Sionna

I saw this one is a retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth and without even reading it was about, I decided to read it. 

This is such an interesting take and I'm not sure if I'd call it a retelling per say, although many of the elements are similar. It is modern, there is magic, and the underworld is real– we know because there was a war! Persephone is trying to get out of her mother's shadow and figure out how to be herself– not who everyone thinks she should be. This story did not go at all the way I thought it would. It is different, interesting, and an adventure from start to finish. 

Definitely worth the read! 

I'm not a fan of horror usually, so this isn't my type of book. My personal feelings ehhh 3-3.5 stars, but giving it a bump because I know I'm not the target audience and I'd still totally recommend this to people. It had some awesome lines and the writing style is rather lyrical/flowery at times so it everything becomes creepier and more unsettling.

Truly, Melanie's review is exactly what I'd like to say about this book.
There is a lot to love. It has great concepts, great prose, great themes. I'll definitely check out more by this author in the future.

This is such a hard book to review. It really... I mean, it is fiction because the characters don't exist, but really this is so real, so true, and feels like such an accurate look at the journey many people endure in the hopes to one day be safe. 
It is raw, it is sad and hopeful at the same time, and at all times intense because their journey is one of life and death with death having the advantage. 
The chapters alternate between the ‘now' when Ebo is on a boat in the sea on his way to Italy... they hope, and ‘then' which starts from him realizing his brother, Kwame, left him behind to try making his way to Europe. While these chapters may seem like they would be less intense because we know they will make their way to the boat, they really are anything but. Their journey is brutal.

The story is gripping and you can't help but to root for these characters, hoping they will one day be safe. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.
2.5 stars

I remember reading some of Melissa de la Cruz's books back when I was in high school. My fond memories of those books was what prompted me to pick this one up– that and the matchmaking aspect sounded unique.
Unfortunately, it seems I am no longer a fan of this writing. I felt such a huge disconnect from the characters. Everything felt surface level and surprisingly fake.

First off, buying an airplane ticket to send your daughter to a different country and even signing them up for school there without them knowing and then only telling them they are going the morning of the flight makes no sense. It takes a while to board flights... AND to pack!!

Also, Junior year is the most stressful year in high school. Senior year is stressful because of the applications, but colleges don't really look at senior year stuff unless your on the waitlist and such – or so I'm told. Unless you're in a country where they take entrance exams to get into university (like South Korea), then things are a bit different.

Jisu's feelings never felt solid to me. She likes Austin, but doesn't. She likes other guys, but then feels more indifferent towards them. This I can forgive though because she's 17. The heart is still learning in high school and so this felt somewhat believable, but I'm not convinced with the ending.
I wish there was more about Jisu adjusting to living in America. Sure, she says she's fluent in English, but there is a huge difference in learning and speaking English outside America or other native English-speaking countries. Jisu knew slang and a few other tidbits I found strange. Yes, she watches American makeup tutorials (really??? When Korea has better products and a completely different style??), but I don't think she'd pick things up so naturally before getting to America.

I did like the diverse cast and taking down the racist classmate. The parts I enjoyed the most were the date scripts. At first I thought they were text messages, so that was an awkward start... but once I knew they were at a place together, I kind of liked the format. Anyhow, there is some awesome conversation in those parts.

All in all, this isn't a book for me and I know that. I do have a few people in mind I might recommend this to: ones looking for relationship-drama, but besides them I probably won't recommend this to many people.

I received this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

WELL THEN...

There were many times I wanted to drop this book. The concept itself is interesting: the planet is being attack by overly powerful beings and no one knows why and no one can stop them. I'm totally down for trying that out... until it seems hopeless and slow.
The pacing was so very slow for me (personal problem, I know). At 20 pages in, I was done, BUT I've DNF'd many books this year, so I thought I should try to persevere!

