Title Ruin and Rising (Grisha Verse #3) By Leigh Bardugo Genre YA Fantasy Format Ebook Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
The final battle between Alina and the Darkling is looming but Alina is struggling with her power and without the the Firebird she doesn't have a chance. Can she and her band of alliances find the third amplifier in time?
First Sentence
I stood on a carved stone balcony, arms spread, shivering in my cheap robes, and tried to put on a good show.
I'm so glad I finally read this series. Sometimes people rave about a book or series and when I finally pick it up I can't figure out what the hell they see in it. Luckily all the raving was well warranted.
This book in particular blew me away. I talked in my reviews of the other books in this series about them following the usual fantasy recipe. This one had its moments but it took turns I totally didn't see coming.
Once again it made me FEEL so much. I love when a book can influence my feelings like that...even when it influences them to anger. Love it!
I wasn't so sure about the ending for a few moments but then I just melted. I loved the ending! It was perfect and just what needed to happen. I loved it.
Great series! If you haven't picked it up yet, do so. It's worth it!
Title Siege and Storm (Grisha Verse #2) By Leigh Bardugo Genre YA Fantasy Format Ebook Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Alina and Mal are in hiding after narrowly escaping the Darkling. But hoping to stay hidden forever and ignore the pull to her powers isn't going to work for Alina. The Darkling still searches for her and a rise of pilgrims calling her a saint will draw her back out.
First Sentence
Two weeks we'd been in Cofton, and I was still getting lost.
After really enjoying the first book I decided to jump right into the rest of the series and finish it all at once.
Second books in fantasy series can often feel like filler books but I didn't think this one had that problem. It starts out with a bang and then carries on with the story nicely. While it may have lagged a little for some people I enjoyed the time the author took to develop the characters. I loved seeing them grow.
Speaking of characters...I LOVED Nikolai! I loved his banter with Alina, I loved his sense of humor, his smarts, Agh! I loved him! Every time he and Alina talked I was giggling.
I found this one a nice, rock solid middle book and am half way through book three as I write this. I'm so excited to see how it all ends.
Title Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) By Leigh Bardugo Genre YA Fantasy Format Print Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Alina Starkov always felt different but never suspected how much. When her regiment tries to cross the Shadow Fold, a stretch of darkness filled with monsters who feast on human flesh, her difference comes to light and she's whisked away to serve the Darkling and learn about the Grisha's. As she's pulled every which way by those who would use her as a tool she must learn who she really is and what she's really capable of.
First Sentence
Standing on the edge of a crowded road, I looked down onto the rolling fields and abandoned farms of the Tula Valley and got my first glimpse of the Shadow Fold.
This is one of those series I've been meaning to read since it first came out. I finally decided to pick up my copy and give it a go.
I'll be honest, it started out rough for me. I felt like I was reading a story I've read a million times before. Fantasy books have a nice little formula and this one followed the ingredients without wavering. I found myself a bit bored and having to force myself to keep going.
I'm not sure when exactly my feelings changed but even though it still followed that similar formula I started to care about the characters and story. I suppose that's why fantasy keeps being written and read and loved. It doesn't matter how formulaic it is, we seem to like it all the same.
I inhaled that last part of this book and am going to jump into the next book because I partly want to see what happens and partly don't want to forget what happened in this one; I'm afraid I won't remember much about it if I don't hurry.
Title The Shadow Cipher (York #1) By Laura Ruby Genre Middle Grade Sci-fi Fantasy Format Audio Book Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
The Morningstar Twins designed New York with amazing skyscrapers, machines, and train system then they disappeared leaving clues behind to a treasure. No one ever found the treasure. When twin's Tess and Theo's home is bought up by a greedy investor who's buying up and destroying Morningstar buildings, they'll have to move. But not before putting up a fight. Maybe if they find the treasure they can save their home. With the help of their neighbor Jaime, the twins will go on a wild ride deciphering clues and discovering more than they ever thought possible.
