{ about the book }
Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie
Publishes September 14, 2018 by Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
e-ARC provided by the author
e-ARC provided by the author
Broke, almost homeless, and recently fired. Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig.
It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview — to see if I'd mesh with their "special" clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That's the definition of fitting in, right?
I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they… offered me the job?
It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-shit bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here.
So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course — with a pay raise.
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{ my review }
♫ ♫ ♫ ♪
I think I've said this before, but whatever. I love Annette Marie's book and I'll read anything of hers at this point. Anything.
I was ecstatic when Marie announced two new series, one of them being this one! I was just waiting for more info to come in—cover reveals, character reveals, blurbs, all that good stuff. And each new teaser just got me hyped up all the more.
That being said, I was extremely satisfied with Three Mages and a Margarita! Despite the title being a mouthful—though I do appreciate the alliteration—the book was super fun. It has a voice-y character, funny quips, and lots of friendly camaraderie that I really loved reading.
Tori was a really fun character. In all her other books—all eleven! of them!—Marie wrote from a third person point of view and I thought the shift to first person would be weird, but it fit so well! It was easy to fall into Tori's voice and into her head, and this type of narration just really worked for the book. Connecting to bits of her personality was a lot easier for me. And I've always preferred first person PoV anyway, so this was perfect.
I also really loved the titular three mages! They're all reminiscent of Marie's other male characters—sarcastic, quiet, attractive—but the three were a tight knit group and you could really tell from the way they interacted, both in casual environments and more dangerous ones. I liked that they took in Tori and got along with her so easily.
And despite what you might think with there being three guys, Three Mages is not a reverse harem! Marie herself said so (there's even a note on the GR page).
As much as I liked this book, some things did bother me. First being that, of the three mages, only two had real page time. There's Ezra, Aaron, and Kai, but we mostly see significant interactions with Aaron and Ezra, and not much of Kai, which was disappointing.
Another thing that bothered me was the use of the word exotic to describe Kai. He's Japanese-American, if what I gathered from the book is correct (AKA if I'm remembering correctly lol), and Tori describes him—three times—as having "exotic features". Um. Don't do this. Don't describe anyone as exotic, especially people of color.
And finally, there was the use of the word "girly". Oh my god, I'm so fucking tired. There's nothing wrong with "girly" things and I'm tired of that type of thing being in books! I don't care if you consider shopping girly or crying girly. Every time you do that, you just bring back the negative connotation of feminine things being bad or undesirable. Look, shopping is fun. It's great. And having any type of emotional reaction after a bad experience? It's being human. I'm so tired of this.
Overall, 3.5 stars. Not my favourite Marie book, but it was definitely a solid start to a new series and I think it holds a lot of potential. There's a lot I'd love to see in the future books, so I can't wait to see where it goes!
I was ecstatic when Marie announced two new series, one of them being this one! I was just waiting for more info to come in—cover reveals, character reveals, blurbs, all that good stuff. And each new teaser just got me hyped up all the more.
That being said, I was extremely satisfied with Three Mages and a Margarita! Despite the title being a mouthful—though I do appreciate the alliteration—the book was super fun. It has a voice-y character, funny quips, and lots of friendly camaraderie that I really loved reading.
Tori was a really fun character. In all her other books—all eleven! of them!—Marie wrote from a third person point of view and I thought the shift to first person would be weird, but it fit so well! It was easy to fall into Tori's voice and into her head, and this type of narration just really worked for the book. Connecting to bits of her personality was a lot easier for me. And I've always preferred first person PoV anyway, so this was perfect.
I also really loved the titular three mages! They're all reminiscent of Marie's other male characters—sarcastic, quiet, attractive—but the three were a tight knit group and you could really tell from the way they interacted, both in casual environments and more dangerous ones. I liked that they took in Tori and got along with her so easily.
And despite what you might think with there being three guys, Three Mages is not a reverse harem! Marie herself said so (there's even a note on the GR page).
As much as I liked this book, some things did bother me. First being that, of the three mages, only two had real page time. There's Ezra, Aaron, and Kai, but we mostly see significant interactions with Aaron and Ezra, and not much of Kai, which was disappointing.
Another thing that bothered me was the use of the word exotic to describe Kai. He's Japanese-American, if what I gathered from the book is correct (AKA if I'm remembering correctly lol), and Tori describes him—three times—as having "exotic features". Um. Don't do this. Don't describe anyone as exotic, especially people of color.
And finally, there was the use of the word "girly". Oh my god, I'm so fucking tired. There's nothing wrong with "girly" things and I'm tired of that type of thing being in books! I don't care if you consider shopping girly or crying girly. Every time you do that, you just bring back the negative connotation of feminine things being bad or undesirable. Look, shopping is fun. It's great. And having any type of emotional reaction after a bad experience? It's being human. I'm so tired of this.
