The Fate of the Tearling | Erika Johansen | Published December 1st, 2016
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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This was so good! I've been looking forward to this conclusion for so long and it was definitely worth the wait. If you think you had things sussed out in book two, or know where certain characters or relationships are going to go… think again!

The pacing felt a lot more quicker than in the previous books and this helped create a level of intensity that kept me fully engrossed until the end. The world is expanded upon again, and we all know how tricky it can be to stay on top of the different times, but it worked so well. I mentioned in my review for the previous book that I preferred being in Kelsea’s time but Katie’s narrative this time around was just so interesting. I found myself enjoying both times equally and I really loved learning more about Row Finn and the Fetch.

The other characters continue to be so well developed too. I love that whilst Kelsea is the main show, other people still get their own stories and time dedicated to them. Aisa, Javel, Ewen, Mace and Father Tyler were all compelling. They are each in the story in varying degrees but the fact I care what happens to every one of them is a sign of great storytelling. Kelsea and the Red Queen was an interesting relationship. It goes in a direction that I wasn't expecting but learning more about the Red Queen and how she became so treacherous was fascinating. As for Kelsea.. she is still so badass and not afraid to get her hands dirty. It's actually really refreshing to read about a heroine who isn't constantly pining over a man. She just gets things done and I love that about her.

I have conflicted feelings over the ending. I can't quite make up my mind as to whether I like it or dislike it. I think I'm wavering somewhere in the middle. On the one hand, I can see why the author decided to end things this way. It feels fitting for Kelsea who has spent the series with one ultimate goal: to protect the people of her kingdom at all costs. On the other hand, it feels quite bittersweet and anticlimactic. The ending comes about rather quickly and it is different than what we’re used to so maybe another chapter of exploration would have made a difference. I did really love the last line though which I think is very fitting for the series as a whole.

I've really, really enjoyed this series and getting to know the world and its characters. It's not always an easy ride (the Tearling is not an easy world to get to grips with!) but it has been a fascinating and exciting adventure. I can't wait to see what Erika Johansen’s impressive imagination comes up with next.

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Thoughts on Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms | Sarah J. Maas | Published September 6th, 2016
Rating:
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This review contains minor spoilers.

I really, really enjoyed this. I love going back into this world and Empire of Storms was no exception. One of the best things about this edition is getting to visit, or in some cases revisit, different places than we are used to. I really like discovering other parts to this world. I also really liked the character development and the increased focus on some characters. The only thing that lets it down for me is the absence of Chaol. He doesn't make a single appearance and is barely mentioned by anyone else. I've made no secret of the fact I don't really ship Aelin and Rowan and but it's not just about that - I've come to accept that it's not going to happen with Chaol - it just feels really odd that such a major character would be completely absent. I still expected his presence in the book even if he's not with the main group. I can only hope that something epic is planned for him in the final instalment to make up for it!

There is lots of other action happening throughout the book apart from Rowan and Aelin and I'm really excited about all of the new relationships. Some are unexpected, some have been hinted at before, and I am completely on board with them all. It's not all plain sailing but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment as I love a good complication!

Elide has become a character that I really like. We didn't really get to know her enough before but being on a tough journey this time around is perfect for letting her attributes shine through. I really admired her strength. Lorcan has fast become one of my favourite characters of the series; I found myself rooting for him more and more as the story progressed. Manon and Lysandra are still two badass females that are total #squadgoals. Manon in particular does something so amazing that will have you on the edge of your seat. Her chapters along with Elide and Lorcan’s were my favourite this time around. Dorian gets a bit more to do this time around and I'm just so happy he's out of that collar and starting to get his life back. It's intriguing to see him getting to grips with his magic. I think it's fair to say that I absolutely loved the development of all of the “side” characters and that the focus wasn't just on Aelin and Rowan and their relationship. (Although there is plenty of development there too for all you shippers). There is also a small revelation about Aedion which is casually mentioned and not treated like a big deal which I also really loved.

This latest installment has everything I've come to expect from Maas: plenty of action, twists, impressive plot and character development all woven together to create a completely unputdownable fantasy that I crave. The lack of Chaol is disappointing but the new couples to ship and a completely evil cliffhanger (what else would we get from Maas?!) guarantee I'm already itching for the next book.

