The Empress by S.J. Kincaid
*I received an ARC of The Empress from Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "It’s a new day in the Empire. Tyrus has ascended to the throne with Nemesis by his side and now they can find a new way forward—one where they don’t have to hide or scheme or kill. One where creatures like Nemesis will be given worth and recognition, where science and information can be shared with everyone and not just the elite. But having power isn’t the same thing as keeping it, and change isn’t always welcome. The ruling class, the Grandiloquy, has held control over planets and systems for centuries—and they are plotting to stop this teenage Emperor and Nemesis, who is considered nothing more than a creature and certainly not worthy of being Empress. Nemesis will protect Tyrus at any cost. He is the love of her life, and they are partners in this new beginning. But she cannot protect him by being the killing machine she once was. She will have to prove the humanity that she’s found inside herself to the whole Empire—or she and Tyrus may lose more than just the throne. But if proving her humanity means that she and Tyrus must do inhuman things, is the fight worth the cost of winning it?" Review: The Diabolic felt like closure. This book reopened wounds I didn't even realize existed. The twists and turns of this book was truly intense. I found the plot to be incredible in the way that there were so many layers of actions going on at once and how each plot twist had me making notes in all caps. However, although the start of the book drew me in quickly and deeply I found the middle of the novel to be a bit slower and only regained that speed and page turning action again, near the end of the book. I thought Nemesis was pretty developed in The Diabolic ... but she is at A. WHOLE. NEW. LEVEL. For a character who is supposed to lack emotion I have never felt so much emotion. (and I definitely see her emotions everywhere, which only makes me curious as to if Diabolics were ever devoid of feelings?!) Half the time I expect her to cry out of her non-existent tear ducts and the other half I can see the cruelty, ... but who said people weren't just as cruel. The martyr complex. ... It was definitely present in the first book and it has definitely continued to make an appearance in the Empress and though I don't completely hate it, I did get annoying at times because real people are selfish and these characters always viewed their own lives as so easy to give away. The romance twists and turns of this book were IN ANOTHER WORLD (literally and figuratively). I can't say too much without spoilers, but I was definitely unprepared for everything regarding love in this book. Most books leave me feeling happy, sad, mad, but this book has made me shocked to the core and that definitely made it such a unique read and I can't wait for the next book! Cover: ★★★★★ (some people don't like the cover change but I think both are pretty awesome and I only have digital copies so I don't mind as much) Favorite Quote(s): "Small things become great ones" "The reactant on our palms set the starlight essence aglow over our bodies." "Nemesis, you're a legend. Think about it."
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A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Synopsis:"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 cleaved in two. With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights." Review: I really enjoyed ACOTAR and it took me forever to finally pick up this book but once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! (aka I finished this massive thing in 2 days.... and I would've finished even faster if I wasn't doing other things) However, before I go into the review side of things I have to address that I understand that this series is NOT perfect and that there is most definitely a lack of diversity and sexuality. I completely understand why many people never even read this book, but I wanted to know the plot (I'm sorry) and I have to be honest when I say I enjoyed this book, but please know that I know that this book is not close to perfect and that I don't agree with the lack of diversity or sexuality! I simply enjoy her writing, plot, and magic. Ok let's continue. Tamlin.... Rhysand aah I finally understand. I can't say much here just to keep this spoiler free, but even though I did my best to avoid anything I think we all know by now? (just in case I won't say anything anyways but those who have read this know my feelings kjadsfaosdjfo) Feyre grew a lot in this book from the previous one and I feel proud of her choices. (lol my vague wording is my horrible attempt at not spoiling and screaming my feelings at you). This novel may lack in many ways, but at least there is some sort of female empowerment. I was incredibly lured into this novel ... as you could tell by my speed reading. I also happened to write all my notes for this novel in caps.... Although I loved this plot and the magic, it did feel somewhat predictable but I had heard some things, so that may have been why I was able to predict so many things (though the feels were still definitely there). THE IMAGERY. Maybe my favorite part of SJMaas' writing is her ability to create these vividly, stunning worlds! THE NIGHT COURT IS FREAKIN AWESOME AND I WANT IT TO EXIST. Everything flows so beautifully and now I will have to stare at the night sky (and see no stars because of light pollution). Anyways, it was absolutely gorgeous and I'm itching to do some fanart, but I also doubt I could do it any justice or be the master that is Charlie Bowater. I now leave you all with a couple of questions that I still have yet to understand.