First Sentence
The true story of any city is never a single tale; it's a vast collection of stories with many different heroes.
I've wanted to try another Ruby book since I love Bone Gap so much and when this one was available on audio book I snatched it up...and listened to it in one day.
My synopsis did NOT do this story justice. It was so much fun! I loved all the characters...even the bad guys were memorable and fun.
This is definitely more plot driven, however, and I got immersed in the adventure as the kids chased clue after clue trying to solve the puzzle and hopefully save their building.
I loved the world Ruby created. It's like an alternate reality New York and it sounded much better than the real one. All the little differences were so fun. I want to go on an elevator that meanders about before bringing you to your destination.
My only real complaint was the unsatisfactory/cliffhanger ending. It's one of those stories that just sort of stops midway through and will continue in the next book. Which might have been fine if the next book is out but it's not! I'm so devastated! I want the next book now!
Title Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles #1) By Melina Marchetta Genre YA Fantasy Format Print Rating ⭐️ Synopsis
Since the royal family was killed and a usurper put on the thrown, Finnikin and his guardian have been outcasts from their beloved home. When Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, an arrogant and strange women who claims to know where the long lost prince is, he'll begin the journey of a lifetime.
First Sentence
When it finally appeared in the distance, Finnikin wondered if it was some phantom half-imagined in this soulless kingdom at the end of the world.
I've been wanting to read this book for ages! I love Marchetta's books and was eager to see her take on the fantasy genre. Why I didn't pick it up sooner, I don't know. I guess that's what you get when you have hundreds of books on your TBR list. Anywho, my book club decided to read it so I finally picked it up.
I don't know if it was timing, my mood, or a lackluster story but this one was a no go for me. Fantasy is pretty formulaic and that's OK. I get it. It's what I expect when I pick up the genre but I guess I was expecting Marchetta to bring something new to the table or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a fantasy but I was really unimpressed and had to drag my way through this one. It didn't help that I was trying to read it on vacation on the Oregon coast and, well, look at that view! It's hard to focus when the water is right there!
My other beef with this one was how much I disliked the two main characters. Finnikin was one of those overprotective annoying guy's I can't stand and Evanjalin was such a little snob. I really had to contain myself from reaching into the book and backhanding her!
So, yeah, I guess this one just wasn't a match for me. There's no telling if I would have like it if I'd read it at a different time so I just have to go off my impressions today and they weren't good. Not good at all.
Title Bitterblue (Graceling Realms #3) By Kristin Cashore Genre YA Fantasy Format Print Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Bitterblue has an overwhelming responsibility on her hands as the queen of a people ruled by a madman for 35 years. As she struggles to become the kind of queen her mother wanted of her she'll have to rely on her friends and her own intuitiveness to succeed.
First Sentence
Queen Bitterblue never meant to tell so many people so many lies.
I read Graceling, the first book in this series, ages ago when it first came out and Fire, the second book, not long after it's release. It took me six years to read this one after it's release. I even reread the first two in December to refresh my memory. I don't know why it took so long to get to this one, though, it was a perfect ending.
It was slow and a tad long but I loved ever minute of it. Watching Bitterblue maneuver the politics of her kingdom and her heart was a delight.
I enjoyed the return of old characters, especially Po and loved how it all came together and ended satisfactorily.
What It's About
(Jenny style) A father and mother scientist have this idea that one can travel through the time and space with just your mind. People laugh at them. Then the father goes missing and hasn't been seen for four years and his daughter, Meg, grows increasingly angsty while her younger brother, Charles Wallace, who probably can't even remember their father acts a thousand years older than he really is. Then this neighbor kid, Calvin, shows up and these crazy ladies with way too much makeup show up too and bring them into another world to find Meg's father. And of course, because OF COURSE, Oprah Winfrey plays The Universe. *eye roll*
I'm almost 99% sure that if I'd taken LSD or at least gotten really drunk before watching this one I would have loved it...that, or ended up under the theater chair on the sticky ground rocking back and forth humming Ingrid Michaleson's Be OK.
