The Cruel Prince | Holly Black | Published January 2nd, 2018
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from Readers First in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

This was just fantastic.

There is nothing I love more than a fantasy that completely enraptures me from beginning to end. The Cruel Prince has a perfect balance of drama, twists, cruel yet charming characters and a plot that surprises. I loved every bit of it.

The world is vivid and intriguing. The characters are flawed and complex and the twisty, evil politics will keep you turning page after page. Our main character, Jude, is a mortal who has been raised in Faerie. She battles her desire to want to belong in a kingdom she has grown to love when her parents were ruthlessly murdered by the man who raised her and her sisters. She isn’t always likeable and it’s not easy to always get on board with her decisions but that’s what makes her all the more compelling.

As for the Cruel Prince himself, Cardan... he definitely lives up to the title. But if you have a fondness for charming villains (and who doesn’t?) then you’re going to want to pick this up.

This is my first read of 2018 and, honestly, it’s going to be a hard act to follow. The ending is sufficiently wrapped up after some surprises but has still left me begging for the follow up. I cannot wait for that release and in the meantime I’ll be devouring everything else Holly Black has written.


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Mini Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine | Gail Honeyman | Published May 18th, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

This book really took me by surprise. I don't know what I was expecting, really, but it's a story, and a main character, who is going to stick with me for a long time.

I really connected with Eleanor and could empathise a lot with her. She went through a terrible ordeal as a child and has never fully recovered. She is socially inept and doesn't have any close relationships. She is written in such a wonderful way that even though you feel her sadness, her mishaps and interactions are also very funny. The balance of warmth and humour whilst tackling more sad and horrific aspects was just right.

One of the highlights for me is the lack of romance. I don't think it would have felt right in Eleanor's story. It was nice to see her develop meaningful relationships without there having to be a romantic aspect to them. Whilst there is a potential romance in the future which is hinted at, I appreciated that it wasn't used as a way of pushing Eleanor towards healing. I also loved the inclusion of a human-pet relationship! Eleanor interacting with a cat provided some laugh out loud moments for me.

Sad, funny, warm, emotional and heartbreaking. Absolutely deserved of the hype it is receiving and definitely in my top 5 books this year.


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Mini Review: The Dire King by William Ritter

The Dire King | William Ritter | Published August 22nd, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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"The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series the Chicago Tribune called “Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer” sends the eccentric detective and his indispensible assistant into the heart of a war between magical worlds."

This was the perfect end to an amazing series! I've loved Jacaby and Abigail since the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed going on their quirky adventures with them. The Dire King was no exception and I loved everything from the humour to the new creatures to the epic battle that concludes their story. This might be the fourth book of the series but William Ritter still very much knows how to surprise us. There are unexpected twists and shocks and I had no idea how things were going to end. I'm sad that this series is over but I'm really excited to read whatever Ritter writes next.


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Blog Tour | Dare to Fall by Estelle Maskame (Review)

Dare to Fall | Estelle Maskame | Published July 27th, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository
Blurb

Death.
She was afraid of it.
He was used to it.

There's not much that MacKenzie Rivers is afraid of. In the small town of Windsor, Colorado, she is known for her easygoing, strong personality, some would even say she isn't afraid of anything. But MacKenzie knows that's not true. She's afraid of losing those closest to her. Recovering from a family tragedy, Kenzie is fully aware of just how big an impact death can have on those it leaves behind. Seeing its effects on other people is something she just can't quite handle. From now on, Kenzie is her own priority.

There are not many things that Jaden Hunter can make sense of. He doesn't understand why it was his parents who lost their lives last year. He doesn't understand why his friends don't crack jokes around him any more. He doesn't understand why his teachers still insist on letting him skip assignments. He doesn't understand why MacKenzie, the girl he was falling for last year, has suddenly distanced herself from him.

Too afraid to get wrapped up in Jaden's world as he deals with the tragic death of his parents, Kenzie has stayed away from him as best she can, until one night when they unexpectedly come face-to-face for the first time in months. As old feelings resurface and new memories are made, both MacKenzie and Jaden show each other how to appreciate the little things in life, the moments that are taken for granted. But will MacKenzie dare to fall for the one person she's so afraid of growing close to?