Now I'm off to go read ACOWAR!Cover: ★★★★★ (not surprised there) Favorite Quote(s): "Mountains and darkness and stars and death." "The vastness of my now-unending existence yawned open before me. I let it swallow me whole." "I smelled jasmine first -then saw stars. A sea of stars flickering beyond glowing pillars of moonstone that framed the sweeping view of endless snowcapped mountains." "'But I'll always make time for you.'" "You do what you love, what you need.'" "I tumbled into a sleep so heavy my dreams were an undertow that dragged me down, down, down until I couldn't escape them." "To the stars who listened-and the dreams that are answered." (and of course this famous quote) Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet
*I received an ARC of Meet Cute through Netgalley from HMH Books for Young Readers, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today’s most popular YA authors. Readers will experience Nina LaCour's beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard's glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon's imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno's story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick's charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants. This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real." Review: Meet Cute is an adorable collection of real representations of people and the different kinds of romance stories in this world. I first heard of it earlier this year and I have been extremely excited to pick it up ever since! Not only was the idea creative, but it also features so many amazing authors! MEET CUTE DEFINITELY LIVED UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS AND IT’S NAME, (It was SO cute and let’s see how many times I can’t avoid that word throughout this world) I don’t want to give away the amazing short stories so, first, here was a list of the stories in order of the stories I liked the most. (Though I enjoyed all of them and even though I chose an order I love them all so much and the order changes with every moment!)
As one of my most highly anticipated books ( I have had the poster hanging on my bedroom wall since may after yallwest ) it’s amazing to know that I WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING DISAPPOINTED. In fact, even with so much anticipation my heart strings were tugged on, and I was a bundle of feels when reading this. This collection also was such a quick and easy read yet so full of beautifully written gems that I plan to read OVER AND OVER and when the book is published (January 2nd 2018- SAVE THE DATE) don’t forget to check it out! You won’t regret it! Cover: ★★★★★// AND THE PINS ARE EVEN MORE ADORABLE Favorite Quote(s): "You're dimly aware, that you're making him up in your mind even as he's sitting here, like you're writing yourself into a story." "Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe for as long as you're in here, you can both be whoever you want." "He couldn't take a decent picture of something without falling in love with it, at least a little." "the world wasn't supposed to be in the hands of just one person." "We love so early here. And it feels like there isn't enough time to do all the things I want to do before I have to do the things I'm supposed to do." "Some people you want to get to know and some people you want to know you." The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Synopsis: "Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.
She must become her. Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire..." Review: I am so happy I finally picked up this novel. I saw it everywhere for a while on bookstagram but I never actually picked it up. Now that I have, I can see what the hype was for! I went into this novel pretty blind, but it was super easy to get into and I could not stop. Let me explain why. I just loved Nemesis as a character. Why?
This world itself is a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction. I've been seeing more of this blend more recently and I like it! Although I'll probably always love my fantasy worlds, it's interesting to see worlds of sci-fi mixed with some magic! However, the way this entire setting is made and the cool details is just amazing and mindblowing and that alone is something that everyone needs to read about. Although I loved the plot line, I have to say that some things were very predictable for me. Tyrus' character was transparent from the first moment he is introduced. However, there were still plenty of other plot twists I never saw coming so I still found myself flipping through pages furiously. Why you should pick up The Diabolic:
Time for me to pick up the next book in the series! Cover: ★★★★★ (SO CLEVER) Favorite Quote(s): "We were traversing but a sliver of the known galaxy. Outside the window loomed a void of darkness without stars." "There was no pleasure in bullying mindless, defenseless creatures." "It's terrifying to realize your own decisions are shaping your destiny." "You never saw me as a thing, Not even when I did." Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Synopsis: "This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime. But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart." Review: I've had a copy of Red Queen for over a year now and I CAN'T BELIEVE IT TOOK ME THIS LONG TO PICK IT UP. I am SO excited to pick up the following books, but for now let me explain why I love this book so much. This book was essentially a perfect mix of a couple other YA books that I really enjoyed. YES, that makes this books feel somewhat "unoriginal", but it was written so well and it a way that still gave this story its own style and uniqueness. What is Red Queen essentially formed of? Red Queen = The Selection + Storm Siren + SJMaas writing style + (I'm not sure why? but hunger games/divergent vibes) Victoria Aveyard did everything right with this novel, despite the fact its similarity to other novels, everything still felt so new. Let me just split this up into categories to make it easier to explain: Plot: - I'm a sucker for a great plot and it almost always depends on predictability for me (as I love guessing what might happen). I completely overestimated myself and was much too confident about my