Overall, 3.5 stars. Not my favourite Marie book, but it was definitely a solid start to a new series and I think it holds a lot of potential. There's a lot I'd love to see in the future books, so I can't wait to see where it goes!
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{ about the book }
Publishes September 4, 2018 by Page Street Publishing
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
Seventeen-year-old Annabeth prefers the fantasy of her books and paintings to reality—because in reality, her mom is dead, and it was all her fault. When she accompanies her father to the funeral of some family friends who drowned, she’s surprised to find her grief reflected in the face of Griffin Bradford, the son of the couple who died. Griffin is nothing like the carefree boy she once knew. Now he’s irritable, removed, and he’s under police investigation for his parents’ deaths.
One night following the memorial service, Annabeth’s dad goes missing in the woods, and she suspects Griffin knows more about the disappearance than he’s letting on. He refuses to answer her questions, particularly those related to the mysterious “expedition” his parents took to Ireland, where they went missing for seven months.
Annabeth fears her father isn’t lost, but rather a victim of something sinister. She launches her own investigation, tracing clues that whisper of myth and legend and death, until she stumbles upon a secret. One that some would die to protect, others would kill to expose—and which twists Annabeth’s fantasy and reality together in deadly new ways.
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{ my review }
♫ ♫ ♫ ♪
I finished reading Uncharted last night and wow. It's been so long since I've read such a well written book with both mystery and adventure.
Hands down, my favourite part of this book was Annabeth. The girl was just amazing—I admired her so much. She's been through a lot but she's fierce and full of tenacity and never gives up when it comes to saving people she loves. I felt her grief and her worry throughout the book, and thought Cashman did such a good job incorporating both of those feelings for Annabeth throughout the book. It added more depth, more dimension to her, making it all the more enjoyable to read Uncharted from her point of view.
It was really frustrating, sometimes, because of all the secrets and lies. It annoyed me as much as it annoyed Annabeth and I loved that she expressed that often, and, more importantly, did something about it. Considering so much of it concerned her and her father—who is missing—I thought it was completely justified, the things Annabeth had to do.
The whole myth and legend behind Hy-Brasil was so interesting! Obviously, I've never heard of this place—well, until the very end, which surprised me—but Cashman did such a wonderful job building the intrigue around this island. I have no idea just how much is true, but the secret societies and such was an excellent touch for Uncharted.
I was a fan of the little hints of romance throughout the book! I will admit that I wasn't completely sold on Griffin, though. The hot and cold attitude he had throughout the book got old, and it got old fast. I was tired of his black moods coming out of nowhere and then apologising in the next breath. I could have done without his constant urge to protect Annabeth, but sigh. Their relationship did gradually grow well during the book, and I was satisfied with where they end up!
My other complaints have to do with some of the dialogue and action scenes. With the dialogue, some parts just felt... choppy. Either that, or it was just strange for a certain character ti say a certain thing, if that makes sense? As for the action scenes, I felt they were way too rushed. This especially happens in the second half of the book—it went by so fast that I had a little bit of a hard time believing what went down.
Overall, I wasn't disappointed by Uncharted! I'd been looking forward to it for the longest time and I'm so happy I got a chance to read it early!
Hands down, my favourite part of this book was Annabeth. The girl was just amazing—I admired her so much. She's been through a lot but she's fierce and full of tenacity and never gives up when it comes to saving people she loves. I felt her grief and her worry throughout the book, and thought Cashman did such a good job incorporating both of those feelings for Annabeth throughout the book. It added more depth, more dimension to her, making it all the more enjoyable to read Uncharted from her point of view.
It was really frustrating, sometimes, because of all the secrets and lies. It annoyed me as much as it annoyed Annabeth and I loved that she expressed that often, and, more importantly, did something about it. Considering so much of it concerned her and her father—who is missing—I thought it was completely justified, the things Annabeth had to do.
The whole myth and legend behind Hy-Brasil was so interesting! Obviously, I've never heard of this place—well, until the very end, which surprised me—but Cashman did such a wonderful job building the intrigue around this island. I have no idea just how much is true, but the secret societies and such was an excellent touch for Uncharted.
I was a fan of the little hints of romance throughout the book! I will admit that I wasn't completely sold on Griffin, though. The hot and cold attitude he had throughout the book got old, and it got old fast. I was tired of his black moods coming out of nowhere and then apologising in the next breath. I could have done without his constant urge to protect Annabeth, but sigh. Their relationship did gradually grow well during the book, and I was satisfied with where they end up!