Review

Dare to Fall is one of those perfect YA romance contemporaries that you find yourself becoming completely engrossed in. From the romance, to the drama, the twists and the more serious aspects, it was completely addictive.

Whilst this is a romance novel, serious topics aren't shied away from and are dealt with realistically and delicately. There is an overall theme of grief and how people cope with that in different ways. Each character dealing with grief has their own way of dealing with it. Some cope better than others and some heal more slowly than others. I appreciated that emphasis on how there is no "right" way and that the healing process can be very unpredictable and change a person. There are also lots of lighter, cute moments scattered throughout though. I liked the romance and the slow-burn nature to it and also the interactions between friends and family members which weren't forgotten about in favour of the romance.

Overall, a perfect balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments!

This is the first of Estelle's books that I've read but I'm definitely getting my hands on the DIMILY trilogy now. I have a feeling I'll be just as gripped as I was this time around!

P.S. How gorgeous is the cover?!

Make sure you check out all the other stops on the blog tour!

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Review: Now I Rise by Kiersten White

Now I Rise | Kiersten White | Published July 6th, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository
I loved this SO MUCH. Whilst And I Darken was a little slow going at the beginning as we were introduced to the world, this was the complete opposite. I was completely drawn in from the beginning.

Everything that I loved about And I Darken is even more prevalent in this sequel: the twists and surprises, Lada's fierceness that other YA characters struggle to rival, the complexity of Radu's character, the politics and the overall darkness.

Now I Rise focuses on the fall of Constantinople and Lada's pursuit of reclaiming the throne to Wallachia. Mehmed (horrible, horrible, Mehmed) sends Radu into Constantinople as a spy but he struggles throughout between his loyalty and what the right thing to do is. It would be easy for such a sensitive character - who doesn't necessarily always do the right thing thanks to being blinded by love - to be branded as weak but that isn't the case here. He elicits sympathy and his complexities make him that much more interesting to read. Lada is on a journey with her men to get back to Wallachia. She has to deal with people who don't think she can do the job because she's female. She's harsh and brutal but she knows what she wants and isn't going to let anything or anyone get in the way. If she wants to win she has to do things differently - her way. She is one of the best written YA female characters and I love her.

And I Darken is such a strong sequel that doesn't drop pace throughout. With an ending that promises there is much more to come in this story, I think we're in for an even more exciting installment to this saga.


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Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

  When Dimple Met Rishi | Sandhya Menon | Published June 1st, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

This was so cute! It takes a lot for a contemporary to become one of my favourite stories but this one does just that.

Dimple and Rishi are both American-Indian but feel very different about their heritage and traditions. Dimple is heading to university and has plans to conquer the technology world. Coding is her life and she's thrilled when her parents allow her to go to a coding convention in the summer before university starts. Rishi wants nothing more than to make his parents proud and find the perfect woman to really begin his life with. Their parents think that they make a great match, and Rishi thinks they could too, but Dimple doesn't know a thing about it..

What I loved most about this book is that it's totally believable. The romance wasn't over the top or unrealistic. Dimple and Rishi are both nerdy and not "cool". Dimple is into tech, particularly coding, and Rishi is a really great artist who creates comic book characters. I like that they are both pretty much evenly matched that way but are both also so unique.

This is the first Indian YA contemporary romance that I have read (I want more!) and I love the way the culture was represented. We get to see two different perspectives as Rishi very much wants to follow in his parent's footsteps and settle down early, whereas Dimple wants to go against that and focus on her education and career first. It was a really positive representation of arranged marriage. I loved the cultural references and the inclusion of Hindi and I feel like I learned some things about the culture along the way. My only small complaint is that I would have loved even more focus on the actual coding aspect of the story. Dimple is developing an app and I think it would have been fun to get more of an insight into what goes into that.

Utterly cute, funny, geeky and with completely lovable characters. You need this book in your life!


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Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin | Sarah J. Maas | Published May 2nd, 2017
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository

Oh my god.

When a book is hyped so much and you have to wait a whole year for it to come out, there's always that nervousness about whether it's going to live up to that hype. I loved ACOMAF so much and wanted this to be just as good and... it absolutely was. It was pure perfection.

The book focuses mainly on the inner circle of the Night Court and the battle against Hybern. The courts have to rally together to stand a chance of defeating them and this inevitably results in messy politics and wariness about who to trust.

