Nichole
The idea of this book was unique, a love story told in 14 different POVs and none of those were the actual members of the couple. But it fell short for me. I struggled to relate to Lea and Gabe and I found it hard to follow their love story because we were witnessing it through the eyes of their friends, acquaintances, and other random people/animal/objects. The bench and the squirrel POVs were definitely a stretch. And while I enjoyed the characterization of the squirrel, it was a little too much for me. Overall this book I think tried to do too much and suffered as a result.
I honestly do not even know what I just finished reading. The story seemed all over the place, I could not keep the different characters separate in my head and I really really struggled to even care about what happened. I bought this book because of the cover and because I loved Rosamund Hodge's other retellings, but this retelling was horrible. I will not be finishing the duology and I am going to be wary of picking up any other books written by this author.
This book starts off with a bang and from there leaves you with so many questions. You are taken on this fantastic journey throughout the book where you meet all these different characters who all connect to the story. I really enjoyed how fast-paced and action-packed this book was. I personally do not read a lot of thriller books, but I definitely enjoyed this one.
Magic is definitely a part of this book, however, it is inserted in a unique way where it is contemporary America where magic is being released to the public. I really liked how different characters responded to the knowledge of magic. It felt very real to me in terms of how people would react if that happened in real life.
Since this is a thriller/action novel, the writing was not the best and very much telling instead of showing. So definitely do not go into this story expecting amazing writing or fleshed-out characters. I read this book for the story and the plot and I feel like if you are expecting something beyond that you will be disappointed. I definitely look forward to other books that Zach Fehst writes. He does a great job of telling a unique story and keeping me entertained while doing it.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book!
This one was hard to rate because while I didn't hate it or anything, I just didn't care. I could not really connect with any of the characters or the story and did not feel any connection to the world. I think westerns definitely are not for me and this book proves that. I do love Erin Bowman though and am glad I gave this series a chance, it just wasn't for me.
“‘Tempting as the prospect is', Nathaniel said, ‘we are not attempting world domination. It sounds fun in theory, but in reality it's a logistical nightmare. All those assassinations and so forth.' At her blank look, he explained, ‘Silas used to tell me bedtime stories.'”
I really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly well written and had an amazing cast of characters including the main trio. I really loved watching Elisabeth's story unfold. The magic in this world was fascinating between the demons, the grimoires, and the libraries. I also loved all the banter between Nathaniel and Elisabeth. They were so amazing together whether they were fighting each other or demons, or working together to solve a mystery.
I also really appreciated that this was a standalone fantasy novel, that is very rare these days and Margaret did a fantastic job at having a complete story in one book. While she did leave me wanting more and angry there is not more to come in the story. I'm glad there is no sequel because I often fail to continue series because the wait between books is so long.
DNF'd at 51%
When I read the summary for this book, I was definitely intrigued. A story about a magical house that is sentient and a girl's journey to save the house. However, this story was just not for me. Right from the second chapter, I was already put off by how “obsessed” everyone seemed to be with the house. I did not feel like there was a reason for it to be revered in the way it was. One character put it perfectly:
“Burleigh isn't human, Vi. It's not your family or your friend. It serves its own ends, and that is all. Even your father acknowledged that fact - a Great House puts itself first. This place does not deserve your loyalty or your blood or your tears. It is a monster bent on nothing but its own fire lit for you, every flower blooming at your feet, is nothing but a ploy to win your affection.”
I also did not like any of the characters. Wyn was interesting to me because he seemed to not be as obsessed with the house as everyone else. As I got further into the story, I thought the plot would pick up and I would maybe start to understand how the Great Houses were characterized but it never happened. I was reading this book for over a month and just never wanted to pick it up again because I just did not care about the story or the characters. Some people may love this book, but it was not the book for me.
Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for a copy of the book
2.5 Stars
I was hesitant going into this book because I have been disappointed by other booktuber's books. But I was looking forward to this contemporary take on studying abroad and finding yourself. So my expectations were low. I immediately could tell this book was basically Christine as Shane and I was okay with that. The writing was superb but it was readable and I enjoyed the different references to pop culture. As someone who has recently moved far away from home, I could also relate to Shane's story which I think really helped my appreciation of the book.
Fast forward to page 185 and the end of part 1. Part 2 starts and immediately, I'm thrown off by the time jump then I continue reading at wham the book has completely changed and honestly I hated it. The entire second half of the book seemed like it was done for shock and awe and I was not having it. My 3.5-star rating is probably really generous given how much I absolutely hated the second part of this book. It is unfortunate because I really was enjoying the book it was a nice relaxing fun enjoyable read then part 2 happened and I cannot say it was fun or enjoyable anymore.