My other complaints have to do with some of the dialogue and action scenes. With the dialogue, some parts just felt... choppy. Either that, or it was just strange for a certain character ti say a certain thing, if that makes sense? As for the action scenes, I felt they were way too rushed. This especially happens in the second half of the book—it went by so fast that I had a little bit of a hard time believing what went down.
Overall, I wasn't disappointed by Uncharted! I'd been looking forward to it for the longest time and I'm so happy I got a chance to read it early!
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{ buy the book }
{ about the book }
Published June 5, 2018 by Berkley
A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice—with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan—from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...
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{ my review }
♫ ♫ ♫ ♪
Okay, look, I know how the rating may seem. But consider it, like, a super high 3.5? Like normally rounded up to 4? I guess?
Writing out my thoughts for this book is complicated. Because on the one hand—so cute! Oh my god, Michael and Stella are so cute! Squeal-inducing so! But on the other—I was so uncomfortable during the sex scenes!
Starting with the good: oh! So adorable. Stella and Michael held my heart with their interactions. I died and squealed no less than 15 times throughout. Once I started, they just made it so difficult to put down! With their fiery kisses and soft touches, it was just so swoony and adorable and, guys, I can’t. I just can’t.
And as much as I loved them together, the two of them as individuals were amazing too. I felt so much for Stella, especially her anxiety. Hoang wrote her so, so well, and at one point, I was pretty sure that Stella’s train of thought made me cry. I love Stella, so much! She deserves the world.
And Michael! If there’s ever a guy that gives you hope that, hey, maybe there are some boys out there that aren’t absolute garbage, it would be Michael.* He was just so patient and sweet with Stella and I swooned. Plus, his dedication to his family! Ugh, I die.
Okay, now for the unfortunate part.
I think it was my mistake for not expecting the sex scenes to be, uh, like that. I’m used to YA’s fade-to-black (which, wow, I didn’t think I’d appreciate up until this level of discomfort), and the occasional lacklustre scene in NA novels. If you want to know if these scenes were bad or anything, I can’t help you. I wouldn’t know what a good sex scene was in any regard.
I was just… so awkward, reading them. I kept checking how much time until the chapters were over, occasionally going as far as distancing myself from the screen and re-orienting myself before continuing. I don’t know! I’m not used to this, and I probably should have expected it, but still! I couldn’t take it.
Nevertheless, The Kiss Quotient was a wonderful read! A really adorable romance full of kisses and other assorted adorable scenes. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a swoony read!
*and when you meet Phil(l?)ip James, you realise that, once again, all men are garbage and all hope is lost.
Writing out my thoughts for this book is complicated. Because on the one hand—so cute! Oh my god, Michael and Stella are so cute! Squeal-inducing so! But on the other—I was so uncomfortable during the sex scenes!
Starting with the good: oh! So adorable. Stella and Michael held my heart with their interactions. I died and squealed no less than 15 times throughout. Once I started, they just made it so difficult to put down! With their fiery kisses and soft touches, it was just so swoony and adorable and, guys, I can’t. I just can’t.
And as much as I loved them together, the two of them as individuals were amazing too. I felt so much for Stella, especially her anxiety. Hoang wrote her so, so well, and at one point, I was pretty sure that Stella’s train of thought made me cry. I love Stella, so much! She deserves the world.
And Michael! If there’s ever a guy that gives you hope that, hey, maybe there are some boys out there that aren’t absolute garbage, it would be Michael.* He was just so patient and sweet with Stella and I swooned. Plus, his dedication to his family! Ugh, I die.
Okay, now for the unfortunate part.
I think it was my mistake for not expecting the sex scenes to be, uh, like that. I’m used to YA’s fade-to-black (which, wow, I didn’t think I’d appreciate up until this level of discomfort), and the occasional lacklustre scene in NA novels. If you want to know if these scenes were bad or anything, I can’t help you. I wouldn’t know what a good sex scene was in any regard.
I was just… so awkward, reading them. I kept checking how much time until the chapters were over, occasionally going as far as distancing myself from the screen and re-orienting myself before continuing. I don’t know! I’m not used to this, and I probably should have expected it, but still! I couldn’t take it.
Nevertheless, The Kiss Quotient was a wonderful read! A really adorable romance full of kisses and other assorted adorable scenes. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a swoony read!
*and when you meet Phil(l?)ip James, you realise that, once again, all men are garbage and all hope is lost.
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{ buy the book }
{ about the book }
Kingdom of Ash and Soot by C.S. JohnsonPublishes July 3, 2018 by Prodigy Gold Books
e-ARC provided by the author
e-ARC provided by the author
PRAGUE, 1870.
