Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller
*I received an ARC of Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller through Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Perfect for fantasy fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, the first book in this new duology features a compelling gender fluid main character, impressive worldbuilding, and fast-paced action. Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class―and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand―the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears―Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive. " Review: Mask of Shadows was an interesting read, but as usual there were some pros and cons. Unfortunately I also don't feel this book really deserved to be named for lovers of Sarah J Maas or Leigh Bardugo and the only thing those three had in common was a book under the genre of fantasy. If anything, I found this book almost like a less thrilling version of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. However, the novel was still one that I'm glad a read, here were my thoughts:
I'm actually really excited for the rest of series! I can't wait to see more of this world and I'm really hoping to see more character development, as that often appears more in following novels. While I keep a look out for the following the book, anyone who has not yet read Mask of the Shadows should do so and be prepared for the rest of the series! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "You cannot rush things -impatience courts failure." "Under the moon alone, I broke as ice breaks."
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Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke - I thought they were witches
Synopsis: "Every story needs a hero.
Every story needs a villain. Every story needs a secret. Wink is the odd, mysterious neighbor girl, wild red hair and freckles. Poppy is the blond bully and the beautiful, manipulative high school queen bee. Midnight is the sweet, uncertain boy caught between them. Wink. Poppy. Midnight. Two girls. One boy. Three voices that burst onto the page in short, sharp, bewitching chapters, and spiral swiftly and inexorably toward something terrible or tricky or tremendous. What really happened? Someone knows. Someone is lying." Review: Silly, silly me. I went into this novel with some silly notion that Wink, Poppy, and Midnight were some cackling witches and that this was a fantasy novel. ... I was very wrong Wink, Poppy, Midnight is more of a thriller/contemporary which is quite short and can definitely be read through quickly. So, you might be thinking, if Wink, Poppy, and Midnight aren't some magical witches ... who are they? Without any spoilers let me give a quick, vague run down:
Now the plot of this book was something I didn't expect (due to my wrong assumption about this book), but it was predictable once I had a grasp on the situation. Warning: I am not good with anything creepy. This book definitely gave me some chills, but overall I don't think I'll spend sleepless nights freaked out about it. However, the ending did upset my brains for a good hour or two. This book is written in the three perspectives of Wink, Poppy, and Midnight and their extremely different minds leaves admiring April Genevieve Tucholke so much. Although I understand that these perspectives are from the perspective of teens, I did feel like they were incredibly immature or simply stupid at certain points where they should have done something but didn't. (how much more vague can I get lol). However, even with the immaturity, the story was able to have depth and I appreciated that. Wink, Poppy, Midnight is the perfect read for someone in search of something quick, mysterious, and slightly romance-y. let's pretend that word exists ... cool Cover: ★★★★★ so freakin' gorgeous that it's already all over my bookstagram Favorite Quote(s): "If I was going to lead a life of desperation, then it would be loud, not quiet." "We were like the three fates, weaving the story together, threads of gold, red, and midnight blue."
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The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh // A FANTABULOUS BOOK THAT YOU NEED TO READ RIGHT NOW
Synopsis: "One Life to One Dawn.
In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all. Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets? Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end." Review: ALSKFHDSFUGOJIE This book is FREAKIN FANTABULOUS. I did a read along with Kyla from@ourbookworlds on instagram and I am more than happy that she urged me to read this book because words cannot really explain how much I adored this book. THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
If you can't tell... I thought this book was FANTABULOUS. I would reccommend to everyone that can read. You're welcome in advance. Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quotes: "But I'm not here to fight. I'm here to win." "Your hope will be our tinder, and my righteouness, our blaze." "A shared history does not entitle you to a future." "Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky." "If you are just one girl, I am just one boy." "There is no one I would rather see the sunrise with than you." Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Synopsis: "Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?"