Either way it would have been better than watching this one stone cold sober and wondering what in the hell I was watching.
Before you lash out at me I feel like I should explain. My mom and sister tried for most of my childhood to get me to read the books this movie was based on and I tried but I could NOT get into it. After watching the movie I remembered why I couldn't get into the books. This story doesn't even make sense. At least not in THIS movie. You can't just take a bunch of people, plaster twenty pounds of makeup, glitter and sequins on them throw in a bunch of CGI and pretend it's a deep and entertaining story. It's not.
I rolled my eyes so many times in the movie I got a headache. I had to fiercely apologize to my husband for making him go see it too. But, hey, at least there was popcorn.
Let's Talk
Oprah as The Universe? Really?
Recommendation
Honestly, just skip it, if you must see it, wait till it's free. Don't spend a dime of your hard earned money.
Title How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) By Cressida Cowell Genre Middle Grade Fantasy Format Print Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
On the island of Berk boys go through a right of passage by capturing their own baby dragon and training it to compete in a contest. When Hiccup ends up capturing the most boring kind of dragon there is he's certain he won't win. Especially because is dragon doesn't even have teeth. How's a boy to become a man with such a sorry excuse for a dragon? First Sentence
Long ago on the wild and windy isle of Berk, a smallish Viking with a longish name stood up to his ankles in snow.
I read this one for book club. It was an easy read. I think I read the whole thing in about an hour in one sitting.
Obviously everyone who's seen the movie thinks the movie was WAY better than the book. I love the movie too so I can see why people feel that way but I wanted to defend this little book.
First of all, it's not fair to compare the two. The movie is great but before it came along the book was being loved and admired for itself. If the movie never existed would the book be as "boring" as we think it was? I don't think so.
The book was cute. As soon as I stopped trying to compare it to the movie I quite enjoyed it. Yes, it was a bit young for me but I wasn't the target audience so I was fine with that.
I think it had a good message about finding your own way to become a hero and using your natural talents to do so.
Should you read it
I think it deserves a chance. I particularly think young kids should read it.
Title The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern Genre Adult Fiction Fantasy Format Print Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Two magicians, a duel, a magical circus and an epic love.
First Sentence
The circus arrives without warning.
I think I'm the last person in the world to read this book. At least the last person in the bookish world. I tried reading it five years ago but I was on a European cruise at the time and in the throes of twitterpation with my husband (then, boyfriend) and it just wasn't happening. I knew I needed to give it another try and it seemed like now was as good a time as any.
I must say I'm not sure what everyone saw in this one. As you can see by my rating I didn't hate it, I thought it was quite beautiful discovering all the circus's magic but I found it slow. And don't have a problem with slow books. Not everything needs to be fast paced and frantic but I do need a plot in all that slowness and the plot was almost non existent in this one. I felt like we were supposed to be invested in Marco and Celia's relationship but I was far more into Bailey and Poppet's.
So, yeah, I was hoping to love it not just be luke warm about it. I needed more story and less instalove.
Title The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire #1) By C. J. Redwine Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Narrowly escaping her evil step mother's clutches, Lorelai has been on the run with her brother and protector Gabriel. Training her magical powers so she can defeat the wicked queen and take back her kingdom has been her life's goal. When the king of a neighboring kingdom comes seeking help from the orgres that are attacking his people he has no idea that he will be caught in a battle between queen and princess.
First Sentence
Nothing had been right in the castle since her mother's death.
If that synopsis sounds a bit like Snow White to you it's because this story was inspired by Snow White. I wouldn't call it a retelling, however. It was different enough to be its own story. I listened to this one while remodeling and, well, I'd hoped it would have distracted me better. Instead (maybe due to the horribly overly dramatic narrator) I was rolling my eyes and muttering under my breath the whole time I was listening.