What makes a great fantasy novel, for me, is when a world is completely immersive and fleshed out. I love when previous plot points come back to the forefront and something that seemed small or insignificant can be integral to the plot later on. When everything is woven together and nothing happens just for the sake of it and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Sarah J Maas is a master of creating that type of story and ACOWAR was no exception.

Feyre and Rhys (oh, how I love Rhys) are very much the leads here but the entire inner circle are developed and given ample time for us to learn even more about them. Elain and Nesta also have their own important parts to play. I love their interactions and the bond that they have with one another.

This entire series is one of the best (if not the best) fantasy series that I have read. I thought it would be hard to beat the perfection that is ACOMAF but I should have known better. Sarah knows how to write a bloody good story and I can't wait to see what other stories she's going to give us from this world. 5 stars isn't enough!


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Review: Sky Thieves by Dan Walker

  Sky Thieves | Dan Walker | Published March 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Zoya Delarose has spent her childhood in an orphanage and dreams of one day getting off land and working on an airship. When the unexpected happens and she is smuggled onto a pirate airship, she learns that there are different types of pirates (good as well as bad!) and discovers secrets about her hidden past.

Sky Thieves is full to the brim with adventure and the added twist of making a pirate story take place in the sky really adds to the excitement. Zoya is rebellious, loyal and incredibly courageous. She learns how to sword-fight and doesn't hold back when fighting against the evil Kane. She learns a lot from the other crew members and teaches them a thing or two along the way too!

We are taken on a thrilling journey incorporating islands in the sky, treasure hunting, meteor storms, epic battles and friendship. The characters are all well-written and I really enjoyed their interactions with one another. An exciting adventure for younger readers that adults can (and will!) enjoy just as much.



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Review: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

  The Upside of Unrequited | Becky Albertalli | Published April 11, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

I loved this book SO much. I don't read a lot of contemporaries these days but if they were all written like this then I would never stop.

The diversity in this book is unreal. There are so many different types of people and none of them feel like they are there for the sake of it. They all have their own story and are fleshed out so well. This is what we need more of in books! It reflects real life so well. The main character, Molly, is fat and negotiating her way through teenage life wondering if she'll ever have a boyfriend. Her twin sister is gay and starts a new relationship at the beginning of the book with Mina, a pansexual Korean-American. They have two mothers and are sperm-donor babies. There are other gay characters, Jewish characters, black characters, bisexuality and anxiety controlled with medication. The representation of all of these things was just so well done and it's exactly what I want to see being incorporated more.

The romance brought me so much joy. Reid is utterly cute and I was rooting for him throughout the entire book. I love all of his interactions with Molly and looked forward to their conversations the most. I also found the sibling relationship between Molly and Cassie really interesting. I like that the romances weren't always the main focus of the story. Their relationship as sisters was very important to both of them and I appreciated their struggle to keep that alive whilst also manoeuvring the changes in other parts of their lives.

I spent the entirety of this book either smiling or nodding along to Molly's comments about the doubts and feelings she was experiencing. It was completely relatable. I related and connected to Molly the way I always connect with Rainbow Rowell's characters. Becky Albertalli is firmly at the top of my contemporary go-to list alongside Rowell and I honesty can't wait to see what she writes next.

This book is special and deserves the hype. I loved it even more than Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. It's real, funny, highly relatable and you need to read it immediately.


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Review: Perfect by Cecelia Ahern

  Perfect (Flawed #2) | Cecelia Ahern | Published April 6th, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

I've been looking forward to this sequel for a long time and it certainly didn't disappoint!

I was really impressed with Celestine’s character development. I found her to be very naive in Flawed and quite dumb at times. Her inability to see certain things in front of her was tiring at times. In Perfect, however, she is a lot smarter. She's not as oblivious to what is happening around her and is constantly making smart decisions and plans. It doesn't always run smoothly, of course, but it's not down to her own misjudgements or naivety. I really enjoyed reading Celestine this time around and loved that she came to fully embrace her actions and the consequences.