For the last ten years, nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodová has worked as a servant in her stepmother's household. Along with her older brother, she dreams of the day they will be free to live life on their own terms.
But everything changes when their estranged grandmother comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup. As the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, Lady Penelope is determined to mete out the perpetrators. Now, Eleanora must make the choice between a life of intrigue and saving the lives of others.
Can Eleanora find a way do the right thing and still find freedom?
With a fun blend of historical fiction, true love, castle intrigue, and family dysfunction, The Order of the Crystal Daggers is the latest adventure series from C. S. Johnson.
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{ my review }
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I’d be lying if I said the cover wasn’t my main reason for wanting to pick up this book. But after reading the synopsis, I got some interesting Cinderella vibes, and, well.
I was sold.
Kingdom is not a retelling. It has some elements, definitely—an Ella working as a servant in her own home after her father passes, dancing amongst the elite, things like that. But it’s definitely not a retelling. Despite that, I was intrigued by the time period and the setting of the book. Prague! In 1870! With that and the addition of a secret organisation and deadly plots, Kingdom of Ash and Soot had a lot going for it.
Only. Only it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Because in the end, I was bored. There wasn’t nearly as much action I wanted, I wasn’t sucked into Eleanora’s world, and I just… felt this odd detachment from everything. Johnson’s writing was really good, too! Despite that, I just wasn’t feeling this book. It definitely felt like an introduction to the world kind of book, which just kinda left my eyes glazed over.
… I also wasn’t a fan of the romance. I was hoping for the attraction to build up, kind of in a slow burn. Really, I just wanted more development before anything happened!
Overall, Kingdom of Ash and Soot was an okay start, if sort of unmemorable, start to a new series. While it had some interesting parts, it unfortunately fell flat for me. I am excited to see where book 2 takes Eleanora, though! So, 3.5 stars.
I was sold.
Kingdom is not a retelling. It has some elements, definitely—an Ella working as a servant in her own home after her father passes, dancing amongst the elite, things like that. But it’s definitely not a retelling. Despite that, I was intrigued by the time period and the setting of the book. Prague! In 1870! With that and the addition of a secret organisation and deadly plots, Kingdom of Ash and Soot had a lot going for it.
Only. Only it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Because in the end, I was bored. There wasn’t nearly as much action I wanted, I wasn’t sucked into Eleanora’s world, and I just… felt this odd detachment from everything. Johnson’s writing was really good, too! Despite that, I just wasn’t feeling this book. It definitely felt like an introduction to the world kind of book, which just kinda left my eyes glazed over.
… I also wasn’t a fan of the romance. I was hoping for the attraction to build up, kind of in a slow burn. Really, I just wanted more development before anything happened!
Overall, Kingdom of Ash and Soot was an okay start, if sort of unmemorable, start to a new series. While it had some interesting parts, it unfortunately fell flat for me. I am excited to see where book 2 takes Eleanora, though! So, 3.5 stars.
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{ buy the book }
amazon | barnes & noble| book depository | indie bound
kindle | nook | kobo |apple ibooks | google play
kindle | nook | kobo |
{ about the book }
Sweet Black Waves by Kristina PérezPublished June 5, 2018 by Imprint
e-ARC provided by netgalley
e-ARC provided by netgalley
Not you without me, not me without you.
Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them.
As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what's right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she's ever loved.
Inspired by the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Eseult, this is the story of the legend’s true heroine: Branwen. For fans of Graceling and The Mists of Avalon, this is the first book of a lush fantasy trilogy about warring countries, family secrets, and forbidden romance.
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{ my review }
♫ ♫ ♫ ♪
Sweet Black Waves took some time to get into, but I feel like once you push through that beginning, you could really like it.
I won’t lie, I was iffy about the book. The romance is introduced pretty early on in the book, and frankly, I never saw the chemistry, so that was a bust for me. I never did like the love interest either, so all his efforts—while not wasted on Branwen—were wasted on me.
Branwen, however, was a character I really liked. She kind of has that saviour complex, and throughout the book, it shows. She also keeps a lot of secrets from those close to her, very rarely asking for help. I mean, I got why, but at times it did get infuriating. But as a whole, Branwen was just… such a strong character. Both in a well written way, but also in that everything-might-be-falling-apart-but-I-won’t-be kind of way. She’s really hard to fully break down and I loved reading a character like that!
I had really mixed feelings about Essy. Most of the time, she infuriated me to no end. I thought her infatuation with that one duke was extremely childish, and the way she lashed out—so cruelly and thoroughly—to people she loved was shocking. I loved that Branwen never gave up on her and that most of the time, it was Essy who was her main priority—that kind of bond always makes me happy. But it didn’t always feel like that from Essy’s side, which only added to my wariness of her.