I finally turned the speed to double time just to be done with the story. And I feel bad. Looking back at the story it really wasn't bad. It was adventurous with a kick ass, independent heroine with no instalove. And yet, I was unsatisfied.
It didn't feel unique enough??? I'm not sure. Honestly the narrator really effected my opinion. Had I read it I probably would have liked it a bit better. Still, I gave it 3 stars. It was a fun adventure.
Should you read it
Sure, but read it, don't listen to it.
What It's About
Another Stephen King book made into a movie. There's a magical tower that holds the universe together. Roland, a Gunslinger, is sworn to protect the tower and The Man In Black is determined to destroy it. There's a prophecy that a child's mind is the only thing that can destroy the tower so, of course, The Man In Black is kidnapping kids from different universes and trying to use them. But he needs to find THE kid. Enter the plucky but tormented Jake, who's been plagued with dreams and visions of the Tower and The Man In Black since his father died. Jake's mom is at her wits end and, wanting to help, has decided to send Jake off to a type of "psychiatric camp" for troubled kids. Little does she know that the people who run the camp are actually working for The Man In Black and she's sending her kid to his doom. Taking matters into his own hands, Jake discovers a portal to another realm where he finds Roland and the two join forces to the stop The Man In Black.
I actually saw this movie some time ago. I wanted to review it on here but was trying to keep up with the latest movies so I figured I'd just have to skip a review. However, I was out of town this weekend and didn't go see a movie with my husband this week so I'm using this opportunity to review this one. And I'm happy I get to review it because. I really liked it.
Full disclosure. I have not read the books this movie is based on. I tell you this because I could tell just from watching it and without researching it that the book fans were going to HATE this movie. And I think it's safe to say they did. I, however, had nothing to compare it to and while I thought some parts were maybe a little hokey, it was a very fun, entertaining film.
Newer star Idris Elba did a good job of being a serious, kick ass hero who managed a few comedic moments with his younger co-actor beautifully.
While, I almost didn't see the movie because they cast McConaughey as the villain, (sorry, not sorry) I didn't mind him as much as I thought I would. I expected to find him annoying and doing his usual overacting theatrics but he wasn't too bad. I still
thought he had too much screen time but all in all found him tolerable.
I haven't seen the young kid that played Jake in anything else, I don't think, and I really liked him. He did a great job of being tormented, funny and the unwilling hero.I was impressed.
The story was a fun fantasy that now has me interested in the books. So if nothing else, the book readers who hated the movie benefit from this one because now those of us who've seen it want to read the books. Now they'll have more fans in their club, right?
Let's Talk
Strange topic but what are your feelings on McConaughey? The man drives me nuts. I used to like him but now I think he's only typecast in movies and can NOT get rid of that western slang no matter what role he's playing.
Recommendation
See it in theaters.
Stay tuned for the last few seconds of this trailer. It's worth it. ;)
Title The Winner's Kiss (Winner's Curse #3) By Marie Rutkoski Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️ Synopsis
Hurt and betrayed, Kestrel finds herself in a work camp. Drugged to work and drugged to sleep, memories of her life are fading. Determined to forget about the girl that broke his heart, Arin has joined forces with the Darcra and is waging war against the empire, determined to win freedom for Herran once and for all. But when Arin discovers what has happened to Kestrel can he save her? Body and soul?
First Sentence
He told himself a story.
After loving the first two books in the series, I was eager to jump right into the final book and see how it all ended. I was hoping to see Arin grovel accordingly and see Kestrel use her wits and awesome scheming skills to save herself from the prison work camp and to of course, to see the empire fall.
This is where my heart broke and then shattered and prickled beneath my skin in annoyance that turned to anger.
I LOVED the first two books. I gavethem the coveted 5 star review but this book....this book infuriated me. Where was the strong awesome woman I'd grown to love? She was a broken and pathetic and became dependent on a man.
