This book is BRUTAL!! This book gives me such MIXED feelings about it! I never normally write reviews in this format but it's the best way I3.5 stars.
This book is BRUTAL!! This book gives me such MIXED feelings about it! I never normally write reviews in this format but it's the best way I can put it down;
The Good: The story itself was engrossing. I was genuinely hooked by what was unfolding and wanted to know what happened next. The author's take on dragons was really creative and fascinating, bringing something new to the fantasy world with a dragon riding school. Tairn is my favourite character! His relationship and banter with Violet was the best and had be laughing out loud a few times. As for the main protagonist, Violet, I liked Yarros's inclusion of disability, especially in such a cut throat environment, and really showcased how compassion can be stronger than physical strength, which to me is something I hold strongly in my values. I did appreciate the author's use of language. Yes there are swear words in it but I found it wasn't overly used just to make it more adult, some unlike other books.
The Bad: The actual writing style. It did not match with the context of the book. It felt like going through hot and cold patches of water; one minute its very adult and the next it seemed very juvenile, like eye-rolling juvenile. Xaden is like a carbon copy cut out of Rhysand - and to me that's already been done - he did nothing for me. I skipped the spicy pages because it was in excruciating detail (my personal opinion) but for those who do like it will not be disappointed.
The Overall: The storyline itself was captivating and heart pounding. The characters are likeable and unlikeable. Do I think this is the best book ever written? No. Is it my favourite read of the year? No. Am I invested in the story? Yes! ...more
My mind is still REELING! This book had me absolutely drowning in it, my heart was pounding, and I think I gave myself multiple paper cuts from flickiMy mind is still REELING! This book had me absolutely drowning in it, my heart was pounding, and I think I gave myself multiple paper cuts from flicking the pages so quickly!
The one thing that gets me into certain books is the lore the authors create, especially if there is a tie or foundation to other classic works of literature, and Stephanie's was so creative and rich and layered I was completely submerged. Everything from the descriptions to the background to the interactions was just so imaginative and beautifully written.
I liked Evangeline so much better than the first book, she reminded me of myself at times. What made her endearing was her unwillingness to give up on hope and believe in magic and love. Physically she's not that strong compared to others but I loved that author made her heart her strongest feature and she didn't pretend to be tough, I found it really refreshing in a main character and something to connect with. Now normally with the 'bad boy' I can appreciate them as characters but am not infatuated by their wicked nature because I don't like people who are pricks...but oh my god of heartbreak Jacks! I loved every intimate moment he and Evangeline shared and wanted more, which Garber beautifully delivered!
The ending left me with my jaw on the floor and my heart screaming! Give me the next one! I bow down to Stephanie Garber and her imagination! This is a whimsical and ethereal delight of a fairy-tale fantasy.
P.S. I want to RAID Evangeline's wardrobe!!!!!!!!!!!...more
3.75 I have so many mixed feelings about this one.
I adored the way the author has taken beloved fairy tale characters and turned them into something e3.75 I have so many mixed feelings about this one.
I adored the way the author has taken beloved fairy tale characters and turned them into something else, especially the inclusion of ones that are not as mainstream i.e. Scheherazade, Ali Baba etc. It was very reminiscent of one of my favourite series The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer. Her depictions are fun and creative, and I was always looking forward to seeing who would appear next on the page. But it lacked character descriptions, giving only the bare minimum, and even then it was hard trying the picture them. The MC Filomena has such a strong connection to books that any bookworm will instantly feel for her, I know I did!
The writing style is different, but I got use to it pretty quickly and I was really impressed with the author's rhyming prose at the start of each prologue, very creative!