Initial Thoughts:I have a lot of thoughts. This book was amazing and I loved everything about it. I'm so glad I was able to read it early and I really love this world and these characters.
This book was a fantastic debut fantasy novel set in a world that was so rich and imaginative, even the magic system was incredibly unique and I loved learning more about it. This book follows what I like to call our trio of characters, Fie, Tavin, and Jasimir. They meet early on in the book and are thrust together on a crazy journey to save the kingdom. Each one is from a different caste which means they all have different powers and different ranks in society. Fie's caste was fascinating to me, between the teeth magic, the protection from the plague, and the mercy kills I feel like in some ways even though they are believed to be the scum of the empire, they are truly the most powerful, especially when equipped with teeth.
While the book is told from Fie's POV, I still felt that I got to know each character really well. While this book has some standard YA fantasy tropes in it such as the “peasant” fighting for rights within a kingdom, I felt Margaret Owen did a great job of making the story her own and adding her own twists. This book had so many ups and downs with the characters and I truly felt that each character grew and became a better person throughout the story, yes they still have their moments where I want to just bash them over the head at their idiocy. I really cannot wait to see how Margaret Owen wraps up this duology in the Faithless Hawk, and I also think that could be hinting at the sequel being told from Tavin's POV. I would absolutely love that so much. He was such a complex character and I really appreciated how his story unfolded beyond simply being the double for Jasimir. I also appreciated the complexity of Jasimir's character as the crown prince as well as his sexual orientation. I felt this was very natural and was not harped on. It was mentioned multiple times but always for a purpose other than adding diversity to the book. I appreciated how it was woven into his character rather than being a main point of the story.
I focused a lot of this review on the main trio in the book, but even the side characters were unique and I felt like I truly knew them. The entire clan that Fie lives and travels with were hilarious. I loved the banter between the Crows and all the different character's traits and personalities. This book also has a nice ending, even if I still want more! Margaret chose not to follow in the footsteps of many YA authors and there is no cliffhanger in this book. It is a complete part in the two-part series. One final thing I will say is that Barf must be protected (I'm not even a cat person, but I loved the cat in this book).
Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for a copy of the book
It took me a while to get back into this world and the characters, but after I did, I really enjoyed this installment. I really wish we got more interaction between Alexia and Lord Maccon. But I still loved all the witty humor and banter that we did get. The ending of this was not at all what I was expecting and I'm mildly angry with Gail Carriger for doing that to these characters. Hopefully there is a great explanation in Blameless for the actions of a certain someone.
So Robin Hobb is like Brandon Sanderson where people rant and rave about how great her books are and how great the world is. I was really excited to finally be starting this series and being introduced to this world and Fitz. I was a little let down because the writing was not what I was expecting. It seemed like it took paragraphs to explain something that could be done in a sentence or two. The book also happens to be one of the shortest ones, so it worries me about the future books.
I still loved the cast of characters around Fitz. Fitz's story is definitely depressing. He basically has no one and knows no one, but I really wanted to hear his story. This book is told in the past tense and it reminded me of The Name of the Wind which I love. I liked the story, I just could not get over how longwinded the writing was.
I will definitely be continuing the series, but it will take me a while because I need time to prepare. I'm really hoping I get more used to her writing style and enjoy the sequels more.
I read this in under 24 hours which is pretty customary for an Abbi Glines book. This book was special because it was Brady's book and since the beginning I have always loved his character. After meeting Riley in the last book I also really wanted to hear her story. How perfect is it then that this book is their stories. I really enjoy this series and how quickly I can read one of the books. It is also always a sure fire way to get out of a reading slump too.
Initial Thoughts (6/30/19): First off let me just say Jay Kristoff continues to be a master when It comes to infuriating endings. So this book starts off the way I think all books should with a great recap of who and what happened in the first book. It was a great refresher and It meant I didn't have to sit and remember anything as I started the book. I did not enjoy this installment as much as LIFEL1K3 and I think a big part of that was characterization issues. I feel many of the characters acted in ways that did not match what I expected of them. And I know that is the point but to some extent, I needed something to show they were still the same. I still cannot wait for the next one and loved all the new characters in this book that definitely expanded the world and the story.