Arin groveled all right, to the point of making me want to slap his face and tell him to shut up. Then he did that overprotective try and control the women he loves thing I can't stand.
The author definitely has a style of writing that's unique and beautiful but here it became disjointed. It felt like I was listening to a broken record. I had to reread sentenced over and over to figure out what was happening and keep my mind from wandering far, far away from this train wreck that it so badly wanted to escape.
After the bazillionth time of setting the book down in a rage I finally managed to finish it and was sadly, sadly disappointed. It was unrealistic and maddening and on top of everything else I just mentioned I was left feeling betrayed by what could have been a beautiful ending to a promising start of a series.
Should you read it
Um, everyone else loved the ending so maybe it was just me.
Title It By Stephen King Genre Adult Horror Suspense Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
As kids they battled the evil that has haunted their town for hundreds of years. Now as adults it's happening again. Fulfilling an oath they took as kids they must return and destroy the evil once and for all.
First Sentence
The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years - if it ever did end- began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made with a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain.
I love Stephen King's writing. I haven't read all his books, not even close, but I usually end up liking the ones I do read. I wanted to read this one because of the upcoming movie. Otherwise I'm not sure I would have picked it up. I'm so glad I did, though.
King claims he doesn't consider himself a horror writer and the more I read of his books the more I agree. I know, I know, just look at that cover. How can he claim to not write horror when he writes a story about an evil that appears as a clown (among other things) and kills children? But I really think his stories are much more fantasy and drama than horror. *shrugs*
Let's just get this out of the way. This one was Loooooong!!!! At fourteen hundred plus pages I knew I was in for the long haul. I feel like as I'm getting older I read slower too, so it took me forever to read this one. Still, it was a very fun read.
The way the past and present move seamlessly back and forth and coalesce at the end was amazing. The perfect way to tell a story of this magnitude. And those last 500 pages blew by. I stayed up late into the night to finish because it was just too exciting and I had to know how it all ended.
I adored the relationship these kids had. It was beyond mature and grown up, it was godly. Which of course explains why it wouldn't really last which made me so sad. Ah well. These characters and this story will stick with me for years, I'm sure of it.
I think this is one of King's masterpieces. It's not just a creepy little story about some kids and a clown. It's so, so, soooooo much more than that. It's an epic story so perfectly put together I feel privileged to have read it.
Should you read it
If you know it will give you nightmares then, no, don't read it, but if you've been curious then yes, read it.
Title The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Curse #2) By Marie Rutkoski Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
After sacrificing herself to save Arin Kestrel finds herself engaged to the crown prince. With parties and celebrations filling most of her days Kestrel's spirits sink lower and lower. She can tell no one of her sacrifice and lives in fear for her life at every turn.
First Sentence
She cut herself opening the envelope.
Argh! Guys you have no idea how much I'm loving this story! Let me enlighten you! But first...I can't really talk about this one without going into the story so if you haven't read this one or don't like spoilers, I'm sorry. Go ahead and skip this...um...gushing rant.
Guys! My heart broke in this one. I couldn't stand watching poor Kestrel be strong. She's so awesome. She's in such a horrible position and she still starts spying on the court for Herran and stupid, loathsome, moron Arin can't get past his own ego to see what's really going on. I'm telling you, I wanted to rip his eyes out and shove them at Kestrel screaming, "look"! Seriously. The guys a moron. I kind of wish Kestrel doesn't end up with him but we all know she will. He doesn't deserve her. All I know is, there better be some serious groveling from Arin if she takes him back.
That ending! Watching Kestrel's dad betray her broke my heart. I think I screamed a little and almost threw my kindle across the room. What a jerk! How could he do that to his own daughter?! I'll never forgive him!
If I didn't have so many commitments I would have dived into book three. I need to see how this is all going to turn out. Soon. I'll get there soon.