The plot meanders, and battle scenes and tasks are resolved so quickly and easily that it was hard to connect with what the characters were going through. There are elements that are confusing to the story and create a few plot holes. (view spoiler)[Why do the wolves have motorbikes in a world that doesn't have modern vehicles? (hide spoiler)]. The "plot twist" I saw from the very start of the book, so much so that I wouldn't even call it a twist as I thought all along that that's where the plot is heading. The characters seemed waaay older than what they are and other times younger than what they are. For younger kids, I don't think any of these would be an issue and they would find it a straight out enjoyable fantasy read, minus the adult readers reasonings
However I feel like there is SO much potential in this series, that I am actually keen to read the next one and find out what happens next!...more
This was my favourite out of the entire Twisted Kingdoms series. Thorn and Luca have my heart! This was a fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling!
A hThis was my favourite out of the entire Twisted Kingdoms series. Thorn and Luca have my heart! This was a fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling!
A heart stopping adventure combined with scintillating enemies to lovers and exciting twists and turns. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, lapping up every page. Frost masterfully weaves old and familiar characters into the story, continuously expanding her world in the process.
I really appreciated the fact that the author did not overkill it with the term 'mate' and everything that comes with it. It was a lot tamer than the previous books too, which for me personally was a lot more preferable and enjoyable to read. It was well executed. That being said there were a few toe-curling, giggling, legs-kicking scenes that had me. Not only that but this book has three characters that share the same first name, surname, and nickname as me!
A must read for lovers of romantic fantasy! Even though this is a standalone in the series, there are chapters and references that are mentioned from the previous books.
I cannot wait to read the next book and I really hope this isn't the last time we've seen of Thorn and Luca...more
3.5 Another collection of short stories set in the Witcher series.
This novel did drag on a bit. I preferred reading The Last Wish collection more.
B3.5 Another collection of short stories set in the Witcher series.
This novel did drag on a bit. I preferred reading The Last Wish collection more.
Bounds of Reason: A lot of dialogue and philosophizing, but with witty banter, a golden dragon, a magical journey, and finishes with a sweet morale to the story. A Shard of Ice: I liked the fable depiction of The Snow Queen though not the strongest retelling. The writing was too lyrical and slow-paced Eternal Flame: This was my least favourite story. It was dull, and mainly consisted of accounting and business talk from mercenaries. A Little Sacrifice: This one was really good! An interesting rendition of The Little Mermaid woven into Geralt's tale. The ending was just as melancholy though in an indifferent way, leaving me thinking "wait...what?!" Sword of Destiny: Another intriguing story that involves fierce Dryads, a 12 swans retelling, and the appearance of Ciri. It was fun to read about the interactions between the burly witcher and spoilt princess and how their bond was first forged. Something More: I was a bit confused with this story because of the different tales that take place between Geralt's subconscious but once I caught on I really enjoyed it, and the ending (Uh!) is just so sweet and touching!
3 solid stories out of 6, that follows Geralt on his many adventures. ...more
This book is pure magic like an ethereal fairytale!
Garber has bewitched me with this lush and vivid story. She takes fairy tales and weaves them into This book is pure magic like an ethereal fairytale!
Garber has bewitched me with this lush and vivid story. She takes fairy tales and weaves them into a dramatically exciting narrative set in an elaborate world. She writes with such skilled and expressive prose
The storyline and characters are compelling with distinct characteristics, both alluring and full of intrigue. Even though I loved this read and the characters, Evangeline just lacked a little something as a protagonist...not sure what though.
Now I'm left with an ending that is sheer agony until I get the next one!
Full of passion and rich magic, this is a stunning series crafted around a magical foundation of what happily ever after truly entails. And whatever you do...never make a deal with a fate!
I really liked this story, and for a debut novel, it is a solid effort. The writing is very vivid and beautifully described, making Hodge a very naturI really liked this story, and for a debut novel, it is a solid effort. The writing is very vivid and beautifully described, making Hodge a very natural storyteller, with mazing world-building abilities. I can't wait to discover more of the land in the books to come!
It gives me Lord of the Rings meets Throne of Glass but a more lighter and less denser version of the two combined
It's a fast-paced adventure, sometimes a little too fast, but I found by reading it at a slower pace the story travelled at a better pace.