One of my main complaints about this book is that it is wordy. The book is about 450 pages long and god, does it feel like it. I had to force myself to keep on going at times, and it felt like it took 3 years just to finish it! And the fact that it did sometimes drag didn’t always help me.
I found the ending to be really dramatic, but… mostly just rushed. Since the romance was never really that important to me to begin with, it just didn’t hit me like I think it was supposed to, so I was just a bit detached from it. But it did leave something to be desired—I’m really looking forward to what happens in the next book as Branwen’s arc grows! Being on another land and all, I’m also excited to find out more about the world. (Admittedly, all that name dropping in the start was more than a bit confusing.)
Overall, Sweet Black Waves was an… interesting start to a new series. I don’t know much about the myth it’s based off of, but I’m excited to see if it continues to play a part throughout the rest of the series! Giving this a 3.5!
I won’t lie, I was iffy about the book. The romance is introduced pretty early on in the book, and frankly, I never saw the chemistry, so that was a bust for me. I never did like the love interest either, so all his efforts—while not wasted on Branwen—were wasted on me.
Branwen, however, was a character I really liked. She kind of has that saviour complex, and throughout the book, it shows. She also keeps a lot of secrets from those close to her, very rarely asking for help. I mean, I got why, but at times it did get infuriating. But as a whole, Branwen was just… such a strong character. Both in a well written way, but also in that everything-might-be-falling-apart-but-I-won’t-be kind of way. She’s really hard to fully break down and I loved reading a character like that!
I had really mixed feelings about Essy. Most of the time, she infuriated me to no end. I thought her infatuation with that one duke was extremely childish, and the way she lashed out—so cruelly and thoroughly—to people she loved was shocking. I loved that Branwen never gave up on her and that most of the time, it was Essy who was her main priority—that kind of bond always makes me happy. But it didn’t always feel like that from Essy’s side, which only added to my wariness of her.
One of my main complaints about this book is that it is wordy. The book is about 450 pages long and god, does it feel like it. I had to force myself to keep on going at times, and it felt like it took 3 years just to finish it! And the fact that it did sometimes drag didn’t always help me.
I found the ending to be really dramatic, but… mostly just rushed. Since the romance was never really that important to me to begin with, it just didn’t hit me like I think it was supposed to, so I was just a bit detached from it. But it did leave something to be desired—I’m really looking forward to what happens in the next book as Branwen’s arc grows! Being on another land and all, I’m also excited to find out more about the world. (Admittedly, all that name dropping in the start was more than a bit confusing.)
Overall, Sweet Black Waves was an… interesting start to a new series. I don’t know much about the myth it’s based off of, but I’m excited to see if it continues to play a part throughout the rest of the series! Giving this a 3.5!
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It's been like 3 years since my last MRC, but I'm back with mini reviews in this 6th volume!
Scroll down for my thoughts on 3 upcoming fantasy titles: Kiss of the Royal, Bring Me Their Hearts, and Heart of Thorns!
Scroll down for my thoughts on 3 upcoming fantasy titles: Kiss of the Royal, Bring Me Their Hearts, and Heart of Thorns!
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Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Dugastandalone novel
publishes July 3rd 2018 by Entangled Teen
e-ARC provided by netgalley
goodreads
In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.
Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.
With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.
♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Well, colour me surprised, I didn't expect to enjoy this so much! I found the idea of Kiss very interesting, if a bit odd—the whole Royals having powers because of a kiss is very unique to me. In hindsight, it seems very unfortunate because royals can't technically make an army, not in numbers like commoners, at least.
Still! I liked the writing and I liked Ivy! She was a very dedicated character, hella intent on ending this war, even after pairing with someone who didn't believe in her ideologies.
That was part of why I liked this book so much! I'm a sucker for books where the main couple-to-be start off on opposite ends and don't see eye to eye at first. Gradually reading about them understanding the other's point of view is my favourite part.
I'll admit, it was a bit slow in the opening chapters, but after Zach was introduced, the plot really picked up. The more I read, the more I was intrigued by the whole concept of Love in this book. Ivy doesn't believe in it! Normally this kind of thing would annoy me—I hate exploring so much into love, but this wasn't about feelings... more like the whole concept of it. It's why it reminded me so much of the show Once Upon A Time.
In the end, I was sold on this book. Ivy had a great voice, and the plot was—well, not wholly unique, but fun nonetheless. The romance was great, and the whole Royal Kiss thing was intriguing. So, easy 4 stars from me and I'd recommend it!
Still! I liked the writing and I liked Ivy! She was a very dedicated character, hella intent on ending this war, even after pairing with someone who didn't believe in her ideologies.
