Book Review: The Blazing Star

Title: The Blazing Star
Series: TBA
Author: Imani Josey
Publication Date: December 06, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Portia White is used to being overlooked—after all, her twin sister Alex is a literal genius.

But when Portia holds an Egyptian scarab beetle during history class, she takes center stage in a way she never expected: she faints. Upon waking, she is stronger, faster, and braver than before. And when she accidentally touches the scarab again?

She wakes up in ancient Egypt—her sister and an unwitting freshman in tow.

Great.

Mysterious and beautiful, Egypt is more than they could have ever imagined from their days in the classroom. History comes alive as the three teens realize that getting back to the present will be the most difficult thing they’ve ever done. Stalked by vicious monsters called Scorpions, every step in the right direction means a step closer to danger.

As Portia and the girls discover that they’re linked to the past by more than just chance, they have to decide what it truly means to be yourself, to love your sister, and to find your way home.

MY THOUGHTS
Portia's used to being the twin that goes along with everything her sister does. Same clothes, same hairstyle, even agreeing to go to the same university with her once they graduate high school. But Portia wanted to be more than that. More than to be that twin who is behind the spotlight while the world looks at her sister. A class trip to a museum not only changed Portia's relationship with her sister, but it also took her back to the past. Ancient Egypt kind-of past.

I've studied bits of Ancient Egypt when I was in high school and I love how I understood (or remember) some terms that I didn't feel the need to Google them. I had the time of my life reading The Blazing Star because not only did this took me to Egypt's ancient times but it also packed some magic and humor between the pages.

This was gods and goddesses, myths and legends, and very old magic.

Aside from the quote above, the book has POC characters, female characters with different personalities and have their own strengths, a relationship between twin sisters that's going to be tested as the story goes on, a protagonist finding more for herself than being in the shadows of her twin, a prince who's nice and sweet (and adorable when he doesn't understand any "present/current terms/things"), and unexpected twists. This was also light on the romance department and I love it because it wasn't rushed. It was developed and I'm eager to see what's in store for it in the next book.

There was also a scene here where I teared up. It was when Portia finally told Alex, her twin, what she really felt and how she wanted to mean something for herself this time. I felt Portia's pain and I don't even have a twin or a sibling to relate this kind of emotion. Alex isn't bad though, she just wanted her and Portia to be together (and maybe until forever) but Portia wanted other things this time. This was honestly the one that really got me going because I've mentioned many times before that family relationships will always have the biggest impact on me whenever I read a book, despite me being a big sucker for romance.

I'm excited for the next book because that ending somehow left me wanting more, and not to mention that it was a bit of a cliffhanger. I also had no idea that this wasn't a stand-alone but I'm not complaining.

AND CAN WE JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO ADMIRE THE VERY BEAUTIFUL COVER? You all should know by now how covers are important to me because they are the ones that attract me first, the blurb comes second.

***ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

MY RATING

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Book Review: Vein Of Love

Title: Vein Of Love
Series: Blackest Gold, #1
Author: R. Scarlett
Publication Date: August 16, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads /  Amazon

"Darkness isn't all one shade, sweetheart."

Three centuries ago, Molly Darling’s ancestors signed a contract in blood—daemon blood—to protect themselves from harm. On the eve she turns nineteen, Molly leaves for her birthday party against her parent’s wishes, sick of their warnings about her “betrothal to a demon.”

Except that she’s very much betrothed, and he’s very much a demon—one who’s only agreed to the nuptials to steal Molly’s ancient daemon powers. Brash, arrogant, and built like a Greek god, Tensley Knight keeps showing up to save Molly from otherworldly attacks, only to insult her a moment later.

As Molly learns more about the demon world, she realizes two things: that her family’s safety depends on a successful marriage, while any chance of freedom she’ll ever have calls for Tensley’s demise.

Yet sometimes Molly spots a tortured soul beyond those liquid grey eyes, and there’s no denying the way her skin tingles when Tensley touches it. In Vein of Love, safety requires sacrifice, foe becomes lover, and one must decide whether to kiss...or to kill.

MY THOUGHTS
Vein of Love is a dark fantasy that revolves around Molly finding out who she is, facing the situation she's currently in and how she'd protect her family while being engaged to Tensley who is like a Math problem she's trying to figure out.

This reminds me of The Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins although it doesn't share the same story path as Vein of Love but it has the same concept about demons mingling in with humans in the face of the earth doing mundane things. Some anyway. The writing was good and the point of view changes weren't confusing for me despite being reading it as a third person narrator. The story is still very engaging to read and I love Molly's fierceness. Girl won't let anyone harm her family and friends and I had to give it to her for being brave in a world where she could be harmed at any given time. Also, I'm liking September, Illya and Lex. These characters had piqued my interest.