I did have teeny critiques along the way. I found there were a lot of coincidences (but the author does explain along the way which does redeems it). (view spoiler)[ The death of Kinna and Ondori, there was no connection to the characters to even mourn for them, it would have been nice to get to know them more as characters. And Farah! Gosh I really would have loved to see her continue through the series but alas that is not to be, I really like her. (hide spoiler)] The romance is very insta-love, they are apparently soul mates after basically meeting each other. The MC Ashalea changes mood rapidly which I found it hard to make a connection with but she does have potential to flourish and she is a worthy heroine in the making.
I am still very much interested in continuing the series. The characters have a lot of potential for the next adventure which will be exciting. And THAT battle scene!!! Wow!!! That was done really well, especially the description of the aftermath which really pulled on the heartstrings. I can't forget that little twist at the end with a particular character (view spoiler)[ SHARA! OMG! (hide spoiler)] that came out of no where and slapped me in the face.
A really great and imaginative fantasy debut for Chloe Hodge. I can't wait to follow the Guardian on their next journey....more
This was a wonderful fairy tale rendition of epic proportions.
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost This was a wonderful fairy tale rendition of epic proportions.
In a realm of classic fairy tales one girl must use her extraordinary gift to find lost things that will enable her and her motley crew to save them all from the evil queen and the darkness. (Dun, dun, dun!!) Full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and magic!
Right from the get-go you are drawn in, hooked until the very end. K. E. Barden is a natural storyteller! She has taken classic fairy tales and fables and turned them into something completely innovative and fresh. Everything is well thought out and lavish in details. The characters are complex and compelling, with sharp dialogues excellent character development, they connect the reader to their resonance.
My only bother was that it felt a bit dense in sentencing structure which slowed the pace and my attention, for me at times. That being said though, this really is a phenomenal debut!
This was a highly entertaining read that I was intrigued to see who and what would happen next on the pages. I really enjoyed the twists Barden employs on these beloved and classic characters and I can't wait to see who else will make an appearance. I am also curious to see who Eve is and her connections to the fairytale world.
This Snow Queen fairy-tale retelling has strong Once Upon A Time vibes which is one of my favourite shows and made reading this that much more lovableThis Snow Queen fairy-tale retelling has strong Once Upon A Time vibes which is one of my favourite shows and made reading this that much more lovable. Also it has portal magic and fairytales which equals a "Yes, please!"
I LOVED the connections between the fairy-tale characters the author made, they were ingenious and really were a stand out!! The plot was very interesting with lots of engaging plot twists and one hell of a mic-drop ending. The romance was just my sort, very sweet, clean, and fairytale-esque, aside from the insta-love aspect.
My only gripe would be that is is incredibly fast-paced, the plot whizzes by without being able to form a connection with the characters as much as I would have liked.
Overall I am still really keen to keep reading this series and see what other creations the authors come up with together. They definitely have a talent! This series promises to be a light, charming and inventive read.
This series came to a beautiful end. Valente is just a master storyteller! The Queen of words!
It remains its colourful, flowery, zany, and unique storThis series came to a beautiful end. Valente is just a master storyteller! The Queen of words!
It remains its colourful, flowery, zany, and unique storytelling all the way through from the first book to the very last. The characters bring utter delight as the race for the crown of Fairyland ensues. Filled with lush imagery that literally tantalizes the senses and a whimsical philosophy and wit, Cathrynne M. Valente has created a delightful series, that will capture your heart under lock and key.
September is a tribute to the classic literature heroines that we all know and love. She devolved from a child to a young woman seamlessly. What I love most about this series is the quirky menagerie of creatures that fill the world of Fairyland. It's not just the typical fairies and gnomes and pixies but a whole plethora of fair-folk creatures from traditional mythology. I undertook research into these creatures as I wanted to learn more and was fascinated by how the author incorporated them into the series. Standing ovation!!! This is exactly how I imagine Fairyland to be!
It really was the perfect ending to a beloved series, but I will dearly miss the gang of September, Saturday, and A-through-L (Ell.) Though there could be a potential for a spin-off series...