The story follows on from where Flawed leaves us and it was really easy to fall back into the story. One of the strongest parts of this society, for me, is the fact it's not so different from our own. It's easy to imagine a system like the Guild being implemented into today’s society (especially given recent politics). I also found the comparisons to concentration camps a great inclusion. I mean.. not great, obviously, but it makes for uncomfortable reading as you ponder if society could really return to a time like that.

I didn't realise that this series was only going to be a duology and for the world to be so immersive, and for so much action to be packed in without feeling rushed, is really impressive. It certainly didn't feel like a 400+ pages book as I was racing through it.

Perfect is full of twists, action and suspense. The pace never slows and there's always something happening to keep you on your toes. I enjoyed this sequel so much more than its predecessor, Flawed, and I only wish the series was longer! If you liked The Hunger Games and Divergent then you definitely need this duology on your TBR.



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Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval | Stephanie Garber | Published January 31st, 2017
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository
Caraval is one of those books that grabbed my attention from page one and just wouldn't leave my mind. It took me by surprise in the best possible way with vivid world-building, an intriguing set of characters and a plot full of twists.

Scarlett and Tella live with their over-protective and abusive father, constantly in fear of what the next punishment will be. Their father has arranged a marriage for Scarlett which she hopes will be the beginning of freedom for her and her sister but then an invitation to the legendary Caraval arrives and is impossible to ignore.

The relationship between Scarlett and Tella is one that I really liked. Whilst there is a small romance, it didn't get in the way of the sisterly relationship and the drama going on there. They both know what their goals are and their love for each other comes before the boy they've just met.

One of the central points running throughout the book is that Caraval is just a game - nothing that happens is real. Things start to get darker and weirder as we get further into the “game” though and Scarlett, as well as the reader, just can't be sure. If you see something happen with your own eyes, right in front of you, then you can be sure that it's real, right? The mystery of what is actually going on, and who Legend is, is so well done. I had some theories early on, was convinced I had it figured out, and then the plot twists in a completely different way. I love that. There's nothing better than a story that keeps you guessing all the way through and presents you with a revelation that you just didn't see coming.

Full of action, intrigue and alluring prose, I was completely swept away into the bewitching world of Caraval. I can't wait to experience the further twists that the sequel is sure to present.

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Review: The Last Beginning by Lauren James

The Last Beginning | Lauren James | Published October 6th, 2016
Rating:
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository

This was So. Much. Fun! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Next Together, and was so excited to get my hands on the next installment. As someone who doesn't really gravitate towards historical fiction or time travel, this series has the perfect blend of those two things coupled with contemporary, science fiction and romance to make it an all-round engaging and fun read.

One of the main things that really stands out in The Last Beginning is the amount of effort and care that has been taken by the author. There are a lot of small details that relate back to the first book and the number of different time landscapes could have easily been confusing but it works seamlessly. Considering how much jumping between time there is, I was never once confused and it was always clear which time period we were in. I can't praise Lauren James enough for that as I can't imagine just how tricky it must have been to keep on track!

I was really pleased that Matthew and Katherine made appearances in this book. We go back to some of the times that we visited them in the previous book, and it was so interesting to see those times from a different perspective, and for details from then to now make more sense thanks to following those stories through the eyes of someone else. Our main character this time around is Clove and her narrative was really fun. I really enjoyed the romance between her and Ella and the way it develops throughout the book without being the main focus but still has plenty of cute moments.

The format of The Last Beginning is similar to its predecessor in that its told through a series of articles, emails and social media interactions as well as standard narration. I think that's a really nice touch which fits in well with the story. I also love Clove's AI Spart who was a source of great humour!

Overall, The Last Beginning is a sequel which has been intricately woven together with its partner to create a story that is cleverly executed with a perfect blend of genres. I'm so glad I gave time travel a chance with this duology and I can't wait to read what Lauren James writes next.


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Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Three Dark Crowns | Kendare Blake | Published September 22nd, 2016
Rating:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads | Book Depository
I absolutely loved this book!

Three girls, triplets, are born to be queens and separated at a young age to be trained in their special abilities. Once they become of age, a battle will ensue until there is only one girl left standing: the new queen.

Katherine is The Poisoner. Arsinoe is The Naturalist. Mirabella is The Elemental. Two queens are yet to fully receive their gift and time is running out. The third is rumoured to be extremely powerful and has the support of her people as well as the temple: she is the favourite to be new queen. But all three queens have people in their corner and it is not going to be easy for either one of them.