It was so slow and I had no idea where it was going – “weren't they supposed to meet?” I kept asking myself. Then “what was the point of them meeting?” and “Oh, this isn't the end? WAIT, this is a series?!” I groaned as I noticed the Goodreads entry for it.
And, once I realized it was a series, the slow-pacing and non-action action made sense– this is the set up. sigh

I still gave it three stars...
Why?
Because the mystery and the fear is real. The actions of the characters seem pretty realistic to me and I liked the twist (even if I saw it coming haha). I like that the MP is a POC... thought it was weird how she was the only MP who wasn't white... although I think Xander is Chinese so... that is something and hopefully he will have a bigger part in the next book.
In the beginning of the book I felt just thrown into this world with no idea what was going on–confused– and I didn't like it, until I realized it was a way to connect with the humans, who were also confused. So, the emotions the book tries to make the reader feel I think can get through which was interesting.

I did end up skipping a lot of internal dialogue, because I felt it to be repetitive and unneeded. The book actually went faster and I enjoyed it more when I started skipping big paragraphs, so in the end I realize this writing style might not be my thing! Another reason why I brought it up from 2 stars. If it is a ‘just me' kinda thing, then I can't really blame the book for it. AND I still thought it was interesting.
I would totally watch this movie.


I would recommend this to people 14+, who don't mind a slow burn, like invasions, but don't need tons of action. Possibly also people who enjoy light horror because of that feeling of fear that permeates throughout the book. Oh! and Beauty & the Beast fans.

2.5 stars....

It is hard to read a book when you dislike the main character. I really disliked her and thought her not being suspicious of Camden was weird.... also the chase. UGH, I just UUGGHHHH
I won't be continuing this series.

I received this book through netgalley, but all opinions and ideas are my own

This was super adorable.

I wasn't too sure what I was getting into, and went in cautiously. I am so glad I requested this book because it was cute, fluffy, and such a treat to read. I loved the relationship between the girls because even though they were obviously side characters, they were still treated well and respectfully. Sticking with your girlfriends was a definite theme (underneath all the lovey dovey stuff).

I like how the romance was handled because even though there was teasing going on, it was light hearted and explained well. The main dude isn't an asshole, just a smartass which honestly, is a huge difference. Different types of guys were also shown which I feel is important– people don't always fall for the same type of person. Also, many of the ‘requirements' for a prince are AWESOME and I hope more people take them to heart.

The only problem I have with this book is that many things were unbelievable. Jeffery's character is not one I've ever seen in real life. Also, an anti-bullying campaign?? that works instead of backfiring????, as well as a New Age teacher teaching dance??? Yeah these things pulled me out of the book at first, BUT then when I realized how light it made the book– how FUN it made the book, I gave in and accepted it.

I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel– I like the ending as is. I would totally recommend this book to people though! If you like sweet first love stories with lots of humor, this is a book you've got to pick up!

This is a fun series and I'm really glad I was able to read it. I didn't really know where it was going to go or how it would end, but I'm glad with how it went. I found them all adorable, even the Water God. I like that he didn't understand human interactions or needs and had to learn in order to understand her more. Their relationship is a slower burn and done really well.

I received this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I have never read anything about batwoman before, so this was quite the experience. Of course, with most american graphic novels I've been reading I felt like this was fast-paced, almost to the point where I felt like I missed something.

I really like the characters and think they are pretty cool. Kate is a very interesting character and I think there is so much that can be done with her character. Except for the characters, I felt like this issue, fell flat.
The art was okay. I liked the pages where we saw how the characters looked/ what they were doing at certain ages. The world is begging to be explored. The story... well, there was a story. Like I said, it went so fast that I wouldn't figure out what was really going on. I also might have mixed some characters up for a while WHOOPS! I guess, I didn't understand the whole island thing and why these villains were important to Kate, or even why this island in particular should be the one for the nefarious plot.

I do want to understand the future Kate and what is going on there, but I'm just not as invested as I hoped to be, so I probably won't read it.