This was a really good sequel that I found to be better than the first book, it was more darker and sA darkly whimsical story that is one chonky read!
This was a really good sequel that I found to be better than the first book, it was more darker and suspenseful! For younger readers this does have mentions of murder, drowning, monsters, and kidnapping, but I found it thrilling to the story. The world is creative with flavours of Eastern Europe, described in smooth and easy storytelling to understand.
The characters are slightly underwhelming however they have grown from the previous book which made me start to like them, although the jury is still out on Imogen. Miro's character development was the best. It gained a lot of layers with the addition of royal schemes, horrifying monsters, and the nitty gritty of adventuring.
I can't highlight how much I love seeing Chris Riddell's illustrations, they are so beautiful and really captures the characters and scenes that Francesca has created, although I wish there were more sprinkled throughout, but then again I'm just a big fan of his work.
Seriously…I…LOVE…THIS…SERIES!!!! With every single fibre of my being! I’ve read this series so many times but I am always engrossed during every singlSeriously…I…LOVE…THIS…SERIES!!!! With every single fibre of my being! I’ve read this series so many times but I am always engrossed during every single re-read.
Storytelling at its finest! The characters are so multi-dimensional, full of strong emotions, hilarious banter, realistic strengths and weakness, the whole lot! An epic series for all literature lovers and history buffs. Fiction and history, fantasy and science, mythology and religion, are always beautifully balanced to create something so astounding and new, perfectly complimenting each other. Multiple mysteries are weaved and solved
The illustrations are always exquisite! The plot is an exciting adventure of lovable and realistic characters battling good and evil, a race against time to save the both the Imaginarium Geographica and the Summer Country, and undertaking many adventurous quests along the way. Aristophanes the Zen detective, Don Quixote, and Uncas the badge are literally the most dynamic trio in all existence! Badgers have now joined my favourite animal groups. Towards the end I may have stopped breathing while the ‘battle’ was waged, so thank you Mr Owen.
Bursting with literary and historical characters, and grand escapades, the sixth book in the series is just as epic, funny, shocking, and engrossing as the books before. Bangarang!
This is…AWESOME! High-stakes, heart-in-your-mouth, character-cheering awesomeness! Every single book in this series get better and better!
The storyliThis is…AWESOME! High-stakes, heart-in-your-mouth, character-cheering awesomeness! Every single book in this series get better and better!
The storyline of The Dragon’s Apprentice is a whole-lot of time travel fun! It’s like Doctor Who got lit, and by lit I meant literature! I loved that Houdini and Doyle got to be a bigger part of the Caretakers journey. The dialogue flows so naturally, it’s almost like you are really listening into conversations. You cannot tell who was on the side of good or evil until the plot twists comes along and whacks you in the feels. It was most surprising to find myself rooting for a particular character, one that I did not expect to become a favourite. But really, this is what the whole novel is about; redemption, and it was done magnificently.
There is some really thought-provoking themes that are subtle within the text, especially regarding good vs evil. One is not simply born it but is made by the choices presented to them in life. Choices are what guide us down paths for better or worse. Choice is the ultimate gift of being human.
The fire scene was absolutely riveting and I may have stopped breathing throughout. James A. Owen takes this addition to a whole other level!
Filled with lots of humour, heartbreak, and hope, the fifth instalment of the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica is a heart-pounding addition my favourite series.
James A. Owen is a marvellous storyteller, continually weaving new mysteries with literature, history, sciencWell this certainly takes a darker turn!
James A. Owen is a marvellous storyteller, continually weaving new mysteries with literature, history, science, mythology, and religion, accompanied by exquisite illustrations drawn by the author himself and the exceptionally witty dialogue between characters. The world-building and the plot are complex and layered but written in a way that is easy to comprehend. As with all the books in the series everything is so cleverly connected.
I adore all of the characters and their representation. There are new characters, old characters, warped characters, and best of all the talking animals! The third book in the series mainly focuses on King Arthur masterfully woven with A Connecticut Yankee and The Time Machine. It also explores how major events in history were created like the loch ness monster, the destruction of the library of Alexandra etc. (I was crying with laughter at some). I cannot tell you how many times I’ve read this series, but it’s definitely over 10, I just love, love, love it so much!
