The Vanishing Throne by Elizabeth May
Synopsis: "Everything she loved is gone.
Trapped. Aileana Kameron, the Falconer, disappeared through the fae portal she was trying to close forever. Now she wakes in an alien world of mirrors, magic, and deception—a prisoner of the evil fae Lonnrach, who has a desperate and deadly plan for his new captive. Tortured. Time after agonizing time Lonnrach steals Aileana’s memories, searching for knowledge to save his world. Just when she’s about to lose all hope, Aileana is rescued by an unexpected ally and returns home, only to confront a terrifying truth. The city of Edinburgh is now an unrecognizable wasteland. And Aileana knows the devastation is all her fault. Transformed. The few human survivors are living in an underground colony, in an uneasy truce with a remnant of the fae. It is a fragile alliance, but an even greater danger awaits: the human and fae worlds may disappear forever. Only Aileana can save both worlds, but in order to do so she must awaken her latent Falconer powers. And the price of doing so might be her life…" Review: WARNING: Spoilers for the first book The Falconer, may be present! Elizabeth May has done it again! The Vanishing Throne was AMAZING, unique, and brought a new flavor to the table compared to The Falconer. I felt like there was more romance, action, and world exploring than ever before and I was constantly on edge. I enjoyed every bit of this novel, but I enjoyed the plot and romance of this novel the most. Kiaran is not the typical sort of YA bad boy, but he definitely brought a different sort of character to the story and reminded me of Wolf from the Lunar Chronicles mixed with the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. That and some extraordinary fae magic definitely had everyone swooning over Kiaran's relationship with Aileana. They may as well be my OTP. I can't help but love their love. SO MUCH happens in this novel. It continues right where The Falconer ended and before anyone can blink everything is moving and you are swept up into it all. As usual, no spoilers, but I really have to say that the amount of things that happens in this novel is INSANE and had me reading more intently than ever. However, I will say that the ending is a cliffhanger so be prepared and grab the third and final book as soon as you can because I really cannot stop reading. There are some familiar names and some new ones, but both are incredible and I have, without a doubt, fell in love with some of the new characters as well as strengthened my love for some of the previous characters. The world Elizabeth May created is something I am so glad this novel gets to go deeper into because it's just so INTERESTING and filled with so much history behind each thing that I can't wait to learn. Unlike The Falconer, The Vanishing Throne doesn't feel as much like historical fiction anymore due to the circumstances of magic and fae, but the fantasy element is much stronger and I have to say... I don't mind, because if you know me I love fantasy! PS: Elizabeth May is AMAZING at describing scents so if any bookish candle makers need some inspo! Definately check out this series! PPS: I also LOVE the Notes and Observations that are at the end! If you haven't read The Falconer, go and pick it up! If you have than be prepared for a wild ride for The Vanishing Throne because its amazing and will no doubt have you reading intently! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): " 'In the end, we are all the stag,' " "The truth is, memories weigh a great dea. Each one bends your bones a little more until the heft of them wears you down. Now I know that some scars go so deep that they never fade."