I read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of those books that I'm not sure if my thoughts on it would different had I read it at another time. I usually complain about romances not having enough story to them and this is one that definitely had enough story to it. Isabella is on the run from both sides of a conflict and faces danger everywhere. She's trying to keep her sister and step-daughter alive and make it to another country, but gets caught up in another plot while in hiding. There is rebellion, war, sneaking around, deception and yet, I wasn't always interested in the story. This might be my current mood though.
There is a ton of history here and it feels like the author did a lot of research to make it sound authentic.

I wasn't invested in the romance. I like the characters separately– Isabella is smart, determined, and generous, while Cinaed is protective, a leader, and caring– but together their chemistry felt a bit forced, or too quick for me. I anticipated more suspicion and reserved behavior between them, but they seemed to trust each other very quickly. I also want to mention that Isabella's position on the rebellion seems to do a 180, which is fine, except that the way its written makes it seem like it was her position the entire time, and that just didn't work for me.

There are also events that seem anti-climatic or just didn't make sense to me. On the other hand, there are some great scenes, dialogue, and budding relationships between characters. Which leads me to putting this book at a 3 star rating. I really enjoyed some of this book, but some of it dragged or didn't quite make sense, so I can't lean one way or the other.

I probably won't read the next one unless I'm really looking for something historical. This book is great for people looking for more history and story in their historical romances. The backdrop of the Scottish Rebellion isn't one I have read about before, which made the setting and events fresh and unique to me.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

So, every once in awhile I'll request something besides fantasy or outside of YA– shocking I know. Here is one of those times. I absolutely love mysteries. I love trying to figure out who the villain is and connecting all of the clues. It is why I like the In Death series so much and even Midsomer Murders (tv show). Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of this one and I even somehow guessed the killer and some other things.

The main character, Harper, is a crime reporter. While she may write about crimes, this puts her in a difficult position for solving a crime, which really isn't her job to do. This keeps getting explained to Harper along with “you're obsessed” which she promptly denies... even though she totally is going beyond her job AND SHE IS OBSESSED. Her obsession is actually what had me tempted to put the book down at 70%. I felt she was absolutely so in the wrong and there is only so much breaking the law that I can put up with. For me, the means do not always justify the results.

Her job and her obsession with the case become most of her personality for the book, so I ended up not liking her so much. I do like some of the side characters, so they helped make the book enjoyable. Mostly, because we are taken along with Harper's tunnel vision in regards to the case, I wasn't as taken. BUT, I see how some other people might find how she investigates and gets evidence to be thrilling and exciting– keeping them on their toes.

The romance is a fun little element which I think will be explored more in future books. Luke ws one of my favorite characters. He really cares about Harper and wants to help her, but as a cop there is only so much he can condone.

So, I think I might recommend this one to people who like thrillers more than mysteries. There might be some other qualifiers, but I'm still working this book out in my head. I think because I seem to be picky with my thrillers.

Love love LOVE this book. I thought trying to make the supernatural be somewhat scientific was also VERY interesting. A good change.

Can't wait to read the sequel!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I will admit, I almost did not finish this book. The writing style doesn't mesh with me. It feels too fast and the dialogue is always full of sarcasm and Ky talking big.

It isn't until I made the connection to Veronica Mars that I started getting into it more. I loved that show and since these main characters are so similar, why couldn't I just like Ky more? I still might not be Ky's biggest fan, but I see how she might grow in the series and I realized suddenly that I really did want to know how the mystery would work out – and I wanted to make sure it didn't involve a character I did like.

Ky has a temper and a love for justice. She doesn't follow the rules and can't help but step in when someone needs assistance. She might not be my favorite character, but I do respect her. I'm glad some of the other characters were redeemed as well. Not the football players, because ugh, but I do like Dawson.

This is fast-paced and sometimes feels it. I wasn't always sure on timeline at times and I wouldn't have mind things slowing down, but there isn't ever a dull moment in this book.