A mystifying and gripping adventure to solve the ultimate question: who is the Cartographer?, with many adventures, mishaps, and discoveries along the way.
This continues on from the previous adventure with the Inklings…but with PETER PAN!
And not the Peter Pan you know, he has grown old, and is a father This continues on from the previous adventure with the Inklings…but with PETER PAN!
And not the Peter Pan you know, he has grown old, and is a father and grandfather, (the latter being to an adorably spunky lost girl named Laura Glue). A completely original and believable retelling of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.
I can’t get enough of Owen’s masterful weaving of literature, mythology, and history! This is such a fun, exciting, and enchanting read, filled with witty dialogue, action, drama, and stunning hand-drawn illustrated plates. The characters and the plot just flow so seamlessly, it’s almost like Owen is documenting what really happened (I choose to believe so anyway). I love the layers of connecting the dots and aha moments. I love EVERY single character.
Every single guest appearance and historic events make me want to learn about them and gain more knowledge. And some of the stuff is so incredibly fascinating; Houdini and Conan Doyle were actually friends in real life!
A truly wonderful series that will be forever close to my heart. Olly Olly Oxen Free!!
Just when you think this series can't get better than it already is, it just does! Enter Tamerlane House and a whole host of previous Caretakers that Just when you think this series can't get better than it already is, it just does! Enter Tamerlane House and a whole host of previous Caretakers that include Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Jules Verne and so many more wonderful figures from literature and history! Brilliant!
I get strong Dr Who meets League of Extraordinary Gentlemen vibes (swoon).
James A. Owen is a master of creativity! Within these pages you find intrigue, humour, camaraderie, and imagination. Fables and myths are interwoven as reality, seamlessly blending fact and fiction together and making it something new and exciting. It is perfectly compacted with references to other well known stories in literature. as well as in popular culture. The way the author has portrayed the writers and scientists etc. is so incredibly relatable and genuine.
We get to learn more about the history of the caretakers, the concept of time travel, and the foundation of the Imaginarium Geographica. And I have a new founding love for badgers! This series is really an ode to booklovers, writers, historians and scientists. This series introduced me to so many classic writers that I began to read their works and fall even more in love with them.
If you need me, I will now be taking up residence inside Tamerlane House...
I really didn't know what to expect with this one, but for some reason I was drawn to it...and I am SO glad I did!
This is beautifully written and the I really didn't know what to expect with this one, but for some reason I was drawn to it...and I am SO glad I did!
This is beautifully written and the world-building is rich with imagery. The history of the world flows along with the story rather than info-dumping. What got me hitched was the communication between the characters, it flowed so naturally and realistic, that I thought I was eavesdropping on someone, and the playful banter is hysterical.
Elloren makes a wonderful main character. Her perception of the world changes in a natural procession, instead of a bang instant realization. I read her journey as a transformation from someone who saw the world based on her surroundings (mainly her deluded aunt), a hateful, injustice world, to someone who understood her flaws and old perception, and stands up for the injustice, becoming friends with the people she had been taught to hate. She is literally the epitome if character growth!
In fact, all the characters are wonderfully unique and diverse, creating a wonderful ensemble.
The theme is heavy regarding prejudice, sexism, politics and discrimination, reminiscent of today's society, which might put people off (after some reviews I've read) (and no it does not commend any of these things!) but if you continue with the story it develops into the characters' realization from a world she has been brought up by, challenging the hierarchy's views, and that not everything is at all what it seems. It is soo worthwhile!
From the very first line I was immediately hooked! Sacred gives me Narnia meets Last Airbender meets Wonderland vibes. The map at the beginning is stuFrom the very first line I was immediately hooked! Sacred gives me Narnia meets Last Airbender meets Wonderland vibes. The map at the beginning is stunning and already sets up the world the reader is about to explore.