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The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
*I received an ARC of The Inexplicable Logic of my Life from Clarion Books through Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "The first day of senior year: Everything is about to change. Until this moment, Sal has always been certain of his place with his adoptive gay father and their loving Mexican-American family. But now his own history unexpectedly haunts him, and life-altering events force him and his best friend, Samantha, to confront issues of faith, loss, and grief. Suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and discovering that he no longer knows who he really is—but if Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?" Review: This book came into my life at the perfect moment, and because it did I will always have a place for it in my heart. There is too much to say without giving stuff away, BUT I will insert the spoiler free part here and I will give plenty of warning when the spoilers do come up! Don't worry I would never want to spoil you for this book! Anyways let me continue. This novel has touched my soul so deeply that I know I will never forget it. This book helped me grow as a person and many tears were involved,( but also greatly appreciated.) This book just came into my life at the right moment, and for a long time I couldn't pick it up as it was too similar and emotional for me. Although I have not yet read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, I definitely plan on doing so soon, because the writing of this novel was beautiful and so moving, not to mention such well portrayed characters and an emotion filled plot. WARNING PLEASE STOP HERE IF YOU WANT TO STAY SPOILER FREE THANKS ... are you still reading ... last warning ok here we go! Mima is by far one of my favorite characters. As I began to read this novel I was immediately touched, but I actually stopped reading this book for a good portion of time as my family experienced things similar to Sally (can I call him that?). My grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer, but luckily, with surgery, the tumor was removed and everything was ok, but later she developed a kidney issue that sent my entire family into a frantic mess. That was when I set the book down. However, when I was able to pick the book up again, I had a newfound connection for Sally and Mima's relationship, though tragically they did not get much time and luckily I hope to have plenty more and my grandma is on the road to recovery. Due to what has happened recently, this novel has touched my soul and I truly will never forget it. In addition, I cried more times with book than possibly any other book I have ever read, and that's saying something. Now away from the sad and to the happier side of the novel! Sammy and Sally are the best of friends and have a level of connection that is definitely like having a close sibling. In fact, I considered them sibling from the moment they interacted in the novel. Their understanding for one another is so deep and truly beautiful as is with Fito! I loved Fito! Such a great guy and deserving of so much love! (ps: I wished to hug him many times while reading.) In addition, some amazing things this novel includes are TWO absolutely intricate and lovely gay characters. They were both two strong, independent, and intelligent men and I'm so glad for more characters like Fito and Sal's dad. With that being said I really plan on reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I would really like to thank Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for making this read accessible to me! It was a journey and experience I will hold dearly forever. Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "Maybe I'd always had the wrong idea as to who I really was." "Words existed only in theory. And then one ordinary day you ran into a word that existed only in theory. And you met it face to face." "We're not pigs, you know. We're not supposed to live in our own sh*t." Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis
Synopsis: "Princess Snow is missing.
Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back—but that’s assuming she wants to return at all. Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines. When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane’s arrival was far from accidental, and she’s pulled into the heart of a war she’s risked everything to avoid. With the galaxy’s future—and her own—in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival. " Review: I happened to love this book for the same reason many people dislike this book. I found Stitching Snow to be a perfect blend of mostly Cinder, by Marissa Meyer, and some of Legend, by Marie Lu. Even though the book provides many elements similar to these books, it was exactly what I wanted to read. Stitching Snow had a beautiful everything. I loved its plot, characters, romance, action, and cool names. Funnily enough, it wasn't Ella or Dane that made me really enjoy this novel, but Ella's bots. Her bots, especially Dimwit and Cusser were something that I loved to read about and kept me flipping pages. In fact, I found Ella to be a pretty standard young adult main character and Dane is another crushworthy YA guy, which was too good to be true, but Prince Charming always exists in ya. Even though the romance was somewhat basic, the plot of this novel really brought the romance that occurred in Stitching Snow to a new height. I personally love contemporaries for its cheesy romance, and this novel had that with the setting and plot of a fantasy novel and I couldn't have enjoyed it more! The plot and the action in this novel were both things I really enjoyed, but won't go into much detail because no one likes spoilers! However, I will say there was one part in the plot that felt very obvious to me, but otherwise everything was keeping me on edge! I also really enjoyed how R.C. Lewis used clever names throughout the novel, the one I found being a game in this world of Ella's called Tactik (a game of strategy and warfare). I thought that the effort she put in was definitely a special touch that I really appreciated throughout the novel! Similar to Cinder, Stitching Snow is a retelling, but it is pretty obviously a retelling of Snow White (which I stupidly did not catch on to until a day after I finished reading and thought back on it....). Looking back on it, it was really obvious and I was just being silly. Ella worked with male miners, has a evil stepmother, is good with bots (sort of what I'm assuming is animals), and has a spontaneous burst of perfect romance in her life. However, the spin R.C. Lewis puts on Snow White is both clever and unique and something I think everyone should take a try at reading! I would particularly recommend this novel to lovers of Cinder (or the Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer, or the Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu, (both of which I have also reviewed on my blog!), or lovers of fantasy, romance, and some action as well! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote: "There had to be another choice. I had to create one. Do what needs doing even if it terrifies you." The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Synopsis: "The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people's minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing. It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, drugged and kidnapped, Paige is transported to Oxford – a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite with mysterious motives. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But if Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die. The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine and also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut."