guessing abilities when it came to this novel. Although I did end up predicting a minor detail or two, the main plot twists really had me surprised. The way the whole story weaved together was beautiful and I really could not put down this book. Characters: - Mare is wonderfully complex and I definitely argued her character's choices at points, but I was easily dragged into her mind and her thoughts. This novel also includes so many amazingly written characters that you will love and hate, but I won't say anymore. Romance: - I often pick up books with romance, but this novel had so much complexity that made the romance all the more engaging. I will say however there is a somewhat annoying love triangle(?) that I didn't particularly enjoy, but they are practically unavoidable and with all the other amazing plots going on, it was easily ignorable. World Building: - OMG This entire creation is mindblowing. This dystopian society is so well thought out and just incredible to learn about and I loved it from the first sentence! The whole idea of red versus silver was so unique and something I really loved throughout the story. All in all I just wish that I had picked up this book sooner and I plan on getting Glass Sword asap! Cover: ★★★★★ (um yes) Favorite Quote(s): "You don't see us, and so we are everywhere." "And we will rise up, Red as the dawn." "It takes hours to paint and polish me into the girl I'm supposed to be, but it seems like just a few minutes. When the maids stand me up in front of the mirror, silently asking for my approval, I can only nod at the girl staring back at me from the glass. She looks beautiful and terrified by what's to come wrapped in shimmering silk chains. I have to hide her, the scared girl; I have to smile and dance and look like one of them." "It does no good to dream." Branded by Eric Smith
*I received an ARC of Branded from Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Eric Smith returns to the world of Inked in this adventurous new sequel. No longer a sheltered farmboy, Caenum is caught in the crossfire of the rebellion he ignited. As the final battle with the Citadel approaches, he must choose his own destiny one last time…or let the Citadel choose it for him." Review: When I first received this book I was STOKED. Inked (the first novel) was an absolute amazing novel and I was incredibly excited to see what was going to happen next! Reading this novel however, I found both good and bad surprises. Starting with the bad news, I found that I preferred the first novel to Branded. Inked was full of world building and although Branded introduces some new characters I didn't feel like enough of the world was developed for the reader. This sucked because the settings sounded cool, but there could be so many interesting details. I also found that this novel would fare much better as a movie. Lots of pieces felt awkward and only included one perspective. If Branded became a movie I feel like it would be incredibly interesting for not only the plot, but also by providing those extra details about the landscape. Due to this it took me awhile to get through this novels, and even longer due to finals and other events. Despite its setbacks, Branded also brought in a lot of aspects that I did really enjoy. For instance, I really enjoyed the twists that this story had. As an avid book predictor, I found this novel to really surprise me along the way! I'm also still in love with the concept of magical tattoos. Overall the concept was still fun and I did like Flycker as a character and those were what was really keeping me reading. However, the romance was also bittersweet. His romance was Dreya was obvious from Inked and was still as sweet as ever, but this novel really took a turn and (no spoilers), but I definitely did not agree with how the romance took a turn in this novel. Cover: ★★★★★ Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
*I received an ARC of Nyxia from the Random House Children through Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Emmett Atwater isn't just leaving Detroit; he's leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family. Forever. Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden--a planet that Babel has kept hidden--where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe. But Babel's ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won't forever compromise what it means to be human." Review: I just want the next one. If that doesn't give it away, I REALLY enjoyed Nyxia! I found it to be a unique mix of Hunger Games and Ender's Game vibes. I'm not the biggest sci-fi reader, but this definitely had me turning page after page, digitally of course. Almost immediately I noticed the diversity present in this novel and I couldn't have been happier! It's always amazing to find more diversity in YA books and Nyxia definitely has plenty of diversity. I'm also glad that this diversity although apparent, wasn't incredibly in your face with culture, making it feel much more authentic. The natural input of diversity it something I was definitely looking for and Nyxia delivered it! Sci-fi's are always full of action! Nyxia had a moving plot full of adventure, action, and some major plot twists! It's plot was definitely one of my favorite aspects of this movie and I think, if done right, this could be turned into one heck of a movie! There is a hint of romance for all you romance lovers (is that repetitive?) out there! Scott Reintgen not only filled this novel with action, but he also created some amazing characters.
Nyxia was an incredible read and I would definitely recommend this to everyone, but even more to all you sci-fi readers out there! I'm also super excited to see what continues on in this series because this cliff hanger IS KILLING ME. Anyways, Nyxia is an amazing diverse read that is full of action and suspense and please go and pick it up! Cover: ★★★★☆ Favorite Quote(s): "She reads until I fall asleep, until I'm no longer afraid." "The words of the book echo." "As the rooms shrink, I shrink with them. I wake up right before I'm reduced to nothing." "I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere." A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
Synopsis: "Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.
THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED... The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise. WHO WILL CRUMBLE? Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive? WHO WILL RISE? Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible. WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL? And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay. " Review: THIS BOOK CAN TAKE MY SOUL. Since picking up A Darker Shade of Magic, my life has never been the same and I still can't quite believe this series is over. (If you have not read this series or have only read the first novel, go and check out my reviews forA Darker Shade of Magic andA Gathering of Shadows to catch up and avoid spoilers!) Quick tip! I would highly recommend anyone who has not read ADSOM or AGOS recently to reread them, as it took me quite a few chapters to remember everyone and everything that was going on. Lila Bard. She was all I needed to become SO excited to read this novel. As usual, Lila was her usual Lila self and I can't help loving her character even more after this novel. Lila is such an empowering female character full of interesting traits that we, as readers, learn to love. She also has her flaws, but that only makes her that much more amazing. As always, Schwab has created such a fantastic, adventurous, and gripping plot. So much happened in this novel and my heart was constantly on edge, but I couldn't help it but to keep on going. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and page turning. Kell, Lila, Alucard, Rhy, and Holland are all characters I will never forget. In this novel you will get to meet and unfortunately, lose, many characters that touch your heart. However, as much as I wish this series could go on and on forever, V.E. Schwab blew my mind with this last novel and left me content (though I would say no to more!). Not much of a spoiler, but for those who have read this novel, please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that if Osaron had a science fiction counterpart it would be like that in Illuminae!! Now what are you waiting for! Go change your life and pick up this book! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "It was cowardice, he knew, but cowardice came so much easier than hope." "A queen could leaver her throne. But a mother never leaves her son." "Sometimes you had to pretend, everyone knew that. Pretend to be happy. Pretend to be brave. Pretend to be strong. If you pretended long enough, it eventually came true. Pretending not to be sad was the hardest, but looking sad made people think you were weak, and a girl on top of that, you had to work twice as hard to convince them it wasn't true." "One day. A matter of hours. A world of change." "Dying doesn't help the dead. It doesn't find the lost. A lot of people have fallen. But some of us are still standing." "It is an arrogant man that thinks himself a god. And an arrogant god, thought Tieren, looking to the window, that thinks himself a man." "Life is chaos. Time is order." "People always spoke of love as if it were an arrow. A thing that flew quick, and always found its mark. They spoke of it as if it were a pleasant thing, but Maxim had taken an arrow once, and knew it for what it was: excruciating." "anoshe -- until another day ... Anoshe brought solace. And hope. And the strength to let go." It Ends With Us by Colleen HooverSynopsis: "SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST
Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price. This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter. " Review: Every CoHo book that I have read so far has made me cry and knocked out all the air from my lungs and my brain doesn't work for a good day or so after. This book was no exception. Let's start at the best place to start, the beginning. When I started this book I have to say that I almost felt a strong sense of disappointment. This novel seemed to be much to cliche for Colleen Hoover and although I enjoyed it, I soon would be hit with the true depth of this novel. However, I won't touch on any spoilers and when I do you will be readily warned so don't be scared to continue reading! This book started as what I innocently believed to be a cliche, contemporary, new adult, romance novel. As you can probably tell from the synopsis there seems to be some sort of love triangle, BUT WAIT. It's NOT what you think. This is not your ordinary love triangle and I would still urge you to pick up this book despite that fact. The main character, Lily, is women I would strive to be like. * SPOILER ALERT * Turn back now if you want to remain spoiler free! This book went completely past my expectations. It Ends With Us covered such a unspoken side to abusive relationships that I truly believe everyone should read. It breaks the stigma that leaving an abusive relationship is easy. I truly am inspired and strengthened by the words, thoughts, and actions of Lily throughout the novel. The ideas of this novel are ideas I will carry with me forever and ideas that have reshaped me and even served some sort of protection if I ever have to face this situation, whether it be myself or someone I know, because unfortunately so many women go through this quietly and this book really gives them some sort of voice. Although it is still a fictional novel Colleen's words in her note at the end has really inspired me and I would be so honored if I could ever meet her one day because both her and her mother have taught me such an important lesson and gave me a new perspective on the entire issue. I know I'm avoiding how I usually review a book (it's plot, characters, etc.) but this is one book where those parts matter much less than the purpose itself. This is why I really urge anyone and everyone to pick up It Ends With Us, because it will truly make an impact on your life. PS: if you have finished the book go back and read the dedication! (it broke my heart) Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "I love it when the sky makes me feel insignificant." "We'd just been two people who helped each other when we needed it and got our hearts fuses together along the way." "Maybe love isn't something that comes full circle. It just ebbs and flows, in and out, just like the people in our lives." Unpopular Opinions Book Tag I love reading other people's bookish tags and I'm so excited to do one myself! If you've been here you may know that I like the majority of the books I read so... let's see how this goes!
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Stephanie C.A fan of anything fiction, furry, & fun. Archives
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