Like any other stories, there will always be things that I had to shake my head to. What put me off here were these: Tensley and Evelyn's relationship. I am bothered. Obviously, Tensley was unable to make up his mind about her even when he finds himself getting pulled by his feelings for Molly no matter how he denies it. While I get his situations and his nature, it was complicated and I don't think I could label this as a love triangle but low-key, it is. And I don't do love triangles. Another is his relationship with Molly. I feel giddy every "friendly" interaction they have that sometimes lead to something more. However, it's like one step forward and two steps backward. Last one that made me down was Molly trusting perfect strangers easily just because they were friendly. I'll stop there to avoid spoilers.

Overall, it's a promising start to a series and a refreshing read for me because it's fantasy and it's New Adult. The characters are close to my age and I've been looking for some good NA fantasy to read. This one did it but as much as I had fun reading, like I said, the whole "relationship" thing plus the "trust" situation were hindering me from fully enjoying this one. I'm indifferent when it comes to Tensley too but I hope that will change. Looking forward to the next book!

MY RATING

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Series Review: Lumatere Chronicles

Series Title: Lumatere Chronicles
Author: Melina Marchetta
Books: 

• Finnikin Of the Rock
• Froi Of the Exiles
• Quintana Of Charyn

Publication Dates: 

• Book #1: September 29, 2008
• Book #2: October 3, 2011
• Book #3: September 26, 2012

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon (book 1)

Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive.

Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father.

But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin's faith in her . . . but in himself.

MY THOUGHTS
I flew through the Lumatere Chronicles and it was an adventurous reading experience. This will be a short review of the series and each book. I only put the first book's description since it's how this series all started.

Finnikin Of the Rock: Finnikin and Evanjalin's bickering was one of the highlights in this book and it gave me a sense of humor in the midst of the angst and pain the characters are in... or just the story in general. Note at the description that the royal family was murdered and kingdom isn't in good condition and they're on the search for the lost heir so you can definitely tell how much the characters are hurting every time they recall the good times and how everything fell apart. But when the secrets were out, I knew this book was gonna be a favorite of mine. I love how it surprised me and that I really didn't expect anything. I had this gut feeling, but it wasn't it. And Evanjalin is one of my instant favorite characters.

Froi Of the Exiles: Book two was just as shocking as the first one and there were more events that took place and more characters are introduced. Froi grew on me in this book and I'm glad Marchetta didn't brush the thing he did in the first book under the rug. As for the other characters, Quintana was one of the characters introduced and like Evanjalin, she became one of my favorites. My heart broke for this girl and the only thing I could think of while flipping the pages was that I want to protect her and cherish her and tell her that she deserves to be loved and treated with respect. Another character was Phaedra and I can't stress enough how I admire her. The way she stands for others, be it her people or not, is something I definitely salute her of.

Quintana Of Charyn: A great book to wrap the series. The last book was no different than the first two when it comes to excitement, surprises, angst and smiles. There were so many things going on and how the characters were clashing here and there, but those what made this very entertaining to read.

Overall: Lumatere Chronicles is one of the well-plotted stories I've read and it's definitely reread-worthy. Enough to make you smile, laugh and get your heart broken. I also want to say how much I love Marchetta for writing her female characters with defining strengths and personalities.

The ring's a promise of peace and I'm greedy with hope. It's a song that we sing in a tongue that we share. And though you say it's a gift from a king to a king, I say it's a sign from a queen to a queen.

MY RATING 

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Book Review: The Star-Touched Queen

Title: The Star-Touched Queen
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you’re only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire…

But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.

MY THOUGHTS

"Come with me and you shall be an empress with the moon for your throne and constellations to wear in your hair. Come with me and I promise you that we will always be equals."

The Star-Touched Queen is a very magical book and I admire Roshani Chokshi's lyrical writing because it really gave me the whole fantasy feeling when I read it. The plot was unique with the horoscope because I hardly come across books with that kind of theme. Props also for a strong female lead. I like how her being hesitant to trust a stranger, who's her husband, was something to relate. It's a stranger. Despite the friendly actions, still a stranger. I love her heart when it comes to her sister and how she's willing to take the risk if it means to save the people she loves. Her determination was admirable. Though I like to point out that even with all this admiration I have for her, she did still made some mistakes (something I had under the spoiler in my Goodreads review so if you haven't read the book, please don't click it).