Review: You know one of those books where you pick it up and it NEVER GOES DOWN. Yep, that was The Bone Season for me. Let me tell you why:
Everything was amazing, but out of it all I really admire the world Samantha created. Every little piece is so detailed and thought out. They even have intricate histories and backstories that you learn along the way. She creates a gorgeous map at the start of the novel and a glossary of amazing vocabulary at the end (which you also pick up throughout the story). The magic is also INCREDIBLY UNIQUE. After a while it may seem like you understand the magic world, but let me tell you now, The Bone Season is a whole new type of magic. The plot is also FANTABULOUS. (yes, this book requires me making up words because words can't seem to cover how great it is). There was a bit of a Hunger Games/Divergent vibe, but if you didn't like those series don't throw this series up yet! It had its own twists and I would definitely say this read was more than worth it. Although the plot didn't give me as intense emotions (as in instead of bawling I was shedding tears) as other novels, it definitely brought me throughout a huge range of feels. Samantha is definitely a talented writer and this novel had me completely gripped. I am absolutely ecstatic about this series and I would recommend this to any young adult or fantasy lovers! (Now I'm off to read The Mime Order!) Cover: ★★★★☆ Favorite Quote(s): "We are the minority the world does not accept. ... We look like everyone else. Sometimes we act like everyone else. In many ways we are like everyone else." "Not all of us know what we are. Some of us die without ever knowing." "The sky was sunset gold, the moon a smirk of white." "In the end you'll just stop trying. She was wrong." The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon
Synopsis: "Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal prison camp of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun: many of the survivors are missing and she is the most wanted person in London...
As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on the dreamwalker, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city's gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take centre stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner. Then the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided. " Review: This novel is the SECOND book in its series to stay spoiler free check out my review of the first book: The Bone Season. If you have read my first review then you may already realize how much I love this series. In that case, let it be no surprise that I loved this book just as much if not more! The Mime Order absolutely blew my mind away. With a strong description of the world in the first novel, this following novel is finally able to get things happen, resulting in an AMAZING plot. Not only that, but the entire thing is an absolutely fantastic read due to the elegantly written novel. Now that you have read The Bone Season I can include more about the romance in this series! Ahh... Warden. He is a pretty stereotypical untouchable sort of YA boyfriend, but in many ways he is also quite unique. Warden himself is a standard type of YA boyfriend. Which category? Warden would go under the bad boy with a dark past that a girl shouldn't be dating because of their status' or in this case, being different races (not like ethnicity, but more as in not the human race...). However, the relationship between Warden and Paige is unique to others. Paige is able to showcase her strength and she is definitely wise beyond her years. However, overall Paige definitely shows signs of thinking of Warden at crucial times, but, honestly, even I was distracted by Warden throughout the novel and I can't blame her! This brings me to how much I adore Paige for all she is. She is: - strong - witty - loyal (to her beliefs) - smart (especially with last minute situations) - naive with romance (which can be frustrating, but more hilarious to watch) - yet flawed Samantha created such an amazing main character and reading this through Paige's perspective is delightful (as delightful as going to a bookstore delightful). Now let me explain my dilemma after such an amazing read. You may have heard on my instagram, but I had an ultimate fail when it came to this series... I was approved for the e-arc (The Song Rising) and I FORGOT TO DOWNLOAD IT IN TIME. (*dies a hundred times inside, yes do you feel my pain*). Not only was that a completely horrible slip up on my part, but after reading these two books I REALLY WANT THE NEXT ONE. If anyone wants any real, honest words about this novel... all I can say is learn from me and just purchase all three books (you're welcome in advance). This book and the series in general is something I'd recommend to everyone. If you have any recommendations for me or anything else book related comment below! Cover: ★★★★★ (gonna miss the old versions) Favorite Quote(s): "It's rare that a story begins at the beginning." "Some revolutions change the world in a day. Others take decades or centuries or more, and others still never come to fruition." " 'Would you follow a backstabber?' 'I'd rather follow one than walk in front of one.' " " Words give wings even to those who have been stamped upon, broken beyond all hope of repair." "It was the most secret breed of rebellion I could imagine, putting words on paper." " 'Truth looks different in every lens. History was made by liars.' " wow lots of quotes! (told you the writing was amazing!)