That was part of why I liked this book so much! I'm a sucker for books where the main couple-to-be start off on opposite ends and don't see eye to eye at first. Gradually reading about them understanding the other's point of view is my favourite part.
I'll admit, it was a bit slow in the opening chapters, but after Zach was introduced, the plot really picked up. The more I read, the more I was intrigued by the whole concept of Love in this book. Ivy doesn't believe in it! Normally this kind of thing would annoy me—I hate exploring so much into love, but this wasn't about feelings... more like the whole concept of it. It's why it reminded me so much of the show Once Upon A Time.
In the end, I was sold on this book. Ivy had a great voice, and the plot was—well, not wholly unique, but fun nonetheless. The romance was great, and the whole Royal Kiss thing was intriguing. So, easy 4 stars from me and I'd recommend it!
Buy links!
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Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara WolfBring Me Their Hearts, book 1
publishes June 5, 2018 by Entangled: Teen
e-ARC provided by netgalley
e-ARC provided by netgalley
Zera is a Heartless—the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly.
Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she’s discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles.
Crown Prince Lucien d’Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him—every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him—until the arrival of Lady Zera. She’s inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince’s honor has him quickly aiming for her throat.
So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all.
Winner takes the loser’s heart.
Literally.
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To be completely honest, I'm very middle-of-the-scale here. (I don't think that's even a saying lol)
See, on the one hand, I really did enjoy Zera's voice. I enjoyed the relationship between her and the Lady Y'shennria, which had gone from deep displeasure to something similar to a mother-daughter connection. I even liked how the romance was done—no one fell in lust or love instantly, but rather realised their feelings over a long period of time, and even then, didn't succumb to them. In a lot of ways, Bring Me Their Hearts was a good novel.
But reading it at times, it felt like Wolf tried too hard. Especially with Zera and her sense of humour. Some of Zera's comments felt way too colloquial for a fantasy novel. Most of her other comments just seemed too forced to me. I did like her, for the most part, but I wasn't completely into all her remarks.
Otherwise, I really loved the concept of Heartless! Wolf did a good job with getting readers to understand why Zera is going through such a dangerous plot to become human again. I liked that her need to accomplish this was always a priority... which isn't always the case with similar plots.
Overall, I would recommend this! I was a little surprised with how it ended so I'm excited for the second book!
See, on the one hand, I really did enjoy Zera's voice. I enjoyed the relationship between her and the Lady Y'shennria, which had gone from deep displeasure to something similar to a mother-daughter connection. I even liked how the romance was done—no one fell in lust or love instantly, but rather realised their feelings over a long period of time, and even then, didn't succumb to them. In a lot of ways, Bring Me Their Hearts was a good novel.
But reading it at times, it felt like Wolf tried too hard. Especially with Zera and her sense of humour. Some of Zera's comments felt way too colloquial for a fantasy novel. Most of her other comments just seemed too forced to me. I did like her, for the most part, but I wasn't completely into all her remarks.
Otherwise, I really loved the concept of Heartless! Wolf did a good job with getting readers to understand why Zera is going through such a dangerous plot to become human again. I liked that her need to accomplish this was always a priority... which isn't always the case with similar plots.
Overall, I would recommend this! I was a little surprised with how it ended so I'm excited for the second book!
Buy links!
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Heart of Thorns, book 1
In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.
Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.
But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.
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I loved this book! Though, frankly, it might have to do with Quin, but I'll get there.
In the grand scheme of things, Heart of Thorns isn't entirely different from most other fantasy books. What does make it stand out is that only women have magic! And they're seen as demons. (Figures lmao) So of course our main character, Mia, is such a "creature"!
I loved Mia, though. Throughout the book, it was easy to sympathise with her, in more ways than one. Being forced into an arranged marriage, dealing with the loss of her mother, finding out she's one of the Gwyrach that killed her mother, all while giving up her goals and getting her sister to safety. It's a lot and it was heartening to see Mia push through whatever obstacle came her way the best she could. I had a lot of respect for her!
I really, really liked Quin! He's the love interest and he was introduced as a cold, detatched prince at first, BUT OH. HE WAS SO SWEET LATER ON, I'm emo. He's also bisexual! I haven't read any reviews of the book where that's mentioned but Quin is bi!!
I'm looking forward to future books because a) I'm so sold on this ship; b) the ending was both unexpected and slightly expected; and c) I really want to know more about the world. (I could do without the random scientific terms placed in, though.)
So! Overall, I would definitely recommend this!
In the grand scheme of things, Heart of Thorns isn't entirely different from most other fantasy books. What does make it stand out is that only women have magic! And they're seen as demons. (Figures lmao) So of course our main character, Mia, is such a "creature"!