Have you read this latest installment yet? What did you think?!

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Reviewed: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne | July 2016
Rating:
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As a massive Harry Potter fan, I am always excited at the prospect of new stories from this world. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is no exception and I was SO excited at the idea of meeting these characters again later in their lives.

 

I think it's important to remember that this is a play. It is designed to be acted out and so it is mostly dialogue with some stage directions thrown into the mix. I'm not particularly a huge fan of reading plays but this read really well. Maybe it's because I already know some of the characters or maybe it's because you can feel Rowling in the dialogue and so it still feels like Harry Potter.

Some of the things I loved: the little throwbacks to previous Harry Potter books (particularly the first scene in King's Cross), meeting old characters, revisiting previous events from the series, the relationship between Albus and Scorpius and the father-son relationship between Harry and Albus.

 

The Not-So-Perfect: I want to avoid spoilers but the major "twist" in the story felt a bit odd to me. It didn't quite add up with what we already know about a certain character and I didn't love the idea. The villain of the story felt a bit stereotypical and lacking in depth but, again, this is just a script and I can appreciate that the person acting out the scenes would bring more to the role. I also felt that the friendship between Albus and Scorpius was heading in a certain direction and was very surprised that it didn't. It felt like it was being seriously hinted at and I think it would have brought a whole new dynamic to the story if it were to happen.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I absolutely love these characters and returning to this universe. It's not perfect but I think it probably has to be seen to be fully appreciated. 

Have you read the play? What are you thoughts? I'd love to know!

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A Gripping And Realistic Portrayal of Survival: The Island by Olivia Levez

The Island | Olivia Levez | Published March 2016
Rating:
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Frances is alone on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. She has to find water and food. She has to survive. And when she is there she also thinks about the past. The things that she did before. The things that made her a monster. Nothing is easy. Survival is hard and so is being honest about the past. Frances is a survivor however, and with the help of the only other crash survivor, she sees that the future is worth fighting for.

The Island is a gripping and thoughtful story about a girl who didn’t ask to be the person she is but is also determined to make herself the person she wants to be.
In the beginning, it is really quite difficult to back Fran and root for her. She isn't easy to like and she makes some questionable decisions. She drinks the majority of her water right away and throws away other supplies that would be incredibly useful. However, as time progresses, it becomes easier to sympathise and understand her poor choices. This is largely down to the flashback chapters where we get to learn more about her life before these devastating events.

I loved the writing style of short chapters that flip between the past and the present. I thought the interspersed chapters of her past were quite fitting as Fran was delving back into her memories as she comes to terms with her situation. She's slowly allowing herself to think of all the bad things which allows us to learn what happened to her and what she did to end up on the expedition in the first place. The chapters being so quick makes it a fast paced read that's hard to put down.

The addition of another survivor added a whole new element to the story which I loved. We get some lighter moments as well as a really touching bond between them. With Fran being difficult to understand and like, it was nice to have this other character who I could connect with more. His willingness to get along with Fran and work together to survive, even when she is being annoying, made it easier for me to root for her too. I also adored Dog despite the fact my heart was worrying for his safety the entire time!

One of my favourite things about The Island is that it's a realistic portrayal of being stranded on a desert island; it isn't romanticised. There aren't two people swooning over each other and forgetting the dire situation they are in. It's harsh and dirty and brutal. It's all about survival skills and the durability of the human body. Body hair, bodily functions and periods aren't forgotten about.

The ending is one of those ones where you have to imagine what happens next yourself. I usually don't like these kinds of endings but I think it works well here given that there is more than one route the author could have taken. I think a fixed ending would have had the potential to feel rushed and so I'm happy with what we have. The Island was a gripping, well-written story of survival and I really, really enjoyed it.

How do you think you would fare if you were stranded on a desert island?
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3 Reasons I Loved 'This is Not a Love Story' by Keren David

This is Not a Love Story by Keren David
Publishing Date: May 2015
Rating:
Source: NetGalley
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Kitty dreams of a beautiful life, but that's impossible in suburban London where her family is haunted by her father's unexpected death. So when her mum suggests moving to Amsterdam to try a new life, Kitty doesn't take much persuading. Will this be her opportunity to make her life picture perfect?