Synopsis: "What if finding her means losing himself?
Seventeen-year-old Bo has always had delusions that he can travel through time. When he was ten, Bo claimed to have witnessed the Titanic hit an iceberg, and at fifteen, he found himself on a Civil War battlefield, horrified by the bodies surrounding him. So when his worried parents send him to a school for troubled youth, Bo assumes he knows the truth: that he’s actually attending Berkshire Academy, a school for kids who, like Bo, have “superpowers.” At Berkshire, Bo falls in love with Sofía, a quiet girl with a tragic past and the superpower of invisibility. Soíia helps Bo open up in a way he never has before. In turn, Bo provides comfort to Sofía, who lost her mother and two sisters at a very young age. But even the strength of their love isn’t enough to help Sofia escape her deep depression. After she commits suicide, Bo is convinced that she’s not actually dead. He believes that she’s stuck somewhere in time—that he somehow left her in the past, and that now it’s his job to save her. And as Bo becomes more and more determined to save Sofía, he must decide whether to face his demons head-on or succumb to a psychosis that will let him be with the girl he loves." Review: This book covers a topic I know can be quite controversial and although I am no expert I thought that this novel definitely shows a side to mental illness that people like me, who are not completely aware, can learn from and possibly understand those with mental illnesses more. At first, I found the plot, writing style, and double perspectives extremely mind-boggling. Even though it was hard for me to read, I have a feeling Beth Revis wanted the reader to go through this because often mental illness has no clear cut lines and many times it can be confusing for both the person and their family. I grew to love she put in the Bo's sister's perspective because in a way the reader was able to glimpse at the "regular" world and put Bo's thoughts to perspective. I love Bo's perspective. I found it thrilling and surprisingly relatable. Who doesn't want to have superpowers and fall in love, and if Phoebe's thoughts were not mentioned, I doubt I would have even thought Bo had a mental illness, but instead that he was a hero of a YA novel. (Which he is but you know what I mean). It was incredibly creative seeing how Bo viewed the world and how the world was viewed by the general public. It was clear that his mind and imagination deceived him, and not unlike many of us readers, sometimes your imagination is the best place to be and ends up overpowering your common sense, but Bo never left his world. In fact, his world was his imagination which led to the problem of Sofia and all that had happened. This novel gave me the same sense of telling a child Santa Claus doesn't exist. It felt like loss of innocence and the naturally positive view many kids have of the world. Bo's innocent view of the world and his endless imagination was something I loved that I could connect to him with. Phoebe was so similar to I wondered if I was her for a second. Although I definitely don't have the perfect grades I am also incredibly spread out, in that I have no particular subject I really want to major in because I'm still figuring out who I am and choosing something to do in the future is a large choice that I have not been able to figure out quite yet. She also has parents who have high expectations and I definitely understand that feeling as well. Phoebe really connected to me and I found her perspective to fit mine. However, her perspective was so realistic it hurt my imaginative side and I wanted to just get sucked into Bo's world and leave the sensible and practical thoughts Phoebe emitted. In a sense, I am the mixture of Bo and Phoebe and I think everyone has a bit of both in them. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE, because even though it may not suit everyone's tastes, I think it is really important for people to be educated about mental illness, because it exists and affects many people in our world and this novel can help bring some insight to readers about the hardships of mental illnesses, but also how they are also people. Cover: ★★★★☆ Favorite Quote(s):
Let me know in the comments what you thought about this book! (or anything else bookish related!) Gilded Cage by Vic James
*I received an ARC of Gilded Cage by Vic James from NetGalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved. Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world. A girl thirsts for love and knowledge. Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price? A boy dreams of revolution. Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution. And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts. He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy? " Review: I didn't really have any idea of what this book was about going in, but I new it was a fantasy novel. This novel definitely did not disappoint. The entire set up of this novel from the characters to plot to the world Vic James created is incredibly fascinating and was something I've never seen before. The way the world was set up was unique, but worked with the plot incredibly well. The world presented in Gilded Cage was presented, at first, as normal in terms of fantasy. There seemed to only exist a simple mix of magic and people, but quickly the darker side of the world is present. This dark twist quickly transforms this book into a whirlwind of adventure! The book is written with multiple perspectives, which was slightly confusing at first, but, after I caught up with the names, was incredibly insightful to understand what those characters were feeling. It also conveniently sets up mind-blowing plot twists or at least connections that make you go, "OOHHH!". Gilded Cage is not lacking in a VARIETY of unique characters. I found that I was most similar to Ami, but that I preferred reading in Luke's perspective, which luckily was the general perspective. I would go into depth on each character, but there are far too many and I don't want to give anything away! The plot of this novel is gripping and had me reaching to read a couple of pages, even when I was incredibly busy. I definitely thought I had the plot all worked out at a couple points along the book, but I was WRONG. Gilded Cage had my heart beating and definitely didn't always go the way I had predicted and that was amazing. The plot and characters were, without a doubt, why I can't wait for the next book. I didn't even realize this was a series until about halfway through, but I'm so grateful it is because I can't wait to see more of this unique world, its characters and the possibilities! I'm so grateful to have gotten to read this book early on and I would recommend this to all YA readers, but especially for those who love a unique fantasy, some fast paced adventure, and those who want to new series to fall in love with! I also later found that this was first written on wattpad and won an award which only adds to the reasons of why more people need to read this book! Cover: ★★★★★ (I don't know if this is even the finalized cover, but it's gorgeous all the same!) Favorite Quote(s): "no one will make you play. We may have chosen you, but you have to choose the game." "Trust lent you someone else's eyes, someone else's strong arms or quick brain. Made you bigger than just yourself." "The severity of the man's punishment was no proof that he deserved it." Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch
Synopsis:It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.
Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves? Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats? As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world. Review: WARNING SPOILERS FOR SNOW LIKE ASHES MAY BE PRESENT. To start off with, I completely forgot all of Snow Like Ashes because it took me so long to get my hands on this novel and therefore I had ZERO guesses of what might happen. Slowly I got back into this Season & Rhythm world. Meira is an interesting main character because not only is she my age, but she also has aspects of life where she is definitely more knowledgeable than me, but for a lot of things I found her quite foolish with desicion-making. Sara Raasch did a brilliant job with the characters overall and I thought that Ice Like Fire allowed me to understand the characters on a better level as well as meeting new amazing characters like Ceridwen. The plot was twisty! I loved the new aspects Ice Like Fire brings to the story and more and more of the world is explored and I LOVED THAT. It felt like their world itself was changing and that made it harder for me to try and guess what might happen ahead of time. Although I don't personally feel there was a lot of character excitement and focus, there was a LOT of focus on the world and its history/culture. This exploration was exciting, page turning, and brilliant all at once! There was a lot of figuring out the magic and the conduits and how they worked and it was definitely a journey to go along on. Mather vs. Theron. Who could choose? Personally I support Mather and Meira, but we'll just have to see! I actually really enjoy stereotypical romances, like love triangles etc. so I enjoyed the romance in the novel, but romance isn't the main focus of this novel, though it is still prevalent. The romance actually really reminded me of the Hunger Games romance so be warned or be excited! I would reccomend this book to fantasy lovers but definitely go and check outSnow Like Ashes first! Cover: ★★★★☆ Favorite Quote(s): "The idea he planted sprouts roots and unfurls wide leaves, fostering recklessness similar to that of the wild girl I used to be." "the girl was a storm of emotions" "No one should be forced to be something they aren't." Beautiful Something Else by Sheila Hageman