I love the world that Kendare Blake has created. It's so dark and vivid and I feel like each queen's surroundings were well thought out and described. This can also be said for each of the abilities; they are so different and each intricately fleshed out. I also couldn't help but think about which ability I would choose if I was in this world and I think I would definitely be a naturalist. Eating poison or controlling the elements don't really speak to me but having an animal familiar by my side? YES PLEASE!

There is quite a big cast of characters in this world which always poses the risk of getting people mixed up but I didn't find that the case here. Whilst they aren't all given full backgrounds (there is time for others to be explored as the series continues) they were all still unique enough to be memorable. I have a particular fondness for Arsinoe's close friends Jules and Joseph as well as a lot of intrigue regarding Pietyr and Billy and the potential romances that are brewing.

As for the ending? I let out an audible gasp. I should have seen it coming and I can't believe I missed the signs that are definitely there. Blake definitely got me! Things have been set up nicely for book two and I absolutely can't wait to find out what happens next!


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4 Reasons I Loved A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

 A Torch Against the Night | Sabaa Tahir | Published August 30, 2016
Rating:
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Goodreads | Book Depository
This was so good! I loved An Ember in the Ashes and was hoping for so much from this sequel and it didn't disappoint. A Torch Against the Night is a dark and intense rollercoaster with a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout. I found the pace to be even better than its predecessor and I couldn't get through the chapters quick enough.

4 main reasons I loved this sequel:

Elias
Oh how I love Elias. I love his desire to fight for his freedom and how unwavering he is in that. He knows that there is a better life for him away from the brutality of the empire and he's determined to get there. He and Laia are finally on their journey to rescue Laia's brother from Kauf Prison and it's not an easy ride for Elias. Things happen that make this a complicated and really difficult journey for him in particular but he doesn't give up and does his best not to break his promise to Laia. It was interesting to see their relationship grow with all of the hardships that they are facing and I think there's still a lot more to develop there too. Elias has an admirable strength and I think his development in this book is very much in character with what we saw of him in the first book. I admire his strength when put in impossible situations and I think he might just be one of my favourite male characters.

Helene
Helene's point of view is added into the mix this time which I was really thrilled about. I thought she was an intriguing character in Ember and seeing things from her point of view this time around was really great. Whilst Laia and Elias are on the run, Helene's view gives us an insight into what is happening in the empire through her new role as Blood Shrike. She's having to battle her new role and getting the men to respect her with the sickening Marcus watching her every move, whilst trying to fight her feelings for Elias who she has been ordered to hunt down. We also see more of her family and what her role as Blood Shrike means for them. Whilst Helene might not be the "main girl" of the story, she's by far my favourite. There's nothing particularly unlikable about Laia but she's very "clean" whilst Helene has an edge that I love to read in female characters. She has to make decisions that result in bad consequences for the people she cares for whatever way she chooses and I found her complexity much more interesting to read about.

Expansion of the world
Elias and Laia's journey allows for more of the world to be explored. One of the most fascinating aspects of this was learning more of the tribes where Elias grew up. I really enjoyed learning about their culture and way of life. The supernatural side of the world is also expanded on a lot. We find out more about the Nightbringer and his motivations as well as wraiths and jinn. The Soul-Catcher also plays a large role in this book. I'll admit the supernatural side isn't my favourite compared to the brutality of the empire but the characters interacting with this supernatural side was intriguing. The further exploration of the gens through Helene's point of view and the intricacies of how they operate was also compelling.

Villains and their complexity
One of the best things about this series, for me, is the complexity of the villains. Not only do we not know who we can trust (and so new villains can present themselves at any time) but they are all developed in a way that gives them a story. They are not bland or cut-out caricatures of what a villain is but each have a complexity that just makes them all that more evil. Marcus and the Commandant in particular reach new levels of brutality and violence and it makes for real intense reading. I love villains that aren't afraid to carry out their threats and that is very much the case here. If there's one thing you shouldn't do it's underestimate just how vile and harsh these villains can be.

I loved the continuation of the dark brutality coupled with the great plot and character development. The romance isn't as much of a focus this time around; there is still a love triangle and some poor choices that had me internally screaming at a certain character but I like where it is at now. There are still some questions and possibilities (including potential new romances) to be explored so it'll be interesting to see where that leads next.