Review: This book will make you feel something. This is not the first book I've read by V.E. Schwab and this book has made sure it will never be the last. Vicious may seem like some typical YA fantasy novel BUT IT IS NOT. (it's hiding all the secret gooey good stuff inside don't fall for it!). My favorite part of this novel was it's incredibly full (as in they have so much background and personality) characters. The characters are not good or bad and l love that because unlike so many other YA characters there is uncertainity instead of that blind love for a character. They aren't pure. Here's why I love them and the "good" I would rate them as. (5 being an angel):
This book's format was also intriguing. The time line wasn't set straight. We catch glimpses of the past and the present and this really helped make the book such a mysterious read! (though when I tried to explain this book it was a bit harder). The writing was also FANTABULOUS. V.E. Schwab is one heck of an author and she deserves all the praise and more! This book may be a YA fiction novel, but it brought with it some amazing life advice (while forcing me to question my morals). I can't word the advice as well as V.E. Schwab can so scroll done for some beautifully written quotes! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "All Eli had to do was smile. All Victor had to do was lie. Both proved frighteningly effective." " 'You're the hero...,' she said, find his eyes, '... of your own story, anyway.' " "He's not a bad man,' she said. 'There are no good men in this game,' said Mitch " "Plenty of humans were monstruous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human." "A good friend, Mr. Turner, is very hard to find." "When no one understands, that's usually a good sign that you're wrong." The Foxe & The Hound by R.S. Grey //Book Tour Post!
*I received an ARC of The Foxe & The Hound from R.S. Grey, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "A full-length STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey. When your life is a hot mess at twenty, it’s cute. At twenty-seven…well, not so much. It’s just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I’ve decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I’ve settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry. That is, until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town’s new vet. With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it’s not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups. Like everyone else, I’m intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can’t refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he’ll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century." Review: I'm so glad I was able to snag an ARC of this amazing novel! It is such a fun, quick read that really had me wishing that this was more than just a standalone! Let's start with the beginning. In the first few pages I WAS HOOKED. (let me explain) DOGS. I am an avid lover of animals especially dogs (and cats!). This was an absolutely amazing start for me and all the dog parts of this novel were so cute and full of me gushing about dogs (not to mention golden retrievers were mentioned and THEY ARE MY FAVORITE). The only "bad" thing I need to mention is that I found some parts predictable. However, unique romance novels are hard (as everything has been written already). In addition, the setting and plot was actually quite unique, and I predicted more of the minor aspects, (like Mr. Boggs). All in all, I still found the book to be a page turner! Another thing I liked about this novel was Madeline. She was a fun person to read in the perspective of, and overall an interesting character. In addition, there were many plot aspects that I loved! However, I don't want to spoil any of the fun! So, if you're a fan of romance you should definitely go and check out this novel! Cover:★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "Because he's the love of my life. And he's my dog." About THE FOXE & THE HOUNDWhen your life is a hot mess at twenty, it’s cute. At twenty-seven…well, not so much. It’s just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I’ve decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I’ve settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry. That is, until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town’s new vet. With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it’s not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups. Like everyone else, I’m intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can’t refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he’ll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century. It’s too bad I underestimated Adam’s irresistible charm and the undeniable attraction that burns between us. The day he pins me to the wall and silences me with a kiss, the line between reality and ruse begins to blur. Every teasing touch brings me to my knees. Every kiss promises more. It looks like my hot mess of a life is about to get a little hotter. Add THE FOXE & THE HOUND to your Goodreads listhere! Get your hands on THE FOXE & THE HOUND by R.S. Grey now!About R.S. GreyR.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com Website | Twitter | Facebook | R.S. Grey's Little Reds Facebook Group | Newsletter | Instagram YALLWEST //still feels like a dreamI WENT TO YALLWEST. I want to share my experience with yall (see what I did there) as this was my FIRST bookish event and it was magnificent. First of all I have to say I only spared enough time to head out for an hour or two so I wasn't actually able to attend signings or panels, but I still had a blast! I actually headed to Yallwest with my dad (who helped me score a couple more items than I would have alone). Essentially my yallwest experience was simply trying to get free things whooo! Here is my oh so amazing haul from simply 2 hours worth of yallwest!