*I received a copy of Beautiful Something Else from the author, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Beautiful Something Else is a contemporary romance with smarts and humor. Lizbeth, an outwardly-confident but overly self-conscious thirty-year-old, is spurred on by her New Age friend, Janet, to trust the Universe and ask for what she wants in life—to land a starring role, lose five pounds and find herself naked with a man. The stars seem to be aligning for her, but not exactly in the way she meant. A chance encounter with a film director at Grand Central Station may be her lucky break, but the New York City actress is blindsided when she is fired from her bill-paying waitress job, and she must decide where her true values lie. Should she take a position as a “pretend secretary” for a handsome, but holier-than-though chiropractor and healer with questionable morals to pay her rent? While Chip Duncan woos a potential investor for his new healing center, he fights his romantic urges for Lizbeth. She finds herself falling in love with Chip’s caring, healing heart, but she’s equally frustrated by his greed and dishonesty. Can Lizbeth resolve her body image issues and find a clear path to satisfaction in career and relationship? And will Chip realize in time that Lizbeth is the woman for him before he blows off her love?" Review: This book definitely exceeded my expectations. I know that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but let's be honest, most of us do. That's why when I first looked at the cover I thought I would be reading a middle grade novel, that just happened to be quite a bit longer. What I got instead was a romance filled, new adult-ish contemporary which I found to be a really good read! My favorite part about this novel was that this novel covered topics that can be considered taboo in our society. Although, it never goes into depth, just bringing up topics like beauty standards, religion, and feminism is a step up from ignoring these issues. I loved how characters interacted and I definitely read through this novel very quickly because of this. The plot was interesting, but I, personally, did not find it incredibly unique and it wasn't very moving. However, I enjoyed the idea of the plot and that because of the lack of action, there was a deeper focus on the characters and what was occurring in their minds. Besides the lack of action, I also found the end of the novel to be cut short, or rushed. Although it definitely was not a horrible ending, and everything was able to come together, I just felt rushed through the last chapter. Overall, Beautiful Something Else definitely surpassed by expectation of it. It would make a great read for anyone in search of a fun, romantic, novel to read. Cover: ★★☆☆☆ (this cover really threw me off lol) Favorite Quote(s): "How did you choose one religion over another?" Oak and Mistletoe by J.Z.N. McCauley
*I received an ARC of Oak and Mistletoe from the author, J.Z.N. McCauley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "A Druid Curse, A Prophesied Love, A Consuming Vengeance… Catherine Green, along with her twin sister and older brother, travels to Ireland on a college graduation trip. Her vacation takes a permanent turn when she lands her dream job at an art and history museum on her beloved Emerald Isle. She meets a handsome stranger named Bowen, an expert of sorts on local ancient studies. Though their first meetings are turbulent at best, Catherine finds herself drawn to him. Unaware that she is the key to breaking a hidden curse, Catherine unleashes the evil madman Conall and his druid followers, imprisoned since ancient times. Tragedy and loss ensue, sprouting within Catherine the deep seeds of rage that thrust her onto the damaging path of vengeance. Confused by the enigma that is Bowen, his mixed signals, and her own feelings, she is swept away with him on an unexpected journey surrounded by myth and long-forgotten knowledge. In order to stop the evil plans of Conall and his reunified army, Catherine must entwine her fate with peril. Her survival is trivial to her as long as Conall dies. She’ll do whatever it takes. " Review: There was definitely both good and bad that came with Oak and Mistletoe. Bad news first. I found this book to be rushed and unrealistics. YES I KNOW that DOES sound strange because it is both fiction and fantasy, so how could it be "realistic"? Well, let me explain. It wasn't necessarily the magic part that threw me off, but that fact that the main character, Cathy, took everything in without emotion, even though her entire world had literally been shaken up. Something traumatic also happens within the first 50ish pages and I found that to be not only rushed, but again hard to fathom how Cathy could take in so much change with so little response. I also found the start of the book to be very rushed because there was barely any building up of the world and the characters before everything came crashing down. The romance also wasn't particularly believable, but I wouldn't say it was horrible either. Now for the good part! I loved that Oak and Mistletoe was set in Ireland. I haven't read any books set in Ireland and it was great to see a part of a different culture. I read a lot of fantasy novels, but many are more modern and element based. I really like that this book featured a old mystic sort of magic in it and that definitely caught my attention. Many books also feature teens that seem to run off without a care in the world. Oak and Mistletoe captures the family vibe and includes the details many books leave out. For instance, Cathy doesn't disappear without making contact to others and even when they are out adventuring the book often mentions of them "relieving themselves" which I found both hilarious and realistic and something I know that many YA readers comment about. PS: I would like to thank J.Z.N. McCauley for the bag of sweets and the signed book and bookmarks! Cover: ★★★☆☆ |
Stephanie C.A fan of anything fiction, furry, & fun. Archives
June 2019
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