In Amsterdam she meets moody, unpredictable Ethan, and clever, troubled Theo. Two enigmatic boys, who each harbour their own secrets. In a beautiful city and far from home, Kitty finds herself falling in love for the first time.

But will love be everything she expected? And will anyone's heart survive?


The setting is beautiful
I absolutely loved the setting of This is Not a Love Story. It is set in Amsterdam and it was so immersive and gorgeous and has made me want to visit the city again as soon as possible! There are a lot of little authentic touches that make it so easy to picture the streets the characters are wandering through. I really can't praise it enough; I would recommend reading the story for the setting alone. But there are lots of other great things too!

 

Look how gorgeous!

The portrayal of sexuality

This was an unexpected twist in the story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kitty meets two boys when she arrives in Amsterdam: Ethan and Theo. On first impressions, Ethan is the dark, moody and mysterious type whilst Theo is more upbeat and incredibly clever. Kitty is attracted to both boys and we follow her growing feelings and expectations as she embarks on a relationship. There is a twist in this love triangle, however, and I really loved the exploration of sexuality by all three characters as they try to figure out how they feel and question things they thought they knew about themselves. It is quite rare to wholly like all love interests in a book but I really did. I loved that they each have their own story and issues and that they are all given ample exploration.

The writing

This is the first of Keren David's books that I have read but it certainly won't be my last as the writing is so good. I loved the way the story was told in three parts and that each character is given their own story and voice. I also like that social media was incorporated as it helps with a realistic representation of who these teens are (and that not everyone is an active user). Friendships, sexuality and religion are all treated with an equal amount of care which made for an incredibly enjoyable read.

Have you read this book before? Let me know your opinions!

What are your favourite book settings?  

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Review: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone
Author: Rachel Caine
Publication Date: July 2015
Rating:
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Knowledge is power. Power corrupts.

In a world where the ancient Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, knowledge now rules the world: freely available, but strictly controlled. Owning private books is a crime.

Jess Brightwell is the son of a black market smuggler, sent to the Library to compete for a position as a scholar... but even as he forms friendships and finds his true gifts, he begins to unearth the dark secrets of the greatest, most revered institution in the world.

Those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life - and soon both heretics and boooks will burn...

If you love books (and I'm guessing you do if you're reading this) then this is a book for you. There are so many books and they are discussed in a variety of different ways. There are book smugglers, book burners, the joys and differences between physical and ebooks, libraries and scholars who devote their lives to books. It is a paradise for a book lover.

The world building and the plot are both so intricately crafted that you can't help but be transported to the Great Library of Alexandria in Egypt. I could really picture the streets and the serapeums/libraries and that was helped by the beautiful writing. This is the first of Rachel Caine's books that I have read but if her other books are written as lovely as this one then I'm going to be a new fan.

I loved the friendships between the characters and that they all had their own flaws. Each character is developed to an extent that I cared what happened to them and not just our main character, Jess. The leaders of the library are suitably frightening, there are plenty of plot twists, an entertaining competition and a teacher whose true intentions leave you guessing throughout.

The only downside is that I didn't really care for the romance. I don't think it added anything essential to the plot and it felt a little bit forced. Thankfully it is not an overbearing romance though; other matters have more time devoted to them and I was glad for that.

Ink and Bone is full of adventure, it's exciting and it's full of books. What else could you ask for? I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel!

Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: September 1st, 2015
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

As with the previous books in the series, I really enjoyed this. There's something about these books that just gets me SO excited. I love the action and the fact you never know what's around the corner. Queen of Shadows was no exception to that and I loved the thrilling ride. However, there was one aspect that left me a little disappointed: the romance. (Hence the half-star off, everything else was still too good for a lesser rating).