The ending is satisfying although there are still some questions and plenty of areas left to explore. With the news that there are going to be two more books in the series, I can't wait to revisit this world and get some answers to my burning questions.



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Review: Asking For It by Louise O'Neill

Asking For It | Louise O'Neill | Published September 2015
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository
Asking For It is such an important book.

Eighteen year old Emma O'Donovan lives in a small town in Ireland and like a lot of teenage girls she likes to go out with her friends and party. One night she goes to a party, gets drunk, takes some drugs and flirts with a few guys. The next morning, she wakes up on her front porch with absolutely no memory of what happened the night before. But not to worry: there are hundreds of photos posted to Facebook which show exactly what happened to her.

Emma O'Donovan is beautiful and she knows it. She's confident, she's selfish and not a very good friend. Emma is not a likeable character and the decision to make her so makes this story all the harder to read. Generally it is difficult to sympathise with unlikeable characters and that is the point here: we don't have to like Emma. Being unlikeable doesn't mean that you weren't raped. You can be the bitch of the century and no still means no. Emma being so unlikable opens the reader's eyes to the way we (society as a whole) tend to think about rape victims: their personal life is always dragged up. How promiscuous are they, how often do they get drunk, how often do they have sex, what kind of clothes do they wear, are they a nice person? Emma deals with all of this in the aftermath of her rape. The people of her town completely turn against her in favour of her rapists and the media are constantly discussing her. Is it any wonder that so few rape victims report their assault?

The reactions and behaviour of her friends and family (particularly her parents) were one of the hardest aspects to read for me. I really just could not believe the attitude of her parents and their utter unwillingness to just believe their daughter. They were more interested in their image and losing their "friends" and that was just utterly heartbreaking. Emma's brother is probably the only decent character in the entire book.

As for the ending (SPOILERS):

I think it ended in the right way. I was majorly pissed off at her parents for being relieved and happy at her decision but it is realistic. I'm glad that O'Neill didn't give us a happy ending or wrap things up nicely because it is never going to be over for Emma. She has been completely ostracised from the community she lives in, she's given up her dreams and she is forever going to be haunted by what happened to her. It reflects the society we live in where many victims don't get the justice they deserve.

I can't stress enough how important I think this book is, especially in today's society. There are countless cases in the media concerning rape, and what is defined as consent, as well as rapists who get off incredibly lightly whilst victims are left to suffer. Asking For It deals with the issue of not explicitly saying no but not saying yes either, a lack of memory of the rape, slut-shaming, victim-blaming and the increasing use of social media. This is a must-read for everyone.


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4 Reasons I Loved A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

  A Court of Mist and Fury | Sarah J. Maas | Published May 3rd, 2016
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository

The Romance
I think the romance in this book has definitely become one of my favourites. Your enjoyment of it is really going to depend on who you ship from book one but I would expect to change your mind too. I don't want to give much away but my god it is just fantastic. Yes it's sexy and it's hot but the other side of it - the conversations, the fun, the getting to know one another - is also just as great. Sarah J. Maas is also a master at keeping you on your toes and making you wait and wait for what you want to happen. I absolutely adore Rhysand. He is completely selfless and unlike Tamlin he doesn't lock Feyre away for her "protection"; he allows her to flourish and come to terms with the person she is. We see a whole other side to Rhysand and I love it.

The Character Development
Feyre has changed a lot since her horrific ordeal in A Court of Thorns and Roses and is still getting used to her new form. She is quite depressed to begin with but slowly grows back her strength and we see a new stronger and fiercer side to her. She's not a starving girl anymore and I really enjoyed reading about her learning and using her new powers.

I also loved the development of Rhysand. We finally learn more of his background, how he became Amarantha's whore and that the persona he portrays is just that: a persona. He is loving, selfless, funny and will do anything to protect his people. He has quickly become one of my favourite fictional characters.

The World Development
We get to visit new courts and areas and Night Court, where Rhysand resides, just sounds so beautiful. I wish I could visit there! The descriptions are so vivid and it makes for a really nice contrast with Tamlin's Spring Court. We also visit Summer Court and the world is becoming a lot clearer to follow and understand.