The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares
*I received an ARC of The Whole Thing Together from Delacorte Press through Netgalley, but this in no way affected my honest opinion about the book.*
Synopsis: "Summer for Sasha and Ray means the sprawling old house on Long Island. Since they were children, they’ve shared almost everything—reading the same books, running down the same sandy footpaths to the beach, eating peaches from the same market, laughing around the same sun-soaked dining table. Even sleeping in the same bed, on the very same worn cotton sheets. But they’ve never met. Sasha’s dad was once married to Ray’s mom, and together they had three daughters: Emma, the perfectionist; Mattie, the beauty; and Quinn, the favorite. But the marriage crumbled and the bitterness lingered. Now there are two new families—and neither one will give up the beach house that holds the memories, happy and sad, of summers past. The choices we make come back to haunt us; the effect on our destinies ripples out of our control…or does it? This summer, the lives of Sasha, Ray, and their siblings intersect in ways none of them ever dreamed, in a novel about family relationships, keeping secrets, and most of all, love. " Review: There were things I enjoyed about this book, but there were also a few flaws that caught my attention. However I have to say I was hoping for something that I would love as much at The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and unfortunately I don't think this novel was as strong. Pros:
I was intrigued by the families and how they got around each other. Ray acted like an average guy, but at times it was just inappropriate? Ray and Sasha may not be related and at time they were definitely cute, but other times it felt somewhat incestuous?? I actually supported them for the majority of the time, until the end of the book where there relationship, family-wise, was much too close for them to like each other anymore. This novel was definitely an intriguing read that I'm glad I picked up to experience its interesting setting. Although it was not the ultimate novel and it can be slightly unfair to compare this back to the classic The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it did fall a bit short of my expectations, though I would still recommend others to give this book a try! Cover: ★★★★☆ Favorite Quote(s): " It was a familiar weakness, not wanting the people she loved to want things too badly." Ivory and Bone by Julie Eshbaugh
Synopsis: "A prehistoric fantasy—with allusions to Pride and Prejudice.
Hunting, gathering, and keeping his family safe—that’s the life seventeen-year-old Kol knows. Then bold, enigmatic Mya arrives from the south with her family, and Kol is captivated. He wants her to like and trust him, but any hopes of impressing her are ruined when he makes a careless—and nearly grave—mistake. However, there’s something more to Mya’s cool disdain…a history wrought with loss that comes to light when another clan arrives. With them is Lo, an enemy from Mya’s past who Mya swears has ulterior motives. As Kol gets to know Lo, tensions between Mya and Lo escalate until violence erupts. Faced with shattering losses, Kol is forced to question every person he’s trusted. One thing is for sure: this was a war that Mya or Lo—Kol doesn’t know which—had been planning all along." Review: This book was not what I expected. I went into this novel only knowing that it was a historical fiction that took place during the Ice Age. Although there were some parts that threw me off, I still found the book to be a success! First off you may need to know that I'm not much of a history geek and every time I pick up a historical fiction I'm scared that it will be too historical. This is why when I found this novel to mainly focus on romance, I was pretty pleased. Although if you aren't much into romance or having a novel REALLY focus on romance... you may not want to pick this up because it really is 90% romance. However, the book makes up for it in other ways! (and in my case just adds on to its pros in more ways). Ivory and Bone has amazing action alongside its romance. The perspective of the character telling the story may have a focus on romance, but the plot itself is FULL of action and multiple twists. After all, mammoths, treacherous waters, and neighboring tribes are not to be taken lightly! Although I loved nosying around in the love life of Kol, the crazy events that happen in this novel really seem like enough for me to enjoy this book! I enjoyed this novel, but the one thing I would have to mention is that the book is written in second person. Although this is unique and interesting, as a reader, I found it hard for the first couple of chapters to get the flow going and I each "you" made my brain pause for a moment before I could continue reading. Otherwise, this book was full of great ideas and I really have to praise its unique environment and the romantic yet action-filled plot that goes along with it. There was also absolutely beautiful writing which definitely helped with the second person style. After finishing this book I read the synopsis (lol yea sort of backwards..) and found that it had allusions to Pride and Prejudice, which is strikingly obvious now that I look back. I think I didn't realize mostly because of the fact that in this case there were some twists like how the boys were in search of marriage and twists like that. Now that I look back I have to admire this book even more for these allusions and it definitely makes me look at this novel in a whole new perspective! Cover: ★★★★★ Favorite Quote(s): "A void opens up in this room -- opens up in my chest -- from the lack of you." "you die the way you live" Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Synopsis:"Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way."