Title The Paper Magician (The Paper Magician #1) By Charlie N. Holmberg Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
Ceony Twill has just graduated Magic school. She hopes to apprentice with any kind of magic but Paper but Paper is just what she's going to get. But the Paper Magician Thane surprises her with his kindness and maybe working with paper isn't so bad. When Thane's heart is taken by his ex, an evil magician practicing the forbidden magic of flesh Ceony will have to put what little knowledge she has of paper to use and save her Thane.
First Sentence
For the past five years, Ceony had wanted to be a Smelter.
A local author and book club book made this one an inevitable read for me. I'd seen it around and had been curious but my book club made me pick it up sooner than I had intended.
I actually ended up liking this one. Which is no surprise since the majority of my book club didn't like it. (I'm always of the opposite opinion) I thought Thane was instantly likable and could see what Ceony liked about him. I also like how she went into his heart and got to learn so much about him. Ceony bugged me a bit at first because of her somewhat snooty manner but she started to grow on me. And she was definitely braver than I am.
It was a quick and fun adventure and I'm interested enough to read the rest of the series.
My book club's major problem with this one was there wasn't enough meat to it. It is short at just over 200 pages and I completely agree with them that there should have been a bit more to it. One book club member pointed out that the second act was missing and it was voted the best analogy of the night. The second act is indeed missing. We go from introductions straight to the final show down.
I, however, was more forgiving. This is the authors's first book and I thought for a debut book it was fine. It could have been better with a bit more story but I liked it.
Should you read it
I wouldn't shove this one at you as the best book ever written but I'd give it a thumbs up if you asked.
Title The Winner's Curse (The Winner Trilogy 1) By Marie Rutkoski Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Kestrel lives a highly privileged life as the daughter of a General. Her people revel in war and enslave those it conquers. As is tradition, Kestrel can marry or join the military but Kestrel dislikes both options. Music has her heart, that is until she inexplicably buys a slave who might love music too. Kestrel's life is about to be thrown into upheaval and she'll have to choose between her people and love.
First Sentence
She shouldn't have been tempted.
All my friends have been raving about this series....Like all of them. This made me very nervous. Usually when all my friends love a book or series I end up hating it. Luckily, this time was different. I adored this book. I got sucked in from page one and managed to inhale it in two sittings. Considering how crazy my life has been, it takes quite the book to steal what little downtime I have.
In fact, this is only the second book this year I've given 5 stars too. I'm very stingy with my stars, as you know, but this one deserved all 5 of them.
So, what did I love so much? I love these political intrigue books where much conniving and strategizing is going on but it's kept light enough for my little mind to wrap around. I also loved how the romance didn't take over the story and was very slow burning. I liked that there was resolution to this book but also a lot of setup for the books to come.
This book reminded me of old favorites like The Blue Sword by Robin Mckinley. Perhaps that's why I really loved it so much. Whatever it was, love it I did and I can't wait to read the rest.
Should you read it
If I'm not the last person on the planet to have read this one, I'd highly recommend you go pick it up. You won't regret it.
Title Heartless By Marissa Meyer Genre Fantasy/Retelling Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Before Alice visited Wonderland, Before the Queen of Hearts uttered "off with his head" there was just Catherine. A girl with a dream to start a bakery. But Wonderland has other plans.
First Sentence
Three luscious lemon tarts glistened up at Catherine.
Ever since reading The Lunar Chronicles I've been eager to see what else Marissa Meyer would come up with. When I heard about Heartless, Meyer's take on the Queen of Hearts before she became the vicious villain from Alice in Wonderland, I was very excited!
Now let's think this through. This is a retelling of the Queen of Hearts. We all know how wicked and cruel she is, right? So I knew going into it that we weren't in for a happy ending. Having that acceptance was important for me to enjoy the story. If I'd thought I was getting a happy ending I might have been very upset.
While I found this one a little...OK a LOT slower moving than Meyer's other books, I was still very much enjoying myself while I read. Meyer's does the best job of taking a well known story and twisting it around to meet her needs and yet still keeping true to the original.