However, as much as I enjoyed the book at some point, I was lost majority of the time. My interest started to really rise during Part II but even then, there were still parts where I question what is going on or what time/dimension is it already. The thing is, there are these doors--as said from the summary--and each door hides something. That was where I got confused. There's also the whole timetable in which again, I'm confused. The whole tapestry thing is another on the list. I even wonder if it's like Disney's Brave because the tapestry was connected to the story (the whole "fate" thing). The whole deal of how the tapestry works was explained but the details or process didn't really register in my head. I get the connection but I had a hard time picturing it--me picturing the book's scenarios helps me whenever I read because my imagination is doing this "mini movie" but sadly for this one, I had a hard time grasping. There were also things that somehow I wish there's more depth into it: the whole curse/horoscope (this might have been explained well but again, I was lost), the relationship with Maya and Nritti, Maya's past and how she got to where she is now.. even her relationship with Amar which was also intriguing for me (love the whole jaani endearment though, that was just sweet).

I started to get the hang on the last few chapters since there was a clear action going on and not just Maya wandering the palace and opening doors. The last chapter was kind of a mixed scenario for me because a lot of things were happening and to think it's nearing the end.

I'd still recommend The Star-Touched Queen despite my 3-star rating. It really is a beautiful book, it's just that I had a hard time understanding stuff. I might read this again in the future and maybe I'll finally get it. For now, I'm just gonna leave this here. Also, this book would've made a really great movie. Just imagine how awesome the cinematography will be (you'll get what I mean if you've read it).

MY RATING

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Book Review: The Rose & the Dagger

Title: The Rose and the Dagger
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn, #2
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

MY THOUGHTS
A beautiful conclusion of one of the many fantasy books I've come to love. The Rose & the Dagger takes us to Shahrzad back with her family and the people whom she knew most of her life yet are enemies with her husband, Khalid. During her stay, she discovered secrets that could either help her and the people she loved or could put them in danger and be used for destruction.

My emotions were all over the place because The Wrath & the Dawn left me in a state where I want the next book ASAP. This duology easily became my favorite because of its interesting characters with their own stories to tell, the world-building where there's magic and curses discovered, Shazi's stories and the love between her and Khalid--and not just them though. Other characters were falling in love and they all made me so happy and... heartbroken (you'll know when you read it). Their love stories are the kind that made my heart flutter and shatter at the same time. When Sharhzad and Khalid fell in love, a part of me fell in love with them.

I love Renée Ahdieh for that plot twist. I did not expect that AT ALL. I had to keep myself awake because all I could think of was "I WON'T STOP UNTIL I FINISH THIS BOOK TONIGHT" and I did. Although the book have some stuff that I think weren't necessary (posted them in my Goodreads review but warning: SPOILER ALERT). Still, I gave this a solid 5 stars because I might have some bit of issue with it, the good stuff outweighed (a lot!) the ones that I think were irrelevant or just plain no.

Shahrzad al-Khayzuran is truly a queen. With or without a crown, to me she is one. A strong girl who doesn't belong anyone but herself. A girl with a brave heart and a bright mind. I love her so much. Also a standing ovation to the other female characters in these books because they have their own unique personalities, wits and smarts. I won't discuss them because I might give away. Their stories is for you to discover.

The ground did not exist. Nor did the sky.
Here, she was truly boundless.
Fear would never overtake her again.

This is the last book and it's time for that goodbye. As hard as it is for me not being able to read more about them, I'm glad and satisfied. Thank you, Renée Ahdieh, for the story that made my reading and waiting so worthwhile.

MY RATING

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Book Review: The Forbidden Wish

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

When Aladdin discovers Zahra’s jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn’t seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra’s very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

MY THOUGHTS
Another great read, another book to add to my favorites list.

“But every wish has its price, and the price of the Forbidden Wish is thy life. Thou must swear upon the souls of thy people that thou wilt never speak those words. If thou shouldst suffer for the love of me, I would never forgive myself.”

Every bit of The Forbidden Wish was a ride of adventure and I enjoyed every thrilling turn with the emotional ups and downs. The story sucks you in with its magical world and interesting characters from the poor people who seek revolution and freedom to the royals who have their secrets to keep and to the creatures who possess magic and power for either good or evil.

Zahra–I love her. She has been inside the lamp for thousands of years and still haunted by the memory of her past with a human. Which also caused my heart to break for her. Reading what she’s been through and the bond she’s formed with a queen who treated her like a sister only for things to end tragically was just sad. Stuff like this always make me go “WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD CHARACTERS”. And as always, my favorites ones are the ones who are always doomed. But despite all that, Zahra managed to be a strong female lead not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. I admire her strength and how smart she is. Aladdin, on the other hand, was a fun character to get to know. I love his witty self and how he cares for Zahra and the people who thought he would be their hero even though he’s very sure that he is not one and will never be. His and Zahra’s chemistry also made me swoon and had me elighted to read every moment they shared. It made me so happy on the inside everytime.

Zahra and Aladdin aren’t the only two with amazing stories to share. There’s Caspida and her Watchmaidens who are the very definition of “squad goals” and “girls bite back”. Really, if I could step into a fictional world with enough abilities to fight, I want them to recruit me to join them. I love the Watchmaidens loyalty to Caspida and how they would risk their lives to protect her and of course, Caspida cares about them a lot too. I was a bottle of emotions when it came to them… and later on with Caspida and Zahra. The female friendship and girls fighting alongside each other here made me love this book even more.