Slowly I began to realize that this mystery was going to be bigger than just one book and my attention was grabbed even more. Now, I want to read the sequel! I had problems with this book, I almost didn't finish it, but I did eventually get into the groove of it and now wish I had more because I just need to know what is going on in this small town.
I'm also curious about the relationship building between Ky and Dawson – She's a minor and he isn't, which is made obvious at multiple times in the book, but... I really like them together??? If she turns 18 soon then I won't mind if that is where the series is going, but if not then I might have issues– but the author is so cognizant of this considering the subject matter of the next book! So, yes, I have feelings and a desire to know what happens next.

If you like Veronica Mars, girls out for justice, and/or fast-paced thrillers, you should check this book out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

While I enjoyed this book, I can't say I was fully invested. The pages flew by, but I didn't completely care about the outcome? It was a weird feeling to say the least.

And yet, the mystery had me mostly in the dark and the different characters with their different perspectives did add to the story. The writing is flawless and it was interesting reading a book set in a different country (this took me a while to get, but totally made sense).

Do I recommend this one? If you like mysteries, suspense, romantic suspense – this is totally a book you should pick up.

I'm kind of disappointed because this one wasn't as good was the former two, in my opinion. I honestly think I preferred the audiobooks.

I still liked the book but, I think I'm getting tired of the sequence of events which happen in every story.

Also, Wulf is liking Lizzie... out of the blue??? It seems so weird to me.

So, I'll read more, I mean... it will only be 7 books and I'm out of 3/7 by now so might as well.
I just hope that the next book shakes things up a bit (and not just more relationship changes with Lizzie & Diesel).

This is one of those reviews I wish I had written days after reading instead of over a month later. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to give the book justice.

I absolutely loved this book. There were times I did need to take breaks from it, but that is because I'm not a huge epic fantasy reader. I was hooked the whole time though. Usually when reading these more complex fantasy novels, I feel like I'm drowning in details, which I understand why it needs to be done and I know some people LOVE it, but this book never made me feel that way. From the get go I was pulled in and slowly the information is given about the world and people at just the right speed for me.

I will say, at first I wasn't sure what the point of the story was– what is it about and where is it going? For the most part, I didn't care because I was so invested in Jackal and the problems he was facing. It did catch me off guard though when I was only halfway through the book and thought I was almost done –although I usually read book less than 400 pages, so that might have contributed as well.

This book is gritty and I tended to read it in a more stereotypical deep, gravely male voice because it just fits Jackal so well and the merciless world he lives in. This definitely feels more like Sons of Anarchy in a Lord of the Rings setting. It was so interesting! This is a book to read slow and savor. I think most of the characters are pretty well developed and I'm hoping that they will show up in future books.

Yes, I am totally going to be continuing this series. I recommend this one to people looking for a gritty, badass epic fantasy andwho don't mind cursing.

I've heard this book and this author hyped so much that I think I went in with my expectations too high. I think part of the problem is that this is an older book now and I'm used to more recent books who have moved away from the cliches used here.

The story and the world are so interesting. I didn't realize it was a space and alien novel until I started, so that was a nice surprise. I really liked the writing and the world-building.

If you start out your female character as an awesome fighter, then you should try carrying that through. Kiara's character seemed to change as soon as she met Nykyrian, from a potential badass to damsel in distress. She honestly is the main reason I almost DNF this book. She kept poking her nose into their past, in ways that anyone would see as disrespectful.

I was with Syn in totally disliking her. I will read the next book because it is about Syn and a female bounty hunter... so it should be better? Maybe?

This is definitely not my kind of book, but wow.... this was absolutely amazing.

I listened to this audiobook and was really pulled in by the narrators, but I feel even if I had read it I would feel the same. There is something about this book that makes it hard to pull away from.

The book really brought out different characters and it was easy to tell when a different POV was starting (not just because of the voices) they all spoke differently and held themselves differently. It felt beautiful. My favorite character: Travis..... semi-I will not cry I will not cry

I like how religion was a part of this story, but was never bashed too harshly or unredeemable by a person, everyone had their own way of dealing with it. I wouldn't say religion was a subject of this book, but definitely a part of some of the characters lives in some shape or form- which seems realistic.

