matt with the Lazarus Project, Kate with the ISAT project, Larissa and NS9 in America and Jamie.....well Jamie is the centre of everything pretty much. But it was nice to see each character run their own job without relying on the group (or Jamie for that matter) to guide them.

I absolutely still adore and love Valentin. He is just a charmer. That’s all folks. Still speaking of original vampires, there wasn’t a lot of chapters dealing with Dracula and Valeri specifically. When we did get to read their side of the story, it was pretty much gruesome and bloody (as it would be). And poor, poor Admiral Steward! I fear he will not live past the fourth book!

I also absolutely loved the opening chapter of the book. Boy oh boy! It was like a horror film and what a way to open the story! Those newly, strong, demented prison escapes! Ouch! I’ll be running for my life!!!

All in all, I loved it and again, I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed it. Each chapter has twists (and of course another...or two traitors within the Department), bloody and gore and things just keep being added onto the already long list of things they need to deal with before zero hour is up and Dracula finally rises. But now, they also have the fear of being publicly acknowledged to consider now.

Ignite Me (Shatter Me book #3) by Tahereh Mafi

2014-07-06T20:14:00.001+01:00

Title: Ignite Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Published: February 4th 2014, by HarperCollins

Series: Shatter Me book #3

Genre: Dystopian, YA

Stars:4/5

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Read my reviews of book 1 here and book 2 here.

Okay, do we all really know that what Ignite Me is really about is the chemistry and romance between Juliette and Warner....and boy is there a lot!

I’m just going to swiftly brush along my opinion of the plot line. Yes, the mission is to defeat Anderson, Sector 45’s Supreme Commander, and who we really only saw at the end of book 2. And yes, Juliette finally, FINALLY, comes to terms with who she is and accepts her destiny. Seriously, it’s taken her two books to get there?! Yada, yada, all that is swell, but the action and defeating Anderson was all very, very, very rushed to me. I mean, after a couple of tumbles against Anderson’s ‘secret weapon’, she just kills him really quickly. His Achilles Heel was if someone (preferably Juliette, since she’s, you know, a tad bit stronger than everyone else), went up to him and just squished his ankles together, making him collapse and wither in pain. Then just get a gun and shoot the terrible person in the head. Bam! All problems solves...well in terms of getting the villain out of the picture. Seriously Juliette, if you just accepted your powers, you could of done that before and saved you a whole LOT of troubles.

But of course, you would not have got to know Warner as well as you did in this book. Literally ¾ of the book was about them, which I just LOVED! We all read it because of them. Don’t lie to me.

So, Juliette finds out about Warner, the real Warner, under that entire facade he puts on. And yes, the author has an answer for every terrible thing that Warner has done. There was always a purpose. It’s like the author wanted us to root for Juliette and Warner (for those who weren’t already or were Team Adam. I mean come on, you should of been rooting for Warner in the beginning anyway, despite his psychotic being at first)!

There were at times when I just wanted to slap Juliette and tell her to get with Warner already and to stop hurting his adorable face. But there were also other times when I was just confused as to why they were playing cat and mouse with each other, or like two magnets, pulling and pushing away from each other. There were some occasions where Juliette resisted Warner and there were other occasions were Warner resisted Juliette.

BUT FINALLY, there came the time when Juliette fully embraced Warner and all was sun and kisses (in terms of their romance).

In terms of other characters, I’ve always loved Kenji and I was glad we got to see another side to him, other than him being funny all the time.

What I didn’t like was the way the author portrayed Adam. I get it, it was the last book, but I think there should have been some hints in the 2^nd book as to the strained relationship that was beginning between him and Juliette, as opposed to just portraying him in a negative light and a person who is just angry ALL.THE.TIME. I mean where did this anger come from?

All in all, it was a good book, mostly because I’m glad majority of the book was dedicated to Juliette and Warner. But I think Team Adam fans out there would obviously beg to differ.

The Rising (Department 19 book #2) by Will Hill

2014-06-20T02:00:00.000+01:00

Title: The Rising

Author: Will Hill

Published: 16th August 2012, by Razorbill

Series: Department 19 book #2

Genre: Supernatural, YA

Stars:4/5

James Bond meets Dracula in this epic saga of one boy and a ton of weapons versus the world's oldest evil--vampires as you've never seen them before!

Sixteen-year-old Jamie Carpenter's life was violently upended when he was brought into Department 19, a classified government agency of vampire hunters that was formed to deal with a little problem . . . known as Dracula.

But being the new recruit at the Department isn't all weapons training and covert missions. Jamie's own mother has been turned into a vampire--and now Jamie will stop at nothing to wreak revenge on her captors. Even if that means facing down Dracula himself.

***THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Click here to read my review of Department 19 book one.

My opinion of the characters within this book is pretty much the same as the first book but it was the plot line that absolutely won me over.

Everything is darker and gorier and there is a real urgency within the department. Dracula has risen and whilst he may not be fully strong, he has brought fear amongst all the recruits.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Valeri and Valentin. I was so glad that they properly introduced the two other original brothers and they dynamic between the two are just brilliant. Valeri is the oldest and will always be Dracula’s most loyal servant. He is the one that is helping Dracula get back on his feet and is the one who is carrying out his attacks. Valentin surprised me in this book. We were briefly introduced to him in the first book and whilst we understood that he loved to throw lavish parties, I just regarded him as another blood sucking enemy of the department. However, his goals are very different from Valeri and that is why he switches sides-much to the outrage of Valeri and Dracula-and helps the department despite the fact that no one within the department fully trusts him.....yet. I may also have a very, teeny, tiny crush on him. He is just so charming, yet unbelievable strong. Even Valeri was surprised.