“Are you with me?”

“In victory or death, I will be at your side, sister.”

This book is worth rereading and if you love fantasy and fairy tale retellings then I definitely recommend you get your hands on this. The Forbidden Wish even has a light humor in it that will definitely ease up the worries or tension you for the characters.

MY RATING

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Book Review: The Siren

Title: The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon

A girl with a secret.
The boy of her dreams.
An Ocean between them.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude…until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of.

Falling in love with a human breaks the Ocean’s rules. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart.

MY THOUGHTS
I am all for mythological themes in books and mermaids/sirens happen to be my favorite kind although I can’t really say I’ve read a lot because I haven’t but once I come across one, I feel like picking it up.

The Siren was a light read with an interesting plot including a mother-daughter relationship, friendship/sisterhood between the sirens, a cute love story, and Kahlen’s journey from her human self to becoming a siren. It’s heartwarming and saddening at the same time. There were parts of the book where I shed a tear. Kahlen’s connection with the Ocean, who is kind of like a Mother the sirens, is both beautiful and tense because one moment the Ocean is being all motherly and the next She becomes possessive (for a reason She explained in the book). Her friendship with the other sirens though made the reading experience more fun. How they love, care, protect and stand up for each other is something.

There wasn’t much conflict in this book, reason why I feel like wanting more. I was looking forward to some intense fight for Kahlen’s freedom. I was glad that this is a stand-alone but a part of me really felt it was lacking a tiny bit. Still, I enjoyed it and it had me grinning and shedding tears at some point.


MY RATING

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Book Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa (ARC)

Title: The Forever Song
Series: Blood of Eden, #3
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

*I received this ARC for free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

My Thoughts

The final installment of the Blood of Edent trilogy is packed with action that makes every page exciting to read. I was very excited to read this and when I finally did, Julie Kagawa didn't let my hopes and excitement down.

Plot

The start was really good and full of the trio (Allie, Kanin and Jackal) kicking butt and..drinking blood. The mysteries and thrilling parts were wonderfully executed that sometimes it made me surprised because I didn't see it coming. Until the end, the action didn't stop. Although there was a certain scene about the curing that had me a bit puzzled. Also the graphic images and bloodshed were kind of gruesome but ever since the first book, it had that already so I wasn't fazed a hundred percent. Even though this time around, it has lots of it compared to the first two books.

Characters

I could never be more proud of Allison, on how she grew up as a character and how she handled the 'monster' in her. I'd give this girl a standing ovation over and over. Kanin is still the stoic Master vampire but the moment he showed his soft side in this book makes you want to melt and love him..and cry for him. The book's all dark and angst-filled but thanks to Jackal because he brings out the humor in the air. He became the voice of reason lately and his sarcastic side just makes you laugh. These three make one badass, vampire family. Let me also put the fact that their teamwork was so good. Hands down. Zeke makes you want to hug him at first, punch him the next (you'll know why) and hug him again and keep him forever. What happened to him was devastating but I'm also proud of him that he's fighting and he has hope, and thanks to Allie for helping him. I agree with his given nickname, thanks to Jackal, 'puppy'.

Conclusion

I'm sad that this is the last book but Julie Kagawa did a good closure for the trilogy's finale. If you loved The Immortal Rules and The Eternity Cure, you'll love this one as much as the two. Precaution, it will bring you tears.

My Rating:

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Book Review: Cress

Title: Cress
Series: Lunar Chronicles, #3
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: February 04, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Retelling
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

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

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

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

My Thoughts

Marissa Meyer has done it again. Another read from the Lunar Chronicles series, another great journey to this futuristic fairytale retelling and new characters to have a thrilling adventure with. Cress introduces us to a few new characters and we get a glimpse of someone for the next and last book in the quartet, Winter. I have once again loved the third installation and the events during the last few chapters made me want the next book ASAP.

Cress was a lovable main character just like Cinder and Scarlet. She's awkward and oblivious that I find it funny and cute. And one can't help not to fall for Captain Carswell Thorne. In this book, we get a new side of him that we haven't seen in Scarlet. In book two, he's usually the sarcastic and charming one, here, he's still that but there's more of him that I didn't expect to see. The rest of the characters still amaze me with their determination to stop Levana and fight her and the evil Lunars. It's just sad that there were so many traps and some of the characters got harmed and kidnapped. Ever since the first book, I can't seem to stop worrying for them. They've already been through so much that I can't wait for the last book so that there's finally an end to Levana's cruelty.