The romance side is going to please some and disappoint others depending on who you ship. That's all I can say without spoiling the decisions that are made so the rest is in the spoiler tag:

I'm a big Chaolaena shipper. I like Rowan as a warrior and as a friend to Aelin, the perfect addition to her court in Terrasen due to his loyalty. Unfortunately my ship appears to be no more. :( Chaol is officially in the friend zone (as is Dorian which I'm fine with, I think he's suited to someone sweet like Sorscha) and she has chosen Rowan. I'm sorry Rowan shippers but I really just don't get it. The sexual tension was apparent in Queen of Shadows but I can't help but remember when he referred to Aelin as a child in Heir of Fire. Chaol was also turned into a bit of an ass for some of the book and it feels like the purpose of that was to justify the relationship with Rowan. He was literally unrecognisable at times. Is Rowan still going to want to make her moan when she's ancient and he's still in his young body? (I'm pretty sure she's going to become immortal by the end of the series though which would tie that up). I do like Rowan, I do. I just prefer Aelin with Chaol. Chaol has also moved on though with a new romance blossoming between him and Nesryn so it does appear to be the end. There are two books left though so I'm not giving up all hope just yet!

Aelin is back in Rifthold and preparing for battle with all of her enemies. She prepares to destory Arobynn, the king and anyone else who has done her wrong over the years. She has finally accepted her heritage and that she has a kingdom, and its people, waiting for her. Waiting for her to get vengeance and build up her glorious kingdom again. She no longer wants to hide behind Celaena but keeps that badass brutality that we have always seen from her. She schemes and plots and is very much on the warpath.

Chaol and Dorian aren't in this book as much compared to the others. Dorian hardly makes an appearance at all until the end of the book due to the demon imprisoning him. It was truly heartbreaking to see him incapacitated in such a way. He is a good person and I was urging for him to break through the horrific barrier. Chaol is working with the rebels and has finally realised that there are a lot more important things to be doing than worrying about being honourable. He feels guilty about Dorian and his biggest mission is to find a way to set his friend, his king, free.

Aedion has well and truly won me around. I was never quite 100% about whether he could be trusted or not but his unfaltering loyalty towards Aelin, despite the fact he hasn't seen her in over ten years, was beautiful. He is willing to die to protect her and if I was to ever rule a kingdom (ha) he would be my first choice to be in my court. Rowan is also a good addition to Aelin's court: a strong fae-warrior with centuries of knowledge and battles behind him. He has Aelin's back at every turn and it was interesting to have a point of view from him this time around.

The perspective from Manon in Heir of Fire wasn't my favourite but it was so much better this time around. I really enjoyed it. Manon is as evil and as brutal as ever but we also see a different side to her. She begins to question the way things are instead of just blindly accepting and I loved her inner battle between following tradition, the question of what is right and wrong and her mortal feelings.

Lysandra was absolutely one of my favourite things about this book. Her strength, her determination, her bravery. Her friendship with Aelin is outstanding and the best female friendship I have read. I like her so much more than I liked Nehemia. It is SO good to see two strong and powerful women being friends without any jealousy or angst. I really can't praise this friendship enough!

There is a hint of a new romance brewing at the end of the novel which I am completely on board with. I really want to see how that one turns out! Queen of Shadows is another thoroughly crazy ride with plot twists, revelations and action resulting in a satisfying conclusion but with the promise of a lot more still to come.

List Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: August, 2012

Rating:

Goodreads | Book Depository







Since I'm so late to the Throne of Glass party everything that can be said in a review has most likely already been said. So I decided to do a list review instead! Below you'll find my random thoughts during reading as I try to figure out the plot and whether I prefer Dorian or Chaol.

Thoughts Before Reading:

• I'm SO excited to finally be boarding this hype train. I've heard so many amazing things about this series and everyone seems to love it so I'm really looking forward to finding out for myself!
• Ahhh there's a map! I love it when there are maps. <3
• Wait... is there a pronunciation guide online anywhere? ... YES! *bookmarks* (You can find it here if you need help pronouncing the fancy names too)

Thoughts During Reading:

• Celaena has been captured and is on her way to see the Crown Prince. I wonder what he's like? Is he going to be a good guy or a bad guy?
• So the Captain of the Guard and the Crown Prince are both young and attractive. Is this the beginning of a beautiful love triangle? I do hope so. (I know, I know, I like love triangles, don't hate me).
• Interesting proposal: a competition to be the king's champion and a promise of freedom. Very Hunger Games-ish. I love the royal setting though. I can't resist a good royal setting.
• Ohhh and here we have our villain: The King of Adarlan. I'm hoping he's an evil, ruthless villain. They're the best kind.
• I just noticed that Celaena is barefoot on the cover... Did anyone else not notice that right away?
•  Celaena is spending a lot of time fawning over her new dresses, her appearance and getting attention from Dorian and Chaol. What's going on here? Are we going to get to see her brutal assassin side? I hope so.
• On a more positive note, I'm really impressed with the world-building. I can really picture the glass castle; both its exterior and interior. I feel really immersed in the world.
• Who is doing all of this mauling and dismembering of the potential champions? I'm guessing that this is the beginning of the magical element being explored in more detail. Is it one of the other champions, someone from the royal court or a supernatural being? I'm intrigued.
• Oh how I love both Dorian and Chaol. How am I supposed to choose?!
• A secret tomb and the appearance of the ghost of Queen Elena... interesting. I'm fascinated by the magic and the supernatural elements going on but I do prefer the royal scenes. That's only because anything royal is my thing though.
• I like Nehemia and I don't think she's up to anything malicious. Hopefully she's planning some kind of attack against the king and planning ultimate revenge.
• Cain is nasty! Chaol did the right thing and I think I might love him even more now. I hope there aren't any bad repercussions for him. Dorian needs to stand up for him.
• The ending... this love triangle is far from over and I'm totally okay with that because I'm not sure how I feel about this. I know why Celaena made that decision but it seems like she's just left one for the other.

Overall Impressions:
It's safe to say that I'm a fan! I found it a little irksome at the beginning that Celaena was heavily focused on her appearance and getting the men to like her but I grew to like her. I enjoyed her strong moments and her sense of humour. I'm also really impressed with the world-building. I like that the characters enjoy books and reading and can hold conversations about them. The romance was probably my favourite part. Dorian is the obvious choice; the Prince Charming figure but with intelligence and the ability to overthrow his father and make the country better. Chaol is loyal, trustworthy, protective and shy. He's so cute! Ultimately they are both charming in their own ways and I could see either of them with Celaena. I can't make a decision! I can't pick one over the other. I can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens!

"Libraries were full of ideas - perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons."

ARC Review: The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Title: The Invasion of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen

Release Date: July 16th, 2015 (UK)

Rating:

Goodreads | Book Depository

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.




Kelsea Glynn has fast become one of my favourite characters and The Queen of the Tearling one of my favourite series. It is quite common for sequels, particularly when there is still another to come, to be a bridge between book one and three without much action or revelation. The Invasion of the Tearling doesn't suffer from this problem and is one of the best sequels I have read.

One of the biggest issues with The Queen of the Tearling was the confusing world-building. It was quite difficult to determine what the time period actually was and what kind of genre it was supposed to be. This is somewhat resolved in this book through the use of flashbacks/visions. Kelsea's sapphires cause her to have visions to a time pre-crossing. She experiences the life of Lily Mayhew who lives in a futuristic dystopian America where the rich are living a life of luxury and the poor are, literally, walled off. Technology has advanced but security and surveillance have increased tenfold and every movement you make is tracked via an implanted device in the shoulder. Socially, the country is in a mess and has returned to a time where women are constantly degraded and abused and backstreet clinics for contraception and abortions are the norm again. It is in this world that we meet William Tear; the man responsible for creating the "New World" and we begin to discover how the world that Kelsea inhabits came to be. There is still a mix of genres as we have fantasy, dystopian and a little bit of science fiction, but the world-building is vastly improved. There are still some mysteries, I feel like we've only scratched the surface, but it was interesting and I'm excited to learn more. I wasn't sure about the alternating timelines at first, and I did find myself more eager to get back to Kelsea's world, but it was a nice way of introducing us to the history.

Kelsea isn't always a likeable character and you know what? I think that's good. She does make some questionable decisions but ultimately she tries to do what she thinks is right for her people. She was still coming in to her own in the first book, still getting used to being a queen, and now she just doesn't give a fuck and I love her for it. I could have done without her appearance changing (*sigh*) but given that it appears to be related to something bigger I'm willing to let it slide and see what happens with that next.