For a debut novel, I can already tell that M. C. Beeler is going to go far in the author community. The world-building is absolutely phenomenal!! So imaginative and descriptive, it truly was one of the highlights. The cast is so diverse and colourful, a delight to meet every single one.
I love Barnaby so much! I seriously want to give him a big hug! And Mauz is just so darn cute, I'm in love! Bea and Reagan make determined and composed heroines, learning from the new world around them, adapting and growing into their roles. They both have mysteries about their pasts' which I am so eager to learn more.
It's fast-paced with plenty of action and a whole lot of fun, and you can tell that the author, M. C. Beeler has put so much heart into bringing this story to life!
I seriously I want to adopt a gully!!!!! Can I please have one?!
What's even better is that the journey is not yet finished, leading to the anticipation of more books to come in the series! (view spoiler)[ But LUMIKKI!!!! NOOO!! WHY!!! I'M CRYING!! (hide spoiler)] I am so excited for the next read!
Not as good as the first one but still thoroughly enjoyable, packed with brooding shapeshifters, romantic tension, and one bad-ass MC in a world reminNot as good as the first one but still thoroughly enjoyable, packed with brooding shapeshifters, romantic tension, and one bad-ass MC in a world reminiscent of fairy tales but much more thrilling.
The characters are so well done, morally grey, constantly evolving, and complex. I am slightly in love with Damien the Dragon King/Shapeshifter (smirks devilishly). As a reader your own loyalty to the characters gets tested; whose telling the truth? Who can Tempest really trust? Who is plain evil and who has the greater good in focus? Frost certainly knows how to write villains because King Destin is loathsome!
My critique would be that Tempest seemed to wan in this one, I was distracted by how many times she mentions her head hurting or wanting to go to bed (then to not want to be in bed), and the actual plot moved a lot slower. Nonetheless the world and its characters Frost Kay has created are still absorbing and utterly imaginative.
That plot twist at the end certainly heightened the anticipation for the third book. I mean...wow! There are many twists and surprised peppered throughout to keep you constantly on your toes. (view spoiler)[ I'm so glad the Uncles' aren't evil, I really like them, even if their motives are questionable at times (hide spoiler)]
The Rook certainly sets up great anticipation and intrigue for the next book. The world of Twisted Kingdoms carves out its own engrossing and heart-pouding path....more
This would have to be my second favourite Twisted Tales so far which surprising considering that "Sleeping Beauty" is my least favourite Disney moThis would have to be my second favourite Twisted Tales so far which surprising considering that "Sleeping Beauty" is my least favourite Disney movie/princess.
I LOVE the fact that Braswell has given Aurora a personality and flaws instead of being just a 'pretty princess' or 'damsel in distress'. When she summoned the sword, I was so dang proud of her. Aurora Rose is still delicate and feminine, but also an outdoorsy, don't need to prince to save her, sword-wielding heroine. She channels this rustic woodland princess. Philip is extremely happy-go-lucky fellow with layers to his past rather than being the one-dimensional Prince Charming (even if he was a bit annoying at times). It was great to read the concept of 'love at first sight', and the fact that Aurora questions it and her true feelings.
Aurora has this overwhelming sense of depression, which while it is also, it was refreshing to read of a classic Disney princess suffering with mental illness which affects so many people today. She is given a voice, deep feelings and emotions that was denied in the film. What was also interesting was that the author didn't give Maleficent any reason/moral/validation to her reaction for not being invited to a party, keeping her as the psychopathic sorceress who was just plain evil. (Which is also why she makes the ultimate villain!)
The story is too long for the plot, dragging occasionally. I wish there had have been more world-building included. So far from the few that I've read the Twisted Tales series are not amazing, all engrossing reads, but rather entertaining, "light" reads to enjoy, that spin something familiar into a darker shade, making them fun to run through.
Overall this was a really good addition to series, and a story for a much deserving character whose journey is full of self-discovery and finding inner strength, battling inside demons, and challenging stereotype barriers.
Jacq.and.the.readstalk
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