There was never a dull moment when I read Cress, same goes for the books before it, and I've been enjoying every moment. Except for the sad parts, they weren't enjoyable, they were worth the tears. Very good book, loved it and I'm very much excited for Winter.

My Rating:

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Book Review: Scarlet

Title: Scarlet
Series: Lunar Chronicles, #2
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: February 05, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Retelling
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My Thoughts:

I am so in love with this book and I regret that I didn’t plan on reading this right after I read Cinder. I wasn’t sure at first what to feel for this (before I read it) because it’s from another character’s POV and I’m not used to changing POVs in fantasy books. I’m used to them when I’m reading contemporary but fantasy (or any other genre aside from contemporary)? No. I wanted to remain in Cinder’s head (even with Emperor Kai) and I wasn’t ready to let go just yet. To my utter surprise, Scarlet sure had me wrapped around its pages. The POV? Different POVs which I’m thankful for because there’s enough screen time for the characters and the events circling around them. It’s not also written in a messy way because I’ve encountered books with multiply POVs, and in third person, that ends up having their readers confused with the flow.

I have loved Scarlet as much as I loved Cinder. I love how these heroines can be badass without kicking butts every single time. Sure they have kicked some but their badassery (not really a word) wasn’t determined on their physical strengths. It was more on the way they think and their determination to fight. I wish there was more about Scarlet’s grandma because she seemed to know a lot, especially on what happened to Princess Selene. Cinder and Carswell tag-team was so fun to read especially Carswell Thorne’s personality. And then we have Wolf who, from the start, already caught my interest from the start due to his shyness. In the end, he’s still managed to keep me interested. Wolf and Scarlet though, I love them so much together that right now, I’m wanting more of them!

I’m excited to start Cress but at the same time, I want to reread this and go on Scarlet’s journey again.

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Book Review: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Title: Antigoddess
Series: Goddess War, #1
Author: Kendare Blake
Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
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Cassandra and Aidan are just your average high-school couple. Blissfully unaware of her own power, Cassandra doesn’t even know that gods exist.

Until now.

Because the gods are dying - and Cassandra could hold the answer to their survival. But Aidan has a secret, and he will do anything to protect the girl he loves from the danger that’s coming for her. Even if it means war against his immortal family…

My Thoughts:

I was excited to start this book because from the blurb, I could feel that it’s gonna be dark and it talks about mythology, which is something I’m very interested in. I’ve been interested in mythology for so long. But somehow, I ended up feeling..a bit disappointed with this.

I was very confused at first with why the gods were dying, who they’re running from, and that feather with Athena thing which was kind of creepy. I even thought that this would only be focused on Cassandra and Aidan’s POVs and along their journey, they would just meet the gods but no, there’s also Hermes and Athena’s POVs. Both are told from third person. And if I remember, there was also a short POV of Hera, or maybe that was just part of some vision. Then the chapters were very unfair for the characters and their story. Cassandra and Aidan’s chapters would range around three to ten (less or more than) pages but most of the time, it’s cut so short that I find it annoying because they have such a short screentime and things were changing especially when Cassandra started seeing horrific stuff. While Hermes and Athena’s chapters were so long yet the longer they were, the more questions I have since their story (journey) has been dragging.

When things got interesting, I had this want to dislike Athena. And one of the reasons why I’m disappointed was because the gods weren’t acting like gods. They were dying but then it’s like a very new side to them. Especially Athena. I didn’t like the way she went around with Cassandra. It feels selfish and then at the end she just wants to leave Cassandra after everything that happened. I don’t want to get into spoilers. I’m not a spoiler-type of reviewer. And Aphrodite somehow surprised me, in a bad way.

Bottom line, I’m not happy with this book but I’m glad for the tiny bits of Cassanda and Apollo (even though I didn’t like the way things ended with them in the myth) and I still want to read the next book for some reason.

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Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone
Series: Grisha Trilogy, #1
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publication Date: June 05, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

My Thoughts:

Shadow and Bone was very fun to read. The world-building, the characters and the magic caught my interest and made me want to know more about it. The beginning of the book was already in for action, sad but very good. All the more reason to keep on reading.

The world's places/cities confuse me. One, because of the names and two, because of the distance since the characters seem to travel from one place to another. Thankful that there's a map in the book. But the world of Shadow and Bone is really interesting. Although it's not the kind of world I would like to live in since there are eerie places, it's still something I really want to know more with vivid details that could live in my imagination. The characters, on the other hand, are great though not all of them. The Darkling was pretty surprising and Alina was easy to love in my case. Mal is my favorite character. Him and Alina but the Darkling is also a favorite of mine in other sense. I'd like to see more character development but it's still the first book so I'm quite hoping to see it in the next installment.

Aside from the fact that this book held a ton of magic, it's also mysterious and surprising that every chapter had me hooked and filled with curiosity and wonder. Loved it!