I still love having viewpoints from other characters too. The guards are one of my favourite parts of this series. I love their protectiveness and loyalty. Mace is still an excellent fatherly figure and I am now even more in love with Pen than I was in book one. I approve of the Pen/Kelsea relationship a lot and can't wait to see where that goes next. The Holy Father is one sick and twisted man and I love Father Tyler (his story is left hanging a bit though.. where did he go?!)

This is absolutely one of the best series I've read in a while.

Review: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen

Release Date: July 2014

Book one of a trilogy

Rating:

Goodreads | Book Depository




I realised recently that I absolutely love books with royalty, politics and some iffy characters who you just don't know if they can be trusted or not. This is one of those books and I really, really enjoyed it.

Kelsea Glynn was sent into hiding as a baby and has lived a sheltered life until now, her nineteenth birthday. Soldiers have arrived to escort her back to the kingdom where she was born to take the throne that is rightfully hers. But she isn't being welcomed back with open arms and the journey alone could see her demise. She has inherited a kingdom that is corrupt and in serious need of a strong ruler. Kelsea has to learn quickly to be the queen she was born to be.

Kelsea isn't always the easiest person to like. I didn't agree with some of her opinions but she has a great inner strength and intelligence which is much better than being a vacant weakling (like her mother was). Being isolated her entire life, she doesn't know a lot of details about the empire or her mother. We know very little of her mother and her rule and maybe that's because she didn't do much (it's stated at various times that she was more vain than intelligent) but I'm as eager as Kelsea for more details.

Kelsea isn't thin, attractive or a skilled fighter unlike other heroines that we tend to see in fiction nowadays. She makes various references to her appearance and comments her desires to be more beautiful. I can see why this would bother people as she doesn't just accept the way she looks and move on but I think it's more realistic. Especially when she is surrounded by people, male and female, who are handsome or beautiful. With that being said, I don't agree with her opinion that "...saw now that there was something far worse than being ugly: being ugly and thinking you were beautiful." I do think she is very courageous though. It would be easy for her to leave the decisions to someone else, someone who has been in the empire the entire time she was away, but she doesn't; she stands up, fights for what she thinks is right and bites back at the skeptics. So she isn't perfect but she is realistic.

I was intrigued by the magical element that is interspersed throughout the story. There are two magical necklaces that have an immense magical ability when worn together and I'm really interested to find out more about them. I suspect we've only seen a tiny amount of the power they possess and what can be achieved with them.

The world is a bit of a mystery. An event called The Crossing occurred some time ago which appears to be an apocalyptic type event and modern medicine was wiped out along with it. The current world is in the future but feels very medieval. I assume the loss of medicine and other modern resources (such as technology) has resulted in a return to medieval living. We are given barely any information about the Crossing though in spite of the number of times it is mentioned. Hopefully we'll learn more as the series progresses!

One of the things I really like is that even though this is a long book, we know that there is a major war still to come. I like that everything wasn't thrown into the first book; there's still plenty of action to come and mysteries still to be unraveled. That alone makes me excited to read the next book as I want to know more about the characters and how things are going to pan out.

There is practically no romance in this book (only the presence of some hot men) and I definitely didn't feel like the story was lacking because of it. It was actually kinda nice to be able to focus on other things and not have anybody impaired by romantic feelings. I'm convinced there are hints of a romance brewing between two people though and I'm secretly hoping I'm right as I would be on board with it.

I do think it is worth noting that isn't really suitable for the younger end of YA. There's strong profanity, references to rape (including child molestation/rape), a lot of sex and violence. I imagine it's being labelled as YA because the main character is nineteen but it is definitely graphic.

This book is getting a lot of mixed reviews: you'll either love it or hate it but I highly recommend giving it a try. I'm firmly in the "love it" group!

TL;DR: After being hidden away her whole life, Kelsea inherits the throne to a kingdom full of corruption and violence. She isn't perfect but she is realistic, courageous and intelligent. There are elements of magic, politics, and an apocalypse many years ago resulting in the current medieval-like world. There's no romance and it is extremely graphic. You'll either love it or hate it!