I loved this take on Wonderland. Everything was described in a very casual way. Animals talk? Why yes, they do, Why do you ask? I loved that she didn't stop the story to explain the inner workings of Wonderland. Who can really do that anyway? Not even Carroll, I dare say.
My biggest issue with the book was Catherine. She was such a simpering little wimp! It drove me nuts. I'm kind of surprised she becomes someone as strong willed and stubborn as the Queen of Hearts. But maybe that was the point??? Who knows. It just bugged me. I like my heroine's a little more self reliant.
Should you read it
Oh yes. Please do. Just be ready for that ending.
Title Bright Smoke, Cold Fire (Bright Smoke, Cold Fire #1) By Rosamund Hodge Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐️⭐️ Synopsis
Rosamund Hodge takes on the story of Romeo and Juliet in this fantasy novel with everything from zombies to reapers and everything in between.
First Sentence
If he does not come soon, she may not have the heart to kill him.
If you remember, I absolutely adored Cruel Beauty by Hodge and am eager to read all the books she's written. However, I'm not a Romeo and Juliet fan...and that's putting it lightly. Still, I thought if anyone could get me to like their story it would be Hodge, so I gave it a try. And, well, it has Hodge's great writing and world building and I was grateful that it focused on (Rosaline) Runajo and Paris rather than Romeo and Juliet but because they were in it I was still annoyed.
The take on Juliet and what she was, was clever and unique and while it made me like her a little more, I just couldn't like Romeo. He was a s dramatic and stupid as ever.
The world created in this one was awesome and I was very involved in Runajo's story but I have such mixed feelings. I wanted to like it better than and I did and I wanted more resolution. This one was just set up for more in book two with absolutely no closure.
Sigh! While I didn't ended up hating this one I was so disappointed with the "non ending" of this one and Romeo's stupid antics that I'm just not sure I'll read anymore in the series. However I liked the world Hodge created and want to see what happens to Runajo. I'm so torn!
Should You Read It
I wouldn't tell you to outright avoid it.
Title Dreams of Gods & Monsters (DOSAB #3) By Laini Taylor Genre YA Fantasy Rating ⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis
Karou and Akiva work side by side to save earth and change Eretz for the better.
First Sentence
Nerve thrum and screaming blood, wild and churning and chasing and devouring and terrible and terrible and terrible-
I did it!!!! I read all three books is just two months. I'm glad to have finally finished this series. I had very high expectations and while the story fulfilled those expectations the characters did not. As I've mentioned before, I do not like Akiva. He wasn't even tolerable in this one. Sorry.
The story in this one was a little slower than I wanted. Then last half was much better than the first half. While I ended up adoring Eliza I thought it was weird that we only meet her in this one. Suddenly out of nowhere she steps into the story. It was just weird.
I liked this one best of all three. It was more exciting and there was a lot going on. I liked seeing how everything turned out. I especially liked that the ending wasn't wrapped up all nicely in a neat bow. There was a lot of work still to be done and it felt much more realistic.
Great ending to an fun story....Just ignore Akiva if you can.
Should you read it?
I know several of you haven't finished this series yet. I say do it.
Title All the Birds in the Sky By Charlie Jane Anders Genre Adult Magic Realism/Dystopian/Fantasy/Science Fiction Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Synopsis
Magic and science meet in this story of a boy and a girl and their strange lives.
First Sentence
When Patricia was six years old, she found a wounded bird.
Another book for The Tournament of Books. Another great book. While I felt a lot of this one sort of went over my head, I really liked it. I'm not crazy. I got the whole story line etc but the deeper meaning and subtle hints at something more flew right over my head, I'm sure.
Still, as far as stories go, I loved this one. I was fascinated with the story and the lives of these strange characters. The book felt like a mash up of Harry Potter and The Magicians with a dystopian/science fiction twist. It wasn't at all what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised.
Dang! Sadly, I find myself at a loss for words on this on. Just know that I really liked it and would highly recommend it.