My Rating:

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Book Review: Black City

Title: Black City
Series: Black City, #1
Author: Elizabeth Richards
Publication Date: November 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia
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A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

My Thoughts:

Fast-paced yet I enjoyed it nonetheless. Black City is set in a kind of futuristic world with humans and Darklings living together. Darklings are these creatures that are some kind of vampires although there are a lot of differences because unlike vamps, they don't melt under the sun and some of them aren't dead. The characters were pretty dark but not entirely dark where you had to read and understand them thoroughly. Just the kind of dark wherein you could say that this character holds a sad past or carrying a deep secret nobody should know. Or maybe this character is up to something and it will surprise the reader further into the story.

I've disliked a lot of characters in this book because they're plain too evil and to think that they're just walking here and there along with the good ones really irk me up. Natalie was a likable character although at first my feelings were conflicted towards her but later on, she stood up to her mom and that was something. Ash was kind of a mysterious and seemed to be the darker kind of character but he grew on me. He's not like those other sexy and gorgeous male leads that seemed to be perfect. He's got his weak moments, and I think it was a lot of weak moments but later on, like Natalie, he managed to show that he's someone who is capable of doing bigger things. I like them both as individuals but when I take the route to their relationship, that's where I get frustrated. Their love story was fast and filled with angst especially when Ash's destined-to-be-someone kept on persisting him to be with her which was simply annoying because the girl tries too hard. I think their relationship lacked the essence of 'talking'. They had these rough times yet the assumptions tend to be higher which lead them into arguments and separation. Which is again, frustrating because one moment they get separated because one said so, the next they're together again. They honestly need to patch things up.

 I've ditched reading this book twice already and a few days ago, I finally picked it up. The plot was kind of engaging but I'm confused most of the time because there were many groups and places to remember but it turned out to be okay. It's just that most of the time, the bad guys win. Something I find disappointing. But still, this had me thrilled with the fighting scenes and Natalie and Ash's relationship may be frustrating, it was still sweet to read. I'm still going to read the next book because I felt like a lot needs to be answered and I look forward to it in the next.

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Book Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Title: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
Author: Holly Black
Publication Date: September 03, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

My Thoughts:

Another enjoyable book to read by Holly Black introducing vampires. I said to myself that I'd stop reading books regarding vampires because the happenings are somewhat repeatable and predictable. But here I am, kept on reading books about it and happened to enjoyed every bit.

This was epic! It was full of blood and that feeling when you read about sexy vampires starts to resurface everywhere. I love Holly Black's writing. It's so detailed and it really gets to the point and I love how the past events were told so that it makes it more understandable for the reader. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown made it impossible for me to put the book down (yet possible enough for me to get laze around from reviewing). The start of the book was already enough for me to keep on reading despite how creepy it was. Honestly, it was creepy and a bit disturbing for someone who cringes at the thought of corpses.

Tana, the narrator of the story and one of the main characters, had me liked her from the beginning. She's brave and smart and she cares for the people around her, even her jerk of an ex-boyfriend (who was actually okay during the few remaining chapters). Gavriel is one heck of a swoon-worthy vampire for me and he's not usually the kind of vampire guy I read that happens to be "too perfect in looks and other stuff". He's got his moments (and I meant scary moments, whenever he drinks blood) and his past to add to his dark demeanor. I think the only character that really got on my nerves was Midnight. This character was the one that almost made me want to hurl the book (no, not really) because she annoys me so much with all her "I want to be a vampire - let's blog this crap". She's pretty crazy and definitely not in a good way.

Bottom Line: Very fun to read yet some disturbing (bloody) scenes at some point but the book ended in a good way. Midnight was the only turn-off I found.

My Rating:

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Book Review: White Cat by Holly Black

Title: White Cat
Series: Curse Workers, #1
Author: Holly Black
Publication Date: May 04, 2010
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.  

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

My Thoughts:

My first Holly Black book and it didn't disappoint! The story made it hard for me to put the book down and it's a rare thing to read a Young Adult book with a male's perspective. Or maybe I just missed some books, I don't know. I ended up enjoying and loving White Cat to the point that I actually marathon the series. The fact that this involved a cat added bonus points to my liking. Cassel had me confused with my feelings for him. One moment I want to shake him and yell, "Wake up!" then the next I want to hug him and tell him that it's not his fault. In the end, it had come to my conclusion that I like him. For the other characters, especially his brothers, I have so many mixed emotions. Lila, on the other hand, I like her from the start. She's one of a kind.

I've read the three books already but I'm only making a review for the first one. Black Heart, last book, was my favorite and the ending was a wonderful thing for a closure. Although some parts were rushed in the series, there's still this gut feeling that made you want to forget that minor detail and the bigger part of you just happens to enjoy despite the flaws.