I loved Mia, though. Throughout the book, it was easy to sympathise with her, in more ways than one. Being forced into an arranged marriage, dealing with the loss of her mother, finding out she's one of the Gwyrach that killed her mother, all while giving up her goals and getting her sister to safety. It's a lot and it was heartening to see Mia push through whatever obstacle came her way the best she could. I had a lot of respect for her!
I really, really liked Quin! He's the love interest and he was introduced as a cold, detatched prince at first, BUT OH. HE WAS SO SWEET LATER ON, I'm emo. He's also bisexual! I haven't read any reviews of the book where that's mentioned but Quin is bi!!
I'm looking forward to future books because a) I'm so sold on this ship; b) the ending was both unexpected and slightly expected; and c) I really want to know more about the world. (I could do without the random scientific terms placed in, though.)
So! Overall, I would definitely recommend this!
Buy links!
{ about the book }
Caraval, book 2
Publishes May 29, 2018 by Flatiron Books
e-ARC received from netgalley
e-ARC received from netgalley
Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval
A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.
The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval... the games have only just begun.
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{ my review }
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I don't remember a lot about Caraval to be honest. I liked it when I first read it but that was so long ago for a person who hardly remembers the plot of the last book she read. Still, I liked it enough to really want this book, so I guess that's something?
I did like Legendary. I liked Tella more than Scarlett—I liked how bold she was and how unashamed she was to be herself. I liked her sharp tongue and sharp wit and the exchanges between her and certain characters. Tella, I think, was my favourite character.
I even liked the romance, as push and pull as it was! The love interest was enigmatic as you would expect and combined with Garber's writing, he was also more enticing than I initially thought. It was so different than Scarlett's relationship with Julian that I couldn't help but be drawn to this character, even though I spent a lot of time side eyeing him at first. I wouldn't say he won me over, but I did like him well enough. Plus, it got a little heated sooo [insert eye emoji].
There's also the matter of another character, a certain friend. It's clear where he stands to Tella but honestly I loved him. I wish he had more page time. He was probably the only other character I really loved straight off the bat? And it was just clear that he wasn't a "good" person—you guys should know by now that I love my morally ambiguous characters.
The thing that gets me most about Garber's books is the writing. Look. I hate it. I hate purple prose and overly descriptive writing. It's annoying and most of the time, it comes out either pretentious or sounds ridiculous and it felt like that a lot in this book. I probably rolled my eyes no less than 20 times getting through it because, at some points, it was just straight up ridiculous.
Anyway. This ended in a weird place for me? Like it doesn't really feel finished. Maybe Tella's story but there's definitely an opening for another book because it ends at strange note. So! 3.5 stars! Do you guys have those books where you feel like you won't care about later but like in the moment? This feels like that to me.
[Update: there's now going to be a 3rd book! So yay to not having to deal with this weird ending!]
I did like Legendary. I liked Tella more than Scarlett—I liked how bold she was and how unashamed she was to be herself. I liked her sharp tongue and sharp wit and the exchanges between her and certain characters. Tella, I think, was my favourite character.
I even liked the romance, as push and pull as it was! The love interest was enigmatic as you would expect and combined with Garber's writing, he was also more enticing than I initially thought. It was so different than Scarlett's relationship with Julian that I couldn't help but be drawn to this character, even though I spent a lot of time side eyeing him at first. I wouldn't say he won me over, but I did like him well enough. Plus, it got a little heated sooo [insert eye emoji].
There's also the matter of another character, a certain friend. It's clear where he stands to Tella but honestly I loved him. I wish he had more page time. He was probably the only other character I really loved straight off the bat? And it was just clear that he wasn't a "good" person—you guys should know by now that I love my morally ambiguous characters.
The thing that gets me most about Garber's books is the writing. Look. I hate it. I hate purple prose and overly descriptive writing. It's annoying and most of the time, it comes out either pretentious or sounds ridiculous and it felt like that a lot in this book. I probably rolled my eyes no less than 20 times getting through it because, at some points, it was just straight up ridiculous.
Anyway. This ended in a weird place for me? Like it doesn't really feel finished. Maybe Tella's story but there's definitely an opening for another book because it ends at strange note. So! 3.5 stars! Do you guys have those books where you feel like you won't care about later but like in the moment? This feels like that to me.
[Update: there's now going to be a 3rd book! So yay to not having to deal with this weird ending!]