This book was better than the first one. Now I’m a girl who loves action and this book had tons of it and since Jamie is a lot more experienced at fighting and is more aware of supernatural things, he takes part in a lot more action packed scenes. There was also a lot more gore and horror. All I have to say to that is wow! The author really did go all in and describe with as much detail as possible the torture and killings. Yet that just helped enhance the book and make it that more exciting to read, giving the readers a clear visual to the intensity of the situation.

I honestly cannot wait to read the third book. I thought this whole series would not be my cup of tea but I was wrong!

SUMMER BOOK LIST!

2014-06-12T10:39:00.001+01:00

Hey book freaks!

It's time to write out my summer book list! YAY!!!

In the order of when I'll read them (I think):

Department 19 book 2-The rising by Will Hill
Department 19 book 3-Battlelines by Will Hill
Unravel Me book 2-Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Legend book 3-Champion by Marie Lu
All of Daughters of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Moral Instruments book 6 by Cassandra Clare
The Grisha book 3-Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
The Darkest Minds books 1 and 2 by Alexandra Bracken
The Others books 1 and 2 by Anne Bishop
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
The White Princess by Philippa Gregory
And some of Julia Quinn books.

Hopefully lots of reviews to come!!!

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles book #3) by Marissa Meyer

2014-06-09T13:20:00.001+01:00

Title: Cress

Author: Marissa Meyer

Published: February 4th 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

Series: The Lunar Chronicles book #3

Genre: YA books

Stars: 4/5 stars

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

***THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

I loved every minute of Cress and I love how it just ties in with the first two books. Click here to read my review for Cinder and click here to read my review on Scarlet.

You would think that adding another main fairy tale character would, in a way, push the story line to go off track. But nope, the author does it justice by giving the right amount of time to each character.

The new character that we are introduced to is Cress. She reminds me so much of Rapunzel from the Disney film Tangled. In fact her relationship with Captain Thorne reminds me of the relationship between Rapunzel and Eugene! I think she such an adorable character and I loved it how the author made her very different from Cinder (who’s practical) and Scarlet (who’s strong). Such big fairy tale characters with very different personalities from each other.

Of course, we must not forget about Iko. She’s one of the most hilarious characters in the book....well her and Captain Thorne. Actually within this book we get to see a softer side to the Captain which made it all the more sweet reading about him and Cress.

I absolutely loved the relationships between each couple. They’re all just so different and unique from each other. Of course, my best relationship is the one between Cinder and Kai. Arghhh I just love the tension and desire between each other. Scarlet and Wolf’s relationship is one of hot, unthinkable passion and the relationship between Cress and Captain Thorne’s is one of friendship that would no doubt slowly turn into something else. They’re taking the slow route (and there’s nothing wrong with that). I wonder what he’s going to think when his eyesight comes back.

The reason why I love this whole series is because the author portrays each fairy tale character (who is normally a damsel in distress) very strong. I love all these kick ass princesses/fairytales!

The main plot of this story is to stop the wedding between Queen Levana and King Kai and of course it’s like mission impossible. Each character has their own task to do and if anything disrupts that then the whole mission crumbles. It’s like an action movie and I LOVED it when all the characters came together to try and pull this through.

I also LOVED the last part when Kai found out who Cinder really was!!!!

However, as with the other two books, there is a death in this one too. Even though I saw it coming, I really didn’t want it to happen. Nevertheless a little bit of tragedy does a book better......well most of the time.

All in all, this book was and the whole series so far have been awesome! I cannot wait to read about Winter (Snow White). Her character in this book has got me to liking her already! I wonder how she’s going to react when he finds out that Cinder is alive.

Return Date

2014-05-18T01:24:00.003+01:00

BACK TO BLOGGING IN JUNE!

Crown of Midnight (Thrones of Glass book #2) by Sarah J. Maas

2014-02-19T13:00:00.000+00:00

Title: Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Published: August 27th 2013, by Bloomsbury

Series: Thrones of Glass book #2

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Stars: 4/5

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.

But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

***THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK***

Whilst this book was really good, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did with the first book. Click here to check out my review for that.

I think what made me dislike the book (just a tad bit in comparison to the first book) was the relationship between Celeana and Chaol. I reallyyyyyyy wanted something more to happen between her and Dorian, who is just a darling. But, yes I get it Celeana and Chaol have so much more in common. However, there was just something about Chaol that I didn’t like.

Oh but can we just pause and think about Dorian! I knew it!!! Ah, gosh I hope with this secret of his, he’ll be able to rule the kingdom in a better way than his father. I just love him. Oh and he needs to get a new love interest and one who will actually love him for who he is.

Aside from the romance department, the story line was good. It took to a whole different level in contrast to the first book. There’s a lot more for secrets, a lot more deaths (especially one in particular which makes Celeana go a bit coo coo when dealing with her loss) and a lot more danger for Celeana. These are trying times for her.

At the end of the book Celeana must come to deal with her new found ability and she gets send to another city just to do that. I wonder how she’ll cope in the next book.