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Book Review: The Immortal Rules

Title: The Immortal Rules
Series: Blood of Eden, #1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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In the decades since the Red Lung virus decimated the human population, cities have crumbled and a new order has risen to take over the world. Vampires. The immortals weren’t untouched by the epidemic. Now, decadent vampire princes rule fallen cities with velvet fists, jealously protecting their food supply—their blood cattle. The humans are Registered, tattooed and scheduled for regular bloodletting—the price of their food and shelter.

This is Allison Sekemoto’s reality. The vampires have taken Allie’s family and dreams—but they’ll never take her blood. Alone and defiantly Unregistered, she scavenges the Fringe to survive. She longs to escape the decomposing city, but no one can survive long outside the Wall. There are worse nightmares outside than within. But in the face of agonizing death, Allie chooses to become what she hates.

She’s Turned by the enigmatic vampire outlaw, Kanin, and taught some impressive and surprising new lessons: how to feed, how to fight, how to fine-tune her new senses. She’s a monster now. But deciding what kind of monster she becomes is up to her. The ultimate test comes when Allie meets a ragged group of humans searching for a legendary place called Eden. It’s their kind-hearted, blue-eyed second-in-command who undoes her. Brave, noble, foolish Zeke believes Allie is a good person. Person. How long can she hide her true self? It may all come down to which hunger is strongest…

My Thoughts

Allison 'Allie' Sekemoto, human protagonist, is one of the Unregistered people in a vampire city where she and the rest of the Unregistered ones struggle for survival even if it means scavenging or stealing food and other necessities. One night as she and her friends ran for safety after looking for food outside the Wall, they faced danger and death. And as for Allie, it was either die and be gone forever or immortality with the help of a vampire that didn't even bother killing her yet instead, tried to help and train her. 

Every day she's been reminded that she's a monster. A blood-sucking monster. But Allie kept telling herself that there's still some humanity left in her.

I should've picked up this book the moment I finished Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey Series because this book was such a great read. There wasn't a dull moment and this has got to be my favorite vampire book because it's just so good and detailed. Like how humans turn to vampires, how the blood works, how they fed, the consequences of choosing immortality over death, and so much more. I loved it.

Allie is now added to my list of favorite badass characters. She might have this cold attitude at times but I get why she's being like that. It's clearly not easy when people treat you like you're a lethal threat and evil even though you helped and saved them. I even think that it was only Zeke who showed real gratitude towards her. 

I feel like ranting over some character deaths. There are some that I was glad that they're gone and other deaths, I felt truly devastated. This book was action-packed and the drama and tragedy isn't like any other vampire book I've read. I enjoyed this so much and I could still restrain myself from reading The Eternity Cure because I want the physical book in my hands. This is too good to be read via-ebook.



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Book Reviews: Sweet Evil & Sweet Peril

Titles: Sweet Evil, #1; Sweet Peril, #2
Series: The Sweet Trilogy
Author: Wendy Higgins
Publication Dates: May 01, 2012; April 30, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Thoughts

Reading at night is just not a right thing for me to do but I got hooked with Sweet Evil and I just had to finish it before going to sleep. Then woke up early in order to read Sweet Peril has gotten my mind in a foggy state. Nonetheless, it was worth it. I enjoyed these two books.

Sweet Evil was good and though I want to give it three stars, I just had to add one star for Anna's daddy and their father-daughter relationship that I didn't see coming. I like the relationship Anna has with her father and with her adoptive mother. It's a wonderful thing to read honestly because I like it when the hero/heroine's not burdened by his/her family. It's not like those typical family relationships (mostly in the YA community) where the narrator isn't in good terms with either parent or both and it just makes the story a lot more complicated. Having the lead character deal with problems in society or with him/herself, then add the parents in the picture. This one's pretty good.

I don't have much say for the characters in the first book. Anna was okay but there were times where I want her to be strong for herself and just forget her emotions for Kaidan for a while because she's hurting and she's got bigger things waiting for her: good and bad. Kaidan was, at first, complicated. I had to read thoroughly (despite how my eyes are getting knocked down) to understand his intentions and from where he's coming from. But then he grew on me, Anna too. As for their 'friends', they weren't what I expected them to be and I'm relieved at some point. They're interesting to read, even one of the twins.

Things got better in Sweet Peril and I like Anna here more. I like her good heart. But my pained feeling for her just kept on getting bigger by chapter, considering how she's still in love with Kai and she's trying to  do better at her job. The book explained more things and some that were mentioned in the first book got clearer. There were moments I was waiting for one character in their circle of friendship (if that's what you call it) that would become a traitor or something but it never came up. They actually make a good team work.

I love the ending. And moments with Kai and Anna baking was adorable. In the end, I'm happy of how this book ended but I'm also anticipating for the last book because I felt like there will be a ton of action scenes and more revelations in the third book. Pretty excited. And see more character development and some twists and turns!