Review: Morgan Matson is brilliant! I knew as soon as I finished Since You've Been Gone that I would love everything and anything she wrote, (spoiler alert I was right). Amy & Roger's is such a classic yet unique young adult contemporary novel and I love it!. Amy has a complicated past and I loved how Morgan Matson slowly reveals in in pieces as Amy accepts her past throughout the trip. Amy learns more about herself and deals with her path as the trip progresses and as the reader her past also becomes clearer. As Amy becomes more and more ready to show who she is the novel reflects that with more pieces of her past. This element was probably my favorite and it definitely built this suspense around Amy's past and what she had to learn to deal with. One thing I really loved about this book was that Amy and Charlie weren't that close. I have a twin sister and we aren't the kind of twins you'd usually read about where we do everything together and stuff like that so I loved that this novel showed a difference. Although we aren't as seperate as Amy and Charlie the inclusion of this separation was really realistic and I brought more depth behind the characters. Although I loved this book there was one thing that I didn't particularly feel was right. The romance. This is such a strange thing for me because I pretty much enjoy all romance even the cliche ones, but the romance and the relationship between Amy and Rodger felt impossible especially since they had only met each other for a week. Though I was glad that the ending was somewhat more realistic to the situation. Overall, Morgan Matson did a brilliant job and this classic YA contemporary novel is a great, quick read for all! Cover: ★★★☆☆ Favorite Quote(s): "It shouldn't have come as a surprise. I'd found that if you pushed people away hard enough, they tended to go." "And really, it's not about the destination. It's getting there that's the good part." "Wandering is encouraged." The Fallen Kingdom by Elizabeth May
Synopsis:"The long-awaited final book in the Falconer trilogy is an imaginative tour-de-force that will thrill fans of the series. Aileana Kameron, resurrected by ancient fae magic, returns to the world she once knew with no memory of her past and with dangerous powers she struggles to control. Desperate to break the curse that pits two factions of the fae against each other in a struggle that will decide the fate of the human and fae worlds, her only hope is hidden in an ancient book guarded by the legendary Morrigan, a faery of immense power and cruelty. To save the world and the people she loves, Aileana must learn to harness her dark new powers even as they are slowly destroying her. Packed with immersive detail, action, romance, and fae lore, and publishing simultaneously in the UK, The Fallen Kingdom brings the Falconer's story to an epic and unforgettable conclusion."
Review: Warning! Spoilers for The Falconer or The Vanishing Throne may be present! This series has butchered my heart and I still love it. I'm so glad I was able to have this final book because I honestly would not have been able to wait after The Vanishing Throne. This series is not one I'll ever forget (even if a fairy comes and takes away my memory). By this book there was no doubt that Kiaran had taken over Aileana's heart, but in the meantime he has also taken over mine and that is why I was crushed over and over and every word hurt, but make me continue anyways. The romance in this novel is as breathtaking as ever and I loved it as much as I can now that my heart has been shredded over and over again. I was so overwhelmed with Kiaran in the first two books, but this book has strengthened that love for him as well as formed new loves for other characters. Some were obvious and filled with kindness, Derrick, while others even took me for surprise as I realized I no longer hated them. Just as the emotions are played with for the characters, mine were strewn all over the place. At some points I was so filled with emotion I couldn't stop reading, only for my addicted heart to yearn for the pages for a couple of minutes and go straight back into getting my emotions thrashed. This book is probably my favorite of the three and its plot and action is definitely a major reason for this. I thought the first two books were filled with action, which they were, but this book had even more and weaved it so perfectly with the emotional state of the reader that all I can say is that I was simply overwhelmed. The plot twists were done expertly and each event had me pulled deeper into the story and into their world. I couldn't stop when I started with the first page of The Falconer and by this point I was speeding through while trying to slowly savour the last novel. Now that it's over I almost can't believe it and will definitely be rereading thing (after my heart heals) to just live in this amazing story a while longer. Throughout the trilogy Elizabeth May was stunning. Even at the darkest of times she found ways to insert humor and hope. Her trilogy and this book especially taught me that good and bad aren't distinct and that good and bad is really all relative. Good and bad depends on the perspective and love can conquer more than anyone might imagine. I recommend this book to absolutely EVERYONE because I'm evil (because this book really did break my heart) and kind (because this book was amazing) and I want everyone else to know what the words in this book. (If you haven't go and check out The Falconer and The Vanishing Throne!!) Cover: ★★★★★ (the entire trilogy had such amazing covers!) Favorite Quote(s): "It takes so much bravery to lose everything and still give so much of yourself." "Maybe it's compassion that separates us from monsters." "We will always try to play the hero before we become the villain." "Forgiveness isn't something given. It's something earned." |
Stephanie C.A fan of anything fiction, furry, & fun. Archives
June 2019
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