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{ buy the book }
amazon | barnes & noble** | book depository | indie bound
kindle | nook | kobo | ibooks | google play
**B&N offers a special edition, which is where the link should take you to
kindle | nook | kobo | ibooks | google play
**B&N offers a special edition, which is where the link should take you to
{ about the book }
standalone novel
Publishes May 15, 2018 by Swoon Reads
e-ARC received from netgalley
e-ARC received from netgalley
Eve is used to being the odd woman out. As the only girl on her school's baseball team, she knows exactly how to put sweaty, macho baseball players in their place, and she's focused on one thing and one thing only—being the best pitcher she can be.
But when a freak accident forces her high school to be absorbed by the neighboring town, Eve has to contend with a new group of guys who aren't used to having a woman on their team. And the new team's star pitcher, Jamie, has no interest in being ousted from his throne. He can't afford to give up his starting slot to a new pitcher—even worse, to a girl.
As the competition between Jamie and Eve starts to heat up, so does their attraction to each other. Can they keep their heads in the game, or will they end up getting played?
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{ my review }
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This is my second book by Karole Cozzo and it has a completely different tone than her last novel—The Truth About Happily Ever After. This isn’t bad at all, actually, and I loved that she’s able to write such different characters with really different voices.
For the most part, The Game Can’t Love You Back is a good book. I liked the plot, I liked the romance—and the build-up to it!—and the characters. It was well written, had great swoony scenes, and all the sports talk didn’t haunt me! (You have to understand, gym class in high school is a universal traumatic experience.)
But. This is where for the most part comes in. I liked the characters, but Eve really, really got under my skin sometimes.
Eve is really hardcore. She doesn’t back down easily and she sure as hell doesn’t give up easily. She’s the only girl on her new school’s all boy baseball team and she gets shit for it. She constantly has to prove herself to them, which sucks because boys aren’t worth anything, but I get it. I liked her and her character throughout was very believable and likable. But. I hated, hated, hated that she looked down on things she considered “girly.” You can do and like whatever the hell you want but there is absolutely no reason to play down on things that you consider “girly.” It happened throughout the book and it irritated me so, so much.
Frankly, I didn’t really care for Jamie for most of the novel. He didn’t really stand out to me, save for the scenes where he talked about his family or we got a look into it. It was something I really related with and not something you see a lot of in general. It was his development that warmed me up to him—he changed from that flirty, playboy-ish kinda guy. He was also sweet with Eve after they got over their initial rivalry.
Speaking of which—this is indeed a hate-to-love story and I really enjoyed it! Their rivalry was well done and they had an actual reason for it, not just some petty thing where they try their best to get back at each other. I liked how they got over their differences and eventually settled for a friendship and then something more.
One of the other things that bothered me was that we didn’t see much of Eve’s friend, despite the fact that she sort of had an important issue in the book with her boyfriend. It came up once in a while and I just didn’t find that part of the story wrapped up.
Overall, The Game Can’t Love You Back was a nice read! I enjoyed it (for the most part) and if you’re looking for a hate-to-love romance, I would recommend it! 3.5 stars.
For the most part, The Game Can’t Love You Back is a good book. I liked the plot, I liked the romance—and the build-up to it!—and the characters. It was well written, had great swoony scenes, and all the sports talk didn’t haunt me! (You have to understand, gym class in high school is a universal traumatic experience.)
But. This is where for the most part comes in. I liked the characters, but Eve really, really got under my skin sometimes.
Eve is really hardcore. She doesn’t back down easily and she sure as hell doesn’t give up easily. She’s the only girl on her new school’s all boy baseball team and she gets shit for it. She constantly has to prove herself to them, which sucks because boys aren’t worth anything, but I get it. I liked her and her character throughout was very believable and likable. But. I hated, hated, hated that she looked down on things she considered “girly.” You can do and like whatever the hell you want but there is absolutely no reason to play down on things that you consider “girly.” It happened throughout the book and it irritated me so, so much.
Frankly, I didn’t really care for Jamie for most of the novel. He didn’t really stand out to me, save for the scenes where he talked about his family or we got a look into it. It was something I really related with and not something you see a lot of in general. It was his development that warmed me up to him—he changed from that flirty, playboy-ish kinda guy. He was also sweet with Eve after they got over their initial rivalry.
Speaking of which—this is indeed a hate-to-love story and I really enjoyed it! Their rivalry was well done and they had an actual reason for it, not just some petty thing where they try their best to get back at each other. I liked how they got over their differences and eventually settled for a friendship and then something more.
One of the other things that bothered me was that we didn’t see much of Eve’s friend, despite the fact that she sort of had an important issue in the book with her boyfriend. It came up once in a while and I just didn’t find that part of the story wrapped up.
Overall, The Game Can’t Love You Back was a nice read! I enjoyed it (for the most part) and if you’re looking for a hate-to-love romance, I would recommend it! 3.5 stars.
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