Overall, I loved it and I happily recommend The Sweet Trilogy. 
My Rating (for both):

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Book Review: Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Origin
Series: Lux Series, #4
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
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Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys?

Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?

My Thoughts

This was absolutely worth it the wait. And it was by far so good that I had to get a grip on myself. I had a ton of "I didn't see that one coming" reactions. Daemon and Katy are just..too much to handle (in a good and sweet way) and I miss their banter.

This book makes you see what Daedalus are capable of doing and how bad they really are. I've never liked them and I know that I'll never like the people working also. They're a bunch of crazy people. Except Archer, new character, though I won't be filling out lots of details about him except for the fact that I like him.

I had a rough time reading the first parts with Katy's POV. I just feel so bad for her. Opal's ending made me nervous but I'm prepared for the worst that I'll be reading in Origin. Reading what they did to Katy made me loathe Daedalus. Daemon never lost his charm and his awfully good comebacks. So much death in this book and some deaths just aren't meant to be :'(  I'm aching. 

Character flaws, twists and turns, not really a perfect read but nonetheless, I clearly enjoyed it and it made gave a worth-waiting status. But still, some of the events had me scarred. Really scarred. I didn't even do anything aside from reading but I feel so bad for these characters. It gave me an impact that would also gave me the impression of giving it five stars. And so I did.

My Rating:

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Book Review: Let the Sky Fall

Title: Let the Sky Fall
Series: Sky Fall, #1
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publication Date: March 05, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.

My Thoughts

First off, I’m in love with the cover. It fits so much with the story’s wonderful concept. I had no idea what this book was about when my friend gave this to me but I trusted her thoughts and we usually have similar taste in books. The reviews were kind of mixed but I’ve read a ton of positive things about it and now I’ve finished it, I have to go with the positive flow. 

The story starts with Vane, a boy also known as “The Miracle Child", having this dream of the time he lost his family in a tornado and leaving him as the only survivor. Then he sees this dark-haired girl in the dream’s scenario, crying. He stars to have her in his dreams a lot so while he was out on a date, he saw her and he thought he was just having an illusion. So when his date followed his gaze since he was staring at his “dream girl", she also saw her and that’s when he realized that she’s not just a part of his dream, she’s actually real. “Dream Girl" has a name: Audra. And that’s when he starts to question and started finding out secrets from his past.

It was actually an engaging read for my part. The wind element kind of concept is new to me and it’s pretty notable with all these Windwalkers thing. Like other books, even if I enjoyed reading them, I got minor issues with this one but I wouldn’t elaborate because they’re spoilery. But just minor ones and they didn’t take away my interest for the book. 

The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger but just a shocking twist. I love shocking twists. I already knew from the start that I wouldn’t like that character but I didn’t expect said character to be the one responsible for certain events. The romance was cute, not rushed but even if it’s forbidden, you can feel that they’re willing to fight for it.

4 stars and I can’t wait to read the next book. This didn’t leave me hanging but it doesn’t mean that I don’t want to read the next because I feel like there’s so much more explanation that needs to be done and I want to know how these two characters fight for themselves and for their “bond" (forbidden bond) and grow more. Character growth. So there it is..


My Rating:

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Book Review: Falling Kingdoms

Title: Falling Kingdoms
Series: Falling Kingdoms, #1
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publication Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...

The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

My Thoughts

I kind of devoured this book. I was a bit skeptical at first with all the names and the cover. But never ever judge a book by its cover, as what they said.

This book got multiple POVs and from my experience with multiple POVs, I ended up getting so confused. But with this, I enjoyed it. The POV in third person probably is the reason. The world and the places in it are interesting and well-written. I had to remember who’s living in what. Plot’s good but the characters? Some characters are badass while some are just plain, for me. I love Cleo and Jonas as individuals. Even Brion. But Magnus and Lucia.. I don’t want to start. I like Lucia but that’s it. As for Magnus, I’m angry at him. Angry for what he did to Theon and I’m not very fond of him.

I got a minor issue with this book: Jonas has less screen time.

He’s got an interesting POV but at times when I’m reading the book, I would expect his POV in the next chapter then my expectations just died down. Though he’s full of vengeance but who wouldn’t? If I’m in his place I’d also like to seek justice for what happened to my brother. Although it wouldn’t be like Jonas’ way but still.. And I think meeting Cleo somehow changed something inside him..a bit. She’s not what he expected and it was fun reading their interaction even if only for a while. He really needs more chapters for his POV. There’s more Magnus but I want to skip his POVs but then I had to read to understand the whole story, and I had to keep my eyes from rolling.

Excited for the next book! December please hurry up! I hope more character development and more Jonas. MORE JONAS.

My Rating:

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