Meeting New Characters
The introduction of new characters is done wonderfully. They are all written so well with enough characterisation and background that you can remember them all without confusion. Azriel and Cassian were two of my favourites and I'm excited to get to know them even better.


A Court of Mist and Fury is a hundred times better than A Court of Thorns and Roses (which I also loved); it's steamy, exciting and action-packed with a vivid world and enticing characters. The ending doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger but so much happens that you are still left begging for the next installment immediately. I for one can't wait to get my hands on more Rhysand!

Are you a fan of this series? Are you team Rhysand or team Tamlin?!
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A Heartbreaking War Tragedy: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys | Published February 2016
Rating:
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I don't read much historical fiction but I've had a bit of an interest in World War II since I first studied it in school. Ever since then, I've sought out books that are set in that time period. I surprisingly still haven't read that many (possibly a sign of my fussiness) but I absolutely loved The Book Thief and Salt to the Sea seemed like it might work for me in a similar way. I was right.

Salt to the Sea is based around the sinking of the ship Wilhelm Gustloff and the loss of thousands upon thousands of people; the majority of which being children. Despite being one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history, very few people know of it. I certainly hadn't heard of it before and it really saddens me that the death of so many people has been forgotten about. Ruta Sepetys has done a wonderful job of bringing this truly heartbreaking story to light.

“War had bled color from everything, leaving nothing but a storm of gray.”

The story is told through four alternating points of view. I was worried at first that it would be difficult to keep track of who was who, and for a little bit in the beginning it was, but the chapters are so small that you aren't away from people for too long. That really helped to stay connected to the character even whilst in someone else's viewpoint before returning to them.

Florian and Joana are instantly likeable and I loved the blossoming relationship between the two of them. Emilia was harder to connect with at first but the more you begin to understand her the more likable she becomes. Alfred.. Alfred is a psychopath. At first he's weird and I felt a bit sorry for him and then we see more and more of his psychotic and hateful thoughts. His actions at times were unbelievably horrible. Alfred mixed with Nazi propaganda and brainwashing is a repulsive mix.

“War is catastrophe. It breaks families in irretrievable pieces. But those who are gone are not necessarily lost.”

Despite knowing what happens to the ship, and knowing I was going to be in for heartbreak, I was still hit with a load of emotions when things begin to go drastically wrong. I was hoping for survival and happy endings but in a time of war, not everyone gets to have a happy ending. War results in the death of so many innocent people, thousands of them, and hope is something very scarce. Salt to the Sea shines light on a story that has been forgotten and reminds us of the innocent bystanders who lost everything and who deserve to be remembered.


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A New Favourite: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

  Carry On | Rainbow Rowell | Published October 2015
Rating:
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“You have to pretend you get an endgame. You have to carry on like you will; otherwise, you can't carry on at all.”

Why do I always wait so long to read Rainbow Rowell's books?! (I think I just don't want them to be over too quickly but seriously I always regret waiting!) I loved everything about this and I think it's safe to say I have found a new favourite. <3

Let me start by saying that the Simon and Baz snippets in Fangirl (where we first meet the two main characters of this book) really weren't my favourite. They were the only thing I didn't like about an otherwise amazing book. Looking back, I think I was just more interested in Cath's story because it was her book and her story. I could relate a lot to Cath and so the Simon and Baz fanfic just felt like a bit of a distraction. It completely works as its own book though; I had so much fun reading it. I loved being completely thrown into this world and being able to follow and get to know the characters properly.

There's no denying that there are some similarities to Harry Potter but as someone who adores Harry Potter it really didn't bother me. I think if anything it actually made me love the story even more because it evoked such a strong feeling of nostalgia. Reading about Simon, Baz and Penny first going to Watford, and the ridiculous creatures and villains they have had to face, reminded me of reading about Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures at Hogwarts for the first time. There's a Draco, a Dumbledore, a McGonagall and a (female) Hagrid. There's politics, danger and a really cool magical boarding school. I loved it! I can understand why those similarities might put some people off but, honestly, it still felt like a new story in a new world to me. The plot doesn't follow the same path and it is bursting full of creativity that was a pleasure to read.

Rainbow Rowell just gets it with her stories and I think I fall in love with her writing more and more with each book.