Update (7/7/19): Now that it has been about a week since I finished the book I want to add a few more thoughts. I've thought about it more and I think this book is truly Lemon Fresh's story. In LIFEL1K3 the focus was Eve and learning who she was and her family history. We got a huge shocker at the end of the book and I thought DEV1AT3 would pick up with Eve's story and we would get more insight into Eve as a person making her own decisions. Instead, DEV1AT3 shifted focus to Lemon Fresh and her quest to figure out her own self. We also got to follow Cricket a lot more in this book. I think I expected this trilogy to be continuous with the characters but instead, it felt more like a series that follows a different character in each installment even though all the characters stories intertwine. I know it sounds like I really did not enjoy this book but I truly did, it just was not what I was expecting. LIFEL1K3 was a five-star read for me and I was expecting DEV1AT3 to continue the five-star series. This installment still had the same humor and action I have come to expect from Jay and as I said in my initial thoughts, Jay continues to be infuriating when it comes to ending books/series.
Initial Thoughts: I always love picking up an Abbi Glines book because I know it will be a quick enjoyable read. I definitely loved Brady in this book and it makes me so excited that the next book is his story. But back to this one. Gunner and Willa were great and I always love how Abbi writes characters that are relatable but also compliment each other so well. As always I wish we got more of the characters together at the end but hopefully they will make appearances in the rest of the series. I loved seeing Maggie and West in this installment.
Initial Thoughts: I'll be honest, I read this for more Simon and Bram. I initially was not into reading about Leah's story, but as soon as I started, I immediately loved Leah and was rooting for her! Yes, I still had my Simon and Bram scenes which were adorable, but I genuinely cared about Leah's story.
Pros:
- Cuteness: This book was so cute and I loved Alex and Henry and their antics. This book did such a good job of introducing their worlds and then interconnecting them in a way that did not seem forced. This book was decently long for a contemporary but I wanted more of Alex and Henry being adorable together.
- Research: I feel like Casey McQuiston did such a fantastic job with the research and accuracy of this book. Whether it was the US history or the British Royal Family information, I felt that this book could be true (even if it was in a parallel universe where 2016 went the way we wanted).
- Secondary Characters: I loved all the support system around Henry and Alex. I especially loved the White House Trio and their friendship. They always had each other's backs and Alex (and even Henry) knew they could count on each of them.
Cons:
- Connections: I feel like some of the connections/relationships between some of the side characters seemed forced and overly convenient and while the rest of the book seemed so real and accurate to me this aspect made the book seem less real.
4.5 Stars
Initial Thoughts:I listened to the audiobook for this and like the Illuminae Files it has a full cast and is an amazing production. I loved the various characters in this book and loved that we got to meet them all in the first book rather than slowly introducing them throughout the trilogy. There was a lot of information thrown at you at first but I was able to quickly figure out each character's place in the squad and loved each character, especially Magellan!
Initial Thoughts: I am not sure what I was expecting with this but I had read mixed reviews. I love the story of Anastasia and was excited about seeing this magical take on it. However, I felt like this book failed to explain the magic system and did not do a good job of building up the world. We were thrust into the story with little explanation. I feel there was a lot lacking with the story and it was just not a good fit for me.
4.5 Stars
Initial Thoughts: I devoured this book in one sitting. I loved reading about Ben and their story. It was such a refreshing read. I also loved the whole cast of characters around Ben, especially Nathan. He was such a champion for Ben even before they were out. I really think this is an important book for everyone regardless of how they identify.
4.5 Stars
Initial Thoughts: This book was just as enjoyable to read as the first one, but it did not take me any time to put myself back in the world and with the characters. I was a little worried this book would suffer from second book syndrome but I am happy to say, it did not in any way! I loved all the new information we got in this installment and it is fascinating to see the choices the characters are making and how this is going to shape into the final book. I also loved Maria as a new character that will be a huge part of the final book. I also really like how Jessica Cluess handled the different love interests and it did not seem forced to me at all (I also 100 PERCENT approve of who it appears Henrietta is ending up with!)
Initial Thoughts: This book took me a bit to get into, but once I did I found it highly enjoyable and I really loved how the three characters stories intersected. Wicked Saints has Russian inspirations and as such, it was hard to get adjusted to the names at first. I was listening to the audiobook, which I think helped but it was still hard to remember who was who. The “magic” in this book was fascinating between the blood and the spellbooks and I really hope we can explore this further in future books. One thing this book had that really irked me was the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. I do not think they were at all necessary to the story and at times made the story more confusing (part of this could be because I was listening to the audiobook, but I think the audiobook is what helped with the names). I definitely will be continuing this trilogy but I am apprehensive since I think there is a huge risk of this trilogy falling short and turning very disappointing.