This is about life and dealing with any horrible life you've been granted. It is about understanding where people come from and accepting people for all their scars and baggage. Most importantly, I think this book is about not giving up on your dreams– not giving up on living and making it through to a better tomorrow and being yourself.

Alright, Imma go cry now. Go read this book if you've already– seriously, I rec. it for everyone.

I feel like she way over-hyped her case. Like it was intense, there was an explosion, but didn't seem like something all the cops would discuss in hushed tones and awe. Especially not when they are all comparing stories. So meh alright overall. I'll give the first book a read.

Merged review:

I feel like she way over-hyped her case. Like it was intense, there was an explosion, but didn't seem like something all the cops would discuss in hushed tones and awe. Especially not when they are all comparing stories. So meh alright overall. I'll give the first book a read.

I really liked this look at demons v. elves, but I totally feel like I missed something... I don't know if this actually added anything to the series.

I read two pages and had to stop because of the spelling mistakes and multiple switches from past to present tense. No thank you.

It was a solid 3 star read until the end scene. It just felt so frustrating and unnecessary.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
1.5 stars

DNF @ 18%

So, recently I've been trying to keep my DNF amount down– I've been doing it quite frequently and I just should really give books more of an effort. So, once I made it past 10% I was determined to continue on, but my frustration with the characters overwhelmed my decision, so I put it down. See, if I can't like the characters then it makes it really difficult to want to read a book, especially if it is a romance book. I need to like the characters if I want them together!!

But Bryan Tyke/Bear is the frustrating, irritating macho man character I have come across in a while. Either that, or I have less patience with them now, because continually pissing off your ex/person you obviously still like, is not a good or sexy thing. And who says “I know you can fit more in your mouth” and is not referring to their penis. What else could he have meant???

So, either the writing of his character is bad or Tyke is just an asshole.

Besides that, I'm getting tired of female characters hitting male characters and it not being a big deal. Does he deserve it? Probably –at this point I don't care what his excuse is. Is violence on this scale acceptable? No. Other than that, I still don't really know Kenna's personality or why her friend should get her mother's ring... I think I might be missing something because I haven't read the prior books in the series.

Oh, there is a mystery going on: who is stealing precious jewelry?
This is the only thing that almost kept me going, but knowing jerk-face was going to be a jerk to Kenna most the time, kept me from wanting to know what would happen.

Merged review:

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
1.5 stars

DNF @ 18%

So, recently I've been trying to keep my DNF amount down– I've been doing it quite frequently and I just should really give books more of an effort. So, once I made it past 10% I was determined to continue on, but my frustration with the characters overwhelmed my decision, so I put it down. See, if I can't like the characters then it makes it really difficult to want to read a book, especially if it is a romance book. I need to like the characters if I want them together!!

But Bryan Tyke/Bear is the frustrating, irritating macho man character I have come across in a while. Either that, or I have less patience with them now, because continually pissing off your ex/person you obviously still like, is not a good or sexy thing. And who says “I know you can fit more in your mouth” and is not referring to their penis. What else could he have meant???

So, either the writing of his character is bad or Tyke is just an asshole.

Besides that, I'm getting tired of female characters hitting male characters and it not being a big deal. Does he deserve it? Probably –at this point I don't care what his excuse is. Is violence on this scale acceptable? No. Other than that, I still don't really know Kenna's personality or why her friend should get her mother's ring... I think I might be missing something because I haven't read the prior books in the series.

Oh, there is a mystery going on: who is stealing precious jewelry?
This is the only thing that almost kept me going, but knowing jerk-face was going to be a jerk to Kenna most the time, kept me from wanting to know what would happen.

I read the first chapter, so I read 4%, and I have absolutely hate Colin. I don't know if I'm going to be able to get over it and I can't really picture him as a submissive going forward, so I'm just calling it quits here.

I think reading this without knowing anything about this planet was a mistake. Even though it takes place before Ares books, I feel like I would have enjoyed this so much more if I read it after. So, I'll read it again then to see ^_^