Do you also fangirl over Rainbow Rowell? Let me know and we can gush together!

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Three Reasons 'The Winner's Kiss' by Marie Rutkoski Is The Perfect Series Conclusion

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
Publishing Date: March 24th, 2016
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository
War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?


This was everything I hoped it would be and more!

The character development
Arin and Kestrel have both grown and matured so much since the first book. They have both been through so much, separately as well as together, and now face their toughest battle yet. Kestrel in particular has had to deal with very significant changes to her life. She is dealing with extreme physical and mental challenges and it is hard to see how she will overcome them but she finds an immense inner strength. Things aren't simple; Arin and Kestrel's relationship isn't easy, they have a lot of obstacles to get through, and ultimately it comes down to both of their abilities to understand, communicate and forgive. Their individual growths throughout the series are outstanding.

The action
There's a heavy focus on war and battle and these scenes are so intricately and expertly written. There are surprising twists and developments and the perspective is constantly changing to keep you on your toes. There's nothing I love more than an unpredictable plot and The Winner's Kiss is constantly surprising and gripping. It's not enough to just read one chapter; it begs for your attention.

The supporting cast
The supporting cast is just excellent. It's common for the main characters to take most of the limelight and often the other characters might not be as developed but there are some true standouts in this book. Roshar in particular is wonderful. I adored his sense of humour, his friendship with Arin and the fact we slowly get to know more about the man behind the mask he wears. I would love a novella from his perspective to get to know even more about him (with cameos from Arin and Kestrel if possible!) Some old villains and friends from the previous books reappear and their story arcs are also satisfactorily concluded. It's a sign of truly great writing that I care what happens to the supporting characters as much as the main stars.

Overall, this is an excellent conclusion to an excellent series that I have loved from beginning to end. I high recommend it and I'm sure I'll be revisiting it in the future.


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A Very Worthy Sequel: The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury

The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury
Publishing Date: February 4th, 2016
Rating:
Goodreads | Book Depository
Return to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more.

Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.

When her village is evacuated as part of the war against the Sleeping Prince, Errin is left desperate and homeless. The only person she can turn to is the mysterious Silas, a young man who buys deadly poisons from Errin, but won't reveal why he needs them. Silas promises to help her, but when he vanishes, Errin must journey across a kingdom on the brink of war to seek another way to save her mother and herself. But what she finds shatters everything she believed about her world, and with the Sleeping Prince drawing nearer, Errin must make a heartbreaking choice that could affect the whole kingdom.


I was apprehensive going into this book as the protagonist is someone different but I shouldn't have bothered being so because it completely worked.

This time around we follow Lief's sister, Errin, as she struggles to take care of herself and her mother in a tatty hut in a lowlife village. She uses her apothecary skills to make enough money to just get by and avoid the wrath of the creepy Unwin as much as possible. Her most loyal customer, and now somewhat friend, is Silas: a mysterious figure who hides his face and lurks in the corners. Things for Errin become much more difficult when the Sleeping Prince awakens and war begins. She has to find a way to keep her mother safe and determine if Silas can really be trusted or not.

The book focuses a lot on the war being forged between the Sleeping Prince and the rest of the kingdoms. It's a harsh and brutal war and not glamourised in any way which I loved. Our main character isn't miraculously protected or saved and she has to face the realities of war. It's not nice but she has to do what she has to do to survive.

There is a massive reduction in the amount of romance compared to book one and I feel like this corresponds nicely with the focus of war. Who has time to be contemplating a brushed hand or small kiss every minute of the day when there's a war raging? The little romance that there is is nice and provides some lighter moments at times to keep us on our toes.

Some old characters do return which I was really happy about. Some of what happens with those characters is satisfying. Some is frustrating (with the frustration lying in the characters' decisions *shakes head*).

It was nice to learn about the world through someone else's eyes. We get more history from a different perspective and area of the land. Some things we were introduced to before are expanded and there is plenty of new information to expand our knowledge of the kingdoms too. Melinda Salisbury is a mastermind at creating a cliffhanger ending and I don't know how I'm supposed to wait a whole year to know what happens next. I am also in love with the epilogue which was just perfect. I need book three immediately!

Have you read this series? If you haven't then you simply must!

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